Well, virtually anyways. 
I have moved this blog here over to another domain, {CLICK HERE TO SEE!}, which is working out quite nicely, since I have a few more options over there. Please hop on over and say *hello*!
If you’ve been reading along with our adventures via this blog’s feed in a reader or email subscription, then no worries or need for you to do anything, as I’ve already switched the feed over to the new addy (and thus, chances are you won’t even see this post anways).
Today a very special guest-author was featured over at The Homeschool Post.
Today I’ve chosen to lend your ear to my precious, eldest daughter, who will be turning 12 years old in one week… this beautiful young lady, from whom I am learning so much. I was discouraged yesterday, and this morning, as the flurry of life from this winter-season’s events in my world has left my brain suffering from a bout of writerly whiteout. As I bemoaned my sad, sorry state aloud this morning, again, Tabitha so convincingly suggested,
“I know Mom! You can write about the uniqueness of a snowflake, and of how they’re like us!”
Click here to hop on over there and read the rest of what Tab had to share this morning!
Hello peeps, I’m just popping in to let you know that I just posted a book review of an extremely interesting read over at The Homeschool Post on Tuesday, which you’ll find here: brain rules for BABY: a book review!
Brain Rules for Baby: How to Raise a Smart and Happy Child from Zero to Five
This book is Dr. John Medina’s latest work, and it is absolutely fascinating. I’m currently finishing up reading it, and must say that I have thoroughly enjoyed it and learned quite a bit (as has my hubby, who’s patiently listened to my reading aloud quite a few particularly poignant excerpts to him). Even my 14 year old son picked it up awhile back, and was soon as intrigued as I have been, reading and commenting aloud to me over its interesting content!
You’ll find on the brainrulues.net website that you can read the entire book’s Introduction, as well as view some parenting videos.
Click over to The Post to read the rest!
More pics, words and maybe (since I’m feeling very noncommittal right now) even an exciting change, or two, or three… coming soon!
…and are you believing that it’s 2011, already? Crazy, I tell ya! Hoping that you and yours are blessed in this next year…
Embracing the adventure,
As she’s sipping her warm cocoa, Savi quips, “You know Mom, chwock-a-lit just makes you feel better… it makes me happy too.” Out of the mouths of babes, right?
Embracing the adventure,
I hope that you are all having a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday with your loved ones… Ours has been of the deliciously quiet, cozy, gray and rainy sort.
Abundantly blessed; I am… and ever thankful.
It’s been getting cold outside, but staying warm inside; we welcoming memories in the making…
Mommy, Mommy! Take a picture of me when I’m being bootiful, like this!
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.
~ Psalm 107:1
Children chattering busily as I plan, chop, mix and bake. Working, decorating, and playing together as we’re anticipating peaceful togetherness amidst love’s nostalgic traditions;
Holding these days close, relishing seasonal favorites that bring joys of remembrance with them, even as we’re all missing and remembering our loved ones who are so very far away this year…
…the customary turkey-sausage-cheese-biscuit balls, always baked early; for munching as the feast is finishing:
- 1# turkey sausage
- 8 oz. sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups flour (I use 1 c. ww and 1 c. a-p)
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 Tbsp. baking powder
- milk: Guesstimate, just pouring enough in to make mixture moist enough to form balls
Mix, and roll into balls; Bake @375*-400* (depending upon your oven) 10-15 mins., or until golden brown.
Mugs of egg-nog that T11 waits all year for (meanwhile trying her hand at making it from scratch herself), or coffee steeped with seasonal creamers and whipped topping…
…which my silly girl likes to sip with “a baby-spoon, because it’s better that way.”?
I tried out a new recipe for my pecan pies this year (withOUT corn syrup, yay!), which worked great and is now my new official recipe. You can see it here: Pecan Pie V.
I’ve also been using a wonderful new recipe for all of my pie crusts lately (which everyone’s LOVED; just sayin’). It’s the Flaky Pie Crust recipe from my Nourishing Traditions cookbook (favorite: LOVE!). Yumminess achieved… and there’s nothing quite like a slice of good pecan pie with a hot cuppa coffee on a cold-outside-cozy-inside, gray, raining morning; now, is there? …especially if it’s quiet because everyone else is still sleeping.
Besides pecan pies, pumpkin pies and delights for drinking, our menu consisted of some AMAZING, melt-in-your-mouth yeast rolls that T11 made, all by herself, which turned out perfect! She used Pioneer Woman’s simple Dinner Rolls -No Kneading Required! recipe (though we found that an extra cup or two of flour was required at the end, because the dough was so gooey), and these were are awesome. Yep, a new recipe has officially been added to our traditional Thanksgiving line-up.
You can see why, huh?
We’re not strangers to Pioneer Woman’s recipes for good, simple cookin’ though. I’ve used her Thanksgiving Stuffing recipe for the last few years, with only minimal modifications; I like to add fresh sage and oregano as well as the herbs she uses, and I saute my onions and celery in a mixture of half butter/half EVOO, and I use my own cornbread recipe).
Cornbread stuffing… *sighs* my favorite. And of course, we always make Chris’s favorite: Green-Bean Casserole.
I didn’t make my usual fancy-schmancy cranberry salad this year, since it’s just so much work (and I already had enough going for just us, ya think?), and makes such a huge batch that I figured organic cranberries from the can would just have to suffice. Per request, I also had to make roasted garlic mashed taters. The spread was nice. Since we all prefer white meat, and it’s just us this year, I just bought a big ‘ol 8# turkey breast to bake, an idea which everyone liked.
I pray that you are all blessed as you enjoy these precious days with your friends and family.
I hope to catch up on answering emails, among other things, this next week… My apologies for not getting back to some of you sooner. Life is busy, and my days are seeming so short lately… but I have not forgotten you (though you may have forgotten me by the time I get around to returning some of your correspondence! *sheesh* I’m a slackin’ blogger, I tell ya! lol
P.S. Please excuse any wonkiness that may occur here over the next few days, as I just might actually get around to tweaking my blog template a bit, messing with widgets and assorted whatnot like that. Thanks for reading, and Happy Thanksgiving Weekend!
Yes, there was much there.
I was blessed immensely, and I admit that I’d had my doubts, as to how much I would find there… of personal relevance, to and for me… especially as the week of Relevant ’10 rolled around. With sickness stooping over our doorway and soul-weariness clamoring for most of my energies, I questioned whether or not I would/should even be going… but I went.
As I heard others tweeting of #Relevant10 afterwards, I could totally relate:
It was nothing I expected, yet everything that I needed…
And that about sums it up for me, my sentiment exactly.
I’d never been to a blog conference before… but thought that I’d sure like to go to this one, especially knowing what it was going to be all about, and with so many potentially kindred spirits being there, not to even mention that it was being held right here in our new hometown! Yet, I wondered how great could it really be? As I shared earlier, I surely couldn’t bring myself to ask my hubby to pay $250 for me to attend, and so the LORD, my Great Redeemer, literally put this ticket right into my hand… and as I remembered words I’ve read in days past penned by some of these gals, and read more of the testimonies of these inspiring ladies who were slated as keynote-speakers… glimmers of hopeful expectation roused my waning desire to put on my courage to meet a roomful of 200+ new faces…
Then there was Heather (aka. Sprittibee). Coming here!
My precious online bloggy friend of 5+ years, who was on her way to my house, road-tripping all the way from TX with her entire family. Yes, I would go, with her, with Adonai… and as I flitted about my house Thursday, making last minute preparations for my friend’s arrival and our departure for the conference, a quiet anticipation, a seed of faith, grew within me. I. was. excited… and wondering.
What did my Messiah have for me there that He would arrange circumstances in such a way as to get *wallflower me*, who never would’ve pursued this on her own, there, amongst all of these fabulous blogging ladies?
Once there, how fun it was to meet some of the other blogging authors from over at The Homeschool Post (8 of our 20 writers were there!), as well as to meet in real life a few other blogging ladies that I’ve read and prayed for for years!
Mostly though, I was blown away by how VERY RELEVANT this conference was to me, in deep, hidden places, touching on aspects of my every day walk with my Messiah, as I bend to serve Him, my family, my sisters, and my neighbors (both online, and “in real life”).
What. is REAL?
Well, I know some of what the Lord has shown me is real in my own life these last few years, as He’s helped me to prioritize and is answering my prayer that He teach me to number my days, that I might gain a heart of wisdom… And I was certain that it didn’t involve more savvy social-networking skills, nor more time spent blogging, or reading and talking about blogging for that matter… or so I thought. *smiling sighs*
These ladies were/are. real.
From that first night, as I listened to Crystal Paine share her own testimony in such a refreshingly candid manner (which I could so totally relate to- on various levels), I knew that she had definitely set a precedent, a high standard for the rest of the conference! She had REAL words of encouragement and help to offer. I was blown away by how very relevant to me her words were, and I was hooked.
My thoughts turned to how I’d underestimated Him… and them: these ladies, His chosen vessels, for such a time as this… their voices were REAL, relevant, genuinely transparent, and seasoned with Wisdom that comes only from listening intently to His Spirit-voice, from lives spent walking with the King through real trials, toiling over finding His balance in their own lives.
Obviously, this conference was going to be about more than blogging… it was already about being REAL: ministering, as a woman, a wife, a mother… and yes, as a writer (blogger)… about rising above our failing past. How I’ve underestimated myself, my need to receive from Him, and even the relevance of my own voice, when it flows from a steadfast focus on Him alone.
I’ve known that spending more time online, to pursue more readership (I’ve thought, “why care, when God can send my words to those who need to hear it, if I will just put them out there, I thought- right?”) is not what the Lord is calling me, personally to do. I had no idea that I would be so surrounded and encouraged by like-minded kindred hearts in the keynote speakers, regarding my own blogging/writing convictions: to just keep my eyes fixed on my Messiah, write as I’m able and trust HIM to do with it what He will.
The more often you fail, the more grace you’ll give to yourself and other people.
~ Sally Clarkson
My new, adopted mother, Sally Clarkson, spoke of this idea and others as she shared her own amazing testimony of how King Yahweh has swung wide open some amazingly miraculous doors of opportunity for her own writing, reminding her that He is her publicist and promoter of her writing, even as her book about Christian parenting, “The Mission of Motherhood” was published and disseminated in Communist China.
I was totally taken by surprise (and a little embarrassed too) when I started crying upon meeting Sally, as I hugged her neck. You can even see the tear still in my eye there in the following picture… It was such a sweet, sweet time with amazing ladies, I tell ya!
She taught me about more than just intentional writing though, as she shared some invaluable nuggets about intentional mothering and just intentional living as well… She spoke of having PEACE in our homes, and shared of how she’s learned to nurture it;
…anchors in my week where we were celebrating life.
I wanted to go home with her. I cannot hardly wait to read her book, “Educating the Wholehearted Child” when the new edition comes out (next spring I think?). Meanwhile, she gave me a copy of “Seasons of a Mother’s Heart” to read and review, as well as one to give away soon over at the Homeschool Post.
When you are giving your best writing to God as a sacrifice of praise, it’s going to last in eternity.
~ Sally Clarkson
Angie Smith was a totally new name and face to me, and she totally blessed my socks off! She shared her heart in a way that I shall never forget… having been through so much with her family, and having come through it all shining brighter than ever! I laughed and I cried (there was a LOT of that going on at Relevant, to the point that friends and I decided is should maybe be called “the crying conference”)… and I’m not a big crier (usually, anyways?!). Angie’s testimony offers a beautiful example of intentional blogging, and real, inspirational living.
Angie talked about the importance of guarding our hearts regarding not just what we’re blogging, but also, and just as important: what we are READING online… who or where do we want to run to when we leave a particular blog or website? How are we affected by it (which in turn greatly edifies- or hinders- our own relationships)! She talked about not comparing ourselves with others… being comfortable with who WE are.
Wearing a fake diamond that looks bigger or better is like trying our own plan. We have been given a ring to wear by our Bridegroom, we need to wear THAT RING!
Then there was the Writing Workshop Breakout Session with Bonita Lillie and Serena Woods. Wow. Amazing. Inspiring, and helpful. I simply wished that it could have lasted longer (and not just because Sally was sitting at my table either!).
My twitter stream from the meager notes I took during the Writing Workshop with Bonita Lillie and Serena Woods, could not even keep up with all of the writing-tips goodness… and question and answers session was amazing too!
“the most important thing about writing is that you are listening to God, and writing what he wants to say.” @bonitalittle #relevant10 Sat Oct 23 12:09:49 2010 via TweetDeck
“You can’t give away what you don’t have.” – Sally Clarkson #Relevant10 RT @MercyHouseKenya Sat Oct 23 12:07:58 2010 via TweetDeck
RT @drewsfamilytx: Take inventory of the way an emotion makes you change physically. Explore & experiment w/your words. @SerenaWoods #relevant10 12:01 PM Oct 23rd via TweetDeck
RT @drewsfamilytx: You are the keyboard in God’s hand to reach the world. Let it free you to give your message. @BonitaLillie #relevant10 Sat Oct 23 12:03:43 2010 via TweetDeck
RT @dazeofadventure: So overwhelmed with all of the goodness and knowledge at #Relevant10 – These ladies are amazing! {Hey Jenn! Amen.
} 11:59 AM Oct 23rd via TweetDeck
RT @theoutdoorwife: #WritingWorkshop #Relevant10. Desiring to go paint word-pictures for hours. Inspired. Challenged to write deeply. {Yes!} 11:58 AM Oct 23rd via TweetDeck
“Find NEW ways to say things (writing’s been around for a long time).” ~Serena Woods #writingworkshop #Relevant10 11:57 AM Oct 23rd via TweetDeck
When we exp. a big emotional event>that’s when we store memories>when writing, convey particular emotions stirred in situations. #relevant10 11:55 AM Oct 23rd via TweetDeck
Writers are artists who use words instead of paint. We paint pictures with words.~Bonita Little {So true!} #writingworkshop #Relevation10 11:53 AM Oct 23rd via TweetDeck
“Don’t say ‘the old lady screamed, bring her on board and let her scream’” ~Mark Twain #writingworkshop #Relevant10 11:50 AM Oct 23rd via TweetDeck
A good writing exercise: 1500 words to describe a 5 sec. moment. ~ Serena Woods #writingworkshop #Relevant10 11:48 AM Oct 23rd via TweetDeck
RT @sprittibee: Love these sessions #Relevant1 conf. Awesome people, awesome tips, awesome sponsors. Lots of blogs are going to get better. 11:46 AM Oct 23rd via TweetDeck
Chattingatthesky.com & afamiliarpath.com >Masters of writing tight. ~Bonita Little #writingworkshop #Relevant10 11:44 AM Oct 23rd via TweetDeck
Laughing w/Sally Clarkson (my new adopted mom!), who is sitting at my table for the #writingworkshop right now! FUN, good times! #Relevant10 11:41 AM Oct 23rd via TweetDeck
Cut clutter words: so>rather>almost>then>just>in spite of>suddenly>nearly>perhaps>although>even>quite>yet, etc. #Relevant10 #writingworkshop 11:38 AM Oct 23rd via TweetDeck
“ly” words are usually weak adj. that need to be reworked or left out>sign of weak sentence. #writingworkshop #Relevant10 11:31 AM Oct 23rd via TweetDeck
Show instead of “tell”. Ex. “was surprised” vs. described what it looks like>action! ~Serena Woods #writingworkshop #Relevant10 11:29 AM Oct 23rd via TweetDeck
“Write TIGHT”. Get rid of excess wordiness>cut down word count>Get to the point (even drop adj)!~Bonita Little #writingworkshop #Relevant10
RT @sprittibee A blog is a drive thru. A book is a full course meal. ~ @bonitalillie #Relevant10 #writingworkshop 11:24 AM Oct 23rd via TweetDeck Retweeted by you and 3 others
RT @thegypsymama Why would you allow someone else’s law to put you under guilt? @sallyclarkson #relevant10 10:10 AM Oct 22nd via Twitter for Android Retweeted by you and 5 others
RT @drewsfamilytx: You are the keyboard in God’s hand to reach the world. Let it free you to give your message. @BonitaLillie #relevant10 11:24 AM Oct 23rd via TweetDeck
In the Writing Workshop breakout session w/Serena Woods (Grace is for Sinners) & Bonita Lillie (The Writing Well)> Wonderful! #Relevant10 11:16 AM Oct 23rd via TweetDeck
RT @sprittibee http://twitpic.com/2zw2hz @brewcrew and @Sprittibee – wondering what our husbands have done with the kids??? #Relevant10
*Photo by Heather at Sprittibee.com (click to enter her photo stream at Flickr)
Don’t feel guilty for blogging.
~ Ann Voskamp
Simple words, but deeply powerful when she said them… as if right to me. The finger of Yah reached down and touched a deep, hidden place in my heart when she spoke them. No one’s ever said that to me before. Apparently I needed to hear it… You see, for this mommy blogger, that is the crux of so much angst… the balancing act. Realization that there just is NOT time enough for EVERYthing on my list… and yet, when I sit here, to write, to publish a post on my blog, I needn’t feel guilty for everything else that isn’t being done in that moment. This too is a part of me, an important facet of my life, my work, and yes, maybe even my ministry.
Ann re-iterated the sanctity of our most important ministry, our high calling as mothers…What a Mother must Sacrifice. {one of my favorite of her articles that I’ve read in years past.}
She also shared of this healing ministry we have in writing… of how writing heals two people: ourselves first, as we prayerfully pluck away at the keyboard, receiving the words from Adonai Himself, and then the reader, as she receives from His Spirit through our outpouring, our carving out of ourselves: when you wonder if what you create is any good. Ann shared of the importance that we write our stories, telling them over and over, for any one sister who may be encouraged, thus addressing the often felt question I’ve posed to myself of “why bother, when so many others have said what I’m saying already, even so much better than I… what significance is there in my small voice attempting a word? …couldn’t my time be better spent on that laundry pile over there anyways?”
As Christian ladies, writers, and more specifically bloggers, we have some issues and challenges we face daily that are so totally unique to us, that there have been times I’ve felt so totally isolated in my struggles, and have even questioned the relevance and purpose of my writing. Where it fits into my daily world has often eluded me… It’s certainly been a love/hate relationship that I’ve had with blogging over the years. As my friend Heather stated, it was so nice just to be mingling with so many other ladies like me, our hearts meeting on the deepest levels of who we are> followers of the Way, who are all called to tell our stories, to write. How nice to be with so many others who too> must write, and thus just get me!
Thank you Heather, for allowing God to use you to get me there… and thank you to my other sponsor (whom I cannot name, but you know who you are!), for your great generosity. May you be blessed a hundred times over, as was I in being there.
It was evident to me from that first night that this conference was covered in prayer, before and during… and now, afterwards, I hear the prayers reverberating in me… as well as in the voices of others.
Real. Intentional. Blogging. It happens… and as my dear bloggy friend Heather wrote in her Relevant Aftermath,
The Relevant Conference was the most amazing gathering of like-minded Christian women and God-breathed messages to process that I could have ever imagined. I intended to go to a blog conference, but my heart, mind and soul were forever altered by the people and the words – the Spirit manifest in that place.
Click here to To Download and Print A Blogger’s Prayer from Ann Voskamp, which she prayed over all of us at the end, and to which my heart echoes with an ever-expectant “Amen!”. Here are the links to where Ann’s posted the text and audio of her keynote speeches over on her website:
My twitter stream from the last night of Relevant’10, as I listened to Ann Voskamp share her beautiful, listening heart (read in reverse):
My only readership: YOUR eyes, Yahweh, that look to and fro for faithfulness… amen. @AnnVoskamp #relevant10 Sat Oct 23 19:48:33 2010
Awe of Him is why you hurdle over the high fear. What can separate from telling what the eyes have seen? #relevant10 @AnnVoskamp Sat Oct 23 19:47:28 2010
I am a mess and you are a mess, but Jesus looks at us and thinks we are perfect. Please keep telling your stories. @AnnVoskamp #relevant10 Sat Oct 23 19:46:54 2010
Let me BE a follower, rather than seeking followers. @AnnVoskamp #relevant10 Sat Oct 23 19:46:23 2010
The awe of God is WHY you grab the keyboard… @AnnVoskamp #relevant10 Sat Oct 23 19:45:56 2010
RT @FeelsLikeHome “Why is it so hard to believe what we’ve done is any good?” -@AnnVoskamp at #relevant10 Sat Oct 23 19:41:59 2010
“How I write a blog post.” @AnnVoskamp #relevant10 http://ow.ly/2Ylga Sat Oct 23 19:40:13 2010
He calls us to cut a bit out of our own heart to heal another, to heal a sister’s heart. @AnnVoskamp #relevant10 Sat Oct 23 19:38:35 2010
To take your blog to the next level in the upside down kingdom is to go lower… what do you need to surrender? @AnnVoskamp #relevant10 Sat Oct 23 19:37:53 2010
Prayerfully ponder & write down:What do I need 2 give up 2 receive from Him>what’s blocking me from writing how He wants me to? #relevant10 Sat Oct 23 19:36:45 2010
Are you open to receive, rather than striving to achieve identity? He alone will lead>guide us & show us how to blog @AnnVoskamp #relevant10 Sat Oct 23 19:32:40 2010 via HootSuite
Ask the King of the upside down kingdom>what is success? matt 20.26 whoever wants to be great MUST become a servant. #relevant10 @AnnVoskamp Sat Oct 23 19:31:13 2010 via HootSuite
@quiveringdaught You’re welcome hun! So sad it’s not working, she’s absolutely beautiful, inspiring and strongly transparent. #relevant10 Sat Oct 23 19:29:52 2010 via HootSuite in reply to quiveringdaugh
RT @drewsfamilytx: You don’t have to be a gifted writer, you just need your writing to be a gift. @AnnVoskamp #relevant10 Sat Oct 23 19:27:31 2010 via HootSuite
Jesus had only 12 FOLLOWERS, and He lost one… How many “followers” do we really need? @AnnVoskamp #relevant10 Sat Oct 23 19:27:01 2010 via HootSuite
To be an upside down blogging kingdom, we cannot do what other bloggers are doing. Only ONE number matters. #relevant10 @AnnVoskamp Sat Oct 23 19:26:21 2010 via HootSuite
In the upside down kingdom you serve so that you’re NOT a slave, a slave to the world. We do not take our own David-like censuses, and counting of numbers…. Sat Oct 23 19:25:14 2010 via HootSuite
Service, art, and worship are ONE in the SAME word in Scripture: avoda (sp?). @AnnVoskamp @relevant10 Sat Oct 23 19:24:09 2010 via HootSuite
RT @FeelsLikeHome “Scraps of ourselves won’t suffice for our children. Snippets of us, of our time won’t cut it.” @AnnVoskamp at #relevant10 Sat Oct 23 19:21:15 2010 via TweetDeck Retweeted by you and 1 other
Living bare on a screen has been terrifying. But your blog is not about you, but making you more humble, to go lower. @AnnVoskamp… Sat Oct 23 19:22:53 2010 via HootSuite
The ONLY platform in the upside down kingdom is an ALTAR. @AnnVoskamp #relevant10 Sat Oct 23 19:21:58 2010 via HootSuite
What is success for a blogger? As writers/mothers/bloggers we keep striving, straining, starving. what is success? #relevant10 @annvoskamp Sat Oct 23 19:21:24 2010 via HootSuite
The Great Commission seems impossible b/c aren’t we all like Peter: liars, cowards, etc. But filled w/the Spirit, spoke w/boldness…. Sat Oct 23 19:15:09 2010 via HootSuite
“Six years pounding it out and I am smaller, and changed… finding the Spirit in the story, finding the sisters in the stories” @relevant10 Sat Oct 23 19:13:46 2010 via HootSuite
You’re an artist of the upside down kingdom. Your sister sitting beside you at the table needs you to pick her up when she can’t. get. up…. 7:13 PM Oct 23rd via HootSuiteI wasn’t prepared for the fire, the heat, the Spirit and the fear begging to be made courage. I never expected so much joy. @Relevant10 7:12 PM Oct 23rd via HootSuite
I didn’t know that He’d use stories to heal me, I didn’t know the cost. @AnnVoskamp @Relevant10 7:11 PM Oct 23rd via HootSuite
People reading are weary. They want something REAL, HONEST, intentional that you’ve prayed about, something RELEVANT @AnnVoskamp @Relevant10 7:08 PM Oct 23rd via HootSuite
You just need to be faithful to come to the keyboard.You don’t need to know them before you come>they come from God. @AnnVoskamp #relevant10 7:07 PM Oct 23rd via HootSuite
“We need our messy, real stories… stories that heal two hearts: the reader AND YOU, the writer!” @AnnVoskamp #relevant10 7:05 PM Oct 23rd via HootSuite
“Can I take each seeming problem and turn it into praise?” @AnnVoskamp #Relevant10 7:02 PM Oct 23rd via HootSuite
RT @somegirlstweets: The state of my space doesn’t reflect the state of my soul. #Relevant10 (@AnnVoskamp) 7:00 PM Oct 23rd via HootSuiteare you falling sick with perfectionism again?Why can’t I remember the state of my space doesn’t represent the state of my soul? #relevant10 6:59 PM Oct 23rd via HootSuite
@AnnVoskamp speaks as poetically as she writes… “our greatest triumphs are always our most solitary ones.” #relevant10 6:57 PM Oct 23rd via HootSuite
@AnnVoskamp, tonight’s keynote is sharing her beautiful heart w/us> begun w/round of applause for our Creator & prayer amazing. #relevant10 via HootSuite
And so my dear readers… what did I come away from this amazing conference, Relevant’10, with?
What sweet soul-nourishment and beautiful insights did His RuachHaKodesh breathe into my very being?
Oh. wow. Lots…
More than I could ever put into this or any other post. That is for sure.
It was inspiring, and humbling, edifying and challenging.
I can certainly say that I do hope to attend the next Relevant Conference (’11? …and even gladly paying for it this time!). I think that I shall be assimilating so much shared wisdom from these amazing sisters in the Lord~ that I had the honor of briefly rubbing shoulders and sharing meals with~ for quite some time, much of which I’m sure I shall not find words for, but shall live out as their truths are internalized and digested within my own heart.
Ultimately though, I was encouraged in my endeavors to write for my Elohim, offering up words on this altar, for the King of the Upside-Down Kingdom to do with as He sees fit.
Blog ON, friends, FOR THE KING and for His Name’s Sake! {and take pictures while doing so.}
Hop on over to the Relevant’10 Flickr Group to see more pics of this great event!
*November Update* I’d LOVE to go to Relevant’11, which is already in the works: Check it out, I’m already a poster-girl for the next conference (blurry gal in the shadowy foreground, far left)!
Embracing the adventure,
I’m one of those pitifully sentimental sort of mamas who is oftentimes struck with pangs of sadness over seeing her kids growing up so fast right before her very eyes, reveling in the *now* moments as she realizes that these are the very days she’ll long to hold onto for the rest of her life… and will one day in the not-too-distant future probably be winsomely wishing for. This mama’s even already been known to cry over one day losing her little boy and girls to the (albeit wonderful) man and women they’re on their way to becoming (and they’re only 14, 11 and 3!)… I’ve more than once had to remind myself that love is not selfish, as are my instinctive desires to hold these children close to my heart for all of their days, as children.
No, this is but a short season, their childhood; precious in its innocent simplicity, powerful in its potential for positioning the rest of their lives and as I’m especially learning this last year, ultimately providing but a portion of the complete JOY that shall be mine as I gain a new appreciation and understanding of WHO these little people ARE becoming as they’re gradually growing into adulthood; putting on bigger ideas, teaching me to look at life with fresh sight> through their eyes, and even drawing me deeper into relationship with our Lord as they wade out into deeper understanding, their raw enthusiasm and pure faith beckoning me to journey out further into faith realms that I’d never even have had the courage nor vision to venture into on my own… without their maturing thoughts and… growing up questions.
I am truly beginning to experience the reality of a promising sentiment that my oldest daughter spoke to my troubled heart eight years ago, when I’d playfully asked her three year old little self “What am I going to do when you’re all grown up and I don’t have my little girl anymore?”, and she so matter-of-factly answered my melancholy with such healing truth, “It’ll be okay mommy, then you’ll have a friend!” And so I am, gaining such amazing friends in my children… my life.
This week marks the end (and/or the beginning?) of a season that has brought quite a few opportunities for new growth into our 14 year old son’s world, both of the physical AND of the soul strengthening sort. Since we’ve moved here to PA this last summer, we’re navigating new (and more stringent) homeschool laws and regulations, but also enjoying that since N14 is officially registered with our school district as a 9th grader, he can take advantage one of the benefits of homeschooling here in PA (as opposed to other states we’ve homeschooled in thusfar)- which is that here in PA, homeschoolers are now able to participate in the athletic program(s) at their local public schools.
N14′s first season running with our local highschool’s Cross-Country team has been a great overall experience for him, full of not only physical challenges, but also some social, character-honing ones as well. It was admittedly with trepidation, and after some prayerful consideration, that Chris and I decided to allow him to do this, feeling confident that between his having a good head on his shoulders and a strong faith, this would be a positive, and even timely, experience for him. I have been truly encouraged, and honestly a bit astonished, to see his resolve and courage shining through at different points in this venture these last couple of months; marveling at how he’s unflinchingly just jumped right into a group of highschool kids he doesn’t know, and in many regards cannot relate to, and is decidedly hanging tough- day after day, determined to both “earn their respect and represent homeschoolers well” (bless his precious heart).
His Dad and I have been so blessed to see him enjoying being a part of his team, while at the same time coming to terms with and even embracing the realization that besides his already being the new guy, and “home-schooled” at that (with all of its stigmas to work through), that ultimately his conservatism, via his commitment to serving the Lord in all he does and says inevitably causes a certain amount of unavoidable awkwardness. His own unfaltering words on that were “I might as well get used to it now, ’cause it’s not going to get any easier, huh?!”, which brought a bittersweet assurance to my mama’s heart, still wondering over this quiet strength of character he has growing up within him.
Seeing him running along to catch up behind the group, bantering among themselves, after I’d dropped him off at practice the other day, brought a lump to my throat… letting go, praying more fervently, trusting, sending. We have all been thankful for the homeschool volleyball league that we recently found out about and he and his sister have recently joined as well. They’ve both really been encouraged to meet so many other local homeschoolers again, which was especially timely for Nathan I think, after a month of being on this other public-school team and feeling so awkward, like quite the loner at times.
Cross-country practice started over the summer, before school even started, with practice mornings (5 miles) and afternoons (ANOTHER 5 miles!)- and even though he’d already been running a few miles at a time, about 4 days per week for the 6 months prior, N was whooped! The boy likes to run- decided it was *his sport* last year and just started running on his own, wishing that he could compete before it was even an option! Thus, it’s been really a neat thing that we moved here to where his dream has become a reality, to be able to run competitively!
Now that school’s started they’ve been practicing every day, averaging 3-5 miles per practice, except when they’d have a meet the next day, then they’d take it easier the day before. Now he’s REALLY looking forward to track and field starting in the spring… and I’m REALLY looking forward to this winter’s interim of NOT having to bring him to DAILY practices, only to have to turn around and go pick him up two hrs. later! *smiles* But I like this sport, it fits him, and wow is he getting strong, muscle and endurance-wise.
Overall, it’s been a very good, strengthening experience for Nathan in other (social) regards as well. He’s had the opportunity to hang around with totally different kinds of kids than what his friends are and have been up to this point, and has been hearing and seeing first-hand what they’re like, talking about, dealing with, into, etc. He actually told me yesterday, on the way home from his practice, after discussing some ongoing soap-opera drama stuff that’s “the talk of all the team members right now” that he thinks, “it’s been really good for me to go through this and learn about all this now, while I have the support of you and dad and can talk to you about this stuff”.
Yeah, though for the most part he’s gotten to know a great group of kids there, some of the tales’ details have been, well… sad, and I’m thankful we talk so openly, wondering how much the parents of the other kids there know about what all’s going on with their kids, just on the CC team? …and so glad that Nathan’s read some of the books he’s read on his own time regarding relational purity (see below), that’s given him some great biblical context and foundation for dealing with and processing these difficult, tangled situational issues through. I’m thankful that he’s content to be on the outside, looking in, openly talking about all sorts of issues as they arise with his Dad and I, and evaluating the relevance of his own moral convictions within their context, in a meaningful way to him personally.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
As I continued to sit in our parked car yesterday, still listening to my son’s heart pouring out such conviction as he voiced concern for his peers, disdain for the girl-usery-ways of a certain jigelow upper-class-man on his team who purposely targets middle-schoolers and freshmen girls, I was stricken by the compassion “for this generation” in his voice, intrigued as I was hearing his thoughtful soul coming to terms with how misunderstood he feels, while at the same time forming such insightful understanding of the fact that his felt awkwardness is an inevitable result of the decisions he’s made to “be different”, an intrinsic aspect of his choosing to follow God’s ways rather than what the world tells him is *normal* for his age (case in point; he was initially surprised to hear how much “they curse whenever they’re mad, or excited… about anything”), not just a result of his being homeschooled, which he appreciates for the room its given him to grow.
I was relieved to hear his accepting thankfulness for his being different, hopefulness that “they’ll see that I really have something to offer, that I’m not just some geek-kid”. I sat there, not wanting to miss a word, nor rush a thought, my heart simultaneously leaping to see him choosing life, yet breaking a bit to see him, to hear him beginning to personally count the cost… so far. I listened as my boy continued, wondering aloud over how to effectively share “what I’ve learned from reading all of these books about this stuff… that I’m now seeing play out right in front of me, just like I’ve read about” and understanding his frustration over realizing that sometimes people just don’t even want to hear the truth, don’t really want help, but would just rather talk about their problems (jigelow dumped a girl after two weeks of usery, and both were talking about it- doubly dishonoring their coach’s directions that there should be no guy/girl relations on the team during CC season, let alone discussing it) and that fools despise correction, wisdom.
And in that moment, as my own heart identified and empathized so deeply with his, all of my worries and concerns, including that nagging angst I’ve been battling lately, over whether or not I could do this whole homeschooling through highschool thing effectively, literally. melted. away… As important as they are, I forgot about all of the curriculum and testing issues, concerns over whether he’s writing enough, how to teach Grammar effectively, etc., etc. and just listening to his heart, which knows Truth, LOVES Adonai and is choosing to swim against the stream, I realized once again that he’s doing just fine… we’re not doing him ANY social harm or injustice by continuing our adventure in homeschooling. Nope, the boy knows what he’s about, and it’s all good. I am glad for this opportunity he’s had to safely test his wings a bit, and to experience the independence and exhilaration of these new experiences.
He’s thriving, especially where it counts most. He appreciates his environment and realizes that the Lord’s opening doors of opportunity for him right as he’s ready for them. I found comfort in remembering that I am but a willing vessel, a facilitator of the education that our LORD has in store for them, these children of mine, which are ultimately God’s kids! He’s GOT MY BACK, strengthening them when, where and in ways that I cannot, multiplying my efforts in each and every area!
I am reminded of my most important jobs as their mother…
I couldn’t even hope to teach them- or plan- for these most profound, custom-tailored, soul-strengthening, real-life lessons that (thankfully!) are already on our Head-Master’s agenda… I could not have planned them if I’d tried. Truly, what a miracle it is to witness the forming of such a strong character, the passage of this child from boyhood into manhood, to hear the echoes of eternity’s call upon his vigilant, gentle heart. Thank you, Father.
Homeschool Moms everywhere, I have shared all of this simply in hopes that you would take heart from it… be encouraged. Keep your eyes set on the goal, and let that be enough, leaving the rest, the results of your daily toils, in the Hands of our capable, caring Heavenly Father.
I’d also like to share with you these books that my son Nathan has read in the last couple of years, and highly recommends, along with some of his own thoughts, which I’ve been meaning to share about for some time now.
*Note: These books cover some very mature material in a refreshingly frank manner, and are definitely for teens/highschool-aged kids. However, it’s all done so within a biblical context, and believe me, it’s nothing that your kids aren’t going to eventually be hearing about out in the big, wide world anyways. It might be best to prepare them now, while you’re close at hand to discuss these issues with them!
I Kissed Dating Goodbye: A New Attitude Towards Romance and Relationships by Joshua Harris
This book is both biography and counseling for young adults. I think the author wrote it to let people know that dating isn’t the only option to find a relationship. It’s about people and their dating past, and how it didn’t work out for them, as well as what did. My favorite two chapters were ch. 5, “The right thing at the wrong time is the wrong thing.” (which is also my favorite quote from the book) and ch. 8, “Starting with a clean slate.” This book inspired the urge in me to fight and win the constant battle of being able to just say no to what everybody else is doing or says is normal, knowing that it’s not for me.
~ Nathan, 14
Sex is not the Problem, Lust Is: Sexual Purity in a Lust-Saturated World by Joshua Harris
This book has a lot of good stuff in it, and I highly recommend it to others! One statement from this book that made an impact on me is, “The things worth waiting for are most of the time the best.” This book helped me be reassured of my victory in past battles.
~ Nathan, 14
When God Writes Your Love Story: the ultimate approach to guy/girl relationships by Eric & Leslie Ludy
This book was written to help people approach guy/girl relationships in a mature, Godly way. It has many small stories about people and their lives and how they met God and so forth. This book very much inspired me by how it explained in many different ways why and how best to get into a Godly relationship, and when its best to wait and when you just need to chill.
~ Nathan, 14
And here’s a couple of links I’ve come across lately that have encouraged my heart and helped me to re-focus my priorities, as well as reminded of some of what we’ve done right (though certainly not perfectly!). Words to the wise, indeed… great reminders for me.
Biggest Mistake Made by Homeschoolers! by our very own Robin Sampson
Too many homeschoolers make the mistake I made in my first years homeschooling–setting aside Bible time for academics–putting trust in the wrong foundation!
How to Raise Boys Who Read Hint: Not with gross-out books and video-game bribes. This article at the WSJ isn’t just about getting them reading, but also aptly points out how what you’re encouraging them to read does intrinsically effect their character formation.
Education was once understood as training for freedom. Not merely the transmission of information, education entailed the formation of manners and taste. Aristotle thought we should be raised “so as both to delight in and to be pained by the things that we ought; this is the right education.”
“Plato before him,” writes C. S. Lewis, “had said the same. The little human animal will not at first have the right responses. It must be trained to feel pleasure, liking, disgust, and hatred at those things which really are pleasant, likeable, disgusting, and hateful.”
This kind of training goes against the grain, and who has time for that? How much easier to meet children where they are.
One obvious problem with the SweetFarts philosophy of education is that it is more suited to producing a generation of barbarians and morons than to raising the sort of men who make good husbands, fathers and professionals. If you keep meeting a boy where he is, he doesn’t go very far.
The other problem is that pandering doesn’t address the real reason boys won’t read. My own experience with six sons is that even the squirmiest boy does not require lurid or vulgar material to sustain his interest in a book.
This article was originally published at The Homeschool Post on October 5, 2010.
Embracing the adventure,
L’Shanah Tova is a traditional Hebrew greeting used during Rosh Hashanah, which means “for a good year”. Rosh Hashanah, literally, means “head of the year”, as this holiday marks both the ending and the beginning of the Biblical holidays’ cycle. This season is believed to be the time that the Creator created the Universe! Our family has enjoyed celebrating the “world’s birthday” during this time every year with sweet honey/spice cake and apples dipped in honey for quite a few years now, but there is so much more to this Biblical holiday than that! Probably, the most well-known tradition of this holiday (and my favorite) would be the blowing of the Shofar, which literally reaches down into the depths of my soul and awakens it, reminding me to be waiting, looking for the coming of our Messiah, Yeshuah, at whose great return the last (heavenly) trumpet shall sound!
And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.
Here is just a very concise summary of what this holiday is about it, and why we celebrate this Feast. I’ve listed some more links beneath the following commentary.
Rosh Hashanah / ראש השנה : Head of the Year Torah : Genesis 21:1-21:34 Maftir : Numbers 29:1-6 Haftarah : 1 Samuel 1:1-2:10
Thought for the Week:
In the seventh month on the first of the month you shall have a rest, a reminder by blowing of trumpets, a holy convocation. (Leviticus 23:24)
Commentary:
On the first day of the seventh month is this festival the Torah simply calls a “reminder by blowing of trumpets.” This is the festival we call the “Feast of Trumpets,” the day of trumpet blowing. The Torah tells us to celebrate the Feast of Trumpets by blowing a ram’s horn (shofar, שופר). The Feast of Trumpets is a festival that is meant to prepare us for the holy Day of Atonement that comes ten days later. The festival is called Rosh HaShanah (the head of the year). This is the Hebrew way of saying New Year’s Day. The Torah commands us to blow the shofar on the Rosh Hashanah as a memorial, but it does not tell us what the blowing of the shofar memorializes. The Sages offered various attempts to explain the festival. They searched through the Scriptures for references to shofars and trumpet blasts and derived a plethora of different remembrances. The early medieval sage Rav Saadiah Gaon codified these various explanations of the Feast of Trumpets and listed them. According to Rav Saadiah Gaon, there are ten primary remembrances for which the shofar is blown on the Festival of Trumpets. Each of these remembrances highlights a unique aspect of the festival: 1. The Coronation of the King 2. The Call to Repentance 3. The Giving of the Torah at Sinai 4. Warning of Impending Judgment 5. The Destruction and Future Rebuilding of the Temple 6. The Binding of Isaac 7. Fear of God 8. The Day of Judgment (Yom Kippur) 9. The Ingathering of Israel 10. The Resurrection of the Dead Even as we wait to hear the trumpet blast of the king, the great shofar of our returning Redeemer, we celebrate the appointed time of the Rosh Hashanah. The annual blast of the shofar during the Feast of Trumpets foreshadows that day when the heavens will be rent by the blast of Messiah’s trumpet. For disciples of the Messiah, Rosh Hashanah is a reminder of that appointed time yet to come when the Master “will send forth His angels with a great trumpet and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other.” (Matthew 24:31) It is a day on which we anticipate the coming judgment, the trumpets of the book of Revelation, and the beginning of the end. It is a glimpse of the future, a shadow cast through time. As such, the Feast of Trumpets is relevant for everyone who believes in Messiah’s return. It is an important festival for the disciples of Yeshua. From us all at First Fruits of Zion, we wish you a sweet and blessed new year! Shanah Tovah!
Right now I’ve got a wonderful roast cooking in the crock-pot, am about to begin braiding our yummy, round, raisin challah bread loaf, prepare some apples and honey for dipping, and am planning to try a new recipe this year from one of my Jewish holiday books for our traditional honey/spice cake. If it turns out good and I get a chance, I’ll share that recipe later! Right now I just wanted to share some linkage for you to learn more about this wonderful, holy day(s).
Enjoy, and may you and yours be inscribed and sealed
in the Book of Life for a good New Year!
It was a wonderfully full week we had here last week, our first week officially starting “back to school”, and even though we hadn’t gotten everything done that I’d intended and planned for… I was decidedly okay with that, for the most part. Yet, as the week drew to a close, that all-too-familiar-nagging feeling of inadequacy began to close in around me, and before long, as I looked more at what we hadn’t accomplished than what we had, I began feeling mostly defeated, finding it hard to mentally get past all of the other stuff that I didn’t, and couldn’t get to…
In spite of having accomplished lots of meaningful learning with my kids (at least my first priority of the days was done- right?!), piled up circumstances that kept me from checking much of anything else off of my to-do list, along with hurried words and seemingly-hollow intent still left me feeling *mostly defeated*… My heart strings were stretched taut with self-contempt and such an overwhelming desire to manage my time better… simultaneously I wished for more time, while at the same time wondering if it’s even possible to find?
And so when hubby made mention of something left undone, his felt accusation dropped like a heavy judgment into my already angst-riddled mind, landing right on top of my heaped pile of frustrated attempts and noted list of undone-good intentions, sending my racked emotions pouring down and out in a rush of defensive fury, as I swirled around like a wounded animal, inhaling anger’s fight while exhaling loudly exasperated respite from blame, along with a few accusations of my own… and then regret. In that moment I felt so sorry for myself, unappreciated and misunderstood, totally deflated, helpless, and yes… mostly defeated.
Those were the words that kept rising to the surface of my consciousness as I prayerfully cried out to Adonai on my way to sleep last night, after a frustrating attempt at explaining that precarious emotional predicament to my trying-to-understand beloved. You see, in my great efforts to accomplish the most important task of being with my kids (reading lots of good books, crafting, playing, talking, baking together, etc.), and just generally sharing my heart with them each day (along with having recently added in some daily time-sensitive extracurricular activities), it seemed that most everything else on my list was in turn left mostly undone, with any idea of completion seeming futile for some time… More than anything, I felt bad for my family, having had to weather my sudden tirade and many shortcomings.
For want of time, the kitchen, master bathroom and lots of trim are still left unpainted, I have yet to even remotely figure out my new homeschool planning software (that will take hours of tutorial-viewing time that I cannot seem to find presently), I have yet to start up a new batch of sour-dough starter, and for that matter, just planning dinners and having them made in a timely manner was a huge feat this last week (let alone the laundry).
The other matters of sorting through the hundreds of pictures awaiting editing in iPhoto, sending some (already late) thank-you cards to friends and family, or updating my blog(s), or reading the manual to my new camera that the Lord saw fit to grace me with (yeppers, I have yet to tell?!), were all pushed right back to the back burner, again, along with a bunch of other stuff that I won’t bother boring you with. You’ve got your own list to agonize over, I’m sure.
And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
~ 2 Corinthians 12.9-10
Then… I woke up to this beautiful new day, and could not go back to sleep. With my mood still dampened from yesterday evening’s storming of emotions, I decided to just do the next thing. Thus I got up to enjoy the cool, quiet morning stillness and as I turned from my coffee pot to admire my recently hung new calendar for the year (because the Hebrew year is just about to begin anew), I breathed in the new remembrance of sweet beginnings, as my heart burgeoned once again with inspired hope. With my coffee in hand, I grabbed one of my favorite holiday books off of the shelf, and settled on the couch to prepare a reading to share with the family once they awakened, that we may once again mindfully welcome in this, my favorite time of the year, a season of repentance, remembrance and renewal together.
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
~ Matthew 5.3
How blessed I was to find that even as I searched out encouragement for my own children, my precious Messiah had already prepared a soul-strengthening, heart-edifying message for me to find there amongst the pages I read… and simple as it is, its timely message brought the healing peace, the Shalom that I so desperately need(ed).
Moses’s Mistake
There is no Hebrew equivalent for the word sin. The closest is het, which means “missing the mark.” Just as we are not able to hit a bull’s-eye every time, we may have trouble mastering our feelings, especially anger, in every situation. In Judaism, no one is expected to be perfect, just better. The way we change is by seeing our mistake, admitting the mistake, and not doing it again. Everyone does teshuvah, even Moses, because all human beings make mistakes.
Moses climbed to the top of Mount Sinai to receive God’s second most important gift, the Ten Commandments. The first gift was life, but life was no treasure by itself. So God gave Moses a set of rules, the Ten Commandments, to help people know how to live their lives. Made for all time, the rules were hammered into a huge stone slab, five commandments on each side.
Despite the stone’s weight, Moses rand down the mountain, eager to show the Israelites their great gift. He imagined everyone waiting anxiously for his return, but when he reached the bottom of the mountain, no one was waiting for him.
The Israelites hadn’t believed that he would return. They hadn’t even believed that he would see God. So they had decided to make their own god. They had melted their jewelry into a little gold calf, and when Moses found them, they were praying to it.
Everything about Moses was great, including his temper. Trembling with rage, he thrust the heavy stone that God had given him over his head and flung it to the ground. The Ten Commandments broke into more pieces than there are stars in the sky.
God ordered Moses into a cave for forty days to make a new stone tablet. When Moses finished his work, he was tired but calm. “Good,” God said. “Now put the new stone tablet into a special chest.”
After Moses carefully placed the Ten Commandments in the holy ark, he heard God’s voice again. “Be sure to put in the broken pieces, too, Moses. Set them beside the whole stone.”
Moses looked at the beautiful new Ten Commandments and then winced at the rubble of the first tablet. “Every time I see this mess, I remember how I lost my temper.”
“Exactly!” God replied. “And that’s why the broken pieces, your mistake, are holy, too.”
As I forgave myself, we wondered together over our Elohim’s Amazing GRACE. Then I was doubly blessed by an unexpected (and much needed!) day-date *out* with my beloved, who in his own special way reminded me of how special I am to him, broken pieces and all…
Moses’s Mistake::excerpted from The Family Treasury of Jewish Holidays by Malka Drucker
A Rabbinic tradition states that Moses also put the fragments of the broken tablets of the Law into the Ark (Hertz 1936).
To learn more about this Biblical season, with all of its many soul-stirring, beautiful Messianic nuances visit these links:
Rosh Hashanah: Awakening to Judgement
Fall’s Biblical Holidays @HeartofWisdom.com
A Season of Repentance, Remembrance and Renewal
Embracing the adventure,
This article was also posted over at The Homeschool Post on September 7, 2010.
Lord, may we never underestimate small, sweet beginnings… nor the power of simple words, fitly spoken.
A new “school year” is already upon us, and this year we are certainly embarking upon a new chapter in our learning adventures together… N14 is officially starting HIGH SCHOOL(?!), T11 is going into the 6th grade, and will thus be officially grouped with the middle-schoolers at our local homeschool co-op (and that’s a big deal, ya know-right?!) and our little boo-bear, S (who just turned 3yo this weekend, already?!), is in to just about everything the rest of us are doing!
To top it all off, we’re living in a new, highly regulated state now (PA is classified by HSLDA as a “red state” homeschool-wise), where we happen to know just about… nobody! (Yet.) Living here in PA, we’ll have to do things a whole lot differently registration and reporting-wise every year= *fun*. Honestly though, when I’d first started researching and reading about how we’d have to be accountable to our school district now, submitting yearly evaluations (interviews of the kids, with their portfolio reviews done by certified grade-level evaluators, along with testing, etc.) to our local district, I was a bit intimidated about the whole (annually scheduled registration and reporting on a yearly timetable) process.
However, though it’s a lot more paper work and effort, and the principle of it still irks us completely (that we should even be required to report to such absurd lengths to the State regarding our children in the first place, when we haven’t had to in other states- arrgh!), I’m choosing to look at the positive aspect of this, which is that the accountability will just help me to do a better, more consistent job of record-keeping! Right-okay?! I’m sure that will a blessing in the end someday, as it comes time to put together our kiddos’ formal highschool transcripts anyways, or as I submit their course records to an accredited diploma program (if we’re still here), which is another PA homeschooling aspect I’m still working on figuring out.
Don’t get me wrong though, once I went through the whole entire registration process, I was relieved to find that it wasn’t as bad as I’d thought it would be, actually even quite doable, and should be easier next year, now that I’ve gotten my records all in order, etc. Also, now that N14 is officially registered with our school district as a 9th grader, he is already enjoying one of the benefits of homeschooling here in PA (as opposed to other states we’ve homeschooled in thusfar)- which is that here in PA, homeschoolers are now able to participate in the athletic program(s) at their local public schools. But I digress, and will share more on that later.
I think most of my waning brainpower, obsessive second-guessing, pleading desperately with the Lord for guidance and HELP!! prayerful planning and compulsively-curious-curriculum-catalog-browsing (when I haven’t been busy packing, painting our rental house’s interior, driving across the country-a few times, or un-packing!) has primarily revolved around how to BEST coordinate my study plans for N14 and for homeschooling through highschool in general with those of T11, my middle schooler… while at the same time giving little S3 all of the attention she needs (read: without resorting to videos each day)!
I really didn’t want us studying separate time periods and wasn’t sure whether we should continue with our cycle through ancient history this year, or not. Thus, I turned to my man, our homeschool’s “principal” (*snicker*, though it’s true, he’s got my back!) and asked him what he thought. He suggested that we dive into American History, in depth, since living here, we’ll be visiting so many wonderful American monuments, historical sites and museums (like Washington D.C. and Gettysburg, etc.). And so, that was the definitive direction I needed for mapping out our family’s (formal- because we never know what life and the Lord may throw in, unplanned!) study plans for the next few years.
As a side note: I was so blessed to have stumbled upon this post from the Deputy Head Mistress a couple of weeks ago, as her gentle reminder to continue evaluating what matters to me, to us, to Adonai, was a timely encouragement… You really might enjoy reading it too… Who Needs a Philosophy of Education?
I may not need a couple of those worrisome workbooks after all. (Duh, right? I mean, I know this, but still get sucked in every now and then by the creeping doubts and fancy catalog promises.) *sighs* So… on with the show! Here’s what I have planned (so far), listed in the order that I’m hoping our daily routines will pretty much fall. Starting tomorrow, we’ll be gradually getting back into our weekly study routines and daily rhythms.
N14 and T11 work independently on the following while I’m waking up, situating little S3, and making our morning kefir/fruit smoothies and coffee. This routine has worked well for us for the last couple of years.
Journal Time: See this helpful, short video by Hannah Keeley, for an explanation on how (and why) we do our “Journal Time”, along with a few other lesson-planning tips. Even our 3yo pre-schooler, Savi, has her own journal!
Individual Devotional Readings: This is also their personal “Bible Journal” time, for which their individual resources are listed separately, in their individual year’s plans (below). N and T usually get their own breakfast, either before or after this time, it’s up to them.
Math: Teaching Textbooks
We’ll also be using these great *FREE* video tutorials at Khan Academy along with Life of Fred. If it works out well, and the kids like the combo better, we just might actually drop TT (which is sooo expensive) next year.
Geography: Work on The Global Puzzle or Geography Songs while waiting for Mom to be ready for “Couch Time” (below), if not already.
Weekly Torah Portions & Hebrew Studies
Torah Club, Vol. 1 with cd’s for reading, listening and discussion together, with N14 and T11 each having their own corresponding Jot & Tittle Workbooks for learning and practicing the Hebrew alef-bet as we go through the weekly portions.
This is “Torah 101” for everyone. Torah Club Volume One: Unrolling the Scroll offers Christians a Messianic Jewish study from Genesis to Deuteronomy with easy-to-read, devotional-styled commentary on the weekly, synagogue Torah readings. Peppered with insights from ancient rabbis and anecdotes from modern Christian life, Volume One demonstrates the value of Torah for Christian living today. Includes connections to the New Testament and writings of early Christians.
This volume introduces students to both the Hebrew Roots of Christianity and the world of Messianic Judaism. More than just a weekly reading guide or Bible commentary, Torah Club One is filled with new insights and practical implications which exhort us to practice righteousness while developing a deeper relationship with our Father in Heaven.
I am so excited that we will be using the Torah Club, Volumes 1-5 over the next 5+ years or so, at least, as part of our homeschool/family Bible studies… I’m thankful, and so thrilled to see how Yah’s provided (it’s been on my wishlist/plans for highschool for years; to take my kids through the Torah Club volumes- however, I’ve prayerfully wondered how we’d ever be able to afford it, along with the rest of our curriculum?!). However, once again, Adonai has provided!
We met some dear, new friends last year who own ALL five of the TC volumes and have volunteered to loan them out to me/us for as long as needed!! Yippee- right?! How wonderful it is to see the Lord’s hand of confirmation and provision, like this, in my study plans for our home school over the years. So encouraging to receive this timely reminder that He will even equip me to do that which He has called me to, providing every thing and every one (because He’s sure blessed my kiddos with some amazing tutors and coaches over the years as well) I/we need to meet our childrens’ needs, in ever way.
Hebrew: I’m also going to attempt at keeping up with Tim Hegg’s online Hebrew Language Studies this year (using the First Hebrew Primer), for my own sake (I hope to one day think and dream in Hebrew!), and also to be able to better help the kids with learning Hebrew as well, of course! I’m hoping that T11 will even want to join N14 and I for this course, but she’s pretty immersed in learning her ASL (this has been her own idea and self-motivated project for awhile now), so the Jot and Tittle workbook may be all she does of the Hebrew this year.
Also, the Ancient Hebrew Research Center provides free online learning resources, which we’ll be taking advantage of. We’re gradually learning Hebraic prayers and blessings from the Authorized Daily Prayer Book in both Hebrew and English.
We also have this Alef-Bet Memory Game that little S3 loves to play, which helps us all to learn as well.
Prayer & Praise
Recitations & Poetry (unless we wait until lunch for this). Hopefully we’ll be better about ACTUALLY getting TO IT this year! *aye-yi-yi!*
Life of Fred Math lessons (as we have time), for review, a different (fun) approach to our arithmetic, but mostly just because we’re fans of Fred! We are all working through these texts together, at the same time… Fred always provides a good laugh, while reinforcing math concepts the kids are learning in their individual TT courses.
Sonlight Core 100 We will be spending this and the next two years covering American History (In Depth: 3 years altogether) using resources listed in Amblesides Online’s Years 4, 5, and 6, as well as some of those recommended by House of Education’s Years 9, 10, and 11. However, since we are now living here in PA (and not really sure how long we’ll necessarily be here) and planning on enjoying lots of *living history* by way of as many fun field trips visiting local American historical sites, museums, etc. as possible, we also wanted a quicker survey-type-tour of American History. This is where Sonlight’s Core 100: American History In-Depth comes in! This will be our main history focus this year, and hopefully its Instructor’s Guide will SIMPLIFY my/our school year.
(Much of what I’ve listed here individually for N and T will naturally overlap in the form of read-alouds and shared activities, discussions, etc.)
N14: 9th Grade, using House of Education Online’s Year 9<<Click to view. (morphed with Sonlight’s Core 100).
T11: 6th Grade Studies {Ambleside Online Y4: American History in Depth, pt. 1}<<Click to view. (morphed with Sonlight’s Core 100).
S3: Our precious Pre-Schooler who always keeps our days lively and interesting!! We’ll all be reading lots of lovely picture books with little Savi, from our own library, as well as from the “fun” public library (AO 0). As well as:
As you may have noticed, I like to write, and blogging helps me to do just that… Over the years I have met some AMAZING ladies in the blogosphere who have challenged, changed and blessed me immensely. They are continually, forever inspiring me in countless ways. A few I’ve even had the joy of meeting in real life as well, which is always such a treat!
Now, there’s this Christian writing/blogging conference thingy coming up, and it’s actually going to be happening right in our backyard practically (Harrisburg, which is a mere 30 minutes from my house- yeah, no kidding?!)… However, when I first heard about it, I didn’t realize it was going to be happening right HERE!
So, I remember having first seen this Relevant 2010 Conference mentioned by someone over on twitter, and thought, “how nice… a writing/blogging conference, ‘twould be fun”, but never even thought twice about it, then. Shortly thereafter I read this post: “Some Crazy-Good Things” by my dear blog-conference-hoppin’ bloggy friend (and hostess-extraordinaire of The HSBA Post) Heather, in which she’d mentioned that Relevant 2010 will be held HERE (?!) in Hershey/Harrisburg, PA- our new (as of 2.5 months ago) hometown! Then, naturally, I had this *crazy* idea that maybe, just maybe I’d go… until I ruminated a little while longer over the price of the tickets (well worth it, mind you, however still out of my financial reach at this point in time, fiscal-priority-wise!), at which point my pragmatic-minded self started remembering everything else that the cost of that ticket could/should be spent on first.
Just as well, I thought, since I’m not a REAL blogger anyways, right? I mean, I’m no good at this whole fancy-schmancy presentation bit, nor at budgeting my time very well to even FIND the time to write what I want to, without (feeling like) I’ve totally neglected something in the mean time. I DO, however, like love to write, and wish more than anything else to have something relevant to offer my readers, while at the same time keeping my priorities at home STRAIGHT… and that’s what this conference is all about. Kindred spirit sisters sharing and encouraging one another in this noble calling:
Our Mission Statement:
The Relevant Conference exists to offer a place of face to face interaction with Christian women bloggers who want to be relevant in the larger blog and social media world. Our goal is to go beyond the surface into intentional blogging and real life living. We support women turning their hearts toward home and using their blogs to bless their families while also engaging the world for the glory of God. Relevant is a one-of-a-kind conference that seeks to engage women by teaching blogging techniques and social media skill while also urging and encouraging women to live fully integrated lives with their faith and family.
Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
I have been reminded, humbled, and honored (and maybe even a little a LOT bit skeered!) quite a few times, in personally meaningful and encouraging ways, of just how far reaching (and lasting) my published words are in this very public forum of the world-wide-web. Words for which I will one day give account… on quite a few levels. *gulp*
Even so, I thought,
I’m just a fly-by-night, fumblingly sporadic blogger, at best. I don’t need to go to this… since what would I have to offer anyone anyways? And after all, I KNOW what my blog needs most, if it’s to be relevant to anyone (besides myself- ha! lol): for me to WRITE more consistently, to be transparent, and always REAL, as well as for me to keep my sights focused on one day acquiring a lovely dSLR camera learning how to use my NEW CAMERA!!, that I might better pursue that creative outlet, and share more beautifully through picture-thoughts (my favorite!)… BUT (big but here! lol) it IS happening RIGHT in my back yard!
{And then I read the Agenda. Wow, lots to offer, and some of these ladies who will be speaking there have already been speaking into my heart for years!}
Really, how can I NOT go, right?!
What a blessing then it was, and totally unexpected, when six days ago I sat down here to my mr. Mac and found this most spectacular email in my inbox, from a dear friend with some serious blog-world-favor/connections. I have been graced with a TICKET to Relevant 2010, “no strings attached”!
For the record, I am just totally receiving this ticket as from the LORD, as I’d left the whole *crazy* idea I’d had of even going {to a WONDERFUL WRITING conference for BLOGGERS> like *me*?!} at his feet awhile back, upon my remembrance that even being so close by, the ticket $ was simply beyond our budget (which I now totally, triply, officially busted recently with some minor book purchases for our upcoming school year- to boot!)… So you see, I couldn’t have, wouldn’t have even been able to bear to ask my hard-workin’ hubby for that $ for a ticket to go (he’d probably have laughed in my face if I did anyways, in a very nice, understanding way, mind you! lol), when there’s so many other things waiting on our family’s wish*list… and so I said in my heart,
Father, if you want me to go (for whatever reason?!), then YOU can just get me a ticket… because, well, YOU just CAN, easily, somehow! Besides, I really do not want to force this if it’s not what YOU want me to do anyways.
And though I *hoped*, I figured that was the end of it, and out of my mind it went… Look though, He HAS provided a ticket for me to go!
I am SO feelin’ the LOVE too (thank YOU to my most generously-thoughtful-bloggy-friends).
So yeah, that’s the beginning of this story of my first ever blogging-writing-conference-adventure. Stay tuned, it’ll be here before we know it… in 59 days!
I think that mostly though, I’m just so excited to meet my dear friend Heather (aka. Spritti Bee), IN REAL LIFE, and will even have her and her family slumber-partying at our house for a few nights! It is going to be SO much FUN!!
Please, if you can, consider sponsoring Heather’s Family Field Trip of the Year! Let me know if you’d like to see her sponsorship package. Thanks!
A couple of weeks ago I drove the kiddos and myself all the way down to the MS Gulf Coast (an 18 hr. trek, without Chris to help me- he had to work!!) for a visit with our family there and to celebrate the marriage of my youngest brother to his beloved. Along the way we were able to stop in TN and GA for a visit with some sorely missed friends of ours, which also worked out nicely as a mid-way break from all of the driving!
A definite highlight of our trip, was that while we were down on the Coast, my Mom, kids and I had the distinct honor of accompanying my Papaw on what was probably his last visit to the USS Alabama Battleship, upon which my Papaw was a crew-member for the last 9 months of WWII, before it was decommissioned. It was an unforgettable, special morning, and not just for us, but I think for my Papaw as well!
You see, I’d called ahead to let them know that I was bringing a former crew-member to visit the Museum and Battleship. The lady I spoke with was thrilled to hear it and went out of her way to find and copy a photo of him (that he hadn’t seen before!) with his entire division, from an old book that she said wasn’t even available for the public to see since it was old and practically falling apart (?). Then while we were there, they kept announcing over the loud-speaker that “A former crew member is now on deck”, and so people were coming up to him to thank him for his service and a few even requesting that they have their pictures made with him. It blessed me to see him so honored, and to see the emotion upon his own face when the first couple approached him with their thanksgivings.
The tour of the USS Alabama (BB-60), a South Dakota class battleship (not to be confused with the five other ships, nor submarine, also bearing the same name!) was absolutely fascinating…
as was stepping inside of the little (not yellow) submarine, also on site,
Our enthusiasm was only slightly dampened by the sight of the buoys out on the Gulf, intended to stop the creeping oil from the recent Deepwater Horizon oil spill, which we won’t talk about here… *sighs*
…and seeing the aircraft museum was quite impressive, as was as all of the other military equipment on site there too!
And as if all of that wasn’t wonderful enough already, we got to meet FRIENDS! I was so excited that it worked out for my bloggy friend Tracy (Photog extraordinaire, host of the Mommytography 365 Project, and co-author over at The Homeschool Post), who lives nearby, to meet us there with her kiddos! All I have to say is that our visit just wasn’t long enough, and we’ll definitely have to do it again once I get down to Mobile, AL (or she gets up here, maybe, for some more historical sight-seeing)! …and my kids LOVED her kids, which made it extra hard to leave the restaurant afterwards… but my Papaw was tired, and my Mommy was making me…
And since REAL bloggy friends don’t let their friends experience a wonderfully unforgettable day of field-tripping and meeting up with eachother in real life without posting pictures and a word or two about it, here’s Tracy’s post about our day, “Beth and the Battleship” (I love her picture captures!). Here’s another creative picture (albeit scary!) she took of me “in the bin for bad apples”, showing the kids (who were not playing along too well) how to look absolutely horrified because they’re stuck in prison!
See what I mean… I’m just not *feelin’ the terror* here! Are you? Nope, didn’t think so… Okay, I’ll hand it to Savi, who just might have been trying to be afraid, a little bit…. maybe?
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