3 Not-So-Secret Keys to a Joy-Filled Life

/
3 Not-So-Secret Keys to a Joy-Filled Life

I have finally realized that I cannot bark, punish, or fight my children into obedience... because fear-based obedience is temporary and empty. I've had an "awakening" that the only way into a trusting relationship in which they seek to be obedient to my will (and one day God's) is simply through LOVING them well.

But HOW? And what does that even look like? Aside from the obvious hugs, kisses, encouraging words, and late night chats (that we all do anyway). I mean, it sounds great on paper... but what do I DO when they argue, fight, talk back, or don't obey?

Read More

Finding God's Presence in Living Given

/
Finding God's Presence in Living Given

IF we should give or HOW MUCH we should give or HOW OFTEN we should give isn't what God is echoing in my heart right now, but instead WHY we should give. And even moreso- WHAT should we give? 

What is revealed about God in this call on us to pass forward what's been given to us? Is there a hidden secret that: the giving away of much is where we find the proof that is grace is hidden in the not enough? That when we live our lives given, we find God's presence even thicker and more palpable? Is it that His grace is found in the minuscule pieces that are left when we've given it all away?

Read More

2013-2014 Curriculum Picks + Schedule {1st + 4th Grades}

/
2013-2014 Curriculum Picks + Schedule {1st + 4th Grades}

Welcome to a brief overview of our curriculum picks for 1st and 4th grade! Plus a little look into our overall day and planned schedule for 2013-2014. 

After the minor setback of having Kali wake up with a fever this morning, we were off to a decent start. I didn't take any "first day of school" pictures this morning with her feeling so poorly, but I took a few snapshots of our day...

Read More

A Day in the Life {A Valentine's Homeschool Day}

/
A Day in the Life {A Valentine's Homeschool Day}

I stayed up WAY too late last night playing with my camera my hubby got me for my birthday... trying to brave the world of manual mode. I found some great little cheat sheets online. So today I became hardcore mom-parrazi and had a camera stuck in my children's face from morning to night. 

A couple of "points" I'd like to make... YES, my children do brush their hair lol. They showered and jumped right into hard-core crafting so they never combed it. YES, that's a halloween costume she is wearing (Vampira). Yes, I do dust my furniture despite what appears in these photographs. And YES my daughter taught herself how to knit today via a YouTube video (and yes, I unabashedly bragged on her!)

Read More