(This post contains affiliate links and links to my products.) The Book Tale of Three Trees is one of my very favorite picture books ever. I know, I know - I have a lot of favorites. In my defense, there are some REALLY great picture books out there! This book tells the story of three trees who each had a dream for their future. The first two trees believe their dreams are about to be fulfilled when the woodcutters come to harvest them. The third tree, on the other hand, believes its dreams are dashed when the woodcutters come because it only wanted to stand straight and tall and point to its Creator forever. In the end, none of the three trees get exactly what they wished ... Read More
Christian Homeschooling
Christian homeschooling encompasses more than just school time. It really should be about how we do life - Bible study, character lessons, prayer time, daily attitudes, serving others, diligently and joyfully working, enjoying family time, worshiping together and so much more. In these articles I have tried to share everything from how I plan our daily Bible time and fantastic resources to help along the way to specific character training lessons and service project ideas that strive to build your children up as you point them to your Father.
The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey and Activity Ideas
(This post contains affiliate links.) Hearts Changed One of our family favorite Christmas books is The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski. It's a story of love, loss, gruffness and a healing heart through the kindness of people and the powerful meaning of Christmas. We never get tired of pulling this book off our shelf for a cozy read-aloud each December. A Fun Book Activity The main character, Jonathan Toomey, is a gruff woodcarver who is excellent at his craft. Over time, he shares his craft with a very willing little boy. This was the perfect time to introduce my littlest guy to the art of carving - soap carving, that is. All it takes is a bar of ... Read More
10 Living Books for Christian Teen Boys
(This post contains affiliate links.) Teen boys. Future leaders. Future husbands. Future fathers. Hard workers. Capable shiners of Light. Those descriptions can put a lot of pressure on the parents raising precious teen boys for Christ's Kingdom. Never fear, God has provided all we need through His Word! I've found a good church family and some really great living literature help a ton, too! For a listing of all the topical living literature posts, please click on the living literature graphic below. You can always find it in the sidebar, too. 10 Living Books for Christian Teen Boys Boyhood and Beyond: Practical Wisdom for Becoming a Man is a living literature devotional ... Read More
10 Living Books for Christian Teen Girls
(This post contains affiliate links.) Raising Christian teens isn't so hard when you have a little help. The Bible, a supportive church and great living books for Christan teen girls are three of my greatest tools! I've read many of these books with my sweet teenage daughter and I'm always amazed at her growth and understanding on topics of growth in Christ, service and purity. I pray your daughters find these books to be a blessing, too! For a listing of all the topical living literature posts, please click on the living literature graphic below. You can always find it in the sidebar, too. Living Books for Christian Teen Girls Before You Meet Prince Charming: ... Read More
10 Living Books for Christian Kids
(This post contains affiliate links.) There are so very many wonderful books we've found over the years to encourage our walk with Christ. In this Loving Living Literature post, I'd like to share our top 10 favorites. I hope you find these to be as precious as our family has. For a listing of all the topical living literature posts, please click on the living literature graphic below. You can always find it in the sidebar, too. Great Books for Christian Kids The Terrestria Chronicles are just fabulous. A young boy held captive by the evil master of the land (the devil) is set free by the one and only person who has the right to do so (Jesus.) In this series, full of adventure, ... Read More
Growing Hearts
(This post contains affiliate links.) Growing Hearts and Minds James 3:13-17 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest ... Read More
On My Heart and Mind…Hope
Suicide. Rape. Drugs. Alcohol. Beatings. Sex trafficking. Demon/Ghost Hunting. We've walked beside teens and families dealing with each of these in the last few months. Why would God peel so many layers from our naive eyes in such a short time? I'm not sure yet. It hasn't been easy talking with our children (16, 13) about such enormous topics. Especially one right after the other. Honestly, it hasn't been our choice to have these conversations, but circumstances required diving deep and searching the Scriptures for answers. And, in each conversation, God has been gracious. It's almost as if we hear God saying, "You have protected them, loved them, taught them ... Read More
Imperfect Homeschooling
Homeschooling Imperfection at my house? Yes. Oh, yes. I love homeschooling. Love it. But let me tell you, some moments aren't warm and fuzzy. Homeschooling is life. Real life. And real life can be tough. A messy house, piles of laundry and dishes, not knowing what we'll eat for supper...at suppertime, a lawn begging to be mowed. And these only describe the household imperfections! Children who whine about school work, lessons I forgot to prepare, appointments that break up our week, pieces of projects laying all over the house. I could go on and on. I'll spare you the rest of the gory details because I have a feeling you might already know them. Am I right? Focusing on all ... Read More
Our Girls from World Help
These girls pulled on my heart strings. Manjeri and Sure are from Uganda and our family had the pure pleasure of hosting them in our home for one short weekend while they were in for a presentation at our church. One short weekend. I never knew how close I could grow to two complete strangers in two days. Manjeri and Sure are part of World Help's Rescue Tour. The sweet children from Uganda, Nepal and the Philippines get to spend almost a year in America sharing their stories as they worship the Lord through song and dance. The program is beautiful - and heart wrenching. The children and beautiful - and will go back home in a few short months. Home for them is a Christian ... Read More
Homeschool Service Projects
I've written about the importance of adding service projects to your homeschool before, but I want to reiterate how BIG making time to help others can be in the life your family. Setting up for our homeless guests at church I'm constantly amazed at the spiritual growth I see in my children as we take part in service projects. They have more compassion for others, notice needs, willingly give up time and resources, joyfully take part in each and every opportunity, and specifically look for ways to help others. I am blessed by their sweet hearts constantly! Most importantly, I see them growing closer to Christ during these times. They "get" that Christ first loved us and the overflow ... Read More