Christmas for Christians

What should Christmas look like for Christians? Very interesting topic. My husband and I have chosen not to do the tree, presents, lights, Santa... We feel they have nothing to do with Jesus. We have decided to give to those in need because Jesus said when we give to "the least of these" (Matt. 25:40) we give to Him and since it is supposedly His birthday we are celebrating we thought that would be a tangible way to give Him a present.

We go to gospelforasia.com. Please consider checking this out. How cool would it be to "shop" with your kids and tell them "this year we are going to spend a little money on Jesus. Let's pick out what we should buy."

Do share what your Christmas looks like. This is not a black and white subject with my husband and I. We truly don't judge other families for how they choose to celebrate Christmas. I am grateful however that we are on the same page. It would be stressful to want different things. I am looking forward to celebrating Christ on Christmas day just as I do everyday.

What Not To Say...

Well, I am on the couch... A LOT. I have a big rat nest in the back of my hair from laying down so much. So sad and unfortunately so true. Being sick during my pregnancy seems to lead me to being someone I don't want to be... It's like I psych myself up saying: "next pregnancy I will be joyful!" and then lo and behold I am pregnant and not pleasant.

Why do our bodies have such power over us?! The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.

There is one thing I learn whenever I am sick and it's what NOT to say to people who are suffering or struggling. Cliches. Even solid Christian ones like: "God is in control". "Trust Him." "He only does what is best for His children." And on and on it goes. You know when Job's friends blew it? When they opened their mouths. Before that they just sat with him for days and didn't say a word. That is a good friend.

Don't get me wrong. I am tempted to say these types of things to people often. BUT unless I have a strong motivation from the Lord (which I do believe happens) I refrain. People usually know all the things we want to tell them. They just want someone to say (or at least this is what I like to hear): "I am so sorry, is there anything I can do for you?" That's it. So simple. And yet it shows me they care.

I need to work on James 1:5 "Counting it all joy when I fall into various trials.." I talk to the Lord about this verse often saying: "Lord, I don't get it. I am so weak! How can I count THIS as a joy? I can't take care of my house.... my children... my husband... or even myself (still haven't showered today... yikes!). Lord, you are going to have to show me because I don't understand."

And I don't understand. This hits me hard. 1 Corinthians chapter 2 is one of my faves. Verse 14 in the amplified version reads:

"But the natural, nonspiritual man does not accept or welcome or admit into his heart the gifts and teachings and revelations of the Spirit of God, for they are folly (meaningless nonsense) to him; and he is incapable of knowing them [of progressively recognizing, understanding, and becoming better acquainted with them] because they are spiritually discerned and estimated and appreciated."

Thank you Lord that my nonspiritual man does not accept or understand these things but who I am in You DOES! I can count it all joy in my spirit. Thank you Lord for comforting me in ways that no man's words ever can. You alone are my Refuge and my Counselor.

What Should We Pray For Our Children?

I found this list of things to pray for our children. I am not sure of the author... There is one for each month to pray earnestly for our little loves.

1. That they will know Christ early in life. Psalm 63:1 and 2 Tim. 3:15

2. That they will HATE sin. Psalm 97:10

3. That they will be caught when guilty. Psalm 119:71

4. That they will be protected from the evil one in each area of their lives. John 17:15

5. That they have a responsible attitude in all their personal relationships. Daniel 6:3

6. That they will respect those in authority over them. Romans 13:1

7. That they will desire the right kind of friends and be protected from the wrong friends. Proverbs 1:10-11, 1 Cor. 15:33

8. That they will be kept from the wrong mate and saved for the right one. 2 Cor. 6:14-17

9. That they, as well as those they marry, will remain pure. 1 Cor. 6:18-20

10.That they will desire to submit to God and resist satan. James 4:7

11. That they will be sold out in their faith and love for Christ. Rom. 12:1-2

12. That they will be hedged in and protected. Hosea 2:6

Waiting for or Looking Back...

Have you ever noticed that so many (including myself at times) are not happy with their current "season"? We long for what was: college, high school, single days, days before kids etc. or they wait for: college graduation, high school graduation, to be married, to have kids... We are a difficult people to satisfy!

Oh the joys that come with contentment. With taking in and enjoying now. So hard. I believe it takes practice. If we practice discontentment we will become very good at it.

Right now I have a two year old and a 10 month old. I look forward to when they will be potty trained, to when I can communicate with them, to when they will sleep in, to when they will "help out" more... But my fear is that in the process of looking forward is I will miss what is.

Help me Lord, to enjoy today to it's fullest and to forget what is behind! Thank you for my beautiful children. For the sound of babies. For the curiosity of toddlers. What a joy to be a mom living in the present and taking hold of what You have for me TODAY!

Love and Logic

Recent emailing with another mommy led me to remember Love and Logic. Ever heard of it? It is a great program of sorts to help parents and teachers work with children in a calm and efficient manner. My husband used it with teaching and he said it made such a difference! So here is my recommendation to you to check it out! Type in "parenting with love and logic" into google or yahoo and you are sure to find ample info. Or buy the book today at amazon! Let me know what you think.

Another little LaPierre Bun in the Oven!

Well, we found out a couple days ago that I am expecting another little love. Thanking the Lord already that His grace sufficient. I have an appointment on Thursday. Looking forward to meeting this new family addition some time early June.

Home Motivation

Another great post at simplemom.net on HOW TO STAY MOTIVATED AS A HOMEMAKER. I don't know about you but I need motivation for this sometimes. Enjoy!

Click here.

Mom's unplugged

I enjoyed a post on moms watching their time on the internet. One great idea she had was to set a timer. To read the post click here.

hung out to dry...

I love it. Got our clothesline up yesterday (thanks Honey!). It was so fun to go out with the kiddos this morning and hang our clothes out to dry. Something about the labor, the sun, the laughs and knowing that we are saving money and energy makes me enjoy this new pastime. Try it out!

p.s. here is the dictionary's definition of pastime (it suits how I feel quite well): something that serves to make time pass agreeably; a pleasant means of amusement, recreation

My Beautiful Sister!

My beautiful sister got married. She was radiant on her wedding day. She has grown up to be such a wonderful woman. Our friendship is growing and growing. I love you Molly!

More Great Mommy Advise!

These quotes come from the book I am finishing up called: The Mother At Home by John S.C. Abbot. It was written in 1833! It has just as much application for today as it did then.

The two chapters I am quoting from are called: Religious Instruction Parts 1 & 2.

• "It is certainly vain to hope that you can induce your children to fix their affections upon another world, while yours are fixed upon this one." Powerful! I think we sometimes have higher expectations of our children then we do of ourselves. He says later on "The parent must strive to be herself, just what she wishes her child to be." Do you want your children to have a kind tone? To remain calm? To be joyful? To be grateful? To not complain? To love the Lord? What do you want from YOUR children? Go display this for them so they can see how it is you wish for them to be!
• Regularly "speak of His goodness. Show His readiness to forgive. Excite the gratitude of the child by speaking of the joys of heaven. Thus let the duties of religion ever be connected with feelings of enjoyment and images of happiness that the child may perceive that gloom and sorrow are connected only with disobedience..." and a lack of relationship with their Creator. There will be no tears in heaven. All sadness stems from sin.
• "Our children have more right to expect that we shall be model parents than we have to require that they shall be model children."
• When things aren't going right that is the time "in which to show loveliness and blessedness of confidence in God. A smile upon your countenance, a glance of confiding affection in your eye, a word of calm submission from your full heart, will then go to the hearts of your observing children, with great and effectual power. Words are air. They fall upon the ear and are forgotten. BUT WHO EVER FORGETS ABIDING, CONSISTENT, UNVARYING EXAMPLE? What child ever ceases to remember the daily life, of its father and mother?"
• "Parents should never, especially in the presence of their children, give way to feelings of irritation and anger. Even when a child does wrong there should be NO EXPRESSION OF RESENTMENT OR VEXATION IN OUR LOOKS OR IN OUR WORDS. We may act firmly on such occasions and reprove effectually, while yet we maintain throughout, the quiet, gentle, and peaceful spirit by which the conduct of the Christian ought at all times to be characterized."
• "Every mother ought to engage in the duties of religious instruction, with the confident expectation that God will accompany her exertions with His blessing." That is encouraging!

How Many to Have...

I found this awesome article over at Resolved to Worship. Such a great analogy. Encouraged me greatly. Let me know what you think!

"The fruit of the ground is a reward and a blessing."

"The fruit of the womb is a reward and a blessing."

If a farmer plants as many seeds as he can without consideration for the ground, the health of the plants, etc.
...and thinks the fruit of the ground should be God's area and we should NOT get involved whatsoever in the number of seeds planted, or the spacing of the seeds, or the size of the garden which he can reasonably and responsibly care for...

...the seeds will produce fruit of course (it is the nature of the creation) and he will have more plants!

However, the ground will suffer, the plants will not be healthy (because there are not enough nutrients in the soil to supply that many plants), and the plants will ultimately be neglected since there are more plants than the farmer has time to weed, prune, fertilize, and care for.

Likewise...

If a man plants as many seeds in the womb without consideration for his wife's body (the ground), the health, training, discipling, educating, providing, and loving of the children, etc. and thinks the womb should be God's area and he and his wife (the farmers) should not get involved in the consideration of the number of seeds planted, or the spacing of the plants (children), or the size of the garden (family) which they can reasonably care for, the seeds will produce fruit (children--it is the nature of the creation)...

...they will have more children.

However, the wife's body will suffer as well as her emotional state, the children will not be healthy (because there is not enough emotional, spiritual, and physical nutrients in the parents to supply that many plants/children), and the children will ultimately be neglected to some degree since there are more children than the couple have time, energy, and resources to weed (rebuke), prune (discipline), fertilize (teach, train, disciple), and care for (love and meet their emotional needs).

The farmer is responsible before God to be a good steward of his land and the fruit of the land.

The husband and wife are responsible before God to be a good steward of the womb and the fruit of the womb.

They are responsible in God's Word to provide for them, bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, keep their hearts turned to each of them, and provide a rich example of the love of Christ for the church as the children observe their love for each other and how they relate to each other.

Therefore, since we want to walk in a manner worthy of Christ and the gospel, we must have the same attitude as He had (emptying ourselves, humbly serving, and willing to lay down our lives for others) and to think about the interests of others (our wives/husbands first, and then the other children) more than our own interests (reputation or self-esteem or own desires).

Parents should remember, having children is not about them, it's about Christ. And if all of life is about Christ, then it is about others. So the question about how many children should a couple have can only be answered by each couple accurately understanding their abilities, gifting, health, and God's provision with an attitude of stewardship before God for His glory.

One farmer may have planted 10,000 seeds in his plot and there stands 10,000 stunted corn plants because the farmer did not accurately assess what the ground could supply and he care for.

Another farmer may have planted 1000 seeds in his plot and there stands 1000 healthy, fruitful corn plants because the farmer did accurately assess what the ground could supply and he care for.

Which farmer brings more glory to God in his stewardship?

One husband plants as many seeds as he feels like and his wife allows in her womb and there stands # of children (the number is not important) emotionally, spiritually, physically, neglected children because the couple did not accurately assess what they could reasonably care for.

One husband plants seeds wisely and lovingly guided by the Holy Spirit in the womb of his wife and there stands # of children (the number is not important) emotionally, spiritually, physically healthy children because the couple did accurately assess what they could reasonably care for with the Lord's fulness and strength.

Which couple brings more glory to God in their stewardship?

One couple may not pray or seek the Lord in his (their) stewardship because the law (what is being taught by some as God's law) is "have as many children as God wants you to have". On the other hand, another may have their children conceived and birthed out of faith in fellowship and prayer with Jesus Christ. They may have 1 child after many attempts or they may have 10, but they come together freely and with excitement because they are living by the Spirit, in fellowship with God, and with His attitude for His glory.

So the most important consideration isn't how large the family is, but are they walking by faith, in love with God, living with the attitude of Christ for His glory..."

More adoption stats...

Planned Parenthood preformed 250,000 abortions in 2004 and made a profit of $35 million. (Family News in Focus, 12/22/04)

"What we know from research is that the longer a child stays in foster care the worse the child's outcomes." (US Health and Human Services Undersecretary Wade Horn, Focus on the Family web site, May 20, 2004.)

Each year November is designated National Adoption Month by the President of the United States. This was first declared in 1990. (US Census Bureau web site.)

21,616 immigrant visas were issued to orphans coming to the United States for adoption in 2003, up from 7,377 a decade earlier. (US Census Bureau web site.)

1.7 million households contain adopted children. These households comprise 4 percent of all households in which children reside. (US Census Bureau web site.)

Average age of parents with adopted children is 43 or about 5 years older than the average age of parents with biological children. (US Census Bureau web site.)

Median income of adoptive parents is approximately $5,000 more than the median income of biological parents. (US Census Bureau web site.)

There are over 40 references to orphans in the Old Testament found in 12 of the Old Testament books!

China released 6,859 children for adoption to the United States in 2003 (US Dept. of State web site).There are approximately 8,000,000 children in orphanages in China.

"About four in ten Americans have considered adopting a child at one time in their lives. This equates to about 81.5 million adults. Considering there are 134,000 children in foster care awaiting families, these children would all have a home today is just 0.2% (1 in 500) of these adults actually pursued and completed the adoption process." (National Adoption Attitudes Survey, June 2002).

78% of Americans think the country should be doing more to encourage adoption. (National Adoption Attitudes Survey, June 2002).

Americans have a very positive opinion about adoptive parents. They are seen as lucky by 94% of Americans. (National Adoption Attitudes Survey, June 2002)

Sweet Encouragement

This is A. Ann over at Resolved to Worship. Which is another one of my all time favorite blogs. There are so many things to admire about this woman! This little list she made encouraged me so much:

*All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

*Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.

*Don’t compare your life to others’. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

*Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don’t worry; God never blinks.

*Time heals almost everything. Give time, time.

*What other people think of you is none of your business.

Me and My BIG Mouth/I Am Peter

This has been a very humiliating couple months for me... I have a BIG mouth. I often feel like Peter. "I will NEVER Lord." Yeah, I have heard that whole "never say never thing." I am really good at saying never and at being very bold about it! I am also very good at changing my mind.

Let me explain...

I had never had a baby before but I made sure to tell everyone and their... hippo... that I was not going to get an epidural... NEVER EVER! My wise sister said: "maybe you should wait to say things like that until after you have had a baby." "Whatever" was my reply. Low and behold, Rhea came on July 17th 2007 and I told the nurse to hook "it" up... it being the wonderful epidural. When Ricky came you better believe I had them hook it up as well :0)

Next, and possibly most embarrassing, I told everyone that would listen (or rather not listen) that I was going to "let God plan my family". My mom said: "Maybe you should wait to see how you feel after you have a couple of kids." Again, my response: "Whatever". Low and behold, a couple kids later, I am changing my mind. Why can't I just keep my BIG mouth shut? The Lord is using this season to teach me SO much and to humble me greatly.

My wonderful husband was telling me that even though this time is very embarrassing and very humiliating God is going to use it greatly. He does tend to use those embarrassing and humiliating times, doesn't He? He is very good that :0) For when we are weak, then He is strong.

I love this proverb: Proverbs 17:28 "Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue." I've got the whole fool part down... now I just need to work on keeping silent/holding my tongue.

So for now, Scott and I are allowing number 3 to come as the Lord wills. After that... who knows I AM KEEPING MY MOUTH SHUT. James 4:13-14 says: "¹³Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." ¹⁴Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." SO GOOD! Why do I even bother telling others what I am going to do in the future? I don't even know what will happen tomorrow. Please help me Lord to KEEP MY BIG MOUTH SHUT.

Link Love

I go to some of my favorite blogs and one of my favorite things to find is a "link love" post. It's where they share some treasured links they have found in their browsing endeavors. I wanted to do the same for you.

Here is a great one on 70 great things about having children.

Scott and I are planning on getting a clothesline. This link will show you 10 reasons to get one! (just scroll down a bit)

This one gave great ideas for outdoor fun as a family.

Now I talked about wanting to live out on some land with some good friends. But this is a little too much. :0)

Enjoy! and let me know whatcha think!

Mothering Inspiration

I wanted to copy and paste a couple inspiring mother quotes. You can find where I got them from here and here.

"IT is wholly impossible to live according to Divine order, and to make a proper application of heavenly principles, as long as the necessary duties which each day brings seem only like a burden grievous to be borne. Not till we are ready to throw our very life's love into the troublesome little things can we be really faithful in that which is least and faithful also in much. Every day that dawns brings something to do, which can never be done as well again. We should, therefore, try to do it ungrudgingly and cheerfully. It is the Lord's own work, which He has given us as surely as He gives us daily bread. We should thank Him for it with all our hearts, as much as for any other gift. It was designed to be our life, our happiness. Instead of shirking it or hurrying over it, we should put our whole heart and soul into it."

-- James Reed, Joy and Strength for the Pilgrim's Day by Mary Wilder Tileston, p. 39

“My Father, give us a sturdiness of mind and heart for the many tasks ahead.

May we speak with the law of kindness on our tongues.

Make us helpers, suitable for our husbands–forgetting our selfish wants, and truly looking to lighten his load.

May we be a crown to him, and not rottenness in his bones.

Give us strength of body to build this house and not tear it down.

Adorn us with the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit.

Make us long suffering toward our husbands and children, not easily provoked and not easily provoking to anger.

Give us energy and vision to “watch over the affairs of our households”, seeing it through Your eyes…a mission field, and a battleground to be won for You.

Help us speak with wisdom.

Help us to be busy with our hands, faithful with our time, and productive in our work.

Give us stamina for the day, helping us see that all the little things are not really little in Your economy.

May we be encouraged in the trenches and know that “greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world”.

When we are tired, give us rest; when we are irritable, give us grace; when we are grumpy give us gratitude; and when we are spent, carry us on from there.

Losing my life to save it…"

More Homeschooling Goodness

I suppose homeschooling is on my mind since most children that go to school are back at it after a hot summer. One of my favorite bloggers says that we should always be preparing for the NEXT season. Rhea is 2. I plan on starting some sort of "schooling" with her when she is four. I am studying different techniques and thoughts quite a bit, so that, when the time arrives I am prepared (or some what anyhow!).

I wanted to share some goodies I found with ya all!

• Over at Sprittibee I found a HUGE list of homeschool links.

• Kelly Crawford recently made a post titled: Homeschool Help!

• And finally Jamie over at Rose Cottage gave some GREAT reasons as to why she home-schools

Nothing Like It

There is nothing like the love a mother has for her children. It is so beautiful. It brings me to tears some times to think of the gift of little ones. When my wonderful in-laws take my loves for a night it reminds me of how much I enjoy having them around! In fact, I had them stay with my in-laws one night recently and I ended up crying on the couch.

And to think, I need to have my Lord before them... God wants to be first in our lives. I am realizing even my children can become an idol. Father, protect my heart and remind me of this often!

More foster care stuff

I read these stats and it made me want to get involved with foster care even more:

Did you know: there are over 800,000 foster children in the US . Annually 20,000 kids age out of foster care nationwide, an increase of 41 percent since 1998. One third of them didn’t have a high school diploma and about 20 percent become homeless. Nearly half of the young women who have been in foster care become pregnant at least once by age 19. The need is great.

The need is definitely great. Reminds me of that verse: the harvest is great but the laborers are few. The need for adoption is huge but those willing to adopt are so few! I read some where that only 2% of people end up ever adopting!

Scott and I would like to adopt children younger then ours. This will be a while but I am praying for and about the children the Lord has in store for us.

So many hurting little ones. Oh Lord, please give us as your people a heart for the orphans!

Provoking our children

Provoking our children to anger comes in many ways. Here is a list of 25 that I found here.

1. Lack of marital harmony.

2. Establish and maintaining a child-centered home.

3. Modeling sinful anger.

4. Habitually disciplining while angry.

5. Scolding.

6. Being inconsistent with discipline.

7. Having double standards.

8. Being legalistic.

9. Not admitting your'e wrong and not asking for forgiveness.

10. Constantly finding fault.

11. Parents Reversing God-given roles (ex:wives leading homes).

12. Not listening to your child's opinion or taking his or her 'side of the story' seriously.

13. Comparing them to others

14. Not making time 'just to talk'

15. Not praising or encouraging your child.

16. Failing to keep your promises.

17. Chastening in front of others.

18. Not allowing enough freedom.

19. Allowing too much freedom.

20. Mocking your child.

21. Abusing them physically.

22. Ridiculing or name calling.

23. Unrealistic expectations

24. Practicing Favoritism

25. Child training with worldly methodologies inconsistent with God's Word.

Stay at home mom encouragement

"Thank God, O women, for the quietude of your home, and that you are queen in it. Men come at eventide to the home; but all day long you are there , beautifying it, sanctifying it, adorning it, blessing it. Better be there than wear a queen's coronet. Better be there than carry the purse of a princess. It may be a very humble home. There may be no carpet on the floor. There may be no pictures on the wall. There may be no silks in the wardrobe; but, by your faith in God, and your cheerful demeanor, you may garniture that place with more splendor than the upholsterer's hand ever kindled." ---Reverend T. DeWitt Talmage, D.D

For more "stay at home mom encouragement" be sure to check out THIS POST!

http://mrsscottlapierre.blogspot.com/2014/07/be-encouraged-stay-at-home-mom.html

Living One Day at a Time

Does anyone else struggle with this? This is one of my "main" habits. I like to worry/contemplate about tomorrow when God clearly tells me that tomorrow is not promised and today has enough to work for us to concentrate on. I read this great quote by Theordore Roosevelt

"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are." I love it! What I can: what CAN I do? What has God given me in my ability? What I have: most people have SOMETHING they can give. Even if it is just our time. How do we use our precious time? Where you are: STOP thinking about being somewhere else... someone else... God has put us exactly where He wants us and we would be wise to bloom where we are planted. It is a must have for a happy life to take it one day at a time. His grace is sufficient for TODAY.

Who's in Charge Around Here?

Sometimes I ask myself: "wait a minute! Who is in charge around here? Me or my kids?!" I am in charge. That is my God given authority and it is my responsibility to live that out!

I am reading a great book called: The Mother at Home. It is all about the important and great role we mothers play. No one else can replace us in our children's lives. If we fail to do our best then we fail dearly. There is grace. There is strength from the Lord. Yes. But don't let that give you reason to slack in your duty. A while back I talked at my friend Erica's baby shower about how our parenting (or lack of) will affect generations to come, not just the present. In a sense we parent thousands to come.

As we guide and raise our sweet children let's keep in mind that we are in charge and it is in everyone's (even those who don't exist yet) best interest that we keep it that way :0)

Great List of homeschool "musts"

borrowed this list from Kelly Crawford.

At the top of our list of educational goals are:

• A love and understanding of Scripture (the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.)
• Teaching them to be self-learners. In my opinion, the government knows full-well how dangerous a society of self-learners can be, and has purposely created a system that convinces the masses they can only receive a real education through the transferring of information from a “professional”; such a concept ensures that people will be taught only what is “safe” for an engineered society. But for centuries, the most intelligent men and women of history were self-taught; the average high school graduate can not even decipher the writings of these historical intellects. I believe John Taylor Gatto when he says the system has purposely “dumbed down” our students. The proof is in the pudding.
• Teaching them to think. Ask them questions, challenge their reasoning, and press them to give an answer for opinions they express.
• Giving them a love of reading. Not all children will love to read as much as others; but from the very beginning, one of the most important things a parent can do is to read to their children, read in front of them, and make books an important part of life. Another thing is to read challenging books in their hearing, even if they don’t grasp it all. They need to hear rich language before they understand it, just as they need to hear simple language before they can speak it.
• Communication skills. The ability to express one’s self is vitally important. Writing well and speaking well are invaluable assets in any choice of career or role in life. These skills usually come more naturally to a prolific reader, and the more parents verbally communicate with their children the better. (Another benefit, in my opinion, of not being dominated by a peer group for most of the day.)
• Teaching them to be numerate. I’m not as concerned with whether my children pass trigonometry as I am that they are able to understand measurements and basic life-concepts of math. I made a B in college Calculus and still struggle making change at a yard sale
• A love of arts. Poetry, music, beauty–whether it be an intricate composition of notes, or the simple, mysterious beauty in the arrangement of wildflowers, we seek to heighten an awareness of the order, creativity and beauty that makes up the very character of the God we serve.

3 years today!

My husband and I have been married for three years today. Seems longer. Not because we have a horrible marriage but because we have such a great marriage. I can't imagine my life without him.

Things I love about my husband:

He is such a man (I shared this one at mommies' night out). He is manly. I don't know how to put it any other way. I LOVE IT! :0)

He loves God and His Word and He's not afraid to talk about it!

He loves our little kiddos so much.

He treats his parents well.

He provides and seeks ways to save money. I know he will ALWAYS take care of us.

He is continually seeking to be a better husband and receives my "hints" very well and humbly.

He is quick to apologize and forgive.

We can laugh together about things that no one else would find funny!

I am blessed.

homeschooling book sale

Hi everyone!

My favorite blogger (Kelly Crawford) is having a sale on her e-book: Think Outside the Classroom. If you homeschool or are thinking about it I am sure this will be a good purchase!

Click here to check it out!

Foster Parenting

My heart breaks for the thousands of orphans/abused children in america. I admire those who have chosen to be foster parents. Scott and I continue to discuss and pray about God's plan for our family.

Here is a short video on foster care.

More Homeschooling Advice

Here is some more homeschooling advice. This time for family and friends of those who homeschool:

I found this lovely list posted by Kendra Fletcher on Preschoolers and Peace. It was too good not to share. (her blog doesn't exist anymore but I still wanted to give her credit).

___________________________________________________________________________________

If you are the mother, grandmother, sister, friend, father, or brother of a homeschooling mom, here are some things you should know:

1. Educating children at home is a full-time job. Don't get irritated if she consistently allows the answering machine to do its job. If she were a teacher in an institutional classroom, you probably wouldn't think of calling her during school hours, so try to realize that while still at home, she is keeping regular school hours, too.

2. Unlike homes in which the children are gone for eight straight hours, her home is in a constant state of activity. The children are not only home, they are home making messes. All day long. Their mother doesn't even have the opportunity to go into their rooms while they are at school and weed out the junk. And if she is like me, you might find odd homeschooly things lying around- like the month we had a dead turtle in the garage fridge.

3. Housekeeping and homeschooling are mutually exclusive. If she is doing her job educating her children academically, then her house is not being cleaned. If she takes the day to clean the house, then school will not be accomplished.

4. Place realistic expectations on her- she cannot simultaneously teach school, make three square meals, keep a house that looks like it has sprung out of the pages of Architectural Digest, have her nails done, drive children to extracurricular activities, and have all the clothing laundered and pressed. Something's gotta give, and in my experience, it is usually her personal care. So don't expect her to don the latest styles, have her roots meticulously dyed at just the right moment, and her aforementioned nails filed and polished to perfection. And while most of us aren't slovenly, we just tend to put some superfluous aspects of personal care at the bottom of the to-do list.

5. For many of us, homeschooling isn't an option. Many believe it is not only the best way for their family, it is the only way. Many see homeschooling as a Scriptural directive. When sharing a particular struggle unique to homeschooling, comments like, "Well, why don't you consider putting them in school? Maybe homeschooling just isn't your thing" aren't helpful. Instead, offer a listening ear and your fervent prayers on her behalf.

6. If you are truly concerned about the state of her emotions, home, children, or marriage, offer practical help to ease her burden. Personal time is at a premium for her, so consider offering to take her kids for the day so she can recuperate. If you like to do laundry, offer to come over and get the loads going, fold, and/or iron. If you like to cook, consider putting together some meals that she can store in the freezer for days when time is at a premium. If she teaches a broad spectrum of ages and grades, consider offering to come in once a week or more to teach preschool to the little ones. One grandma I know created "Nana U" for her preschool grandson (number five of seven) and not only did it ease her homeshooling daughter's burden, it created a special bond between grandma and the child.

But there’s a caveat here: ASK her what would be most helpful to her.Don’t presume to know what would help her. Taking the oldest children for the day might be fun for you, but it’s quite possibly not at all helpful to her. The living room might need to be vacuumed, but it’s not helpful if she’s trying to take a nap. Someone once told me, “If it’s not wanted, it’s not helpful.”

7. Think about what a financial burden homeschooling may be placing on the family. The loss of her possible income can be a real struggle nowadays, and you might be able to buoy her for another year by offering to purchase little things like simple school supplies. Gifts for the children like books on subjects of interest to the child, field trip fees, museum memberships, and the money to pay for music lessons or other extracurricular activities are the best thing you could give a homeschooling family. Not only does a homeschooling mom not need one more thing to manage or pick up, she would be thrilled to see you take an interest in the many academic items on her wish list.

8. Simple questions like, "How can I pray for you?" and "Is there any way I can help you?" are like a cool breeze in her life. Don't assume you know her needs- ask. You could just be the vessel God uses to carry her on through this very demanding and ultimately rewarding season of her life.

Poverty Facts

I found these poverty facts on the compassion website.

• Children under age 18 make up 49 percent of the population of the world's least developed countries, compared with 21 percent of the population of the world's industrialized nations.

• More than 2 billion people lack access to electricity and modern forms of energy.

• More than 1 billion (one in five) people live on less than U.S.$1 a day.

• Every day, 1,600 women and more than 10,000 newborns globally die due to complications that could have been prevented.

• The annual world economy breaks down like this:

Low Income, $825 or less: 37%
Lower Middle Income, $826 to $3,255: 38%
Upper Middle Income, $3,256 to $10,065: 9%
High Income, $10,066 or more: 16%

• Approximately 143 million children in the developing world (one in 13) are orphans.

• More than 10 million children under age 5 die each year. Two-thirds of these deaths — more than 6 million deaths every year — are preventable.

• Approximately 41 percent of the world's poor people live in India.

Scott and I recently started sponsoring a child in Ethiopia. Her name is Galila. She is a precious girl and we are excited to be able to help her with her physical as well as spiritual needs through compassion.

Please consider sponsoring a child today. Just think of the difference you can make. I don't see any reason why we as rich americans can't help others out. Look at those facts above! So many people are in need out there! I praise God for compassion. They are doing an amazing job helping little ones who have no hope.

For just a little over a dollar a day you can change a child's life! Think of that. What sorts of things do you waste a dollar or dollars on all the time? That extra trip to the grocery store (gas money), that pointless toy for your child, the "treat" they just had to have (or you just had to have), the silly amounts we spend on coffee!, bottled water, and so much more. I am just as guilty. Scott and I are continually looking for ways that we can be better stewards of our money. I think one way we all can do that is put it toward a life that desperately needs it!

Unless a grain of wheat falls...

We live in an opposite world. Opposite of what God would have for us. So much sin. So much pride. Lack of love. The world tells us to watch out for "number one" (ourselves) while God tells us that if any one desires to follow Him we must deny ourselves. The world tells woman to "stand up for themselves" while God calls women to be gentle and submissive. The world tells us to worry more about our looks then the condition of our hearts.

This scripture brilliantly describes how we are to die to ourself and why:

John 12:24-26

"I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains [just one grain; it never becomes more but lives] by itself alone. But if it dies, it produces many others and yields a rich harvest. Anyone who loves his life loses it, but anyone who hates his life in this world will keep it to life eternal. [Whoever has no love for, no concern for, no regard for his life here on earth, but despises it, preserves his life forever and ever.] If anyone serves Me, he must continue to follow Me [to cleave steadfastly to Me, conform wholly to My example in living and, if need be, in dying] and wherever I am, there will My servant be also. If anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him."

How can you die to yourself today?