Scripture of the day: "Wherefore, seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us." ~Hebrews 12:1
I did it!!! I finally made the decision not to indulge and overburden myself or my children in extra activities next year--and I told my ll yr old daughter--who loves her co-op class (that's 40min away). (Don't forget softball, basketball, bible-study, art class, music lessons) .
For some strange reason, over the past few years, I have always felt compelled to have my daughter in quite a few extra curricular activities. At the time we began homeschooling, she was an only child, and we don't have other children in our neighborhood, so I felt she needed others to "socialize" with. I think that was my reasoning. Nevertheless, we always seemed to manage the logistics of things pretty good. Since I had my 2nd daughter almost a year ago, life has changed for us--Momma is exhausted!
My daughter is a social butterfly. She makes friends wherever she goes, and is well liked. So, I must admit-- I was ready for a complete preteen hormonal melt down when I told her the plans for next year.--NO Co-Op! and one weekly evening activity. Gulp! (Why was I feeling this way?)
Initially, her eyes looked like they were going to pop out of her head. I shared with her that the pace we were going at was not inline with our goals. I shared my tentative plans for various subjects and activities and she was fine with it! (Hurray!)
It is amazing how children can change our pace. (Or am I just getting too old for all this stuff) My little sweet cheeks will be walking before you know it, and our household will change once again. It's all good though. This season will pass before I know it. I can't believe my 11 yr old is 11. It seems like just yesterday she was reciting entire Winnie the Pooh books from memory! She still doesn't forget a thing.
Well, after making the schedule changes and sharing them with my daughter, I feel like a load has been lifted. I'm free. I can breath. My planning has been going much smoother just knowing that we will be at home everyday. It will be much easier to plan field trips and occasional extras.
Whew!!
Sunday, April 24, 2005
Friday, April 22, 2005
The Book of Life..
Scripture of the day: "...and the books were opened, and another book was opened, which is the book of life." ~Revelations 20:12
The Book of Life
Our lives are like Books in God's vast library of time.
They begin with our birth and every event is recorded on a sacred line.
As we grow and mature or work through each crisis one by one,
we can rest quite assured there's a chapter in our Book that is done.
But if we stumble in the middle and aren't sure of the way we should turn,
we can raise our eyes to Heaven and know God is trying to teach what we should learn.
For remember that the Lord has already read our Book from start to end.
He's memorized each line, so He knows where we'll stumble or we'll sin.
When you're stuck in Chapter 12 and feeling torn apart as if it's all in vain,
turn your eyes toward the Heavens and lift your prayers to Him, in Jesus' name.
For He's a loving God who say's we'll never walk through this Book alone.
So stretch out your hand to Him and know He hears your every whimper, cry and moan.
Remember when Joseph prayed from the darkness of his lonesome prison cell, for God to release him from the injustice of his own personal hell?
Surely Joseph thought this time must have been near the ending of his Book.
But if you've forgotten the role he played years later, then take another look.
For Joseph wasn't finished. In fact, his Book had really just began.
And God, in His knowledge of the plot, put Joseph in a position to command.
And don't forget the story of all the suffering and pain of poor old Job,
who said bravely, "When he hath tried me, I shall come forth as purest Gold."
God takes His gold and melts it in the hottest of any other smelting pot,
to make it pure and refined, to be the very best that He has got.
So, open your eyes and your heart and reverently take a long and silent look. And keep in mind that God above knows the beginning, every page, and the end of your book.
Copyright 2001, Ferna Lary Mills
The Book of Life
Our lives are like Books in God's vast library of time.
They begin with our birth and every event is recorded on a sacred line.
As we grow and mature or work through each crisis one by one,
we can rest quite assured there's a chapter in our Book that is done.
But if we stumble in the middle and aren't sure of the way we should turn,
we can raise our eyes to Heaven and know God is trying to teach what we should learn.
For remember that the Lord has already read our Book from start to end.
He's memorized each line, so He knows where we'll stumble or we'll sin.
When you're stuck in Chapter 12 and feeling torn apart as if it's all in vain,
turn your eyes toward the Heavens and lift your prayers to Him, in Jesus' name.
For He's a loving God who say's we'll never walk through this Book alone.
So stretch out your hand to Him and know He hears your every whimper, cry and moan.
Remember when Joseph prayed from the darkness of his lonesome prison cell, for God to release him from the injustice of his own personal hell?
Surely Joseph thought this time must have been near the ending of his Book.
But if you've forgotten the role he played years later, then take another look.
For Joseph wasn't finished. In fact, his Book had really just began.
And God, in His knowledge of the plot, put Joseph in a position to command.
And don't forget the story of all the suffering and pain of poor old Job,
who said bravely, "When he hath tried me, I shall come forth as purest Gold."
God takes His gold and melts it in the hottest of any other smelting pot,
to make it pure and refined, to be the very best that He has got.
So, open your eyes and your heart and reverently take a long and silent look. And keep in mind that God above knows the beginning, every page, and the end of your book.
Copyright 2001, Ferna Lary Mills
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
Too Busy...
Scripture for today: " And we know that all things work together for the good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose" ~ Romans 8:28
Wow! It seems like it has been a challenge getting to the computer to sit down and blog lately. Our schedule is too busy!
Wow! It seems like it has been a challenge getting to the computer to sit down and blog lately. Our schedule is too busy!
As I plan for next "year", I am really looking at how we are spending our time with school. This has been our first year in a co-op, and it has really taken a big chunk out of our days. The class meets twice a week. It has been great for my daughter, but it has definitely affected the other subjects that I am teaching. When we return from the class -which is midday, not much gets done. Not to mention the other seasonal activities, basketball, softball, mid week Bible study, art class, and piano lessons.--And I have and 11month old!
I don't want to be too rigid-(I have been known for that), but I do have goals that I want to accomplish with her. As a pre-teen, soon to be 7th grader, I am challenged with making decisions to maintain balance. I think that it is interesting for her to have another teacher other than myself. At her age, I think that it breaks up the monotony with just me. (Even though I'm a great teacher :-)
I have thought of asking my husband to take a subject to teach. Sometimes his work schedule can be very busy, and I don't know if it will be too much.--Decisions, decisions!
As I continue to prepare a tentative schedule, I will just continue to pray and ask the Lord for guidance.
Saturday, April 16, 2005
Beaches...
Quote of the day:"The world, as a rule, does not live on beaches and in country clubs."~ F. Scott Fitzgerald
I would love to be on the beach today. It is one of my favorite places to be. It is where I can find peace and calmness as I enjoy the beauty of God's creation.
Unfortunately, I can't be there today, but I know the summer days are not far away. I am looking forward to it.
As for today, I will enjoy a spring day with my children and take a day trip to a few local museums. I am looking forward to that!
" Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God" ~ Philippians 4:6
Thursday, April 14, 2005
Why worry?
Scripture of the day: "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things , and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." ~ Matthew 6:28-33
Why worry?
This is an area that occasionally sneaks up on me. My latest concern has been about planning for the next school year.. (I am sooo behind in my planning compared to previous years) Am I doing this right....Should I change this...... How can I change this... Is she getting enough of this....Should I omit that ...Which curriculum should I use for this subject..Etc. Etc.... Does this ever end????
Things have been very different this year with my little one (who is quickly approaching 1yr). I expected that, but I'm a little challenged about where to make necessary changes.
Nevertheless, I know that God will help me with this challenge.
"Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ" ~Philippians 1:6
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
Renewal
Quote for today: "The unexamined life is not worth living" ~Socrates
Spring is such a great time for renewal! I often find this time of year energizing. There is something about spring that make me re-examine my life, plan and recommit to those things that are undone.
The Art of Renewal...
It is a time to re-evaluate your past as a guide to your future... It is a time to toss old hatreds, resentments, grudges and fears into the wastebasket of life; a time to forgive and forget, a time to stretch your soul...It is a time to list the things you have left undone and to do something about them...It is a time to dust off your dreams and shine up your ideals...
~The Art of Living by Wilferd A. Peterson
"And be renewed in the spirit of your mind" ~ Ephesians 4:23
"For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day." ~ 2Corinthians 4:16
Spring is such a great time for renewal! I often find this time of year energizing. There is something about spring that make me re-examine my life, plan and recommit to those things that are undone.
The Art of Renewal...
It is a time to re-evaluate your past as a guide to your future... It is a time to toss old hatreds, resentments, grudges and fears into the wastebasket of life; a time to forgive and forget, a time to stretch your soul...It is a time to list the things you have left undone and to do something about them...It is a time to dust off your dreams and shine up your ideals...
~The Art of Living by Wilferd A. Peterson
"And be renewed in the spirit of your mind" ~ Ephesians 4:23
"For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day." ~ 2Corinthians 4:16
Wednesday, April 06, 2005
Spring Days....
Quote for today: " If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant. If we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome." Anne Bradstreet (1612?-1672) US poet
What a beautiful spring day!! The spring sun is shining and the birds are singing their songs. Oh, how I long for these days after the bitter days of winter.
Isn't it funny how as human beings, we are never satisfied. When it's spring we want summer, so we can hit the beach. After a few weeks of 80-90 degree weather and the cars and central air are overworked, we long for autumn days. Autumn is beautiful with the leaves and all, but we then long for the holiday festivities and the snow so the kids can play and we can ski. After the holiday energy has diminished and our New Year's resolutions have failed (mid Jan.), we long for spring.--I'm exaggerating, but there's truth to this that can be applied to many parts of our lives.
"Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have; for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." ~ Hebrews 13:5
I will enjoy this beautiful spring day. I will also thank God for each new day that He allows me to see, be it spring, summer, winter or fall --knowing that He is with me through them all......
What a beautiful spring day!! The spring sun is shining and the birds are singing their songs. Oh, how I long for these days after the bitter days of winter.
Isn't it funny how as human beings, we are never satisfied. When it's spring we want summer, so we can hit the beach. After a few weeks of 80-90 degree weather and the cars and central air are overworked, we long for autumn days. Autumn is beautiful with the leaves and all, but we then long for the holiday festivities and the snow so the kids can play and we can ski. After the holiday energy has diminished and our New Year's resolutions have failed (mid Jan.), we long for spring.--I'm exaggerating, but there's truth to this that can be applied to many parts of our lives.
"Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have; for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." ~ Hebrews 13:5
I will enjoy this beautiful spring day. I will also thank God for each new day that He allows me to see, be it spring, summer, winter or fall --knowing that He is with me through them all......
Tuesday, April 05, 2005
What book of the Bible are you?
This was a quick and fun quiz. Here were my results.
You are Romans.
http://quizilla.com/users/reflectedgrace/quizzes/Which%20book%20of%20the%20Bible%20are%20you?/
Which book of the Bible are you?
brought to you by
You are Romans.
http://quizilla.com/users/reflectedgrace/quizzes/Which%20book%20of%20the%20Bible%20are%20you?/
Which book of the Bible are you?
brought to you by
The Power of Words..
Scripture of the day: "But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another. This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other; so that ye cannot do the things that ye would." ~ Galatians 15-17
When someone mistreats us, gossips about us, or says unkind things to us, it is very difficult to hold down "fleshly" responses.
Recently, I had a situation arise where someone's said some things that were quite unkind--okay very unkind, and it came as a shock. I didn't know how to respond or what to say. Initially, my first response was to say unkind things also, but I didn't. I couldn't . I was deeply hurt. It actually took me a few days to get over the shock.
"Death and life are in the power of the tongue; and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof." ~ Proverbs 18:21
Words are powerful. They resonate in a person's mind for years to follow. Whether the words are good or bad. It is important as Christians, that we keep this at the forefront of our minds. Let our words be encouraging, and let us speak blessings upon all those that we come in contact with.
As we live this life for Christ, these types of challenges will face us more that we'd like to admit. However, I find comfort in God's Word. His Word is the Truth and it will set us free.
When someone mistreats us, gossips about us, or says unkind things to us, it is very difficult to hold down "fleshly" responses.
Recently, I had a situation arise where someone's said some things that were quite unkind--okay very unkind, and it came as a shock. I didn't know how to respond or what to say. Initially, my first response was to say unkind things also, but I didn't. I couldn't . I was deeply hurt. It actually took me a few days to get over the shock.
"Death and life are in the power of the tongue; and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof." ~ Proverbs 18:21
Words are powerful. They resonate in a person's mind for years to follow. Whether the words are good or bad. It is important as Christians, that we keep this at the forefront of our minds. Let our words be encouraging, and let us speak blessings upon all those that we come in contact with.
As we live this life for Christ, these types of challenges will face us more that we'd like to admit. However, I find comfort in God's Word. His Word is the Truth and it will set us free.
Friday, April 01, 2005
Purpose
Scripture for today:"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." ~ Romans 8:28
purpose n. The object toward which one strives or for which something exists; an aim or a goal.
What is your purpose?
This question generates great thought. How many of us continue to seek our purpose is in this life? There are thousands of Bible Studies currently using The Purpose Driven Life. (Which I have not read) I know that I have come across this question many times in my own life.... What is it that God wants me to do?
As women, wearing the many hats that we wear, life can often seem repetitious and mundane. I have personally felt this way in seasons of my life, but I have also talked to countless numbers of women who have felt the same way. Many women are constantly looking for that "Ah Hah" moment, job, or hobby. (As Oprah puts it) (Whom by the way, is not married). In addition, many women are in search of a ministry, outreach or position in their church to help fulfill this "purpose."
I once heard a minister state that "your ministry isn't any good , unless you have ministered in your own home first." Those may not be the exact words, but that message which was many years ago, has remained in my thoughts for years. As women, we can take a lot away from that statement.
Our purpose or ministry begins in our home, with our husband and children, whether we like it or not. If we can not manage our home life first, how can we reach beyond those walls, and minister to others?
"And the Lord God said it is not good for man that he should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him." ~ Gen 2:18
Feminists would pass out reading this scripture, but this is our primary calling. We are to be a helper suitable for our husbands.
Over the years, I have personally struggled with this. My parents were divorced, and I grew up in a home where feminism reigned! But thank God for his Word!!!! I still occasionally struggle, but I know God's purpose in this area and my desire is to honor it.
"Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it." ~ Proverbs 22:6
This duty in itself will take 18 years minimum per child. (smile) Within this training we have great opportunities of purpose and ministry. Children are a great blessing.
It doesn't mean that we can't have other interests and activities (I'm not legalistic), but these scriptures guide us on our focus.
Purpose? It begins in the home. Look around and see where you can improve so that God will be glorified.
( I'm doing a mental scan right now.) (Gulp)
purpose n. The object toward which one strives or for which something exists; an aim or a goal.
What is your purpose?
This question generates great thought. How many of us continue to seek our purpose is in this life? There are thousands of Bible Studies currently using The Purpose Driven Life. (Which I have not read) I know that I have come across this question many times in my own life.... What is it that God wants me to do?
As women, wearing the many hats that we wear, life can often seem repetitious and mundane. I have personally felt this way in seasons of my life, but I have also talked to countless numbers of women who have felt the same way. Many women are constantly looking for that "Ah Hah" moment, job, or hobby. (As Oprah puts it) (Whom by the way, is not married). In addition, many women are in search of a ministry, outreach or position in their church to help fulfill this "purpose."
I once heard a minister state that "your ministry isn't any good , unless you have ministered in your own home first." Those may not be the exact words, but that message which was many years ago, has remained in my thoughts for years. As women, we can take a lot away from that statement.
Our purpose or ministry begins in our home, with our husband and children, whether we like it or not. If we can not manage our home life first, how can we reach beyond those walls, and minister to others?
"And the Lord God said it is not good for man that he should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him." ~ Gen 2:18
Feminists would pass out reading this scripture, but this is our primary calling. We are to be a helper suitable for our husbands.
Over the years, I have personally struggled with this. My parents were divorced, and I grew up in a home where feminism reigned! But thank God for his Word!!!! I still occasionally struggle, but I know God's purpose in this area and my desire is to honor it.
"Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it." ~ Proverbs 22:6
This duty in itself will take 18 years minimum per child. (smile) Within this training we have great opportunities of purpose and ministry. Children are a great blessing.
It doesn't mean that we can't have other interests and activities (I'm not legalistic), but these scriptures guide us on our focus.
Purpose? It begins in the home. Look around and see where you can improve so that God will be glorified.
( I'm doing a mental scan right now.) (Gulp)
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