The Power of Imagination

One thing that I thank God that He gave me was a great imagination~Oh as a child I spent hours upon hours playing games with my sister and cousins using our imaginations. It was so much fun and the memories are something to be cherished. Tea parties in dress up costumes, putting on plays, roller coaster down the stairs and just playing whatever comes to mind was so much fun.

One thing that I absolutely LOVE about homeschooling is it gives my children the opportunity to let their imaginations run wild! I find that when something we are studying or reading something that sparks their interest, the rest of the day their world is engulfed into it. We do not believe that by them taking a few hours to really "get into" their game all together is wasting time, on the contrary the learning that is taking place is irreplaceable. When they are playing they can be whatever they want to be, whenever they want to be it, wherever they are...there is nothing like it. There is such beauty in that and if only we adults can rekindle our imaginations a little, oh just imagine how our days would go sometimes!

Our living room many times has been transported into a ship, the prairie, wagon trails, trains, airplanes, camping trips and many many other things! I have been witness many days to games in which they are pioneers, cowboys, doctors, mothers/fathers, children in Victorian times, Bible characters, cooks.......the possibilities are endless!

I think that when our children are playing using their imaginations, they are experiencing a touch of eternity. Think about for a minute the vast extent of God's imagination and look at all he has done with it.
Maybe we should stop and use ours more often, bask in the beauty of His, and join in on those of our children.

If you would like to find some more encouragement, I'm linked up today with these wonderful ladies at:
Raising Homemakers Deep Roots at Home Walking Redeemed

Getting Back into the Swing of Things

These past few weeks have been like a giant blur around here. There has been so much going on from sickness, to health scares, to death in the family, to lots of visiting family and then of course Easter.
So after this major whirlwind of events that have left me physically (since the health scares were mine), mentally and emotionally drained, I have decided that for the next few days I will be "getting back into the swing of things".

Sooo how does one do that when all one wants to do is vegetate??? LOL
I do my favorite thing to do....I make a List!!

Its the best way (in my opinion) to collect everything that goes on in your mind that you need to get done all in one place.
There are several advantages to being a list maker such as myself:

1. You can prioritize what is the most important thing(s) you must do that day.
2. You don't waste as much time throughout the day.
3. You stay motivated!
4. You get to cross stuff off the list as you complete, this one is my favorite because it gives me such a sense of accomplishment!

Whatever you don't get to that day that wasn't on your most important things to do just gets put to the top of the the next days list. There are a few things however that you need to keep in mind if you are an overachiever/perfectionist.....Its supposed to help not add more stress...:)

Being flexible with it gives you the ability to be productive while at the same time stopping throughout the day to enjoy the moments that God has placed before you that day.
So let us always remember as we go through our busy days, lazy days, crazy days or "getting back into the swing of things days".....
This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24 

So are you a list maker? Do you find them helpful?


Looking for some extra encouragement today? Im linked up with these wonderful blogs!
Time-Warp Wife   Growing Home

Friday Funny!!

Ive seen this a few times this week and so have been there at times! While I absolutely LOVE my title-the best title in my opinion of Mom there are just some days.........

Have a Blessed Easter Weekend!

Embracing the Storms

The first thing most people generally tend to do when a storm comes is become downcast or even depressed. The cold, rain, dampness, & noise add to the wallowing effect that comes with it. Just take a look at how a child looks at a rainy day-they are bored, whiny, discontent, and sometimes just plain old cranky. They feel restricted from running free, burning energy and steam, their creativity stifled by 4 walls....or is it???

Lately I have been asking myself-Is this how God would want us to act-to use a storm as an excuse to exhibit all of the above emotions?

Of course as we all have experienced the storms of life rage all around us and we tend to get tossed around quite a bit. We have the choice to follow the tendencies that accompany a storm or a rainy day or we can choose to rejoice and even dance in the storm!

More often than not I have to admit that I usually am quite like Eeyore from Whinnie the Pooh when the storms of life surround me. I do find this quite funny because i actually LOVE storms! To me, a rainy stormy day is refreshing-like a breather of sorts. It to me is like God's way of telling me to rest a bit or take it easy-have a day off routine! So why is it that there is such a drastic difference in my responses to both "storms"?

When God leads us through a storm it can be scary, especially if we are right in the middle of it. Imagine how the Israelite's felt as they would flee Egypt with no where to go but towards the Red Sea. What were they thinking? Would fear, worry and doubt grip many of them? Im sure!! But what did they then do.......
They stood still and let God move and boy did he! He parted the sea and made a way when there seemed to be no way.

I think the reason I love stormy days so much is that the storm is outside and I am inside, I am safe and have walls and a roof as protection around me and it doesn't seem quite so scary. What I have learned over these past 2 weeks of some fierce storms is that even in the middle of the storm I DON'T have to fear and I have the same protection as my walls and roof, I just need to trust God whole heartedly and not fear. That is tough, especially for me but its what God is trying to teach me right now.....Stand Still and let Him move! Embrace the lesson he is teaching you, don't be so quick to rush the storm away but quiet your heart and listen to it.

He will always prove faithful and make a way!

The Bontrager Family Singers

We were blessed and fortunate last week to see the Bontrager Family Singers perform. They are a family of 12, Dad-Marlin, Mom-Becky and Children: Chelsy, Mitchell, Allison, Carson, Joshua, Denver, Taylor, Elizabeth, Hudson & Rebecca. They live and work on a dairy/hog/grain farm in Iowa. They travel for part of the year as God opens doors, and they minister with a gospel/bluegrass style of music in churches, festivals, prisons, nursing homes, and street missions.

They believe "As God has called us to ministry, so we endeavor to shine His light wherever we go, in whatever we do, with “all our heart, & soul, & mind.” Because of Him, we have a reason to sing!"

It was a truly uplifting and inspiring evening for us but especially for our children. For them to see children, some their age, some older and some even younger, up there singing and playing instruments all for the purpose of glorifying God was very thrilling. To see and hear how they as a family work together and how the brothers and sisters love, help and serve one another really gave a great model to our children of how to work together for the God's glory no matter what he has called us to do.

Please take some time to stop by their website at www.bontragerfamilysingers.com and be inspired by this family! Their music is fun and upbeat and a wonderful mix of all age voices making a joyful noise unto the Lord! They also have a blog where you can keep up with them on the road and what they are up to at http://www.bontragersingers.blogspot.com/

Most importantly, pray for them. They are doing such a wonderful mission and sharing the Gospel through song, story, and testimony. To God Be The Glory!

The Joy in Being the Comforter

One of the joys I have in being a mother is comforting my children when they are hurt, sick, scared or just in need of a hug and a smile. There is nothing like the feeling of knowing that you are of great comfort to that child, that whatever was bothering them, hurting them, scaring them is now eased because you were there to show them love. The power of a mother's hug is huge in a child's life, the comfort of the arms wrapped around them tightly extends beyond the physical arms but show them that you truly care and your there to help take away their pain.

As I was putting this into action today after one of my little ones woke up scared from a nap and he had his head nestled deep in my shoulder, i thought to myself.....this is EXACTLY what God is for us. He WANTS to be our comforter- to listen whats to bothering us, hurting us, or scaring us. He WANTS to give us that hug and have us climb up on his lap so to speak and let our tears, fears, worries, doubts flow from our mouths to his ears. But more often than not we do not give him that privilege. We take things into our own hands and try to figure things out ourselves by finding solutions, fretting, making plans, pro/con lists......

But he is still there.
Waiting patiently until we are done and hear his gentle whispering to give it to him.
He is there.
To take our burden and sorrow and give us peace and joy in our hearts.

Our children freely and willingly run to us for comfort first, why don't we do this? It would look a bit strange for a toddler to fall on the playground and then proceed to get up and worry about how he will handle the fall wouldn't it? His first instinct is to run to mommy or daddy.Why isn't it ours?

Are you in need of a hug? Go ahead and take a deep breath and tell it all to our heavenly Father, who wants to comfort us, we just need to let him.

•  God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1
•  Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7
•  O LORD my God, I called to you for help and you healed me. Psalm 30:2
• You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.
  Acts 2:28
• Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

Will you let him?
Want to be encouraged further, check out the following linkups:
Raising homemakers, Walking Redeemed, Deep Roots at Home,Raising Mighty Arrows

Im just not getting it all done......

This has been a challenging and stretching week for me thus far. I think i have felt every emotion possible at some point or another. I think there are times in every mommy's life that they just feel like we can't get it all done, the never ending list keeps growing and the time goes by faster.

Our youngest, Gideon who is just shy of 22 months has reached some great "independent" milestones this week. He has figured out how to climb out of his crib (honestly i was thanking God he didn't figure it out sooner...haha) and has decided that there is no need to wear a diaper around the house...*SIGH* Having a 4 month old puppy and a newly potty training toddler is quite interesting if you've never experienced the "guess who did that mess" game or my personal favorite "don't slip in the puddle"!!

With these new discoveries of his independence comes more time of my day trying to stay focused to diligently train him with patience, kindness, and love. Nap time has not been spent napping but a routine of bringing him back and being firm over and over & repeated again at bedtime and well im sure you can guess how the diaperless bum has effected my day!

 One thing i found myself doing earlier this week though was getting frustrated that everything i NEEEDED to get done wasn't getting done. But thankfully the Lord tapped me on the shoulder rather quickly and reminded me that i am indeed getting done everything that i NEEDED to get done. This is so very important and vital and how my heart and attitude are while im doing it is crucial. Its all perspective really. There will always be dishes, laundry, floors to clean, phone calls to make but there is only these wonderful privileges NOW. These "inconveniences" are not that at all, but blessings and I am honored to be able to do them. I am honored to be able to be their mom and time goes by so quickly that I will savor every trip back to bed, repeated instruction to them and yes even the surprises.......

Oh boy its Monday

Ever feel like this on a Monday morning and you haven't even stepped out of bed yet?? Ever hope for someone to not feel well just for an excuse for everyone to lay around all day?? Anyone......???

So thats just me huh?? LOL
I have to admit there are some Mondays that are EGR.....Extra Grace Required!

On these days I need to take a deep breath and remember that it may also be "Monday" for the kids as well and I can set the tone for the day by my attitude and my countenance.

A kind word and soft tone goes a long way and a smile can change even the biggest sourpuss pickle pants!
Happy Monday!

Character Qualities

We believe that in order for our children to become strong and stable adults that will be productive and an asset to society that they need to possess strong character qualities. We find that instilling these in them from very young will create a great work ethic, build strong communication and conflict resolution skills and help them in various relationships and situations they will face in their lives. We use this chart in the training of them and it has been most helpful and beneficial to our family, I hope it will be to yours as well :)

 http://www.duggarfamily.com/content/character_qualities

The Well Intentioned Child

I don't know about your house but around here it can go from calm to crazy in 60 seconds and most days it does just that! As the children grow older i encourage them that when they see something in a place it doesn't belong pick it up, be diligent with their chores, look for opportunities to help out without being asked etc. In the process of the older ones learning this the younger ones learn from their example which brings us to the well intentioned child......

You know the one im talking about.........
The one who will try to put a glass in the sink and it shatters in a million teeny tiny pieces on the tile.
The one who tries to clean a diaper for you and ends up making a way bigger mess.
The one who brings you some paint for a craft, trips and covers everyone and everything in the way in pink paint.
The one who brings you the huge bag of oatmeal and you end up with this on the kitchen floor.

So in these moments we are faced with a challenge and how we respond immediately and over time will strongly affect that child. We must be careful not to feed our own selfish desire to be exasperated and inconvenienced, when these accidents come at the MOST inconvenient times often. So here are a few verses i have memorized that have helped me greatly to overcome my selfish desires to feel violated against and let words come from my mouth that will give the impression i am mad, upset, frustrated, tired and so on....

• Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits. Proverbs 18:21
• There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Proverbs 12:18
• A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1

 I do not always get it right and i fail at keeping my emotions in check but I try to realize what a great heart opportunity i have at hand to point them to the gospel not just in my words but my actions. If i respond calmly and lovingly then they in turn will do that when they are wronged, but in those occasions when i miss this I can come to them and repent and give them the opportunity to see forgiveness in action.

I'd love to hear some of your funny "well intentioned" child stories!