Got Me Thinking

Loved this blog post by my sweet friend Cara and it got me to thinking.....
Thought I'd share:
Children Are Waiting

I also have to share a link to a great sermon on adoption by Voddie Baucham: Sermon Audio

Thankful

A fellow blogger inspired me to write a post listing the things I am thankful to God for. I don't know this sweet woman very well yet, but I hope to get to know her better in the future. She is the wife of our church's Worship Pastor (and has an absolutely beautiful voice herself). I have been reading her blog for several weeks now and have been blessed by many of her posts.

So here are the things I am SO thankful for (I may add to this list over the next day or two):

My 3 amazing kids
My wonderful husband
My family & friends
Our freedom to homeschool
Our home
God's grace every day
Being a stay at home mom

And let the peace of God rule your hearts, to which you have been called in one body, and be thankful.
~Colossians 3:15

See the inspiration behind this post by reading Ashley's Thankful Tuesday post on her blog!

Thoughtful Thursday

Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.

~Luke 15:7

A Hyacinth & My Nana

I am the world's worst naturalist. I only know the names of a handful of trees, flowers, and bugs (most of which I detest), but I do know this flower. I wish I could post smells on a blog because it smells divine! Seriously, I can't stop sniffing it! And for those of you who don't already know this flower is a hyacinth.

The hyacinth makes me think of my Nana (great-grandma) because it was her favorite flower. She was a great lady. She makes me think of pancakes and homemade syrup, dentures and rouge, costume jewelry and support hose. She was an awesome great-grandma and I miss her so much.

This was taken in 1993 when she was 88 years old.

Thoughtful Thursday

A Poem by Christina Georgina Rossetti

None other Lamb, none other Name,
None other Hope in heaven or earth or sea,
None other Hiding-place from guilt and shame,
None beside Thee.

My faith burns low, my hope burns low,
Only my hearth's desire cries out in me
By the deep thunder of its want and woe,
Cries out to Thee.

Lord, Thou art Life tho' I be dead,
Love's Fire Thou art, however cold I be:
Nor heaven have I, nor place to lay my head,
Nor home, but Thee.

Little Pilgrim's Progress

Little Pilgrim's Progress by Helen L. Taylor

Fifty-five years ago, Helen L. Taylor took John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress and simplified the vocabulary and concepts for young readers, while keeping the storyline intact, and the result is a classic in itself. It’s both a simple adventure story and a profound allegory of the Christian journey through life.

Jordan and I are reading this together and we are both enjoying it SO much. The chapters are short and after each chapter we talk about the allegorical meaning.
Highly recommend!

Thoughtful Thursday

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.

~John 16:33

Homeschool Burnout

We follow the Charlotte Mason philosophy of homeschooling, but I firmly believe that regardless of the method or curriculum used every homeschooling mom feels burntout at some point during the school year. For me it typically occurs in late January or February when the weather has been cold, gray, dreary, snowy....I could go on (this is Ohio after all), but the point is that at times homeschooling days get a little tougher and feel a little longer.

I have good news though! I found two great links to help combat homeschool burnout and these ladies put it better than I ever could, so enjoy!

26 Tips for Overcoming Homeschool Burnout

Why Do We Quit?

Do Not Be Anxious

When I am afraid of evils to come,

comfort me by showing me

that in myself I am a dying, condemned wretch,

but in Christ I am reconciled and live;

that in my self I find insufficiency and no rest,

but in Christ there is satisfaction and peace;

that in myself I am feeble and unable to do good,

but in Christ I have ability to do all things.

~Excerpt from Contentment

The Valley of Vision, A Collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions

I have learned the secret to being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.

~Philippians 4:12-13

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things.

~Philippians 4:6-8

He Commanded

For he issued his laws to Jacob;
he gave his instructions to Israel.
He commanded our ancestors
to teach them to their children,
so the next generation might know them—
even the children not yet born—
and they in turn will teach their own children.
So each generation should set its hope anew on God,
not forgetting his glorious miracles
and obeying his commands.
Then they will not be like their ancestors—
stubborn, rebellious, and unfaithful,
refusing to give their hearts to God.

~Psalm 78:5-8 (NLT)

Father-Daughter Date Night

Tonight our church hosted a Father-Daughter Date Night and Jason's beautiful date was our sweet oldest, Jordan. Although I do not feel old enough to have a daughter looking this grown up (see here), I couldn't be more proud. I am also immensely proud of (and madly in love with) the tall handsome man with her. A family could not ask for a better father and husband. I love them both to pieces!

Thoughtful Thursday

Faith is a living, daring confidence in God's grace, so sure and certain that a man could stake his life on it a thousand times.

~Martin Luther

Who Are These Children?!

I took some pictures over the last two weeks and as I was transferring the pictures from my camera to the computer this picture flashed by:

Ummm.....Help! Who are these children?
And don't say they are my oldest daughter and only son because this is my first born and her brother:

I don't know where these two little darlings went, but I want them back!
Now!
If you see them please send them home to their momma.

And then, as if that one wasn't bad enough, there was this picture:

No....absolutely not. This will not be tolerated. This is not my baby girl.
This is my baby (brace yourself):

Be still my heart! Those cheeks....those eyes!
Seriously, this is more than I can take.
I have to go now.
I need to have a good cry.
I should be finished by Thursday, or next week.