Today's Grace

Today I am giving myself the grace to clean and tidy up. We've all been a little punky with colds lately, and things are not where they need to be. I have the next two weeks of lesson plans in the planner, but today, it waits. (Note: Generally I don't discard school plans to clean unless things are in such disarry that I can't function.) Tonight, the Homeschool Leadership meeting is at our house, and will be for the remainder of the semester. Danny and I are co-directors with another couple, the McAffees. Since we moved end of September, our fall meetings were at their house. Now it's our turn. (Oh, to erase all doubt, this is a picture from the computer. Couldn't find a recent "clean" picture of our house....)

A couple of years ago I heard the phrase that as homemakers, our goal is "to bless and not impress." I have adopted that for myself. I can get pretty pushy and bossy when I am under pressure, and my gentle spirit can bark out the orders with the best of 'em. Time becomes like a hammer when I have a deadline, and the closer I get to the deadline, the harder I hammer. I have three eye-witnesses. Oh, four. Yes Lord, you know it all! Great, so you bless the guests by having things in order, but you karate chop your family to accomplish it. Not so good. So, while I have grace to clean, and I am convinced I do, I need the Holy Spirit to follow me around like a dust mop and make sure I'm not scattering seeds of discord in the process.

God, thank you for the grace to clean. I am leaning on You and trusting
that You will coach the pushy Mom in me to become more like you. Oh, this is
your way of cleaning and transforming me? I get it!

Beginning Again

If you're looking for a wide selection of Through the Bible reading plans, check out this website. I actually have one that I printed out from last year that I will continue to use. No, I didn't make it through the Bible last year. Fortunately, God's mercies are new, truly they are, every day. With that in mind, perhaps I'll begin again in my efforts.

One of the things I wanted was a place to click off my reading online so I could see my progress. To the tune of $14 I can do this, but....must I? I think I'll settle for the paper version.

The website I have provided the link to has some AMAZING Bible reading plans, perhaps the most variety I've seen. I especially liked that they had one for new Christians. So please go and check it out. Someone will be encouraged and strengthened because of your efforts.

One of the best parts about Homeschooling is my own renewed love for learning. I have a new found love for History, Science, and dare I say Math. I already loved Language Arts and anything related to that topic. (Deep inside is a frustrated journalist, architect and geologist, all areas that have interested me over the years.) We also include the Bible. When I look at the list of all the subjects I am interested in there is not a one that is not somehow addressed in the Bible. Yes, even journalism. Enter: Apologia Biblical Worldview Curriculum, Volume 1. This is our Bible curriculum.

For a number of years I would buy a really good Bible Story book, and that met our needs. I am seeing with Daniel that he still has a great need to go over those again. I want them to know the hallmark/anchor stories of God's word. They'll recall them over the years at different times just as I have done. However, Bethany's needs are changing somewhat, so I began to look for a good Bibilical Worldview curriculum. I think I've found it. Two weeks into volume one and my own life is being challenged.

We've been studying how to build our lives upon the rock, and conversely, what to do if we want to build our lives upon the sand. Thank you, but NO, to that. I have "sand moments" as I'll call them, and I much prefer the rock. Romans 12:2 is one the feature verses for the beginning of our study. The more I think about it, the more I like it and want to let it be my mirror verse for the year, the one I stare into to see how it's going, so to speak.

"Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God."

As we were working our way through this together I had my own little lightbulb moment. I began to think about the difference between being conformed and being transformed. Conformed is a shaping that comes from an external source, either through something or someone, that we allow. It could be an outside pressure or perhaps a worldly mindset that we've embraced. Transformed, though it may have external components, begins in the interior of the heart and mind. It is a work of God. I cannot transform myself. I can allow myself to be conformed, pressured and shaped, by others and other influences, but only God can bring real transformation.

This year I am praying for transformation. Transformation for myself, our finances, my health and how I take care of my body. I can see how every area of my life is due for an overhaul. A transformation. A work of God. I can see how this verse is like a lifeguard for my heart.

Has God given you anything for this next year? Oh I have more to share, but this is long enough probably. Father in Heaven, have Your way in our lives this year. Help us to surrender all that we are and desire to Your will. Thank you for another year. May we bring glory to Your great name.

Let It Snow!

I have to share this incredible link provided by Apologia Science's Facebook page. I took about a 2 minute look at these snowflake designs, and found the joy welling up in me. Our God is an awesome God and Creator. I am in awe of Him this morning.

Here are some drawings of the varying types of snowflakes.
Notice the symmetry. Can you see the order?

You can even make your own snowflakes. Follow
this link for a child-friendly project.

I've never thought about making a snowflake fossil, and in fact, didn't know you could do such a thing. If I lived somewhere besides Phoenix, Arizona, I think I just might try. I see a science field trip up to Flagstaff coming on! Oh, but the cold....brrrrr!!!! If it's falling out your front door right now, you might want to review this project link, and go for it!

Here's a quote by Rene Descarte (1635), philosopher and mathmetician:

"These were little plates of ice, very flat, very polished, very transparent, about the thickness of a sheet of rather thick paper...but so perfectly formed in hexagons, and of which the six sides were so straight, and the six angles so equal, that it is impossible for men to make anything so exact."

The One who gave Descarte life and breath says:

"He says to the snow, 'Fall on the earth,' and to the rain shower, 'Be a mighty downpour.'"
Job 37:6

Again, in Romans 1:19-21, it says:

" since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse."

We can only be in awe of a loving Creator and Savior who made it, made us, and made a way for us to know Him. He loves what and who He made.

Reader Thoughts Requested

My blogging has been rather infrequent due to....time, I suppose. What a year we've had and yes, my blogging is evidence of the demand in other arenas.

I have a question for you non-homeschooling readers: Should I combine my blogs, my family blog and homeschooling blog? As you know from the sidebar you can click on the link and read about our homeschooling adventures. (Yep, it's an adventure. Had one this morning that I'm still recovering from.) I've been posting somewhat on homeschooling but - zero - commenters. I know our purpose is to simply post for our own use, but it would be nice to know if anyone is benefiting. (Or, does that really matter?)

If I combine them, will that bug that non-homeschooler in you? I know, it's my blog, but still....just want to be thoughtful to the readers. Hoping to get some direction from one of your answers.

The homeschooling reader may have some thoughts as well. I'd like to hear from anyone on this.

Thanksgiving Memories are Being Made Here

"Mom, where should I hide the Pecan Pie?" Bethany asks. Mom chuckles. "That is a very good question," I reply. Hearing his sister's wonderings Daniel contributes what is sure to be a brilliant idea. "I know! We can hide it in MY room!" Over ruled. Was he serious?

See, about three years ago perhaps what was possibly the world's most delicious Pecan pies ever baked was resting comfortably on my counter. Tomorrow was Thanksgiving Day, and company was coming! Sure, I bought it at Costco. Sure, it was not home-made, but to this very day we've searched high and low for a pie that compared, and we've yet to find it. You can imagine my dismay when I saw what appeared to be a missing piece of pie, my Pecan Pie: blessed and highly favored! However, it was no mirage, it was true; someone had eaten a piece of the Pecan. My Pecan pie-loving husband had stumbled upon a gold mine! He was guilty as charged, and was happy about it! Hence,the critical question of the evening was asked, "Mom, where should I hide the Pecan Pie?"

Twas the night before Thanksgiving, 2010:

I'll never forget the sound of our combined laughter as we walked out of the store after I'd pulled the mystery item that had attached itself to the inside of my jacket sleeve ; my scotch-brite scrubber! It was an uninvited guest to be sure. The shock and the look on my face must've been something. Add in the laughter from the onlooking mother whose cart had intersected with mine in my exit and multiply it by the laughter of three tired people who are crazy about each other, and you have the beginning of a memory none of you will soon forget.

What memories are being made at your house this year? What will you carry from this year to your memory book to open again next Thanksgiving? Ever noticed how memories seem to take on an almost golden hue as the years pass? Whether it's a missing piece of tomorrow's pie, or a forest green scotch-brite scrubber that's attached itself to your clothing, laugh! Chalk up the memories! Make the tired nights a joy to recall. Recount God's goodness. Remember His faithfulness. As you circle about your table this year, and in the years to come, never stop giving thanks. Yes, we will be talking about the missing piece of Pecan pie for years to come. And next year we'll add one from this year's grocery shopping trip for Thanksgiving dinner. Give thanks. Your blessings and mine are more than we deserve.

Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving to All

Young and old alike will be pleasantly entertained and blessed to listen to an old-fashioned Radio Show highlighting the true history of Thanksgiving. The program is called, "The Path of Praise." It is filled with historically accurate stories, music just for Thanksgiving, and the like.

Please take a moment to go to this wonderful site. This download is free for your enjoyment. (You'll also find they have many more free radio stories to download!)

Now more than ever we must know and give thanks for the Godly heritage of our country.

Giving thanks to God,

Kathy