tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13306623732179178272024-03-19T06:44:30.459-05:00Raising Sweet SavagesA peek inside a family of 12 living the simple, country life, trying to glorify God in all we do, often messing up, but enjoying the journey with lots of laughs and organized chaos.Mistihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16941306754492036772noreply@blogger.comBlogger92125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1330662373217917827.post-52724617956619728072019-08-12T05:00:00.000-05:002019-08-12T16:36:30.860-05:00A Critical Key to Raising Godly Kids who Don't Drift AwayI've been asked a number of times lately for advice from younger moms on raising kids who don't grow up and drift from the faith. There is not one magical key to ensuring that this won't happen.<br />
There are some very important key principles for sure; I'll list a few:<br />
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<li>Teach them about Jesus</li>
<li>Teach them to pray</li>
<li>Make sure they understand the Gospel... not just as a ticket from hell, but as the Good News that it is....that we have been ransomed/set free from sin and we are no longer slaves to sin or the consequences of it. When a person grasps the depth of their sin and realizes that God has declared them "Not Guilty" they will want to serve and please Him.</li>
<li>Show them that Christianity is not a set of rules and that legalism is not Christianity. Christianity is being a Christ follower....a follower of the King of Kings... a privilege and an honor to serve Him.</li>
<li>That sin separates us from God....whether the sin of pride or disobedience to parents that "good Christian kids" are guilty of, or the sin of adultery, drugs, murder. Our sins are not "better' than "those people's" sins. We are all separated from God by our sin and we all desperately need a Savior...that is Jesus! </li>
<li>Teach them to love others....your neighbors, the downcast, the "good" kids and the "bad" kids. We are all the same---we need Jesus. </li>
<li>Model Christianity to your kids. All. The. Time. Jesus should permeate our lives especially at home. When we mess up, confess and repent. Show them grace, and love, because Jesus does that to us. </li>
<li>Talk about Jesus and the Word of God often....not just once or twice a week but let it be a central part of your lives. Speak the Word. Sing praises. Write verses in your house for all to see and think about. Read the Bible. Those words are life and truth and are what will get us through the hard times. </li>
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All of the above are great. They are imperative, necessary for raising kids who love God. But, lately I'm seeing kids who have been raised in a good, godly environment still drift from the faith. I'm seeing a <b>common thread</b> in these sad situations, so I want to warn you.<br />
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<b>1 Corinthians 15:33 "Do not be deceived; bad company corrupts good morals." </b></blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-indent: -48pt;"><b>Proverbs 13:20 "Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm."</b> </span></blockquote>
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I'm seeing parents that are lax in who they allow their children to be close friends with. I'm not speaking of keeping our kids apart from everyone that isn't a goody two shoes pastor's kid or missionary kid (and the PK's and MK's everywhere roll their eyes). I'm not saying your kids can't have casual friends that are not passionate for Jesus. I'm not saying they can't play baseball or soccer. What I'm warning is that who your children choose as their <b>closest, most intimate friend</b>s are who they will become like. I guarantee you! If their <b>closes</b>t friends have bad attitudes, are disrespectful to their parents, want to spend all their time gaming, don't view Jesus as the <b>best thing</b> that's ever happened to them, love to pursue worldly pleasures, listen to music that sings about things God hates and watches movies that esteem sin, they WILL become like their friends.<br />
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Just this month, I've talked to two different Christian homeschooling moms whose kids have drifted into the world because their closest friends do not encourage them in their faith to pursue Jesus with all. <br />
<b>Homeschooling</b> is not the answer folks.<br />
<b>Going to church</b> twice a week is not the answer.<br />
<b>Singing Christian songs</b> and being a good Christian yourself is not the answer.<br />
Those are all <b>tools</b> and can be a wonderful part of the journey and are certainly good....but there is no formula that if you do this then you get perfect kids.<br />
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You have GOT to train your kids how to surround themselves with others who will cheer them on in their faith. Friends who will exhort them, love them enough to confront their sin, who will lift them up when they fall. Will pray for them when they are weak. Friends who will run the race with them and, in a culture that hates God and all He stands for will cheer, "Keep Going!" Friends, <b>WE</b> need friends like this as well. Don't keep your family or yourself in a "safe" Christian bubble. That doesn't work. Our hearts are deceitful the Bible says so our bubble, if left alone, is full of deceit. We <b>NEED</b> others to encourage us and be there for us. Make sure that who you pick to surround your family with, your kids with and yourself with are <b>passionate for Jesus</b> too! It's a race that we are all running together, and we need each other. Everyone who finishes the race WINS. There is no competition. "Friends" who don't love Jesus and who don't seek Him above all else will only pull you down.<br />
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PLEASE make this a priority in your own life, your kids' lives and in your family circles. THEN you can go out and carry the Good News to others as well. Choose your partners well that run the race with you. Eternity is counting on it!!!<br />
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<b>2 Timothy 4:7 <span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">I have fought the good fight, I have finished the </span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">race</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">, I have kept the faith.</span></b></blockquote>
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<b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Hebrews 12:1-2 </span><span class="text Heb-12-1" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-30197A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30197A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>sin which clings so closely, and <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-30197B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30197B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>let us run <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-30197C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30197C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>with endurance the race that is <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-30197D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30197D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>set before us,</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"> </span><span class="text Heb-12-2" id="en-ESV-30198" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith,</span></b></blockquote>
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<br />Mistihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16941306754492036772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1330662373217917827.post-83435022026212467692019-08-05T13:54:00.000-05:002019-08-05T13:54:37.741-05:00REST....how to rest in the midst of Life's chaos!One thing I've been thinking about lately is REST. That might sound funny as the mom of 10 kids all still at home, But kinda like JOY that is an inward being regardless of your outward circumstances, it is what you are because of who lives in you (Jesus), Rest can happen despite busyness and chaos.<br />
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It's a contentment in where you are, knowing that life is a journey and resting in God's goodness...trusting that He has you right where you need to be, and being happy with just that. You don't have to work to make His will happen. You don't have to work to make Him love you more. You can trust your Daddy God knowing that He has a plan and it will all work for your good. All He wants us to do is rest in Him. Trust His plan. Trust His leading in our lives. <br />
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We can't see around the bend, but He can...and He promises to never leave us; He promises that He desires good for us. So remember when you were a little kid...and if Mommy was there....all was well. That is how we need to be with God. He is here and that is all we need to know...so relax. REST. <br />
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What does that mean practically? <br />
Worried about a job situation? Pray and Trust God. Rest.<br />
Worried about if you'll find the love of your life? Pray and Trust God. Rest.<br />
Worried about a health situation? Pray and Trust God. Rest.<br />
Worried about if you're doing enough in your parenting? Pray and Trust God. Rest.<br />
Worried about finances? Pray and Trust God. Rest.<br />
Worried about a relationship problem? Pray and Trust God. Rest.<br />
Worried about educational challenges? Pray and Trust God. Rest.<br />
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Our church is currently studying Hebrews. If you want to read about God's rest check out ch 3-4. It talks about the Israelites in the desert and how they didn't enter God's rest because of unbelief. They always doubted that God would come through for them. Despite freeing them from Egypt, giving them clothing that never wore out, providing daily food and water, they still doubted His promises. <br />
God is faithful. He was faithful to the Israelites and He's been faithful in my life and yours. So why do we doubt yet again His faithfulness. REST knowing that your Daddy is in control....He loves you...and it really will be okay. Mistihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16941306754492036772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1330662373217917827.post-83417898169850315022019-06-14T11:31:00.000-05:002019-06-14T11:31:08.503-05:00Brown Eyes and Blue Skies....and how God answers prayerThere are times that we feel like our prayers are hitting the ceiling and bouncing back. Or, like an email lost in cyberspace, going into nothingness. We feel God is silent. Then there are times where we KNOW that we KNOW that God answered a prayer and heard us. Not coincidence....not chance. The GOD of the universe, heard our tiny request.....huge to us, but seemingly small to a King that rules the whole world. It's those moments that we tuck away into our hearts. It's what fuels our faith for when times seem silent. <br />
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The longer I follow Christ, the more my faith grows. In the dry times where I may not feel as close to my Father, I know that I still am. Those times where I may forget and wonder if He hears and cares....I have those times in my history that I can turn back to and know without a doubt he cares about every detail of my life.<br />
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Last week our family planned a neighborhood BBQ party. We had been wanting to get to know our neighbors better, but it has been hard. So we handed out personal invitations to every one of the 17 homes on our road. We were hopeful that someone would show up. Excitedly, we received texts from FIVE homes saying they would love to come!!! But there was a problem. The weather forecast said that it would rain all day long on Saturday and especially the evening when the party was planned for. <br />
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On Tuesday, I saw 70% chance of rain. I prayed. I asked God to please give us good weather for our party. On Wednesday 76% chance of rain. I asked God again. Same on Thursday and Friday. Saturday morning, it still said 70% chance. It crossed my mind that maybe God wanted the party inside....I knew that God was going to do what was best for us. So we kept our plans and figured we'd all gather inside if need be. It rained around noon....but by 4pm...and hour before our party, the clouds cleared; the sun came out. God overruled the weather forecast and gave me what I requested!!! The whole party was outside. The kids played cornhole and volleyball and jumped on the trampoline. I looked up and saw blue skies. I had to snap a picture as I smiled at God's goodness. That He cares about a silly little neighborhood party.<br />
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One of my favorite songs says, "God is good, all the time..He put a song of praise in this heart of mine, God is good!" One thing I want to point out is that even if it had stormed....or a tornado hit during our party...God is good. He's not good just because He answers our prayers...He just IS GOOD. He may have answered my prayer with a "no...you need the party inside" and He would still be good. This week He chose to say "Yes." God is still good. I looked up at the sky, snapped this picture and smiled and whispered "Thank you Jesus!" </div>
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I have had many moments over the years where God just did that. He gave me my heart's desire. One that I'll never forget is almost 20 years ago...finding out that I was pregnant after 2 boys and asking God, "Could we please have a girl? and if it's not asking too much, could she have brown eyes like her daddy?" A few months later during an ultrasound, I found out our 3rd baby was a girl. My first though was, "And I bet she'll have brown eyes too." Sure enough, 5 months later, our baby girl was born with dark brown eyes just like her daddy. That might just seem coincidental, but out of 10 children only 2 have brown eyes. We waited 14 years for a 2nd brown eyed little sister. (See these brown eyes?) </div>
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Remember those times that God answered your seemingly small requests. Let those give you faith that no matter if He says "Yes" or "No" He hears and He is always answering...and that we see through a glass dimly, and sometimes what we think is best isn't...but He knows and loves us and has a bigger plan for our lives than we can even imagine...and that no matter what the answer is GOD IS GOOD....ALL THE TIME!!!</div>
<br />Mistihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16941306754492036772noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1330662373217917827.post-32591340355794789522019-05-28T13:34:00.000-05:002019-05-28T13:38:37.883-05:00Have you Taught your Kids to Sell on Ebay?As parents know, learning does not just take place inside the school room or inside their workbooks. Actually, quite the opposite. I believe that LASTING learning often happens during real-life. I could list <b>hundreds</b> of ways to incorporate life into your learning, but one I wanted to point out today is Ebay. I have been selling on ebay since 1999 after a friend introduced me to it. I started before I even owned a digital camera...that's a long time ago.<br />
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If you haven't yet learned to sell on ebay, I highly recommend it!! It's simple to learn, and once you do, you will likely be hooked, and then you can teach your own kids!!<br />
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This post is not a "how to" but an overview on <b>WHY</b> selling on ebay is great to incorporate into your kids' lives.<br />
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Here are a few good reasons:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Many kids get into the habit of spending. Selling and making money can be just as fun, and it is a much better habit to learn to think like an entrepreneur. Looking for nice quality or highly desired items that they could purchase to resell.</li>
<li>It will help them declutter. When they see that the toy or clothing that is sitting there unused and can be turned into cash, it motivates you to declutter!</li>
<li>It teaches them a skill they can be proud of.</li>
<li>Often people want to sell things on ebay but they don't want to learn. We have had dozens of people ask us to sell their junk on ebay for a 50% or so commission. That translates into a nice little work from home job for kids. No age requirement necessary. (I have kids as young as 12 that have mastered ebay and do fantastic!!) </li>
<li>It teaches them how to type and describe items and type sentences. Language Arts right there!!</li>
<li>It teaches them math. They get to calculate postal rates, sales and fees on paypal and ebay. They can do it on paper or learn a system like Excel if you want to deepen the education. </li>
<li>They become familiar with how to package boxes/envelopes. How to calculate shipping rates. Learning how to track packages to make sure they arrived. </li>
<li>They learn to deal with people. Most transactions are smooth and easy but occasionally you'll get a picky buyer who finds SOMETHING to complain about. Voila...people skills right there...learning how to keep customers happy. </li>
<li>Digital Photography. A picture is worth a thousand words...learning to take a good picture so buyers can see exactly what they are bidding on. It's not hard but most kids haven't learned that yet. Also editing photos, rotating pictures, cropping etc. </li>
<li>Finding out what something is worth. It's important to do quick research on completed items to see beforehand if it's even worth your time to sell that item. This comes in VERY handy when you're at the clearance section at Walmart, or at Goodwill or a yard sale to check right then to see if it's worth your time to sell. Sometimes you see that it isn't but often you'll see that this $2 item sells for $30 on ebay! Or this $20 Lego set will sell for $60 online. Grab it! </li>
<li>patience...sometimes you can sell something quickly for cheap, but if you stay patient and stick to your price, if reasonable, you'll make more money if you just keep it on ebay and wait for the right buyer.</li>
<li>One year, when my older kids were younger, we tracked packages as part of geography. We would mark on a map where each item sold and put a mark on the map to show all our sales that year geographically. </li>
<li>Most shipping labels are printed at home and the package can be thrown in the mailbox. Sometimes it's too large or you have too many packages to fit in your mailbox so it requires a trip to the post office. This is good for social skills--- having them take the package(s) into the post office and handle the transaction. When my oldest son was 4, he was able to do this. (It was a small town and I could see the door of the post office and knew the postal lady) Since the label is all ready, he just had to wait in line and hand it to the postal worker. You may want your kids to be older if you live in a larger town and can't see inside clearly. </li>
<li>With the money they will make, they can open a savings account and learn banking.</li>
<li>If you believe in tithing, that is another good part of earning money is giving some away to the church or a ministry that they feel passionate about. Raising money for a missions project is another good reason for kids to learn to make money. </li>
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So there you have it! I'm sure there are even more reasons why selling on Ebay is a good idea to teach your kids. What other ideas do you have?Mistihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16941306754492036772noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1330662373217917827.post-87233364411517173122019-05-10T13:14:00.000-05:002019-05-10T13:14:16.797-05:00"Remember to be Jesus!"<br />
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I was grabbing my purse and heading out the door, and I heard the familiar voice that I hear when anyone in our family heads out into the world......<br />
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">REMEMBER TO BE JESUS!!!!</span></div>
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One of my younger children never fails to remind us parents and older kids of this when we are leaving on an errand. I can't tell you how much this helps and impacts me. I get my mind so set on conquering my Walmart shopping list, post office trip, or gymnastics run that I sometimes forget the most important thing. </div>
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Last week, I heard these words again. But I don't take it lightly or brush it off. I was getting out of my car with my 10 year old, and as I'm walking into Walmart I hear her voice from home ringing in my head, "Remember to be Jesus!" I smiled at an elderly African-American lady, and she smiled back. </div>
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A few minutes later, the Walmart greeter was sitting on his stool with a sad look on his face. "Good morning! How are you?" I said with a smile, again hearing in my head, "Remember to be Jesus!!" </div>
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A little later, on the other side of the store, someone was blocking the aisle for quite a while without realizing it. I was in a hurry, but the voice in my head reminded me...and I took a deep breath and when she said, "Oh I'm sorry," I patiently replied. "Oh that's okay, no problem," and meant it. "Remember to be Jesus." </div>
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This post has nothing to do with me being kind that day. Because without that reminder I may have done none of those things. I may have tuned into my grocery list and gone about my trip accomplishing what I came to do...fill up the cart, cross the items off, and head home. But this child of mine, reminded me that we are called to be so much more. We are God's representative to a lost and sad world of His goodness. We are ambassadors, witnesses. We have love and joy in our hearts because we have HIM in our hearts..and HE is love and joy. </div>
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I recently asked her where she got the idea and she said that it was her older brother. YES! Of course! My oldest son has said the same thing for years as well...but he's been gone a lot so I had forgotten. By his example she has picked up the mantle of godly reminding us of our calling and destiny as Christians. </div>
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Let me encourage you so you can encourage another Christian and remind me and everyone around you. Don't lose focus. Don't forget the purpose. </div>
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<b>When you are running to Walmart....</b></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">REMEMBER TO BE JESUS!!!!</span></div>
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<b>When you are running to the post office....</b></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">REMEMBER TO BE JESUS!!!!</span></div>
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<b><br /><br />When you are taking your kids to gymnastics, soccer or baseball....</b><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">REMEMBER TO BE JESUS!!!!</span></span></div>
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<b><br /><br />When you are being a wife, a mom, or a friend...</b><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">REMEMBER TO BE JESUS!!!!</span></span><br />
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Mistihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16941306754492036772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1330662373217917827.post-67214208102336165742019-04-29T13:04:00.000-05:002019-04-29T13:04:23.109-05:00Early Elementary Language Arts Homeschool Curriculum through 3rd GradeIn my last post, I talked about math curriculum. This post will discuss some curriculum that I use or have used for Early Elementary: roughly preschool through 3rd grade for handwriting and language arts. <br />
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I love teaching these grades because everything is new and exciting! I love to see light bulbs go off as they "get it." I love to see their reading slowly improve until by 4th grade they read to themselves.<br />
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There is a lot of great curriculum out there for these early years. I wish I had time to use more than I do. I will caution you that there is also a lot of curriculum out there that is terrible for little people. Curriculum that brings tears and squelches any love for learning that could be ignited in these precious, early years. I won't name specifics, but steer clear of curriculum that brings tears. That causes small kids to "do school" past lunchtime. (that doesn't include the more fun hands-on stuff, or reading out loud, just any book-work type stuff.) If their face looks like this you may want to re-think what you're doing. <br />
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In my experience, actual sit down and do workbooks at this stage should be limited to no more than 1-2 hours. Less (much less) for kindergarten. Add a lot of reading out loud, fun hands on learning outside or in the kitchen, and let them guide you as to what they love and have a desire to learn as well.<br />
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For <b>Handwriting</b>, I have 2 that I like a lot:<br />
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<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.christianbook.com/page/homeschool/handwriting/handwriting-without-tears?search=handwriting%20without%20tears" target="_blank">Handwriting Without Tears</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.thegoodandthebeautiful.com/pre-k-8-curriculum/handwriting/" target="_blank">The Good and the Beautiful Handwriting</a></li>
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I'm currently using TGTB because I like that they build art into the curriculum, but if you have a child that doesn't enjoy art, then HWT might be a better choice. Another good option is A Reason for Handwriting, especially for girls that like to color and send letters in the mail. <br />
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<b>Spelling</b>: Fun Fact: I never teach spelling with a formal curriculum in the K-3rd grade range. You can waste a lot of time teaching them to spell words that if you wait until their reading gets better, they will just KNOW how to spell....so trust me on this one....hold off on spelling until later!!<br />
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<b>Phonics/Learning to Read:</b><br />
In <b>Preschool</b>, I typically like to "do school" as they ask to be like the "big kids." <br />
Some books that I've used and really like are:<br />
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<li><a href="https://www.christianbook.com/horizons-preschool-student-book-1/9780740314476/pd/314476?product_redirect=1&Ntt=314476&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP" target="_blank">Horizons Preschool book 1 (only)</a> *book 2 has too much writing for this age IMO so I don't buy it. </li>
<li><a href="https://www.christianbook.com/transition-to-kindergarten/9781939814272/pd/814273?event=Homeschool|1005071" target="_blank">My First School Book (Handwriting without Tears)</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/easy_find?Ntt=explode+the+code+primers+2nd+edition&N=0&Ntk=keywords&action=Search&Ne=0&event=ESRCG&nav_search=1&cms=1" target="_blank">Explode the Code Primers: Get Ready Get Set Go for the Code</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.christianbook.com/horizons-math-grade-k-student-workbook/9780740303098/pd/12052?event=ESRCG" target="_blank">Horizons Math K</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.sonlight.com/PMSP" target="_blank">Sonlight Preschool Read Alouds</a> (I bought most of these books when my oldest kids were in preschool....you can, honestly, just get any great books and read aloud to them from the library...just be sure to include Bible, and a variety of books like fiction, science, social studies etc--this is usually their favorite time of the day).</li>
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<b>Kindergarten Language Arts: </b><br />
<b>**Treasure is starting Kindergarten in the fall and this is what she is currently working on**</b><br />
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<li>The Good and the Beautiful Handwriting (Link above)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.christianbook.com/page/homeschool/language-arts/explode-the-code?search=explode%20the%20code" target="_blank">Explode the code books 1-3</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.christianbook.com/learning-language-through-literature-grade-1/pd/682114?event=ESRCG" target="_blank">Learning Language Arts Through Literature Blue Book </a> (I have used this since 1998. It is just FUN. Lots of hands on things. Lot of tiny books they can start reading on their own right from the bat just like Bob Books). I enjoy teaching it and they enjoy learning to read with it. It does have handwriting built in, but I don't care for their style (Italic Handwriting) so we do skip that portion of it. </li>
</ul>
<b>1st Grade Language Arts:</b><br />
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<li><a href="https://www.christianbook.com/page/homeschool/language-arts/explode-the-code?search=explode%20the%20code" target="_blank">Explode the Code (roughly books 4-6.</a>..but honestly some kids go faster and some slower so I do books 1-7 total at their pace until they are done, usually by the end of 2nd grade.)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.christianbook.com/learning-language-through-literature-grade-2/pd/682116?event=ESRCG" target="_blank">Learning Language Arts Through Literature Red Book </a>(This is a continuation of the Blue book...by the time they are done with the Red, they are pretty great readers)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.christianbook.com/abeka-language-1-seatwork-text/pd/196878?event=ESRCG" target="_blank">Abeka Language 1</a> (Okay, I'm honestly NOT an Abeka fan at all...but I do love their Language 1,2,3 workbooks...they are short, to the point and just work to reinforce what this age group needs..after 3rd grade though, I'm really really not a fan of their language arts)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.thegoodandthebeautiful.com/pre-k-8-curriculum/handwriting/" target="_blank">Good and the Beautiful Handwriting 1 </a></li>
</ul>
<b>2nd Grade Language Arts:</b><br />
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<li><a href="https://www.christianbook.com/page/homeschool/language-arts/explode-the-code?search=explode%20the%20code" target="_blank">Explode the Code book 7</a> (or finish wherever they left off in 1st grade)</li>
<li>Abeka Language 2</li>
<li><a href="https://www.sonlight.com/2RL.html" target="_blank">Sonlight 2 Readers</a> (Read out loud to me all the 2nd grade readers starting with the Beginners Bible)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.thegoodandthebeautiful.com/pre-k-8-curriculum/handwriting/" target="_blank">Good and the Beautiful Handwriting 2</a></li>
</ul>
<b>3rd Grade Language Arts:</b><br />
<b>**This is Ransom's lineup for next year Language Arts**</b><br />
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<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.thegoodandthebeautiful.com/pre-k-8-curriculum/handwriting/" target="_blank">Good and the Beautiful Handwriting 3</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.christianbook.com/abeka-language-writing-grammar-fourth-edition/pd/204434?event=ESRCG" target="_blank">Abeka Language 3</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.sonlight.com/3RL.html" target="_blank">Sonlight 3 Readers</a> (Reading out loud and transitioning to reading independently when they are pretty fluent readers...usually halfway through this year)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.masterbooks.com/language-lessons-for-a-living-education-3" target="_blank">Language Lessons for a Living Education book 3</a> (which replaces Explode the Code from last year) </li>
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One other thing that I have seen good results with is the website <a href="http://starfall.com/">Starfall.com</a> We use the free version, and they like to "play" with it in their free time. My 6th child loved it so much, she accidentally taught herself to read on her own. </div>
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Another one some of my kids have enjoyed for reading is: <a href="https://www.teachyourmonstertoread.com/">https://www.teachyourmonstertoread.com/</a></div>
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To answer a few questions:</div>
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**I really don't teach spelling at these ages**</div>
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**It might seem weird to have more than one Language Arts curriculum most years. I really like these combinations..and I feel the most important thing academically to accomplish in these early years is to create good readers. To make them fluent and to enjoy reading as well. So we focus pretty heavily on Language Arts in the first few years. That said, our school is not long and tedious. Most of these books can be accomplished in under 15 minutes each. We devote the most time to out loud reading from real (good)books, and not boring curriculum readers....and they all have seemed to enjoy snuggling on the couch and reading a good book to me.**</div>
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**I think reading aloud to your kids is very important. I try to do this when I can, and I typically choose good books from our home library. If you need some ideas, check out the catalogs from curriculum like Sonlight, Heart of Dakota or My Father's World. They all have great selections of good literature ideas. </div>
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I firmly believe that Christians need to be some of the best communicators both with written and oral communication. How else can we share the Good News of Jesus? In our homeschool, we tend to make Language Arts a priority for that reason. </div>
<br />Mistihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16941306754492036772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1330662373217917827.post-33368251177646980322019-04-16T10:54:00.000-05:002019-04-16T14:10:25.048-05:00Homeschool Curriculum Review: MathHi Fellow Homeschoolers!<br />
I was recently asked to discuss what we are currently using and loving for our homeschool curriculum. I thought I'd start with math....cause math is just wonderful. =) <br />
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Over the last 20+ years that I've been perusing and using homeschool curriculum, I've tried MANY different math curricula.<br />
The list that we have tried at one time or another is extensive:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Singapore Math</li>
<li>Abeka Math</li>
<li>Horizons Math</li>
<li>Teaching Textbooks </li>
<li>Math Lessons for a Living Education </li>
<li>Mathematical Reasoning (Critical Thinking Press)</li>
<li>ALEKS</li>
<li>Life of Fred</li>
<li>Principles of Mathematics (Master Books) </li>
<li>Math-U-See</li>
</ul>
And many I've looked at and decided wasn't a good fit for our family...which includes practically all that wasn't mentioned above. (I'm a curriculum junkie!) =)<br />
Sometimes a great curriculum for one student is just not a great fit for the next so I've had to ditch a great curriculum for a time to fit a different learning style. (One of the biggest reasons I LOVE homeschooling!!)<br />
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Our current math that is working the best for us in this season is:<br />
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Pre-K: <a href="https://www.christianbook.com/horizons-math-grade-k-student-workbook/9780740303098/pd/12052?event=ESRCG" target="_blank">Horizons Math K</a><br />
Kindergarten: <a href="https://www.christianbook.com/horizons-math-grade-1-student-workbook/9781580959230/pd/12054?event=ESRCG" target="_blank">Horizons Math 1</a><br />
1st: <a href="https://www.christianbook.com/horizons-math-grade-2-student-workbook/9781580959469/pd/12055?event=ESRCG" target="_blank">Horizons Math 2</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.masterbooks.com/math-lessons-for-a-living-education-series" target="_blank">2nd: Math Lessons for a Living Education 3</a><br />
<a href="https://www.masterbooks.com/math-lessons-for-a-living-education-series" target="_blank">3rd: Math Lessons for a Living Education 4</a><br />
<a href="https://www.masterbooks.com/math-lessons-for-a-living-education-series" target="_blank">4th: Math Lessons for a Living Education 5</a><br />
<a href="https://www.masterbooks.com/math-lessons-for-a-living-education-series" target="_blank">5th: Math Lessons for a Living Education 6</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.masterbooks.com/principles-of-mathematics-series" target="_blank">6th: Principles of Mathematics 1</a><br />
<a href="https://www.masterbooks.com/principles-of-mathematics-series" target="_blank">7th: Principles of Mathematics 2</a><br />
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<a href="http://teachingtextbooks.com/" target="_blank">8th: Teaching Textbooks Algebra 1</a><br />
<a href="http://teachingtextbooks.com/" target="_blank">9th: Teaching Textbooks Geometry</a><br />
<a href="http://teachingtextbooks.com/" target="_blank">10th: Teaching Textbooks Algebra 2</a><br />
11th: Dual Credit Math: Either College Algebra or College Mathematics depending on the student<br />
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12th: <a href="https://www.christianbook.com/page/homeschool/math/math-u-see-stewardship" target="_blank">Math U See Stewardship </a>(to make sure all the practical math has been covered for life--I just have them read through it and do any problems they aren't knowledgeable about)<br />
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Let me explain a few things that I can already hear questions about.<br />
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**I've found that all of my 4 year olds have been ready for kindergarten math and excited to start school to be like the big kids. So we usually finish kindergarten math a year early.<br />
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**I really love Math Lessons for a Living Education (MLFLE) but not levels 1-2. I felt like it was too much writing/copywork for kids too young to have great fine motor skills....so we use Horizons through 2nd grade. Which is perfect because starting in grade 3, I feel like Horizons uses "drill and kill." Way too many problems to easily overwhelm the average 8 year old.<br />
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**MLFLE and Principles of Mathematics are both published by Master books so they flow well into each other<br />
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**Overall I love Teaching Textbooks for High school. It has a lot of repetition and explains concepts sometimes overboard. Each problem is worked out entirely so students are easily able to do this on their own. On the flip side, Teaching Textbooks can be very frustrating for a student that is a natural at math and loves it. They explain and re explain. Most kids love that. My student who is a very fast learner at math did not like that at all.<br />
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**If a student just loves higher math and/or wants to go into a STEM field that requires Calculus, I honestly feel that <a href="https://www.christianbook.com/page/homeschool/math/life-of-fred?search=life%20of%20fred" target="_blank">Life of Fred</a> is the most rigorous and best preparation for math nerds. It goes way deeper and wider than pretty much any other math out there. It explains so much of WHY something is done that math nerds relish! So for that kind of student, I would start Fred in Pre Algebra or Beginning Algebra.<br />
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**While I love the Life of Fred Elementary, for us it wasn't enough work as a stand alone curriculum until about 5th grade. It's plenty enough starting at 5th grade and do recommend it for advanced kids around that age as a great option.<br />
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So that is what is currently working in our school right now. There is not really a wrong choice though. If what you are using is working and not causing stress or tears in you or your kids, then stick with it!!! If math is stressful or brings tears, then I'd recommend switching curriculum even if you are only a month into it. We had to do that when we tried Abeka....it's just too much "drill and kill." We want math to be fun (as much as possible anyway). What works for 1 or 2 students might not work for a houseful of students and vice versa. You know your children's learning style, how you like to teach, and what season you're in. Nobody is better at making curriculum decisions for your family than YOU are! So don't feel you need to fit into anybody's mold. I'm only sharing what is currently working with us to give people ideas. Happy Homeschooling!<br />
<br />Mistihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16941306754492036772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1330662373217917827.post-91509463710576227102019-03-30T15:05:00.000-05:002019-03-30T15:05:51.969-05:00Teach Them Diligently Opryland Homeschool ConventionI had the opportunity to go to the <b>Teach Them Diligently</b> Homeschool convention again this year in Nashville at Opryland. My husband and I enjoy going and always come away encouraged. This year we also brought our daughters and a friend. If you homeschool and have not been to a convention, I highly recommend Teach Them Diligently!!!!<br />
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The highlight for me is always the exhibit hall. There is nothing like the <b>biggest room you've ever seen full of exciting books </b>that interest you. It makes my heart race a little just thinking about it. Perusing the books and curriculum is always great to get ideas from and make decisions for curriculum for the new school year. <br />
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This year, I took time out to go to 3 sessions as well. To give you an idea of what the convention is like....at any given moment you can choose from <b>TWENTY possible sessions to attend that are going on simultaneously</b> all over the Opryland Convention Center. Every hour there are 20 NEW sessions. Whew. <br />
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This year, I went to a session by Kevin Sorbo, Hollywood actor (Hercules/God's Not Dead), director, producer. His talk was called <b>"Fame, Family and Faith."</b> He talked about the costs of being vocal in his faith in the secular world of Hollywood. He is a very outspoken Christian and homeschool dad of 3 as well. <br />
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The next session was by Ann Dunagan titled, <b>"Training Girls to be Mission-Minded Women."</b> She encouraged homescoolers to not just let their girls sit like pretty princesses but to be warriors for Christ....reaching a lost world and focusing on the women, children, orphans and other needs that women tend to have more of a heart for than men do. Their family has visited 116 countries with the gospel...so they are living what she teaches. She gave a lot of examples of how they have incorporated their entire family in missions/evangelism/church planting. </div>
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The 3rd session was by Israel Wayne entitled,<b> "How not to Educate (like a heathen)."</b> He explained the Biblical view of education vs the cultural view. He showed that we need a family mission statement. His is, "Know, love and serve God and to love and serve others." He says every area of our lives need to be focused on this one mission. Education is no exception. He described our life as a piece of pie. As Christians, our spiritual life is the foundation of the whole pie. When we "cut" into our life, pieces like education, money, friends, entertainment etc...should all point towards God and our mission as a Christian. Just like a blueberry pie...every piece is full of blueberries, so every area of our lives should reflect Christ. </div>
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He also talked about how far from Christian roots American education has moved. He showed a Harvard College Mission statement from 1636. Wow..has it changed a lot!!!</div>
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I wish I had time to go to more sessions. Every one impacted me in a new way!</div>
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Thankful for this time to be encouraged to press on, to re-align my goals again and to be excited for a new homeschool year coming up! </div>
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<b>Deuteronomy 10:12-13 </b></div>
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“And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments of the Lord and His statutes which I command you today for your good?"<br /></div>
Mistihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16941306754492036772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1330662373217917827.post-39962699842787097622019-03-21T22:21:00.000-05:002019-03-21T22:21:28.179-05:00You really CAN stop YELLING at your kids! <br />
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I recently posted about being a <a href="https://sweetsavages.blogspot.com/2019/03/are-you-thankful-mother-of-children.html" target="_blank">THANKFUL mother</a> and a <a href="https://sweetsavages.blogspot.com/2019/03/are-you-joyful-mother-of-children.html" target="_blank">JOYFUL mother</a>. Well, today, I want to talk about being a <b>PEACEFUL mother to your children. </b> I was recently out shopping and saw a mother yell at her preschool aged child, belittle him, and speak hurtful words to him. I admit that the child was not being obedient, but that is the <b>MOTHER'S fault</b> for not properly training. (That is for another post.) This always makes me feel so sad. The children paying the consequences for their mother's lack of self control, joy, and lack of training. If you have a habit of yelling at your kids and losing your temper, and you call yourself a Christ-follower, then <b>this post is for you. </b><br />
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</b> <b><br /></b>This post will not apply if you haven't made a decision to follow Christ in your life and, by faith, live out your Christianity by following God's Word. With that disclaimer, I want to look at a few verses of what it means to be a follower of Christ:<br />
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"> My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. </span></i><br />
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</span> <span style="box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">- James 1:19-20</span><br />
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<i><span style="box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">Fools give full vent to their rage,</span><br />
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">but the wise bring calm in the end. </span></i><br />
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">- Proverbs 29:11 </span><br />
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<i><span style="box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">Do not hasten in your spirit to be angry, </span><br />
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">For anger rests in the bosom of fools. </span></i><br />
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">- Ecclesiastes 7:9 </span><br />
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<i><span style="box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word</span><br />
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">stirs up anger.</span></i><br />
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</span> <span style="box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">- Proverbs 15:1</span><br />
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<i><span style="box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">Make no friendship with an angry man,</span><br />
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">And with a furious man do not go,</span><br />
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">Lest you learn his ways</span><br />
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">And set a snare for your soul.</span></i><br />
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">- Proverbs 22:24-25</span><br />
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<i>Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one </i></div>
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<i>who is quick-tempered displays folly.</i></div>
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- Proverbs 14:29</div>
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I think it's pretty clear that God doesn't want us to be full of anger, rage, and yelling. A few weeks ago, I shared Philippians 2 that tells us that "a servant of the Lord must not argue...but be <b>gentle to all."</b><br />
<br />This is not just a bad habit, friend, <b>this is a sin issue</b>. The Bible is pretty clear.</div>
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<br />I hear a lot of parents with lots of excuses. "I can't help it." "I probably need to work on that problem." etc. <b>That is the bad news</b>....you have something that needs to be fixed. But God doesn't just throw condemnation at us....<b>He gives us EVERYTHING WE NEED</b> to live <b>a godly life</b>. He doesn't just tell us "don't yell at your kids anymore," He gives us the tools we need to walk that out in real life. <b>That is GOOD NEWS!!!! </b><br />
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<br /><b>This is the exciting part!!!! </b> This one tidbit can transform so many aspects of your life!!! Being a Christian, the Holy Spirit lives inside of us! That is the first and most important bit of good news. But unless you understand how exciting that is, it won't matter in your life. <b>BECAUSE He lives inside of us, we have HIS fruit at our disposal. </b> It is OURS too! Galatians 5:22-23 says:<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control."</i></div>
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<br />Isn't that awesome fruit? Let's read this in light of yelling at your kids. Yelling is not loving, joyful, long-suffering. It's not kind, good, gentle and it surely doesn't show self-control! But when we parent on our own strength and flesh... that is the result we get. But when we parent with the Holy Spirit's power...we CAN have self-control... and be loving, joyful and gentle. You just need to, by faith, choose to parent in the Spirit's power and not your flesh. You really CAN stop yelling. <b>You can choose to parent in God's strength</b>... and stop yelling from now on! Isn't that exciting? <b>You aren't powerless</b>. In your own strength, yes you are, but <b>you have God living IN YOU</b>. And that is awesome news!!!!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
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Mistihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16941306754492036772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1330662373217917827.post-13113581040269779652019-03-15T06:00:00.000-05:002019-03-15T06:00:14.873-05:00My "Self-Cleaning" Kitchen. Well, sorta.Having a large family takes a bit of <b>organization</b>. I have many aspects of our home that I still haven't figured out how to run smoothly, unfortunately. It flows...just not always as seamlessly as I'd like.<br />
I DO feel that our kitchen system works well, so I thought I'd share that with you. This system would work with any sized family....you would just need to tweak it for the jobs and number of children that you'd like to be involved in the process.<br />
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Here are some facts about the Konsavage Kitchen clean-up crew:<br />
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<li><b>All ages help out,</b> but they are typically included in chore rotation at 6 years old. <b>A 6 year old is capable of most chores in our kitchen. </b></li>
<li>We currently have 6 kids in kitchen rotation with 6 different jobs for 6 days of the week.</li>
<li>Each kid does <b>one</b> job <b>one</b> day per week <b>all day</b>. </li>
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You might feel that a 6 year old is not capable of washing dishes, putting away dishes, or putting away leftovers. Let me assure you, with training, <b>they are wonderful</b> at these jobs!!<br />
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Our 6 kitchen chores/jobs include:<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"> washing dishes </span></b></span><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">& loading dishwasher </span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>emptying dishwasher and dish drainer/drying wet dishes</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>wiping down table and </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>putting napkins in dirty napkin bucket</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsb-5jxXNWRB8_QoaxWp3lNuEzzr0-aZcoZOr0lxHY6GdbGLL_xb1P88Iic-_LSfgw4RvgYPShQX5YmPIc_xXLnt02FhJB0B9pI36aq47aSdi8VbfuoOPXQJ9ZNHFl6_3AsdTq3RoteI3k/s1600/IMG_4596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsb-5jxXNWRB8_QoaxWp3lNuEzzr0-aZcoZOr0lxHY6GdbGLL_xb1P88Iic-_LSfgw4RvgYPShQX5YmPIc_xXLnt02FhJB0B9pI36aq47aSdi8VbfuoOPXQJ9ZNHFl6_3AsdTq3RoteI3k/s320/IMG_4596.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">clean counters and put away leftovers</span></b></div>
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Here is a picture of our kitchen chore schedule. Notice it is written in pencil because sometimes an older brother is at college or working away from home and a younger sibling will take his place. When they are home from college/work, they assist the smallest helper who was their replacement.<br />
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So that sums it up! There are many ways to run a kitchen. This is just ONE way. It works for us.<br />
<br />Mistihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16941306754492036772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1330662373217917827.post-83597599118155612142019-03-08T06:00:00.000-06:002019-03-08T06:00:13.114-06:00Are you a THANKFUL Mother of children?A few weeks ago, when we talked about the subject of being bored, I touched on the importance of teaching our children to not complain. I wanted to expound on that a bit more because this ONE concept, if you really work on it in your family, <b>will transform the whole environment of your home! </b><br />
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A verse that is one of my favorites and one I have repeated often is found in Philippians 2:14:<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>"Do ALL THINGS without complaining and disputing..."</b></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She's complaining about SOMETHING.<br /> I just don't know what. </td></tr>
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Did you catch that? ALL THINGS! That doesn't leave a lot of room open for griping does it? WHEW. This is a tough one. A number of years ago, this was the theme that God was working on in our family. Focusing on complaining....and beginning to notice it....in myself as much as the kids, it really started to be a "thing" that I realized we needed to work on. As a family we really tried to catch it and focus more on thankfulness. With practice we got better! We are by no means complain-free. In fact, I still catch myself often thinking or saying something and immediately catching myself, but when you become aware of your complaining, you can start to change not only the words that come out of your mouth, but also the thoughts that float through your brain. Because, <b>EVERYTHING we say, starts in our brain!!!</b></div>
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This passage is SO COOL though. Let's keep reading verses 14-16:</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span class="text Phil-2-14" id="en-NKJV-29406" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;">Do all things <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NKJV-29406Z" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NKJV-29406Z" title="See cross-reference Z">Z</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>without complaining and <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NKJV-29406AA" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NKJV-29406AA" title="See cross-reference AA">AA</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>disputing, </span><span class="text Phil-2-15" id="en-NKJV-29407" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NKJV-29407AB" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NKJV-29407AB" title="See cross-reference AB">AB</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>lights in the world, </span><span class="text Phil-2-16" id="en-NKJV-29408" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>holding fast the word of life, so that <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NKJV-29408AC" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NKJV-29408AC" title="See cross-reference AC">AC</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>I may rejoice in the day of Christ that <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NKJV-29408AD" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NKJV-29408AD" title="See cross-reference AD">AD</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>I have not run in vain or labored in <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NKJV-29408AE" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NKJV-29408AE" title="See cross-reference AE">AE</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>vain.</span></b></span></blockquote>
Mini sermon time...it says that by being people who don't complain, we actually "shine as lights in the world" in a "crooked and perverse generation." <b>What an impact and a difference we can make as Christians by simply "doing all things without complaining."</b> That is profound!!!<br />
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So, when you catch yourself (or your kids) complaining:<br />
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"I hate winter; I can't wait until spring!"</div>
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"I thought this was supposed to be FAST food...they are taking FOREVER."</div>
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"The music was too loud/too soft at church."</div>
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"So and so drives me crazy!" </div>
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"This food is nasty!"</div>
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"I'm so sick of doing laundry."</div>
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I challenge you to catch yourself. Bite your tongue and instead think of something you can be thankful for in this situation! Eventually, you will develop a habit of not complaining and instead being more thankful. I encourage you to talk to your kids about it. Make it into a game of "catching" complaints and pointing them out to each other...or seeing who can be the most thankful instead. </div>
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Here is a fun song to watch with your kids. Steve Green's "Without Complaining." </div>
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Mistihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16941306754492036772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1330662373217917827.post-21245606950975275202019-03-01T06:00:00.000-06:002019-03-01T15:39:55.919-06:00Are you a "JOYFUL Mother of children"? <br />
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I recently came across this verse again from Psalm 113:9:<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">He makes the barren woman abide in the house </span><span style="font-size: large;">As a joyful mother of children. Praise the Lord!</span></blockquote>
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It got me thinking about the phrase "joyful mother." What a wonderful thing! Doesn't it just make you think of a happy housewife running around her home with a smile and smiling children all around... a clean kitchen... no toys on the floor... and the aroma of fresh baked delicacies? I admit, that's my first thought. But when I think more about it...of course,<b> that's not reality</b>. Maybe in "Leave it to Beaver," but not in the real world.<br />
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Putting that verse in the real world...<i>my real world, </i>I totally understand what it means and what God is trying to show us.<br />
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God has not created the institute of family and motherhood to be full of anxiety, frustration, burdens and shackles. <b> He created us to be a JOYFUL mother of children</b>!! (And if any dads are reading this too, just insert "Joyful father of children!")<br />
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What exactly does it mean to be "joyful?" It's not jumping up and down with excitement and having feelings of ecstasy all day long. Cause, let's face it, last week when TWELVE of us got stomach bug (and let me remind you that there are only 13 stomachs residing in our whole house and one of them is my pet fish named George--and even HE looked queasy last week) I wasn't feeling like jumping up and down cause I loved motherhood so much. 😳 <br />
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To me, being joyful as a mother is being content and having a peace in my heart that I am exactly where I need to be, doing the most important job in the universe:<i> </i><b>caring and loving children that God has given me as gifts.</b><i> </i> It is KNOWING who you are as a mother... that your job matters... that you are changing lives and making a difference in the world as you raise future leaders and world-changers who will go out and bless and impact the world for Christ. <br />
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That, ladies, is our job description as mothers. Pretty cool huh?<br />
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Our culture will tell you that "just staying home" is not impressive at all. That you are "just a housewife." Isn't that sad? I have to remind you that<b> our culture does not value what God values</b>. And if you are a working mom, don't let them tell you that that job is more important than being a mom to your children. Some women need to work, but don't believe for one minute that your mom job is not as important. It is one billion times more important!!! Nobody can love and be a joyful mother to YOUR children the way you can. There is no substitute!!!<br />
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So, if your first thought of motherhood is just feeling overwhelmed with laundry, cooking, snotty noses, crying and tantrums (you and the kids), spit up on your clothes and dirty diapers, then I encourage you to view motherhood through God's eyes. The Bible is TRUTH, and anything else you might feel or believe different are lies... so listen to the voice of truth! (You'll be glad you did.) <br />
Joy is a fruit of the Spirit. <b>It can only come from God</b>. Sure you might feel moments of being happy without God, but you won't know true JOY unless the Holy Spirit of God lives in you. So that is the first step.<br />
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2 Peter 1:3 tells us that God has given us EVERYTHING we need to live a godly life. <b>A godly life includes joy</b>!!! So if you are mothering in your own strength, barely surviving....trying your best to put on a fake smile and not yell... it won't work. At least not for long. You need to by faith, read what the Bible says about motherhood, children and joy and begin to walk in it with the joy of the Lord as your strength... not coffee... or "me" time... or escaping to social media...<br />
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You, my friend, can find amazing joy in the midst of dishes, laundry, crying, and cooking because of WHO lives in you and is helping you to do everything that He has called you to do. With Him, you CAN be a joyful mother of children!!!!<br />
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I truly LOVE my job. I gave up a pretty good paycheck and career 23 years ago for my current job. I admit, at first it was a VERY hard adjustment for me. But God has taught me what a privilege and honor it is to do the job He has given me to do--caring and raising and loving 10 beautiful souls for His glory!! I can't imagine a job that would bring me more joy and contentment.<br />
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If you would like that in your life, whether you are a stay at home mom or a working mom, pray and ask God to give you a vision for how He views children and motherhood. When you catch a glimpse that the King of Kings thinks that your job is super important and that you are the absolutely most qualified person for the job of raising your kids, you will have to smile at the prestigious position you have been given.<br />
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It won't always be fun. It won't (for sure!) be easy. But <b>it will make an impact for eternity</b> and affect generations to come. I give you permission to tell culture to take a hike. YOU can be a JOYFUL mother of your children. You can smile and enjoy your kids. <b>You can LOVE being a mom</b> even if at the moment you don't like the current task at hand. You can have that inward contentment and peace in your heart that only God can give... so go on!<br />
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Be JOYFUL!!!!!!<br />
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<br />Mistihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16941306754492036772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1330662373217917827.post-5400679998610111452019-02-22T07:00:00.000-06:002019-02-27T13:46:05.104-06:00"I'm Bored" is a bad word<br />
<br />It has literally been over 15 years since I remember hearing, "I'm bored!" It was in one of my oldest kids, and I had a talk with them all about how selfish and prideful it is to say that they were bored. I explained that when they say, "I'm bored," they are being prideful and complaining, and the Bible has a lot to say about both of those. There is never a reason to be bored. There is always someone to bless or serve. There is always something that you can contribute towards the family workload. There is always someone that would be blessed by an email or letter. There is always a smaller sibling that would love to have a book read to them or a game played with them. There is always a dog that would love to have a ball thrown for them to retrieve. <div>
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If your kids (or you) are in the habit of saying those "bad words," then read what the Bible has to say about work, selfishness, being a servant, or doing things without complaining:</div>
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Philippians 2:14,"Do all things without complaining,"</div>
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Prov. 19:15, "Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep, and an idle person will suffer hunger."</div>
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Eccles. 9:10, "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might"</div>
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Col. 3:23, "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,"</div>
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Prov. 13:4, "The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.'</div>
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Gal. 5:13,"For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another."</div>
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1 Corinth 10:24," Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor." </div>
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<br />I'm thankful that I don't hear this phrase. I think it was helpful to teach my older kids why we don't say that so my younger kids have not heard it or seen selfish boredom modeled. This requires training though. You need to teach your kids that they don't always have to be entertained by movies, screens or fun activities. They can think of productive things to do on their own because you have explained and taught them a lot of fun things to do in their free time. Blessing others. Crafts. Hiking and enjoying nature. Asking a parent or sibling, "How can I help you?" Writing letters. Learning a hobby. Selling on ebay. Being okay with times of prayer and quiet time just hearing from God themselves. <br /><br /><br />Even a 4 year old can see needs. In this picture my then 4 year old asked on her own to fill up our water filter. She took great pride in that job!! <br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUupAu6XTOX-HUGca0Q3WBdMEkrxTB5sszwswLXx-LJPKUHP3v1-CIJttjHsgUVCpOBJFV2bmQEIhkMxLNCLDdsGh4CpoBKPTn_ZDFzZN738d4g5f6eZ778ZpjW-guIGsvLdwIcXG22CFQ/s1600/Treasure+working+hard.JPG" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUupAu6XTOX-HUGca0Q3WBdMEkrxTB5sszwswLXx-LJPKUHP3v1-CIJttjHsgUVCpOBJFV2bmQEIhkMxLNCLDdsGh4CpoBKPTn_ZDFzZN738d4g5f6eZ778ZpjW-guIGsvLdwIcXG22CFQ/s640/Treasure+working+hard.JPG" /></a></div>
</span><br /><br />But as always we need to model what it looks like to "do all things without complaining." and to show them how to joyfully do mundane chores with the right attitude. <br /><br />People always say that they wish that children came with an instruction manual. They, do, my friend! Everything you need for life and godly parenting is in the Bible!!! God is awesome!!!!</div>
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Mistihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16941306754492036772noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1330662373217917827.post-64129067633997538432019-02-15T16:46:00.000-06:002019-02-26T14:46:24.468-06:00Siblings: Best Friends!!!<br /><br />I'm reading 2 Timothy this week, and a verse came up that we have taught our kids: "A servant of the Lord must not argue but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient..." (V24)<div>
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<br /><br />I'm often asked by people, after finding out we have a small army of children, if our children get along or if they fight all the time. That is usually followed with them telling me that they hated their siblings growing up or that their own children argue all the time and don't like each other.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
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<br /><br /><br />I thought I'd address this question. Our children for the most part are best friends. They don't fight. They occasionally disagree and work it out. They occasionally push each other's buttons (especially the younger boys), but at the end of the day, they love being together and are very thankful for each other. Society will tell you that brothers and sisters are supposed to bicker and not like each other. I just wanted to throw in the truth, cause parents have been lied to. Truth comes from God's Word and it tells Christians that we should not argue, but die to ourselves and love others more than we love ourselves. It tells us to be gentle and patient. self controlled, and loving. It tells us in the previous verse to "avoid foolish disputes."<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
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<br /><br /><br />What better training ground for life than in your own home with your own brothers and sisters learning to have a servant's heart, to love, to learn to not argue, to be gentle and patient? What better place to practice the fruit of the Spirit (Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Self Control, Meekness, Faithfulness)?<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie7sLUUs5CHbbdCbrnqQhKkHBomOa4le5S-WodmqE3oIDl9uBdGNL2YEC7ujAViBGeoRKWCtEjC0i8r8LZ0hbpzBs9S7koA34KGQaRuIXZVoEGQE0celJQK4mBhDpdEI4FHWiA4JONAhZ-/s1600/Josiah+Jubilee.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie7sLUUs5CHbbdCbrnqQhKkHBomOa4le5S-WodmqE3oIDl9uBdGNL2YEC7ujAViBGeoRKWCtEjC0i8r8LZ0hbpzBs9S7koA34KGQaRuIXZVoEGQE0celJQK4mBhDpdEI4FHWiA4JONAhZ-/s400/Josiah+Jubilee.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br />So don't buy into the lie. Don't allow your kids to foster anger and hatred towards each other. Start young and don't let them be ugly or selfish with each other. Stop nasty tones in their voice and teach them to be sweet to each other. Remind them that they are a gift to each other and are best friends. God's ways work. You can have a home filled with peace. But 3 things are required: 1. You have to believe that God's Word is truth. 2. You have to teach the truth to your kids. 3. You have to model this yourself to your spouse and children. <br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAM5Ppvg9lBTUUnNoPa_ipkUHk7Pf0ZsGKl8oSrj-8kM1iLLF8Ncx2MtAwBzdFFtWsZIPe7_NBBjykx7i4ahTUVFZLIxZHZWd8dWk_MNfMiIsa7mKnusPaxJloAKy-TWstAalcEaW054Pf/s1600/14853040_545783685622619_2337344183784421484_o.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAM5Ppvg9lBTUUnNoPa_ipkUHk7Pf0ZsGKl8oSrj-8kM1iLLF8Ncx2MtAwBzdFFtWsZIPe7_NBBjykx7i4ahTUVFZLIxZHZWd8dWk_MNfMiIsa7mKnusPaxJloAKy-TWstAalcEaW054Pf/s400/14853040_545783685622619_2337344183784421484_o.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you can't live your Christianity at home, then it's not real.</span></div>
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Mistihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16941306754492036772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1330662373217917827.post-12704489927980901702017-08-08T13:03:00.000-05:002017-08-08T13:03:14.698-05:00And our 16th year of Homeschool is underway! Our Curriculum for this year.....Because many people ask me, "What curriculum do you use?" and it's not that simple to answer when you are eclectic, I decided to type it out to save time.<br />
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My 3 year old loves to do school, so this year she will be doing:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Horizons Preschool Book 1</li>
<li>Find and Count Bubbles sticker book</li>
<li>My First ABC Sticker Activity book (from Sam's Club)</li>
<li>My First Sticker Art (from Sam's Club)</li>
<li>Leap Frog DVD's</li>
<li>Reading LOTS of books!!</li>
</ul>
My 1st grader's lineup includes:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Math Lessons for a Living Education book 2</li>
<li>Handwriting Without Tears</li>
<li>Language 1 Abeka</li>
<li>Explode the Code books 4-6 </li>
<li>Christian Liberty Press Phonics Readers</li>
<li>Veritas Press Self Paced Bible (Genesis-Joshua)</li>
<li>Veritas Press Self Paced History (Old Testament and Ancient Egypt)</li>
<li>Science: Inquisikids Discover and Do DVD's K, 1st and 2nd (Sonlight) doing mainly experiments all year long (the little boys favorite!!) </li>
</ul>
My 3rd grader is plugging along at:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Math Lessons for a Living Education 4</li>
<li>Life of Fred Honey, Ice Cream and Jelly Beans</li>
<li>Handwriting without Tears</li>
<li>Language 3 Abeka</li>
<li>Learning Language Arts through Literature Yellow Book</li>
<li>Veritas Press Self Paced Bible (Genesis-Joshua)</li>
<li>Veritas Press Self Paced History (Old Testament and Ancient Egypt)</li>
<li>Science: Inquisikids Discover and Do DVD's K, 1st and 2nd (Sonlight) doing mainly experiments all year long</li>
<li>He will be taking an online class this fall to learn Scratch Computer Programming. He already started learning the ropes yesterday and is really liking it!!</li>
</ul>
My 6th grader who is my bookworm:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Life of Fred Decimals and Zillions of Decimal Problems Math</li>
<li>Science: Answers in Genesis God's Design for Animals, Plants and Ecosystems</li>
<li>Geography: I created my own curriculum using "Eat Your Way through the World" cookbook as the spine and studying 30 countries</li>
<li>Fun-Schooling's "Seven Amazing Continents" </li>
<li>Total Language Plus</li>
<li>Cover Story: Middle School Writing Curriculum</li>
<li>Duo-Lingo Spanish</li>
<li>An online class called Evangelism 101</li>
<li>Piano</li>
<li>Working through list of "200 more commonly misspelled words"</li>
</ul>
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My 8th grader helped me choose:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Teaching Textbooks Pre-Algebra</li>
<li>Answers in Genesis Science God's Design for Matter, Machines, Atoms and Heat (Physical Science)</li>
<li>Total Language Plus</li>
<li>Cover Story: Middle School Writing</li>
<li>Working through list of "200 more commonly misspelled words"</li>
<li>Online Evangelism 101 Class</li>
<li>Mandarin Chinese</li>
<li>Piano</li>
<li>A Heart for You China-Year Long study of China from a missions perspective</li>
</ul>
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9th grade high school:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Jensen's Format Writing for English</li>
<li>Teaching Textbooks Algebra 2</li>
<li>World History using "Great Courses" and lots of reading of real Historical Fiction as well as a weekly essay on the history topic of the week</li>
<li>Business 1 using books on Starting Micro Businesses and actually launching a website and business this year of his choosing</li>
<li>Filmmaking</li>
<li>Piano</li>
<li>Evangelism 101 Online class</li>
<li>Abeka World Geography</li>
<li>Duo Lingo Spanish</li>
<li>Dendrology for Science (online class studying trees) </li>
</ul>
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And finally my 12th grader. She has essentially finished all of her high school requirements except for Economics....and has also logged 61 college credits as well....so she will be having a very eclectic senior year:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Economics with Randy Alcorn's "God Money Possessions and Eternity" and Math U See Stewardship</li>
<li>College Algebra through ALEKS</li>
<li>She is taking some college classes this fall: ENG 300 "Intro to Creative Writing" </li>
<li>An online college class "The Old Testament as Literature" </li>
<li>Public Speaking and Sociology through Straighterline</li>
<li>Finishing up editing her 2nd Novel and prepare it for publishing</li>
<li>Continue weekly blog writing</li>
<li>She is planning on writing a booklet on Godly Relationships later this year as well</li>
</ul>
And that completes the students who haven't graduated yet.<br />
My 19 year old will be in his 2nd year at Campbellsville University continuing his major or Vocal Music Education.<br />
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My 21 year old is getting ready to start his LAST semester of his Master's Degree and will done in November!! <br />
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Whew......Mistihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16941306754492036772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1330662373217917827.post-9584039181169846672017-06-20T13:42:00.000-05:002017-08-08T12:33:15.387-05:00Homeschool Math Curriculum: Our choices for the 2017-2018 School Year and How we got here<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I get a lot of questions about curriculum. I have been homeschooling for 16 years, and over the course of time, I have tried MANY different curriculum....and have researched even more. In the past, we have used: Singapore Math, Teaching Textbooks, Life of Fred, Abeka, Horizons, ALEKS and Critical Thinking Press. Some of those have worked well for certain children and were disasters for others. My firstborn LOVED Singapore for elementary, but my next two were brought to tears by it. Those same two really liked Teaching Textbooks but my firstborn HATED how they over-explained and repeated things. So, there likely isn't a perfect curriculum for every family (or even every child in the SAME family for crying out loud.) (That is my disclaimer). Some of the favorites for us, some of our friends don't like at all. That's okay..we're all different.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Thankfully, with all this experience under my belt, I now know which curriculum is best for which type of math student...and can better choose for each of my children based on past experience with siblings who have similar personalities and math abilities. For that reason alone, I encourage everyone to have a half dozen more kids or so cause homeschooling really does get easier then. =) You don't want to have to quit when you have finally figured it all out. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I'll address elementary first. Pretty much any curriculum can work for kindergarten and 1st grade. Even the companies that include "Drill and Kill" (a term where they kill their students by a ridiculous amount of problems on a page until they despise math)...don't typically overwhelm the 5 and 6 yr olds.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But whoa buddy....if you survive to 2nd or 3rd grade, some of those workbooks should come with a few boxes of Kleenex. Enter diagram A:</span><br />
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Can you even imagine being an 8 yr old boy who just wants to be outside and being given a page (or TWO!!!) of this stuff????? They either get it or they don't. 20 problems is not better than 5, seriously...maybe over the course of the week but in one sitting. Just shoot the kid now and put him out of his misery!!! This is what I found in curriculum like Abeka and Horizons. For some reason, everyone just thinks Abeka is the best. There are some books worth using in Abeka....I'm not denying that, but if that is all you use for everything....you and the kids will soon hate homeschooling. It's like school at home, and well, stressful! <br />
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There are other options for the little people to help them (and you) enjoy school more. Using LEGO's, math around the house, online math games and if you want a curriculum, I REALLY like <a href="http://www.stanleyschmidt.com/FredGauss/31samplepages.html" target="_blank">Life of Fred</a> When I use this for my 8 yr old, he is so happy! After attempting an Abeka 3 math book last year and seeing the drill and kill, he asked me for something else. We switched to Life of Fred and he thanked me every day for a week! Because we were zooming through the books so quickly last year, I'm adding a new workbook to use along with Fred to slow us to a normal speed and solidify some concepts. I will be using <a href="https://www.christianbook.com/lessons-education-level-2-grade-2/angela-odell/9780890519240/pd/519242?product_redirect=1&Ntt=519242&item_code=WW&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP" target="_blank">Math Lessons for a Living Education book 2</a> for my 6 year old and<a href="https://www.christianbook.com/lessons-education-level-4-grade-4/angela-odell/9780890519264/pd/519265?event=CFCER1" target="_blank"> book 4</a> for my 8 year old. I will also be doing a few lessons per week with them in Life of Fred because it's just so stinking fun and we all love Fred. (Here he is now...)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZxIVYWFVAbpsxP8fJYK4g6hBnL_2HFAHz6wH0sSxvY9FiI8qICt90KtXkc5K6jAz7AWOVHLWkNp3mFNtuWtfYsEDSzwcLrl2P5YRpcSlwIEqrqJGmNXLtwWS2rijZXVixmZZ2BPU2STSp/s1600/Fred.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="511" data-original-width="637" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZxIVYWFVAbpsxP8fJYK4g6hBnL_2HFAHz6wH0sSxvY9FiI8qICt90KtXkc5K6jAz7AWOVHLWkNp3mFNtuWtfYsEDSzwcLrl2P5YRpcSlwIEqrqJGmNXLtwWS2rijZXVixmZZ2BPU2STSp/s320/Fred.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Okay....my next student is going into 6th grade....LOVES and thrives with Fred and will be doing <a href="https://www.christianbook.com/life-of-fred-decimals-and-percents/stanley-schmidt/9780979107207/pd/9107207?event=ESRCG#customer_reviews" target="_blank">Decimals and Percents</a> this year along with <a href="http://www.stanleyschmidt.com/FredGauss/sample%20pages%20ZDP.pdf" target="_blank">Zillions of Practice Problems</a>. She will probably finish early and will head on into <a href="https://www.christianbook.com/life-fred-pre-algebra-with-physics/stanley-schmidt/9781937032227/pd/703227?event=ESRCG" target="_blank">Pre Algebra 0 with Physics </a>which is Fred's 1st of 3 Pre Algebra books.<br />
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My next daughter is going into 8th grade and does not think math is the greatest subject in the world. (scratching my head). She is learning Mandarin Chinese but the Fractions book was complicated. Okay then. So she will be stopping her Life of Fred career as it was not a good fit her for, and using <a href="https://www.christianbook.com/teaching-textbooks-pre-algebra-rom-version/pd/880218?product_redirect=1&Ntt=880218&item_code=WW&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP" target="_blank">Teaching Textbooks Pre-Algebra. </a> Because she has a similar math interest and ability as a few older siblings, I know this is the perfect fit for her. She will stick with Teaching Textbooks throughout high school as well. <br />
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The next in the lineup is going into 9th grade. He just finished <a href="https://www.christianbook.com/life-fred-beginning-algebra-expanded-edition/stanley-schmidt/9781937032111/pd/032114?event=ESRCG" target="_blank">Life of Fred Beginning Algebra</a> and he liked it but it was a challenge for him. This year he will be using Teaching Textbooks Algebra 2 instead as he can use a little more explaining. <br />
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My oldest still in home school is going to be a senior. She will likely take a dual enrollment math course this year in College Algebra or College Math. I'll let her choose cause she is working on a degree in English.....and she just wants to write ALL.DAY.LONG. (and she has fulfilled all her math courses required for high school...but she wants to take more).<br />
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Let me give some closing thoughts on using Life of Fred in High School. In my opinion, Life of Fred high school courses are more advanced than pretty much anything on the market. He doesn't just teach you how to solve an equation, he wants you to know HOW and WHY you do that and THEN solve it. Since the elementary series seems light and to some people "not very meaty" because it lacks "Drill and Kill" and it's "not the way math is done" they also (falsely) assume that Fred must not be enough for high school. That is just not true. One of my students who used Fred all through high school (and only Fred) scored a 35 on the math ACT portion (out of 36). And was able to pass the College Algebra and College Math CLEPS....with near perfect scores. So nobody can tell me that Fred is "not enough." I think for some it is "too much" because non math kids sometimes struggle with the challenge of Fred. <a href="http://www.stanleyschmidt.com/FredGauss/21%20Questions/1030%20Do%20I%20need%20to%20supplement.html" target="_blank">It has more math in their books than Saxon and other heavyweights...that you can read about here.</a> If you have a child that wants to go into Engineering or a STEM field, then Fred is what you want them to take!!!! If you have a kid that just struggles with math and doesn't have the interest or desire to dig in and figure out the WHY of math, then I'd probably steer you to Teaching Textbooks. (We have both kinds of kids in our family....they are not smarter or dumber just different and that is totally okay! Those same kids excel in other subjects that math nerds can't stand!) <br />
So that is my (not so brief) explanation of why we do what we do when it comes to math curriculum. Mistihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16941306754492036772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1330662373217917827.post-50521490637436238162016-07-07T11:48:00.000-05:002016-07-07T13:00:12.746-05:00Homeschool Curriculum: What We're using this year for Kindergarten and 2nd grade<br />
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I get asked a lot, especially my new homeschoolers, "What curriculum should I use?" That is one of the hardest questions that I receive because the answer depends on so many factors, and there is not a one-size-fits-all curriculum that is best for every family. I almost always strongly discourage new homeschoolers from using an all- in-one curriculum like Abeka...because it is, frankly, overwhelming, boring, and too time-consuming. The goal is not to re-create school at home by using dry textbooks, but to use our freedom to teach our kids using real life experiences, real books and hands-on fun! If you or your child dreads getting out all the workbooks and textbooks, then something needs to change. If your 6 yr old little boy, who needs to be running and playing; exploring and creating sits at a desk for 4 hours in tears...then you're doing it wrong. <br />
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I'm not saying using abeka is bad (I use a few abeka books myself in the younger grades)...but enjoy the freedom of making school fun. Kids learn SO MUCH MORE when they enjoy school. That said, there will always be a need for some workbooks...and there will probably always be some subjects that your child just doesn't look forward to----and that's okay. But if there is an option to make it fun, or shorter, or less tiresome, then make a change even if it's mid-school year. <br />
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With that introduction....I'll share what I'm using for school this year with my two, little, energetic, "oh look a chicken" short attention span little boys....who do not have ADD despite the fact that they and every other 5 and 7 yr old little boy could easily be labelled such if they fail to enjoy sitting at a desk all day. =) <br />
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They started back to school this week, so we are 3 days into it. They already had 2 months off, and it's way too hot to do much else...so I'm starting early with these little fellas cause 1--their school doesn't take all day (we break it up) 2--it's too hot outside to do much for a good chunk of mid-day 3--we're moving in a few months and I want to get ahead so I can take a few weeks off of their school.<br />
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The most exciting new find that I've never used before and we are already loving..and they both remind me every day already to do science because they think it's fun....is <a href="http://www.scienceshepherd.com/introscience/" target="_blank">Science Shepherd Introductory Science.</a> You buy a workbook for each child....Level A or B. I recommend B for all kids...with help it's even good for my 5 yr old. You also buy a 1 year access subscription to their video lessons. (5 lessons a week for 35 weeks). $35. Each lesson is short 2-3 minutes. I love that there are Bible verses each week that we will memorize. I love that so far, they are focusing on Creationism, setting the foundation that God cannot lie...that the Bible can be trusted...that Evolution cannot be true. We are memorizing Genesis 1:1. They even have an activity or two each week. Yesterday after learning how God created the world, they had to create their favorite animal out of clay and tell us why it's their favorite. I'm excited about science this year for the little boys.<br />
The curriculum is for 6-11 yr olds. I think for the older range, would add more to it like real books and maybe some documentary videos from Amazon prime or Netflix, but for my 2 little guys, this is perfect!!<br />
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For History, I'm using a combination of curriculum I'm piecing together to keep things fun.<br />
I'll be using <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/american-heritage-fourth-edition-grade-3/pd/204728?event=ESRCG" target="_blank">Abeka's 3rd Grade US history</a> text as spine along with <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/history-for-little-pilgrims-grade-1/9781930092846/pd/79900?product_redirect=1&Ntt=79900&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP" target="_blank">History for Little Pilgrims</a>. I will also add in some <a href="http://www.nestlearning.com/historical-biographies_c1733.aspx" target="_blank">NEST videos from their history collection</a> as well as coloring pages for each American we are studying. (We are currently on Columbus). We will also be reading a lot of real books outloud about each person from our library shelves....and doing some fun activities as well. Young kids also enjoy memorizing, so we will work on the States and Presidents as well. <br />
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For Bible, we will be simply reading some of the Bible Stories from a kids' Bible we have that I've used before...along with Bible memory from our Science Curriculum. <br />
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For Math, we will be using a workbook. <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/arithmetic-3-work-text/pd/204515?event=ESRCG" target="_blank">Abeka math 1 and 3</a>. (They are both a year ahead in math). My preference would be <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/easy_find?Ntt=life+of+fred+elementary&N=0&Ntk=keywords&action=Search&Ne=0&event=ESRCG&nav_search=1&cms=1" target="_blank">Life of Fred Elementary</a>, but with all the other kids I"m also schooling and a move planned this year, I'm choosing to use a workbook to keep us on task so older kids can help them if I'm tied up. <br />
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Handwriting they will each do 3 times per week using Handwriting without Tears. <br />
<a href="http://www.christianbook.com/student-workbook-grade-k-updated-edition/9781934825563/pd/882263?event=ESRCQ" target="_blank">Ransom is using this one.</a> <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/printing-power-plus/9781934825822/pd/825777?event=ESRCQ" target="_blank">Gil is using this one. </a><br />
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For Language Arts, it is a mix of them each reading out loud to me (well, Gilead is reading independently for the most part so he will read to himself more this year). I like to use real books in their reading so they don't die of boredom..so books like Boxcar Children are good ones to start with(once they are independent readers). I like <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/easy_find?Ntt=bob+books&N=0&Ntk=keywords&action=Search&Ne=0&event=ESRCQ&nav_search=1&cms=1" target="_blank">Bob Books</a> for new readers. Then ask them to tell me about it to make sure they are comprehending.<br />
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Gilead will use a combination of these books that I've been happy with and used with success with his older siblings.<br />
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<a href="http://www.christianbook.com/explode-the-code-book-6/9780838878064/pd/878064?event=ESRCG" target="_blank">Explode the Code books 6-8 this year</a> (I've used this series since Aslan for phonics and it's great!!)<br />
<a href="http://www.christianbook.com/language-2-seatwork-text-third-edition/pd/195656?event=ESRCG" target="_blank">Abeka Language 2</a> (1 page per day--simple, and covers basics in a few minutes)<br />
<a href="http://www.christianbook.com/english-the-thoughtful-child-volume-one/mary-hyde/9781882514076/pd/514076?product_redirect=1&Ntt=514076&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP" target="_blank">English for the Thoughtful Child book 1</a> (I love this Charlotte Mason approach to Language Arts..it's gentle)<br />
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And for Ransom:<br />
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<a href="http://www.christianbook.com/explode-the-code-book-2/9780838878026/pd/878027?event=ESRCG" target="_blank">Explode the Code books 2-3</a><br />
(along with reading out loud to me)<br />
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Ransom, being in Kindergarten this year, will spend about 2 hours a day on school....broken up into small chunks. That includes all the history, science and Bible with Gilead, and working on his other books with me and reading out loud. You have to trust me that a 5 yr old boy doesn't need more than that. He's been doing school since he was 3 off and on as we had time. He is already reading short vowel readers and 1/4 of the way into 1st grade math. <br />
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Gilead is in 2nd grade this year, and like Ransom, his school will be broken up with lots of breaks and outdoor time. I expect all his school will take 2-3 hours a day. He is 7 with a very short attention span. Yet with short, fun school days, he is already reading at a 3-4th grade level and doing 3rd grade math. <br />
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That said, all of our life is school here, so in the kitchen, at the store, outside, working with Daddy or brothers is all teaching moments. =) <br />
<br />Mistihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16941306754492036772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1330662373217917827.post-48346651734710249882016-04-18T01:00:00.000-05:002016-04-18T01:00:11.111-05:00Cover Release for The Mystery of the Midnight Trespasser!!!Hosanna first published this book last year. Since then, in her pursuit of becoming a better and better author, she has learned so much. She has re-drafted and edited the book and also sought help in designing a more eye-catching cover. So, we are happy to announce today as the official COVER RELEASE day!!!! The book's 2nd edition will be officially published and available for release on April 26th!!!!!! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdv4fNpwEBE3YmHJ7z8i11DYhFMH5_EHjyR2zyKSkPCovd7b1efT3saLFpEqeU2ftClxGZDSLAi_nfhAxbY_aVxFAE2kadHkCza_nrUQ6idoIKm79OMJa9cbN7mM_s_Mh2qV0gyjSe9tM/s1600/The+Mystery+of+the+Midnight+Trespasser+front+cover.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdv4fNpwEBE3YmHJ7z8i11DYhFMH5_EHjyR2zyKSkPCovd7b1efT3saLFpEqeU2ftClxGZDSLAi_nfhAxbY_aVxFAE2kadHkCza_nrUQ6idoIKm79OMJa9cbN7mM_s_Mh2qV0gyjSe9tM/s640/The+Mystery+of+the+Midnight+Trespasser+front+cover.jpg" /></a> <br />
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<b>About the Book: </b><br />
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<i>"Rosy growled, and I knew she was pacing the porch. I sensed her uneasiness. Something was wrong. Rosy never barked at cars; why would she choose this one?" </i><br />
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13 year-old Emily Kessler believes in God, but when she discovers someone trespassing in the middle of the night, can she learn to trust in Him completely? Will she have the courage to solve the mystery with her friends? And when everything falls apart, will Emily be able to keep those she loves safe? <br />
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<b>Release Date: </b><br />
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The Mystery of the Midnight Trespasser will be released on April 26, 2016<br />
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<b>About the Author:</b><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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Hosanna Emily wrote her first novel at age fourteen. She is a homeschooled, independent author who is the oldest daughter in a family of eleven. She enjoys exploring the sparkling creek by her home in rural Kentucky, reading, drawing, learning American Sign Language, and spending time with her family and with her Creator.<br />
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To learn more, visit her blog at:<br />
<a href="http://havingaheartlikehis.blogspot.com/">HavingaHeartLikeHis.blogspot.com</a><b><i><br /></i> </b>Mistihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16941306754492036772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1330662373217917827.post-45353908200318058052016-02-23T17:46:00.000-06:002016-02-23T17:46:21.555-06:00On "Super Confessors" and Super Religion...and How they Lead only to Death....I recently saw an article about <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2016/02/12/europe/pope-francis-super-confessors/index.html" target="_blank">Pope Francis recently nominating 1,000 "Super Confessors" in the Roman Catholic Church. </a> The article basically says that these "missionaries of mercy" were "created" by the Pope to forgive very serious sins that typically only the Pope or high church officials can forgive. And, "thanks to their SPECIAL POWERS, they can also absolve fellow priests from serious transgressions." This is heresy.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic4-C7-7egolHVFL4_wUbbh-tIRD8kGaL4fo_sSaCuj6o_3ipfC7YoiP7eKJCFWXjH8de7fQdxdZjZZWj1CCmKeozrbnl-8xGaRf6En2ZW0WyaKeY7hmnWN2LXCbfgaUHkhK2Zv6svZiak/s1600/333px-Pope_Francis_in_March_2013_%2528cropped%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic4-C7-7egolHVFL4_wUbbh-tIRD8kGaL4fo_sSaCuj6o_3ipfC7YoiP7eKJCFWXjH8de7fQdxdZjZZWj1CCmKeozrbnl-8xGaRf6En2ZW0WyaKeY7hmnWN2LXCbfgaUHkhK2Zv6svZiak/s200/333px-Pope_Francis_in_March_2013_%2528cropped%2529.jpg" width="137" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">By Casa Rosada (Argentina Presidency of the Nation), CC BY-SA 2.0,<br /> https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=25183515</td></tr>
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As a "non-Catholic" I have seen over the years in the news so many instances of the Catholic Church changing long-held beliefs. Beliefs that have been in place for thousands of years. Changes in doctrine, the way they handle mass, and "giving in" to make themselves culturally relevant. It seems to have started in the 1960's with the 2nd Vatican Council and only gotten worse. <br />
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This particular event, however, is so obviously contrary to Scripture that I had to comment. I have always wondered why a Catholic was required to "confess" to a priest in the first place. <br />
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<br /><br /><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Timothy+2%3A5&version=NKJV">1 Timothy 2:5</a> <br /><br />"For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus,"<div>
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That clearly says that there is ONE mediator that goes between God and man--JESUS! Not 1,000+</div>
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Along with the changes since the 1960's, <a href="http://www.bible.ca/cath-overview-false-teaching.htm" target="_blank">there are dozens of Catholic teachings that just flat-out contradict Scripture. </a> </div>
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Lest I be accused of just "Catholic-bashing," sadly, Evangelical Christianity has not fared much better in the last century. I've heard it said that the modern Christian church is just ONE generation behind culture in what it deems morally "okay." I don't think you need examples to know that this is true. American Christianity is no longer Biblical Christianity. The common factor and failure in both of these situations (Catholicism and American Christianity), is that it is based on religion and following rules and not relationship. Whether it's Rosary beads and Hail Mary's or saying a "sinner's prayer" and showing up for church with no change in your sinning.....religion leads only to hell. The Bible says that "all your righteousness (works) are as filthy rags." </div>
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How then can we be saved?</div>
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<ul>
<li>Acknowledge you are a sinner <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+3%3A23&version=NKJV" target="_blank">(Romans 3:23)</a></li>
<li>Realize that the payment for sin is eternal death (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+6%3A23&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Romans 6:23</a>)</li>
<li>Know that heaven is "perfect" and to go there we must be too (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+21%3A27&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Revelation 21:27</a>)</li>
<li>But, we cannot earn our way there by being "Catholic enough" or "Christian enough" (<a href="https://www.blogger.com/Ephesians%202:8-9" target="_blank">Ephesians 2:8-9</a>)</li>
<li>Good News! Jesus paid the penalty of your sins! Because of Him you are declared "Not Guilty!!" (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+5%3A21&version=NKJV" target="_blank">2 Corinthians 5:21</a>)</li>
<li>All you need to do or CAN do is trust in Him (nothing else works!) <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=%28John+3%3A16+&version=NKJV" target="_blank">(John 3:16 </a> <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+1%3A12&version=NKJV" target="_blank">John 1:12</a>)</li>
<li>You can KNOW you have eternal life (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+5%3A13&version=NKJV" target="_blank">1 John 5:13)</a></li>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Retrieved from: <br /> http://www.justtflow.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Cross-Easter.jpg</td></tr>
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Basically, when you truly realize the seriousness of your sin to a Holy God....and realize you are DOOMED to eternal punishment....that is BAD NEWS. Then, Jesus comes and says, "I've paid the price for her sins....she is FREE!" If you truly GET THAT......how can you not jump for joy and give everything to serve this Savior of yours? You WANT to serve Him/love Him/tell others what He has delivered you from! You start to hate what God hates (your sin!!!) and along with salvation is repentance (which means to turn your back on your sin and STOP SINNING). "Cleaning up your life" doesn't save you, though.....but Because you are saved you WANT to live right to please your King! That is so different!!!! So, if you have been stuck in a life of religious "do's and don'ts" and rituals and trusting in your religion...just stop...it is doing nothing for you!!! Trust in a God that loves you and wants to be in relationship with you......you will never find joy and freedom until your life is in His hands and you are free from the burden of religion. </div>
Mistihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16941306754492036772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1330662373217917827.post-47690621854420732042016-02-20T10:32:00.002-06:002016-02-20T10:32:55.186-06:00No, We Don't Want a Positive Role Model for President...thanks for asking!Earlier this week, <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/politics/interactive/2016/02/18/fox-news-poll-national-presidential-race-february-18-2016/" target="_blank">Fox News conducted a poll</a> of Americans about the current Presidential race. One thing really stuck out to me in cruising through the results....Americans don't care about our future President as a role model. I'm not just saying that because of my opinion. It is here in black and white.<br />
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In question #7, when asked who they would like to see as the Republican nominee, the results were as follows:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Trump 36%</li>
<li>Cruz 19%</li>
<li>Rubio 15%</li>
<li>Carson 9%</li>
<li>Bush 9%</li>
<li>Kasich 8%</li>
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Scroll down further in the poll to question #27..."Which Republican Presidential candidate do you think is the BEST role model for children today?" And the results were...<br />
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<li>Carson 26%</li>
<li>Trump 18%</li>
<li>Rubio 17%</li>
<li>Cruz 12%</li>
<li>Bush 11%</li>
<li>Kasich 11%</li>
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I think it is interesting that over 1/4 of voters admit that Carson is the best role model for their children, yet only 9% of them will even consider voting for him. I know people will argue that he doesn't have the political experience, or the "oomph" to run the White House....yet look at the presidents...current and many prior who HAD the experience and how that turned out. Look at Clinton who was a moral disaster....and essentially did nothing for our country. The current president who has experience, yet is trying to unconstitutionally make decisions without Congress and act as king. <br />
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Our kids NEED good role models more than they need a narcissistic man running the show. It seems to me that a good role model with good morals would make a heck of a better president that one that calls people names...or lies....or has been found to be sending emails illegally and needs to be in jail....or one who wants to turn American Socialist. <br />
<br />But Americans don't. They don't care about morals, or killing babies....they just want what they want. Their god is themselves....and so they look to Presidents who also have themselves as their god. Morals matter....role models matter....I wish Americans would realize that........Mistihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16941306754492036772noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1330662373217917827.post-68300351830577463332016-02-09T17:24:00.000-06:002016-02-10T09:21:39.421-06:00Homeschool Review: LANDRY ACADEMY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There are so many homeschool resources out there that it will make your head spin. Over the last 17 years of homeschooling I have tried and used such a variety of curriculum. I have loved some, hated some. Switched some simply cause I had used it so long that I, as the teacher needed a change. I had curriculum that worked PERFECTLY for one child, and was a total flop for the next. That is the beauty of homeschooling! We are not stuck with just one canned curriculum that must fit all 9 of my kids!!!<br />
This year we tried a new approach for a few of our subjects, and it has been a WINNER! 4 of my kids are each taking a class from <a href="http://www.landryacademy.com/" target="_blank">Landry Academy</a>. Landry is an online tool where we can choose from 457 classes---yes that is not a typo, they truly offer the homeschool community that many options! From Chinese and Arabic, to Computer Programming. From American Sign Language to Fiddle. From Art, Photography, Medicine to Architecture and Welding...that have pretty much covered it all!!!<br />
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On top of their hundreds of classes, they also offer week and month long classes in all sorts of topics. My 13 year old will be attending a week long camp in Filmmaking this summer and could not be more excited as he loves to make short films!!! <br />
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They also offer "2 day Intensives" where you can do all the science labs for an entire school year in TWO days and they offer these all over the country. (We have participated in 3 of these so far and were very impressed).<br />
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My children are currently taking the following classes this year through Landry:<br />
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<li>American Sign Language 1 (Hosanna)</li>
<li>Filmmaking 1 and 2 (Josiah)</li>
<li>Animal Care Science (Jubilee)</li>
<li>World History from a Christian Perspective (Praise)</li>
</ul>
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My daughter will take a class this summer in "Conversational ASL."<br />
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And next year, I have already signed up my kids for:<br />
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<ul>
<li>American Sign Language 2 (Hosanna)</li>
<li>Screenwriting (Josiah)</li>
<li>Film Producing and Directing (Josiah)</li>
<li>Biology (Josiah)</li>
<li>Writing Ropes (essays) Jubilee</li>
<li>Pre-biology (Jubilee)</li>
<li>Exploring Creation Science (Praise)</li>
<li>Trip Around the World (a 6-language adventure) (Praise)</li>
</ul>
On top of THOSE...they also have fun Community Groups. These groups meet 2-4 times per month and are just for fun (No grades). They allow you to meet with students with similar interests under a Christian teacher that specializes in that area.<br />
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My kids are currently involved in 3 Community Groups. Hosanna is in "Reservation for Two" which is for 13-18 yr old girls to encourage each other in their relationship with God and growing in character. This meets weekly and it is her favorite hour of the week!<br />
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Josiah is in "Performing and Visual Arts" group that meets every other week as well as a "Photography" Community group that meets every other week. He loves both of these groups for learning more about filming and photography and connecting with other kids that shares his passions and teachers that do as well.<br />
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There is too much to say about Landry. Let me just say that we got into it by buying class sessions a year ago. We were able to buy "generic" classes a year ago for around $60/semester class. The key is that we couldn't use them til a year later. Well, we waited and we are impressed. So impressed that I bought more generics so we can use them for next year. If you look at their website, the prices regularly are $390 per semester class....but if you sign up for their email specials, and are willing to buy a year ahead of time, You'll be glad you did!!! You can enjoy all these classes for just a fraction of their regular prices so don't let their catalog deter you. Also, the community groups are a great price regularly already. ($97 per year!!) So worth it in my opinion. So if you are a homechooler....so check out <a href="http://www.landryacademy.com/" target="_blank">their website</a>!!!!!Mistihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16941306754492036772noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1330662373217917827.post-56774132637748130462016-01-27T17:01:00.000-06:002016-01-27T17:02:00.296-06:00Eating the Fruit of the Spirit?<div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo By en:User:Daderot. - First uploaded to en:wiki on 5 Apr 2005.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, this post is a bit off the wall. I woke up last night at 3:31am, and I felt like I should pray for one of my dear friends. While praying for her, a thought struck me that I had never thought of before. Because of Christ in me, the fruit of the Spirit of God also fills me...so because of this position in Christ I can live my life FULL of <span style="line-height: 22px;"><b>:</b></span></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">love, joy, peace, long-suffering (patience), kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So the Bible says that if we are Christ-followers, we WILL bear fruit. (evidence in our life that Christ has become our Lord.) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">"Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them." --Matthew 7:17-20</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Those who are Christ-followers have fruit. But fruit is not meant to just hang on trees. That's when it hit me! Can someone really EAT the Fruit of the Spirit? So I ran to Google (later in the morning after I woke up again) and typed in : "can you eat the fruit of the spirit" and would you believe...Google had NO idea!!!!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So I thought about it!!! WE are called to represent Christ to the world! What does the world who doesn't know Christ NEED? Do they need LOVE? Uh yeah! How about JOY? Yup! PEACE? Definitely!!! PATIENCE? Yep! KINDNESS, GOODNESS, FAITHFULNESS, GENTLENESS, SELF-CONTROL? YES, Yes, Yes, Yes Yes!!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Where can those who don't have those fruit FIND it? Well, since they are found in CHRIST alone, you can reason to say that Christ-followers should exhibit these fruit MOST in their lives in our culture!!! (Not cause we're so amazing (quite the contrary!) but only because Christ who lives IN us shows His nature THROUGH our lives..it's nothing we do but all about what HE does!!!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, if you've got fruit...don't let it ROT on your tree....I don't believe that God gives us fruit to rot or to eat just ourselves but to share it to a needy and dying world who NEEDS these very FRUITS in their lives too! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It says in Psalm 34:8, </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">"Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him." We are Christ to this world. Let the world "taste and see" our fruit that God has given us so they can know of His goodness!!! <br /><br />So...go on....let your fruit be shared with this lost and dying world. They have no hope without Jesus...and the world NEEDS this fruit!!!</span></div>
Mistihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16941306754492036772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1330662373217917827.post-80953275021763987772016-01-21T11:39:00.002-06:002023-01-24T12:22:55.654-06:00ADD is just another way to spell BOYS!!!<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I recently read this article entitled <a href="http://lauragraceweldon.com/2012/01/02/school-add-isnt-homeschool-add/" target="_blank">School ADD Isn’t Homeschool ADD</a> . I loved the article and wanted to share it and comment on it for other parents who find themselves a parent to.....a BOY!!! </span><br />
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I've talked to 2 moms lately who have "ADD Kids" are are frustrated. Please read this article. From experience with my 5 sons, let me just say that almost all boys fit the description of "ADD." Even my oldest son, who was reading at 3, fit the description we read in a medical journal when he was a preschooler. We just laughed because the article was describing, well, BOYS! We are thankful we homeschooled our house full of boys (and girls), because a little boy is just not meant to sit at a desk all day long. They need to be jumping and wiggling and dancing and making noise. That doesn't work in a classroom. <br /> My 2nd son just wasn't catching on to reading at 5. The more I made him sit still, the more he got frustrated with sounding out 3 letter words. I finally caught on and let him do his phonics by jumping off the couch onto a huge bean bag every time he got a word right. Within the week he was reading his little Bob Books!!!! He learns best with noise and music still at 18. My 2 oldest "ADD kids" scored 35 and 31 on their ACT tests. I hate to think what label or medication they might have been put on in a different environment. Set the little boys free from desks!!!!! </span>Mistihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16941306754492036772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1330662373217917827.post-53698601866764753482016-01-17T07:00:00.000-06:002016-01-17T07:00:00.196-06:00How do you Deal with Complaining at your House?<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I was asked this week by a friend how we deal with complaining at our house. I thought I'd share it here because this seems to be a universal issue that we deal with. By "we" I don't just mean the children---we all, by nature, are prone to complain. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">By blogging about this topic, I'm not saying that you will never hear a complaint coming from one of our mouths or that we've mastered it....but we have studied and hit this topic pretty hard as a family from a Biblical perspective and that has really helped. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />While there are a number of Bible passages that fit, my favorite passage for dealing with complaining is Philippians 2:14-16</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="text Phil-2-14" id="en-NKJV-29406" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">14 </span>Do all things without complaining and disputing, </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"></span><span class="text Phil-2-15" id="en-NKJV-29407" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">15 </span>that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"></span><span class="text Phil-2-16" id="en-NKJV-29408" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">16 </span>holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.</span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now let's tear this apart. First of all, 14 is a command. "Do ALLLLLLLL things without complaining. That means ALL. EVERYTHING. ALL THINGS. Okay we got that right? <br />So to complain about ANYTHING is----not right! Period. A Christian should not complain. (Let me say that the next word "disputing" comes in VERY handy in a family as well. Along with NEVER complaining...we can add NEVER arguing about things. But I'll save that for another post). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Okay.....so we've established that a Christian should never complain. (I know this sounds hard, but trust me, with practice it DOES get so much easier and you'll find yourself when you DO complain feeling convicted and doing it less and less) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The cool thing is the next 2 verses. God doesn't just tell us "Don't do THAT!" But then explains WHY!!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />Check this out...we should not complain because-------it helps us to be blameless children of God...in a messed up culture that is full of sin and complaining about everything. "Among whom we shine like lights in the world...holding fast the word of life so that I may rejoice that I have not run in vain." (paraphrased)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This is one defining feature of us in our world. People will notice that we are different by our attitude. Are we known for our thanksgiving or our whining and complaining??? The world will take note----trust me!!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Some ways we can complain:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ugh, it's Monday</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I just need some ME time</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The kids are driving me crazy</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The kids are too noisy</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The kids are too messy</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The kids complain too much</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The kids_____________</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The husband never __________</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This food is cold</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This food it hot</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This food is ___________</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I hate cooking</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I can't stand _________</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The lines at Wal Mart are so long</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This is supposed to be FAST food</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I get so ticked when _________</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">You know, I can seriously make this list a mile long, but you get the point. Let me just say that you can share these verses with your kids...but it will do ABSOLUTELY NO GOOD if they don't see Mom and Dad modeling this all during the day. Complainers raise complainers...so if there is a problem...ask God to start with you!!!!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">When they see Mom and Dad leading more thankful, less grumbling lives, it will help them to learn to have a life of gratefulness as well. Just like we have rules not to hit siblings, yell at family members, roll their eyes etc...this is a very good rule to add as a family. "No complaining!" </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">You'll be glad you tackled this. It is not a childhood problem as my Facebook news feed can attest to. Instead of raising ungrateful, sour adults they will grow up and do what Philippians 2 says "Shine like lights in the world holding fast the word of life." </span>Mistihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16941306754492036772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1330662373217917827.post-31588520372706396862016-01-15T06:00:00.000-06:002016-01-15T06:00:12.123-06:00Treating Sore Throats at Home (Pharyngitis) <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Because in my previous life, I worked as a PA (Physician Assistant) for many years, I am always interested in learning more about the human body. I think I have a nice position....being married to a doctor and myself trained in American medicine, yet able to acknowledge that sometimes American medicine makes things worse or has financial bias.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> I've spent years researching different things like vaccinations, herbal medicines, homeopathy, natural treatments, pathology (what is the cause of disease), diets, healthy eating and living etc. I am by no means an expert on any of them, but I am able to think rationally about each side with an open mind. There is definite value in understanding each side....the benefits vs risks...and when to apply conventional medicine and when to apply "natural" medicine.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I get frustrated often with Facebook posts by (usually) women who have soapboxes and little to no knowledge of the human body. They basically think anything from the medical field is evil and bad for them, while anything "natural" is totally safe and healthy. I have seen people recommend herbs or oils that have clearly been shown to be dangerous in pregnancy, nursing and early childhood to those people. I have seen people try to talk others out of seeking medical care for something that genuinely can be dangerous if not treated. I'm not advocating either side...there is benefits in both in my opinion, and a severe lack of wisdom to bash either side as well. I implore, you young mothers especially, to use wisdom in your research and in your "advice" to other gullible friends. Despite what you think, there is a lot you don't know or understand. Please approach your research humbly and open to both sides. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">With that aside, I wanted to address some topics in my blog that I get asked questions of often. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I will start with sore throats. The medical word for sore throat is "Pharyngitis." "Itis" means inflammation and "Pharyng" refers to the pharynx or the medical word for throat. So basically....any inflammation of the throat. A sore throat can be caused my many things. Viruses, bacteria, and post nasal drip are the most common. Other more uncommon causes are reflux from the stomach, trauma or tumors.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Over 80% of all sore throats are caused by viruses. They do not require any medical care and can be safely treated at home. Antibiotics to not help at all and in some cases make it worse. (like Mono).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Post nasal drip from allergies are another major cause of sore throats. The drainage from the sinuses irritates the back of the throat making it sore or inflamed. That is best treated with an allergy medicine like Zyrtec or Claritin. Often regularly consuming raw honey helps as well. Since our allergies are often from air born pollens and such, local honey (where the bees have taken local pollen to make honey) actually works by desensitizing us to the local allergens with time. You can tell it's from post nasal drip if you see 2 faint pink or red lines straight down the back of your throat. (From all the drainage) (Sometimes you won't have this but if you do see it, it's a good clue).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Strep throat is the worst cause of pharyngitis because it actually NEEDS antibiotics. While strep is not very common in adults (though it happens) it is much more common in childhood. (as a side note, it is also not super common in infancy, though should not be completely ruled out either). Roughly 30-40% of sore throats in children is caused by strep. (keeping in mind that 60-70% is NOT strep). The problem with strep is that if untreated, there is the possibility of it going into the kidneys to cause severe damage (glomerulonephritis), or into the heart and causing rheumatic heart disease usually requiring a new heart valve. (Chris and I have both seen patients with this....it happens more than you think!) Typically a course of antibiotics will take care of the strep and prevent damage to the heart or kidneys. We, as a family, are very anti---antibiotics. We rarely if ever give them to our kids. Strep is the one thing that we don't mess around with. Fortunately, with 9 kids in 20 years, we've only ever had one kids with strep once!!! Please don't take a chance with strep.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Strep can often be diagnosed simply by looking in the throat. You will typically see white coating or spots on the tonsils, large lymph nodes under the jaw line and almost always a fever. Typically, strep throat hurts excruciatingly...even to just swallow your own spit. One virus that mimics strep is mononucleosis. That is a virus, but it can make white patches on the throat as well. If you take antibiotics while you have mono, you will often get a pretty bad rash from it, so make sure it's truly strep or ask a doctor.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I want to mention here the scary sounding diagnosis of "Scarlet Fever." It's honestly just strep throat with a rash. It's nothing worse than just plain strep...it just sounds scary. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The rest of the culprits are typically viruses. There are so many different viruses that cause strep, I can't even name them all. Viruses typically make "bumps On the back of the throat. Not the tonsils but the VERY back even behind the uvula. They can give fever but not usually.....and fevers are not usually as high as with strep.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So I'm often asked what to do about sore throats that are caused by viruses. Here are some things that our family uses.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1. Our absolute favorite "magic pill" for sore throats is <a href="http://www.vitacost.com/vitacost-bee-propolis-1000-mg-90-capsules" target="_blank">Bee Propolis</a>. They come in capsules and you can swallow the capsules or for kids open them up and mix the propolis in applesauce or yogurt. I've never read what the "perfect dose" of propolis is...but for older kids and adults we have them take 1 capsule per hour until it feels better. For younger kids I give them 3-4 per day. (I don't give it to kids under 1--just my personal feeling). Propolis is the anti viral and antibiotic found in honey that keeps honey from never going bad. (notice how honey stay fine on the counter for ever? Propolis!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /><br />2. <a href="http://www.vitacost.com/vitacost-sambucus-ultra-concentrated-black-elderberry-extract-syrup-5000-mg-8-fl-oz">Elderberry Syrup</a> You can buy it pre-made or to save money, do what we do and make it yourself. <br /><br />- 1 cup fresh or 1/2 cup dried organic Elderberries <br />- 3 cups water<br /><br />- 1 cup raw local honey<br /><br />- 1 organic Cinnamon stick, 3 organic Cloves, and organic Ginger (optional)<br /><br />Place berries, water, and spices in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 30 minutes. Smash the berries to release remaining juice and strain the mixture. Allow liquid to cool and stir in honey. Will last for 2-3 months stored in the fridge.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />We buy dried elderberries from <a href="http://www.bulkherbstore.com/">The Bulk Herb Store</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />3. High doses of Vitamin C (for us that is about 1,000 per day for smaller kids and 2,000 mg per day for bigger) I've heard of people giving a lot more than that...we just haven't needed to. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />4. Vitamin D We typically give more Vitamin D during illness <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Hope this helps. This is not exhaustive, but it is how our family handles sore throats. </span>Mistihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16941306754492036772noreply@blogger.com0