Who Are the Poor in Spirit?
My other comments on this post can be read on Mike's site. Excellent post. These 'lite' churches are preaching a different gospel, one that is falsely giving people the view they are secure in Christ. Jesus isn't a self-help clinic worker, He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and we must know how lost we are in our sin before we can come to Him in saving faith. Great post by Mike Ratliff.
Parental Attitude and Position
There is a notable difference in parenting from the 'top down' versus coming alongside as a helper to our children. This is one of those things many of us can feel as moms, but we can't put our finger on it. We see a mom gently talking to her children and instructing them in a nurturing way, then we see the mom who is yelling and verbally crushing her children, bossing them mercilessly. There is a difference, right? We might say the first mom is cajoling or not serious about discipline, but then we see obedient children and mutual respect, so we back pedal on that critique. The stern mother is one to complain about her children and their utter lack of obedience, and we want to think she really loves them and that is where the hard line standard comes in to play, yet we never see the gentle soft side.
We all probably feel that we vacillate at times between these extremes, but as kids leave the toddler and very young years, we need to use discretion and wisdom with our approach. It is humbling and quite difficult to view ourselves as nurturing helpers, people there to disciple, love, advise, correct...put an arm around and punish with love when needed but also put an arm around and encourage, encourage, encourage. Too many of us can get caught up in outward malleability while not really touching our kids' hearts. As with many aspects of the infant years, we have to die to ourselves, serve our husbands as our top time and energy priority, and then serve our children second in those areas--serving, in love, not as a tyrant.
If we don't love them, build them up, encourage, correct and guide, who will? How do we want to be talked to? How do we want to be talked about? Put yourself in your child's shoes and make adjustments where needed. Hug your kids and tell them you love them.
We all probably feel that we vacillate at times between these extremes, but as kids leave the toddler and very young years, we need to use discretion and wisdom with our approach. It is humbling and quite difficult to view ourselves as nurturing helpers, people there to disciple, love, advise, correct...put an arm around and punish with love when needed but also put an arm around and encourage, encourage, encourage. Too many of us can get caught up in outward malleability while not really touching our kids' hearts. As with many aspects of the infant years, we have to die to ourselves, serve our husbands as our top time and energy priority, and then serve our children second in those areas--serving, in love, not as a tyrant.
If we don't love them, build them up, encourage, correct and guide, who will? How do we want to be talked to? How do we want to be talked about? Put yourself in your child's shoes and make adjustments where needed. Hug your kids and tell them you love them.
Lemon Water for pH Balancing
http://www.ehow.com/how_8309588_drink-water-balance-ph-levels.html
Is this true? Who knows...one source will say, yes, and the other, no. But if it isn't harmful and you think it could help you drink more, why not?
Wishing you wellness in the coming school yr
Is this true? Who knows...one source will say, yes, and the other, no. But if it isn't harmful and you think it could help you drink more, why not?
Wishing you wellness in the coming school yr
He said, "Daddy! Daddy? Daddy?" And nothing but a face of confusion.
I admire Savannah's continually standing for the truth regarding homosexuality. She is a brave young woman and inspires me to keep being bold.
Humiliation
I hope I never make anyone feel this way.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thesaurus Legend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. |  humiliation - state of disgrace or loss of self-respect
disgrace, ignominy, shame - a state of dishonor; "one mistake brought shame to all his family"; "suffered the ignominy of being sent to prison"
abasement, abjection, degradation - a low or downcast state; "each confession brought her into an attitude of abasement"- H.L.Menchken
|
| 2. |  humiliation - strong feelings of embarrassment
embarrassment - the shame you feel when your inadequacy or guilt is made public
| |
| 3. | humiliation - an instance in which you are caused to lose your prestige or self-respect; "he had to undergo one humiliation after another" | |
| 4. |  humiliation - depriving one of self-esteem
degradation, debasement - changing to a lower state (a less respected state)
comedown - decline to a lower status or level
|
Based on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection. © 2003-2012 Princeton University, Farlex Inc.
Healthy Caramelized Banana-Pumpkin Oatmeal
I wanted to make something low sugar, low gluten, with pumpkin, so did a quick search this morning. With only one student to school today, I've got tons of time on my hands!
I chose a recipe from Annie's Eats and modified it. Her link is at the bottom which uses more traditional ingredients.
This is delicious and could easily work for company, though the banana is a taste that seems more suited to adults. My husband and I devoured this, the kids ate it but weren't in love...not sure how that is, probably the texture of the bananas (heavenly!). The amount of banana doesn't look like it will be enough, but it is. The pumpkin, well, that is a different story. I don't really taste the pumpkin, so think you could add a full cup, reducing another liquid by same amount to accommodate. It does add a subtle, rich undertone in the recipe as written below. If you don't like banana, try apples, peaches or pears. YUM!
Healthy Baked Caramelized Banana-Pumpkin Oatmeal-this can easily be adapted to be completely dairy free, just substitute olive oil or margarine for the butter. If use olive oil, reduce hot water for steel-cut oats by a scant 1/4th cup.
Yield: 10-12 1 cup servings. Pictured below are 4 ramekins with about 1 cup each. The casserole dish shows how much is left after taking this quantity out. (note the place mat made by my daughter!)
Ingredients
1 cup steel-cut oats
6 tbsp. unsalted butter, divided--does not have to be soft
4 cups very hot water
2 medium bananas, sliced into discs
6 tbsp. unsalted butter, divided--does not have to be soft
4 cups very hot water
2 medium bananas, sliced into discs
3 cups old-fashioned oats
¼ cup sorghum, can do scant and fill rest with maple syrup or add 1 tsp maple extract if desire maple flavor
1 tsp. salt
1/4 cup stevia (any cup for cup blend), plus 1 tbsp. stevia blend for bananas 1/4 cup sucanat, plus 1 tbsp. sucanat (for bananas)
¼ cup sorghum, can do scant and fill rest with maple syrup or add 1 tsp maple extract if desire maple flavor
1 tsp. salt
1/4 cup stevia (any cup for cup blend), plus 1 tbsp. stevia blend for bananas 1/4 cup sucanat, plus 1 tbsp. sucanat (for bananas)
2¼ tsp. ground cinnamon, divided
¼ tsp. ground nutmeg
Dash each ground cloves and cardamom
½ cup pumpkin puree
½ cup vanilla rice milk
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Dash each ground cloves and cardamom
½ cup pumpkin puree
½ cup vanilla rice milk
1 tsp. vanilla extract
**If desired, sprinkle 2 tbsp. dark brown sugar and a little maple syrup on top before baking.
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350˚ F. Place the steel-cut oats in a large bowl with 4 tablespoons of the butter. Pour the hot water over the oats and cover the bowl. Let stand for 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, make the caramelized bananas. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bananas, 1 tablespoon Stevia blend, 1 tablespoon sucanat, and ¼ teaspoon of the cinnamon to the pan. Toss gently and cook briefly, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool.
- After the steel-cut oats have finished soaking, stir in the old fashioned oats, ½ cup sucanat , sorghum, salt, remaining 2 teaspoons of cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom and cloves. In a small bowl whisk together the pumpkin, rice milk and vanilla. Stir the pumpkin mixture into the oat mixture.
- Spread the bananas over the bottom of a lightly greased 2 quart baking dish. Pour the oatmeal mixture on top of the bananas. Bake for 40-45 minutes. Let cool in pan with oven door ajar before serving.
Note:
- If you want this crispier and thinner, you can likely use a 9 x 11 baking dish as for a regular baked oatmeal, only you won't have banana to cover the entire bottom. Would be a good size if you only want banana on half. Reduce baking time to 30-35 min and remove when knife comes out nearly clean. It might have to go up to 40 mins.
- For more fiber, add 1/4 cup ground flax seed prior to baking.
When Confirmation Comes
God really does amaze me, in my finite little mind. As I debated so heavily on what to do with school this year (of course still homeschooling), He made it beyond clear that I'm exactly where I should be, doing just what we are doing. I won't go in to the details here, but be encouraged that God may have a plan for you where you are for reasons you cannot imagine. Just as our struggles are sometimes for someone else, so are our 'assignments' with activities. Today I felt like an athlete that had been training for a long, long time, and who thought perhaps the moment to run was never going to happen...and then suddenly, someone walked up to said athlete and handed them the slip to enter a really famous race----POW!, an incredible rush of energy and total fulfillment happened. God doesn't have to hand us opportunities to do what we're longing to do, but out of His unreal love, sometimes He does...and it feels so good to serve Him. It feels so wonderful to be used by Him and to have Him bring Scripture to our mind just when we need it. He's an amazing God.
Rewind
I wonder what my life would look like if there were a rewind button. To think that is not living according to Colossians 3:1-4 and a whole host of other Scriptures, but for a minute I'm still gonna sit here and think about how I'd like a rewind option.
Philippians 3
New American Standard Bible (NASB)
The Goal of Life
3 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things again is no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard for you.
2 Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the [a]false circumcision; 3 for we are the true [b]circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh, 4 although I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more: 5 circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee; 6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless.
7 But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 More than that, I count all things to be loss [c]in view of the surpassing value of [d]knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, [e]for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, 9 and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, 10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and [f]the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; 11 [g]in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.
12 Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on [h]so that I may lay hold of that [i]for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let us therefore, as many as are [j]perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you; 16 however, let us keep [k]living by that same standard to which we have attained.
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Colossians 3
New American Standard Bible (NASB)
Put On the New Self
3 Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 [a]Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. 3 For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.
5 Therefore [b]consider the members of your earthly body as dead to [c]immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which [d]amounts to idolatry. 6 For it is because of these things that the wrath of God will come [e]upon the sons of disobedience, 7 and in them you also once walked, when you were living [f]in them. 8 But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth. 9 [g]Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old [h]self with its evil practices, 10 and have put on the new self who is being [i]renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him— 11 a renewal in which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, [j]barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman, but Christ is all, and in all.
12 So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and [k]patience; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. 14 Beyond all these things put on love, which is [l]the perfect bond of unity. 15 Let the peace of Christ [m]rule in your hearts, to which [n]indeed you were called in one body; and [o]be thankful. 16 Let the word of [p]Christ richly dwell within you, [q]with all wisdom teaching and admonishing [r]one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing [s]with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.
Reading What Our Kids Read
Since last week I have thoroughly enjoyed the first 3 books in the Anne of Green Gables series. Last night was the crowing glory thus far, Anne of the Island. I was a little surprised at the romance in the Anne books, considering one of my daughters was only 8 when she read them. In hindsight, it would have been good to read them back then. In current time, it has given me a nice opportunity to discuss what our views of courtship are and what is realistic. The Anne books are delightful fodder for a young mind, but for girls who have a predisposition to be too wrapped up on boys, I don't know that I'd suggest this series. Thankfully, the daughter of mine that's read these is not boy-crazy at all; she's rather like Anne in that regard. It would be very difficult to read everything my children read, but this has served as a worthwhile reminder to me to at least make the effort.
11/13/13
11/13/13
Kids Must Be Taught...
I've probably written about this, but my opinion is that we parents need to teach our children to be thankful for what they have in the MOMENT. For example, if you are driving in to Kings Dominion, and your child (doesn't matter the age) says how they can't wait for ice cream later/skiing in the winter/the beach next week etc. etc.--NIP THAT in the bud and redirect them to be excited for what is happening right then. This type of thinking can plague people of any age and it starts young. In writing this it really seems like everyone would see this issue and want to correct it, but I'm sadly able to say that the issue goes unchecked and parent's fail to see the real heart issue and instead just explain how later they'll get so and so blah blah blah. Please parents--do not fail to instruct and train in every instance of "if only" thinking. These patterns lead to discontent in the adult years if not properly rooted out during one's childhood. Second-guessing your own decisions in front of your children is a sure-fire way to cause them to then second-guess life. Adults and kids have the same sins, they just look different. Consider praying for wisdom about how your sins are being manifest in your kids.
If you as a parent have failed in this area, act fast! Let the family know there is a new standard in your household and everyone is going to be grateful for what they have, when they have it. The amount of wealth a person has makes no difference--the very poor can be discontent and so can the rich.
Here is a sample training scenario--when you give out ice cream next time, tell the kids they need to be grateful for what has been given and simply say thank you, no questions or comments other than that. If someone says, "Can I have more?" or "What about sprinkles?" or in any way looks disappointed or sighs, whatever--take the whole thing away and tell them next time to be grateful for what they have been given. Do it nicely; you aren't trying to torture them, it is a loving parent that does the hard things now in order to help their children bear fruit later. This might sound harsh, but I can bet you the kids will learn the lesson fast, and it is worth it. I'm amazed at how many kids today have a 'never enough' mentality, and it is often because the parents have the same attitude, it is just hidden from most people. There was a time I was a 'never enough' person, and trust me, God can deliver! I never felt satisfied and would feel sorry for myself as a young person always thinking there was something better to be had. As an adult, it is such a blessing to not be plagued by that problem and it breaks my heart how many kids are left to their own devices with this issue.
Ask God for wisdom, He will give it.
~Ann
Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Phil 3:13-14 (Paul had victories and defeats, he said to forget what lies behind...don't rest in past glories or failures, keep pressing forward!)
Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.
Phil 4:8 (particularly good for the child that acts like everything is a chore, even if it's something they have wanted...)
If you as a parent have failed in this area, act fast! Let the family know there is a new standard in your household and everyone is going to be grateful for what they have, when they have it. The amount of wealth a person has makes no difference--the very poor can be discontent and so can the rich.
Here is a sample training scenario--when you give out ice cream next time, tell the kids they need to be grateful for what has been given and simply say thank you, no questions or comments other than that. If someone says, "Can I have more?" or "What about sprinkles?" or in any way looks disappointed or sighs, whatever--take the whole thing away and tell them next time to be grateful for what they have been given. Do it nicely; you aren't trying to torture them, it is a loving parent that does the hard things now in order to help their children bear fruit later. This might sound harsh, but I can bet you the kids will learn the lesson fast, and it is worth it. I'm amazed at how many kids today have a 'never enough' mentality, and it is often because the parents have the same attitude, it is just hidden from most people. There was a time I was a 'never enough' person, and trust me, God can deliver! I never felt satisfied and would feel sorry for myself as a young person always thinking there was something better to be had. As an adult, it is such a blessing to not be plagued by that problem and it breaks my heart how many kids are left to their own devices with this issue.
Ask God for wisdom, He will give it.
~Ann
Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Phil 3:13-14 (Paul had victories and defeats, he said to forget what lies behind...don't rest in past glories or failures, keep pressing forward!)
Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.
Phil 4:8 (particularly good for the child that acts like everything is a chore, even if it's something they have wanted...)
Getting to Bed As to Arriving
You know, I'm not sure why we don't teach our children that just as we ought not arrive exactly when an event starts (for example, a job...college class...wedding...), we ought not push turning out the light until the last possible second. If bedtime is 8:30 pm, and that has been defined as "in the bed laying down with the light out", then starting to get ready for bed at 8:25 pm is not going to be enough time. Why don't we teach our kids to plan, be prepared, and not make excuses when it comes to bedtime? The skills will serve them well in other areas of life. These little details may seem insignificant, but we humans push the limits if they aren't enforced, and kids learn what standards are acceptable by our behavior. We can exercise grace from time to time, but we either have a standard or we don't; it shan't go back and forth on a parent's whim. If Dad is serious about bedtime, as a rule Mom better be as well-- whether he's home or not. Kids see mixed messages and act accordingly. I've seen this in many areas with children--they reflect their leadership and the standards put forth, whether it be purposeful standards or the omission of them.
Rob Bell Talks god, Religion and Doubt with Oprah Winfrey
We started learning more about Rob Bell when we Googled a statement a former pastor of ours made about Jesus having more faith in us than we have in ourselves. That statement sounded quite "off" so we wanted to check it out. Back then, only one person was credited with that kind of psycho-spin: Rob Bell...looking then in to his theology enlightened us quite a bit, sadly, to where this former pastor was getting his ideas.
People sitting in pews need to pay attention to the authors their leadership promotes, especially in this day of 'reinventing Christianity'. But too many sit back barely listening in these sort of churches because the messages are so thin, the hungry true believers just go through the motions, or they teach and serve so they feel useful to the Lord, still starving and quite unfulfilled.
No church is perfect, we're a body of human believers, but leadership subtly changing direction often goes unnoticed, like heating up a frog slowly in a pot of water. It is our responsibility to know what we're being taught, where the money goes, what our children are taught in their classes (purposefully and by worldview of the teacher), and what the leadership actually believes. Let it be a warning if you find prideful reluctance to answer your sincere, in love, questions.
"Be sober of spirit, be on the alert, your adversary the devil prowls about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour." 1 Peter 5: 8
People sitting in pews need to pay attention to the authors their leadership promotes, especially in this day of 'reinventing Christianity'. But too many sit back barely listening in these sort of churches because the messages are so thin, the hungry true believers just go through the motions, or they teach and serve so they feel useful to the Lord, still starving and quite unfulfilled.
No church is perfect, we're a body of human believers, but leadership subtly changing direction often goes unnoticed, like heating up a frog slowly in a pot of water. It is our responsibility to know what we're being taught, where the money goes, what our children are taught in their classes (purposefully and by worldview of the teacher), and what the leadership actually believes. Let it be a warning if you find prideful reluctance to answer your sincere, in love, questions.
"Be sober of spirit, be on the alert, your adversary the devil prowls about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour." 1 Peter 5: 8
The Morning After
So we take time to grieve for Ken Cuccinelli and his family, and for E.W. Jackson and his. I only got to hear a little of E.W.'s speech, but what I heard was true and powerful. The fight continues, and it is a fight against evil (my words). Abortion, gay marriage--things God abhors, and those who support it must be approached with love but firmness that sin is sin, and God's judgment will come as a result of these abominations. Other issues matter of course, but nothing compares to these issues. We all know the country will eventually crumble under the oppressive weight, but there was a flicker of hope in the preservation of Virginia. Yet still, I rejoice, because God tells us "joy cometh in the morning" and "Great is THY faithfulness". God is not moved by elections; His purposes are secure. The hope of Christians hasn't wavered, for politics has never saved a soul for eternity. I turn to Jeremiah 29 on a day like today. Plant gardens, have children, work, and live normally; at some point our God will deliver us from what is and what is to come.
Progression and Priorities-email me for password, friends
Laundry is often a topic I turn to whenever I get the hankering to write about home life. It is a task that has been used to enlighten, stretch, challenge, frustrate, annoy and grow me. I'm sure it's blessed me because of all those things, too. (Some of those adjectives are redundant, but they just beckoned to be put to type.)
When my children were infants, hands down, I was doing all the laundry.
Toddlers helped sort socks (great matching exercise)
3-4 yr olds helped fold washcloths
5 yr olds helped fold hand towels
6 yr olds folded little shirts and shorts...
This progression moved forward until around 7 yrs old, everyone could wash a load and switch it to the dryer. Folding depended on the size of the item. My goal became to have everyone do their own laundry. I'd handle the household laundry (towels, sheets etc.) and the adult clothing--for the most part. This seemed like a great idea until it dawned on me that the kids have so much school work at their ages, there is not time for them to sufficiently do all their laundry. And thus, an EPIPHANY occurred in my life with the laundry; and what had been going great came to a screeching halt.
While this summer I did NO laundry, but enjoyed equipping my future adult offspring in that important area of home management, here in November, just a few short months hence, it is clear that there must be a change. My kids' full-time job is learning and studying--so again it is my time to do all the laundry, save a little help from them here and there on weekends. Emphasis on 'little'. It is such an interesting paradigm shift to realize that while my kids are able to manage household laundry, they simply can't do that AND give all the time they must give to their ever-increasing academic pursuits, and these are the years where they should have unhindered focus and energy for that. When they are moms my girls will have to manage it 'all' but that is not their job now.
It is funny how things change for a mom through the years. When my kids were young, playing was their work, as well as learning the basic tasks of contributing to keeping the home orderly, keeping a daily schedule of personal cleanliness, and obeying me the first time with a good attitude. Those are tough years but the task at hand is simple and clearly defined. Any parent knows things aren't as simple as children age with emotions and spiritual development. It is interesting that in some ways, their practical needs go back again to what they were when young--more sleep, really needing healthy meals on time, help in keeping things clean around them (ie their clothes), reminders to do important daily tasks (some kids, not all, but teens can start to get forgetful and spacey---they have a lot to keep track of). I'm seeing that the work of the early years really pays off later on in areas of how I want the days to run, manners, personal responsibility and obedience. It's not that the kids don't need reminders from time to time on expectations, but basically, they know the drill and at this point, everyone works better when everyone is doing what they ought to do.
It's easier for me to resume everyone's laundry this year than previous years because my house is finally in order. My brain is not pulled in a bunch of directions answering tons of questions each day (this is why I love a schedule!) --my physical tasks are to create a good working environment for everyone in this house and teach the areas I'm directly responsible for. I've realized through the laundry situation that while I'm not directly having them do as much physical work as they can or have done, they are still going to see how to manage a household, just a different angle of it. Now rather than the 'how to', for the girls it will be what they'll need to do when they are at this stage in life (if they follow in my footsteps). My son is currently still in the 'plenty of chores, plenty of schoolwork stage of life!"
Stranger to home school Mom: "So, what do you do for a living?"
HS Mom: "Well I focus daily on the spiritual well-being of my children, striving to have a well organized home for them to thrive in, I prepare meals and do the majority of the dishes, I make sure I'm studying the Word so I'm a good example to the kids since we all know they end up like we parents, and for most of the actual day between 8 and 4 I actively teach them things like math, spelling, reading, writing, penmanship...on weekends we shop for clothes in a thrifty fashion, I sell what I can to bring in money...I exercise and stretch because you know getting old and sitting all day does a number on the lower back...I encourage my husband and try to have fun with him inexpensively and consistently...I organize get togethers for my kids because social time doesn't happen unless we are purposeful...I try to have some one on one time with my kids daily, we have pets and while the kids do take care of them, I've got to help them remember or step in when they don't have time...I keep myself clean on top of all of this..."
Don't ever think you aren't doing anything important as a home educating mother--whether you do it all yourself, have your kids taking mostly classes in a co-op, mostly classes online or something else. Home schooling doesn't mean you directly teach everything, it means you've taken the responsibility to ensure your kids get the best education they can with a good deal of the work taking place in the home, typically. We each have to find the balance of how to teach our kids all the things we think matter within that framework, and we each have different standards and expectations. The key is doing it how your husband wants you to do it, and in that, you will THRIVE and have fun along the way.
The washer is done...
Earnestly seeking wisdom with my time and energy,
~J Dub, aka Laundry Woman (fyi: I don't like the smell of dirty clothes in piles, so my goal is to have very little dirty at any one-time now that I'm back in the saddle!)
When my children were infants, hands down, I was doing all the laundry.
Toddlers helped sort socks (great matching exercise)
3-4 yr olds helped fold washcloths
5 yr olds helped fold hand towels
6 yr olds folded little shirts and shorts...
This progression moved forward until around 7 yrs old, everyone could wash a load and switch it to the dryer. Folding depended on the size of the item. My goal became to have everyone do their own laundry. I'd handle the household laundry (towels, sheets etc.) and the adult clothing--for the most part. This seemed like a great idea until it dawned on me that the kids have so much school work at their ages, there is not time for them to sufficiently do all their laundry. And thus, an EPIPHANY occurred in my life with the laundry; and what had been going great came to a screeching halt.
While this summer I did NO laundry, but enjoyed equipping my future adult offspring in that important area of home management, here in November, just a few short months hence, it is clear that there must be a change. My kids' full-time job is learning and studying--so again it is my time to do all the laundry, save a little help from them here and there on weekends. Emphasis on 'little'. It is such an interesting paradigm shift to realize that while my kids are able to manage household laundry, they simply can't do that AND give all the time they must give to their ever-increasing academic pursuits, and these are the years where they should have unhindered focus and energy for that. When they are moms my girls will have to manage it 'all' but that is not their job now.
It is funny how things change for a mom through the years. When my kids were young, playing was their work, as well as learning the basic tasks of contributing to keeping the home orderly, keeping a daily schedule of personal cleanliness, and obeying me the first time with a good attitude. Those are tough years but the task at hand is simple and clearly defined. Any parent knows things aren't as simple as children age with emotions and spiritual development. It is interesting that in some ways, their practical needs go back again to what they were when young--more sleep, really needing healthy meals on time, help in keeping things clean around them (ie their clothes), reminders to do important daily tasks (some kids, not all, but teens can start to get forgetful and spacey---they have a lot to keep track of). I'm seeing that the work of the early years really pays off later on in areas of how I want the days to run, manners, personal responsibility and obedience. It's not that the kids don't need reminders from time to time on expectations, but basically, they know the drill and at this point, everyone works better when everyone is doing what they ought to do.
It's easier for me to resume everyone's laundry this year than previous years because my house is finally in order. My brain is not pulled in a bunch of directions answering tons of questions each day (this is why I love a schedule!) --my physical tasks are to create a good working environment for everyone in this house and teach the areas I'm directly responsible for. I've realized through the laundry situation that while I'm not directly having them do as much physical work as they can or have done, they are still going to see how to manage a household, just a different angle of it. Now rather than the 'how to', for the girls it will be what they'll need to do when they are at this stage in life (if they follow in my footsteps). My son is currently still in the 'plenty of chores, plenty of schoolwork stage of life!"
Stranger to home school Mom: "So, what do you do for a living?"
HS Mom: "Well I focus daily on the spiritual well-being of my children, striving to have a well organized home for them to thrive in, I prepare meals and do the majority of the dishes, I make sure I'm studying the Word so I'm a good example to the kids since we all know they end up like we parents, and for most of the actual day between 8 and 4 I actively teach them things like math, spelling, reading, writing, penmanship...on weekends we shop for clothes in a thrifty fashion, I sell what I can to bring in money...I exercise and stretch because you know getting old and sitting all day does a number on the lower back...I encourage my husband and try to have fun with him inexpensively and consistently...I organize get togethers for my kids because social time doesn't happen unless we are purposeful...I try to have some one on one time with my kids daily, we have pets and while the kids do take care of them, I've got to help them remember or step in when they don't have time...I keep myself clean on top of all of this..."
Don't ever think you aren't doing anything important as a home educating mother--whether you do it all yourself, have your kids taking mostly classes in a co-op, mostly classes online or something else. Home schooling doesn't mean you directly teach everything, it means you've taken the responsibility to ensure your kids get the best education they can with a good deal of the work taking place in the home, typically. We each have to find the balance of how to teach our kids all the things we think matter within that framework, and we each have different standards and expectations. The key is doing it how your husband wants you to do it, and in that, you will THRIVE and have fun along the way.
The washer is done...
Earnestly seeking wisdom with my time and energy,
~J Dub, aka Laundry Woman (fyi: I don't like the smell of dirty clothes in piles, so my goal is to have very little dirty at any one-time now that I'm back in the saddle!)
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