tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14098374548055913262024-03-18T21:46:11.892-07:00No Greater JoyAs a Mother I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in Truth and that they hold steadfastly to the truth, and live in accordance with it. In this we glorify our Heavenly Father.
This blog documents my journey, my calling home to my children. Mom on a Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09470973349493757106noreply@blogger.comBlogger220125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409837454805591326.post-44685834718480238492022-07-12T12:19:00.005-07:002022-07-12T12:19:56.631-07:00The Mystery of Suffering<p><span style="font-family: georgia;">When I think back over our 2020 and 2021, it’s like we
walked through a curtain into a new atmosphere, a new world it seems. Life,
post-COVID, is just different.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Beyond the COVID experience, our family has experienced many losses. In January
2021, my sister passed away followed by my dear Aunt in May of 2021. When we
thought the mourning and grieving was drawing to an end, we had to walk through
the loss of my father-in-law who was a most cherished grandfather to my children
and best friend to my husband. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia;">How does one cope through such deep loss? I hadn’t thought
deeply about the notion until death crept so close to us and I found all my answers
in the cross of my Savior. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I’ve learned how dearly important it is for the Christian to
have an understanding of the sufferings of Christ to be able to find strength
and peace in the sufferings of this world. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia;">My Savior suffered and therefore, as His child, I too will undergo
suffering. The world may look at tragedy and hang their head in shame and dismay
and try to muster up energy to get through life. In the light of Christ’s death
on the cross though, suffering takes on a different perspective from the world.
The believer has the ability to count it all joy in suffering because through
suffering we develop endurance and perseverance. Our inner man is renewed. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I’ve learned through the example of Christ and other brave Christians,
like <a href="https://elisabethelliot.org/about/foundation/" target="_blank">Elisabeth Elliott</a>, that suffering is not for nothing. Suffering is a mystery. We won't understand all of the ramifications of our suffering experiences, but we can be confident that there is One that has a purpose for us in it and is sovereign in it all. I’m learning that
God transforms me through pain and as I accept and even develop a heart of
gratitude in suffering, I’m being transformed further into the person that God has planned
for me to be. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia;">It’s extremely painful and<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Uncomfortable, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia;">But the fruit that results for the one who endures is
priceless.</span><o:p></o:p></p>Mom on a Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09470973349493757106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409837454805591326.post-1631897938950041422022-07-12T11:50:00.006-07:002022-07-12T12:14:07.792-07:00God's Faithfulness<p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: verdana;"> Graduated our baby girl on June 11, 2022!</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ5YjV2dNgrtE08JLNeZRZvmt8kDFC9QzQzPO7cKs4LvzyZmNSvGXYqoV5yGmAlNwTPcwjhPAzUuRYS3ed-_2OkkoxavMDv4HPqzkmGHJjgvatuFw-nkL8eASz6AEYEEvm79_bcHguYpB5QgZkxGJFhXcOM--YPgP8Xty1A5tqSAhEO7xDlMBhl4VI/s6008/DSC_0059.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4008" data-original-width="6008" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ5YjV2dNgrtE08JLNeZRZvmt8kDFC9QzQzPO7cKs4LvzyZmNSvGXYqoV5yGmAlNwTPcwjhPAzUuRYS3ed-_2OkkoxavMDv4HPqzkmGHJjgvatuFw-nkL8eASz6AEYEEvm79_bcHguYpB5QgZkxGJFhXcOM--YPgP8Xty1A5tqSAhEO7xDlMBhl4VI/s320/DSC_0059.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">We thank God for His faithfulness. Love was accepted to all of the colleges that she applied to and decided to attend Liberty University in the Fall, majoring in Elementary Education. With the college credits that she earned with CLEP tests, she is registered as a sophomore and earned a full tuition scholarship. </span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: verdana;">The mind of a person plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">(Proverbs 16:9)</span></div></div>Mom on a Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09470973349493757106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409837454805591326.post-79428488159257026372020-07-27T14:48:00.002-07:002020-07-27T14:49:53.153-07:00Maintaining Continual Peace in a Broken World, Part 2<font face="arial">Psalm 91 says it all. </font><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial">To whom does a believer turn to for security and peace? <br /></font><div><br /></div><div><h3 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 20px; min-width: 0px;"><span class="text Ps-91-1" id="en-NASB-15397"><font face="arial" size="3">Security of the One Who Trusts in the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">Lord</span>.</font></span></h3><div class="poetry" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; min-width: 0px; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;"><p class="line" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 2.4rem; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-width: 0px;"><font face="arial"><span class="chapter-2"><span class="text Ps-91-1" style="position: relative;"><span class="chapternum" style="bottom: -0.1em; display: inline; font-weight: 700; left: -2em; line-height: 0.8em; position: absolute;">91 </span>He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-91-1" style="position: relative;">Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.</span><br /><span class="text Ps-91-2" id="en-NASB-15398" style="position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-weight: 700; left: -4.4em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">2 </span>I will say to the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">Lord</span>, “My refuge and my fortress,</span><br /><span class="text Ps-91-2" style="position: relative;">My God, in whom I trust!”</span><br /><span class="text Ps-91-3" id="en-NASB-15399" style="position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-weight: 700; left: -4.4em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">3 </span>For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper</span><br /><span class="text Ps-91-3" style="position: relative;">And from the deadly pestilence.</span><br /><span class="text Ps-91-4" id="en-NASB-15400" style="position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-weight: 700; left: -4.4em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">4 </span>He will cover you with His pinions,</span><br /><span class="text Ps-91-4" style="position: relative;">And under His wings you may seek refuge;</span><br /><span class="text Ps-91-4" style="position: relative;">His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark.</span></font></p></div><div class="poetry top-1" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; min-width: 0px; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;"><p class="line" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 2.4rem; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-width: 0px;"><font face="arial"><span class="text Ps-91-5" id="en-NASB-15401" style="position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-weight: 700; left: -4.4em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">5 </span>You will not be afraid of the terror by night,</span><br /><span class="text Ps-91-5" style="position: relative;">Or of the arrow that flies by day;</span><br /><span class="text Ps-91-6" id="en-NASB-15402" style="position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-weight: 700; left: -4.4em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">6 </span>Of the pestilence that stalks in darkness,</span><br /><span class="text Ps-91-6" style="position: relative;">Or of the destruction that lays waste at noon.</span><br /><span class="text Ps-91-7" id="en-NASB-15403" style="position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-weight: 700; left: -4.4em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">7 </span>A thousand may fall at your side</span><br /><span class="text Ps-91-7" style="position: relative;">And ten thousand at your right hand,</span><br /><span class="text Ps-91-7" style="position: relative;"><i>But</i> it shall not approach you.</span><br /><span class="text Ps-91-8" id="en-NASB-15404" style="position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-weight: 700; left: -4.4em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">8 </span>You will only look on with your eyes</span><br /><span class="text Ps-91-8" style="position: relative;">And see the recompense of the wicked.</span><br /><span class="text Ps-91-9" id="en-NASB-15405" style="position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-weight: 700; left: -4.4em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">9 </span>For you have made the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">Lord</span>, my refuge,</span><br /><span class="text Ps-91-9" style="position: relative;"><i>Even</i> the Most High, your dwelling place.</span><br /><span class="text Ps-91-10" id="en-NASB-15406" style="position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-weight: 700; left: -4.4em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">10 </span>No evil will befall you,</span><br /><span class="text Ps-91-10" style="position: relative;">Nor will any plague come near your tent.</span></font></p></div><div class="poetry top-1" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; min-width: 0px; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;"><p class="line" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 2.4rem; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-width: 0px;"><font face="arial"><span class="text Ps-91-11" id="en-NASB-15407" style="position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-weight: 700; left: -4.4em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">11 </span>For He will give His angels charge concerning you,</span><br /><span class="text Ps-91-11" style="position: relative;">To guard you in all your ways.</span><br /><span class="text Ps-91-12" id="en-NASB-15408" style="position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-weight: 700; left: -4.4em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">12 </span>They will bear you up in their hands,</span><br /><span class="text Ps-91-12" style="position: relative;">That you do not strike your foot against a stone.</span><br /><span class="text Ps-91-13" id="en-NASB-15409" style="position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-weight: 700; left: -4.4em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">13 </span>You will tread upon the lion and cobra,</span><br /><span class="text Ps-91-13" style="position: relative;">The young lion and the serpent you will trample down.</span></font></p></div><div class="poetry top-1" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; min-width: 0px; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;"><p class="line" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 2.4rem; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-width: 0px;"><font face="arial"><span class="text Ps-91-14" id="en-NASB-15410" style="position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-weight: 700; left: -4.4em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">14 </span>“Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him;</span><br /><span class="text Ps-91-14" style="position: relative;">I will set him <i>securely</i> on high, because he has known My name.</span><br /><span class="text Ps-91-15" id="en-NASB-15411" style="position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-weight: 700; left: -4.4em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">15 </span>“He will call upon Me, and I will answer him;</span><br /><span class="text Ps-91-15" style="position: relative;">I will be with him in trouble;</span><br /><span class="text Ps-91-15" style="position: relative;">I will rescue him and honor him.</span><br /><span class="text Ps-91-16" id="en-NASB-15412" style="position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-weight: 700; left: -4.4em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">16 </span>“With a long life I will satisfy him</span><br /><span class="text Ps-91-16" style="position: relative;">And let him see My salvation.”</span></font></p><p class="line" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 2.4rem; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-width: 0px;">(Source <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+91&version=NASB">here</a>)</p></div></div></div>Mom on a Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09470973349493757106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409837454805591326.post-75296089994777651782020-07-14T09:35:00.002-07:002020-07-27T13:45:40.652-07:00Maintaining Continual Peace in a Broken World, Part 1<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Believers, every day we need a head check and we need a
heart check because what we think governs our emotions. God holds His children
to a high standard of holiness and that standard is largely shaped by our
mental state. What we think governs our actions and our words. Our thoughts are
governed by what we allow to enter our thoughts. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">We continue to live in a very unique and challenging
time. There has always been divisiveness within our world, but it has crept
within the body of Christ. There are differing views on the coronavirus and how
the Church should be responding to this viral outbreak. Open Churches or keep
them closed, wear a mask or stay unmasked, stay at home and keep your distance
or stay close to the ones you love. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">And, then there’s the spirit of fear that seems to be an
underlying issue. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Fear of getting sick.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Fear of getting close to others.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Fear of loved ones succumbing to the virus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Fear of dying. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">The reality is everyday there is the possibility that
today will be our last day, that we’ll take our last breathe. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">The chance of someone dying in a car accident is 1 in 103
and 1 in 9,821 for death in a plane crash. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">The chances of dying from heart disease are 1 in 6 and
the chance of death from cancer is 1 in 7. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">The probability of flu death is 0.02% and the chances of
dying from the coronavirus infection are 0.5% to 1%. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Let’s face it, death is imminent. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">While I don’t know of
many people who desire to face death today, even for believers that long to be
with Jesus, God calls us to live our days on earth with <strong>hope</strong>, <strong>joy</strong>, and <strong>peace</strong>
and not in fear. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I
came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Fear is so immensely crippling and if the adversary can’t
take our salvation (which can never happen because salvation is eternal and
always secure in Christ), he can surely make strides to cause us to live in fear
and disrupt our mental and spiritual state.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">What troubles me in this day and time that we’re living
in, God's children, who should serve as beckons of light to the world of faith, courage, and strength, are
instead hiding in the shadows of darkness in a state of worry, fear, and
dismay. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Instead of having thoughts of victory in Christ, knowing
that God has numbered our days and He is sovereign over our life, we can be
tempted to mirror the world in a state of panic and worry. If we stay tuned
into the media 24/7, we can feed into the narrative that death is creeping not
just outside our doors, but right underneath our noses in the form of unseen
viral particles in the local markets, stores, and we could be infected and walk
right into death’s door just from the simple embrace of a friend, a neighbor,
or a loved one. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Surely, the onslaught of this message would cause even
the most courageous and faithful Christian to fear. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I will be the first one to say that I’m guilty of the
temptation of fear and worry and I’ve had to repent of the sinful pattern of
allowing discouraging thoughts to plague me. This is such a slippery slope for
a Christian because left unattended, it can lead believers into depression,
sickness, stress, and bad decision making because your actions are not based on
truth. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">My favorite bible verse tells us exactly where we should
keep our minds,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication
with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God
which surpasses all comprehension will guard your hearts and minds in Christ
Jesus. Finally brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right,
whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any
excellence, and anything worthy of praise, think on these things. The things
you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things,
and the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:6-9) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">We should be constantly seeking the Lord for wisdom and
discernment. God calls us to be in the world, but not of the world. The world
should not be our source for guidance and wisdom. It's so interesting that we're living in a time where the Church is having to question and reason whether or not it should open its doors, if the congregation should openly sing worship songs because of viral particles in the air, or if people should meet for Bible study and fellowship. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">These challenging discussions should really bring us to our knees in prayer, asking the Lord for discernment as we know that Satan relishes in being able to thwart the work of the Church. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">“We know that we are of God,
and that the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.” (1 John 5:19)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places." (Ephesians 6:12)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">God has all wisdom and all knowledge. We may never understand why these things are happening this side of Heaven, but God is sovereign and as Jehovah-Sabaoth He reigns above and over all forces both in Heaven and Earth. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Christian brother and sister, don’t allow external circumstances draw you away from your Heavenly Father, His promises for you, and the PEACE that He promises to His children. The news and state of this broken world will continue to fluctuate and change, from one day to the next. God’s Word, the security, and hope that we have in Christ are the only things that will remain the same. Let’s keep our eyes fixed on our Savior and experience mental and spiritual peace even in the midst of trying times. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">May these truths bring your heart and mind joy! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look
about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you,
Surely I will uphold you with My right hand. “ (Isaiah 41:10)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your
consolations delight my soul. “ (Psalm 94:19)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you
become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him, The help
of my countenance and my God.” (Psalms 42:11)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as
the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, not let it
be fearful.” (John 14:27)</span></div>
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Mom on a Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09470973349493757106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409837454805591326.post-46451077090135492242020-05-14T12:29:00.000-07:002020-05-14T12:29:29.350-07:00Books That Point You to the Truth<p><font face="verdana">I wanted to pop my head out from my latest book long enough
to share some insights before delving head first back into my next book. </font></p>
<p><font face="verdana">Lynn Austin’s series, “Chronicles of the Kings”, is so
immensely gripping! I love God’s Word and it’s even sweeter when an author creates a fictional story based on biblical history that makes you want to grab your Bible. </font></p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG6anFsXmZAu4u1EUSFHq0S8apFrcIcnzIiQu2J8DsY6-vUTF2eaYIq6XekRio_MT_Ew5w5aWA-iEmTNnQ7lACuln_nbBmE_AOPSYK2N36SJOcWMDImdkShFMI0RS3i-4-DCVeLrqWaTo/s1600/20200514_144426.jpg" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #0066cc; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><font face="verdana"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG6anFsXmZAu4u1EUSFHq0S8apFrcIcnzIiQu2J8DsY6-vUTF2eaYIq6XekRio_MT_Ew5w5aWA-iEmTNnQ7lACuln_nbBmE_AOPSYK2N36SJOcWMDImdkShFMI0RS3i-4-DCVeLrqWaTo/s320/20200514_144426.jpg" width="320" /></font></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><font face="verdana"></font><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><font face="verdana">With each book in this series I have found myself crawling
up on my bed with my Bible reading the true account of the stories that Lynn
Austin has so beautifully authored in this series. She paints beautiful pictures of these
biblical characters in each story and intertwines the truth of God’s Word in
with fictional characters and amazing plots that paints a movie in your mind of
how their lives may have been lived out. </font></p><p><font face="verdana">Direct quotes from scripture are weaved into the story to provide the skeleton from which Lynn could use her imagination to develop a gripping story. </font></p>
<p><font face="verdana">Each book so far has been a page turner. </font></p>
<p><font face="verdana">As I've read Books 1-3 so far, chronicling through Kings in the Old Testament, I’ve been reminded in these stories about God’s expectation
of His children to remain faithful to Him, regardless of the difficult
circumstances that we may find ourselves in. God’s grace is sufficient, come
what may. </font></p><p><font face="verdana">I look forward to the continuing story of Kings as I peek into the life of King Manasseh, a man who did evil in the sight of the Lord and the life lessons that I can gain from his mistakes and God's ultimate victory in the life of His people. </font></p><p><br /></p>Mom on a Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09470973349493757106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409837454805591326.post-62858592991140016322020-04-23T10:54:00.001-07:002020-04-24T10:04:16.371-07:00Accountability Groups & Goal Setting<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The last time that I wrote about fitness I was working out using my own personal library of fitness VHS tapes and DVDs. Many would have said that my fitness source was outdated (who uses a VHS tape player anymore?), but the medium that you use to workout isn't as important as the workout itself and whether or not you're actually using it to workout.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Since that last post, I've become a part of an accountability group that checks in with each other on a daily basis to share their workouts using an automated system that makes working out actually entertaining! I've <a href="https://nogreaterjoywalking.blogspot.com/2016/05/love-to-be-fit.html">written before</a> about how being accountable to someone in your fitness regiment is paramount to being successful with maintaining a regular routine of physical activity and it's still true.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">This very key aspect is the reason that I joined the group in 2019 and have been extremely pleased with how this commitment has further encouraged me to workout on a consistent basis. Whether it is on vacation, cold seasons or hot seasons, knowing that someone is expecting me to workout helps me set personal goals and work to attain them.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As part of this group, I also now have access to an extremely large library of fitness programs that have their own set of fitness challenges that you can take on within a specific period of time. One might think, <i>What's the big deal with setting a goal or fitness challeng</i>e?<i> </i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">When it comes to fitness, goal setting challenges a person to push themselves beyond what they would normally accomplish or even desire to do. Without a goal in front of us, many of us would either do nothing or do whatever is minimally required.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Before joining the accountability group in 2019 I had never taken on a challenge set to a specific set of days and when I was presented with my first one, my first response was hesitation about doing one that would last for 21 days. It's something about being responsible for working out on each day and then having to report to someone that you've done the work that made me a little nervous.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">What if I don't feel like working out on a certain day?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">What if I have a scheduling conflict that gets in the way?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">What if my body hurts too much and I don't feel like finishing the challenge?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">What if I have trouble making the time and sticking with the schedule?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">These questions and many others crossed my mind before signing up for my first challenge, but I took it on. By day 21, I realized that every answer to the questions that loomed in my head were only excuses.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">People fulfill their responsibilities to the things that are important to them.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Everyday most people brush their teeth, they take showers, they cook their food, and they go to work. People do these things because the result of not doing them is unacceptable. Most people don't want dirty teeth, body odor, a growling stomach, or an empty bank account.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, they do the work necessary in these areas.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I find that it is the same with fitness.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">If living life as the best version of yourself is important to you, then doing the work to stay in shape becomes nonoptional. And if fitness isn't that important to you at this point in life right now then I encourage you to <a href="https://nogreaterjoywalking.blogspot.com/2017/02/your-body-what-you-think.html">change your focus</a> and consider joining a group of other people in the journey of making fitness a priority and then start setting goals to keep you motivated.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you're interested in learning more about the accountability group and goal setting that I've found extremely useful, please message me!</span>Mom on a Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09470973349493757106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409837454805591326.post-20882822140441691452020-04-21T07:13:00.000-07:002020-04-21T07:17:04.793-07:00Book Series Suggestion<span style="font-size: large;">Being in the house has fueled my love for reading and led me to take in some great books. Lynn Austin has been most recent, favorite author.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">A few months ago I finished a series of her books centered around the time of the Civil War. I gobbled up the entire series of books in a few short months because they were so well written. Lynn does a beautiful job in all of her books making the characters come alive and she has a way of drawing out the emotions and personalities of the characters to the point that as the reader you feel as if you either know them or want to get to know them.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjGw6_XtlXCMl6MxhvbP3Q2ymMUrRPNATcZ9d9pMBZnodkpoc_Azx-BJ5HcYeEjGoagnT4SbRTAQ9_EjZIkXHW5jWGaCCAgokor40Y3vJagGzDu1oEFg-xj09zn5h5ckzATiamIbLg0T4/s1600/20200421_100307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjGw6_XtlXCMl6MxhvbP3Q2ymMUrRPNATcZ9d9pMBZnodkpoc_Azx-BJ5HcYeEjGoagnT4SbRTAQ9_EjZIkXHW5jWGaCCAgokor40Y3vJagGzDu1oEFg-xj09zn5h5ckzATiamIbLg0T4/s320/20200421_100307.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i>The<i> Refiner's Fire</i> series is definitely also one that will inspire a heart for the Lord and His Word. I found myself crying at some point in all three of the books in this series,<i> Candle in the Darkness</i>,<i> A Fire By Night</i>, and<i> A Light to My Path</i> and folding over pages where such poignant messages are shared so that I can go back and re-read to be inspired again and again. I've been reading many of Lynn Austin books this year and I'm amazed that each one is uniquely different and uniquely captivating.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I usually go to the library as my primary source for my personal reads, but with them being closed I've been using online used bookstores like <a href="http://www.thriftbooks.com/">ThriftBooks</a> and <a href="http://www.abebooks.com/">AbeBooks</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Happy Reading!</span>Mom on a Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09470973349493757106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409837454805591326.post-81671211146362581252020-04-16T18:50:00.001-07:002020-04-16T19:02:41.577-07:00Creative Minds Want to Know<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Who would have guessed that we'd all be spending an exorbitant amount of time indoors with our families, rotating between reading books, playing board games, and for many searching for family-friendly Netflix shows in order to pass the time? I say "searching" instead of watching because if your family is anything like mines, you spend more time searching and reading about shows that are family-friendly than you do actually watching the shows. </span>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I really wanted to like the network Pure Flix, but after signing up for the free offer and checking out the network, we decided not to continue into a paid membership with Pure Flix. Many of the Christian shows on this network are available on Netflix and the shows that are specific to Pure Flix did not have high caliber acting in our family's opinion and the connectivity seemed to be very sketchy. The shows and movies that we watched kept having to pause while they tried to load and it had nothing to do with our internet connectivity. On some shows the people's mouth movements were delayed behind the actual sound. Altogether we just didn't think that the network was worth the monthly investment, which was sad because I was really hoping that there would be shows that we could pick from in this network without having to worry about investigating ahead of time to be safe for our family to watch. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I will say that the productions that they had available by Ken Ham and the<i> Creation People</i>, as I like to call them, were very engaging and interesting. We watched Ken Ham's debate with Bill Nye the Science Guy as they toured the Ark Encounter. </span></span></div>
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<i></i><i></i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />In addition to our search for something family-friendly to watch together, my hubby was inspired by Trey's latest hobby of Legos. We've started </span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">holding our own Lego races in the living room after dinner. We each craft our very own Lego race car, name them, and then race them. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyinA2JvkuQINq1TDUdUAehyphenhyphenZI7RoiyNlUMOVoHrvZgCwBk31hqLzJd5VPkgXB-bujWjoTMuebTxr5Bj9OD0raHvxTu_czrGE09MHiFUAQs625sY4Jx-FYKGPItyZ4CuTKIfowRXO3cLA/s1600/20200331_175429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyinA2JvkuQINq1TDUdUAehyphenhyphenZI7RoiyNlUMOVoHrvZgCwBk31hqLzJd5VPkgXB-bujWjoTMuebTxr5Bj9OD0raHvxTu_czrGE09MHiFUAQs625sY4Jx-FYKGPItyZ4CuTKIfowRXO3cLA/s320/20200331_175429.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTuZBZQGKwhAnyCzxVDN8LeodopOeoJA_uNcokPXhC1x1T5RhQ65Jnmv3QcQwGnqSqEmINxlzfLbZpVWS7eSd5DMHluWbGoV_ixZgXIGx29I-eVpx_DIzUeaGyp7HsmEkG0Vce_M4V1RQ/s1600/20200401_195550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTuZBZQGKwhAnyCzxVDN8LeodopOeoJA_uNcokPXhC1x1T5RhQ65Jnmv3QcQwGnqSqEmINxlzfLbZpVWS7eSd5DMHluWbGoV_ixZgXIGx29I-eVpx_DIzUeaGyp7HsmEkG0Vce_M4V1RQ/s320/20200401_195550.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We started out our race night with a cardboard race track and it didn't take long for Leon and Trey to head to the basement and design and build a much more studier track that would last many races. Trey and Leon are Lego building naturals. The girls and I have to work a little harder to craft vehicles from our own creativity, without any easy to follow instructions. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's just amazing to me the creative things our minds can be entertained by when your options are limited! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Many of our races were very close calls!</span></div>
Mom on a Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09470973349493757106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409837454805591326.post-75446636042622342392020-04-15T12:32:00.002-07:002020-04-18T12:31:48.969-07:00Just Different.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ3qMqPWLwGCNv4kmbc-tRtWXWSCiWBy-7ZGSi3551Rxgq_hv8p3Ak0vCpfaKFJy-fHWcQL73u75dV0N19iTV5Zjcmx6Q3u-jBf_qKT3OKEz3FdhlyAQrQRxNZL3bFI_XoHyno27dnJlE/s1600/20150915_134640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ3qMqPWLwGCNv4kmbc-tRtWXWSCiWBy-7ZGSi3551Rxgq_hv8p3Ak0vCpfaKFJy-fHWcQL73u75dV0N19iTV5Zjcmx6Q3u-jBf_qKT3OKEz3FdhlyAQrQRxNZL3bFI_XoHyno27dnJlE/s200/20150915_134640.jpg" width="112" /></span></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtT0-Rnf3DETT_Da-DQFTZBW9IrIWi6sPiWbQFqCZbO6yYTouuu-146_DadGVvW0A1ABPHyBczQJOoeg2244-tCX2ohr8y0BQkNqugJboxY6n0RaOZZrdrv-auwydbykSUds4YghMZVaM/s1600/20200214_114214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtT0-Rnf3DETT_Da-DQFTZBW9IrIWi6sPiWbQFqCZbO6yYTouuu-146_DadGVvW0A1ABPHyBczQJOoeg2244-tCX2ohr8y0BQkNqugJboxY6n0RaOZZrdrv-auwydbykSUds4YghMZVaM/s200/20200214_114214.jpg" width="112" /></span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">School with this little guy is nothing but interesting! I had no idea what I was in for when I started homeschooling Trey. For starters there was a level of fear within me as I wasn't sure how I was going to teach him to read. </span></span><br />
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</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFLU1SHcZWYtihPsEgcK8qXQSuSM2GooL2RAtAgVHBdwdxrXvxwqgSoETzXAldi2-cmXwUgT0rGpgH_plrDqsj7yKe8o_W5UEpmzE0dlc2d4y9cRNR8id-4mbmA7-QZ3sSnfaetO-qz3c/s1600/20150909_094820.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFLU1SHcZWYtihPsEgcK8qXQSuSM2GooL2RAtAgVHBdwdxrXvxwqgSoETzXAldi2-cmXwUgT0rGpgH_plrDqsj7yKe8o_W5UEpmzE0dlc2d4y9cRNR8id-4mbmA7-QZ3sSnfaetO-qz3c/s200/20150909_094820.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">W<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">hen we started our homeschool journey almost seven years ago, Love and Lea were entering the home as readers as they had learned to read in private school. Lea was a new reader, but a strong, new reader. In many ways as I look back I can see how God blessed our homeschool beginnings with kids that could already read. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We could jump right into 2nd and 4th grade with simply learning and enjoying the experience while having a little infant by our sides.
Fast forward to Trey's beginnings as a student and I wasn't sure what to expect.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">I decided to use the same curriculum, </span><a href="https://www.abeka.com/HomeSchool/"><span style="font-size: large;">ABeka</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">, that my girls had in private school and that put me a little at ease with starting to teach Trey. What was beautiful in the whole experience was how naturally Trey gained an interest in learning. I remember setting him outside our school room door with his little movie player to keep him occupied when he was about 3 years old and as I worked with his sisters he would creep in the school and say, "Mommy, I wanna do school". <br />
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</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilZRsPOqiqXJQg7wTMs5UvF8sZ3YYDrRXU5upzqlDskIsQmujD3yc1oz2KCWG8YGjxwzsJurFwTcnECmCG1QPuPQpPPM4Sx_X8nCE9ScDTODoEwJzU9Lf4m4PtqqgRnPTCPVVxlJaPrlc/s1600/20150922_132437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilZRsPOqiqXJQg7wTMs5UvF8sZ3YYDrRXU5upzqlDskIsQmujD3yc1oz2KCWG8YGjxwzsJurFwTcnECmCG1QPuPQpPPM4Sx_X8nCE9ScDTODoEwJzU9Lf4m4PtqqgRnPTCPVVxlJaPrlc/s320/20150922_132437.jpg" width="180" /></span></a><span style="font-size: large;">Just a few moments out of each school day I'd get on the floor and go over the letters of the alphabet or he'd sit up in my lap and want to trace his letters. That interest in learning seemed to grow everyday that by the time he seemed ready to do Preschool level material, he was so excited to "do school" like his big sisters. His face would light up when he saw all the brightly school colored pages that were all his. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Eventually though, I
</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW56upUHqZ8bxL0SCYnT8zRUlkOJ_0VED3Cp87IP0iT0aP41LGnSp2bKoDnEcw8seY-7z5IAOA9Jlckum55LBU2unoIq6xMqG51Z-wkMMP0nAfcRsfIarkeVw72jiLL2RHNNh1gPy4kAE/s1600/20150930_134959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW56upUHqZ8bxL0SCYnT8zRUlkOJ_0VED3Cp87IP0iT0aP41LGnSp2bKoDnEcw8seY-7z5IAOA9Jlckum55LBU2unoIq6xMqG51Z-wkMMP0nAfcRsfIarkeVw72jiLL2RHNNh1gPy4kAE/s320/20150930_134959.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> came to the realization that educating a little boy is a totally different ball game from little girls. About 3 or 4 months into his first grade year of school, the excitement of the brightly colored school pages seem to wane and I found myself bargaining with him on how many pages I could get him to read before lunch time. After doing some research and consulting with several Moms of boys I realized that there were some critical components of school that I had to ensure that I was integrating into Trey's day: </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Games, rewards, and competition.</strong> <br />
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Game time created a stark difference in by boy's school day compared to his sisters' school days. As youngsters, Love and Lea could have cared less if we played a game during the school day. As long as they could freely sing and dance whenever they wanted, they were happy reading, writing, doing math, science, and anything else I threw at them for school. <br />
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</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj3WRp7-at0dvjgJJCfh_0mIBb42zP7tmEzBc_qNdrukBJGBr53ZCd4DJ6DL7S14f9cStLWuvvLxS0gAW02C3yFMfyE7GLlGve_x31LSCYmfh1MhAlSsJ7doN1mg-8efegD7-Y9PV4zDk/s1600/20180403_110840.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj3WRp7-at0dvjgJJCfh_0mIBb42zP7tmEzBc_qNdrukBJGBr53ZCd4DJ6DL7S14f9cStLWuvvLxS0gAW02C3yFMfyE7GLlGve_x31LSCYmfh1MhAlSsJ7doN1mg-8efegD7-Y9PV4zDk/s320/20180403_110840.jpg" width="180" /></span></a><span style="font-size: large;">At first it seemed a bit annoying to my conscience to have to go through the rigmarole of incorporating these things, but once I began to slowly do this our school days turned from a nightmare to a beautiful dream. It was literally a night and day difference. <br />
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</span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizI9ewxDPU91BxUPtWAoRnhEAoMWnyDTp8mw_tfkmXBERnTmhWUVwVeaoj3ztfurIz0kMlecpVJLgx__Lu75-8GnsTfISiHbZ0pLxv8OUgVvT0Z1pEWs4sWn4TACNrAx5B_KExri76SrM/s1600/20160831_083812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizI9ewxDPU91BxUPtWAoRnhEAoMWnyDTp8mw_tfkmXBERnTmhWUVwVeaoj3ztfurIz0kMlecpVJLgx__Lu75-8GnsTfISiHbZ0pLxv8OUgVvT0Z1pEWs4sWn4TACNrAx5B_KExri76SrM/s200/20160831_083812.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-size: large;">I knew boys were active creatures, but I just didn't realize that incorporating activity was a necessity for learning for my son. Practicing phonics sounds went from completing worksheets to "Phonics Flashcard Baseball" in our basement. Math drills were ALL timed for increased competition and we started keeping a log of his times so that he could see how he could beat his best time each day. I created a reward chart and logged a smiley face for each day that was a "good" day without any whining about school work. When he obtained a lengthy, consecutive number of "good" days, his Dad would reward him with a treat. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHYAv4U7ve1Wi_TgynrScbNk5Xpp2D-02zBI5V_m_jQoM9M6ItAG7_SzvBLecgpGeQwbL1GtGGUhEZJDSqzlIOTYQNFwaEAewnG3UEq5vOI6VKLn2Cj07NXsD8jR48exQPat7I-SOjvhs/s1600/20170925_083353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHYAv4U7ve1Wi_TgynrScbNk5Xpp2D-02zBI5V_m_jQoM9M6ItAG7_SzvBLecgpGeQwbL1GtGGUhEZJDSqzlIOTYQNFwaEAewnG3UEq5vOI6VKLn2Cj07NXsD8jR48exQPat7I-SOjvhs/s320/20170925_083353.jpg" width="180" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNvfxx0tivC5VpWnnBULH89SIwXO1wPh5DHwyLuiwm63ukAakChZu0FIHvxqOvBCNvI4sJiFNL1Gkp2dj0NmKrfyyPqOUA39iibyiH9jLqY6iHh46-UPjoNWwEMWXr5qfbKOWKLqivryw/s1600/20170405_091825.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNvfxx0tivC5VpWnnBULH89SIwXO1wPh5DHwyLuiwm63ukAakChZu0FIHvxqOvBCNvI4sJiFNL1Gkp2dj0NmKrfyyPqOUA39iibyiH9jLqY6iHh46-UPjoNWwEMWXr5qfbKOWKLqivryw/s200/20170405_091825.jpg" width="112" /></span></a><span style="font-size: large;">Math and Science are definitely Trey's favorite subjects and it seems he could do endless sessions of both subjects. While Trey has always loved trips to the library, as he's become a reader himself, he gets frustrated when he has to pause and apply phonics rules to read. To increase his interest and ignite excitement in his reading time, I started incorporating Chapter book read alouds. These read aloud books are at a reading level progressively higher than what he could do on his own, but the storylines are very engaging, many times humorous, and maintain his attention. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzF_WRmfdVFvAS0zgJovYbKbawN65niZup3EUY_INoXj-SVOloo-pqpsqg1orf1OmW-UeeTduJsQMDITp0KYqP_Y5bGrIWXL3sTQs5Cd8QsuM1Rgz7QYu5fNg4z1YoF0-69ezMQ7WPzH4/s1600/20190214_114056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzF_WRmfdVFvAS0zgJovYbKbawN65niZup3EUY_INoXj-SVOloo-pqpsqg1orf1OmW-UeeTduJsQMDITp0KYqP_Y5bGrIWXL3sTQs5Cd8QsuM1Rgz7QYu5fNg4z1YoF0-69ezMQ7WPzH4/s320/20190214_114056.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzF_WRmfdVFvAS0zgJovYbKbawN65niZup3EUY_INoXj-SVOloo-pqpsqg1orf1OmW-UeeTduJsQMDITp0KYqP_Y5bGrIWXL3sTQs5Cd8QsuM1Rgz7QYu5fNg4z1YoF0-69ezMQ7WPzH4/s1600/20190214_114056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYQuyoUX4gJ6sEAVCs7BCtQQTe8IP6DeD8j8eZ8jIA1GZzBUsuOLtwyFnXwW23RIltHleRCgKGrdCp1ADoC5xTNsbfOqS9ImGBKD-tHT_Tje43A9UbXdZ0IWvRcAXUxyoBBc0K4K-hLvk/s1600/20180420_091238%25280%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYQuyoUX4gJ6sEAVCs7BCtQQTe8IP6DeD8j8eZ8jIA1GZzBUsuOLtwyFnXwW23RIltHleRCgKGrdCp1ADoC5xTNsbfOqS9ImGBKD-tHT_Tje43A9UbXdZ0IWvRcAXUxyoBBc0K4K-hLvk/s320/20180420_091238%25280%2529.jpg" width="180" /></span></a><span style="font-size: large;">While I read aloud, Trey finds enjoyment in building with his Legos and I will pause after a page or two to ask him reading comprehension questions to ensure that he's following along and understanding the storyline.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">We've read some awesome stories and even tuned into the movie that goes with the books as a reward when we finish it. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">These things culminated together have really orchestrated a sweet time of teaching Trey in his initial years of school. With much prayer and following the cues of this growing little boy, we're finding that doing school with a boy is different, but just as enjoyable as it has been with girls. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiui-VFM77VZAAfr2r98AD62XX0CtZ0OUhaNMYq3hbSkrxDyqVU-yMJtf-EOGsYQDBq1tcduH1cjrLufJ6MqoyEikfCio7gR0_xc4hEIqbDV1xCiqf9leCuW6ne3wheVWDzqmQM_AByZ2w/s1600/20190312_093246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiui-VFM77VZAAfr2r98AD62XX0CtZ0OUhaNMYq3hbSkrxDyqVU-yMJtf-EOGsYQDBq1tcduH1cjrLufJ6MqoyEikfCio7gR0_xc4hEIqbDV1xCiqf9leCuW6ne3wheVWDzqmQM_AByZ2w/s320/20190312_093246.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I will post a book list soon of the Read Alouds that we've enjoyed thus far! <span style="font-size: large;">(Go <a href="https://nogreaterjoywalking.blogspot.com/p/first-grade-read-alouds.html">here</a> for that list)</span></span></div>
Mom on a Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09470973349493757106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409837454805591326.post-26725844977165226252020-04-15T11:28:00.001-07:002020-04-15T13:12:59.740-07:00Changing Seasons of the homeschool life: Elementary to High School <span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">
I wish I would have had a heads up about the progression that would occur in our homeschool journey from elementary, to middle school, to high school. I am sure that there was at least one, veteran Mom that shared this reality with me either at a homeschool conventation talk, at a co-op class, or even over a lunch date or something! If they did, I must not have been listening well.
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Somehow this change slowly crept into my home and one day, "boo!", it woke me up and shook me into a reality that the way that my 8th grader is now doing school is vastly different from when she was in 2nd or 4th grade.
I'm not sure that I have time to pinpoint and highlight every single little detail of the changes because they are subtle, but very noticeable. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6fnHrlSo-SawMWhPOr_41rp4P2uYY5KQh1hNK3rQ46nI_LW4vTaxYBRWDTftNEzQCIisSFPdHUchEOBPbgtHlPlUEQMZqC99c7IuBR6DmVu-01jPQpn85cISWi_vppXHcng3bb1L-gGQ/s1600/20200307_141031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6fnHrlSo-SawMWhPOr_41rp4P2uYY5KQh1hNK3rQ46nI_LW4vTaxYBRWDTftNEzQCIisSFPdHUchEOBPbgtHlPlUEQMZqC99c7IuBR6DmVu-01jPQpn85cISWi_vppXHcng3bb1L-gGQ/s400/20200307_141031.jpg" width="225" /></a><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">
If I could put the change into a few words, here's how I'd describe it,<br />
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"The younger the homeschooler is, the more hands-on I need to be. The older the homeschooler gets, the less they will rely on me."
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">For a while I think that I was in denial that my two oldest weren't needing me that much and my feelings wavered between, "Should I be doing more?" and "Should I let them figure this out on their own or step in and show them how this needs to be done?"</span><br />
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The beauty of homeschooling is the opportunity the child has to learn with direct, one-on-one help and attention from the parent who guides them in their learning. It's like having a tutor 24/7, though the beauty in it for the parent is that you don't have to have the answer to all subjects and be an expertise in every subject area in order to serve as the home educator. What I have found over the years is that as my kids tackle their curriculum day after day with me at their side, you become a "partner" with them in their learning experience and you're able to guide them, whether its a little guidance or lots of guidance. The more a child learns with having direct one-on-one guidance from a parent, with the tools of a homeschool curriculum, the homeschooled child is able to independently process and guide their own learning experience. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The things that your child may struggle with, though you may not have an immediate answer to the challenge, you find yourself working TOGETHER to discover solutions. This is where so much learning takes place for the homeschooled student as they dig and study together with their parent(s) to solve problems.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">To be 100% honest, my 10th grader has matured beyond a level that my 40 year old mind wants to tackle in her Math and Science Courses. She is doing Math as a 10th grader that I didn't venture into until college. It's beautiful that within the homeschool community there are a plethora of resources available to address subjects that is above the home educator's pay grade, whether it's online courses, videos, books, or your husband that has an advanced degree in Math (though this is not a common solution, I thank God everyday that my hubby loves Math).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Many of the curriculum products that we've used to date (i.e., Saxon Homeschool Materials, Apologia Science, Sonlight, etc.), are designed in such a way that a student can read and follow the author's instructions to learn the specific material. Apologia's Science material for example is written in a conversational manner, as if the teacher was talking directly to the student to instruct them in their daily lesson. Saxon homeschool material is designed in the same manner. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">
</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">This process has naturally come to fruition in our home and now that I have an kid in their elementary years, one in middle school, and the oldest in high school, there is a stark contrast in their daily schedules and my interaction with them.</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">
By the time that my oldest reached middle school, I began to take notice of her ability to guide her own self through her school schedule and then report back to me with her daily progress. She no longer found it necessary to wait on me to tell her what she needed to proceed to from one subject to the next and that left me without having to provide direct interaction and guidance in her daily work on what to do. Instead of me having to explain school work, she found it sufficient to read her curriculum herself and then come to Mom so that I could explain something that she could not understand on her own and I also have the responsibility to check their daily assignments, tests, and grade them.<br />
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As I work daily now with my 6 year old, the progression that will one day come with him saddens me a little. As a budding first grader we work together everyday in all subject areas, taking breaks when appropriate to give his little mind a chance to relax. I find myself relishing in the breaks too! </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Growing up in the public school setting, this unique way of educating my children has inspired me in many ways to see how God has designed our minds to grow and mature as we learn and mature. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As we draw our seventh year of homeschooling to a close I can say with certainty that this journey has literally been a walk of faith. While there are lots of "how to homeschool" books to do this thing called home education, the most effective teacher for the homeschool parent is the Lord God Himself. In His sovereignty, He has been so faithful to guide and lead each year of our journey as we've sought Him in prayer. We will continue to walk by faith knowing that He will be our guide through all our homeschool seasons. </span>Mom on a Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09470973349493757106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409837454805591326.post-42371675328368861922020-04-13T14:33:00.000-07:002020-04-13T15:41:48.111-07:00Times Like These<span style="font-family: "segoe print"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe Print";">It's been a ridiculously long time since I've
blogged and it's taken a pandemic to draw my fingers back to typing my random
thoughts and once again put words to my computer screen again. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "segoe print"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe Print";">Life goes on from one day to the next and
it's moments like these that halt our daily routine. It is when we're shaken
out of our daily, sometimes monotonous, routines that we have a very unique
opportunity. A momentous period of time has presented itself in the life of a
believer as the COVID-19 virus has entered our world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "segoe print"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe Print";">It is a time to demonstrate
by our actions if we believe what resides in our heart and mind from the Word
of God. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "segoe print"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe Print";"><span style="font-family: "segoe print"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe Print";">One of the greatest joys in my life has
been studying God's Word. I wish that I could say that I've always had a love
for reading and digging into my Bible, but that would be a lie. This joy has
culminated itself through much prayer and seeking the Lord for a passion and
yearning of His truth over the course of my walk with Christ. For years I was
discouraged each time that I would sit down with my Bible because I just didn't
know how to go about studying. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "segoe print"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe Print";"><span style="font-family: "segoe print"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe Print";">God has answered this prayer in many ways
by bringing biblically-sound teachers into my life and equipping me with study
tools like the <a href="https://www.precept.org/our-approach/">Precept Inductive study method</a>. The result has been an unending
journey into the Word of God and growing more and more in love with my Savior
as He's taught me of Himself. I've learned so much about God's character, His
Son, the past, and what the future holds. It’s an unending journey this side of
Heaven. So much to learn and discover. All of this knowledge has filled my mind
and heart with truth. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "segoe print"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe Print";"><span style="font-family: "segoe print"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe Print";">While all of this biblically-academic
learning has fed my mind, there have not been an infinite number of
opportunities in my life to EXERCISE all of the many truths that I have trusted to
be true from God's Word. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "segoe print"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe Print";"><span style="font-family: "segoe print"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe Print";">Just to put it plainly, its TIMES LIKE
THESE, that believers have an opportunity to demonstrate what they know to be
true about God, His promises, and His provision. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "segoe print"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe Print";"><span style="font-family: "segoe print"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe Print";">There are many truths to stay reminded of in this unique season of life, but specific ones came to mind...</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "segoe print"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe Print";"><b><span style="font-family: "segoe print"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe Print";">The truth is that God DOES
cause ALL THINGS to work together for GOOD.</span></b><span style="font-family: "segoe print"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe Print";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "segoe print"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe Print";">These things that God is working may not
feel "good" at the time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "segoe print"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe Print";"><span style="font-family: "segoe print"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe Print";">As parents, sometimes my husband and I make
decisions for our family that initially doesn’t sit well with our kids. Our
decisions may upset them or hurt their feelings because they don't like the
decision we've made for whatever reason, but because we're acting in an
authority role and doing what we feel is best for our family, our kid’s
emotions take a back seat in relation to our ultimate decision to do what's
best for them. Our kids are also not entitled to an explanation of why we
choose to do something that impacts their life for their good. That’s all part
of the role that God has entrusted to us as their parents. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "segoe print"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe Print";"><span style="font-family: "segoe print"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe Print";">While our kids may not like what's
happening around them as a result of our decisions, our love for them remains
intact and unconditional as we act in their best interest. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "segoe print"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe Print";"><span style="font-family: "segoe print"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe Print";">Are we striving to look for the good in all things that our Heavenly Father allows in our lives?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "segoe print"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe Print";"><b><span style="font-family: "segoe print"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe Print";">God promises to never leave
us or forsake us. <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "segoe print"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe Print";"><span style="font-family: "segoe print"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe Print";">God says that He's a loving Father (1 John
3:1) and that He will never leave or forsake us (Joshua 1:9). <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "segoe print"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe Print";"><span style="font-family: "segoe print"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe Print";">Are we, in return, clinging to Him for the
strength that we need to endure?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "segoe print"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe Print";"><b><span style="font-family: "segoe print"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe Print";">God provides for His
children.</span></b><span style="font-family: "segoe print"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe Print";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "segoe print"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe Print";"><span style="font-family: "segoe print"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe Print";">We're told not to worry about our needs because
God already knows what we need. Instead of worrying, we're told to seek first
the kingdom of God and His righteousness and everything that we need will be
provided for us. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "segoe print"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe Print";"><span style="font-family: "segoe print"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe Print";">Do we trust God to provide for our needs?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "segoe print"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe Print";"><span style="font-family: "segoe print"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe Print";">James 1:2 tells us "Consider it all
joy, my brethern, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing
of our faith produces endurance."<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "segoe print"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe Print";"><span style="font-family: "segoe print"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe Print";">and then in verse 4, "<b>LET </b>endurance
have its perfect result...."<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "segoe print"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe Print";"><span style="font-family: "segoe print"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe Print";"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "segoe print"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe Print";"><span style="font-family: "segoe print"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe Print";">What an opportunity we have as believers.
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "segoe print"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe Print";"><span style="font-family: "segoe print"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe Print";"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "segoe print"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe Print";"><span style="font-family: "segoe print"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe Print";">We get to endure and then experience the result of becoming more complete,
lacking nothing and spiritually growing stronger. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "segoe print"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe Print";"><b><span style="font-family: "segoe print"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe Print";">This time in our world is a
time for us to wrestle with our natural, fleshly response to what's going on
around us and how God would have us to respond based on the Word of God. <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "segoe print"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe Print";"><span style="font-family: "segoe print"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe Print";">Our flesh is finicky. When something
happens that we don't like our flesh responds in an instant, in a selfish way
because the flesh desires to please itself. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "segoe print"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe Print";">Part of our responsibility as believers is
reining in the flesh and being controlled by our Spirit. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "segoe print"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe Print";"><span style="font-family: "segoe print"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe Print";">Are we walking and being led by our flesh
or the Spirit of God? </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "segoe print"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe Print";"><span style="font-family: "segoe print"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe Print";"><span style="font-family: "segoe print"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe Print";"><span style="font-family: "segoe print"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe Print";">The Holy Spirit would have us walk by faith, trusting our
Heavenly Father that brings good out of everything that He does, will never
forsake us, and will provide for our needs. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "segoe print"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe Print";"><span style="font-family: "segoe print"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe Print";"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "segoe print"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe Print";"><span style="font-family: "segoe print"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe Print";">In many ways it's easy to live out the way God expects us to when life is smooth and minimally challenged, but in the face of trials we have the opportunity to display and allow God's Word to come alive in us by how we respond to the challenges God allows in our lives. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "segoe print"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe Print";"><span style="font-family: "segoe print"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe Print";"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "segoe print"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe Print";"><span style="font-family: "segoe print"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe Print";">Now is the time for us to act the way that
we <u>know</u> we ought to. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "segoe print"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe Print";"><span style="font-family: "segoe print"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe Print";">Our actions speak volumes to a lost
and fearful world. </span></span></div>
Mom on a Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09470973349493757106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409837454805591326.post-11204905624227144442017-07-15T04:00:00.000-07:002017-07-15T04:00:08.293-07:00Faith BoosterHebrews 11 is called the "Hall of Faith" by many because of the heroes that are listed and described for their walk of faith in the Lord. I've been <a href="http://nogreaterjoywalking.blogspot.com/search/label/Faith">chronicling my own heroes in the faith</a> on this blog that God has brought into my life by way of books that I've read and through social media. The most recent hero that has touched my life, caused me to draw deeper in love with Jesus, impacted my prayer life in a unique way, and has grown my faith leaps and bounds, is the Asa family. The hero isn't just one person, it instead is encompassed by an entire family.<br />
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A few years ago I was blessed to hear Heidi St. John speak at a homeschool conference and she inspired my walk with Christ and my journey of homeschooling in various ways. As I've followed her on social media, I received word one day just a few weeks ago that her nephew, Bobby Asa, had been in a tragic accident that the doctors initially told them would leave him a vegetable and without use of his limbs. The story of Bobby's life that unfolded after the accident has touched so many lives not because he was miraculously healed overnight and is up walking and talking today, but it's the faith of his family that has moved and inspired believers and unbelievers to wonder and stand in awe of the God that this family honors, glorifies, and serves. <br />
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As of the writing of this blog, Bobby is still in the hospital and not fully (for a recent up on Bobby go <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/115195585762128/">here</a> for the facebook page and here for the <a href="http://bobbysroadtorecovery.weebly.com/blog/">blog</a> update). He is showing signs of movement and responsiveness on cue which is a tremendous blessing. The unwavering faith of the family of this young boy in God alone is amazing. Regardless of when and how God heals Bobby, this family has expressed an undying commitment and faith and trust in God. They trust what God has allowed to happen to Bobby and they trust the outcome and this attitude of faith simply leaves me speechless. <br />
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Though from the world's perspective the life of this family has been "wrecked" by an accident, their faith and testimony has been <strong>built up</strong> in amazing proportions because of how God has worked in their hearts. I've watched them pray and turn to God when the doctors have relayed discouraging health reports, they've sung praises when Bobby has laid in the hospital in a coma, and they've read and meditated on God's Word in the midst of it all. What a faithful God we serve who truly DOES work everything for good for those who are called according to His purpose. <br />
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If you need a boost in your faith, go to the hall of faith in Hebrews 11 and look at the examples of other believers that are truly living out their faith with hope, joy, and expectancy of what God can do. <br />
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May the Lord heal and restore Bobby and continue to glorify Himself in this family's life! </div>
Mom on a Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09470973349493757106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409837454805591326.post-67233505988082012017-07-13T07:00:00.001-07:002017-07-13T07:00:38.746-07:00Letting the Time Fly By
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Wow! How time flies! <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The Jordan gang finished up a third year of homeschooling in
May and have been enjoying some time away from our usual day-to-day school
routine. Don’t we all need a time of refreshment?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
One of the most fulfilling activities that I’ve been able to
do more of since May is spend more concentrated time in God’s Word. Soaking up
God’s truth day after day and letting His Word with the aide of the Holy Spirit
being our guide is one way to retain joy day after day. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Even in the midst of tests, trials, and struggles in life,
what hope we can find and peace that surpasses all understanding in the Bible. Opening His Word, sitting before Him, confessing sin,
drinking in His words, and then meditating on what we’ve learned is where we
are truly filled. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
<strong><em>Let the time fly by simply being in His Word.<o:p></o:p></em></strong></span></div>
Mom on a Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09470973349493757106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409837454805591326.post-5016972024953307172017-02-15T06:44:00.001-08:002017-07-13T11:40:27.739-07:00Your Body, What You Think!Maintaining a lifetime of fitness is extremely hard work. It's challenging because it takes a disciplined mind to commit yourself to exercising on a continual basis. Even if your level of fitness is made up of recreational activities (i.e., basketball, tennis, skiing, etc.), while these activities are enjoyable and entertaining, in order to benefit from them for fitness benefits you've got to get up and do them!<br />
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Doing the work is tough because you just don't feel like doing the work everyday or several days a week. How do you motivate yourself on a regular basis? <br />
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Change your perspective on fitness. Don't allow your exercise regimen to be an optional thing. Brushing your teeth and showering is something that you do everyday; they are not optional. Reframe your outlook on fitness in this same way. As you change your mind set in this way you will re-program your thinking and this will lead to your body responding in action. <br />
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Change the way that you think and your body will be motivated to follow!Mom on a Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09470973349493757106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409837454805591326.post-64987894253766385462017-02-13T07:24:00.001-08:002017-02-13T07:26:41.365-08:00Where the Search Begins & EndsMy 12-year old asked her Father and I when we were her age if we had a cell phone, texted, and used facebook. I had to educate her on the reality that when we were her age technology wasn't as advanced as it is now. When I purchased my first phone I was a newly married lady and the thought of carrying around a cell phone was so foreign to me that if I left it at home it was no huge deal. Fast forward to 2017. If I leave my phone there is a chance that I will turn around and go back home to get it. We use technology for more than just contacting someone in case of emergency. We use it to take pictures, balance our checking account, typing up blog entries, and staying in contact with friends and family.<br />
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It's the latter reason on my list of technology uses that brings me to my own phone to write this blog entry. While I was a Facebook user in the past and currently am an instagram user I have a certain level of familiarity with how social media is used today. I've witnessed that there's a blessing in being able to connect with family and friends that one may not be able to see on a regular basis. Users can experience joy as they celebrate on social media forums, seeing pictures from events and "liking" them and leaving well wishes in their comments. You can drop lines of encouragement and uplift the people in your life by tweeting them. <br />
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While the ability to connect with others in this way is useful and brings enjoyment, it can impact an area <b>within</b> us that we may not even realize. Day in and day out social media calls out to us. Our eyes want to see who's getting engaged, married, or having a baby. We want to stay abreast of the latest news and statuses of the people that interest us. Our flesh enjoys the feelings we experience when we see old friends and how they're living since we last saw them. In return we have a sense of joy when other people commend us when they see our own personal experiences. Accumulating a lot of "likes" makes us feel good and gives a sense of acceptance and fulfillment to know that someone has noticed us. The downside in all of this is as we experience these feel-good sensations from social media, we're constantly feeding our minds with a reality that may not all together be truth. We take in countless scenes of what seems to be blissfully, amazingly happy people. As we daily gaze at smiling, exuberant faces of people that we know, we are constantly feeding our minds a false reality of life. Our desires to be in-the-know with twittering comments, statements, and opinions can easily bombard and rule our thoughts. <br />
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The truth is real life is not filled with a constant onslaught of laughter, joy, and perfectly orchestrated moments. Although it may not be the intention of the people that you view each day to send a message that they are completely content in life without problems, as your mind takes in these images on a continual basis it will impact your thoughts and thoughts impact our behaviors. As we take to our cell phones and the internet and enter this false reality of life, in many ways we are escaping to a world that may make us feel better about our true life situations as we see the "likes" or we're emotionally uplifted by the sense of happiness that we see depicted in the life of our friends and family by what they choose to highlight through pictures and tweets.<br />
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We may also feel a sense of defeat or discouragement when we view what seems to be perfectly happy people while our current situation has us in a place of hopelessness. We may find ourselves comparing our own lives to theirs and end up feeling as worse off than when we tuned into their life. As we're inundated with tweets regarding the latest news and current events our thoughts are shaped and influenced by the world. The happy glimpses that we get into other people's lives should not be our escape from our own realities and the overwhelming load of information that we receive from the internet should not be what shapes our thoughts and emotions. <br />
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For the believer our escape should be to the throne of grace and the main influence of our mind and heart should be the Word of God. There we'll find a true picture of joy, peace, and happiness and our mind, flesh, and spirit will be completely satisfied. Because we're shaped by the things that we see with our eyes and hear with our ears, we have to remain cautious of what we allow ourselves to focus on day after day. We have to guard and protect our hearts, being careful what we take in. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life. </em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Proverbs 4:23)</div>
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I am guilty of being tempted to give into the pull and draw that social media can have on the flesh to be "in-the-know" and once you're surfing in this world it's difficult to pull yourself back into reality and gain a Godly perspective on life. As much as we surf out in the virtual world, we need to measure how it impacts the time we spend in God's Word. We're told to meditate day and night on the Word. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.</em> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Joshua 1:8)</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
Writing on this has challenged me to monitor the time I spend perusing and using social media. If I were to avoid it all together it would make it difficult to fulfill God's challenge to me when He tells us to be a light in the world. I can't be a light in a place if I'm totally devoid of it. No, the answer isn't to live in a bubble. We can use our links into social media to share God's Word and hopefully impact others for Christ.<br />
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We have to remember daily that the Bible is reality. There we find truth and a true illustration of man. God just doesn't show us the happy illustrations of life. We're not deceived by God's Word to think more highly of others or of ourselves. Instead it's a picture of how we can mature and grow deeper into Christ-likeness. While social media can bring us temporal feelings of joy, it can never complete us. If we were to solely go to it for satisfaction we would always end up with a void, wanting more and never being content. God on the other hand, is enough. When you seek Him with all of your heart you need not look for anything else in life to fulfill you. The search begins and ends with Christ.</div>
Mom on a Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09470973349493757106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409837454805591326.post-58181111522717699832017-02-06T05:04:00.000-08:002017-02-07T11:11:40.405-08:00In Search of a NameGod, in His sovereignty, gave me two divine appointments to study His names. God's name(s) isn't like our name. We typically have a first, middle, and last name. He has a bountiful number of names because they each capture an aspect of His character. Our name is used to identify us. It is used to get our attention and single us out when we're needed. God's names paint a picture of His glory, power, and unique nature. <br />
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The first time that I went through the study, "Lord, I Want to Know You" by Kay Arthur, I left the last class with an appreciation that I had learned that God is identified thoughout the Bible with varying titles and those names brought me to a closer level of intimacy, knowing my Lord at a deeper level that I hadn't known before. <br />
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When I was invited to lead the class after I had just finished it as a student, I didn't realize how much more I would learn about my God. Although I had a level of familiarity with the material, I didn't let that discourage me in a second pass through the study. Instead, I challenged myself to commit the names and their meanings to memory. Once they were sealed in my mind I started reciting back God's names to Him in prayer.<br />
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I now address Him as Elohim, my creator and designer of all creation. I speak to Him now as El Elyon, sovereign ruler of the universe and over every aspect of my life. I am humbled by Adonai, my Lord. I now remember that whenever I have feelings of abandonement, He is El Shaddai, my all sufficient God. Though this world attempts to offer me completeness, I can find everything that I need in my El Shaddai. <br />
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My God exists all on His own. He is Jehovah, the self-existent one. All my needs are provided for in Jehovah-Jireh and His power to heal me is found in Jehovah-Rapha. As Jehovah-Tsidkenu He declares me righteous and sanctifies me as Jehovah-Mekoddishkem. I have peace in Jehovah-Shalom and a guide for life from Jehovah-Raah, my Shepherd. I have victory in every circumstance because the Lord is Jehovah-Nissi and I can have peace over evil, both seen and unseen as I rest in the truth that God is Jehovah-Sabaoth. The last name covered in the study that will forever stay with me is the fact that He's there. He was with His chosen people in the days of old, He appeared as a man in Jesus Christ, He's in me through the Holy Spirit, and one day He will return again to a holy city that will be called Jehovah-Shammah. <br />
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He can forever be in you if you bow your knee to Him, acknowledging Him as Lord in your life. I can't promise that life will be any easier or that you won't experience difficulties in life, but in knowing God's character I can promise that you'll have a friend for life and unexplainable peace and joy.<br />
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If you don't know His name, just pick one and start digging! Mom on a Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09470973349493757106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409837454805591326.post-62763577345746502762017-01-31T20:02:00.004-08:002017-02-07T11:12:39.955-08:00From a Friend of a Friend Have you ever bought something that you heard about from a friend of a friend of a friend? Word of mouth is definitely the most effective method in marketing a product, isn't it? Whenever I hear about an interesting book, my ears perk up. While attending a bridal shower for a blushing, young bride, some word of mouth advertising was going on as we laughed, cried, and ate cake to celebrate the approaching nuptials. One of the gifts that was opened was the book, "<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Excellent-Wife-Biblical-Perspective/dp/1885904088">The Excellent Wife",</a> by Martha Peace. The gift giver shared how priceless the book had been as she weathered married life over the years. This moved me to order my own copy and I will admit in just the few short days of reading it, I have not been able to put it down.<br />
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I will get right to the point and say that this is not a typical marriage book that will fuel a woman's flesh by telling her that married life is all about being happy and it entails doing what she wants, when she wants, whenever she wants. Instead it provides a biblical perspective on God's calling for a wife. Sound, biblical instruction is given on how to deal with conflict, communication, and how to ultimately honor Christ as a wife in the joyous times and difficult moments in marriage.<br />
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I appreciated how the book's scope reaches beyond the realm of the attitude of a wife's heart and speaks about what scripture outlines about a Christian woman's heart in general. How should we handle conflict, sin, feelings of bitterness, forgiveness, and idols? These are all the challenges a woman will face in life and within the confines of marriage there are two people battling these areas. Without a sound understanding of scripture our marriages are in danger of falling astray if we're not equipped with a clear understanding of scriptue. Marriage is work and it's HARD, yet its beautiful as the Lord molds and shapes two imperfect, sinful people into His image as they yield to Him. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Where has this book been the past 16 years of my life?</i></div>
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I read this book thinking how maybe I could have avoided some pitfalls that I walked right into in the past, and then I was reminded that God's timing is perfect and He never makes mistakes. Had I not gone through those experiences the clarity that I now have in certain areas of scripture may not have had the same impact that they do on me today as I look back on where God has brought me. As I continually examine my heart with scripture I realize there is more and more refining that my heart and mind needs as scripture refines me.<br />
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Whether you're a lady in waiting, a newlywed, or an old married lady like me, there is much to learn as God glorifies Himself through a wife in marriage. As long as you have life and breathe within you, may you seek to know what God expects of you and be willing to walk in obedience. <br />
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This book is a great find ladies!!Mom on a Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09470973349493757106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409837454805591326.post-69306841592923269752017-01-25T05:56:00.002-08:002017-01-25T05:56:28.575-08:00Evangelizing a Child: Experiencing the Joy<span style="font-family: "calibri";">As a Mother, I truly have no greater joy, no greater hope,
no greater aspiration in my calling as a Mother than to hear that my children
walk in truth. The truth being, that Jesus Christ died for their sins and in response
they are to acknowledge Christ as Lord of their life. People may wonder why I
don’t treasure them attaining to a noble, highly desired profession or becoming
wealthy citizens over this desire of them knowing Christ as Savior. The truth
is, knowing Christ and being a disciple of His is a matter of life and death.
To know Him as Lord is to have eternal life with Him in Heaven, and to not know
Him is to live perpetually separated from His presence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a serious matter. While I have found the
task of evangelizing my children one that should not be taken lightly, I have
discovered an absolute joy and thrill in the process of the Lord drawing my
children to Himself and witnessing the transformation of their heart. God is
fulfilling the hope that I have in my journey as a Mother. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">God places the responsibility of teaching and rearing a
child in His Word on the parents. It is not the primary responsibility of the
Sunday School teacher, Pastor, or school teacher to evangelize our children. While they play a vital role in presenting and teaching God’s Word, it is not
their primary responsibility. In Deuteronomy 11:19, God instructs His people on
how they were to teach His commandments, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">You shall teach them to your son, talking of them when you sit in your
house and when you walk along the road and when you lie down and when you rise
up.</i> (Deuteronomy 11:19)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">God’s Word should be discussed in the home at the dinner
table, in car, at night, during the day, anytime it becomes appropriate. We’re
given a promise in Proverbs 22:6, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Train up a
child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it. </i>Since
parents are charged with training their children in the way He should go
according to God’s Word, we need to seek wisdom from the Lord on how to
accomplish this task. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">The first aspect of evangelizing
our children is to educate ourselves on the message so that we can present it
clearly to them. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: 357.95pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">1)</span><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 18.1288px;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">God
is holy, perfect, and just. (Exodus 34:6-7, Psalm 25:8, James 1:17, Psalm
145:17, 1 Samuel 2:2, Isaiah 6:3, Psalm 139:7-10, Psalm 147:5, Hebrews 4:13,
Psalm 145:17, Colossians 1:15-17)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: 357.95pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">2)</span><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 18.1288px;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Man
does not seek after God and is born a sinner. (Romans 6:23, Ecclesiastes 7:20,
John 8:44, Galatians 5:19-21, John 8:34, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, Romans 3:11)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: 357.95pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">3)</span><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 18.1288px;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Jesus
Christ was born, crucified, buried, and resurrected to glorify Himself through
the salvation of sinners. (1 Corinthians 15:4, Romans 5:8, 1 Timothy 1:15, Ephesians
2:8-9, Acts 4:12)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: 357.95pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">4)</span><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 18.1288px;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Man
is called to repent and seek forgiveness in what Christ did on the Cross. (Mark
1:15, Acts 2:38, Matthew 3:2, Matthew 3:8, Isaiah 30:15, Acts 3:19, Hebrews
9:27)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: 357.95pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">5)</span><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 18.1288px;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Man
is given a new heart when they believe in the Lord Jesus as Savior and will
live eternally with Him in Heaven. (Ezekiel 36:26, Jeremiah 24:7, 2 Corinthians
5:17, Revelation 21:4, Isaiah 65:17-25, Revelation 21:1-8)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">We have a magnificent message of
the gospel to present and teach our children, beginning at a very young age and
we need to have the wisdom ourselves before we attempt to teach it to our
children. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">We first need to illustrate to our children who God is. This can be
expressed even in the toddler years. As you ride in the car or play outdoors
you can point out the aspects of nature that are created by a holy and perfect
God. The sun, the moon, the stars, all created by our Heavenly Father. You can
express God’s love for His creation as you tuck them in at night, sharing with
your child how much more God loves and cares for them. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">As your child grows you will have
ample opportunity to talk with them about their sinful nature. Take note that
you will never have to have a teaching session with them on how not to share, disobey,
lie, pout, whine, or cry when they don’t get their way. As you observe your
child’s sinful nature, point out to them exactly what their flesh is doing.
When you discipline them, explain that when they disobey Mommy and Daddy they
are sinning against God and their disobedience deserves punishment. Day after
day, moment after moment, as God in His sovereignty brings these aspects of His
gospel message to your mind, talk with your child about what is happening
within their heart and how Jesus Christ came to earth to save and forgive
sinners. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 357.95pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">As your child grows and matures
in their understanding of God’s Word and you see them struggling to behave when
their flesh wants them to do otherwise, encourage them to repent and seek the
Lord for His forgiveness once and for all. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I recall when my oldest daughter,
who is also my strong-willed child, was around the age of 6 and she found
herself yet again having a moment of disobedience. Given her normally
uncompromising nature, she seemed to find herself having to be disciplined on
an almost daily basis. As we had regular conversations with her about a
person’s sin nature, she resolved within herself that she was “too bad” for God
to save her. When she voiced this to me I was shocked to think that she could
ever think that she could ever be too terrible for Christ to save her, but
after putting myself in her shoes and trying to imagine what it’s like to
constantly struggle with trying to behave I could sympathize with how she could
have come to consider this. Adults struggle with the same thought. At times
when we’re caught up in the practice of sin and we’re so deeply entrenched in
what we know we shouldn’t be doing we can be tempted to think that we can never
be good enough to be saved. The truth is, there is no good in us and we don’t deserve
to be saved. “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we
were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) This moment, when my
daughter struggled with her disobedience, gave me an opportunity to share truth
from the Bible with her. Though she felt discouraged over her sin, I was able
to share with her the joy there is in knowing Christ as Savior and how He wiped
away her sins past, present, and future by His death on the Cross. The reality
is she would continue to sin because she is human with a sin nature, but
salvation removes the power that sin has over her. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 357.95pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">While no one knows the day or
moment when the Lord will draw a person to Himself to be His child (see John
3:8), we are challenged to share the gospel and as parents our primary
witnessing battleground begins at home. If you missed out on the opportunity to proactively teach and share the gospel with your child in their younger years, its never too late to start! No matter the age. Evangelizing and disciplining our own
children can be one of the greatest joys of our Christian journey. To experience
the Lord God Himself drawing your children to Himself as they over time
understand their sinful nature and then finding hope in what Christ did on the
Cross is indescribable. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">So you study and learn the gospel message yourself and then
share, discuss, rebuke when necessary, share, talk, and then talk some more with
your child as the Lord uses you as an instrument in His Hand for saving your
child out of darkness, into His most marvelous light. </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Be committed to also praying
that God would soften your child’s heart to the gospel. <span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span>According to God’s
sovereign plan and in His timing, as you are obedient to proclaiming His truth,
if your child responds in faith and obedience to His Word you will experience
the joy of the Lord bringing your child into His eternal family. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Permit the children to
come to Me; do not hinder them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as
these. </i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Mark 10:14)</span></div>
Mom on a Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09470973349493757106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409837454805591326.post-73487717140828315802017-01-13T06:11:00.001-08:002017-02-07T11:13:01.511-08:00Mission Accomplished.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Winter Break.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMhTswcwHALyNwXRlns-CjwjiHF2RS8oENERIEVgeqFszGZgi2a6F2IAorIhFLm3geoBsamtuLTw-a9XFW5-xB32mVc_SNdqj3Jd_lmEtnG9eTJDTTKcwneLj2XOjsjOcIws_3GGfVBLA/s1600/20170106_212303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMhTswcwHALyNwXRlns-CjwjiHF2RS8oENERIEVgeqFszGZgi2a6F2IAorIhFLm3geoBsamtuLTw-a9XFW5-xB32mVc_SNdqj3Jd_lmEtnG9eTJDTTKcwneLj2XOjsjOcIws_3GGfVBLA/s320/20170106_212303.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#onemanshow</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Expore More Children's Museum </td></tr>
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Mission Accomplished.</div>
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<br />Mom on a Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09470973349493757106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409837454805591326.post-79573075606852651642017-01-05T07:02:00.001-08:002017-01-05T07:12:59.820-08:00A 365 Day Challenge<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">
It's quite common that with the coming of a new year people make
resolutions, but do not follow through with them day after day till the end of
the year. So, why make them? I considered this myself as I pondered over
whether or not to make a resolution for 2017. I wouldn't want to make a
resolution that I knew that I'd have a hard time sticking with throughout
the year.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">At the 2016 homeschool convention I was challenged by one speaker to make a
commitment to establishing a daily devotional time. Up until the convention I
will confess that my daily time with the Lord wasn't consistent. Instead of
hanging my head in shame and pouting about my half-hearted attempts of daily
time with the Lord, I recommitted myself to making the time. As 2017 has
arrived, I encourage my blog readers to also make the time with the Lord on a
daily basis.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">The next question you might ask is, "What shall I do during this
time?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">My brother gave me an idea for my daily devotional time that will help
one stay disciplined on a daily basis by keeping it simple and worthwhile.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">First, keep your daily time with Lord simple. If you place upon yourself a
long list of written assignments and activities every day for your devotional
time, before too long you may find yourself feeling overburdened, making it
challenging to keep up with it all.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">On a daily basis try out the following: make time daily for prayer, reading
God’s Word (both New Testament and Old Testament passages), and </span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">write a daily journal
entry of what you’ve done with the Lord for the day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">While the Bible teaches that we should remain in prayer with the Lord all
day, talking with Him, praising Him for every aspect of our day, I encourage
you to set aside a dedicated moment to spend in prayer with the Lord praising
Him, confessing sin, thanking Him, and petitioning Him with the concerns and
issues of your heart. This time will refresh your spirit. You may find that doing
this as soon as you awake in the morning primes your heart and mind, setting
you off on your day with your mind first set on the Lord who woke you up and in
His sovereignty is caring for every care and concern of your heart. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">During your devotional time, spend time reading God’s Word. It is His way of
communicating to us who He is and what He expects of His children. As you read
and learn about the Lord you gain wisdom and insight to mature into
Christ-likeness and it equips you to teach and disciple others.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Lastly, a new method of study that I’ve added to my devotional time is
journaling. One way of journaling during devotional time is to record what you’ve
accomplished during your time with the Lord. A daily journal entry might looks
like this,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">
</span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><em>January 1, 2017<o:p></o:p></em></span><br />
<em><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">
</span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"></span></span></span></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">- I a</span></span></span><!--[endif]--></span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">woke this morning and thanked the Lord for His grace
and mercy for a new day.</span></em><br />
<em style="font-family: "courier new", courier, monospace;">- Old Testament reading: Read and meditated on Psalm 1;
the Lord reminded me as I read this Psalm 1 of the blessings that come from meditating
on His law day and night.</em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">
</span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">- New Testament reading: Read and meditated on Colossians
1</span></em><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><em>
</em></span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><em>- What a blessing it is to see a new year.</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Adding the technique of journaling to my daily devotional provided a level
of structure to my devotional time that was missing in the past.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">I pray that with these few simple actions of <strong>prayer</strong>, <strong>reading</strong>, and <strong>journaling</strong>
each day will become a new practice for you that will energize and revive your
time with the Lord. If you don’t have a regular routine I challenge you to
commit to it... just for the next 365 days!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">
</span>Mom on a Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09470973349493757106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409837454805591326.post-64773278966059649112016-12-31T09:49:00.001-08:002016-12-31T09:51:55.358-08:00Drawn In<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF2qFEeFllB0Ltpr_wAsBMYuKOzpquMf5QuvrAHNISHAD0Jx9NBkzviwefvTqtH5zn0yvZ5_vfLZsc9bHHdaOQG986MGjNhd1aPcv6qZa6f2BsfYZ9J2SoVCTmdFe7t8TYYVTvPxSr0SQ/s1600/Lea_baptism.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF2qFEeFllB0Ltpr_wAsBMYuKOzpquMf5QuvrAHNISHAD0Jx9NBkzviwefvTqtH5zn0yvZ5_vfLZsc9bHHdaOQG986MGjNhd1aPcv6qZa6f2BsfYZ9J2SoVCTmdFe7t8TYYVTvPxSr0SQ/s320/Lea_baptism.jpg" width="320" /></a>Once God draws us to Himself to know, love, and serve Him we're told to "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will received the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:38)<br />
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
That's a tall order for a ten year old. My baby girl courageously went down into the water in 2016 to demonstrate her love for the Lord. In the midst of all the idols in the world that could steal the attention of a child, what a joy it is to see your child stand proudly and profess Christ as Savior. <br />
<br />
As a new Mom I struggled with how the Lord desired that my husband and I work together to share the gospel and play a part in <i>evangelizing</i> our children. Stay tuned for an upcoming blog entry on <i>evangelizing children</i>! <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit </i>(Matthew 28:19)</div>
Mom on a Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09470973349493757106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409837454805591326.post-22816828753595944852016-12-29T07:41:00.002-08:002016-12-29T09:41:09.706-08:00Christmas 2016 Treasures<div style="text-align: center;">
Christmas 2016 was a sweet time of joy as we celebrated the birth of our Savior. </div>
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Anytime is a wonderful time to share photos!!!</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDaZWQRng7oXPpWdMkIcngUTwdp5Ty0khowPW8lyZprdKrIgOdI4spvpcSaPHKxoQ3Agm-woGALVvX5n7yb3t2HcNcJnIyeoxDAajihzaHiPVNrJZJYSYtwndmg8NNRqZqQWh92Belr8Q/s1600/paw+patrol.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDaZWQRng7oXPpWdMkIcngUTwdp5Ty0khowPW8lyZprdKrIgOdI4spvpcSaPHKxoQ3Agm-woGALVvX5n7yb3t2HcNcJnIyeoxDAajihzaHiPVNrJZJYSYtwndmg8NNRqZqQWh92Belr8Q/s320/paw+patrol.jpg" width="191" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of Paw Patrol Sightings this Christmas</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZv3Kz7kyZ8ZPBdyBsk5XD-R386Aczlf7vDnoLapksv19nVijbVRKE1LXw-tGcvsLIpn-hszMPmHh5Y00zjSxp_BK2gO3kXMah6nIxHf6aaYPo3MnU2yshaNdJcJU93KPoXbC7OlJbujo/s1600/love+violin+stand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZv3Kz7kyZ8ZPBdyBsk5XD-R386Aczlf7vDnoLapksv19nVijbVRKE1LXw-tGcvsLIpn-hszMPmHh5Y00zjSxp_BK2gO3kXMah6nIxHf6aaYPo3MnU2yshaNdJcJU93KPoXbC7OlJbujo/s320/love+violin+stand.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love was invited to play for her biggest audience yet</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdMWHouV3fwZX6FzqCz9z07ANwuh-g8k50Nxbrlsn2EMrCGK9q4v16TJJV7kDesgXk4fqcsRgqQB6AhbRcL5aNf2veOTuNlcpYvZVy0PTwjdWoOtXYnz2L3GCDttJWwK_MS-nKPKE-Swg/s1600/girls+bake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdMWHouV3fwZX6FzqCz9z07ANwuh-g8k50Nxbrlsn2EMrCGK9q4v16TJJV7kDesgXk4fqcsRgqQB6AhbRcL5aNf2veOTuNlcpYvZVy0PTwjdWoOtXYnz2L3GCDttJWwK_MS-nKPKE-Swg/s320/girls+bake.jpg" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>
Gingerbread Cookie-making</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihqCEfG4YerhRtqbGKfaHvalVPJqZq6JO-NYnjrqaLKnfpk3fb1LuScw8bFBIm47ZhEUWlfd3yeEaU3tD4kqr7DEqkW1_LDiYkJf3LULZvEeNzoRiY1VapThIb7-miq39GdQfNi4gnHdk/s1600/cheesecake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihqCEfG4YerhRtqbGKfaHvalVPJqZq6JO-NYnjrqaLKnfpk3fb1LuScw8bFBIm47ZhEUWlfd3yeEaU3tD4kqr7DEqkW1_LDiYkJf3LULZvEeNzoRiY1VapThIb7-miq39GdQfNi4gnHdk/s320/cheesecake.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Our 2nd attempt at Cheesecake making (Coffee Cheesecake)</div>
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Never enough violin playing</div>
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Made time to see a few Christmas lights by way of a train ride</div>
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My most treasured Christmas gift from my adopted brother</td></tr>
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What a gift we are given each new day that we're blessed to be a light for Christ!</div>
Mom on a Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09470973349493757106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409837454805591326.post-87060539684135761782016-12-29T07:05:00.000-08:002016-12-29T07:05:48.728-08:00Love that Runs Deep<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9yshSmIosTZZzUtSVRtLrXxkL2-sAt1AVJ_aXSYeEAlp9s7aB1VvP79Llr-qcfGekrkqt2CR0K7rDHxjVkisAu4kBP9nFk6wowOAOUwLdBE-QcxgBaM1Is0Rt516lu73R3AVaabhmT8Q/s1600/love-06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9yshSmIosTZZzUtSVRtLrXxkL2-sAt1AVJ_aXSYeEAlp9s7aB1VvP79Llr-qcfGekrkqt2CR0K7rDHxjVkisAu4kBP9nFk6wowOAOUwLdBE-QcxgBaM1Is0Rt516lu73R3AVaabhmT8Q/s200/love-06.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Can we all agree that <span style="color: #cc0000;"><strong>love</strong></span> is a strong word? Well, I
understand that sometimes the word love is used very loosely. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I love chocolate, I love Christmas, I love to
take a nap</i>. We can say that we love a lot of things. Well, I have one for
you. I <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">LOVE</span></i></b> my church. I used all caps so that means I love my church
a lot. Not the building though. It’s a nice building and I’m thankful for God’s
provision of a building to worship in every Sunday, but I’m specifically
talking about the church body. The people. I love them. A lot. I mean it. What
makes my church family different from the church body around the corner? They
may look like the people meeting there, may sing similarly, and the people in
the church around the corner may dress similarly to my church family, but there
are some differences I can be sure of. The reason that I can be so confident in
the statement that the church body around the corner is different than mines
comes from what I know to be true of my church family. Love is definitely a
strong word and I can prove that my love for my church family rings true. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">My love for my church starts with their <u>love for God</u>. Not
just any god, but for the one, true, only Savior of the world. A church family
that collectively professes Jesus Christ as both man and God is unique in this
day in time. Not only do they proclaim the truth that Jesus is God, they are
committed to His attributes as described in scripture. He is El Elyon,
sovereign ruler of the universe and therefore is all powerful and all knowing.
His is sovereign over the good and the evil in this world. Nothing is out of
His control and outside of His purview. He sees all, knows all, and is over all
things. My church family is convinced of these truths and believes that while
we serve a righteous God, as human beings we were born sinners and fall short of
a perfect God. There is no good in us and our very faith to believe in God was
granted to us by the grace of God. Our salvation is the result of the Lord
drawing us to Himself. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were chosen
before the foundation of the world to be God’s children and we are not worthy
of His love. These truths are vital to the establishments of what we believe as
a church body and they provide a framework for what our church stands for. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seeing God in this light propels us to love
God and His Word. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">A <u>devotion to the Word of God</u> is another reason that I adore
my church family. While the Son of God, who was made flesh and dwelt among men,
walked and talked with actual people, He now dwells in Heaven with His Father. In
addition to leaving us with His Holy Spirit, He also left His Word that should
be studied, read, pondered over, taken in, and ultimately used to transform
lives for His glory. The brothers and sisters in Christ in my local church
believe that God’s Word is perfect, without error, and can be confidently
proclaimed. It is taught expositorily, which means the exact meaning of scripture
is carefully drawn out as it is taught. Instead of random ideas, opinions, and
arbitrary thoughts being used to explain and present scripture, God’s Word is
taught and presented after thorough care and prudence have been applied in deep
study. This cautious care of scripture results in a church body that not only
understands what they believe, but they have confidence in what the Word says.
We disciple each other and are even challenged to discipline each other when a
sister or brother in Christ falls away from the teaching in scripture through
disobedience to God’s Word. A love for the Words of scripture will impact how
you love God’s people. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">The final reason that I can confidently say that I love my church
family is their <u>love for God’s people</u>. There are a lot of churches in America.
One on every corner it seems. There is a wide range of reasons for the countless
Church buildings. There are an abundant number of explanations why people gravitate
and find comfort within a fellowship of believers. Traditions, culture and
race, a feel good message being presented each Sunday, entertaining music, engaging
programs and ministries, all contribute to why there are numerous churches
within our country. While the reasons are vast, I count it a blessing that the
common bond within my church family is simply Christ and His saving work on the
Cross to save sinners. My church family acknowledges that we’re sinners and the
tie that binds us sees beyond differences in skin color, background, culture,
or upbringing. We love one another because of our love for Christ. The work of the
cross connects God’s children in a way that runs deep when you understand the
forgiveness that has been granted by the Lord. A unique affection and devotion
is what I have in my heart for my brothers and sisters in Christ. Yes, I’d skip
out on a bar of chocolate and a nap to spend time with my church family. It’s a
love that runs deep, all the way to the Cross. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(If you’re searching for a church home, a wonderful site and
book source to investigate is “Nine Marks of a Healthy Church” by Mark Dever;
</span><a href="https://9marks.org/church-search/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">https://9marks.org/church-search/</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">)</span></span>Mom on a Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09470973349493757106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409837454805591326.post-2126339478874672692016-12-16T08:12:00.004-08:002016-12-16T12:22:08.304-08:00Giving like Dad this Christmas<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixIVRCQK0yNtILqr_NfCZjV6qVE3zt8jWWMJSIF5qbb-zRnVuK5lL7kWJ4X0xzg5e2OjW2egun9gdEqRaZOex53rTxcH0BRpdemvKKbSCYluEC5dkPuzNXbhBtZXcMhTqiOMXyyxpEX04/s1600/o-GIFT-IN-HAND-facebook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixIVRCQK0yNtILqr_NfCZjV6qVE3zt8jWWMJSIF5qbb-zRnVuK5lL7kWJ4X0xzg5e2OjW2egun9gdEqRaZOex53rTxcH0BRpdemvKKbSCYluEC5dkPuzNXbhBtZXcMhTqiOMXyyxpEX04/s200/o-GIFT-IN-HAND-facebook.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Sometimes
being the Mom stinks. Moms are the ones that find themselves being compelled to
give away a varied array of comforts for the sake of her family. Just as the
sun sets, the family has been fed, dishes cleaned and she’s found herself
wrapped in warmth on the couch to settle in the for the evening with her
favorite dessert, along comes a child salivating at the mouth for that same
dessert that she’s been waiting all day to indulge in. What does Mom do? She
gives it away. It’s 6 a.m. on Saturday morning, the house is asleep and Mom
cuddles in close to Dad, thanking the Lord for quiet moments with her man. Just
as soon as Mom begins to fall back off to sleep, she is startled by the loud
noise of her children barging into her room and bed. Again, Mom gives away a
comfort that her flesh yearns to have to allow someone else to experience a joy
that is not hers for a moment. Again and again Mom gives, she sacrifices, she
releases so that others have. Though it stinks, she stands so that others can
sit, she lends so that others may have, and she suffers when necessary if it
means delight for someone she loves. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When one
sacrifices, they surrender a possession for the sake of a worthwhile cause. We
forego a temporary pleasure for the betterment of another when we sacrifice.
Sacrifice is a beautiful word, an act of compassion, and when we witness it
many times we’re left speechless. Yet when we sacrifice, it does not feel comforting.
It is not enjoyable giving up the warm side of the bed in the middle of winter.
Giving away your favorite dessert, even if it is to your firstborn, isn’t all
together truly enjoyable. We hold onto things that we don’t want to give away
because it is comforting to us and it makes us feel secure. It feeds our pride.
Pride is a feeling or deep pleasure or satisfaction that comes from our own
personal achievements. When we make the choice not to sacrifice and surrender
in order to bless someone else, we nourish our pride. </span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Is pride a
corrupt thing? Doesn’t it benefit a person to think highly of themselves? The
kids and I enjoy cuddling up on the couch in the weeks leading up to Christmas,
watching as many Christmas-themed movies as possible. Just the other day we
watched Thomas Kinkade’s Christmas Cottage which told the story of how Thomas
Kinkade became a famous artist. His Mother raised him and his brother while
struggling to keep their cottage. She landed into a difficult financial
situation. While Thomas urged her to reach out to the community for help so
that she could keep her home, her concern was her pride. She told her son, “Please
don’t make me ask for help. All I have left is my pride.” Where does our pride
leave us? The world will lead you to think that we’re self-sufficient beings,
and we have the power within us to be successful. God teaches us otherwise. The
book of Proverbs teaches a great deal on pride. “When pride comes, then comes
disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom” (Proverbs 11:2). “One’s pride will
bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor” (Proverbs
29:23). “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to
advice” (Proverbs 12:15). Pride leaves us to live in our own strength, it deceives us, and leads us to corruption. </span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">We may
reason to ourselves that we can rely on our own strength. We think we know best
and we can bring ourselves comfort and peace and joy when we do what we think
is best. To give away so that someone else finds joy isn’t fair. We need to
take care of our self first, right? </span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Forgiveness is a gift that requires that we become selfless and we give. With forgiveness we are called to give again, and again, and again. Forgiveness requires that we give away the anger we feel, we cease blaming someone else, we give up being resentful and instead we grant
another person relief of payment when they owes us something. We do this not for our own welfare, but for theirs. When we
forgive we give so that someone else may be comforted, be joyful, experience delight
while we suffer. This gift of forgiveness doesn’t sound like it’s very much fun.
Instead it promises discomfort. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><em>Why on earth would someone want to subject
themselves to such pain and discomfort for the sake of someone else?</em> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Christ
provides the ultimate answer. “</span><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Be kind to one another,
tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians
4:32) We give in this way because Christ has forgiven us. </span><span style="line-height: 115%;">We could never provide a sufficient
enough excuse to not forgive. No hurt, no pain, no trial equates to what Christ
suffered and what Christ forgave. While we have sinned against a holy and
perfect God, our very best deeds are filthy rags. He has called us to confess
our sins and be forgiven. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we confess
our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us
from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). Day after day, hour after hour, second
after second, He forgives and He forgives and He forgives. When we give in this
way, God doesn’t simply leave us to our lonesome flesh to do this on our own. While
we may can handle giving away our favorite dessert or the warmth of our bed to
suffer in the cold, letting go of a hurt and an injustice isn’t as simple. The Lord empowers us with
the Holy Spirit to forgive and through the giving of forgiveness we are
conformed more into His image. As we give as Christ gave on the cross and as He
forgives our sins, we are changed more into His likeness (2 Corinthians 3:18).
Peace that surpasses all understanding floods our life when we forgive in this
way. There are many times when being the Mom just plain ‘ol stinks and for
every time that a Mom gives, she deserves the “best gift giver” award. This
Christmas let’s be challenged to be a contender for this award, by giving the
gift of forgiveness. Not because the gift recipient deserves it, but because
your Heavenly Father calls us to serve, to walk, to give like He did. </span></span></div>
Mom on a Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09470973349493757106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409837454805591326.post-18052020195045914582016-12-15T07:41:00.001-08:002016-12-16T12:22:27.332-08:00My Reality Show<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6T7NjQlnYZjFyJgDJV1nsAr1QbXYJFLbz3PO0QinVOt5xToRiyZvsMyF5ffnwrYucMQv8541t7fKR4ljRKlg-g749b7kPc16erVZXV7OkZX9zgxsdJOyS8LBbCMeW3Z2M569Dka446xc/s1600/woman-peeping-through-horizontal-blinds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6T7NjQlnYZjFyJgDJV1nsAr1QbXYJFLbz3PO0QinVOt5xToRiyZvsMyF5ffnwrYucMQv8541t7fKR4ljRKlg-g749b7kPc16erVZXV7OkZX9zgxsdJOyS8LBbCMeW3Z2M569Dka446xc/s320/woman-peeping-through-horizontal-blinds.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Every homeschool family is unique. They all have different routines that are tailor fit to their family needs. </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> I thought that it would be amusing to give a little insight into a day in the life of my little homeschooling family. As homeschooling is on the rise around our country, if I'm the only person you do know that homeschools, you can say that you know how one family executes their crazy homeschool day!</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Here’s a little look:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">5:45 a.m. – the alarm goes off only to be snoozed 2-3 times
until I finally muster up the energy to roll out of bed no later than 6:15-6:30
a.m.*</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">* - Note that since the Fall season has arrived, many days my workouts are delayed until Trey's nap time & school has officially let out around 230 p.m.'ish. Its a little more challenging to roll out of bed early when its cold outside and toasty warm in my bed! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">6:30 a.m. – 7:15 a.m. – beat my body into a state of
physical fitness by focusing on cardio or weight training<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">7:15 a.m. – 8 a.m. – shower, dress, pray & collect my
sanity for the day ahead<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">7:30 a.m. – in the process of getting ready for the day,
dash upstairs to wake my darling students <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">8 a.m. – 8:30 a.m – breakfast with the kiddos. I typically
use this time to also wash up any dishes lurking in the sink. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">8:30 a.m. – we all depart downstairs to the school room to start
the school day. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">8:30 – 9:30 a.m. – While the girls independently do their
Bible, journaling, Bible study book reading, and scripture memorization with their AWANA material, I do
my own morning devotional, Bible study, and journaling. Trey usually spends this time
lurking in his play area with trucks, race cars, playing a pre-school game on
the kindle, or watching some form of toddler entertainment while playing with
his toys (i.e., Sid the Science Kid,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Leap Frog Letter Factory, Diego, etc.)<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">9:30 a.m – 10:30 a.m. – After bible time the girls move onto
their math work which they also complete individually. At this point Trey has
had enough of his own self-directed play time and usually calls for Mommy to
“have school” with him. School for Trey at the age now of 3, takes on many
forms. He either sits on my lap and traces his capital and lowercase letters on
a wet erase board, completes an alphabet puzzle, sings the “Phonics Songs for
Kindergarten” song with CD while pointing to the alphabet (love, love, this CD
for teaching letters and sounds), plays alphabet hop scotch with Mom, or
stacking alphabet-number blocks.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">On my many errands up and down the stairs for a potty break,
snack break, or drink break, I may throw a load of laundry into the wash or
dryer.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">10:30 – 11 a.m. – Once the girls have finished their math
work, my oldest usually grabs her basketball and practices her dribbling and
whatever other basketball skills her Father has assigned for her to do (she’s
planning to play on a team for the first time this Fall). My youngest daughter
usually heads to serve as Trey’s playmate and keeps him occupied while I
correct and grade their math work. Once their math work has been checked, the girls
come back to immediately correct their mistakes and then it’s off for lunch
around 11:15-11:30! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">11:15 a.m. – 12 p.m. – For lunch we all proceed to the
kitchen and living room. Most days the girls make their own lunch and I prepare
something for Trey to eat. While Trey is eating I usually play some sort of
educational video for Trey and the girls usually read their own personal book
or play on the kindle until lunch is done.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">12 p.m. – Trey goes down for his nap<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">12 p.m. – 1 p.m. – The girls do their individual reading in
the History books. While they do their individual reading I typically work on
mine own teacher lesson for the Bible study, “Lord, I Want to Know You”, or I
work on my teacher Sunday School lesson for the coming Sunday. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I also use this time period to fold clothes that have
finished drying in the dryer. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">1 p.m. – 2 p.m. – After the girls finish their history
reading, we pause to discuss the chapters that have been read with Q&A that
the Sonlight curriculum provides for me to gauge their understanding of the
material. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">2 p.m. – 3 p.m.- The girls finish their day with completing
their Science work and with either a writing assignment or grammar assignments.
While they finish up, I continue with my Bible study or Sunday School lesson. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">My oldest finishes her school day with her “elective”; this
half of the school year it’s keyboarding, so she’ll be spend time learning to
type. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">3 p.m. – 4 p.m. – By 3 p.m. that’s my cue to get started
with dinner. Most of the cooksmarts meals that we prepare take about an hour to
prepare and cook. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">While I prepare dinner the girls usually transition into
“practice mode” with their piano and violin. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>4 p.m. – 5 p.m. – By
4 p.m., my handsome hubby and fabulous father of my children arrives home from
work. Some days he finds us still working away at dinner or its ready and hot
on the table. My little man usually wakes up just before Daddy walks through
the door. Dinner ends with conversation at the table about our day, the girls
will fill Dad in on something unique that they learned from their school day or
Daddy will entertain us with something humorous that happened at work. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It may not seem like there’s a lot of activity to be
executed into a day of homeschooling, but there surely is and it doesn't all magically happen with joyful and compliant children. Most says are met with occasional whining when someone hasn't gotten their way, complaining here and there over how long its taking to finish Math, and unexpected cycles of runny noses and upset stomachs. As a Mom who used to
work in the office, there are so many of the same physical and mental
requirements that I have to execute in the homeschool environment as I did in
the office. Being disciplined is one of the most prominent elements that I’ve
realized I have to have. Daily staying on top of the kids schedule is key.
Patience, persistence, dedication, organization, and even team work is a
necessity within the homeschool environment. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">While I never thought I’d see the day that I get to “run” a
household, full time, I can look back and see how my Heavenly Father has been
preparing me just for these moments, these days, these hours that I get to sow
into the life of my children and serve my husband daily. While he’s a work in
progress as am I and he doesn’t perfectly do everything always right, as my
husband strives to love me as Christ loves the Church, I humbly and
wholeheartedly submit to his authority. In serving and loving him, I see
seek to ultimately make my Heavenly Father proud. </span></span></div>
Mom on a Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09470973349493757106noreply@blogger.com0