A Brief Explanation

Good Morning.  It's me.  I'm still here. 

Sorry for the sudden departure but things have been really crazy around our house.  Two and a half weeks ago my husband interviewed for a job in Shreveport, Louisiana and last Wednesday he was offered the position.  He has to take a test on April 24 and, if he passes the test, he will have to be in Shreveport by June 1.  Which means we have a short time to pack up and relocate from Michigan to Louisiana.  Crazy, huh?

We are very excited about this move but also a little overwhelmed.  This is a fantastic job offer for my husband and he is certain that this is where the Lord is leading.  We have been in this house for 8 years and I have a lot of cleaning/sorting/purging to do.  Our goal is to have our house on the market on May 1.

So, I am going to be a little random here over the next few weeks.  However, if you stick with me I promise I will be back to a more faithful schedule as soon as I can.

Have a fantastic week!

Finding Confidence, Thursday, April 1, 2010

Confidence comes from knowing who we are in Christ as we live for his purposes.

Apply Your Findings

1. What judgments do you make about yourself that are, in fact, untrue?  What is something wonderful about you that you tend to undervalue?
2. How do you typically respond when someone says something flattering about you?  Is it hard for you to receive a compliment?
3. Do you fail to stick up for yourself when someone challenges what you know to be true?

Optional Activities

1. Make a list of the talents you believe God has given you.  Be specific and don't leave anything out, no matter how insignificant YOU may think it is.  Ask your husband or a close friend to help if you would like.  Spend some time praying through this list.  Thank God for each talent He has given you and ask Him if there is a way that you can better use this talent for His glory.
2. Is there an area of your life where you feel the Lord leading and yet you have a lack of confidence about the matter?  Challenge yourself to boldly put absolute trust in the Lord and to follow His guidance.
3. Make a list of all of the lies or mistruths you believe about yourself.  Add to this list any comparisons to others you may make about yourself.  Pray to the Lord and turn these things over to Him.

Finding Confidence, Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Confidence comes from knowing who we are in Christ as we live for his purposes.


Discover the Eternal Principles

Wednesday:  You have an important role to play in God's kingdom.  1 Corinthians 12:4-26; 2 Corinthians 5:17-19.

1. In 1 Corinthians, Paul describes the body of the Church and the roles of its members.  When he speaks of gifts he indicates that no one receives all of God's gifts, but everyone receives something.  Do you think God would give you a gift he did not intend for you to use for His glory?
2. Just as a car will not properly run if all of the parts aren't working, a church or other body of believers will be off if everyone involved is not doing his or her job.  What gifts do you feel that God has given you?  Are you using those gifts in ministry?

Finding Confidence, Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Confidence comes from knowing who we are in Christ as we live for his purposes.


Discover the Eternal Principles

Tuesday:  You are loved.  John 16:27; Romans 8:38-39.

1. In John, Jesus reminds us in a straightforward manner that God loves us.  Spend a moment reminding yourself of this truth - God loves ME.  When you remember this truth, what does it do for your confidence?  Does this improve your feelings of self-worth?
2. Read Romans 8:38-39.  What can separate us from God's love?
3. God loves us, warts and all.  While He doesn't love our sin, He is quick to forgive us when we seek His forgiveness.  God gave us our talents - and our shortcomings - as a part of His eternal plan.  God doesn't make mistakes and He certainly doesn't make junk.  Does this truth make it easier for you to have confidence in yourself and your God-given abilities?
4. When you need to be reminded of God's love for you, what verses do you turn to for confidence and inspiration?

Finding Confidence, Monday, March 29, 2010

Confidence comes from knowing who we are in Christ as we live for his purposes.

Verla Gillmor writes, "if your raw data is flawed, you end us with a faulty conclusion.  The same is true with how we see ourselves.  If we lack self-confidence, maybe we're working with flawed data."  It's easy to see the evidence of this flawed data:  perpetually worried expressions, stressed-out kids, wasted gifts, credit card bills with too many charges for the clothes and beauty products that promised to make us look perfect.  This can't be the life God created us for.

How can we know and enjoy the special gifts God has given us?  What does it mean to be God's beloved?  How can we cultivate godly confidence?  These are the questions we'll explore in this study.

Based on:

"Need a Confidence Boost?," by Verla Gillmor, TODAY'S CHRISTIAN WOMAN, May/June 2000.

Scripture:

Psalm 71:5-6                     Jeremiah 17:5-7          1 Corinthians 12:4-26
Proverbs 3:25-26              John 16:27                  2 Corinthians 5:17-19
Romans 8:38-39               James 2:14-17

Identify the Current Issue

In hundreds of subtle (and not-so-subtle!) ways, our culture, family, friends - even our thought life - conspire to undermine our confidence.  We grow up in families void of affirmation, encouragement, and respect - the building blocks to self-confidence.  Then we find ourselves smack dab in the middle of a world that lionizes Size Zero Holly wood starlets and Barbie-doll figures.  Our paycheck, our title, our designer labels, or come other artificial yardstick gives us temporary entree into the world of The Accepted.  But in our hearts, we know it isn't real.  How do we find our way to the truth?

To gain confidence in ourselves, we have to lose a few things first.  We have to stop comparing ourselves to the girl (or woman) next door.  We have to give up self-doubt and self-loathing.  We have to recognize the lies we believe about ourselves, turn them over to God and replace them with the truths God knows about us.  Only then can we have to confidence to be all that God has planned for us.

Discover the Eternal Principles

Monday:  Confidence comes from an absolute trust in God.  Psalm 71:5-6; Proverbs 3:25-26.

1. In the passage from Psalm 71, what words does the psalmist use to express his trust in God?  When you read this passage, do you note any doubt in his trust in God?
2. Proverbs 3:25-26 instructs us that we should have confidence in the Lord.  Do you believe that you can have true confidence in yourself without first having confidence in God and His absolute sovereignty?
3. Jeremiah 17:5-7 contrasts the lives of men who put their trust in man versus those who put their trust in the Lord.  What do you think Jeremiah is referring to when he speaks of trust in this passage?  Does this mean that we should doubt everything men say or do, or does he mean something deeper?
4. Can you honestly say that you have an absolute trust in God?  At all times?  Are there any other verses that you can point to in the Bible that remind you of the need for absolute trust in God?
5. God never makes mistakes.  Therefore, if God has placed you in a particular circumstance, He must know what He is doing.  Has there ever been a time in your life that you felt you were following the Lord, but you had no idea what the outcome would be?  In these situations, did you draw closer to God and rely on Him more, or did you turn to yourself and/or other people for your needs?
6. Self-confidence can be a double-edged sword.  We want to celebrate the gifts and talents we have been given, while continuing to remember that it is God and not us who should get the glory.  How do you, or can you, have a Biblical confidence in your abilities and talents?

Harnessing Stress, Friday, March 26, 2010

How Can We Channel Stress to Work for God's Glory and Our Good?

Apply Your Findings - Friday

 Though we often cannot control our circumstances, we can control our responses to them.  If we harness stress through God's power, he will use stress to make us more like Christ.  Stress then becomes an agent to accomplish God's will in our lives.  In the process, God is glorified.

1. How can our response to stress glorify God?  How can it be dishonoring?
2. How can stress benefit us practically?
3. How can we keep stress from affecting us in negative ways?

Optional Activities

1. Using your calendar as a reference point, prioritize your activities.  Based on this principle of tithing, does at least a tenth of your time belong to God?
2. Set goals to help you manage your time effectively.  Be sure to include time for solitude with God.  Find a person to hold you accountable.
3. Make a list of 50 things for which you are thankful, then pray through that list.

Harnessing Stress, Thursday, March 25, 2010

How Can We Channel Stress to Work for God's Glory and Our Good?

Discover the Eternal Principles


Thursday: When we have a heart attitude of thankfulness and trust in God, we will have joy, even in the most difficult situations, and we will bring glory to God.  2 Corinthians 11:22-12:10.

1. How can you explain Paul's attitude in the midst of so much persecution?  Why was he thankful for difficult circumstances?  What can you be thankful for in difficult circumstances?
2. Philippians 4 tells us not to worry.  How is stress different from worry?  How do we keep ourselves from worry?  How can stress be good for us spiritually?  In order for stress to benefit us, what must our heart attitude be?
3. When have you experienced joy in difficult circumstances?  Upon what was your joy based?  How is joy different from happiness?
4. According to Philippians 4, what brings us the peace of God?  How can peace transcend all understanding?  How do you think peace guards our hearts and minds?  Share a time when you experienced God's peace in a stressful situation.

Harnessing Stress, Wednesday, March 24, 2010

How Can We Channel Stress to Work for God's Glory and Our Good?

Discover the Eternal Principles


Wednesday: Finding time to be alone with God is essential to our spiritual health and is rejuvenating to our mind in times of stress.  Matthew 14:3-23.

1. Upon hearing about John the Baptist's death, why was the immediate response of Jesus to withdraw to a solitary place?  Why do you thing Jesus chose to pray alone, instead of with the crowd or with the disciples?  Why is spending time alone with God essential?  How does it help you in times of stress?  How does time alone with God differ from corporate worship?  Why are both important?
2. Once we have spent time alone with God, we need to allow ourselves diversions from the stress.  Our physical bodies need time to rest, and our minds need time to recover and relax.  Even God rested when he finished creating the world; certainly we do not need less.  What happens when we do not take time to rest?  What do you do to relax during stressful times?
3. In her stress management seminars, Charlotte Sutton suggests prioritizing activities into categories of critical, important, and unimportant to help with time management.  How could prioritizing help us find time for solitude and rest?  What would be on your critical list?  What do you consider unimportant?  What would you say are the priorities of Jesus?  What should our priorities be?

Harnessing Stress, Tuesday, March 23, 2010

How Can We Channel Stress to Work for God's Glory and Our Good?

Discover the Eternal Principles

Tuesday:  Acceptance of God's sovereign will, no matter what the circumstances, gives us peace and courage to face whatever comes.  Esther 4:6-17.

1. What was Esther's first reaction to Mordecai's request that she go into the king's presence and beg for mercy for her people?  How did Mordecai hold her accountable?
2. Holly Miller suggests that when we are under stress, we should find someone who will be strong enough to hold us accountable.  How can having someone to whom you are accountable help you complete a task?  How can it spiritually help you in difficult times?
3. How does prayer help us accept God's sovereignty in our lives?  Why is it important to ask others to pray for us?  How has prayer helped you during stressful times?
4. How did Esther show her trust in God's sovereignty?  Romans 8:28 says that God promises to work all things for the good of those who love him.  How does this help us trust God?  How does it help us endure difficult times?
5. How did Esther harness her stress to help her accomplish God's will in her life?

Harnessing Stress, Monday, March 22, 2010

How Can We Channel Stress to Work for God's Glory and Our Good?

Stress can cause a host of emotional, spiritual, and physical problems.  None of us, however, can avoid stress completely.  The key is not to eliminate stress, but to handle it in a way that is godly and productive.  Holly G. Miller, in her article for TODAY'S CHRISTIAN WOMAN, said if stress is carefully harnessed, it can create positive results in our lives.  These results include increased productivity, greater effectiveness, and renewed energy.

How can we harness stress to make us more productive?  What is the difference between stress and worry?  How do we deal with the stresses of life without it affecting our physical, emotional, and spiritual health in a negative way?  Is it possible stress can be good for us?  How can we glorify God despite our stressful circumstances?  This study will explore these issues.

Based on:

"Positively Stressed," by Holly G. Miller, TODAY'S CHRISTIAN WOMAN, July/August 1998, Vol. 20, No. 4, Page 74.

Scripture:

Joshua 1:1-18          Esther 4:6-17                          Matthew 14:3-23
Romans 8:28           2 Corinthians 11:22-12:10       Philippians 4:4-9

Identify the Current Issue

We live in a stress-filled society.  Multitasking is a way of life.  We are often trying to balance our job with raising kids, attending extracurricular activities, carpooling, community service, volunteering, and working in the church.  When we add to our busy schedules health issues, caring for others, and the trials of life, we can feel overwhelmed.

Stress is inevitable.  It is often caused by circumstances that we cannot avoid or control.  Worry, however, is a spiritual and emotional response to stress that drains energy and can create a host of problems.  When we cast our cares on Jesus, he gives us the strength to endure and persevere through difficult times.  In this way God is glorified, and we can accomplish God's will in our lives, despite the circumstances.  By God's grace, we can channel stress to work for us instead of against us.

Discover the Eternal Principles

Monday:  Meditating on God's Word reminds us that God is always with us, and that he gives us the courage and strength to accomplish His will in all circumstances.  Joshua 1:1-18

1. What is the difference between meditating on God's Word and simply reading it?  How does meditation help us apply God's Word to our lives?
2. How did Joshua call the Israelites to demonstrate courage and obedience?  What was their response?  Why was it important for Joshua to call the people to obedience and courage as God had called him?  How might their unity of purpose have helped them conquer the Promised Land?
3. Joshua harnessed his stress and began the task by breaking it down into manageable steps.  How does breaking down a task and focusing on one step at a time help us reduce stress?  How do we do this without losing the big picture?
4. Joshua also delegated responsibility to those under him.  How do you think this might have helped him?  How might it have helped the Israelites?  How do we decide what and when to delegate?
5. God promises believers that he is with us wherever we go and that he will never leave or forsake us.  What does that mean to you?  How does this promise help you to have courage in times of stress?
6. Have you ever had a time when fear kept you from conquering something God called you to do?  What blessings may you have missed?  What could you have done differently?

Kids' Week Books, March 19, 2010

Rebecca

March 19, 2010

Outside my window…it is very grassy, but it is all dead.
Inside the house…it is messy, but some parts are clean.
I am wearing…my pajamas.
I am thankful that…we can go to our friends’ house.
I am hearing…the computer singing for Linden and the scritch-scratching of my pencil.
I am thinking…about how much fun my birthday will be.
I am going…to a friend’s house.
I am reading…Isaiah, 1 Samuel, 2 Corinthians, and cookbooks.
I am hoping…the baby doesn’t spit up on me today.
I am remembering…how much fun our new neighbors are.
From school this week…tests galore, political parties in History, nonfiction/fiction in Language, algebra in Algebra, and systems in Science.
One of my favorite things…to cook peanut-chicken pasta.
A few plans for next week…school, piano, church, and my BIRTHDAY.

Timothy

March 19, 2010

Outside my window…grassy and leafy.
Inside the house…it is messy and loud.
I am wearing…pajamas.
I am thankful that…I’m going to my friends’ house.
I am hearing…a guy talking and singing.
I am thinking…about going to my friends’ house.
I am going…to my friends’ house.
I am reading…2 Corinthians, 1 Samuel, and Isaiah.
I am hoping…we can play with our neighbors.
I am remembering…yesterday when we played with our new friends.
From school this week…I learned about space and verbs.
One of my favorite things…is sports.
A few plans for next week…are school and sleep.

We are experiencing technical difficulties...

Our computer died suddenly this weekend. Taking my notes and internet access with it. I hope to be back up and running by the weekend. Sorry all! Please check back with me next Monday when I hope to be back to routine posting.

What A Crazy Week

Whew...I wasn't sure Saturday morning would ever get here.  This has definitely been an interesting week around our house.  Looking back, I am amazed that the kids were able to finish all their planned school work for the week and that my house is relatively clean.

Of course you will recall that my husband had knee surgery on Monday, so we knew this week was going to be a little different as he would need some down time to recover.  Then there was the trip home from the surgery center when we got a flat tire in the pharmacy parking lot and spent some extra time waiting for a wonderful friend of ours to drive so far out of his way to change my tire.  When I went to bed Monday night (by myself, since my husband couldn't get into our bed for the first few nights) I really thought all the excitement for the week was over.  How wrong I was.

My husband spent most of the day Tuesday trying to rest, which was very difficult for him since he couldn't find a comfortable position for his knee.  Around 11:30 Tuesday night, we were both still up in the living room when his phone signaled that he had a new e-mail.  As he read it he started laughing.  He handed me his phone so I could read the e-mail.  It was an invitation to come to Shreveport, Louisiana for a fellowship interview.  A while back, my husband applied for a position through the Louisiana Teaching Fellows program.  This program places new teachers in at-risk classrooms...and they are interested in my husband.
As Tuesday turned into Wednesday my husband and I checked out the interview details on-line.  He could interview at the end of this month or near the middle of April.  We decided not to select an interview time until Wednesday morning, when at least one of us would be coherent.

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday were filled with scheduling an interview (he decided on the March date), making travel plans (thanks to a dear friend who is also a travel agent who helped us with this one), and watching our emergency fund rapidly dwindle away.  By the time we went to bed Friday night my husband had vouchers for his round trip flight, a voucher for his rental car, and a confirmation of reservations for a hotel in Shreveport.  And to think, when I went to bed on Monday night, I believed that the flat tire ordeal would be the most exciting part of my week.  Ha.

As for the fellowship opportunity, we are both experiencing a range of emotions.  We are excited at the prospect of my husband getting this position - he is very interested in teach in a public high school and we feel that he would be wonderful in this type of setting.  We are also confused - we don't know a single person in Louisiana and we are unsure if God wants us to move so far away from our friends and family.  We are nervous - for the interview and the long trip so soon after my husband's surgery.  We are overwhelmed - at the thought of getting our house ready to sell and then selling it in such a bad market.  I for one am thrilled at the thought of living somewhere with many more warm days and much less snow.  And on and on the list goes.

We are trying to concentrate on the day to day as we wait to find out if this is where God wants us.  Through it all, it is so comforting to know that God has a plan for us and that He already knows where we will be this fall.

Coming Next Week

Good morning ladies! 

My devotionals this week were a little short.  Sorry about that.  I didn't realize just how busy I would be taking care of my husband as he recovers from his surgery.

Yesterday marked the end of the I Believe series.  Next week I will be starting a new series on issues such as harnessing stress and confidence.  The format for this next series will be a little different - I promise to tell you more about it Monday morning.

Have a wonderful weekend!

I Believe - My Bible (Day 4)

4.  I believe that the prophesies not yet fulfilled in the Bible will be fulfilled in God's time.

Following along to the logical conclusion, if I believe that the past events written of in the Bible are true, I must accept as truth the prophesies not yet fulfilled.  In other words, I must trust that all of God's promises will come to pass.  As I said before, I am not just going to sit on my behind and watch and wait to see God's glory.  However, as I live my life for God I can't help but get a little excited in anticipation of all that we will see.

I Believe - My Bible (Day 3)

3.  I believe that the entire Bible is an accurate historical text, and not a collection of fictional stories.

I believe that God knew that man would fall to sin when He created us.  I also believe that He knows that we need His wisdom and that, even with God on our side, we fall far short of Him in the knowledge department.  Therefore, I firmly believe that if there were any portions of the Bible that we were to take as a fable or "just a good story," than God would have made that clear in the text.  Otherwise, I do not believe that God would have left it up to us to discern the truth (such as the life, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus) from a fable (such as Creation or any other portion of the Bible that the world has labeled fiction).  Since there is nothing in the text of the Bible to tell me otherwise, I must accept as truth all that is offered as truth.

I Believe - My Bible (Day 2)

2.  I believe that the entire text was inspired.

Looking again at the same passage from Paul's second letter to Timothy, I believe that "All" scripture was inspired.  In other words, I do not believe that we are free to believe the verses of the Bible we like and forget the others.  Or worse yet, write them off as being "not applicable" to today.  More and more I hear people writing off certain verses (or even whole chapters) of the Bible as being irrelevant to life today.  If God is never changing then his truths are also unchanging.  Therefore, if something was true thousands of years ago, it must be true now.  Further, I don't believe that there is any "filler" in the Bible.  In other words, everything contained therein is there for a reason, and should be headed by us all.  Now, I may not have any idea why some things are in there (like all the lists in Leviticus or all the family land boundaries in Joshua) but that doesn't make any of these passages irrelevant.

I Believe - My Bible (Day 1)

As I said last week, there is a bit of an overlap between my thought on my faith and my Bible.  I tried to reduce as much of the duplication as possible.  I think that inadvertently resulted in much shorter devotionals this week.  Hopefully I didn't edit out more than I intended.

1.  I believe that the Bible was written by man under inspiration from God.

In one of his last letters prior to his execution, Paul defends his faith to Timothy.  In so doing, Paul reminds Timothy that "All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." (2 Timothy 3:16).  I believe that the Bible is composed of books written by multiple human authors.  However, as we are not only sinful creatures, but given to making mistakes, I believe that the writing of each and every book in the Bible was guided by the hand of God.

Kids' Week Books, March 5, 2010

Rebecca

March 5, 2010

Outside my window…the snow is melting and it is very sunny.
Inside the house…it is pretty quiet.  TJ is downstairs, Mom is on the computer, Linden is in her room, and Dad is in his room.
I am wearing…my pink t-shirt and dark blue jeans.
I am thankful that…we get to have a "fancy dinner" tonight and maybe a game night.
I am hearing…mom typing and dad walking.
I am thinking…about what games to play tonight and if Linden is actually asleep.
I am going…to go downstairs before we make dinner.
I am reading…Judges, 1 Corinthians, and The Hiding Place.
I am hoping…I can do my mom's nails tonight.
I am remembering…how much Linden scared me this afternoon.
From school this week…Number sentences in Math, Corrie Ten Boom in Language, political science in History, and human anatomy in Science.
One of my favorite things…to do is crochet.
A few plans for next week…ice-skating or Bounceland with Melissa, school, and cleaning.

Timothy

March 5, 2010

Outside my window…I see snow and grass.
Inside the house…It’s noisy.
I am wearing…a jersey, sweatpants, and a long sleeve shirt.
I am thankful that…I might go to my friend's house.
I am hearing…the dishwasher and the dryer.
I am thinking…about going to my friend's house.
I am going…to play basketball.
I am reading…Judges, 1 Corinthians, and Isaiah.
I am hoping…I can go to my friend's house.
I am remembering…Super Bowls and sports.
From school this week…I learned about space, Japan, verbs, and fractions.
One of my favorite things…Is sports and read sports books.
A few plans for next week…are school, jobs, and Bible reading.

I Believe - My Faith (Day 5)

5.  I believe that God will return as prophesied in Revelation and that I must be busy with God's work until His return.

God promises in His word that he will return at the appointed time and cast away this "old earth."  So, if I believe that I am now saved and going to Heaven when I die and that God is going to return, I should just sit back and do nothing, right?  Wrong.  God has given Christians a series of commands that we are to follow during our lives.

We are to spread His good news throughout the world.  After His resurrection, Jesus commanded His disciples to "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:  Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you:  and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world." (Matthew 28: 19-20).  We are also to be active in our communities and work to provide for our families.  In Paul's first letter to Timothy, he made it clear that this was expected, telling Timothy that "if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel." (1 Timothy 5:8).  We are called to help our brothers in need.  In other words, we are not to sit around doing nothing while we wait for Heaven.

I Believe - My Faith (Day 4)

4.  I believe in a literal Hell and a literal Heaven.

God has very clearly set this truth out in His word. When Moses was called to the top of Mount Sinai by God, the Lord told Moses, "Thus thou shalt say unto the children of Israel, Ye have seen that I have talked with you from heaven." (Exodus 20:22)  This heaven is set apart from Earth, as the two are spoken of as separate places in numerous verses, such as Matthew 24:35.  (Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass.)  Likewise, Jesus warned, "But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear:  Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell..." (Luke 12:5)

At the appointed time, we will all face judgment.  For those who chose to accept God's gift of salvation, we will be taken to Heaven to glorify God for eternity.  For those who chose to deny God's sovereignty and their need of His redemption, a very different end awaits.  I believe that these souls will spend an eternity suffering in anguish, pain, and torment, as it is prophesied in The Revelation that "...whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire." (Revelation 20:15)  Conversely, I believe that those of us who have accepted God's grace and justification will be taken to that "new Jerusalem" to dwell with God forever.

Surgery

This is just a quick post.  I have been running around like crazy this week trying to get some extra work done around the house.  Why you may ask.  Because on Monday my husband is having arthroscopic surgery on his knee.

He has needed surgery for quite some time but put it off for a while – first because we didn’t have insurance and then because the referral requirements were a bigger pain than the pain in his knee.  When that balance shifted we nudged the doctors a little and now we are just a few days from surgery.   I will try to be faithful with my daily devotional series next week, however, it is possible that I will be late or even miss one day.  Next weeks' devotionals may be a little shorter than planned as I don't know how much time I will have for editing. 

On a side note, we have had three B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L sunny days here in SW Michigan.  While I usually love the sun, that worries me.  Our March has certainly come in like a lamb.  If you believe old wives tales, you know what that means…a snowstorm may be heading our way to close out March!

I Believe - My Faith (Day 3)

3.  I believe in literal Satan.

Okay, so I don't think Satan is a goofy looking guy who walks around in a red suit with a long, floppy tail carrying a pitchfork.  But I do believe he is real.

I believe that he is constantly tempting us, trying us and trying to convince God that Christians aren't really obedient or worthy of His love.  In fact, an entire book in the Old Testament is devoted to recounting the reaction of one man, Job, as he was tempted by Satan.  In Revelation 12, we lean that Satan was counted among the angels and was cast out of Heaven to the Earth with those angels whom he deceived.

Does this mean that any time I sin I am going to throw up my hands, sigh, and proclaim, "the devil made me do it." Nope.  While Satan has been given this season to walk the Earth and tempt me, it is ultimately my choice whether or not to turn from sin.  But I still believe he is there, and that I must "be sober [and] vigilant; because [my] adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." (1 Peter 5:8)

I Believe - My Faith (Day 2)

2.  I believe that I am justified by God's grace, through faith in Christ alone.

Well, this would certainly be a depressing week if I stopped with my first day.  Fortunately for me (and you!) this story doesn't end there.

While I certainly don't deserve it, God has provided a path of redemption for me.  God has offered a gift of salvation to me.  What do I have to do to get this gift?  Perform 1000 good deeds?  Beat out or beat down competitors in some endurance competition?  Send money?  Nope. 

All I have to do is confess that I am a sinner and that I am in need of Christ in my life.  In other words, I need only humble myself before my creator and admit the truth about myself to receive this awesome and undeserved gift.  As the hour of His betrayal drew near, Jesus reminded the disciples that "[He] is the way, the truth, and the life:  no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (John 14:6)  Not only is this confession and acceptance all I have to do to be justified, it is the ONLY think I can do to receive God's salvation.  As Paul reminded the Christians at the church of Ephesus, "For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves:  it is the gift of God.  Not of works, lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9)

I Believe - My Faith (Day 1)

So, now that I have tackled my beliefs about my relationships within my home, it's time to look outward - or maybe upward.  As I wrote my chicken-scratch notes for this series and the next (here's a teaser for you - it's My Bible), I noticed that there was a lot of overlap.  I still feel like they need to be separate, but I will apologize in advance if you have a little deja vu feeling after reading next week.

1.  I believe that I am a sinner.

Despite what all of the pop-psychologist, "I'm okay, You're Okay" spouters would have us believe, I do not think that human nature is basically good.  Instead, I believe we are all selfish, sinful creatures who look first to satisfy me, me, me.  I realize that this is not a popular position today.  Our culture is permeated today with the lie that we deserve anything we want because we are worth it.

In the perfect setting of the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve chose to go their own way in direct disobedience of God's commands and sin.  Throughout the Old Testament we see the cycle of sin, repentance, forgiveness, and sin by the children of Israel.  Do a search for the phrase "they did right in their own eyes" and you might just be surprised how many times the same people who saw Moses part the Red Sea chose to satisfy their own desires instead of obeying the Lord.  Paul states it best in his writing to the church at Rome when he states that "...all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23)

Bragging On My Daughter

Please indulge me this little session of bragging on my oldest daughter, Rebecca...

Western Michigan University, together with Northwestern University, conducts a program for middle and high school students who qualify to take courses in either math or language arts.  To qualify, a student must be nominated, take either the SAT or ACT college entrance exam, and then score a minimum amount in one of the tested areas on the chosen exam.

Rebecca took the SAT last year and did very well for an 11-year-old sixth grader.  She did not qualify for the program, but we were all very impressed with her scores.

Rebecca took the SAT test once again this year, in January.  In addition to trying to qualify for the program once again, we wanted her to take so we had another piece of documentation that she is progressing educationally.  I suppose that is just a bit of homeschool paranoia on our part.

We just received her scores this week, and I am happy to say that she improved in two of the three tested areas.  Her Critical Reading score improved from a 470 to a 510.  Her Math score improved from a 400 to a 500 and her Writing score stayed the same at 480.

It will be another month before we hear if she qualified for the program, but we are very proud of how she did.  I'm sure the fact that she had already taken the test once helped in part, but I would like to think that she has also learned a lot over the last year too!  On a more sobering note, her scores placed her near the middle of the pack for all students taking the test nationwide - including college-bound juniors and seniors.

 Rebecca at work

Rebecca at play

Kids' Week Books, February 26, 2010

Rebecca

February 26, 2010

Outside my window…its snowing and blowing.
Inside the house…it is fairly clean, TJ is downstairs and Linden is napping.
I am wearing…my white cami under an orange shirt with blue jeans.
I am thankful that…my grandparents could come up for a while and that friends are coming over tomorrow.
I am hearing…typing, sniffling, music from toys, and my pencil writing.
I am thinking…about how cute and funny friends’ kids are and how funny Linden looks after a nap.
I am going…downstairs to do my Bible reading and to church on Sunday.
I am reading…Joshua, Romans, Brother Andrew, and The Hiding Place.
I am hoping…that school goes well and my sinus problems will go away.
I am remembering…how much fun we had while Grandma and Pappaw were up here.
From school this week…I only did two days worth; Climate in Science, number sentences in Algebra and Civilizations in History.
One of my favorite things…to do is crochet.  I love how it feels while I make it and what it looks like when it’s done.
A few plans for next week…school, cleaning, more school, more cleaning, piano lessons, church, and crafts.

Timothy

February 26, 2010

Outside my window…it’s snowing.
Inside the house…It’s pretty clean.
I am wearing…a t-shirt and pants.
I am thankful that…we have friends.
I am hearing…the toilet flush.
I am thinking…about tomorrow.
I am going…to play soccer.
I am reading…Ecclesiastes.
I am hoping…it will snow more.
I am remembering…Super Bowl 1.
From school this week…I learned stuff.
One of my favorite things…Is snow.
A few plans for next week…are school and snow.

I Believe - My Ministry (Day 5)

5.  I believe that my children have free will.

I struggled with whether or not to include this believe.  It doesn't really fit in with the others, but I really felt the need to state this belief.  To some that I have met, this is as controversial as my submission paragraph (My Calling - Day 4) is to others.  However, I really need to say this.

I know very Godly parents who are in church every time the doors are open with their children.  They have Godly homes and strive with their actions to glorify God.  They have instructed their children, prayed for their children, disciplined their children, and modeled Godly living for their children.  Yest, they have a child who refuses to accept God or walk in the Lord.  I know that these parents grieve for their wandering children and my heart aches for them.  However, in the end, we cannot accept God's gifts for our children.  They must choose to do that for themselves.

I Believe - My Ministry (Day 4)

4.  I believe that I must be willing to give up my children.

Hannah was barren for years and prayed fervently for a child (1 Samuel 1).  She promised the Lord that if He would give her a son, she would give him back to the Lord.  When the Lord answered her prayer and allowed Hannah to deliver a healthy son, Samuel, Hannah was faithful to see her promise through.  She kept Samuel until he was weaned and then delivered him to the Temple where she left him to be raised among the priests.  While she loved this little boy with all her heart and had prayed desperately for him, she knew that God wanted him to be raised in the Temple and so she did not stand in the way.  How hard that must have been for her to leave her little boy behind, knowing that she would only see him once a year.

My children are not my own, they are merely on loan to me from God.  One day, God willing, they will grow up, move on, and start lives of their own independent of my daily instruction.  I believe that I must take full advantage of each day I have with my children to instill Godly principles in them.  However, I must also remember that they were not given to me to fulfill my plans, but God's plans.  And, whatever God has planned for them, I must be willing to let go of my children and trust that God's plan is best.

I Believe - My Ministry (Day 3)

3.  I believe that I must discipline my children.

"For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth..."  (Hebrews 12:6)  When I go astray, God corrects me because He loves me and wants to guide me back to the right path.  Our love for our children should also extend into this area.  Regardless of the word you use - reproof, correction, rebuke, discipline - it all adds up to the same thing.  I believe that I am responsible for teaching my children that their actions have consequences and that choosing to disobey authority will result in consequences that are less than enjoyable.

Of course, I don't believe that discipline is the mere handing out of punishment.  I also believe that I should not discipline my children in anger or with the intent to cause them harm.  True Biblical discipline is merely an extension of my responsibility to instruct my children that God expects obedience from them.  They are instructed in the Bible to obey God, their parents, and other authority figures.  Therefore, I must first teach them that obedience is expected.  When disobedience occurs (and it will happen, after all, they are only human), I must remind them that they were disobedient and that repentance is in order.  By reinforcing the principles of obedience and repentance when I discipline my children, I believe that each opportunity for correction can help them mature and grow in God's will.

I Believe - My Ministry (Day 2)

2.  I believe that I must pray for my children.

In his letter to the church at Philippi, Paul instructed believes to "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made knows unto God." (Philippians 4:6)  Time and again in Scripture we are reminded to turn our worries and concerns about all things over to God in prayer.

Who is better situated to intercede before God on behalf of my children than me?  Every day, I need to pray for my children and their present day needs.  I also believe that I need to pray for their future needs as well.  My prayers for my children also need to focus on opening their hearts to God and his gift of salvation, their maturing and growing up in a manner that glorifies God, their willingness to obey God's will for their lives, and their future spouses and children.

I Believe - My Ministry (Day 1)

While my most important job here on Earth is to be a helpmeet for my husband (I Believe - My Calling), I believe that my most important ministry is that of raising my children.  That's right, I believe that my primary mission field is right here in my own home.  Before I turn my focus to matters outside, I believe I must pour my energy and efforts into the little souls on loan to me from God.

1.  I believe that I must teach my children.

I believe that the Bible is very clear on this point.  There are numerous verses which instruct mothers to train up their children and to instruct their children in God's commands and laws.  One of the first commands that might come to mind is, "Train up a child in the way he should go:  and when he is old, he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6).

Let me be brutally honest here.  If there is one area that I was lax in when I first because a parent, this was it.  I relied too heavily on the church and school to train my children.  While these can both be excellent supports for my efforts, I am convinced now more than ever that I am to be the primary resource for my children when it comes to the things that God wants them to know.  For my daughters, that means life lessons on modesty, hospitality and keeping their homes, being a Godly wife and mother, and numerous other topics.  Being honest once again, I tend to rely on my husband to instruct my son in various areas of life which I had never really concentrated.  I am referring to Proverbs 31:1.  Of course, most Christian women are familiar with verses 10-31 of this chapter, as they set forth the qualities of a virtuous woman.  What really caught my attention in this reading was that this description of a virtuous woman was being recited to a son, by his MOTHER. That's right, I believe that it is my responsibility to guide my son when it comes to women and, especially the type of woman he should marry.

This teaching can be both direct and indirect to be effective.  I can directly teach Bible truths to my children in the form of Bible studies, devotionals, and lessons in our homeschool Bible classes.  I also need to remember that my children learn as much from me when I am not teaching them as when I am teaching them.  In other words, they are always watching and learning from me, even when I am not actively trying to teach them anything.  Therefore, I must make it a point to model Biblical behavior at all times.

Stuff I Like…The Oh-My-Goodness-Has-It-Been-Two-Weeks Edition

Wow…I have really, really, really fallen behind in blogging lately.  I blame this blog.

For a while, I was maintaining two blogs that were virtual carbon copies.  Since I posted exactly the same thing on both blogs, this blog didn’t take any extra time or energy.  Recently, due to a combination of guilt and divergent interests, I decided to change the format of this blog so it included posts that are different than the posts on my other blog.    Those of you out there with more than one child may be able to relate to this.  Remember when your second (or third, or fourth, or…) came along.  That new baby required so much time and energy that you may have felt like you were neglecting your older child(ren).  That’s how I feel now.  I have been very lax in posting about homeschooling and all other aspects of our life while I worked on devotionals for this blog.  Between you and me…I’m pretty impressed that I was able to get the kids’ day books posted two weeks in a row.

I also realized that I haven’t posted a Stuff I Like for two weeks now.  Since I know you are all sitting at home desperate to find add to your knowledge of MamaMi’s favorite things, I offer you this extra-long-winded edition of Stuff I Like.

What’s that sitting on the counter?  Could it be the makings of one of our family’s favorite goodies? Let’s see…there’s flour, yeast, and sugar.

 And what’s this?  These seemingly innocent ingredients are positioned right next to my stand mixer, scale, and measuring tools.

 What’s this?  A willing helper who desperately doesn’t want her picture taken?

This is looking promising.
Let’s see…I’ll bet I can find 3/4 ounces of that yeast…

 …and 2 Tablespoons of that sugar.

 Hopefully the yeast and sugar was added to a cup of hot water.  What’s this?  I think that cute little helper found 2 pounds of that flour.

 Now, I wonder if that adorable little helper dumped the flour into my stand mixer and then added the water/yeast/sugar combination?

 Yes!  She sure did.  It also looks like she started it mixing on low and added up to a cup of additional hot water until it formed a pliable dough ball.

 At this point, my sweet, lovely helper got bored and left me in the kitchen.  Good thing I knew to put that dough ball in a greased bowl.

 And that I knew to cover the bowl and place it on my stove for around 40 minutes while my oven preheated to 425 degrees.

After letting it set for 40 minutes, I punched the dough down and shaped it into two loaves which I placed on my baking stone to rise for another 20 minutes (sorry – no pictures of this step – pilot error).  As a totally optional step, I brushed the loaves with olive oil and sprinkled on some salt after the second rise.  Then, I tossed the stone in the oven for around 20 minutes (which will, of course, vary oven to oven).

Finally, the moment you’ve been waiting for…stuff the whole family likes…homemade bread…

 Thank you for indulging me in this extra long Stuff I Like.  Hopefully the bonus recipe was enough to keep you following along!  As a side note, this recipe is super easy and can also be used to make rolls, breadsticks, and pizza crusts.

Kids’Day Books, Saturday, February 20

Rebecca

February 20, 2010

Outside my window…the lawn is snowy & filled with footprints, the road and driveway are clean.  The tree is bare & the bush has only berries.
Inside the house…Mom is on the computer, Dad is reclining & watching, Linden is trying to figure out how to write a grocery list, and TJ & I are doing these sheets.
I am wearing…a softball jersey and the penguin pajama pants Mom made.
I am thankful that…I get to go with Sarah Taplin to the prom expo tonight.
I am hearing…Mom and TJ talking, Linden talking & writing, the washer, and my pencil writing.
I am thinking…about how much fun I will have tonight, about learning to purl.
I am going…to the prom expo tonight and to have a “girls party” with Linden.
I am reading…Deuteronomy, Acts, Proverbs, The Hiding Place and this sheet.
I am hoping…that my throat will stop hurting and my nose will stop being plugged up.
I am remembering…how fun my games from Christmas are.
From school this week…I started a new math book.
One of my favorite things…my fuzzy blanket from Grandma.
A few plans for next week…school, church, library, maybe roller skating.

Timothy

February 20, 2010

Outside my window…I see snow.
Inside the house…It’s warm.
I am wearing…a t-shirt.
I am thankful that…we have snow.
I am hearing…talking.
I am thinking…about sledding.
I am going…to go sledding.
I am reading…Deuteronomy, Proverbs, and Acts.
I am hoping…that I can go sledding.
I am remembering…Great Grandpa.
From school this week…I learned lots.
One of my favorite things…Is legos.
A few plans for next week…are school, jobs, and snow.

I Believe - My Calling (Day 4)

4.  I believe that I am to submit to my husband.

Ah, so there it is.  That "s" word.  There's just no getting around it.  God has called me to be under the submission of my husband.  This command is like fingernails on a blackboard to some women.  And yet, there it is, in black and white.  If I am going to believe that ALL scripture is inspired (as I do - but that is for a later devotional) and that I cannot just pick and choose what I believe, then I have to believe this.  And you know what...if I was created for my husband, and if I love my husband, and if I reverence my husband, then why shouldn't I submit to him?  I am under the submission of God.  Whenever I have worked outside the home, I have placed myself under the submission of my bosses.  So, why not submit to my husband?

Here's the bottom line.  I am commanded to follow my husband's lead and, I believe, to give him the final say when it comes to making decisions for our family.  Paul doesn't pull any punches when he writes under inspiration that wives are to "submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord." (Ephesians 5:22)  However, nowhere in scripture am I forbidden from giving my input in all matters of the home or from praying for my husband as he makes decisions.  Further, let's not forget that my husband has a great responsibility when it comes to me and our family.  First, he is called to love me as Christ loved the church, for which Christ was willing to die. (Ephesians 5:25).  Second, he is called to "love [me] and be not bitter against [me]" (Colossians 3:19)  Finally, one day my husband will stand before God and give an answer not just for his life, but for me and our children.  That's a pretty hefty responsibility.  If God is going to hold him accountable for my actions, shouldn't I love and reverence him enough to follow his leading?  I believe that I should.

So, that's it for this week.  Next week I will be looking at my role as a mother (My Ministry).  Have a great weekend!

I Believe - My Calling (Day 3)

3.  I believe that I am to reverence my husband.

In a letter to the members of the church at Ephesus, Paul instructs each wife to "see that she reverences[s] her husband." (Ephesians 5:33b).  In other words, I need to show my husband respect.  A long time ago I made a commitment to never say anything critical or unkind about my husband to or in front of others.  Have I always achieved this goal?  No.  But, I believe that you don't truly respect someone if you are constantly criticizing and/or mocking them, whether to their face or behind their backs.  This is just one way that I have chosen to reverence my husband.  In addition, I have chosen to thank my husband for the things he does for our family - working multiple jobs to pay the bills, helping out with the cleaning and cooking and home schooling.  True, I don't have to thank him for this help, I could just expect it and complain when he doesn't help or provide as much as I would like.  However, I have learned that I can show him my respect by simply verbalizing my appreciation every now and then.

I Believe - My Calling (Day 2)

2.  I believe that I am to love my husband.

In Titus 2:4, Paul writes under inspiration to Titus to speak to the older women that they should teach the younger women to love their husbands.  There are two things that I find important about this verse.  Of course, the first and easiest point is that I am commanded to love my husband.  But, even more interesting is the fact that I need to "learn" to love my husband.  This virtuous love of my husband to which I am called can only grow with effort on my part.

I Believe - My Calling (Day 1)

1. I believe that I was created specifically for my husband.

Genesis 1:22 tells us that “… the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.” The Hebrew word from which we get “made”, can be interpreted as crafted or fashioned. In other words, Eve was painstakingly crafted for Adam by God. In like manner, I believe that every last detail about me was designed specifically for my husband. Any strength that God gave me, was given for the purpose of building up and strengthening my husband to allow him to further his life’s work and his ministry.

I Believe

Happy Monday!

Today is Monday, February 15 and (as promised) today is the day this blog takes on it's own identity and stops being a virtual carbon copy of its sister blog.

For the next four weeks, I am going to be publishing a series I titled I Believe.  Each week will deal with a different area of my faith as it relates to my life.  This week's topic is my relationship with my husband and is titled My Calling.  Unlike the next three studies in this series, My Calling only has four devotionals.  Each devotional in this (and all) of the studies is designed as a short 10-15 minute devotional.  I decided to jump right in with this study and this series because it is the most personal one that I have written and you will learn a lot about me and my personal beliefs as you work through the devotionals.

Have a blessed Monday.  Tomorrow - My Calling!

Quick Organizing Post

Just a quick post today.  Last month I saw a solution at Complete Organizing Solutions that I loved.  One of the contributors added a hanging rod in her laundry room and I loved the results.  I spent a little time yesterday reorganizing my laundry room (and adding that hanging rod) and I thought I would share my progress.

 My laundry room - obviously the lack of a hanging rod is not the only problem this room has!

 The gap between my cabinets - the perfect place for that hanging rod.

 Clothes hanging from the door knob and the towel rack

 My clean and organized counter

 Yeah, a place to hang our line dry clothes

 The perfect spot for my husbands compression shirts - no more hanging them on the door knob to dry!

Kids' Day Books

I noticed some ladies posting day books on their blogs.  I liked the idea, but changed it slightly for the kids (another writing assignment!).  My goal is to have them fill one out at the end of each week.

Rebecca

February 13, 2010

Outside my window...I see lots of snow and leafless trees.

Inside the house...I see my brother writing and Mom on the computer.  Dad is in the bedroom and Linden is in her room.

I am wearing...jeans, a black and purple shirt with a blue heart necklace.

I am thankful that...I have a few quiet moments to myself, my new whiteboard, and that I can possibly go to Quizzing.

I am hearing...mouse-clicks, typing, TJ talking, Mom answering, and my pen as I write.

I am thinking...about how fun Quizzing is, how great of friends I have, and about my next crochet project.

I am going...to go to Quizzing tonight, to play outside, and to have fun.

I am reading...this sheet of paper and The Hiding Place.

I am hoping...that school goes well, Aunt Wanda gets better, and that I have a good birthday.

I am remembering...how much fun I had at Karissa's birthday party.

From school this week...I learned about Economics, negative numbers, climate regions, Jesus' life, and sentence parts.

One of my favorite things...my fleece blanket that Grandma made me.  I also like my Sam Stern cookbooks.

A few plans for next week...school, piano, church, library, and doing dishes.

Timothy

February 13, 2010

Outside my window...I see snow.

Inside the house...It's a mess.

I am wearing...jeans and a long sleeve shirt.

I am thankful that...I have family.

I am hearing...the dryer.

I am thinking...about football.

I am going...to play football with my dad and sister.

I am reading...Deuteronomy, Numbers, and Psalms.

I am hoping...I can buy NFL helmets.

I am remembering...The Super Bowl.

From school this week...I learned about different weather devices.

One of my favorite things...I s football.

A few plans for next week...are school, piano, and church.

Friday Evening So Soon?

Wow!  This week has gone by so quickly.  We have been really busy around the house and I feel like I hardly posted anything this week.  Before we settle in to watch the Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony, I thought I would share a little of what we have been doing this week.

Rebecca is almost finished with her first Algebra Life Pac.  She has been learning about negative numbers and simple algebraic equations.  She finished up her most recent History Life Pac dealing with economics. She finished her Language Arts Life Pac on adjectives and adverbs and is excited to be reading The Hiding Place, by Corrie ten Boom for her next Life Pac.  She continued learning about climate regions in Science and started a section on the Life of Christ in Bible.  She is also preparing for her first Spanish test.

Timothy worked on addition and subtraction of fractions and geometry in Math and learned about the Metric System in Science.  He is studying Switzerland and the Alps in History & Geography.  In Language Arts, he learned about parables and fables.  He looked at man's quest to find God in Bible.  He is also preparing for his first Spanish test.

Linden is really starting to get excited about learning.  Tracy, if you are reading this, I can't thank you enough for your tip about Starfall.com.  Linden spends time on this website each day and has learned more about letters and phonics in the last few weeks than she did in the first several months of this year.  We don't have to fight anymore about "school time" with her - which is an amazing blessing.

Of course, the week was filled with cleaning, cooking, bread-baking, movies, and games.  We even took a snow day on Wednesday when we got around 8 new inches of snow.  This was the first time this year we have taken a snow day and the kids had a blast playing outside.

Remember My Messy Office/Sewing Room??

Last month I wrote about the disaster area that is our Office/Sewing Room??

**Does this photo help your memory**

Anyway, you may also recall that I entered this room in the Mabel's Labels My Messy Room Contest on Facebook.  I promised you an update on the contest.  The winner was announced today and while I didn't win the contest, I did learn that I am not the only person with a very messy room!

You can check out pictures from all the contest entrants by visiting the Mabel's Labels page on Facebook.  While you are there, you can also check out all the cool labels you can purchase to organize your home - so you don't end up with a lot of rooms that look like the one in the photo above!  You can also click the Mabel's Labels link on my page to go directly to their site as well.

Oh yeah...the room still isn't finished yet, but we are making progress.  Hopefully by the end of the month I will be ready to post a set of "After" pictures showing our completed workspace!

Super Surprise

OK...I promise not all my posts this week are going to be about the Super Bowl and all their titles won't start with "Super", just indulge me for a little while longer!


Have you ever faced a situation that you thought was going to be a hassle only to find that it was a huge blessing? Our family had just such an experience this past Sunday. My husband is a Deacon at our church and he is responsible for "counting and locking up" two months during the year. This just means that during his months he stays after church on Sunday evening with our church treasurer and financial secretary to count the offering and then locks up Sunday and Wednesday evenings after the services. This year February is one of his months. As I posted before, our family was very excited for the Super Bowl so we were all a little bummed at the thought of not getting home until around 8:00 and missing the first half of the game.


About an hour before church, we realized something - we have a DVR, why not just record the game and then we could start it over from the beginning when we got home. This turned out to be a huge blessing for us. We were able to come home, assemble our snacks, change into comfortable clothes and then rewind the game and watch from the beginning. Even better - we didn't have to sit through the commercials or half-time show, since we could fast forward through them. We had a wonderful evening together as a family laughing, talking, and just being together.


I know that time together in front of the television isn't always viewed as "quality time" (whatever that is). I also know that the extra $3 we pay a month for the dvr, on top of the money we pay for direct tv could be saved or spent differently. We have gone without television in the past and have even talked about turning it back off again recently. However, the fun we had together definitely made it worth it!

Blog Format Change Update

Last Week, I posted about my virtual carbon copy blogs and that I will be making some changes to my blog formats.

I am now ready to provide more details about the changes that I will be making.  Starting Monday, February 15, this is what you can expect:

Home School Mama (This blog, my Blogspot blog) will become my primary forum for devotional posts.  My goal is to post a short devotional each weekday directed toward a common theme for the week.

Home School MamaMI (my Word Press blog) will continue to be my primary forum for posts about our home schooling adventures and our family.  This blog will remain largely unchanged from it’s current format.

As I said before, there will be some overlap in content between the sites from time to time, but they will no longer continue to be near-identical sites.

Super Snacks

This year we let the kids make the menu and prepare most of the food for the Super Bowl.  The menu was not so healthy, but the Super Bowl only happens once a year, so I am sure we will all survive!  We had Rice Krispy Footballs, Puppy Chow, Cookies, Chips, Crackers, Cheese, and Pizza Rolls.

Timothy starting on the Rice Krispy Footballs

Linden measuring cereal for the Footballs

Timothy and Linden finishing up the measuring

 Footballs made and shaped, now it's time for the decorating

Timothy showing off his decorating skills

Rebecca pouring the melted chocolate and peanut butter over chex for puppy chow

Linden helping mix the puppy chow

Timothy and Rebecca cleaning up

The snacks were a big hit and the kids even did a good job cleaning up after they made their creations!

This Little Prayer of Mine

My four-year-old is not quite reading on her own, however, she loves to have people read to her.  Recently, I received an advanced copy of This Little Prayer of Mine, by Anthony DeStefano in the mail.  Since my kids have reading and prayer time before bed each night, I kept the book back for that time of the evening.  When reading time arrived, we all piled on the couch and I read through the book with Linden (and her older brother and sister!).

The story is written in the form of a prayer offered up to God by a young child.  With the turn of each page, the young child talks to God about the need for wisdom and guidance throughout the day.  Topics such as making wise choices, asking forgiveness, feeling scared or alone, and being grateful are covered in this fun and engaging book.

Sometimes it can be a challenge to teach prayer to our young children.  We want them to know that they can ask God for anything, while not teaching them that they should ask God for all the "things" they want.  This book not only kept our daughter's attention (as well as her 9 and 12 year old siblings') but it also inspired her to ask so many wonderful questions.  We had so many teaching moments (as I like to call them) that it took us almost 20 minutes to read through the book the first time!  What a blessing it was to know that she was learning about prayer while we enjoyed our evening reading time.

This Little Prayer of Mine is available for pre-buy at such retailers as Barnes & Noble and Amazon and will be available for purchase at these and many other retailers on February 16.  The National Day of Prayer has endorsed This Little Prayer of Mine - and so has our family!  I believe this book is a wonderful addition to the library of any home with young children.  Your family will love the rhymes, illustrations, and (most importantly) the message of this new book.

In the interest of full disclosure, I just wanted to let you know that while I received a complimentary copy of This Little Prayer of Mine, I received no compensation for writing this review.  As an Amazon affiliate, I will be compensated if you follow the Amazon link for this book and then make a purchase.

Geaux Saints

Sorry to get all Football on you guys, but it is almost Super Bowl Sunday!!

I grew up in West Virginia in the 1970s, about an hour and a half from Pittsburgh.  Needless to say, I watched a lot of Steelers growing up.

In 1990 I moved to Indiana for college and lived there for over a decade.  I was never really a fan of the Steelers, so when I moved to Indiana I decided to throw my lot in with the locals and start following the Colts.  I have considered myself a fan of the Colts now for almost 20 years.  I followed them through the bad years: 3 and 13, NOT selling out a Monday Night Football Game (ABC bought thousands of tickets so the game wouldn’t be blacked out), and Coach Mora’s infamous rants (Playoffs, anyone???).  But then along came Peyton Manning and Tony Dungy and the Colts started winning some games.  Of course, they couldn’t seem to win playoff games, but at least it became a little easier to be a Colts fan.  And then in February 2007 the Colts won the Super Bowl.  We even let the kids stay up late to watch the game!

But wait a minute, did you catch the title of this post?  Did I mention that in the early 1990s I attended Purdue University.  I was a student B.T. (Before Tiller).  I am pretty sure we didn’t even win 10 games in the 4 and a half years that I was a student there, but maybe I am misremembering.  Anyway, just like I cheered for the Colts all those miserable years, I have always been loyal to my Boilermakers.  A few years after I graduated, enter Drew Brees and Joe Tiller and my Boilers were actually playing football like a football team.  When Brees graduated and was drafted by the Chargers, my husband and I continued to be Colts fans, but my husband and I started following the Chargers as well.  Then when he left San Diego for New Orleans, we traded in the Chargers duds (except the powder blue jersey, which is just fantastic) for Saints Black and Gold.  Once again we were fans of the underdogs.  For a while anyway.

Fast forward to fall 2009.  Both the Saints and the Colts kept winning.  In our house we started dreaming of how much fun a Colts-Saints Super Bowl would be.  Needless to say, we can’t wait for kickoff on Sunday!
I have had a number of friends ask me if I am conflicted about this game – what with the team I’ve followed for 20 years playing the team I’ve followed for 5 years.  Let me just say this – not at all.  I will, of course, be happy if the Colts win Sunday – I am and always will be a fan.  However, when we get home from church Sunday evening I will be throwing on my Brees jersey and cheering for the Saints.  Peyton already has his ring.  I want to see Drew Brees – the man all the “experts” said was too short to ever be a factor in the NFL – win a Super Bowl!

Geaux Saints!