Words of Wisdom

I borrowed this graphic from Hip Homeschool Moms. She has a great post about not stressing in your homeschooling day. 

http://www.hiphomeschoolmoms.com/2011/11/what-really-matters/#

I am glad I stumbled across this, because I just seem to lack energy these days. Yesterday I did my lesson planning, but we haven't cracked a book yet. (We will, soon...)

I did have a cup of coffee instead of tea this morning, so I have been like a small, yippy dog getting work done around the house. Dinner is in the crockpot (actually TWO crockpots), kitchen and laundry room floors swept and mopped, counters cleaned, dishwasher emptied, cat litter boxes cleaned out and refilled, trash emptied, living room picked up.

I still need to start laundry and vacuum the living room. Oh, yeah, and we need to work on school work! 

Be blessed!

THANKFUL!

November has become the month to post a daily "thankful" post on Facebook. It has made my focus become less on the daily struggles, and on what God has blessed me with in my life.

It is very easy to get wrapped up in more month than money, health concerns,     

the roof which needs repair, and the state of the economy.

But, by focusing each day on something in my life which is good (and there are MANY), I can see that no matter what, God has richly blessed my life.

I have-

* an amazing, Godly husband who loves me and our girls, who works hard for us, and supports our homeschooling efforts.

* an incredible teenage daughter who loves God and shines His light to all around her

* a precocious and precious 11 year old daughter who is full of energy and joy

* a home of my own (and the bank's ;) )

* a great Mother who is still independent and feisty at 92

* a really cool sister

* amazing friends, old and new

* great neighbors who will help whenever we need them

* heat ,clean water, electricity, food

* an amazing church family

- and the list could go on, and on. So, what are YOU thankful for today?

The graphic above is actually a free printable from Connie at "Measured By The Heart".

 http://measuredbytheheart.com/2012/11/free-printable-i-am-thankful.html#

You can print this off, place it in a picture frame, and then daily "fill in the blank" with a dry erase marker.  Brilliant!

Let's all try to be thankful - not just one day a year, but every day.

Winner!

I was blessed to be chosen as one of the winners of Keri Wyatt Kent's new Book Deeply Loved. 

 

This book is a 40 days journey into discovering how much were are loved by Jesus. I cannot wait to receive it and give it a review on Amazon.

Please check out Kari's blog Deep Breathing for the Soul:

http://keriwyattkent.com/soul/

And her website:

http://www.keriwyattkent.com/

And also check out her other books on Amazon:

http://tinyurl.com/c9lx34s

 

 http://tinyurl.com/b7of5mp

 

 http://tinyurl.com/http-www-amazon-com-Breathe

 

These are just a few of her books. Can't wait to start reading!

Happy Veteran's Day!

 

Today I hope we will all take a moment to reflect upon what has made this country free. It is the men and women who have put their lives on the line, and in many cases, gave their lives for our freedom.

This past week has seen much strife between neighbors with differing views following a contentious election. 

However, men like my Daddy, pictured above, fought so that even those I vehemently disagree with could express their views. Unfortunately, many of those people do not believe those whose opinions differ from theirs should be allowed to speak.

My Daddy joined the Navy the day after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. He had several of his friends went down to the recruiters office to defend this country. He served aboard the USS Stanly in the Pacific Theater. 

And while he came home, unlike many who served, he lived with the memories of war for the rest of his life. He was indeed one of the greatest generation.

What saddens me is that what he fought for seems to be disappearing. Young people are taught a skewed history and one or two generations removed from the horrors seen in WWII. Even the tragedy of  9/11/2001 seems to have faded from most people's memories.

On this day, put aside your political bias, and take a moment to thank a vet or a serviceman or woman. They would die for you, even if they don't agree with you. Can you say the same?

Escapism

Yes, I admit. Facebook and the games that come with are my escape.

I like playing the games. I have a bit of a competitive streak. When I see someone has a higher score than I do, I must pass it.

Sad isn't it?

However, today that is changing. While at the NCHE Convention, I attended a seminar about Social Media - Capturing it for Christ. The general premise was, we need to be on Facebook to attend to what our children are posting and reading. We can also spread the Gospel by using Facebook to reach others for Christ.

But one thing the speakers (Hal & Melanie Young http://www.raisingrealmen.com/) said over and over was "Don't Play The Games". 

Squirm. 

Squirm.

Who me?

Okay God, I get it. I know I use it to escape from the overwhelming inadequacy I feel in being a wife, mom and home school teacher. I know I use it to avoid tackling my house, which just sends me into a tizzy every time I look around, because I can't seem to get a handle on the stuff that people leave lying around.

So, today, I blocked ALL the games. I deleted all the game related apps. 

My feed is strangely quiet. 

And yet, I am relieved. The notices are not there attracting me to play. I will be interested to see what happens now.

So, if I was a game friend on FB, I am sorry. I still love you, but I won't be answering your requests. Everyone else - pray for me!