1517
Today marks such an important day in the history of the Gospel. Freedom from sin comes only through Jesus Christ's death and resurrection; paid for once and for all as the Bible says. We do not need to re-crucify Christ through a repetitive act weekly. He paid the price and it is by grace, through faith, that we are born again in to God's family. Even though my beliefs hail from the Anabaptists rather than true Protestants, I'm grateful for what Martin Luther did on this day in 1517. To God alone be the glory.
HSLDA Alert--Dangerous UN Treaty 2014
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Dear HSLDA Members and Friends: You live in a state with a senator who supports the dangerous UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), but who we believe may be able to be persuaded to back away from supporting this treaty. Our team has put together a one-page flyer asking you and your fellow citizens to contact your senator and urge him or her to please reject the CRPD. We ask that you click the name of your senator below, share this flyer with your friends and family in your state, and also please call your senator. • Senator Mark Begich (AK) • Senator Mark Pryor (AR) • Senator Mark Udall (CO) • Senator Joe Donnelly (IN) • Senator Mary Landrieu (LA) • Senator Kay Hagan (NC) • Senator Jeanne Shaheen (NH) • Senator Kelly Ayotte (NH) • Senator Carl Levin (MI) • Senator Mark Warner (VA) • Senator Joe Manchin (WV) • Senator John Barrasso (WY) This is a key time to contact your senator. All 100 members of the U.S. Senate are home, and many of them face re-election. They are listening closely to you, their constituents. The Senate will return on November 12, and we have heard that it will almost certainly take up the CRPD sometime during the lame duck session. It is crucial that these senators in particular hear from you right now. Thank you for standing with us for homeschool freedom. We will provide updates once the Senate returns and we have more information about the CRPD. For liberty, Mike Smith President, HSLDA P.S. We greatly value you and your support—it is a privilege to serve you. Thank you for all you do for freedom! If you or someone you know is not a member of HSLDA, will you consider taking a moment today to join or recommend us? Your support enables us to defend individual families threatened by government officials and protect homeschooling freedom for all. Join now >>
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Could We Be Reaching Many More in October?
History: Reformation for Kids.
A simple to understand summary of the Reformation. Resources for children abound!
I have wondered--as Christians have forgotten to celebrate or acknowledge Reformation Day, has it become a missed opportunity to share the truth of the Gospel with lost Catholics? When we aren't set apart, it is easy to have lines blurred...if we 'all' celebrate Easter, Christmas, Halloween or Substitutes for it, the 4th of July...what sets us apart?
What message would be communicated if many of us who believe there was a real and serious need for the Reformation talked about remembering Reformation Day? What if we didn't dress up and give out candy on Oct 31st but instead held Reformation Day parties? Wouldn't that subtly communicate to lost Roman Catholics they are still not on the right page when it comes to the truth of God's word? If we did this because we love Christ, His church, and all who are lost, wouldn't that say something?
Sadly, many think sharing the truth is hateful. But isn't it most hateful to be silent when faced with heresy?
A simple to understand summary of the Reformation. Resources for children abound!
I have wondered--as Christians have forgotten to celebrate or acknowledge Reformation Day, has it become a missed opportunity to share the truth of the Gospel with lost Catholics? When we aren't set apart, it is easy to have lines blurred...if we 'all' celebrate Easter, Christmas, Halloween or Substitutes for it, the 4th of July...what sets us apart?
What message would be communicated if many of us who believe there was a real and serious need for the Reformation talked about remembering Reformation Day? What if we didn't dress up and give out candy on Oct 31st but instead held Reformation Day parties? Wouldn't that subtly communicate to lost Roman Catholics they are still not on the right page when it comes to the truth of God's word? If we did this because we love Christ, His church, and all who are lost, wouldn't that say something?
Sadly, many think sharing the truth is hateful. But isn't it most hateful to be silent when faced with heresy?
Confession No. 131 — Water? Gasoline? Or dynamite? Well, that all depends.
Confession No. 131 — Water? Gasoline? Or dynamite? Well, that all depends..
Adam has touched on a salient point.
My .02....
It is difficult when you take the high road in dealing with incendiary (and thus, immature) people. Time and again you can assuage and respond better than you want to, and when there is no acknowledgement of wrong-doing nor a mere apology for a poor tone, it really can alter a relationship even if forgiveness has been extended. There are consequences to our actions that live beyond the reconciliation, if we are so fortunate to actually get full reconciliation. Some people are just determined to be unreasonable. Sadly, even if these people continually have difficulty with others, they can fail to see the common denominator is staring them in the mirror.
Adam has touched on a salient point.
My .02....
It is difficult when you take the high road in dealing with incendiary (and thus, immature) people. Time and again you can assuage and respond better than you want to, and when there is no acknowledgement of wrong-doing nor a mere apology for a poor tone, it really can alter a relationship even if forgiveness has been extended. There are consequences to our actions that live beyond the reconciliation, if we are so fortunate to actually get full reconciliation. Some people are just determined to be unreasonable. Sadly, even if these people continually have difficulty with others, they can fail to see the common denominator is staring them in the mirror.
Selected Works of Martin Luther
Selected Works of Martin Luther.
He was an imperfect man, but God still used him to do some important work for the sake of the gospel. Coming from a Catholic background, I'm grateful for what Luther contributed.
He was an imperfect man, but God still used him to do some important work for the sake of the gospel. Coming from a Catholic background, I'm grateful for what Luther contributed.
If You Look for It, You'll Find It
Trouble.
It is something that wants to be found. It sits, waiting patiently, and not in a terribly obscure location. Some people are nearly professionals at finding it. Honed skills set to work when an opportunity arises to ferret it out. The lack of contentment and joy is present in the life of one who enjoys locating it, or is at least very accustomed to nurturing it.
Children must be taught to shun digging it up and inviting it into relationships. Parents must model how to encourage it to go back to sleep without disturbing anyone.
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God." Matthew 5:9
"A man's discretion makes him slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook a transgression." Proverbs 19:11
Sometimes it is very wrong to overlook a transgression. Interested in more?
Here is a worthwhile article to read by Pastor John MacArthur entitled, "Let 'Em Know or Let It Go?".
It is something that wants to be found. It sits, waiting patiently, and not in a terribly obscure location. Some people are nearly professionals at finding it. Honed skills set to work when an opportunity arises to ferret it out. The lack of contentment and joy is present in the life of one who enjoys locating it, or is at least very accustomed to nurturing it.
Children must be taught to shun digging it up and inviting it into relationships. Parents must model how to encourage it to go back to sleep without disturbing anyone.
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God." Matthew 5:9
"A man's discretion makes him slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook a transgression." Proverbs 19:11
Sometimes it is very wrong to overlook a transgression. Interested in more?
Here is a worthwhile article to read by Pastor John MacArthur entitled, "Let 'Em Know or Let It Go?".
Ideas for Reformation Day
An old World Magazine article from 2009-http://www.worldmag.com/1997/10/reformation_day
Doorposts has a book: http://www.doorposts.com/details.aspx?id=46. I love Doorposts, we used many of their resources for younger children I only recently parted with.
Finally, this is a post by June Fuentes and it is well done. She has a lovely blog. A few years ago she stopped writing exclusively on her blog so she could focus more on her family of 9 children. For a long time I had her button on my blog. It's worthwhile to go through and read what she has posted.
http://proverbs14verse1.blogspot.com/2009/10/reformation-day-celebration.html (this is an old article so some links no longer work)
Doorposts has a book: http://www.doorposts.com/details.aspx?id=46. I love Doorposts, we used many of their resources for younger children I only recently parted with.
Finally, this is a post by June Fuentes and it is well done. She has a lovely blog. A few years ago she stopped writing exclusively on her blog so she could focus more on her family of 9 children. For a long time I had her button on my blog. It's worthwhile to go through and read what she has posted.
http://proverbs14verse1.blogspot.com/2009/10/reformation-day-celebration.html (this is an old article so some links no longer work)
Book Review - George Whitefield | Challies Dot Com
Book Review - George Whitefield | Challies Dot Com.
Challies has done a terrific job reviewing this book. This review of George Whitefield blesses my soul. I'm presently about 80% through Volume I and am utterly amazed at the spiritual stirring reading it has caused. I cannot fathom the tireless devotion Whitefield displayed during his ministry. It makes me long for Heaven, to meet men like this and to be in awe afresh of my Savior. Biographies of great men are worth our time, far more than TV or many other forms of Bible study.
Challies has done a terrific job reviewing this book. This review of George Whitefield blesses my soul. I'm presently about 80% through Volume I and am utterly amazed at the spiritual stirring reading it has caused. I cannot fathom the tireless devotion Whitefield displayed during his ministry. It makes me long for Heaven, to meet men like this and to be in awe afresh of my Savior. Biographies of great men are worth our time, far more than TV or many other forms of Bible study.
Being Home
10/14/14
It shouldn't amaze me how God is so right, but the little details are always a delight. He says for me to be a keeper of the home, and you know, since changing our lives for me to be AT home most of the time, it has been so much less stressful. Maybe it is due to my season of life, but the slower pace of being here doing school all day, every day, is wonderful. We know what to expect each day, and I'm not running all over the place, which tires me quickly. There is just less chaos when we are not getting out the door time and again. Disruptions to school are minimal, so we are getting loads of work done without the needless anxiety.
What has really helped us with our school is not only a schedule with time allowances for the work to be finished, but loading the week so that Monday-Wednesday we are home getting the vast majority of work in. God has blessed so that we can do sewing and piano on Thursday and make up that time lost for academics on Friday. Getting the bulk of work done early in the week also allows for the occasional field trip on Friday (if they have notice so can work ahead) or a more leisurely day.
Something I really like about no longer doing Classical Conversations in the group setting is that we can do math 5 days per week. That has been a burden for years. It is tough to get fully through a curriculum with math only 4 days per week.
It shouldn't amaze me how God is so right, but the little details are always a delight. He says for me to be a keeper of the home, and you know, since changing our lives for me to be AT home most of the time, it has been so much less stressful. Maybe it is due to my season of life, but the slower pace of being here doing school all day, every day, is wonderful. We know what to expect each day, and I'm not running all over the place, which tires me quickly. There is just less chaos when we are not getting out the door time and again. Disruptions to school are minimal, so we are getting loads of work done without the needless anxiety.
What has really helped us with our school is not only a schedule with time allowances for the work to be finished, but loading the week so that Monday-Wednesday we are home getting the vast majority of work in. God has blessed so that we can do sewing and piano on Thursday and make up that time lost for academics on Friday. Getting the bulk of work done early in the week also allows for the occasional field trip on Friday (if they have notice so can work ahead) or a more leisurely day.
Something I really like about no longer doing Classical Conversations in the group setting is that we can do math 5 days per week. That has been a burden for years. It is tough to get fully through a curriculum with math only 4 days per week.
Giving Thanks
Giving thanks chases away discontent. Whether it be with children, a spouse, school, the house...or more importantly, a feeling of 'am I doing enough for the Lord?' Be thankful for where He has you and what He's given. Tomorrow it could all change. Death knocks suddenly sometimes. Job loss does as well. Homes burn down or get broken in to. How many times do we women fret only to realize moments later we should have been thankful for what we had, when we had it, and for where God has led?
The Lord will give opportunities as He wills. If we do the work before us heartily, remembering our first calling is to our husband and children, we will soon see there is not nearly as much of us to go around as we previously thought. Giving thanks helps to calm the restlessness. God is good.
Staying the course--keeping the white fence post white---these are the struggles of motherhood and Christianity. With so many glamorous opportunities beckoning us....so many worthy causes to delve in to...so many people who need us...it can be easy to give our time and effort to those whom we did not bear, neglecting duties assigned solemnly to us and us alone.
The hand that rocks the cradle not only rules the world, it is a hand of obedience. Don't get caught in to thinking that because this or that opportunity is out there, you are the one to meet it. Perhaps you are one to pray for it to be met. A mother's calling requires a lot of time. Preparing wholesome food to a hard working husband takes hours of thought and preparation. Do not neglect the duties God has set before you, mistakenly thinking you should be doing more outside the home. God is pleased with a keeper of the home who tends her flock first.
The Lord will give opportunities as He wills. If we do the work before us heartily, remembering our first calling is to our husband and children, we will soon see there is not nearly as much of us to go around as we previously thought. Giving thanks helps to calm the restlessness. God is good.
Staying the course--keeping the white fence post white---these are the struggles of motherhood and Christianity. With so many glamorous opportunities beckoning us....so many worthy causes to delve in to...so many people who need us...it can be easy to give our time and effort to those whom we did not bear, neglecting duties assigned solemnly to us and us alone.
The hand that rocks the cradle not only rules the world, it is a hand of obedience. Don't get caught in to thinking that because this or that opportunity is out there, you are the one to meet it. Perhaps you are one to pray for it to be met. A mother's calling requires a lot of time. Preparing wholesome food to a hard working husband takes hours of thought and preparation. Do not neglect the duties God has set before you, mistakenly thinking you should be doing more outside the home. God is pleased with a keeper of the home who tends her flock first.
Why Does God Say What He Says?
This is a question that could surely be answered far better than I can answer it, but one part of the answer to why God says what He says in the Word He's given, is that His ways are above our ways. He understands human action, the thoughts and intentions of our hearts, and how to avoid sin.
We can say that certain parts of Scripture do not apply to us, but we are deceived if we honestly think that. God is God, and He understands the consequences to going our own way.
For example, the way children are disciplined plays in mightily to their attitude. It is not hard to cause children to develop sulking, brooding, or angry attitudes. I recall being sent to my room as a youngster and how I would think vengeful thoughts. It took me time to get over my anger problem and negative way of thinking when I felt wronged. I was not disciplined biblically (the Bible is clear on swift discipline that brings physical discomfort) and the training did not succeed in addressing and redirecting my thinking. It was action oriented, which only did part of the job. God understands human development far better than we do, and young children respond well to the way God has outlined it. There is no need to yell at your kids or get angry with them (people learn angry ways by being with angry people the Bible says), discipline them as God says and it is effective and over with quickly.
What about not being surety for another's loan? We can justify when this is OK, using our human logic. But it isn't always about the person repaying--though of course that is a huge part of it. What of encouraging others to work and save to the point they don't need someone to be surety? A pattern of buying what cannot be afforded is easily begun when parents co-sign for their kids.This generation knows nothing of the ways our grandparents and their parents before them lived. We want what we think we need, and we borrow to get it. God tells us the servant is a slave to the lender, and the older generations knew that. Look at the size of the homes our grandparents had. None had the spacious homes we all have today. The lifestyle we lead perpetuates the value system we've adopted, so we 'must' have vehicles to go and do this and that, we must have cable TV, we must have smart phones with fancy data plans etc. Where does God fit in to this? We ignore Him and do what we want, then have the audacity to ask Him to bless and help when we need it. Of course, His ways are not our ways, and He is continues to be gracious toward us.
These are just two examples, but there are loads more. As followers of Christ, we do not obey God because we've reasoned out what He says and in our estimation, it is worth listening to. If we are Christians, we do what He says because we trust Him. We come willing to be shown the error of our ways, and we take on His ways. Often, He'll show us the 'why' of it later, but even if He doesn't, we can rest confident in the fact we've followed the One who knows, and who is always trust worthy.
Proverbs 3:5-7
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your path. Be not wise in your own eyes, fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
~Ann
We can say that certain parts of Scripture do not apply to us, but we are deceived if we honestly think that. God is God, and He understands the consequences to going our own way.
For example, the way children are disciplined plays in mightily to their attitude. It is not hard to cause children to develop sulking, brooding, or angry attitudes. I recall being sent to my room as a youngster and how I would think vengeful thoughts. It took me time to get over my anger problem and negative way of thinking when I felt wronged. I was not disciplined biblically (the Bible is clear on swift discipline that brings physical discomfort) and the training did not succeed in addressing and redirecting my thinking. It was action oriented, which only did part of the job. God understands human development far better than we do, and young children respond well to the way God has outlined it. There is no need to yell at your kids or get angry with them (people learn angry ways by being with angry people the Bible says), discipline them as God says and it is effective and over with quickly.
What about not being surety for another's loan? We can justify when this is OK, using our human logic. But it isn't always about the person repaying--though of course that is a huge part of it. What of encouraging others to work and save to the point they don't need someone to be surety? A pattern of buying what cannot be afforded is easily begun when parents co-sign for their kids.This generation knows nothing of the ways our grandparents and their parents before them lived. We want what we think we need, and we borrow to get it. God tells us the servant is a slave to the lender, and the older generations knew that. Look at the size of the homes our grandparents had. None had the spacious homes we all have today. The lifestyle we lead perpetuates the value system we've adopted, so we 'must' have vehicles to go and do this and that, we must have cable TV, we must have smart phones with fancy data plans etc. Where does God fit in to this? We ignore Him and do what we want, then have the audacity to ask Him to bless and help when we need it. Of course, His ways are not our ways, and He is continues to be gracious toward us.
These are just two examples, but there are loads more. As followers of Christ, we do not obey God because we've reasoned out what He says and in our estimation, it is worth listening to. If we are Christians, we do what He says because we trust Him. We come willing to be shown the error of our ways, and we take on His ways. Often, He'll show us the 'why' of it later, but even if He doesn't, we can rest confident in the fact we've followed the One who knows, and who is always trust worthy.
Proverbs 3:5-7
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your path. Be not wise in your own eyes, fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
~Ann
Dump Cake | The Pioneer Woman Cooks | Ree Drummond
Dump Cake | The Pioneer Woman Cooks | Ree Drummond.
I have not made this, but the post is hilarious and I feel like my friend and I could be saying these things to each other. That makes me laugh even more!
What I did today is take a golden cake mix, added 2 eggs, pureed raspberries and a little bit of applesauce to get the measuring cup from 1/4 cup oil to 1/2 cup liquids. Then I threw in some ground flax seed and a handful of coconut, poured in about 1/2 bag (probably a little more) of chocolate chips, stirred it together. Using a cookie scoop, I got 3 dozen cookies formed. Baked in a 350 degree oven for 10 minutes. I'd share a picture but the camera is off camping! They smell incredible!
Updated: 10/14 I took pie filling from the country store, added more cranberries and apple, some brown sugar, applesauce and apple pie spice, then did the cake thing and butter on top. We'll see how it goes. Maybe I'll post a picture if it's yummy!
Ree says you can do any combination of fruit with her Dump Cake, so I'm brainstorming on what to do. I love Bakers Choice Cherries, so might just do all cherry...that would be delish I think...but I'll wait until I lose these extra pesky 5 lbs.
~Ann
I have not made this, but the post is hilarious and I feel like my friend and I could be saying these things to each other. That makes me laugh even more!
What I did today is take a golden cake mix, added 2 eggs, pureed raspberries and a little bit of applesauce to get the measuring cup from 1/4 cup oil to 1/2 cup liquids. Then I threw in some ground flax seed and a handful of coconut, poured in about 1/2 bag (probably a little more) of chocolate chips, stirred it together. Using a cookie scoop, I got 3 dozen cookies formed. Baked in a 350 degree oven for 10 minutes. I'd share a picture but the camera is off camping! They smell incredible!
Updated: 10/14 I took pie filling from the country store, added more cranberries and apple, some brown sugar, applesauce and apple pie spice, then did the cake thing and butter on top. We'll see how it goes. Maybe I'll post a picture if it's yummy!
Ree says you can do any combination of fruit with her Dump Cake, so I'm brainstorming on what to do. I love Bakers Choice Cherries, so might just do all cherry...that would be delish I think...but I'll wait until I lose these extra pesky 5 lbs.
~Ann
Bulgur-aka Best Food Ever
I've found 2 bright spots to the dismal months of fall.
1. less full drawers due to moving out the vast quantity of summer shirts
2. the ever-faithful palate delighting taste of bulgur
Bulgur is great any time of year, but I'm throwing fall a bone by letting it have this piece de resistance. That's franglish, in case you were wondering. Anyway, you can treat this lovely grain as you would rice, though I'm not sure about rice pudding. I saute it with onion and garlic in olive oil. Add homemade chicken broth and loads of eggplant, plenty of pepper finds its way in...cook, cook, cook till all the liquid is absorbed. Throw in frozen corn for visual appeal, maybe some broccoli, or collards (they'd get sautéed first) or spinach...it is glorious.
You can add ground beef during the sauteing, YUM!!! And so healthy.
Sorry, no time for a picture. But try this low glycemic index, high protein meal soon. You won't be disappointed. (don't forget some salt, it's needed).
1. less full drawers due to moving out the vast quantity of summer shirts
2. the ever-faithful palate delighting taste of bulgur
Bulgur is great any time of year, but I'm throwing fall a bone by letting it have this piece de resistance. That's franglish, in case you were wondering. Anyway, you can treat this lovely grain as you would rice, though I'm not sure about rice pudding. I saute it with onion and garlic in olive oil. Add homemade chicken broth and loads of eggplant, plenty of pepper finds its way in...cook, cook, cook till all the liquid is absorbed. Throw in frozen corn for visual appeal, maybe some broccoli, or collards (they'd get sautéed first) or spinach...it is glorious.
You can add ground beef during the sauteing, YUM!!! And so healthy.
Sorry, no time for a picture. But try this low glycemic index, high protein meal soon. You won't be disappointed. (don't forget some salt, it's needed).
A Small Circle
For a few days I've been thinking about how we can add to our own stress level in one particular area that I often think goes unnoticed because of the culture of the day here in America. I've proven it to myself this last year, and can't help but believe others would also benefit from cutting back on how many people they interact with regularly. It probably makes some recoil at the thought of having less people in their day to day life, but between texting, emails, Facebook, church, family, mommy groups and homeschool groups, we can find ourselves concerned with the lives of a multitude each week.
Are we designed to shoulder this much care for others?
And do we actually care, or are we so overloaded that we've learned to glide among the dynamics barely ruffled by what is going on around us. Apathy isn't a virtue of course.
People to love and be loved by are wonderful, don't get me wrong, but we really do have a purpose and a work to do if we are married with children. Barring materialism, or a husband who genuinely cannot provide for his modest family's needs, Christian mothers should be at home raising their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Only in today's culture does this mean running from activity to activity, exposing ourselves and our kids to oodles of people each week. It only takes one generation to lose the love of being a home maker or the importance and high value of a mother/wife at home, and I think we're seeing this trend right now. Instead, mom's are preoccupied with getting together with this person or that person, helping with this group or that group, running in this race or that race, having their child participate with these kids for this and those kids for that....
We accept moms who are always, or very often, frazzled, as icons to look up to if they manage to teach this, enroll their kids in that, have everyone play soccer, coach a team, serve at church etc. etc. These same type of moms can sometimes be found criticizing those who take great pleasure providing wholesome, home-cooked food for their family as a great time commitment, as if it is a waste of time. Which of these more closely models being a keeper at home?
Do we have a careful process on we choose to admire?
Through the years I've witnessed women get lifted up as those to admire by other influential women, only to find the reasons aren't what I would have expected. Naively, I thought the criteria would be something other than 'a person willing to work hard and sacrifice for us', but I probably shouldn't have. In churches and various groups, those who we or others perceive as super godly (whatever that is supposed to mean) are usually those who are serving in an area they are gifted in, but they may not be living as God would ideally want. These women are often neglecting their own family in one way or another--whether it be their house is a wreck or they don't serve their husband, yet is this the picture of a Proverbs 31 woman? We can't control all of our circumstances, and ladies in a myriad of walks of life can be used of the Lord and have things to admire, but I think we should be able to agree that there are some obvious things that give certain women more of a place of rightfully being admired. Just as the Bible has criteria for a pastor or deacon, there are things we can see that should be reason to follow someone's example (like Paul, we can follow him because he's following Christ...). Why do we blindly listen to someone who says overtly or subtly this person is wonderful, playing into the little psychological games that get played to make us want to do the same thing as said 'wonderful' person? Rather than let our insecurity dictate what we do, we should go to the Lord and earnestly seek His favor.
As my kids have gotten older, a lot of things have changed with my view of social time for me and social time for them. I know most people will say that as kids get older, they NEED more time with peers, but I have to question that. Why? Why during years of really wrestling with hard life issues do they need less time with the people 100% committed to their welfare? Why do they need less time with the mother committed to training them to run a house (for girls) now that they are mature enough to tackle serious home making tasks? Why do young men need LESS time with the man you chose to marry who you trust with not only your life, but there's? We need to realize that more time with others means less time at home with us, and the years to influence are going fast. Do we want to influence our kids the most, or do we want their friends to, and who are their friends anyway? If we teach our kids to require tons of time with other children, and tons of time outside our homes, they will 'need' more and more time outside of us as they get older. My word choice is not accidental--we teach them to be content or we allow them to be discontent in this area. I'm not suggesting we ignore the natural bent of some kids to want more time with friends, but it is sometimes those children who most need us to curb their appetite, for their own protection. Just, think, is what I'm encouraging us to all do, rather than do what everyone else is doing. Please realize I do not have an only child, and can not speak to that dynamic.
Above all of this 'mommy blog' advice, please take time to seek the Lord. Ask what it is you want for your family, and be willing to let God provide what you need as you give your kids what they really need. All of our needs change as we mature, at least they should be changing. I certainly have reordered my priorities and my felt needs have changed as my kids and I have aged.
What messages are our kids learning from those they are around? Do certain interactions with others leave them feeling or acting poorly, why? Is it something they need to grow through or something they need to be protected from? Not all negative experiences are ultimately harmful, sometimes they serve a purpose for a season as we make the best of something (that was our last yr of Classical Conversations--times to grow but not things we'd want repeated). What about you, mom? Why are you doing what you are doing? Is it bringing glory to the Lord, and what are your kids really learning about family life, marriage, God, relationships with others, priorities etc. based on what you are spending your time on each week?
I want my children to understand biblical marriage, and the high value of a full-time mom. I want them to experience the peace of a well-ordered home and the health benefits of nutritious meals offered at the same time each day. I want them to see me serve their father lovingly and sacrificially, and I am blessed they see him do the same for me. I hope for thousands of hours of happy memories of us doing things together in our home--playing games, reading, cooking...and loads of hours of working together in our home doing yard work, cleaning, doing laundry. They know they are an important part of this family unit, and we're keeping traditions that I grew up with as we clean each Saturday morning getting the house ready for a new week. They don't realize the cleaning, laundry, and dish schedules are teaching them what a well-ordered home can be like, nor do they see the years it took me to figure it out. In living a peaceful life where they are well rested and free to learn, we're building a tapestry of ideals which they'll carry in to their future homes. Life does not have to be hectic all the time, and the day to day things we all need, matter; it isn't necessary to have laundry piled up or not done consistently, and it is OK and even right to show your family you love them by dazzling them with great meals each night. There is no shame in using nearly all of your time and energy to bless the socks off the people who live with you, and giving the rest to those in the body of Christ or those you are trying to reach with the gospel. It can mean having a smaller circle, though.
God bless
Are we designed to shoulder this much care for others?
And do we actually care, or are we so overloaded that we've learned to glide among the dynamics barely ruffled by what is going on around us. Apathy isn't a virtue of course.
People to love and be loved by are wonderful, don't get me wrong, but we really do have a purpose and a work to do if we are married with children. Barring materialism, or a husband who genuinely cannot provide for his modest family's needs, Christian mothers should be at home raising their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Only in today's culture does this mean running from activity to activity, exposing ourselves and our kids to oodles of people each week. It only takes one generation to lose the love of being a home maker or the importance and high value of a mother/wife at home, and I think we're seeing this trend right now. Instead, mom's are preoccupied with getting together with this person or that person, helping with this group or that group, running in this race or that race, having their child participate with these kids for this and those kids for that....
We accept moms who are always, or very often, frazzled, as icons to look up to if they manage to teach this, enroll their kids in that, have everyone play soccer, coach a team, serve at church etc. etc. These same type of moms can sometimes be found criticizing those who take great pleasure providing wholesome, home-cooked food for their family as a great time commitment, as if it is a waste of time. Which of these more closely models being a keeper at home?
Do we have a careful process on we choose to admire?
Through the years I've witnessed women get lifted up as those to admire by other influential women, only to find the reasons aren't what I would have expected. Naively, I thought the criteria would be something other than 'a person willing to work hard and sacrifice for us', but I probably shouldn't have. In churches and various groups, those who we or others perceive as super godly (whatever that is supposed to mean) are usually those who are serving in an area they are gifted in, but they may not be living as God would ideally want. These women are often neglecting their own family in one way or another--whether it be their house is a wreck or they don't serve their husband, yet is this the picture of a Proverbs 31 woman? We can't control all of our circumstances, and ladies in a myriad of walks of life can be used of the Lord and have things to admire, but I think we should be able to agree that there are some obvious things that give certain women more of a place of rightfully being admired. Just as the Bible has criteria for a pastor or deacon, there are things we can see that should be reason to follow someone's example (like Paul, we can follow him because he's following Christ...). Why do we blindly listen to someone who says overtly or subtly this person is wonderful, playing into the little psychological games that get played to make us want to do the same thing as said 'wonderful' person? Rather than let our insecurity dictate what we do, we should go to the Lord and earnestly seek His favor.
As my kids have gotten older, a lot of things have changed with my view of social time for me and social time for them. I know most people will say that as kids get older, they NEED more time with peers, but I have to question that. Why? Why during years of really wrestling with hard life issues do they need less time with the people 100% committed to their welfare? Why do they need less time with the mother committed to training them to run a house (for girls) now that they are mature enough to tackle serious home making tasks? Why do young men need LESS time with the man you chose to marry who you trust with not only your life, but there's? We need to realize that more time with others means less time at home with us, and the years to influence are going fast. Do we want to influence our kids the most, or do we want their friends to, and who are their friends anyway? If we teach our kids to require tons of time with other children, and tons of time outside our homes, they will 'need' more and more time outside of us as they get older. My word choice is not accidental--we teach them to be content or we allow them to be discontent in this area. I'm not suggesting we ignore the natural bent of some kids to want more time with friends, but it is sometimes those children who most need us to curb their appetite, for their own protection. Just, think, is what I'm encouraging us to all do, rather than do what everyone else is doing. Please realize I do not have an only child, and can not speak to that dynamic.
Above all of this 'mommy blog' advice, please take time to seek the Lord. Ask what it is you want for your family, and be willing to let God provide what you need as you give your kids what they really need. All of our needs change as we mature, at least they should be changing. I certainly have reordered my priorities and my felt needs have changed as my kids and I have aged.
What messages are our kids learning from those they are around? Do certain interactions with others leave them feeling or acting poorly, why? Is it something they need to grow through or something they need to be protected from? Not all negative experiences are ultimately harmful, sometimes they serve a purpose for a season as we make the best of something (that was our last yr of Classical Conversations--times to grow but not things we'd want repeated). What about you, mom? Why are you doing what you are doing? Is it bringing glory to the Lord, and what are your kids really learning about family life, marriage, God, relationships with others, priorities etc. based on what you are spending your time on each week?
I want my children to understand biblical marriage, and the high value of a full-time mom. I want them to experience the peace of a well-ordered home and the health benefits of nutritious meals offered at the same time each day. I want them to see me serve their father lovingly and sacrificially, and I am blessed they see him do the same for me. I hope for thousands of hours of happy memories of us doing things together in our home--playing games, reading, cooking...and loads of hours of working together in our home doing yard work, cleaning, doing laundry. They know they are an important part of this family unit, and we're keeping traditions that I grew up with as we clean each Saturday morning getting the house ready for a new week. They don't realize the cleaning, laundry, and dish schedules are teaching them what a well-ordered home can be like, nor do they see the years it took me to figure it out. In living a peaceful life where they are well rested and free to learn, we're building a tapestry of ideals which they'll carry in to their future homes. Life does not have to be hectic all the time, and the day to day things we all need, matter; it isn't necessary to have laundry piled up or not done consistently, and it is OK and even right to show your family you love them by dazzling them with great meals each night. There is no shame in using nearly all of your time and energy to bless the socks off the people who live with you, and giving the rest to those in the body of Christ or those you are trying to reach with the gospel. It can mean having a smaller circle, though.
God bless
It's Like They Know Us-Humor
It's Like They Know Us.
Some humor for the ladies primarily...breastfeeding, raising young children...it's a photo blog :).
Some humor for the ladies primarily...breastfeeding, raising young children...it's a photo blog :).
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