Apologia~Who Am I?

Last year we were able to review the first in the "What we Believe" series, "Who is God and How can I know Him?"  We love this series. 

This year we are yet again blessed by Apologia's "What we Believe" series.  We were sent "Who Am I? and What am I doing Here?"  This series is designed for children ages 6-14 but can easily be adapted for younger or older.  It's never too early or too late to teach them about what God tells them regarding self-image.

We were sent for review:

Textbook ($39.00)

Notebooking Journal ($24.00)

Copy of the book on MP3 CD ($19.00)

Coloring Book ($8.00)

The textbook is amazing!  Have you ever wanted to teach your child about their identity in Christ?  This curriculum will assist you in doing just that!!  This text will help your child develop a healthy self-image based on what the Bible says.  How great is that.  Especially this day and age.  Our children are bombarded with what the world says they should look like.  TV, Magazines, everywhere they turn they are told they need to look a certain way.  You can help change this by directing them toward what Scripture says about self-image.

Our children love seeing first hand what the Bible tells them about self-image.  The questions in each section gets the children searching Scripture.  I L.O.V.E. that!  They get their journals out and write down what they are learning.  Then on the days they are feeling down about themselves they can just open it up and read for themselves how much God adores them.

At the end of each lesson there is a prayer our children can pray. 

No matter what learning style your child is there is something in this curriculum for them.  Our children learn mostly my seeing, touching and hearing.  So the coloring book was an excellent addition to this.  While they were coloring the picture it opened up a bunch of conversations about what we had been going over.  So we popped in the CD and let the conversations commence. 

My favorite part of this curriculum was the lesson plans that are in the journal.  I don't know about any of you, but planning is something I really do not like to do.  So when I can find a curriculum that does it for me...sign me up!  Also, I like that each lesson is broken up into bite sizes.  You can complete this book in 4 months up through 9 months.

Right now there are three books in this series with more on the way.

1. Who is God?

2. Who am I?

3. Who is my Neighbor?

The fourth one What on Earth can I do? will be out later this year. 

You can find samples of each book at Apologia's website.  You can also see the table of contents for each as well.

To see what other crew members are saying go on over to the crew blog.

As a part of TOS homeschool review crew we were sent these books free for review. 

Goals for 2012...both Heart and Home

I hope everyone had a wonderful and blessed Christmas.  I know we did.  It was by far one of the best ones we have ever had.  For the first time since we've been married we were able to bless others.  Usually we are the ones being blessed this time of year.  If you continue to be obedient to God He will bring your though.

I recently joined a Facebook group called Devotional for the Disorganized.  Perfect title for me.  I use to be so organized!!  Recently I've had so many things in the air at the same time many of my duties fell to the wayside.  So in addition to the devotional the moderators will be issuing weekly challenges.  This will all begin on January 1.  She gave us an early challenge. 

Our challenge is to list 5 goals regarding our home and personal goals.  I was then invited to join another Facebook group A Journey to Becoming a Proverbs 31 Wife.  This was exactly what I wanted my goals to reflect for the upcoming year!!

So now onto the challenge.

List 10 goals for my home and role as a Proverbs 31 wife. 

Biblical Womanhood Goals:

• Be more diligent in my quiet times.
• Be more attentive to my husband.
• Allow God to lead me.  Not myself.  Listen to Him.
• Have a more quiet, meek spirit.
• Stay positive, even in the midst of trials.

Household Goals:

• Be more organized. Declutter.
• Keep a schedule for cleaning.
• Finish the kids rooms. (Complete the small projects)
• Do not put off things.  DO them as soon as possible.
• Do not take on more than I can handle.

This coming year is going to be a good one! 

Looking Ahead...

The Christmas rush is over.  Well we have 2 more parties, but for me these are very low key.  We do not need to do much for them.  As I sit here and think back to this year one word comes to mind.....CHANGE.  If you have been a reader for any length of time you know this year had a lot of them for us.

First of all in February we left our church to start a new one.  We were very happy at our previous church.  We loved everyone there.  But God was calling us to step out of that comfort zone.  We knew God wanted us to start something in our town, but for whatever reason we never did.  Then one evening while at a church planting banquet we met 2 men.  They were praying about starting a church in our town.  These men were not from our town, nor did they know anyone here.  Matt and I just looked at each other with mouths open when we heard them.  OK Lord here we are!  I can't say that it was easy from then on out.  It was not.  So many times I wanted to run right back to that comfortable little pew at Faith Baptist Church.  Everything about our church was new (nothing was established).  I did not know where I "fit" in.  I didn't know where to serve, or even how to serve.  I had never been taught by a inexperienced pastor. 

 I'd love to say it has gotten easier for me...but it hasn't.  I still struggle.  But our "baby" church is doing great things in our town.   I am now leading music...another big step of faith for me.   God has used that to peel off yet another layer.  Matt is leading the youth ministry.  We are set to begin AWANA(Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed) on February 4.

Philippians 2:4

"Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others."

One thing is for certain, all of the above change has taught me to lean on God more than any other human.  Humans will let me down.  But God will always be there to hold me up.

Proverbs 3:5-6

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

And lean not on your own understanding;

In all your ways acknowledge Him,

And He shall direct your paths."

It's when I start leading myself I go astray.  I'm letting God direct my path from now on.  Oh it's easier said than done.  So let's just say I'm working on this one.  I'd be lying if I said, I always let God lead me.

The other main change that happened this year was our move.  This is yet another thing God had been prompting us to do.  Yet again, we did not immediately do as He wanted us to do.  We moved from the country into the village.  I can't say there is anymore traffic then what we were use to.  But there are neighbors on all sides of our house.  Matt also moved for the first time in his life.  The house we lived in was the only home Matt had known.  After many hours and days of prayer, we knew God wanted us to move. 

Now that we are settled, our house has become a place of refuge for kids in the community.  Many of the kids that come here, I know their families.  But there are a couple who come here because they said they like it when someone pays attention to them.  We have also been able to bless a young man(pictured above) who does not get Christmas presents.  That broke my heart when he told me.  We were blessed to have him spend Christmas with us.  If for no other reason we know God placed us here for this young man.  Monday he also spent the day with us, cleaning our other house to get ready to show.  He is an amazing young man, God has big plans for him.

So after the year we have had, I know 2012 will be a good one.  I'm going to embrace the changes that come our way.  I'm looking at each of them as a blessing instead of a curse.  Learn from them and grow from them.  As difficult as it is...the blessings for being obedient are greater.

2011 Gratitude Challenge~~Day 1

Brenda over at My Homeschool Garden is hosting a Gratitude Challenge.  I am excited to take the time and reflect on the things in my life God has given me.  Sadly I let "life" cloud my view of God's goodness many times.

So for today I am so thankful that God sent His only Son to die for me!  Did you see that He gave His Son so that I might have eternal life.  But the best part...He did it for you as well.  It's a free gift...all you have to do is take it!  Thank you Lord for all you have done and continue to do in my life!

Ephesians 2:8

"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast."

TOS Review~Educating the WholeHearted Child

Everyday I start my day in the Word.  The Bible is my instruction book in life and in our homeschool.

Each day I'm always asking God, "Am I doing this right?" Meaning teaching the children the right way.   As a part of The Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Review Crew we were sent "Educating the WholeHearted Child" written by Clay Clarkson with Sally Clarkson.  I have heard so many good things about this book, but for whatever reason we never bought it.

When it arrived in the mail I was in awe of it!!  I never realized how big it was.  It is a B.I.G. book....376 pages! 

Now after my time with God in the morning, I immediately open this book.  Sometimes we just need that reassurance we are doing things right.  As I read through the book I felt as if I was sitting with a longtime friend sharing stories of home and homeschooling.  The book is broken into 4 different sections.

Section 1: HOME

This section has everything to do with your home.  "Learning to be at Home with Christ" was one of my favorites.  This included our physical home and our homeschool. 

Section 2: LEARNING

This section showed me really how to understand my children.  Oh I know my children but sometimes I just do not understand them.

Section 3: METHODS

This section starts out with the study of the Bible.  Then going into how to teach children.  I think this quote from the book sums it all up for this section.  "Building a strong roof of discretionary learning over their life throughout their childhood can give them a developing confidence in who they are as they enter adolescence.  That roof will help hold everything together."

Section 4: LIVING

So many times I find myself comparing our children to "The Jones'" children.  I then become frustrated over what our children are not doing.  God used this section of the book to hit me right between the eyes.  "In the end, the measure of your success in homeschooling will not be how well your children perform on achievement tests but how faithful you have been to trust God for His grace and strength in the process of discipline and educating them."  I had been placing way too much into their test scores.  If I just step back and "Faithfully trust God" and "Trust God's faithfulness" we all will succeed!

At the end of the book you will find a "Postscript" where you find a bunch more information.   As well as a section with forms you can copy and use.

Sometimes we just need to hear you are doing this right.  I wish I had bought this book when we first started homeschooling 6 years ago.  I highly recommend every homeschool family buy this book.  This is not a book you can borrow to just read through.  You must take it section by section, piece by piece.  Eventually your book will look like this:

I love the wide margins through out the book.  With not only great quotes from many different people, but this book is L.O.A.D.E.D with Scripture.  Love that!!  So as I mentioned at the beginning, I have been using this book along with my daily quiet times.  I chose a different color pen to underline the verses in my Bible.  So when I needed the Scripture they will stand out to me.

When I found the Scripture in the book, I put brackets around it.  Then went to my Bible and underlined it.

So as you can see this is not a book you can just read.  You need to absorb it.  I have learned so much from it and I look forward to finishing it.  Then starting it again...it is that good.

You can purchase the book for $22.00 through their website, Apologia Education Ministries.  You can also see the Table of Contents HERE.  You can also download a complete chapter HERE.



**As a part of TOS Homeschool Review Crew I received this book free, in exchange for my honest review.**

Courageous

This weekend we went to see the movie Courageous.  I can not say enough about this movie!  Both my husband and I were really moved after watching this movie.  We now know that a spiritual revival needs to take place in our homes....starting with the men!  I'm telling you I have not laughed, cried, and been on the edge of my seat for a movie in a long time.  I must also admit that my husband was just as moved as I was....if not more.  He is fired up!!  He wants to start a revival in homes across our area.  

You can watch the movie trailer below:

  

After the movie we headed to the bookstore.  Now for me that is my favorite store.  But my husband wanted to go and see if we could find the book Courageous.  I was thrilled to find out they had sold out!!  I started searching the shelves and at my delight we found the book Courageous Resolution for Men. 

This book builds on the message of the movie for men.  The Kendrick brothers encourage men to face their past and take charge of the future!  Besides the Bible and text books, I have not seen my husband devour a book so fast.   We got the book Saturday and he is more than half way through.  He was so challenged by the movie that he is ready to roll and fire up men to take charge of the family again.

If you have not seen this movie...PLEASE do so.  Go with your husband.  We did take our children to see it as well.  This movie will have you laughing, crying and gasping all with in a few minutes of the opening scene.

We as wives need to also step up and encourage our husbands.  Here is a great list of "50 Ways to Inspire your Husband."  We can not sit back and watch our husband's rally around each other.  We as women, wives and mothers need to step up and encourage our husbands.

TOS Crew Review~~Greek 'n' Stuff

I was familiar with Greek 'n' Stuff before this review but never used any of their products.  We were given one of the "Alone with God" studies to review.  The one we received was the study of Acts (KJV).  The Alone With God Bible studies were written  for the middle to upper elementary age group. However, some families use these workbooks during family devotions for younger students by reading the Scripture passages and questions orally.

The 52 week studies have scripture readings, prayer and daily readings your child will get a complete understanding of the book.  The studies come in 2 different versions NIV (New International Version) and KJV (King James Version).

Each day looks something like this:

• Prayer
• Read or recite memory verse
• Read and answer questions (usually 2-3 questions)

We decided to use this study for our family devotions.  It really gets the children (and us for that matter) thinking about the Bible in depth. 

This study was a very complete study of Acts.  Although, we have not completed all of it yet, we are really being challenged to get below the surface of the Bible.  The questions are simple enough that everyone can participate.  There are other questions in the sidebar of almost each page.   There is nothing like sitting down as family to study God's Word.   Teaching our children to really study the Bible, not just read it, is one of our main goals in homeschooling.

The Greek 'n' Stuff website has a bunch of information as well as SAMPLE PAGES for you to see.  You can also request a copy of their CATALOG.

The cost of this study is $23.95.  Other "Alone with God Studies" are:

Jonah and Ruth ~ NIV or KJV ~ $8.95

Esther ~ NIV or KJV ~ $8.95

1 Samuel ~ NIV or KJV ~ $21.95

To see what other TOS crew members had to say about Greek 'n' Stuff go HERE.

**I was given a copy of this study for review purposes only.  No other compensation was received.**

TOS Crew Review~Apologia-Who is God?

WHAT IS IT...

252 page hardcovered book

You can view the table of contents and some sample pages below.

Table of Contents

Sample Pages

From their website:

"Who is God and Can I Really Know Him?, introduces the concept of worldview while laying the foundational truths upon which the evangelical Christian worldview is built: God is truth and He reveals His truth to people; He is the one true and almighty God; He is the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; He created everything; we are God’s children and are made to love and to praise Him; God meets all our needs; sin keeps us from God; and Jesus is the only way to God."

This series is aimed toward children ages 6-14 years of age.  This is just the first book in the series.  Other's in the series are:

Who am I?

Who is my brother? Yet to be released

What on Earth can I do? Yet to be released

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST...

$39.00

OUR THOUGHTS...

We have never used any of the Apologia books.  When this book arrived I was pleasantly surprised!  It was a large hard covered book.  The introduction was very informative in teaching me how to use the book.  The lessons are full and are supposed to be done one a week.  You could go longer on each lesson.  In the beginning of the book there is even a lesson plan.  Love that...lesson planning is not one of my strong points.  There is an extra section on their website that goes along with your book.  The "secret code" is given to you in the introduction of the book.

One of my favorite aspects of this curriclum is the notebook that the children keep.   I've always liked notebooking.  When children write things down they retain more.  It's a struggle to get my children to write but when we use a curriclum we enjoy they are happy to.

In each chapter there is a section "World Views".   We believe it is a good idea to teach our children how the world views certain things.  That way they are prepared to defend what we believe and most importantly know why we believe it.

We really are enjoying this book!  We plan on going on with it the rest of this year and into next year.  We also plan on looking into more of their curriculum.  So if you've been looking for a Bible curriculum this is one you should look into.

Go on over to the TOS Crew blog and read what other crew members are saying.

**I received this book as a part of TOS Crew for free in exchange for my honest review.**

FIRST book review~~Jesus in the Present Tense

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the link. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a review . We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a review . We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a review . We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a review from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your peek into the book!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!

Today's Wild Card author is:

Warren Wiersbe

and the book:

 

Jesus in the Present Tense: The I AM Statements of Christ

David C. Cook (January 1, 2011)

***Special thanks to Karen Davis, Assistant Media Specialist, The B&B Media Group for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Dr. Warren Wiersbe is an internationally known Bible teacher and the former pastor of The Moody Church in Chicago. For ten years he was associated with the Back to the Bible radio broadcast, first as Bible teacher and then as general director. Dr. Wiersbe has written more than 160 books, including the popular “Be” series of Bible commentaries, which has sold more than four million copies. He and his wife, Betty, live in Lincoln, NE.

BOOK DISCRIPTION:
As Warren Wiersbe writes, “My past may discourage me and my future may frighten me, but ‘the life I now live’ today can be enriching and encouraging because ‘Christ lives in me.’” In Jesus in the Present Tense, Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe explores the “I AM” statements of God—from His burning bush conversation with Moses, to His powerful reassurances to the Israelites, to Jesus’ startling claim to be the Light of the World. Jesus in the Present Tense offers a fresh exploration of God—the I AM.

God doesn’t want us to ignore the past, but the past should be a rudder to guide us and not an anchor to hold us back. Nor does He want us to neglect planning for the future, so long as we say, “If it is the Lord’s will” (James 4:13-17). The better we understand our Lord’s I AM statements, and by faith apply them, the more our strength will equal our days (Deut. 33:25), and we will “run and not grow weary [and]…walk and not be faint” (Isa. 40:31). We will abide in Christ and bear fruit for His glory today—now.

Product Details:

List Price: $14.99
Paperback: 208 pages
Publisher: David C. Cook (January 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0781404878
ISBN-13: 978-0781404877

MY THOUGHTS:
I really enjoyed this book.  I have really grown to love Dr. Warren Wiersbe's books.  His teaching in the book is so profound.  I've said this before, I have always thought of Dr. Wiersbe's books to be over my head!  But they are not.  Jesus is the I AM not the I WAS! 

My Quiet Time Space

Reading a post from Melissa Taylor today got me to thinking about my own space.  We have no extra space here let alone space just for me.  So instead of complaining I put my thinking cap on and got to work.    I started looking at every inch of the house.  All 900 square feet of it.....bedroom, no extra room in there.  Kitchen....nothing there either.  Bathroom...lets not even go there...LOL!  Downstairs...kids rooms.  Then it hit me.  We have an old computer desk in the dinning room that has doors on it that we used to shove things in when people come over.  YES!!!  I have my "girlie cove" as my  husband called it!! 

BEFORE...this drives me crazy to actually put this on my blog.  EEEK what a mess!!  But like I said it was a store all spot.

Since I'm starting classes on Monday I need a spot to study.  As well as do my quiet times with God.  My husband amazes me at how he can just lie on the couch or in bed and study.  I have to be sitting at a desk or table.  I have to be able to take notes and read.

So after about an hour of cleaning and organizing I finally finished my spot!!

Where the keyboard was pulls out.  It's great for writing on.  I'm SO excited.  I used scrapbook paper on the back part of it.  I also had the scripture sign for a while just waiting for a place for it.

Here is the back of my "girlie cove".  A close up of the Scripture sign.  I will be hanging up some more pictures and such as time goes on.  I really like the uncluttered look!!  I might just leave it like this.

31 Prayers for my Husband calendar.  I had this tucked in my Bible but I love having this right there for me to glance at each day.

I just can not leave out my pictures of Heinz Field.  This might turn into my Steelers wall...LOL!

I am participating in the Made to Crave online Bible Study starting next week.  This book is GREAT!!  I had hoped to have my review up today, but they have asked us to wait on it.  So this space will be getting a lot of use. 

My daughter is bipolar now what.....

This is another one of those posts that I've wanted to do but have just sat here on many occasions and starred at the blinking cursor.  I never know where to start or how to address it.  Warning this is a very long post!!

Ever since my daughter was born I knew something was special about her.  I had many people telling me one thing after another of what was "wrong" with her.  Now remember I did not come to Christ until 2005.  My daughter was born in 1994.   The hardest part of being a parent is hearing from everyone around you "what is wrong with her?" "You should get her checked out." "Why does she do that?"  I know many of these people meant well and did it in a loving way.  But many people do not know what it is like....I mean really like living with someone who is bipolar.  I am not writing this to get sympathy...but to raise awareness of this disorder that is often suffered in silence.  Especially by the family.

Katrina is a very outgoing child.  She has been from birth...I often laugh and tell people she was born talking with the nurses.  From day one she did not like to sleep.  She wasn't fussy when a baby just wide awake at 1 or 2 in the morning.  Eventually it got a little better OR I just got use to it.

As she got older (3-5 year old) she became aggressive toward others.  She was in preschool and had started using foul language.  She would swear in class.  I heard from people...she is one spoiled child.  You need to discipline her more!!  They were not behind the closed doors of home.   Apple Cider vinegar worked for a little while....a trick I got from my cousin's wife who is from Alabama.   I had talked with her doctor about concerns I had about her.  But as a parent you never want to admit there is something "wrong" with your child.  Especially mental problems.

Fast forward to school.  We did not always homeschool.  Katrina went to public school kindergarten thru 6th grade.  When going through a divorce Katrina had to switch schools.  That made things worse with emotional stress on her.  I won't go into details about home life before the divorce but it was not calm by any means.  Many of the school officials told me Katrina was mentally retarded.  I had an uncle who was mentally retarded and I knew Katrina was not.  The school wanted me to sign papers admitting to this so they could "help" her.  NO way was I going to sign anything.   She began going to another school and they were not any better.  They told me Katrina would never learn unless she had medication.  I was still ignoring the signs of her disorder.  It wasn't until she was in 9th grade I actually pursued the "something is wrong with her" idea.

Life at home was not fun at all.  One minute Katrina would be happy and joking around.  The very next minute she was crying.  Then throwing things, hitting someone or something.  I had taken her to the doctor and mentioned this to her doctor.  She said it was her hormones and to give her some PMS pills.  Well the weeks before her cycle would start were even worse than anything we had experienced.  She would physically attack her siblings.  Throw items in the house.  Break things.   My husband is a God sent!!  He was single with no kids.  He came into this craziness without many complaints.  I'm very blessed that God gave him to us!!

I was up one night crying over a battle that had just occurred here.  She got so mad she started choking her sister.  I knew at this time it was not anything to take lightly.  She was going to end up in jail or a mental institution.  I saw on TV this packet you could request to see if someone had Bi-polar.  I got the packet and it suggested I keep a diary of her behavior.  We as a family had suffered in silence for too long.  I was afraid of my own daughter!  Many people told me she needed more discipline, she needed Christ, she needed this and that.  I agree she needed Christ and  has given her life to Him.  Praise the Lord.  BUT this is also a physical and REAL thing she is going through.  Not just something in her head.

We started going to a new doctor 6 months before I started keeping a journal.  I finally had enough to take to the doctor.  I LOVE her doctor.  She talks to us not above us like we are a number on her schedule.  I told her all about my concerns then she talked with Katrina.  It was on that day a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders.  I cried a river when that happened.  My daughter still struggles daily as do all of us.  She cries in her room asking God to make her normal.  That hurts me deeply.  As a mom I want to take ALL her hurt away.  People that do not have mental problems just do not understand what it is like.  Not being able to control certain aspects of your behavior. 

I struggle each day...I see so many families with kids who are great at this and that.  I know they don't mean it...but the people are always saying how smart my sibling's kids are.  Katrina is always quizzed on stuff.  As are the rest of my kids.  Maybe it's because we homeschool....I'm not sure what the reason for it is?  Immediately when she doesn't know the answer right away she hears..."What is wrong with you....?"  One thing this has taught me is God does not make mistakes!  Psalm 139:14 "I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well."  I spend a lot of my day in prayer.  That is the best medicine for me!!

Bipolar is a very real thing.  It's not something that is slapped on someone.  We struggle every day trying to keep order in our home.  I still have my days of tears, but I know now that God has me in His hands and will not let me fall.  Katrina knows He has her in his hands.  But she is also like other teenage girls out there with all the "drama".  She is learning how to control her out bursts and anger.  She does take a medicine now to help.  But she knows the best medicine is God!

Are you ready for Jesus?

While reading an Advent devotional I came across something that really struck me.  Whenever I'm out and about shopping, at the bank or where ever I'm always being asked "Are you ready for Christmas?" Or until recently "Are you ready for the holidays?"  Then I got this devotional from Biblegateway.com.  I'm going to share the poem with you.

"Ready for Christmas," she said with a sigh
As she gave a last touch to the gifts piled high...
Then wearily sat for a moment AND READ
Til soon, very soon, she was nodding her head.
Then quietly spoke a voice in her dream,
"Ready for Christmas, what do you mean?"
She woke with a start and a cry of despair.
"There's so little time and I've still to prepare.
Oh, Father!  Forgive me, I see what You mean!
Yes, more than the giving of gifts and a tree. 
It's the heart swept clean that He wanted to see,
A heart that is free from bitterness and sin.
So be ready for Christmas - and ready for Him.

What do you think it means to be "ready for Christmas?"

What do you think it means to be ready for Jesus?

It is so easy to get caught up in the glitter and glamor of CHRISTmas that you loose focus on why we have it in the first place.  We give our children 3 gifts for CHRISTmas.  Each represent the gifts Christ got from the wisemen...Gold (usually the most expensive one), Frankincense and Myrrh. (Matthew 2:11)
We are also going to start the hunt for Baby Jesus this year.  We will hid the baby and the kids will search for him.  When they find it we will read the CHRISTmas story....before they open any gifts.  We will see how it goes.  We really want our children to focus on Christ before themselves.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!!

We really do not decorate a lot around our house.  I believe it takes away from what CHRISTmas is really about.  Also, it's just more I have to put away. 

Decorating the tree.

This is Hannah's favorite time of the year.

Here is how Katrina helped us! LOL! She did help more than this, but would not let me take her picture.   I am such a proud mama with my teenager!  Last weekend she hit the streets sharing information about the church we are starting with a few other families.  She was not afraid or shy about telling people in our town.  Even after the very first person she talked to said NO.  She kept going.  I do not know of many teens who are willing to do this.

The only one tall enough to put the angel on the tree!

This is a crocheted CHRISTmas tree my Mom made me.  I love it.  I wish I could crochet like her.  I just need to do it more and I would be able to.

We had a cookie baking day at church yesterday.  7 of us got together and made cookies.  We use to do it at a woman's home but outgrew that quickly.  This is a little like a cookie exchange, but it's fun to get together and bake.

This is only half of what we ended up with.  We had 4 huge tables full of cookies.

My greatest accomplishment recently is my quest to read through the Bible!!  As you will remember a while ago I posted about the challenge that was given to me.  Read through the Bible in 4 months.  I'm so blessed I took this challenge.  You can read my post HERE. 

How are your CHRISTmas plans coming?

 

Read the whole Bible in 4 months!

I've been wanting to reading through the Bible since I was saved in 2005.  I start out strong and always fizzle out.  Satan uses life challenges to hinder my walk with God...and I LET him.  Today a challenge was made to me on an email group I belong to, the writer challenged us to read through the Bible in 4 months!  WOW I thought...at first I said to myself....no way could I do that!  But when I read further in the email I realized it was only 12 chapters per day.  Four chapters 3 times a day OR Three chapters 4 times a day.  That is so reachable.  I read easily 12 chapters of other books everyday.  WHY can't I do the same in the Bible?  There is NO reason why I can't!

How much time do you spend watching TV?  Could be reading the Bible!!  How much time do you spend reading other types of books?  Could be reading the Bible!!  How much time do you spend surfing the internet, being on facebook, twitter, games ect? YOU could be reading the Bible.  These are ALL things that have kept me away from being blessed by reading my Heavenly Father's words to me!!

So here is the schedule I'm planning on keeping....why not join me?

September

Genesis - 1 Chronicles 22

October

1 Chronicles 23 - Isaiah 54

November

Isaiah 55 - Galatians 3

December

Galatians 4 - Revelations 22

If you stick to this schedule you will finish well before the end of the year.  While this might seem like a lot at first glance....remember....many books have 5 and less chapters.

How can we share it if we've never read it?!

Wonderful Bible Study Book!!

Last month I went with our church to a ladies advance about an hour from here.  We were to sign up for 3 workshops.  One was on organization, another was winning teens to Christ, and the third was a new transforming way to learn who God is.  I wasn't expecting much...I mean you've heard one Bible study way you've heard them all RIGHT??!!  Well let me tell you BOY was I wrong!  The Bible study is based on a book written by Mardi Collier called "What do I know about my God?"

I'm telling you, if you can buy this book!!  I am on my second time through the book.  In the book she teaches you a way to keep a journal about what you learn about God. Before this, I did my quiet time just to do it, or I did it just to fit it in somewhere.  But I rarely walked away with anything to grow on.  I am learning SO much about God from this.   Below I am going to describe how I have started mine.  I opted for a large binder, so I can add alot to it.  But you can use any size you want.

ITEMS YOU NEED:

3 ring binder

loose leaf paper

pen

Bible

I chose to make my binder "pretty" with scrapbook paper.  I will probably change the cover when I have some time.  But for now this will do.

Now, in the book Mardi suggests we start in Psalms.  Read as many verses as you can.  Pick out a word in a verse that tells you about God.  For example:

Psalm 18:1-3

I will love thee, O LORD, my strength.

The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.

I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.

When you read these verses you will see there are many things in here that describe God.

-strength

-rock

-fortress

-deliverer

-buckler

-high tower

So from this list I will pick strength.  At the top of a sheet of paper write: My God is strength.  Then below that write out Psalm 18:1-3.  For each word in the list you would make a new page.  I have A-B-C tabs so I can keep them separate.  Eventually I will be making up an index.

This is a sample of one of my pages.  At the bottom of the page I write a little "blurb" of what I was doing when I discovered this about My God!  Where I was, what I was doing, maybe who was speaking ect.  I'm telling you, you really should head on over to CBD and purchase this book.  You will be so blessed from it.  I know I was.  I have grown so much in this past month.  What a great witnessing tool this is as well.  When you are speaking with a friend who needs Christ you can turn to the section My God is my Savior! 

Not only is this book a Bible study method but a personal testimony of Mardi Collier.  She opens right up to her readers and shares a lot with us.  Most of which I could so relate!  Her and her husband operate The Wilds, a christian camp for young and old...I mean young at heart.

God is ALWAYS there!

In times of trials remember: The arm or the hand of the Lord is not shortened that it cannot save - nor His ear heavy, that it cannot hear. I say this in response to difficult situations, poor health, disobedient children, financial troubles and, among many other things, despair.

"Behold, the LORD’S hand

is not shortened,

that it cannot save;

neither his ear heavy,

that it cannot hear:”

Isaiah 59:1

How great is the Hand of the Lord? He who holds His hand over the sea… He who shakes the trees of the wilderness… He who calms the sea that the wind and the waves obey Him… If He can do all this He will surely deliver us from this time of troubles.

There is nothing too hard for the Lord. I may face a mountain of troubles, I may grieve or struggle with health problems, disappointment, loss or financial trials - but I DO know this – there is nothing too hard for the Lord. Nothing. There is no life, no situation, no trial, no hardship too hard for the Lord. The enemy, the devil, wants us to believe that we are without hope, that we have failed too many times - or worse, we might not be failing at the moment, it’s only a matter of time where we will fail again and then again we will be too far beyond hope - beyond hope of ever doing better - ever getting things right. The enemy may even persuade us to believe that our life is of little use - of little or no worth - that we are the only ones with the type of troubles or the sins or the continuing destructive habits.

I recently took a class taught by our Pastor---Spiritual Development---many things we learned I've been trying (key word here is trying) to put these things into practice. Satan is always lurking around every corner he is at once our tempter, deceiver and accuser.   Satan used this current trial we are in to tempt me.   I became bitter, angry, upset, I was in constant worry ect.  That is sin!!  Just what he wants.  It's easy to say...I just need to give it all to God....just not easy doing it.  We as humans want to be in control and I think that we feel if we give things over to God we are not in control.  We are NOT in control of our lives God is!!  Isn't life a lot easier with Him in control???  I know it is for me.  Oh you will still have your trials...He uses these to mold us into what he has planned for our lives...to strengthen us.

When we turn to God, we turn to the Truth: And we hear: “Is my hand shortened at all…?”

I think of the verse:

“This poor man cried,

and the LORD heard him,

 and saved him out of all his troubles.”

 (Psalm 34:6)

You see, the Lord hears and the Lord heals and the Lord lifts. He is at once indeed Jehovah-jireh (the Lord our provider) and Jehovah-rapha (the Lord our healer) and Jehovah-shammah (The Lord is present) and Jehovah-Shalom (the Lord our peace).  If you have never done a study on the names of God you really should!!  It is such a blessing!  I have a notebook that I've started writing them down in.

He is our All in all - I do know this....He saved ME. And if He thought enough to save me, He will surely save YOU. I cried and the LORD heard me and saved me out of my troubles.

"That all the people of the earth

might know

the hand of the LORD,

that it is mighty:

that ye might fear the LORD

your God for ever."

Joshua 4:24

We trust in and proclaim His greatness… we consider that His arm is not short nor His hand shortened that it cannot save. Over the past week I have thought many times on the hand of the LORD.  But the Lord has never stopped providing for us.   He is ever present, ever able, ever waiting, ever watching, ever providing, ever preparing, ever guiding, ever preventing… and on and on: ever able. And I marvel that the hand of the Lord is never shortened that it cannot save - no matter what, no matter when.  All we need to do is reach out to Him in our times of need.  Don't ask why, how, or where...just say Ok Lord...If you brought us to it you will bring us through it!!  Trust me this is NOT easy to do when you are in the middle of a trial of any kind.

In the same notebook I mentioned above I've also started a blessings journal where I write down the daily blessings I've seen.  No matter how small they may seem.  God gives us many blessings during the course of a day.  It has really helped me in this time of trials.  Thanks to ALL who have been praying for us...leaving comments here on my blog...and on Facebook!!  It has really meant a lot to me.  It has also opened my eyes on many things.  Like the verse says:

"As iron sharpens iron,

So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend."

Proverbs 27:17