Springtime

Once for All!

I woke up early this morning, and was thinking of the old hymn, "On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand"...particularly the phrase, "dressed in His righteousness alone, faultless to stand before the throne." No wonder I get goosebumps when I sing that song...wow!

I am in awe of the good theology behind the old hymns. Not that there aren't good modern songs, but the amount of excellent Bible doctrine written in thousands of the hymns, doesn't even compare to the ones written today. Singing the old hymns growing up taught me sound Bible doctrine.

We're going through the book of Hebrews in Bible Study and I came away so encouraged yesterday, after reading through chapters 8-10, and hearing Michael Pearl teach on chapter 9. I've grown up believing imputed righteousness, but just realized it! :) Studying the Bible and learning new things is so exciting to me!

The old covenant--O.T. priests that were needed every year to offer blood sacrifices for the sins of the people-- was not good enough because of us (sinful people), so Christ came to provide a better way. "For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect...By the which we will are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins; But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God." He died once for all, for all sins--past, present, and future. There is such assurance of salvation in Hebrews 10, it's unbelievable! I wish I would've understood that when I was 10 years old. Jesus was the blood sacrifice for sin and "entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us." So, when I believe (and keep on believing) in Jesus and what he did, God sees me through Jesus. I'm holy and clean through and because of the work of Jesus. I suppose I never understood the fact that I don't need to live in a guilty cycle of confessed/unconfessed...or be afraid that if I die at the "wrong moment" that I may not be saved. My salvation is not based on MY confession of MY sins and short-comings, but it's based in the work that Christ did on the cross. Now, instead of living in a guilty state, wondering if I remembered to confess to God all that that I've done wrong, I can just thank him for the Cross.

"living He loved me, dying He saved me, burried He carried my sins far away, rising He justified, freely forever..."

I'm complete, whole, forgiven, justified b/c of Jesus. This "old/Biblical" way of thinking has been a liberating thought to me. It puts all the glory and worship on Jesus...and there's no room for self.

"But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them." Heb. 7:24-25

"Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh, And having an high priest over the house of God; Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for He is faithful that promised.")

5 Yr. Anniversary Celebration...

Justin took me to downtown Indy for a belated anniversary trip. We had a fun time and attended the Indiana Homeschool Conference as well. We were planning to go back to St. Elmo's Steakhouse--our 3rd anniversary celebration spot--but decided to go w/ Fogo De Chao, instead. It's a fancy Brazilian steakhouse...one of those once-every-couple-years-places. :) There's an awesome gourmet bar w/ every kind of exotic salad, crusty bread, and delicious cheeses. After the "appetizer", then came the meal: Brazilian cowboys brandishing huge skewers of meat plus yummy side dishes. Needless to say, we were both stuffed, but did go for the cheesecake at the end, justifying it, since we split it and had a few blocks to walk back to the hotel.

The hotel we where we stayed, was connected to the Convention Center and a mall. We tried to find a dress coat for Justin, but didn't succeed. :( I thought the men's coat selection would be like the women's section at the end of the season. Goodness! I was wrong...there were hardly any to choose from! He needed a size smaller...but there wasn't one.

~He's an awesome ironer...all my clothes that needed to be ironed left after I had children...should've kept some. :)

The Conference we attended was very good, although it seemed a bit smaller than Illinois.

(Justin's work schedule is too busy for the Illinois ones) The vendor hall--one of the favorite spots--had tons of books and such! We knew what we needed and conquered that the first day. The curriculum choices are endless, pricey, and can be very overwhelming. My motto is: SIMPLE. I'm going to use Rod and Staff Reading and Phonics and "Popcicle Math" and the other books that are pictured. I'm so blessed that my Mom has paved the way. I'm using her hardback books, and just buying our own consumables or the ones that she's worn out. :)
There were several used book dealers at the conference...we love those! I was able to get lots of science-type books for low prices. The kids were so excited to see the "loot" when we got home!

We felt like we were drinking from a fire hydrant...sitting at the feet of veteran parents/homeschoolers. It really wasn't about homeschooling, as much as it was home discipling. I believe there is a difference. It's not just "school" that we're doing at home, but we're actually wanting to disciple our children, teaching them God's Word and how to live to please the Lord. I really think non-homeschooling-parents would enjoy the conference because there's so many great resources and workshops. Justin and I really enjoyed two of the main speakers: Rick and Marilyn Boyer, parents of 14 children. Justin enjoyed Rick's sense of humor, and I enjoyed Marilyn's "Getting it All Done" Workshop, and others. One workshop I attended was called, "Occupying Preschoolers" and was taught by a dad! It was hilarious! I took so many good notes and it's fun to apply some of the ideas I learned. I think it's so good to keep evaluating what we're doing and why we're doing it, as parents. Here's a quickie run-down of some of my notes/applications:

~Learn to differentiate btwn. childishness and disobedience (accidentally spilling milk, would be an example of childishness)

~Speak the Word when I'm training:

*Start studying and teaching verses related to character traits

*Allow life to stop when training is required

~Pray for ideas and wisdom for handling various situations or questions the kids may have

~Have vision and goals--expect maturity

~Work training into our "school-day"--have the kids help me do the dishes, cook, clean-up...and make it fun!

~Praise the children when we pray--thank the Lord that _________ obeyed or helped Mommy, etc. Pour on positive affirmation w/ the the kids

~Create a culture in our home...make certain days special, start traditions, etc...

~Take time to play together

~Pre-train/teach kids about various situations. (behavior that's expected at church, grocery store, a playdate, etc. Children need to be taught proper behavior, not just be expected to "know")

~Have a place for everything in the house

~Give specific jobs to the kids

~Study your children: what their interests are, what encourages them or discourages them (Realize that we're raising up the next generation of leaders/people of character)

~Praise their good character traits and turn their misused ones around

~Spend 1 on 1 time with each child throughout the day--toddlers/preschoolers

~Play the "Ifs" Game- "If this happened, what would you do?"

Developing a Work Ethic in Your Kids-

~Focus on character quality rather than perfection

~Work on character traits and learn w/ your kids!

~Make a list of all age appropriate chores, assign and train during the summer, that way during the school year, it's easier

~Do a character quality: 1 a month

~Children need accountability w/ chores...check up on them or work w/ them

~Obedience: cheerfully, immediately, thoroughly

~Kids are different=different expectations

~Older kids are key-do a good job training them, and your job w/ the younger ones will be much easier

~"Every negative character quality is merely a positive character quality misused"

~Train them in God's Word--that is what will permanently affect them. Gear training and teaching toward their needs. (assign specific bible verses for them to learn)

Obedience From the Heart:

~Our goal is to do our best, even when no one is looking. God always sees; Our kids need a proper fear of God

~Submission to us=submission to God

~Obedience: 1. Cheerfully 2. Immediately 3.Thoroughly

~Discipline for disobeying God (not offending us)

~Discern attitudes; learn to "read" the kids [ex she gave: sometimes a child who is displaying anger, is actually embarrassed]

~Ask for direction from the Lord as we train the kids

~Let peace rule in our hearts

~5 Love Languages of Children: acts of service, words of affirmation, physical touch, quality time, giving gifts (look for patterns of how they reach out to you...it's probably their love language) Learn to speak their love language

~God's mercy softens judgement...not a drill sgt, but not permissive

~Kids don't expect us to be perfect, they want us to be honest (be willing to admit when we're wrong)

~Scripture is the only thing that will bring about lasting changes in behavior

~Train them to obey 1st, and ask questions later

Getting it All Done:

~Say no to good things if it interferes w/ the best

~Constantly evaluate outside committments and activities

~Realize that in this season (while the kids are young), my family is my priority. That may mean saying no to good things...like a women's bible study, etc...

~Streamline your schedule, your child's schedule, and your curriculum

~Organize your home: make a frustration list-then look for solutions (ofen it's only 1 or 2 things that really bug us, and reoccur many times throughout the day--she gave the example of needing a shoe shelf and book shelves. Everything in the house needs a "home")
~Train kids in organization

~Discipline YOURSELF and your children

~Include preschoolers in "school"-help them be productive and get creative w/ them (have a lg. box of interesting "only-during-school" items

~There's a quick re-cap of our little trip. It was a blessing, and I'm so thankful for a husband who sees the importance of going away, every once in a while. ~

Guess what arrived at the post office this morning?

Mr. Post Office Man giving out treats...

And, presenting the package of chirping chicks!

William was having a hard time not touching...


It's a nice feeling to have new babies in the house. :)

All 25 were alive and well...cheeping and trying to fly out of the box


The professional "chicken lady" rushed over to assist us...

The babies new home...my basement! I cannot believe I have farm animals in my house!

Having fun w/out the sun...

Oberweiss Dairy Shoppe!



Moo...

Swimming...


Fish #1
Official puddle-splasher/sunbather
...alternate ways of wearing a life-vest...

Eyein' the treats...


Dinner out...yay...no cooking or cleaning up!
...she preferred the shallow waters...

William's 1st time down a big waterslide. Justin asked him if he wanted to go down again...William chirped, "No thanks." And ran for the kiddie slide. :)


Watching Mommy...