Thankfulness Project

After a very rough year I vented on my blog and I received a few comments telling me I had it good.

Truly, I knew I had it good, I just wanted a few minutes to let it out and instead I was bombarded with well-meaning comments letting me know exactly how off base I was.

Yikes! And a good morning to you too!

I was extremely upset by the comments and edited the post 1,2,3…4 times before I gave up on it. I tried to answer the comments and explain that it was a momentary lapse in judgment, a quick little blip on the “thankful” screen and even that I was just human, I was just talking, letting it out, like a teapot who has to whistle or boil over.

No answer I gave was “the right one” and as is typical for me I continued to try to explain, tumbling over my words, digging myself deeper and deeper.

Finally I deleted the whole thing and wrote something like this:

I know that every cloud has a silver lining. I usually have no problem seeing the silver linings, but today my eyes got tired of looking up and instead I looked down. It was my fault. I looked away.

I decided the only way to fix the problem was to take the blame. Blame myself in a “how dare I’ moment. But then I reread what I wrote. I read the final sentence. “I looked away” and that spoke to me. No matter how tiring it is looking up it is something we must do:

Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always. -I Chronicles 16:11

So I began to think about it and although the words hurt I knew I had to be more thankful. This confused me. I WAS thankful. But I realized I wasn’t vocal about it and I needed to be:

Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. -Ephesians 5:19-20

In response to this I did the best thing I could. I began “The Thankfulness Project” to date this is a small group of bloggers who post what they are thankful for daily in the sidebars of their blog. As you play along you become more and more thankful and notice the small things. I have yet to be thankful for the rough year, but I am certainly thankful that the Lord helped me through it. I hope you’ll join me in my year of thankfulness.

Sheri (with the help of her fabulous husband Mike) began homeschooling her four children in 2001. She spends her time creating whatever she can out of nothing to make her house more homey, creating lesson plans, and listening to her son’s garage band and writing how God is carrying her out of the depths of depression. You can catch up with Sheri at her blog, be sure to check out the on-going Love Story she and her husband are writing while you are there!

Tags: A Lesson in Thankfulness, Being Thankful, Chronicles, Ephesians, Scripture, The Thankfullness Project

Boys to Men

The ultrasound showed that number 3 was a boy!

We were excited and honestly, I was a bit nervous. I’d never had any brothers and with 2 girls under my belt, I wasn’t sure “how” to do a boy.

Hayden has been a breeze for the most part, but this January he turned TEN. He had a few buddies over for his birthday sleepover and WOW were they loud.

I’ve seen it coming for some time now. He’s not my baby anymore. Sure, he’ll snuggle up and cuddle, but he’s changing, and in today’s world, he is moving much too quickly into the “next phase” for this momma.

He is  growing up in a tough world. Even being a “sheltered” (*wink, wink) homeschooler we clearly see the signs that society bombards him with. We’ve been focusing a lot of effort on the girls in regards to modesty and peer pressure, and now it’s time to focus in on Hayden.

I’ve spent the past few years reading about boys and the teen years.  A quote in Vicki Courtney’s Your Boy really made an impression on me.

“It is my conviction that many a mother will occupy a higher position in God’s kingdom than many a prominent Christian leaders whom we might expect to find in places of great honor. Think of some of the great men of the Bible like Moses, Samuel and Timothy.

Where would they have been had it not been for their praying, Spirit led mothers?

Think of Augustine, John Newton and the Wesleys; their names may never have lighted the pages of history had it not been for the blessed influence of godly mothers! The simple prayers from our infant lips were but echoes from our mother’s heart. Can we ever forget the soft caresses of those hands of blessing on our heads as we knelt by our beds?
Can we fail to remember her night vigils, her seasons of intercession, her well-marked Bible and her words of admonition?

Her actions spoke eloquently of Him who taught us of the greater love of God. What a tragedy to neglect the counsel of a godly mother! What eternal consequences to reject her God.

“Do not forsake the law of your mother.” (prov. 1:8)
Henry G. Bosch

The fact is that I’m raising someone’s husband. I’m raising my grandchildren’s daddy.

That is a very, very big deal.

How do I raise a boy who seeks his worth in Christ?
How do I raise a boy who does not objectify women?
How do I raise a boy who respects all forms of life?
How do I raise a boy who does not conform to this “world,” yet seeks out God’s will for his life?
How do I raise a man of world changing faith?

These are questions that I’m asking daily. I’m asking them of those who have gone before me and those standing right on the front lines with me. The conclusion is always the same. There is a battle raging for our sons’ hearts, and the fact of the matter is that they will be men in a very short time. While our son’s don’t live in a country where persecution is a reality, they are on the front lines. Their battle, while not persecution, is  the “popular culture.” The culture that exists just outside the front door, and often does its best to infiltrate the walls of our home.  Whether you homeschool or not, lets face it, it’s not easy out there.

We are doing all we know to do. We talk, we read, we discuss and we are led by the Lord, but that doesn’t mean the war is won. It’s a continuous fight. We remind Hayden regularly these words;

“Wrong is wrong even if everybody is doing it,

and right is right even if nobody is doing it.”

Raising Godly boys, who become Godly men is no easy task in this day and age, and I’m certain it never has been– boys have always been boys, and teenage boys have always been teenage boys. Hormones are hormones.  However, our faith demands that we commit to this raising of Godly men. It will require much prayer and sacrifice and communication on our parts, but the future of our “boys” depends on it.

We know that the ultimate guide to raising our sons is the Bible, but there are a few other resources that I’ve stumbled upon that are helping my husband and I walk this rather treacherous path.

Two excellent resources that we are finding extremely relevant on this journey are Vicki Courtney’s Your Boy: Raising a Godly Son in an Ungodly World (for me) and Steven Auterburn’s Preparing Your Son for Every Man’s Battle ( That’s dad’s. And yes, I stick it in the bathroom!).I have read it too. It’s honest and real and doesn’t pull any punches.

“…encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.”
Titus 2:6-8

Be encouraged today! The statistics are daunting and the culture distressing, but have faith. We can raise Godly boys who grow into Godly men! We were made to be mothers for “such a time as this!”  Oh, it’s going to take PRAYER, communication and commitment and I assure you  it’s going to be LOUD, but I know in the end it WILL be wonderful to see the man emerge!  Let’s roll up our sleeves and get at it, we’re in this together!

Lori is a 6th year homeschool mom to 3. Currently she homeschools a 9th grader, a 7th grader and a 5th grader. Lori hopes to impart peace and inspiration amidst the daily chaos. It’s in the daily details of life that she is continually inspired! Be sure to visit her blog at All You Have to Give and at Internet Cafe Devotions and Exemplify.

Tags: Augustine of Hippo, Being a Godly Mother, Boys, Bringing Up Boys, godly parenting, Henry G. Bosch, John Newton, life lessons, Men of Faith, Men's Battles, Preparing Your Son, Proverbs, raising boys, Scripture, St. Monica, Steven Auterburn, Vicki Courtney, Your Boy

Beyond Blah

It’s that time of year again. You know, the one that follows the most wonderful time of the year. It’s the mid-winter blah time of the year. No matter how much you and your kids love snow, you’re bound to get tired of it at some point during the cold, dark, shorter winter days. Can you tell I’m a warm, sunshine kinda gal? Since moving to Florida or Arizona isn’t in my plans for right now, I’ve had to brainstorm some more practical ideas for not only beating the mid-winter blahs, but for bouncing back from them.

My teenager and her friends came up with the following list: writing a story or writing in a journal, drawing, going to the farm (aka riding horses). and going to the movies with friends.

From my health-conscious acquaintances: get outside for some fresh air and sunshine the second you see the sun peeking through the clouds; get plenty of exercise (inside or outside); take a nice, long, soothing bubble bath (with a “do not disturb mom sign” on the door!); stay hydrated with plenty of water; eat nutritiously.

The Bible gives us some great encouragement and advice:

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9).

“I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint” (Jeremiah 31:25).

“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall” (psalm 55:22).

“You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothe me with joy, that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever” (Psalm 30:11–12).  Scriptures quoted from the NIV.

Here are some just-for-fun ideas: Have a summer-themed party inside, crank up the heat, put on a pair of shorts, blast the Beach Boys, and toss a beach ball around. Go outside and make snow angels—with or without your kids. Have a snowball fight with your honey; you know you want to! Warm up with hot chocolate, your favorite Starbucks drink, or a pot of tea with some chocolate chip cookies.

The bottom line is hang in there; this too shall pass. Before you know it, the math will click (I hope!), the days will be longer and warmer, the kids will stop fighting (at least for a little while), and you’ll realize that the blahs have become a bed of roses.

Bethany has been married for 16 years, homeschooling for 9 years, and organizing forever. She homeschools her two girls, grade 6 and grade 10, in North Carolina. She is also a partner in Codex Publishing, publisher of The Tutor and classic book reprints. When she isn’t homeschooling or driving the family taxi, Bethany enjoys reading, music, church activities, editing, writing, history, and keeping up with friends.

Tags: Encouragement, homeschooling, Mid-Winter Blahs, Scripture, Winter Fun

Preparations

The debate about Christmas and how it should properly be celebrated has been going on for centuries, and probably will continue until He comes the second time. In my house, well, we love it all. Lisa Whelchel’s book, The ADVENTure of Christmas, is a favorite here in December, listing just about every Christmas trapping you can imagine and giving the history of each to demonstrate how they can be reminders of the real reason we celebrate.

The truth is that God came into the world in bodily form–the most amazing occurrence in history–and it calls for serious celebration, even from those who don’t recognize His lordship, authority or anything else about Him. The frenzy that surrounds the 25th of December is truly a testimony to the world’s longing for the arrival of Jesus, whether they know it or not! I think it’s a testimony, too, of the Christian’s desire for Jesus; an expression of our joy that He did come, that He will come, and that He continues to come in our lives on a daily basis.

I don’t know about you, but for me, this Christmas season had some very exhausting moments.

We started strong . . . put up the tree joyfully, baked cookies with glee, shopped for presents with a list and a smile. Sometime about mid-December, though, I started to notice a tiredness creeping over me . . . a becoming-all-too-familiar weariness that seemed to center on a nagging feeling that it all depended on me, and that were I to stop for even a moment, all of Christmas–for my family, anyway, would grind to a halt. “It came without ribbons . . . it came without tags . . . it came without packages, boxes or bags” sounds great on a cartoon, but is quite another sentiment in real life.

Perhaps I’m wrong, but somehow I can’t help but fear that if my family were to wake on Christmas morning to a house devoid of presents, and tree, with no cinnamon rolls or scrambled egg casserole, and nothing but bits of wire on the walls, the last thing I’d find them doing is heading down to the town square to hold hands with the neighbors and sing “da hoo dorays.”

Being stressed about Christmas isn’t a very nice addition to the pile of laundry, dirty cookie sheets and unwrapped presents. We’re not supposed to be stressed, but someone forgot to notify our nerves. Anyway, one day when I was lamenting over this lovely addition, I heard a curious thing . . . a voice I’d been missing for a little while. It was the Voice I love above all others, the Voice in danger of being drowned out by all the oven timers, TV specials and cash registers (the passing out of angel wings notwithstanding.) And He was whispering to me a verse I had never really thought much about . . .

“I go to prepare a place for you.”~John 14:3

Wonder of wonders! Seriously? Someone else preparing something . . . for me? Oh, sweet thought! In the midst of my 6-week long preparation, the thing my heart was really longing for was a place to go where someone else had done something–anything, really–in anticipation of my arrival. And here I found Jesus Himself, sometime in the few years of His brief ministry, looking ahead to His death and resurrection and claiming He was about to do just that. Amazing!

I’ve found similar promises in the Word since. Here’s a particularly good one:

“The Lord of hosts will prepare a lavish banquet for all peoples on this mountain; a banquet of aged wine, choice pieces with marrow, and refined, aged wine.”~Isa. 25:6

Now, two things about this description of what God is preparing made me giggle. First of all, there are two references to wine. I’m not currently a big fan, but in the Kingdom–? Now, that’s going to be some good stuff! And for those of us living on rice cakes and carrot sticks in this New Year’s season, the “choice pieces with marrow” might be appealing. Apparently, He reads Julia Child (wait, I’ll bet maybe it was the other way around) because I was just reading her recipe for pot roast the other day. It calls for the beef to be larded. Confused as I was? Well, here’s the description:

“…strips of fresh pork fat are pushed into it, going in the direction of the grain. They baste the interior of the meat as it cooks, and make an attractive design when the meat is sliced . . . ”  -Julia Child, Mastering the Art of French Cooking

Sounds pretty “choice” to me! Fat, not carved off, but pushed in! Now, there’s an otherworldly concept!

Tags: ADVENTure, Book of Isaiah, Book of John, Christmas, Julia Child, Lisa Whelchel, Scripture

Waste Not

The coming and going of the holiday season always brings the concept of gratitude back to my mind. The Christmas season is a time of intense spending, gratuitous gain, and over-the-top marketing. My views on material possessions challenge the way that most of America views them today, and our family’s ideas and beliefs about consumerism and consumption are not the most popular, by any means!

I have noted and learned from the examples set by my grandparents and parents….in many areas. One of the most treasured virtues I’ve gleaned from observing their lifestyles is gratitude. It is a virtue I long to instill in the hearts of our two children.

I see gratitude in a multi-faceted way. It’s not merely remembering to say, “thank you.” It is a mindset. It is a lifestyle. It stems from the heart.

In today’s modern, fast-paced society, I sincerely believe that gratitude is a fading notion. We live in a use-and-toss nation. We give little thought to slowing down and enjoying things that are fleeting. We take things for granted. We use and abuse our possessions….and yet we’re always aiming to acquire more. The ungrateful attitude a downward spiral that is circling faster….and one I don’t wish my family to be caught up within.

“It is good to give thanks to the Lord…” Psalm 92:1a

Here are some things I try to implement in our home, things I aim to demonstrate for our children, in hopes of dispelling the ungrateful tendencies that naturally reside within every single human heart:

• At dinnertime, our children are not forced to clean their plates (since we believe this may cause a future unhealthy relationship with food and eating). They are, however, asked to try a bite of everything at least once. Instead of saying, “I don’t like this,” we encourage them to instead say, “This isn’t my favorite.” It teaches an attitude of gratitude, despite the fact that a particular food may not suit their likings.

• When gifts are given to our children, they know to say “thank you” and accept it gladly, even if they don’t particularly like it, want it, or if they already have one just like it. I’ve even heard to require them to take a step farther and say something positive (aloud) to the gift giver about the present, to encourage their hearts to look on the bright side and seek out positive attributes instead of complaining about the negatives.

• Our children are constantly hearing us talk about how God has blessed our family, how fortunate we are to have a home, a car, fun toys to play with and nice clothes to wear. Twice a year (before Christmas and birthdays) they physically help us clean out their toy boxes and shelves to pull items out to hand down to younger children or donate to a charity.

• They observe my semi-frugal ways every single day. In regards to homekeeping, I clip coupons, use up food leftovers, take care of, repair, and clean our home, and conserve electricity.

• Even through this, they see the value of a few “nice” luxury goods that we’ve chosen to hold, so that they know that money can be spent wisely on things of great personal value. Being frugal doesn’t always mean being “cheap.” We attempt to make wise, informed decisions about the products we buy for our home and personal use, taking care to keep those items protected, clean, safe, and well-cared for.

• Gift giving (from us to our children) is held out for special occasions. We limit their exposure to television ads, toy catalogs by mail, and trips to toy stores. When children see things, they want things. By limiting when we give them new toys and special treats, their joy and gratitude is always full of excitement and awe. They don’t grow used to an influx of new things, and that not only grows their character and increases their appreciation, it is also good for our family pocketbook, as well!

There are so many other ways one can teach gratitude to one’s children. It is a disappearing virtue, but it doesn’t have to be for your family. Gratitude is not just for Thanksgiving; it can be celebrated and embraced all year long!

We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures. ~Thornton Wilder

Meg is a devoted wife to her husband, Ken, of 9 years, and mom and homeschooling teacher to her two children, five-year-old son “G” and three-year-old daughter “R.” When she’s not writing or creating something, Meg loves to cook for, host and entertain friends and family. She also enjoys reading, the outdoors, eclectic music, yoga, and studying history. You can read all about her adventures (and misadventures) at her blog, Muses of Megret and read her educational product reviews at Muse Reviews.

Tags: Gift Giving, gratitude, Post-Holiday, Scripture, Thornton Wilder, Thornton Wilder Quotes

Looking Ahead with Hope

Hello my friends and welcome to a new year! Do you look forward to this year with delight and a vision in your heart? Are you excited? This year many of us are not so excited about the new year. Whether you are facing unemployment, sickness, rough finances, or any number of life aggravating issues, I understand the feelings of sadness and uncertainty.

When my husband was still a college student we had little money and many medical bills. We had a lovely little girl, but we were mourning the loss of our second daughter. It was a sad Christmas. Christmas rolled into the new year and frankly I wanted to pull the covers back up over my head and ignore everything.

How did I get back from that low? How can you look ahead to this year with hope?

Start with Christ!

Psalm 46:1,2a God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear,

Hebrews 13:6 So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”

How can we take this scripture and use it in our lives?

Saying stop fearing or worrying is easy but the doing is hard.

Let us start with some simple tips.

• Memorize the scriptures from above or other scripture that help you rely on the Lord for your strength and refuge.
• Write down that you are giving this year to the the Lord. By writing it down you are making a commitment and making a record you can return to, to draw strength from.
• Talk to your husband about your fears. Sharing a burden will lighten the load.

You can turn this uncertain year into a stellar life changing year! Think of all the good things simply changing your outlook can affect. Your children who watch everything you do will notice your “can do” happier attitude and respond. By following God’s Word you will be rewarded with a closer relationship with the Lord and a deeper understanding of your Christian walk.

Back to me under the covers wishing the world would go away. I didn’t know it but I was suffering from depression. I got so bad that I wondered if anyone would notice if I just disappeared. I never wanted to harm myself. I just wanted to disappear until things somehow got better. Are you that low?

Please if you are experiencing thoughts of harming yourself or your loved ones, have continual thoughts of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness or if you are sleeping all the time or you cannot sleep, these are signs of depression.  Please go see your doctor or pastor. You need to talk to someone to help you get back out of that sad and lonely place.

This year is uncertain but not lost. We can choose to make it a better year. Leaning on God for our strength, wisdom, and protection we will make 2010 a wonderful year! What are some of your ideas on making this year wonderful?

Heather Laurie and her husband, Christopher, have been married for 13 wonderful years, and have been blessed with 7 children, two of whom are awaiting them in Heaven. They began their homeschooling journey eight years ago, amidst trials and unexpected journeys, including genetic disorders, austism, sensory disorders, and lupus. Heather and her husband created the ministry Special Needs Homeschooling as a way to use their trials for the Lord’s glory and to encourage special needs parents and homeschoolers.

Tags: depression, Encouragement, God's Provision, Guilt, Helplessness, hope, New Years, Scripture

Homeschooling with His Sufficiency

I’m a list maker. And a list cross-off-er. Before the homeschool year began, I had our bookshelves organized, a daily planner set for each day of the year for each child, daily circle time planned, printables printed, charts laminated and plenty of room in our ”schedule” for pursuing rabbit trails and personal interests!

Yes! I was set! Ready to go!

Then God sent us a wonderful blessing in the form of a foster daughter and all my planning and anticipated quiet mornings at home nurturing my children’s interests shot like a cannon into Timbuktu.

I’ve slowly begun to realize that God wants my dependence solely on Him, not on scheduling and carefully laid plans.

Twice a week we drive fifty four miles to bring Natalie for her court ordered visitation. That gives us at least an hour in the van and can potentially suck the life out of three hours of our day.

Shortly before Natalie came to stay with us, I stood in our dining room and slowly washed down the chalkboard, praying about what scripture to write on it next. It is more a decorative chalkboard than schoolish and the verse God brought to my heart was II Corinthians 12:9. It says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”  I transcribed it out and two months later it is still there because I need the daily reminder. I daily feel weak and inadequate.

Our family has experienced a lot of changes in schedules, a lot of heartache and a lot of relying on God this fall.

On the practical side of things, we’ve found wonderful ways to make use of our missing three hours twice a week.

The relaxed homeschooler in me found brilliance in books on CD. We’ve listened to Wind in the Willows, Titanic, James Herriot, and many others. We’ve discussed topics ranging from race to moral character to biology that have been prompted by the different stories.

We’ve explored a new city, found that not all libraries lend children’s books for a month (ouch!), and walked trails at a state park discussing flora and fauna.

The biggest learning experience for my kids? Well, that would be a hearty dose of compassion for their foster sister, learning what sacrificing on the behalf of another is, and loving the unlovely. Those lessons, I hope my kids keep with them always. They outshine a missed worksheet or coloring page any day.

Hannah is a relaxed homeschooling mama of five. Her and her family are big on the outdoors, big on family days, and big on making memories in everyday small ways. She loves handcrafts, iced lattes, re-arranging furniture and counts falling into bed exhausted a sign of a really great day. She and her husband make a home in upstate New York with their energetic children and a menagerie of animals.  Hannah blogs at Cultivating Home.

Tags: Depending on God, Family Scheduling, God's Plan, God's Provision, homeschooling, Making Lists, Scripture

An Extravagant Life

Last week I was online, chatting with my sister-in-law about menus and grocery shopping. At some point during our conversation she said, “We know how to be frugal around here.”

“Right! That’s great!” I said at the time.

But later, thinking back on our conversation, it left a sour taste in my mouth.

Why, you ask? Why was it that while I was willing to high-five her “frugality,” I found myself balking, thinking I wouldn’t want the same term applied to me?

I’ve referred to myself as frugal in the past. Being frugal is supposed to be good. Especially in times like these, when so many are really struggling, and *all* of us find ourselves in need of being more careful with our finances. There are plenty of great women out there helping others save money, encouraging people to be careful with the way they spend it. I belong to a grocery savings information service myself.

I thought about it a lot over the next few days.

Am I “frugal?” Do I want to be? The word “frugal” has a lot of connotations, and I’m sure we might define it differently. But most of us would probably agree that it implies a holding back . . . measuring carefully . . . not quite taking our resources to the limit.

Something about that just rubs me the wrong way.

Here’s the thing . . . I don’t want to be that. I don’t want to measure everything– not my money, not my time, not my efforts or emotions. I don’t want to give grudgingly. I don’t want to slap the kids’ hands when they reach for one more cookie, or cross people off my Christmas list because I’m trying to keep the gift budget low. I don’t want to buy the perfume I don’t like as well because it’s ten bucks cheaper.

I want to live extravagantly. I want to splurge and enjoy and give more than I think I can.

I think God’s like that. He owns the cattle on a thousand hills. He did pretty well with a few loaves and fish, and He didn’t leave anyone out. When there was a cost to be paid– a debt He didn’t owe– He paid it with His own life.

And anyway, He seems to appreciate extravagance . . .

Now when Jesus was in Bethany, at the home of Simon the leper, a woman came to Him with an alabaster vial of very costly perfume, and she poured it on His head as He reclined at the table.  But the disciples were indignant when they saw this, and said, “Why this waste? For this perfume might have been sold for a high price and the money given to the poor.”  But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why do you bother the woman? For she has done a good deed to Me.  For you always have the poor with you; but you do not always have Me.  For when she poured this perfume on My body, she did it to prepare Me for burial.  Truly I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be spoken of in memory of her.”

~Matthew 26:6-13

I’m not saying we should be stupid and spend money we don’t have, nor that we should just throw what we do have out into the street. Our money is God’s, and we’re His stewards. We need to walk in wisdom, and we need to please God in the way we use what He gives us. But I think there’s so much fear right now in the world, especially in regards to money, that we’re in danger of courting a different sort of problem– that of becoming miserly in our spirits. Penny-pinching in our budgets starts to spill over into every other area of our lives. The way we deal with money might become the way we do everything. And that might not be good.

I want to live an extravagant life. It’s going to take a while to flesh out exactly what that means. How about you? As you consider the extravagant gift God sent us in His Son, Jesus, what does extravagance look like in your own life?

Misty Krasawski is the overly-blessed mom of eight children whom she homeschools in sunshine-y Florida. She has been clinging ferociously to the hand of her Lord since she was knee-high to a grasshopper, homeschooling for the past thirteen years, and has eighteen more years ahead of her with the children who are glad she will have done most of her experimenting on those who went before. Her wonderful husband Rob has much treasure laid up for him in heaven for having been called to such a daunting task. After the house goes to sleep she can sometimes be found gathering her thoughts at http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/MistyKrasawski.

Tags: christian living, Frugal living, frugality, giving, God's Provision, Jesus in Bethany, Miserly Living, Scripture

Not Be Greatly Shaken

When Jesus left the earth to return to His Father in heaven, He expressly told us that we would have trouble. The exact word He used in John 16:33 was the Hebrew word “thlipsis,” which in essence envelopes a whole host of unpleasant circumstances:  anguish, affliction, burdens, persecution, tribulation, and being crushed and pressed from all sides.

This doesn’t come as much surprise, seeing as many of us feeling this “crushing” and “pressing” very often in life.

Whether it’s standards we place on ourselves (all other perfectionists can understand this with me) or pressures from external avenues, we sometimes feel heavy and weighted, overwhelmed and inadequate.

And then there are the things that unexpectedly fall into our paths we’re trodding on, completely unforeseen and unpredictable. It may be the death of a loved one. It may be the loss of a job. It may be the foolish act of a suddenly rebellious child. It may be the diagnosis of an illness. It is in these trying times when our faith in the God who created us is tested the very most.

What are we called to do when hardships hit? (Notice I said “when”….not “if.”) We can take direct guidance from David, the writer of the Psalms.

“My soul waits in silence for God only; From Him is my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be greatly shaken.” Psalm 62:1-2, NASB

In Psalm 62:1, we see what we should strive to do. We should wait silently for God.

The key word here is “silently.” To wait silently doesn’t exactly include what we usually find ourselves doing. More often than not I’ve found myself senselessly complaining, donning a victim mentality, or wringing my hands with worry.

There are promises that follow in Psalm 62:2. HE ONLY (“He alone”) will be our stronghold. He alone will be our rock. He alone will be our salvation. And you know what else? We “shall not be greatly shaken.” The word “greatly” is here for a reason. It signifies that we will be shaken, but not “overmuch.” We may be rattled, but we will not be moved off course. Like a lighthouse’s light beam piercing through the blowing rain and fog, even an ever-tossing, storm-worn ship will find its refuge.

Meg is a devoted wife to her husband, Ken, of 9 years, and mom and homeschooling teacher to her two children, five-year-old son “G” and three-year-old daughter “R.” When she’s not writing or creating something, Meg loves to cook for, host and entertain friends and family. She also enjoys reading, the outdoors, eclectic music, yoga, and studying history. You can read all about her adventures (and misadventures) at her blog, Muses of Megret and read her educational product reviews at Muse Reviews.

Tags: christian living, Encouragement, Hardships, Hebrew Meaning 'Thlipsis', Scripture, Trials, waiting for God, worry

Operation Volunteer: Teaching Children About Helping Others

Winter is quickly approaching and with the holidays coming this is the perfect opportunity to give back to your community and teach your children the blessing of giving of oneself. Did you realize that there are literally endless possibilities for life lessons, not just during the holidays, but all year long?

⁷ You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 2 Corinthians 9:7

A few ideas:

• Buy a few yards of fleece and let the kids help cut it into strips for scarves for a local homeless shelter.
• Let them choose toys (even the ones you are cringe about getting rid of) from their toy boxes to give to kids in a local children’s home.
• Donate all of the clothing in the house that no longer fits. Include the items you still aren’t able to fit into after 10 years–I know this is hard, I’ve done it.
• Make a budget for an extra grocery shopping trip, letting the kids help pick items, that can be donated to a local food shelter.
• Encourage them to hand-write and snail-mail a letter to their grandparents or other extended family.
• Let the kids help make a meal for a friend who has very little time on their hands and is struggling with daily tasks.
• Have your whole family visit in the common area of a nursing home. Many residents do not have the blessing of family visiting them–at all. There are many who love to be heard and the opportunity to be around children.
• Volunteer the family for a day at the local soup kitchen.
• Make/Donate blankets for Project Linus.
• Adopt a military member who is deployed for Christmas. There are many opportunities through Soldier’s Angels.
• Make cookies for your church administration on any random day.
• Help out for a day at an animal shelter.
• Let them help address and stuff Christmas envelopes.
• Participate in Operation Christmas Child.
• Offer to rake leaves, put up Christmas lights or bring a meal to a neighboring elderly family.
• Send a thank you note with homemade goodies to a missionary.
• Offer to help your church with daily maintenance or Christmas decorating. There is always something in the church your family can help with.
• Get your homeschool group involved in stuffing stockings for a local Meals-on-Wheels program. This would include the same items you would send to a nursing home. (Combs, playing cards, magnifying glasses, books, etc.)

These are just a few ideas to get your family started. Do you have any to add?

Angela DeRossett is military wife, homeschooling mother, and an advocate for autism research. She also serves as the Heart of the Matter e-Reviews Coordinator. Angela can be found blogging at Homeschooling the Chaotic Family and Memoirs of a Chaotic Mommy.

Tags: Family Volunteering, Homemade Christmas Ideas, Homeschool Volunteers, Household Donations, Meals-on-Wheels, Nursing Home Volunteer, Operation Christmas Child, Project Linus, Scripture, Soldier's Angels, Teaching Giving, Volunteer Opportunities

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