The Giving Manger Giveaway!

Disclaimer: I received this complimentary product as a member of the Homeschool Review Crew.

Tis the season to be thankful…falalalala As the holidays draw near, I feel like it is so important for us to take a step back from all of the commercialism, all of the worldly stuff that it is so easy to get caught up in and to bless the Lord. The Bible tells us that every good and perfect gift comes from the Father of Lights – We are also told that God loves a cheerful giver. Perhaps now is a good time to revisit what it means and how we can be that cheerful giver. WorthyKids has developed a wonderful way to do just that with The Giving Manger.

So what exactly is The Giving Manger and how does it work? This is a super sweet set that comes with a hardcover book, a manger, straw and a Baby Jesus. We can help our families to shift the focus from getting to giving as we seek out those opportunities to be a blessing to others. For every kind deed that is done, we place a piece of straw into the manger. What a beautiful tradition to begin with your whole family. Maybe even some close friends!

The storybook, written by Allison Hottinger, shares with our children how much joy can be had from giving. Follow Anne and Ben whose family doesn’t have much financially but always enjoyed a special gift each year made by their father. One morning their father announced their new tradition – the gift of giving – developing the heart of a servant. Just like that of Jesus.

While in the beginning this giving manger didn’t seem like such a wonderful thing to Ben and Anne – as we walk with them we see how both begin to learn and grow. As straw filled the manger, eyes were opened to how simple it is to give – folded laundry, a hot meal to eat, a kind note to a sibling. As they begin to give, they experience a joy within that grows them all the more into the image of our loving God.

Every day beginning on the first of December, look of opportunities to do a kind deed or look more closely for your children’s kind deeds being done to others. Keep the manager in an open space, a reminder of the heart off the Lord, finding ways to bless others wherever you may be. Not sure how to give? In the back of the book explore Manger Moments. This is an amazing list full of ideas that can really help our kids (adults too) to get those giving juices flowing. 🙂

Matthew 25:40 says, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”

Having grown up in a home which service work was simply a part of what we did, I know how powerful those experiences can be. To take time, to go out of our way some days, to be a help to someone in need. Certainly this has become much more challenging in our current political climate however, this is the time that it means so much more to offer someone your time and your service. Thinking outside of the box, we can be sure to find many ways to reach out to others, showing the love of Jesus.

We have read and continue to read this book together! I love how much my youngest daughter especially enjoys this story and the lovely, simple illustrations in the book. One example is a recent connection with made with the director of From Home To Heroes, a small but love filled project to give to our service men and women. We are working with our little hygge group to become involved in this one!

But it doesn’t always have to be about the “stuff”. With so many distractions, we must be intentional about how we spend our time and our money. For the Kingdom of God is not meat and drink but righteousness and joy and peace. There are simple, powerful ways that we can share that every day. Without a doubt materials like this can be enjoyed all year round. We may even keep this out as a vivid reminder, all year long, that to give is better than to receive. ❤

Colossians 3:17 Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,

WorthyKids is eager to bless others with a giveaway of The Giving Manger kit to one of my blessed readers! Click on the link below to enter! Open to those in the United States Only!  

Don’t forget to click on the banner below to read reviews from other members of the Review Crew who had the chance to use this wonderful set.

Show Me Thy Ways {Review}

There are so many things “to do” nowadays. There are sports, music lessons, lessons to be taught…It can be overwhelming when there is just one child, but in our family of four, to engage in all of these activities … It is simply not possible.

For one thing, this momma is very much a homebody – for another – these things all cost money and time. Lots of time.

If we are honest with ourselves, we have to admit that since the day of creation, there has always been a way that we are called to walk in.

My oldest son is currently my “rebel without a cause”. He is just in this place where he won’t do it simply because he was told he needs to. I vaguely remember when I was 12 struggling to find my way and to exert myself so others would see that I could do this myself. I understand his desire to be in charge and I want to encourage him to make decisions and boldly walk that path, but I also want him to understand that, as a child of God, there is a way that ins right, which we are meant to walk in. I admit it took me longer than it probably should have to figure out that this stage he is in, its a heart issue. Sure, there are issues with obedience and respect woven in there, but more than anything this is an issue of his heart. And that is something only God can truly work in. So I was ever so grateful to have the chance to review Show Me Thy Ways (textbook/workbook) in which we could all get together, and dig a bit deeper into God’s word and way. While this is meant for grade four learners, all four of our children enjoyed the opportunity to learn together, more about our great God!

I very strongly believe in reading, writing and math. However, the older I get (maybe it’s the older my kids get) I realize how important it truly is for all that we do each day to point them to the Lord. It doesn’t matter so much, all of that other stuff, if we are raising our children without a heart for the Lord. And it can be so easy to get lost in those lists and expectations that so many of us were raised with. Too often I compare what my children are doing, to what other children their age are doing. Not in a good way. My oldest son has even done it a couple of times; he may perceive himself as “stupid” because he isn’t as good with numbers as other kids his age. It is then that I begin to realize we need to work on our foundation. We may never be on the same path as other around us; we will have different struggles than those next door to us. But if we are rooted in the Word of God, we need not worry, 🙂

After reading an amazing book (I will share that another time) that spoke of how so many of our youth are walking away from the faith, I knew that we really needed to focus more on God’s word. I knew that we needed to take some time to really learn not just what the Bible says, but also what it means for us today. I had read a couple of blog posts about some families who use the Bible, nothing else, for home education. I haven’t been that brave myself but find this set of books, I thought, I could give it a try, using our Bible along with the curriculum to really get to know all of these stories and the people in them, more personally. If we see all of these men and women as members of our own family, perhaps that can really encourage us all the more, to hear their stories and learn from them.

My boys thought it was kind of humorous, when we began reading the textbook because it speaks to “discussing questions in class” and my boys, knowing how much I strive to stay away from standard terms like school and classroom, they had so much fun teasing me about it. Once we got past the silliness though we really had to get thinking. Right away. From the very beginning we are reminded that God is a Spirit; His thoughts and ways are so much higher than we could ever imagine. Our minds, our thoughts, are human and thus, we are significantly limited in our ability to understand the things of God without His Spirit. This is not your regular Bible learning material. I think even on the first few [pages, my thinking was challenged, just a bit, as we read.

When we look at the reasons for so many youth leaving the faith, often it comes down to them not being able to truly defend and know, this faith for themselves. How many of the children in our own family cannot truly claim this truth for themselves? It really does matter how we perceive this and what we do with what we know. And so the pages of this book (workbook too) are full of activities and exercises to help our children to go deeper and to see truth “in action” for themselves. As you can see in some of the images I share here, there are so many different ways for our children to learn and explore how true and real the Word of God is.

I love learning with my kids where all of these places are today; where did Abraham walk? What about that wilderness journey? Forty years of wandering where? What a wonderful way to bring the Bible alive for our children so they can see for themselves how real it is. This continues to be a wonderful way to learn and explore so many of those wonderful stories within the Bible. From day one of creation all the way through to the time when David is anointed king; explore and learn, not just the stories, but some of those details that we may overlook but which have powerful meaning for us even today.

We really are enjoying our time with this; exploring and pondering the type of music Jubal would have played if we was alive today (with a little guitar player, a drummer and a piano player in the making this can be quite fun!). Recognize and consider such simple truths, like how it never rained before the flood of Noah. Explore the value of being patient with God; trusting in His timing and the path that He has, unique to each one of us. For my older son I do love how this has made him think about the Word of God on a different level. There is something beautiful that comes from learning the Word of God – seek first His kingdom – and singing it, writing it, exploring it even more!

Going “All In” {Giveaway}

There is nothing better than having some good tunes to sing and worship while we drive here and there.

Especially with all of the longer distance driving we have been doing visiting family and taking our younger son to hockey games all over Wisconsin and Illinois, it is nice to be able to get in some prayer and worship – as a family, together! Powerful stuff!

I tend to be pretty particular about what I listen to. There are some artists who we just LOVE and Matthew West is one of them. 🙂

 

 

 

 

Matthew wrote his new album All In with the goal of encouraging himself and others to get up off the sidelines of their faith and really live it out – to go all in in your time with God, all in with your family, all in with your community, and all in battling your fears that may hold you back from becoming who God made you to be. Along that same theme, Matthew will be launching a 6-week All in Challenge on his social media starting 9/18, and each week Matthew is challenging his fans to go all in, in a different part of their lives.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“What does it look like when a heart that knows Jesus takes a step and holds nothing back? How can we go All In in the places that mean the most?”

 

 

 

 

My oldest son, who is learning drums right now, really loved this CD! In fact it has been continually playing in our van since we got it about a week ago!

 

 

One of his favorites is “Power Love Sound Mind”.  It is a reminder that “we have not been given a spirit of fear, but of power love sound mind.”  One of our favorite verses of scripture, 2 Timothy 1:7.

 

My daughter, who is a little worshipper, is all about the house as of late singing “1 Song” In fact shortly after she heard this she had to ask her choir teacher at church is this could be a song they sing.  She loves it – “One song, I would sing it for you….”

 

 

 

My younger son’s favorite right now is “All In” and it is funny how he understands so much of the meaning and importance of being all in. Without a doubt this is a very valuable lesson for every one of us to learn. Can we be faithful?

 

 

I received Matthew West: All In compliments of Capital Records, Christian Music Group and FlyBy LLD. You do not want to miss this one. Thank you to Capital Records and FlyBy LLC; don’t forget to enter below for your chance to win a copy of this amazing CD! You will be blessed ❤

 

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Patterns of Evidence ~ Exodus { Review & Giveaway}

One of the things we have been talking about lately, a lot, in our family, is how there can be so many out there who just don’t believe what the Bible says. Certainly there is an amazing amount of evidence showing those stories within its pages to be true. That said I was so very excited about the opportunity to review, with my family, Patterns of Evidence: Exodus.

 

 

 

 

This is an award winning documentary by Timothy Mahoney exploring one question: Did the Exodus event actually occur? This film follows his team as hey search for evidence to prove that this actually happened! There is also included, a special DVD that goes behind the scenes – some neat information about the people involved, behind the music and lots more.

 

 

With so much debate over the credibility of the Bible; in a time when it seems that there are more and more people questions the validity of our God and our faith, we need to have all the information if we hope to give an answer to those who are lost out there. This video is a wonderful resource that includes not just a telling of the story of the Exodus but also scientific information from the investigation and while showing a pattern of evidence. This evidence was the result of his twelve year journey around the world searching for answers. Truth matters. We need to know for ourselves what we believe and why.

 

 

 

Getting Social

*Buy Link with special discount code MK1 for $3 off:  https://store.patternsofevidence.com/collections/movies

Watch movie trailers and see more details at: www.patternsofevidence.com

Hashtags: #PatternsOfEvidence #FlyBy

 

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Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

 

 Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. The winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

 

“I Love You Just Because” Review

“I Love You Just Because” by Donna Keith is a book about a family of bears; all very different yet all together in one place, for God’s purpose.

“Three very different bear cubs live together in one place,

Each chosen for these parents by God of love and grace.

And when the cubs ask why they’re loved, their parents often say,

‘We love you just because you are God’s gifts for whom we prayed.’”

 

This is such a wonderful lesson for all of us when we feel we just don’t belong or perhaps we cannot understand why we are where we are. Our family is such a blessing; God knits us together. How priceless, for our kids to know, that God chose them. To be my son and daughter. God chose them to be the brother and the sister. He chose their momma and their daddy. All things are by His design and for His purpose.

 

This book is full of sweet, gentle illustrations by Alison Edgson and rhyming text, “I Love You Just Because” will help little ones understand their parents’ love for them and God’s too.  That love isn’t something to be earned but that which is given. It is simple and unconditional. A true gift. With the same friendly bear family from Donna Keith’s first two books — “I Love You All the Same” and “I Love You Even When” — the sweet story of this book will remind you that family members love each other … just because. No matter how different we may be; no matter the struggles we may face, we all love one another. Always.

 

 
This 20-page board book is for children 4 to 8 years old and was published by Thomas Nelson on June 7, 2016.

 

 

 
Learn more about this book and others on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Learn more about Donna Keith on Facebook.

Don’t Go Away Mad!

I blame my kids. For having to be independent thinkers. For having desires that are not exactly like mine and personalities that are so opposite my own. But that’s just an excuse. Far too often, I yell and get angry. I go away SO mad. Frustrated with them, frustrated with myself. Feeling like I failed yet again to show them grace; to train them up in a way that the Lord would approve of.

 

I didn’t grow up in a faith based home. I was raised by my mom (I saw my dad now and then) and for the most part it was “you and me against the world” she would say. (I love that song by the way!) Anyway my mother was not exactly controlled either; she had quite a temper on her too.  Must be the good German blood in our veins? Of course that’s another excuse.

 

I think of a verses my kids have been learning in the Book of James: “Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.”

 

Oh man! I think, I a quit to wrath, quick to speak and slow to hear….I have this all mixed up!

 

 

 

 

Whatever the case may be I was SO excited when Alicia agreed for me to review this course — Can words even express how thrilled I was? I mean I have struggled with this all my life. And I see it now and then in my oldest son too. As we study together and read and pray over the Word it is clear that God does not want us to be angry. Sure there is a righteous anger but is that really the anger we are expressing mommas? I wish I could say mine was righteous anger but sadly, its usually anything but righteous.
So how do we control this? How do we turn ourselves around and become a momma that isn’t so angry?

 

The “7 Days To A Less Angry Mom” online video course from Alicia at Your Vibrant Family is a great place to start as we learn about anger while also studying the Word of God. Because He has a lot to say about anger and if we want to live as His own, we sure need to know how to live out.

 

 

This course consists of 7 short and simple videos which encourage us to learn more about anger, explore our own reasons for the anger we show and she also offers lots of great encouragement and inspiration.  Alicia provides some great printable worksheets for each day, for taking notes and to review and reflect on as you complete each day’s assignment (yes there is homework!). But be encouraged; these are all good things that are only going to help you better understand and grow momma.

 

You also will have access to a private Facebook group (talk about helpful for accountability!).

 

As we go through each lesson Alicia shares the Word of God (what is more powerful than that) and speaks hope into our lives in a way that is much like sitting with that precious friend of yours for coffee. No judgement, nothing but a love and desire to see other moms succeed and grow in Christ.

 

 

Did I mention the videos are less than 20-minutes each?

That is PERFECT for my busy homeschool home! Yours too I bet 😛

 

And this is so worth the time mommas! In seven days,  just seven, you can prepare yourself to really get to the root of your anger and better manage it, for a more peaceful home!

 

 

 

 

Right now, that is during the “launch week” of this brand new course, Alicia is offering a BONUS course video on helping your kids deal with anger. What a wonderful thing! She is also offering $10 off the cost of this course. But that’s only through April 11th!

Learn more about 7 Days to a Less Angry Mom!

 

 

Don’t Miss the Wonderfully Made Giveaway

 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. (Psalm 139:14) 

My kids love babies!  And they were so excited that we had the chance to review this book! You may recall last fall when we wrote about “When Lightning Struck: The Story of Martin Luther”; perhaps you know of and love, the Bible curriculum she designed for grades K-12, Bible Road Trip.  Wonderfully Made, is Danika’s latest and quite lovely, work. Written for ages 5-11, this is a beautiful way for our kids to journey through design and see that truly God has made them. From conception through birth this is very tastefully done, and full of the scriptures that confirm what a blessing children are! How amazing this is to be able to see and read about each stage of this beautiful gift called life. Since reading this, my children have such a new appreciation for one another and life itself; they are also all praying for a couple more blessings in our family too! 🙂  This truly is a wonderful book to help share how we are knit together by the hand of God!

 

 

 

GIVEAWAY

To celebrate the release of Wonderfully Made: God’s Story of Life from Conception to Birth by Danika Cooley, I am hosting a wonderful giveaway with the rest of the launch team. The giveaway includes a hardcover copy of the book, along with several other books and products your family is sure to enjoy. The total value of the giveaway is nearly $600!

Here is what you could win:

Wonderfully Made: God’s Story of Life from Conception to Birth by Danika Cooley – hardcover $9.99 value

Wonderfully made is an excellent book that introduces a young child to the wonder of God’s creation – the wonder and miracle of birth. From conception in the womb through the nine months within the mother’s womb Danika Cooley takes us on a journey of discovery… the discovery of life.

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.” Psalm 139:13

Touch of Life First Trimester Fetal Models $89.95 value

Sculpted from real-life photos, these four fetal models representing weeks 7, 8, 9, and 10 after conception have a personality of their own, and the life-like feel of the skin brings home the humanity of the preborn baby in its first trimester of life. Accurately portrayed thanks to medical descriptions and photos, these little samples of life are a great educational tool for helping to understand the wonder of the early stages of human development.

Bible Road Trip Year One Curriculum (includes Lower and Upper Grammar Notebooking Journals $60 value

The Bible Road Trip Year One Curriculum is a 463-page digital PDF download of the full Bible Road Trip Year One curriculum for all five levels, preschool through high school. The Bible Road Trip Year One Curriculum includes the Parent / Teacher Guide and 32 weeks of curriculum schedules for all grades.

$100 Amazon Gift Card $100 value

Enjoy shopping amazon.com with a gift of $100 + an adorable bookmark.

Big Bible Science: Experiment and Explore God’s World by Erin Lee Green (Ages 5-11) $12.99 value

Big Bible Science helps children and those who teach them to explore God’s World and God’s Word through real live science experiments. There are twenty-one different units taking students through scientific concepts such as Gravity, Friction, Animal Classification and the Nervous System.

My 1st Books and More by Carine MacKenzie and Philip Ross (ages 4-7) $15.99 value

Who is God? What does he do? Can I know Jesus? Why did he die? Children always have questions about God. They want to know what it means to be a Christian and who Jesus is. My 1st Books and More gives a year’s worth and more of bible readings, devotions and memory verses.

Living Water in the Desert: True Stories of God at Work in Iran by Rebecca Davis  $8.99 value

One man was overcome by the missionary’s kindness. Another was stopped by a vision of men in blue.  One became sick and tired of his own religion. Another saw a man named Jesus in a dream, coming to him on a donkey.  A girl found a strange book on the floor of the library and visited a secret prayer meeting. All of them eventually came to Jesus Christ for His full and free salvation, becoming missionaries to their own people. Seventeen chapters tell true stories of the Living Water pouring out on the country of Iran, even up to the present day.

Lights in a Dark Place: True Stories of God at Work in Colombia by Rebecca Davis (ages 7-12)  $8.99 value

Colombia has been known as a land of violence, but God is at work! Even though the Colombian people have reacted with violence to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, God has delivered people from burning houses . . . God has healed ones who cursed . . . God has given people dreams and visions . . . God has rescued kidnapers . . . God has conquered demons of darkness. Read fourteen true stories of the Light of the World shining in the land of Colombia, South America.

Jungle Doctor’s Monkey Tales by Paul White $8.99 value

The wisdom of monkeys is proverbially small. They never could remember not to get too near to the hind feet of zebra, nor to throw coconuts at Chewi the leopard, nor to look into the eyes of snakes. Luckily for his little nephews, Uncle Nyani, the only survivor of a family of seven, is always near at hand to tell them how they can live to be as old as he is!

Jungle Doctor’s Tug-of-War by Paul White (ages 5-11) $8.99 value

Even by monkey standards, young Toto is pretty dim! Those baddies of the jungle, Crunch the Crocodile, Mbisi the Hyena, Slinki the Jackal, Vibi the Vulture and Gnark the crow look as though they are going to have an easy time finishing him off. However, Toto soon finds himself in the middle of a tug-of-war, for his real friends, Elephant, Giraffe, Parrot and Hornbill are determined to rescue him from the clutches of the jungle underworld.

The Bible’s Big Story: Salvation History for Kids by James M. Hamilton Jr. $4.99

With easily remembered rhymes and Bible verses take your child through the span of Salvation History from Creation to the Fall, the Flood to the Exodus, the Exile to the Crucifixion and beyond… James M. Hamilton writes about real history, God’s Salvation History, and our future.

Notebooking Pages Lifetime Membership $97

1000s of topical pages, themes, and designs . . . Perfect for any subject or study A to Z!
Art Study ♦ Copywork ♦ Character Study ♦ Famous Men & Women ♦ Geography (state/country studies, continental, world maps) ♦ History of the Ancient World, Medieval, Renaissance, Reformation, and Modern Times ♦ Music Study ♦ Nature Study ♦ Science ♦ Timelines ♦ and more!

Mom’s Toolbelt Lifetime Membership $24.95

A customizable home management planner for every area of your life that craves order.

Hal and Melanie Young: Mom & Dad Special: Raising Real Men (book + audiobook) plus a free registration to both Boot Camp 9-12 AND Boyhood Boot Camp. $101 value

If this is God’s chosen gift to us, then why does it seem so hard? How can we prepare these boys to serve God when we can barely make it through the day? Isn’t there a better way? The answer is yes.

When You Lie Down: Lullabies and Scripture Songs CD $12.97 value

These twelve songs remind us that true rest, comfort and hope come from God alone. This music is an awesome way to experience God’s Word with your baby, kids and family. You will discover that this album will be a powerful addition to use in your personal time with God.

Seeds Onesie- Psalm 139:13-14  $14.97 value

Seeds Family Worship Onesie featuring Psalm 139:13-14 on the front with a small Seeds logo on the back.

Cultivating Responsibility: Parenting Wisdom for Ages 9-12 by Dr. Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN $14.99 value

The later elementary age years are among the greatest times to build responsibility in children. Heart transformation takes place when parents use other tools than behavior modification.

Elementary Foundations: Parenting Wisdom for Ages 5-8by Dr. Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN $14.99 value

Many new things happen during the ages of 5-8. Children start school, develop significant friendships, learn to think abstractly instead of just concretely, and have a greater ability to draw close to God. Parenting during this stage produces a number of challenges and opportunities so you’ll want to be prepared.

To enter the giveaway, use the Rafflecopter below. Giveaway open to residents of the U.S. and Canada, age 18 and older. Giveaway will end on Wednesday, April 20 at 11:59pm EST. Winner will be announced at the Wonderfully Made Facebook Release Party (winner does not have to be present to win, but we hope you’ll be there!)

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You’re Invited!

Join us for the Wonderfully Made Facebook Release Party on Thursday, April 21. We’ll have even more giveaways and freebies, too! The party begins at 9pm EST, and you can RSVP on the event page
Please RSVP!

What More Do We Need?

I don’t understand some folks. Why is it we need people like Sarah Young, Joel Olsteen, Beth Moore, Joyce Meyers (do I go on?) to feel good about His word?  I admit it, I am a purist. As much as possible anyway. I stick with my Geneva and my King James – No other “version” for me.

I keep a concordance handy; I strive to study Greek and Hebrew as I can. I don’t say that to give the impression I am smarter or better than anyone else – I have a hunger though for the truth. I don’t want anything but the truth. Half a truth will not set me free; a partial truth will not bring me joy or peace. HIs truth will free me! It can free you too.

 

Why do we tolerate and go to these false prophets, with their false gospels? Why can the Word, the pure Word of God, not be enough for us?  I cannot imagine Paul or Peter or Mary seeking out another to tell them what His word said about something. I cannot fathom them looking past the One with the answer, for something better or easier. They knew the Word and the truth and they never once needed a different version.  If they did not understand, they had faith in His timing. If they needed an answer, they sought God through prayer and fasting.

 

Consider 1 Kings 13: There was one prophet, a man of God who lied to another; the second was deceived and died because he listened to the prophet, who lied, and put aside what God had said! How many are listening to these voices and putting aside God’s word and using others that seek to inspire rather than speaking the WORD OF GOD?  It not about how it makes us feel but about what is true.

 

I am so tired of people sharing these tidbits that they say is “God’s word for them” ~ How soon so many are deceived…The Word of God is pure. It is true. The Word was God and is God. Do we really believe HIs word or is it something we just say? And if we believe it, if we are led by His Spirit, why do we need anything more than His Spirit and the Bible to understand and get the answers we need.

 

There are two sides in this, we cannot forget that there are many voices that speak to us – Can we please get wisdom, get understanding and discern His voice from all of the other ones out there?  We cannot allow ourselves to be distracted, we cannot allow ourselves to be too busy for study of the Word, for prayer.  We must, in these dark days, give ourselves wholly and fully, to Him. Seeking Him in all things.

 

Are we seeking out devotionals?  Books like The Message, even the ESV and NIV versions that are not really HIs word at all but merely man’s interpretation of His Word (which the scriptures say is not for any private interpretation)?  Have faith, be patient, wait on the Lord and keep His way – He will give us all we need to know as we need to know it. It is far too dangerous, in so many ways, to seek out answers from those who do not have the truth and are not filled with His Spirit born again believers.

 

 

Be wise…Be discerning….Know His word – if His word is not enough to inspire and motivate you … you have some bigger problems which no devotional is going to solve!!

(said in love)

Give Them Grace ~ Chapters 2-4

As you know I have been reading Give Them Grace: Dazzling Your Kids with the Love of Jesus by Elyse M. Fitzpatrick and Jessica Thompson in the Family Discipleship Facebook group. If you missed the discussion of the foreword, intro, and chapter one, you can find that here. I’d love to hear your thoughts if you are reading along. If you care to join us this is the schedule we’re following in the group. Although as you can see I am a bit behind. No pressure though; join in as you can and where you can~

In Chapter Two, these ladies talk about How to Raise Good Kids.. this was so very revealing, and difficult, for me.  Fitzpatrick and Thompson discuss here the difference between goodness and righteousness. And what a huge difference there is.  But how many times are we tempted to tell our kids they are “good” or that they need to be “good”? How often do we shower them with praise? Yet if we are honest with them and ourselves, apart from Christ, there is no good thing to be found in any one of us. Romans 3:9-13 (KJV) says:

 What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin;

 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.

They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.

Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips:

And then in Mark 10:18 Jesus says:

” Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.”

 

Jesus alone is good. Whatever we have, be it finances, home, family, peace, health or righteousness  – it comes from Christ alone. It is through Him alone that we have our salvation. If we praise our kids for being “good”, are we not then giving them a false sense of righteousness? —What can we do to encourage and inspire them to do well, without giving them the impression that it is them alone who can do “good”?

Every word we say to (our children) during the day will be shaped by our view of their ability to be good and how to get them there. Every responsible parent wants obedient children. But if we’re confused about their ability to be good, we’ll end up lying to them about their desperate lostness outside of Christ. We’ll tell them they are good and that they can obey God’s law. (Give Them Grace, page 47)

Certainly as I train up my children, I want them to see their need for a Savior.  I want them to know that we can not do any good thing without Him! The truth of the Gospel can be so powerful if we allow His Word to speak for itself. Let us not interpret it or water it down for our children. Let us trust that as He works in their lives they will gain an understanding and love of His Word.  The truth is what sets us free and it shall set them free as well if we trust in Him.

Why I Need a Co-Op

This may seem like an odd thing to any who really know me. 🙂 Being that I often speak to my love of being at home, and my rather introverted nature, why on earth would I decide I need a co-op?

 

The general definition of a cooperative homeschool group – aka co-op – is to “cooperate” with one or more families thus sharing any part of the educational process.   A co-op can be a simple group of two families meeting regularly to share their home journey on any particular topic or as structured as a school district public program or charter group (think Classical Conversations).  Co-ops can have an academic focus or a social, spiritual one – even a combination of all of these!

Since we started homeschooling almost 5 years ago we have been in and out of various groups ourselves. I admit, I tend to dread these encounters. So many moms and children – I love the variety of ages and activities. All the sweet families we have met but we have never truly felt at home, a part of any of these groups. i do not fault any of them for it. I do believe that finding a group that is “family” in the homeschool community is a hard thing.  It does not just happen and I think often we can be a part of many different groups and still not find that.

 

So when I was approached by a couple lovely ladies from our church about starting a group I was quite ecstatic. Especially since I have been praying for someone  to do this very thing since we came to our church almost 4 years ago. Yet now here I am being approached to do just that. And since this request was first made, even more ladies have come to me seeking a group for their children too. How exciting! And nerve-wracking (for me) 🙂

 

 

I decided to do it. This year, I decided to start my own informal co-op this fall. So far there will be lots of little ones so we definitely need to make plans for preschool fun! Of course there will also be a variety of older youth involved too.  Just a handful of us for now but I do believe the Lord will send them if we are faithful and true to Him in what we do.

 

So what does this have to do with why I need a co-op?

 

 

 

I have to admit, I cannot do this alone. It gets tiring. Especially as my children get older.  It is too easy to burnout when we are isolated from others in this thing. It doesn’t have to be often, maybe once a week (we can determine that based on everyone’s interest) but that time just needs to be there, If we are tired, struggling, or even excited about something – it’s a blessing to others and to us to be able to share!

 

 

 

 

And how about that dreaded “socialization”?  We are always being asked about it right? How do our kids socialize when we homeschool them? I cannot keep telling people (sarcastically) that they don’t … I know, without any doubt, that we are all equipped by God to teach our children. Yet I admit, I fail at math, I do not speak Spanish and I certainly cannot dissect a frog…. That said it’s a great benefit when we can come together to share our specific talents with one another.  It’s great for our children to see too, how we all come together and share our talents.  Add to that, the opportunity for them to share their skills with one another, and practice other things.  My oldest son loves to give short presentations and story tell yet is fearful of being in front of a group, playing games is great for social skills and often so much more, doing crafts or projects is more fun in a group, playing soccer or football, or just being present and helping cook or clean or play with the littler ones (my oldest reads to his little sisters), this is a beautiful way to encourage them, and be sure that they are gaining positive social skills and experiences.

 

Then there are all the great discounts and classes we can partake in, when we have a group 🙂 Events at the zoo, local art classes, cooking classes, even craft materials and books.  We can work together, pool our resources and have a great time doing so. Less pressure on everyone when we are not all responsible for every detail. How fun is it too to be able to bake cookies or thrown parties for the holidays together – There are so many holidays, so many ways that we can learn in a fun and engaging way. And it’s always better when its done together.

 

 

Accountability….Who doesn’t love the flexibility of homeschooling? I do for sure! But I also admit that meeting regularly with other homeschooling families can help me to stay focused and on course. To have others that I know are learning with us, are exploring with us, this gives us something to look forward to.  It keeps us on task.  No excuses anymore because it’s not just about us and we can’t just do it later.

 

As for us moms we always have lots of crazy and fun  ideas to share; we have a variety of interests and connections and sharing all of this can certainly be a huge help to each other in this journey that we call homeschool!

 

Ecc. 4:9-12:  Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.  For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up…..And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.