Purpose in Parenting

Parenting is a privilege. There is no such thing as a "perfect parent". Parenting is exhausting, but rewarding in many ways. I am always amazed at the power of a hug or a kiss from one of my little ones. They can make the cloudiest day seem bright.

Ok, I know I am probably "preaching to the choir" again. I tend to get up on soap boxes a lot. Sometimes it just helps to remind ourselves of the rewards that can come from parenting. I need to be reminded that I am not insignificant as a mother and that what I am doing does matter. What job could I have that could possibly be more important than loving my children and rearing them to be God-loving, responsible citizens?

I must count my blessings on a daily basis. There is joy to be found in serving my children. I must look to the Lord on this journey, for without Him I can do nothing. (John 14:6)

Stand Up For What You Believe In

I am not afraid to speak. I am not afraid for my beliefs to be known in a time of great darkness. I believe the Bible is the Word of God. I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. I believe that mankind is depraved, and not inherently good. I believe that abortion is murder. I believe that marriage should be between one man and one woman.

So, will I be labeled as intolerant? Maybe. That's ok. What about those who oppose the public display of a manger scene at Christmas? Isn't that intolerance? What about the supposed separation of Church and State? Yet it's ok to cram sex education of every kind down our children's throat in the public school arena and to preach that there is no God and that one is responsible for one's own destiny.

http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_16744426 

I grew up in a generation where we were taught tolerance. We were taught to accept everyone and everything. We were taught to get along with everybody. Those are good teachings to some extent. It's not ok when all morals are pushed aside and Biblical standards are thrown out the window.

In Noah's day when man did "that which was right in his own eyes" the world was destroyed by a flood.

Why is it that the media does not give a voice to the conservative side? Why is it that the only rights that we hearof are the rights of women or the rights of those who desire to be in same-sex relationships? What about the rights of the unborn or the rights of a child to grow up in a stable home?

Our nation is unraveling at it's core.

It's time to stop being afraid of what others may think.

Now is the time to speak. Now is the time to be heard. To those who are willing to listen. To those who have not stopped their ears while changing the truth of God into a lie.

"If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?" - Psalm 11:3

What Does It Mean to be a Homeschooler?

I am new to the world of homeschooling, yet I am constantly amazed at the wisdom and insight that the Lord gives. ( James 1:5)  I am encouraged with the ideas that come to mind while I am teaching my children, and brain-storming over lesson plans.

I have a bachelor's degree, but not in education. I did however, teach for a year in South Korea. That in itself was a learning experience. By the end of the year, I had learned how to be flexible and how to add to "the lesson plan".



Here are some steps that I follow when coming up with a lesson plan.

1. Have a plan.

This year is our first year. Benjamin is four years old. He will turn five in October. His three-year-old brother, Joseph, often joins us for our class time.  We have certain goals that we want to accomplish this year. They are learning to write the alphabet, and learning how to write numbers. They already know their colors, alphabet, and how to count to twenty. We focus on one letter per week with a corresponding Bible verse and key words.

2. Be Flexible

This is what our typical lesson plan looks like:

August 27, 2012

- Prayer and pledges.
- Introduction of the letter of the week "B"
  -corresponding words: Bee, Bear, Butterfly
- Verse for the Week: Acts 16:31 "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ"
- Review last week's verse: John 1: 3 "All things were made by Him"
- Bible Story from Acts 16 - Paul and Silas in Prison. I had the little boys pretend that they were Paul and Silas in prison during the earthquake.
- After the Bible story, we start focusing on "B". Chant based on Oxford University Press.

B, Benji.
Hi, Benji.
B, Benji.
Hello, Benji,
B, Benji,
Hi, Benji,
Benji, Hello!

Bumble Bee Song

Bumble Bee, Bumble By
Bumble in the Big Blue Sky.
Bumble Bee, Bumble, By
Keep Away from Me!

I remember on that day -
When you flew into town
I let you walk up on my arm,
But oh when you sat down -
Ouch!

Bumble Bee, Bumble By
Bumble in the Big Blue Sky
Bumble Bee, Bumble By
Keep Away from Me!
Keep Away from Me!
Bumble Bee.

Wide-Eyed Benji (poem)

Wide-eyed Benji
Was but three
When a saucy honey bee


Buzzing, buzzing, much too near,
Swooped and stung him on the ear.

Sin, a deeper biting thing,
Hurts the heart with a dreadful sting.

Jesus bore your sting of sin.
Little ones like you to win.
Wounds were in his loving side
See His arms are open wide!
Run to Jesus and be wise.
Boys and Girls of every size!

I had a few headbands floating around the house that I had purchased for the baby.  I took these, wrapped a couple of pipe cleaners around the ends, and glued pom-poms to the other end. I then took two white pieces of typing paper, folded each one in half, and wrote the letter "B" along the crease. Next, I cut out the "B" and ta-da! Bumble Bee wings. I attached the wings to the back of the boy's shirt with a paper clip. I have included some pictures for your enjoyment.

We practiced writing big "B" and little "b" later that day. I you tubed a few bee science videos, and we watched the Bee Movie later that night.

So, there you have it. A day in my life as a homeschooler.

Children are a Blessing, Not a Curse

It's difficult to know how to begin this entry. Miscarriage is a difficult thing. Two weeks ago I experienced my third miscarriage. I thank God that I have three healthy children living today. Miscarriage makes you appreciate your children a little more, extend them more grace, hug them tighter, and tell them more often how much you love them.

It's hard to put into words the emotions that I have experienced. Emotions that have ranged from despair to rejoicing. I am thankful that Christ understands our sorrows. He can comfort us like no one else.

My life verse is Psalm 42:11. In this verse the Psalmist asks, "Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? Hope thou in God: For I shall yet praise Him who is the health of my countenance, and my God." There are times when in life when I have no where to look but up. That is the way my relationship with God should always be. Looking up.

Little Things That Make a Big Difference

Here Are a Few Things That Make the Days Go a Little More Smoothly:

1. Time Allotment

      This morning the boys were fighting over a toy scooter. Benjamin was busy pouting because he didn't want to share with his brother. To resolve this conflict, I took the scooter inside for a while. After about ten minutes, I went outside and told Benjamin that he and Joseph were going to have to take turns using the scooter. Each one would have a time frame of five minutes to play before handing it over to his brother. Much to my amazement, Benjamin replied, "Joe can go first." Problem solved. The boys had no qualms about handing over the scooter each time the timer went off.

     2.  Make Family a Priority.

      Be willing to put down a project, or call back a friend. There are times when the children desperately need you. Other times they need to wait and be less demanding. Be discerning.

    3.  Share responsibilities.

      My children love to help. They are often disappointed if I don't have a job for them to do. Teach them that work is good, and not something to be avoided.

    4.  Be abundant in Praise.

    5.  Give lots of hugs and kisses. You can never tell your child what a great kid they are or how much you love them.

    6.  Let them know that nothing is more important then them. Tell them that they mean the world to you.

    7.   Take turns.

          This can apply to any problem area. Now that I have three, I often feel crowded and overwhelmed as three little chairs pull up around me while I am trying to cook. Every one wants to sit on my lap at the same time. The boys race to push elevator buttons. Conflict is resolved in this area by assuring the boys that this time it is _____ turn. Next time it will be their turn.

    8.   Let Children Play Outside.

          We have a fenced-in back yard with sliding glass doors leading to the kitchen. This can be a life-saver when the children have lots of energy and I need some time to work alone in the kitchen.

    9.   Encourage Them to Serve Others

         Children need to learn that there is joy in serving others. The world does not revolve around them.

   10.  Give the children some time to "get it together" when they need some "time out."
   

   11.  Messes don't have to be Stresses. See them as photo opportunities, and then have the children help you clean up.
 

   
   

"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God..." - James 1:5

Life as a stay at home mother can get a bit hectic. I am constantly amazed by the wisdom God gives. As we all know, there is no manual that comes with the baby when you bring it home from the hospital. It doesn't matter how many baby books you  read, or how much advice you may receive from well-meaning friends and family. Much of parenting knowledge comes in the form of on-the-job training. 

I often confess my short comings to the Lord. I pray something along the lines of, "Lord, you know that I can't do this on my own. I need the wisdom that only you can give. Without you, I can do nothing. Please help." Many times this prayer is prayed in times of great desperation when there are tears streaming down my face, and I am completely exhausted. I am thankful that Christ is the solid Rock that we can stand on. 

When all around my soul gives way, He then is all my Hope and Stay.

I attended a Christian College. I will never forget the time I was in English class and the teacher was taking prayer requests. I raised my hand and asked that she pray that I have wisdom. She scoffingly replied, "We all need wisdom." I am thankful that God does not rebuke us or chuckle when we ask Him for wisdom. Solomon asked God for wisdom, and God answered his request.

Teach Your Children

You know how the theme of Ratatouille is "Any one can cook"? Well, the mantra around our house is "Who can teach your children better than you?". Here is a partial list of things that I want to teach my children in addition to the three "R's".

Things I Want to Teach My Children

1. To Love God  - Deuteronomy 6:5

2. To Serve Others - Mark 10:45

3. To Be Thankful - I Thessalonians 5:18

4. To Be Frugal - Matthew 25

5. To Be Patient/ not instantly gratified.

6. To Be Gentle

7. To Be Leaders / Willing to take a stand for their beliefs

8. To Be Calm

9. To Be Peace-makers.

10. To Forgive others as God has forgiven us. - Ephesians 4:32

11. To Be Humble - James 4:6

12. To Be Obedient - Ephesians 6:1

13. To be Patriotic.

14. To Be Wise. - James 1:5

An Introduction

I am the mother of three wonderful children. Benjamin is four years old, Joseph is three, and Esther is sixteen months. People are constantly commenting on how full my hands are, but as one of my friends likes to respond, "Full of Blessings." Blessings indeed. The Bible says that children are blessing from God. They are a blessing, not a burden.