treasures of a mother's heart

our house

2006-05-03T08:45:00.000-07:00

I like to see a lovely lawn
Bediamoned with dew at dawn,
But mine is often trampled bare,
Because the youngsters gather there.

I like a spotless house and clean
Where many a touch of grace is seen.
But mine is often tossed about
By youngsters racing in and out.

I like a quiet house at night
Where I may sit to read and write.
But my peace flies before the tones
Of three brass throated saxophones.

My books to tumult are resigned,
In vain my furniture is shined,
My lawn is bare, my flowers fall,
Youth rides triumphant over all.

I love the grass, I love the rose,
And every living thing that grows.
I love the books I ponder o’er,
But oh, I love the children more!

And so unto myself I say:
Be mine the house where youngsters play!
Oh, little girl, oh healthy boy,
Be mine the house which you enjoy!

by Edgar A. Guest

"Where no oxen are, the trough is clean. But much increase comes by the strength of the ox." Proverbs 14:4

she loved it!

2006-05-03T08:21:00.000-07:00

She loved it! The deep blue four-inch vase sat in her glass cabinet for thirty years until her death. I'm convinced that she loved it more every year she lived. She didn't have to say much about it. Just that fact that it sat there among other valuables and was dusted with cherished thoughts was enough. You could see mom having good memories.

I remember when I bought that blue vase for mom. I was on a trip with a school group when we stopped at a truck stop. There on the shelf was the blue vase, and in my pocket was some of my very own money. I'm not sure, as a grade-school boy, that I had bought anything costing three dollars on my own before, but I didn't hesitate. I really wanted to buy it for mom.

When mother died, I took the vase and put it in my own cabinet. It represents the unselfish, encouraging nature of my mother. She was always like that, making out that you were so special. She always told us that the four children were equally loved and appreciated, but I knew she loved me the most. We all thought that about ourselves.

Selfish moms have it hard. They must struggle daily with the demands of their calling. But thankfully most moms have a generous, self-sacrificing nature for their children. It is not to be despised. If it is once a day her selflessness is called on, it is twenty times a day. And if it is twenty, it is 150,000 times in the twenty or so years while the children are being raised. And that's just for starters.

Moms must be professional givers. They give their precious time, skills, energy, encouragement, and love unstintingly. It takes Christ in the woman to do that well.

I know that a lot of sinful stuff is hidden to the eyes of our children. Surely my parents weren't perfect either. But they did seem perfect to me. It's good of God to keep kids in the dark about how awful parents are. But, for the life of me, I think my mom really was special mostly because she was so full of Christ.

"Let her works praise her in the gates," the Proverb states. Indeed. The goodness of a Christ-filled woman is tangible, seen in a myriad of acts of love for her kids.

Why does she do them?

Part of the reason is what is called "common grace." God graciously puts familial love in the hearts of all mothers. Society is better because of it. But add Christ to that, and you have something far richer.

Only a Christian mom can love that child "for Christ's sake," and "as unto the Lord." Only a Christian mom can show her child what it means to be a true believer in Christ. Only a Christian mom can pray effectively for her child. Only a Christian mom can teach her children the truth about Jesus. Only a Christian mom can teach her kids what marriage is all about, even when times are difficult. And only a Christian mom can die as a lover of Christ, contentedly anticipating eternity in the house of her heavenly father.

You young men, marry a truly Christian woman. And children, thank God for the love God has had for you that he put you in a home with such a mother. Fathers, cherish the mother of your children who lives so unselfishly. What beauty is there; what nobility of character; what Christ likeness!

The blue vase reminds me of her. Perhaps like no other item in our home. And I'm sure that the porcelain skunk with the bushy tail reminds my brother of mom also. The skunk rested, tail in the air, next to the blue vase in my mother's cabinet. But now it's in my brother's house. As with the vase, it was an early token of my brother's affection.

Skunks and truck stop vases are the stuff of love in a child's mind, but cherishing skunks and vases is a mother's special talent. May God bless them for it.

written by Jim Elliff
Copyright 2003
used by permission

"Her children rise up and call her blessed." Proverbs 31:28

the haven of home

2006-05-03T08:10:00.000-07:00

"The home is the resort of love, of joy, of peace and plenty, where, supporting and supported, polished friends and dear relations mingle into bliss."

Thomas Guthrie

"To the little child, home is his world - he knows no other. The father's love, the mother's smile, the sister's embrace, the brother’s welcome, throw about his home a heavenly halo and make it as attractive to him as the home of angels. Home is the spot where a child pours out all his complaint and it is the grave of all his sorrows. Childhood has its sorrows and its grievances, but home is the place where these are soothed and banished by the sweet lullaby of a fond mother’s voice."
Gene Fedele

I felt I had to share this reading. I was so moved by what said. It sums up the entire essence of what a home life really is and needs to be. A refuge, and a little sanctuary for our little one's to feel safe, loved, special, and learn about God's teaching. A place, that even if its location has changed, will always be there for our children no matter what circumstances they are experiencing at the time. A safe haven filled with unconditional love and free from judgment. My hope and prayer for my children is that they grow strong in the Lord and learn to show love and compassion. To be Godly men first and then I think everything else falls into place. What wonderfully sweet responsibility God has given us as parents. Parenting isn’t with out its hard ships, but we are made stronger parents because of it. I feel truly blessed and honored every time I hear my little ones calling me mom.

This was written by sweet treasuremom, Janell Campbell, who has two little boys, ages 5 and 3. It blessed my heart so much as I read it.

"Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us that we should be called children of God." 1 John 3:1

give us this day

2006-05-02T08:54:00.000-07:00

I first ventured into the world of cooking when I was a little girl and my mom said that I could experiment in her kitchen. We decided that I would bake biscuits and they would be hot when my dad walked through the door at suppertime. My mom was brave. She turned me loose and, alone with Betty Crocker, I whipped up the most beautiful, golden brown, fluffy biscuits one could hope for. Imagine my dad’s delight when he sat down and, mouth watering, took that first bite. Then picture his expression as he discovered that I had used baking soda rather than baking powder without souring the milk! Somehow he downed that whole biscuit and took another before my mom and I ate ours and realized what had happened. I felt both humiliation at my mistake and wonder at a terrific father who was more interested in encouraging me as a homemaker than in his own culinary experience! Within a week I had baked a scrumptious loaf of pumpkin bread and my reputation in the kitchen was restored!

I had determined early on in our marriage to learn how to bake bread. My husband had told me that his grandma always baked bread and she had done it so often through the years that she didn’t even need to use yeast anymore because so much of it was floating around in her kitchen! Naïve and inexperienced in baking as I was, I believed him! But I also knew that his dad, my father-in-law, made sure to drop by his mom’s house just when the bread was coming out of the oven. I knew, instinctively, that a mom held terrific sway over even a grown son by her culinary prowess! It was a bit of magic I intended to wield!

I have since learned much more about bread and the importance of good yeast. Here is my favorite bread recipe of all time:

Pilgrim Bread

The blended flavors of four grains are even better when toasted! It is extra good if you are able to grind the wheat and rye berries right before making this recipe.

¾ cup yellow corn meal
½ cup brown sugar
1 ½ TBS salt
3 cups boiling water
1/3 cup oil
3 packages active dry yeast
(or 2 TBS. bulk)
¼ tsp ginger
1 tsp sugar
¾ cup warm water
1 ½ cup whole wheat flour (1 cup wheat berries)
¾ cup rye flour (1/2 cup rye berries)
6 cups sifted white flour
1 cup rolled oats
1 egg, well-beaten

Thoroughly stir corn meal, brown sugar, oil, and boiling water. Let cool to lukewarm, about 30 minutes. Soften yeast, sugar, and ginger in ¾ cup of warm water. Stir into the cooled corn meal mixture. Add the whole wheat and rye flours. Mix well. Stir in enough white flour to make a moderately stiff dough. Turn out on a floured board, knead until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease surface. Cover and let rise in a warm place until double, about 1 hour. Punch down, turn out on a floured board and divide into thirds. Cover and let rest 10 minutes. Shape into 3 loaves, place in greased loaf pans or shape into round loaves and place on greased cookie sheets. Brush tops with egg mixture and sprinkle rolled oats on top. Let rise again until almost doubled, about 35 minutes. Bake in 350 degree oven for 40 minutes. Check after first 20 minutes if it is getting too brown and loosely cap with foil. Remove from pans and cool on wire rack.

"She also rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household, and a portion for her maidservants." Proverbs 31:15

unconventional

2006-05-02T07:19:00.000-07:00

"No idea is so outlandish that it should not be considered with a searching but at the same time a steady eye."

Winston Churchill

The Road Not Taken

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

Robert Frost

The principle: We have chosen the less-traveled path
The plan: Rejoice in the choice!

When we began homeschooling in the early 1980's, we knew of one other family who homeschooled and 8 months after we began, they moved 1500 miles away! Not many people in our community had heard of the idea of homeschooling and I was often asked many questions. Is it legal to homeschool? How will your children be socialized? Does the government pay you to do this? We soon realized that we had chosen a path that was not very well-worn and that it was lined with naysayers who wished to frequently remind us of it!

Along with the choice came the very real concerns that any responsible woman would have. Can we raise a family on only one income? Will we be able to retire with only one pension? Will my housework ever get finished? Can I teach my children to read? How will I take care of a baby and teach math at the same time? Will my children be able to get into college? Will they be able to get jobs? We had chosen to educate our children in a most unconventional way.

Winston Churchill was unconventional. Little unnerved him. He placed in front of himself goals that most people could never hope to accomplish. His imagination drove his policies and more often than not he pursued unpopular choices. Resistance from those under his charge was a daily occurance because he was in the business of training future leaders rather than filling heads with instructions. He began by winning the hearts and minds of those under his authority and then, after demonstrating his genuine concern for them, gently led them to accomplishing his goals. It has been said of his opponents that, in the end, "those who came to curse, remained to cheer."

Today, remember that you, like Winston Churchill, have chosen the road less traveled and trust that, in the end, it will make all the difference to you and to your children.

"Eye has not seen nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him." I Corinthians 2:9

the children's hour

2006-04-25T07:00:00.000-07:00

Do you ever wish you could be a child again, just for a little while? Whenever I read this poem, I long for my dad, who would recite the last stanza to me every single night when he tucked me into bed.

Oh that I could go back to that precious time, if only to one bedtime moment in the whole history of my childhood bedtimes. I would savor his voice, the roughness of his evening whisker stubble, the pinkness of my room. I would beg him to stay, to linger and hold me ever so tightly in the round-tower of his heart!

Tonight I will pause as I say good night to my boys still at home, the handsome and gawky teens who are usually too busy to hug for very long. And I will make a memory, if not for them, then for me.

The Children's Hour
by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Between the dark and the daylight,
When the night is beginning to lower,
Comes a pause in the day's occupations,
That is known as the Children's Hour.

I hear in the chamber above me
The patter of little feet,
The sound of a door that is opened,
And voices soft and sweet.

From my study I see in the lamplight,
Descending the broad hall stair,
Grave Alice, and laughing Allegra,
And Edith with golden hair.

A whisper, and then a silence:
Yet I know by their merry eyes
They are plotting and planning together
To take me by surprise.

A sudden rush from the stairway,
A sudden raid from the hall!
By three doors left unguarded
They enter my castle wall!

They climb up into my turret
O'er the arms and back of my chair;
If I try to escape, they surround me;
They seem to be everywhere.

They almost devour me with kisses,
Their arms about me entwine,
Till I think of the Bishop of Bingen
In his Mouse-Tower on the Rhine!

Do you think, o blue-eyed banditti,
Because you have scaled the wall,
Such an old mustache as I am
Is not a match for you all!

I have you fast in my fortress,
And will not let you depart,
But put you down into the dungeon
In the round-tower of my heart.

And there will I keep you forever,
Yes, forever and a day,
Till the walls shall crumble to ruin,
And molder in dust away!

“Let the little children come to me and forbid them not for of such is the kingdom of God.” Mark 10:14

date night

2006-04-21T09:43:00.000-07:00

It is Friday and that means one thing at our house.

DATE NIGHT!

My husband, wise man that he is, made the decision about 20 years ago to institute what he called "date night" in our home. This is one night set aside each week where we will actually have a complete conversation across the dinner table, eating adult food, and pausing to clean up nothing that has been spilled! We will laugh
and we will enjoy each other the way we did in the courting days.

Moms need to have one evening each week where they can be a wife. They need to feel that they are valued for who they are as women not only as mothers. They need to be able to relax and talk about something other than spelling quizzes and music lessons. When one night a week is named as the special time for just mom and dad, mom has all week long to look forward to and prepare for it. She will not feel frustrated that there is no time to have long conversations about things that are important to her when she knows there is a special time during the week just for that purpose.

A weekly date night is just as important to dad as it is to mom. I remember one particular date night where this was proven to me. One of my husband's co-workers had been injured in an accident at work and was in the hospital. It happened to be on a Friday, our usual date night, and we decided to visit him while we were in Peoria. When we came in the door, he was thrilled to see us and also surprised. He said, "Wow, I didn't expect to see you guys. This is your date night, right?" Until that evening, I didn't know that my husband had talked about our weekly date night at work and that he had made sure everyone in the office knew he had to leave on the dot, if not early, on Fridays because he didn't want to miss date night! Not only did I feel valued but I also learned that our times together were just as important to him as they were to me.

I know the concept is not a new one to many people and various homeschooling support group leaders have encouraged moms and dads to set aside time each week to be alone and enjoy each other's company. But I know that there are many couples who are still struggling with the practicality of pulling off a date night. I would like to offer some suggestions for making this time of refreshment a reality in your home.

Date night doesn't have to be formal or elegant. Prepare a picnic lunch with real plates and glasses in a basket, pack your Ipod with mini speakers, a lovely table cloth, and head to the park. Play some of your favorite tunes as you have dinner and enjoy the great outdoors. Carry-out is also an option so mom doesn't have to cook! Hot dogs at a ball game or tacos at an outdoor band concert are also fun.

Be creative with your childcare options. When our older children were small, we set aside money in the budget to pay for a sitter for one evening each week and sometimes the children stayed with my parents who lived near by. As our older children grew up, they were the sitters and we used the sitter money for them to order pizza, making the evening special for them, too. There were also times where we couldn't leave the children so I would feed them early and make a special dinner for my husband late at night when they were in bed. Even now I like to set up candles all around the edge of our deck railing and surprise my husband with a favorite meal. Another option is to trade evenings of babysitting with another couple who has children.

Spend as little or as much as your budget allows. We have gone to movies or concerts on date nights. We have taken long walks along the Peoria riverfront or at parks in our area. I usually pull out the arts section of our local newspaper to look for all the terrific options available each week. Occasionally we have invited others to share our date nights, including nursing babies, but usually we prefer to go alone. Check out The Generous Wife for lots of other great idea.

Make a plan for date nights. You won't be sorry you did.

"And may the Lord make you increase in and abound in love toward one another." I Thessalonians 3:12

on being a gracious homeschooler

2006-04-19T07:47:00.000-07:00

"To build may have to be the slow and laborious task of years. To destroy can be the thoughtless act of a single day." Winston Churchill

the principle: You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar and you can win more people with gracious words than with harsh words

The plan: use gracious words!

Recently I read an article written by a young man who had been homeschooled throughout his high school years. Obviously bright and articulate, he is currently serving in the US Air Force and seems to have a good head on his shoulders. As he writes about the homeschooling training he received and his college experience, at first glance it seems that it was thorough and far excelled that of many of his peers. Sadly, though, the arrogance and pride in his life rose to the surface of his words, leaving me saddened at how many opportunities he was missing for being an example of homeschooling at its finest.

In detailing several stories from the various courses he had taken at the college level and in citing examples of how much more he knew than his professors did, he said, “I could mention my journalism class, which taught me nothing. Or my argumentation class, which taught me nothing, or even my American government class at the highly-regarded Patrick Henry College, which taught me (you guessed it!).” It left me saddened at the obvious lack of training in the practice of humility this young man had received, not to mention how much he was missing in his education by not being willing to add to his knowledge with a spirit of respect.

One of the great lessons that Winston Churchill not only taught but also practiced was the art of magnanimity, of being a person who was willing to show deference and respect. He wisely knew that winning over people to your way of thinking, or as Christians, a Biblical viewpoint, requires a sweetness and gentleness in your life.

His granddaughter, Celia Sandys, tells the story of one particular occasion when Churchill hosted a bitter rival for tea and cake. The harsh opponent later said he had been surprised by the gesture and called that brief encounter the “bread and salt of friendship,” which opened the door to further dialogue and eventually resolution of conflict.

Churchill believed that by being magnanimous toward others, you will reap the rewards of making friends and allies of even enemies and opponents, remembering, too, that there are those who might lack the ability or good fortune with which you have been blessed.

Have your children learned the art of being good listeners? Are they willing to learn from others while maintaining discernment? When you listen to them talk, do they convey contempt and pride or do they show respect and graciousness?

"So all bore witness to Him, and marveled at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, "Is this not Joseph's son?" Luke 4:22

then bursting forth in glorious day

2006-04-16T05:31:00.000-07:00

"There are some truths powerful enough to make even a heart of stone cry out."

Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!

This blessed truth, the cornerstone of our faith, has such powerful implications for each of us as we love and teach the precious children God has given to us. We have the blessed hope of new life in Christ for us and for our children. We have the promise that as He raised Lazarus from the dead, He will also raise us on the last day! Have a blessed Resurrection Day, rejoicing in the fullness of your salvation!

In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand

In Christ alone, who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save
'Till on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live

There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave He rose again
And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost it's grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Brought with the precious blood of Christ

No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life's first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
'Till He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand

“But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for He has risen as He said.”…..so they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word.” from Matthew 28:5-6

chicken and rice soup for a busy day

2006-04-12T07:35:00.000-07:00

The sunny days we have been having are wonderful and call for alfresco dining! But on rainy days I still feel like preparing something warm and yummy! This recipe can be prepared ahead of time and frozen or placed in crock-pot for supper later in the week. It is also best if served with homemade bread or biscuits!

Prairie Chicken and Rice Soup

3 pounds chicken with skin and bones, any combination
1 pound carrots, sliced
3 onions, 2 of them finely sliced and 1 quartered
2 cups chopped celery
3 stalks celery hearts
3 TBS minced garlic
2 pkgs. long grain and wild rice mix, including dry seasonings packet
sliced fresh mushrooms (optional but delicious!)
coarse salt to taste
fresh-ground black pepper
dried parsley flakes

In stock pot, place chicken parts, quartered onion, celery hearts, and garlic. Cover with water and bring to boil. Lower heat and simmer until chicken falls off bones. When cooked, drain chicken, reserving broth but tossing out vegetables.

Return broth to heat and add remaining ingredients, simmering until vegetables are tender and rice is cooked. Remove meat from bones and add to soup mixture. Offer ground pepper when serving for extra zing.

Best if served with homemade bread or biscuits.

"It is good to give thanks to the Lord, and to sing praises to your name, O Most High; to declare Your lovingkindness in the morning and Your faithfulness every night!" Psalm 92:1

the contagious love of God's word

2006-04-11T07:37:00.000-07:00

When I was a little girl, my grade school was right across the street from my grandma’s house.Nearly every day I was allowed to walk there and wait for my dad to pick me up when he got off work.

I would come in the door and enter what she called the “vestibule” where black wire hooks hung and had once held book bags and “cloaks” belonging to her nine children. As I, too, hung my lunch box and jacket there, I could already smell baked goodies, fresh from the oven, and I could hear the teakettle whistling a cheery “hello” to me.

A small, cozy table and two chairs were carefully placed in front of a large marble fireplace in her dining room, one of 6 in the old Civil War era home. The table wore a soft white linen cloth and was set with china teacups, a matching teapot, and cream and sugar. My grandma then appeared in the kitchen doorway, in her hands were the fruit of her baking labors, and we “took tea” in front of a roaring fire. The greeting was the same every day and, looking back and knowing what I now know about having grandchildren, I am certain she looked forward to this precious time as much as I did.

We took turns praying for the food, she thanking God for the time we could spend together and for that boy who got better grades than I did on SRA reading and teased me about it. As she served the snack, she asked how my day was, what I studied that I had enjoyed, what I had eaten for lunch, and if I had practiced my piano that morning. I knew that my life mattered to her, that I was valued and that my small struggles as a first grader were important to her and that they were also prayer-worthy.

Once we had finished the treat and were sipping a second cup of tea, my grandma opened her old King James Bible. The pages were wrinkled and weathered, much like my grandma. But the most amazing thing to me was how marked those pages were. Blue, black, and red ink filled in the margins and entire passages were underlined and noted for future use. Since she taught an adult Sunday school class, she spent several hours every day studying the Scripture passage for the week, consulting commentaries and reading the likes of Spurgeon and Ironside to be certain she was gleaning all there might be to find. She was a treasure hunter, seeking for pearls of truth on every page.I was the wide-eyed apprentice, observing the work of a master and The Master.

The love of God’s word, the excitement of discovering new truth in each reading of it, the personal application for even the life of a first-grader, these were valuable gifts to me. They were gifts to others as well, for it is not unusual for me to run into someone who remembered sitting in her Sunday school class and hearing them share a vital truth she taught them and sharing their excitement as they tell me how they applied it in life-changing ways. Her manner was gracious and gentle, and her love of the word was contagious.

Do your children know how very much you love God's word? Is it a natural part of your relationship with them or is it only one of the "courses" in your curriculum? Do you take time for them to ask questions about the Bible, to express their own thoughts about a passage? Is God's word a very real part of every aspect of your family life, not just the academics? And, most importantly, are you conveying to your children how valuable they are to you so they will listen to you as you share God's word and His love for them?

When I was 19, my grandma spent several weeks in the hospital dying of cancer that had spread to her liver.I came home from college as often as possible, prayed with her, helped her struggle to the bathroom, and gave her back rubs. Her worn Bible sat on the nightstand but she was too weak to hold it. Instead, she quoted passage after passage and longed to be home with Jesus In her dying, as in her living, her theology was made very real to me. I knew that the God she served, the same God that we both loved and worshipped, would see her home and it was during that time that the realness of her faith walked hand in hand with the words of Scripture she had so often spoken to me.

"For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38-39

stress diet for homeschooling moms

2006-04-11T07:06:00.000-07:00

Stress Diet for Homeschooling Moms

Breakfast:
1/2 Grapefruit
1 Slice whole wheat toast
4 oz. skim milk

Lunch:
4 oz. lean broiled chicken breast
1 c. steamed vegetables
1 c. herbal tea
1 Oreo Cookie

Mid-afternoon snack:
rest of the Oreo cookies in package
2 pt. Rocky Road ice cream

Dinner:
Large combination pizza
2 loaves garlic bread
4 cans Diet Coke
3 bars Snickers ice cream candy

Late evening snack:
Entire cheesecake eaten directly from freezer

(I have seen this "diet" several places online and am not sure where to give credit but "thank you" to the anonymous writer!)

"Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of Hosts." Zechariah 4:6

got books?

2006-04-10T07:53:00.000-07:00

If you are a homeschooler, the answer to that is certainly a resounding "YES!"

I’ve Got a New Book from My Grandfather Hyde
by Leroy F. Jackson

I’ve got a new book from my Grandfather Hyde
It’s skin on the cover and paper inside
And reads about Arabs and horses and slaves,
And tells how the Caliph of Baghdad behaves
I’d not take a goat and a dollar beside
For the book that I got from my Grandfather Hyde.

Is this how you feel about your books, that you wouldn’t trade them for anything else because nothing could be more wonderful? Favorite books are like old friends, waiting for you to visit, always there to comfort.

Having just spent two days at the terrific APACHE convention in Peoria, once again, I came home loaded with good books! I am beginning a three-year American History unit study with my youngest two sons and was excited to find some unknown-to-me treasures among the stacks this year. I met some of you there, as well, and know your arms were also full of wonderful reads for the coming months!

And while I was gone, my dear husband was building an addition to our library bookshelves! What great timing! His shelf design is a simple construction of pine boards in various sizes backed with a wainscoting panel and trimmed with moldings. They are crafted so that additions will only require replacing the trim.

For our first section of shelves, we took discarded upper kitchen cabinets that were old and dated and built shelves on top of them all the way to the ceiling. The cabinets were free and have given me a place to store reams of paper in various sizes, unopened school supplies, and awkward items like a three-hole punch. As the additional shelves made their way around the room, we added interesting things like a wide but not tall shelf for an atlas and a span of shelves across the doorways and over windows. Each time we add on, we have given everything a fresh coat of paint and the end result is a place for everything. I am still working on that everything-in-its-place thing!

I have seen so many clever ideas for book storage. Some of my favorites include turning a ladder into a set of shelves, lining up old crates and wooden boxes across the back of a desk or table, and taking the door off of an unused closet and making a special book nook with shelves and a large pillow or small reading chair inside. The best ideas in decorating magazines can easily be done in most homes by visiting a Goodwill or Salvation Army store or watching your neighborhood for Big Trash days! Some of my best finds have been along a curb and when you add a can of paint and interesting hardware, you might just have a solution to your book storage needs for little to nothing!

And, by the way, if you would like a simple plan for the shelves my dear husband builds, drop me an e-mail and I will send it to you!

"Be diligent to to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." 2 Timothy 2:14

best-ever baked beans for a busy day

2006-04-06T09:19:00.000-07:00

The brillant green of spring in the Midwest has arrived and with it thoughts of summer picnics and camping trips.

A couple years ago, I decided to put together a cookbook of family recipes that included both things my children have eaten growing up in our home, as well yummy new treats from the daughters-in-law and my own daughter, Mollie, with her cullinary expertise.

We all enjoyed the project so much that we will publish Campbell Women Cookbook Volumn 2 somewhere down the road, probably when my next son has a wife with her own recipe cards in her hand! Not only did our cookbook leave me with some fun new recipes, but it gave us all a better sense of God's working out His sovereign plan through the lives of our children as He brought our children together with their spouses.

Last weekend I was contemplating fixing supper on the deck as soon as the leaves pop out and this recipe will certainly be on the menu. Warning: This is not a diet entree!

Never-Want-to-Make-Any-Other-Ever-Again Baked Beans

1 really huge can pork and beans, drained, reserving 1 cup liquid
2 pounds hickory smoked bacon, fried, reserving grease
1 large onion, finely minced
2 TBS. garlic, minced in oil
1 large green pepper, finely chopped
½ to ¾ cup prepared mustard
1 ½ pound brown sugar

Place beans in large casserole dish. Fry bacon, reserving grease. Crumble when cool and add to beans. In grease, fry onions, garlic, and peppers until translucent. Over low heat, dissolve brown sugar and mustard in onion mixture, heating through. Pour over beans and mix well. If mixture is too dry, add some of the reserved liquid from the beans. Bake in slow oven, about 300 degrees, for 3 hours or until the top is slightly browned and the liquid is absorbed. (You may need to turn up the heat.) You can add brats or hot dogs if you want to make this an entire main dish meal. This is extra good served with garlic bread or muffins.

"O Lord, our Lord. How excellent is Your name in all the earth!" Psalm 8:9

the homeschooling choice

2006-04-06T08:52:00.000-07:00

My friend, Sallie, who has an amazing blog called Two Talent Living, has written a piece on educational choices that I think is helpful to all homeschoolers or to those who are considering homeschooling. Her background is in education and she has articulated quite well the many reasons why homeschooling is such a wonderful choice.
I thought that it also might be a good resource for well-reasoned arguments for those of you who have family and friends who are opposed to homeschooling.

Educational Choice
by Sallie Borrink

I believe one of the most significant choices with life-long impact is that regarding a child’s education. We live at a time of history with many options and the potential consequences of the choices are profound. I would like to share what I see as some of the issues associated with each of the four major choices: public school, charter school, Christian school and homeschool. It isn’t my intention to present an exhaustive explanation of each since others have done that already. I am not going to give a doctrinal outline of the major Scriptural passages that seem to relate to education. Rather, I will share my thoughts and perspectives based on my own experiences and observations. This is not the Fox News Network so my goal is not to be fair and balanced. My prejudices will be apparent.

The first inkling that I would not fit into the public school environment as a teacher came during my college days. During a methods class in my specialized program, I asked what I as a Christian thought was a reasonable question – “What if you are asked to teach something you don’t believe?” I cannot remember the exact answer I got, but the general response was the same as if I had asked, “What should we do with that alien that just walked into our classroom?” The question made no sense to the people in the room and they couldn’t fathom why someone would even ask such a thing. Even though I was a product of the public schools myself and was attending a state university, it was beginning to dawn on me that I would not fit into the relativistic, humanistic, union-controlled, multi-culturalistic, non-faith public school arena.

I completed my student teaching with a lovely Christian woman as my mentor teacher. I was blessed with an exceptionally wonderful class of fourth grade students in the public school district I grew up in and truthfully had a great student teaching experience. But I was never hired into a public school district, although I applied for many positions. In retrospect, I believe God kept me out of a public school environment for my own protection. I tend to call a spade a spade and I am not the type to go with the flow if I think something is wrong. I’m thankful I was never put in the position to go through that heartache of not fitting in and feeling as though I was banging my head against the wall.

Part of what concerns me is that I don’t think parents really think through the issues related to public schools. Many of them have the attitude of “I went to public school and I turned out ok” and they don’t think beyond that. I don’t believe most parents truly understand what goes on day in and day out in the public schools today – even in the “good” districts. These are not the same schools they went to a few decades ago (and even then they weren’t all that great an environment for an impressionable child or youth). Even having a nice Christian teacher isn’t enough.

And maybe the biggest issue isn’t what goes on in the public schools as much as what doesn’t go on. Christ is not exalted, the Scriptures are not respected or even consulted regarding truth, and no encouragement is made to help students develop a world view that is Christ-centered. This is no small thing. How can followers of Christ influence the world when their worldview is the same as all of the pagans? The truth is that all you have to do is look at the ridiculous and unbiblical things going on in “Christian churches” throughout this country and you can clearly see the results of decades of a non-Christ-centered worldview being taught in the public schools.

The bottom line really isn’t rocket science. As someone else pointed out (and I can’t remember who it was to give credit), there is almost nothing in this country that liberals and conservatives, Christians and non-Christians, rich and poor agree on except this – by and large the public schools are a well-documented tremendous failure. Almost anyone who is really honest will agree to this statement. Even “successful” students graduating from “great” public schools today by and large pale in comparison to excellent students of the past. (Most people, being a product of the same system, don’t have any idea what a thoroughly educated person should look like.) And so people who have so many other options available to them continue to defend and use the very same failing public schools. It makes no sense to me.

Charter Schools
(As a matter of full disclosure, my husband and I do contract work for a charter school company.)

Charter schools are a form of public school and are available in many states. They receive money from the government to operate, but have different oversight. They frequently have different focuses such as science, particular ethnic heritages, character development, etc.

I would describe charter schools as a poor man’s private school. Charter schools in inner-city districts often have waiting lists in the hundreds because parents are desperate to get their children out of the traditional public schools. These are parents who can’t afford to move to a “good” school district and certainly don’t have the money for a private school. The charter school is the only hope they have of offering their child something better.

I do think charter schools generally offer a better education, especially in the inner-city. Charter schools have to perform well or they won’t stay in business. No one is required to go to a charter school so parents can choose to leave if they aren’t happy with the results. There are bad charter schools and those that are bad close. That is the beauty of the charter school system. The bad schools don’t stay open and can’t hold the students hostage as is the case in failing public schools.

I also think that charter schools put pressure on public schools to improve. For example, the charter schools in my city have a strong emphasis on a moral focus. Well, what do you know? After hemorrhaging students to the charter schools for a few years, the large public school district decided to begin a character development program. Would that have happened if the charter schools hadn’t been here? I highly doubt it. I do think charter schools are forcing the public schools and the teachers’ unions to rethink what has been going on.

I am in support of charter schools. As a Christian I would not choose a charter school for my own children because they do not offer the Christ-centered perspective that I feel is critical. But as an American who lives in a fallen culture, I support the creation of charter schools for the parents who are desperate for something better for their children. I would much rather live in a culture where all children learn to read, write and do math well than what we are currently getting from the public school system at large.

Christian Schools

Christian schools cover the whole spectrum from outstanding to downright embarrassing. There are a few Christian schools out there that offer an excellent education and a positive Christian environment. However, I do think truly excellent Christian schools are few and far between.

There are a huge number of Christian schools that don’t offer much more than the local public school with the exception of a Bible class, occasional chapel service and the freedom to pray without fear of persecution. But does this really make an excellent Christian school? Shouldn’t a Christian school be more than just a public school with a little bit of moral sprucing up and Bible verses on the wall?

Many Christian schools use a secular curriculum that does not present a Christ-centered world view. Other Christian schools use Christian curriculum that while not offensive is also not excellent in terms of the academics it offers. It seems to be a rare Christian school that has a vision for truly offering a challenging academic program with a strong Christ-centered curriculum. Instead it seems that many Christian schools look to the public schools for the current educational trends and then they slightly adapt the public school program to make it “Christian”. It is tragic that Christian schools aren’t setting the standard throughout this country for excellence in academics.

And what of the moral expectations in Christian schools? Do they truly set a high standard? Shouldn’t the children in the Christian schools stand out as incredibly different (in the positive sense of the word) from their public school peers? Sadly, they often do not. I would argue that in many ways it is worse to put a child in a nominal Christian school than it is to put them in a public school. At least in a public school you expect the people to act in an unbiblical way. It shouldn’t surprise any Christian that someone without the Holy Spirit would act in an ungodly way. But it is very confusing for a young child or young adult to go to a Christian school and see and experience things that are completely contradictory to the Scriptures and are done without consequence.

Another concern of mine is that a significant number of Christian schools see their school as a ministry to the lost – almost a form of a rescue mission. While Christians should be concerned about the lost, I don’t think bringing troubled and/or lost children into the Christian school is the best idea. Anyone who has spent any amount of time with a group of children will realize the tendency for the least positive role models to begin to influence a group. Just a few unregenerate children can have a tremendously negative impact on the rest of the students in the classroom or school. Obviously only God knows for sure who is actually a part of His covenant people, but in many cases it is quite obvious that children enrolled in Christian schools have no presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives.

Related to the mission field mentality is the cold hard reality of money. Christian schools operate on tuition dollars. There are very few Christian schools that are well-endowed or have the backing of a large church to support them through the lean times. Every child in that school represents cash flow. I know this sounds cynical, but I believe too often students are allowed to stay in the school rather than be expelled because the school needs the money. When this happens, what message does this send to the rest of the student body? That there are no standards and consequences?

Lastly, who is running the school? Are they godly people with a soft heart toward the Holy Spirit? People with an axe to grind? Pharisees? Unregenerate people? People who mean well but have no solid philosophy of Christian education so they are tossed to and fro with every educational whim that comes down the public school pike? The people running the school need to be mature Christians – not perfect, but there needs to be some depth. This is often lacking.

So would a Christian school be an option for me? Yes, but only if it is the right school.

Homeschooling

When I first heard of homeschooling, I thought it was one of the dumbest things I had ever heard of. How in the world could parents teach their own children? They need to be with kids their own age! With the wisdom only a twenty-one year old college student can have, I knew that only a real teacher could teach children. Thankfully God worked on me and opened my eyes to see the bigger picture.

Homeschooling was not an option when I was in school so it was a choice my parents could not have made for me. As my husband and I have discussed education, we have both guessed that we would have done well in a homeschool situation. I remember in elementary school sitting in my classroom and looking out the window. Life was out there and I was in the building. I loved going to school and did very well, but there was always a sense of real life being not at school.

Now there are many things that draw me to homeschooling. First of all, as a student and as a teacher I fully realized the utter waste of time in the traditional school setting. It doesn’t matter how efficient the teacher is, there is so much wasted time in a school day and an entire school year. Most homeschool families will tell you that they can easily complete the “academic” portion of their day in the morning. It simply does not take all day to “do school” in a homeschool situation. The beauty of that is that it allows children to develop other interests and they actually have time to do them without the school schedule ruling their lives.

Homeschooling also appeals to me because one-on-one tutoring is such an effective way to learn. I did a lot of tutoring for several years and there is nothing as effective as being able to interact with the child in a close manner. I know many parents say that they can’t teach their own children. I disagree. I believe almost any parent can teach their child. The problem often is that the parents have not trained the child properly in areas of discipline and obedience so they do not have the heart of their child. If that is the case, they are probably right. They won’t be able to teach their child – until they take care of the other issues first.

Something else that draws me to homeschooling is that it would most effectively fit with our family lifestyle. My husband and I own our own business and work at home. We enjoy the relative freedom that comes with that. I would like our family to enjoy that freedom and locking ourselves into a school year schedule would take away so much of that freedom.

I also have a strong desire to protect my children. I don’t want to be paranoid, but I also don’t want my five year old exposed to children who watch rated R movies and sing the latest gangsta rap. Childhood is a brief and precious thing. I prefer my children to be able to be innocent as long as possible. I don’t want them to grow up naïve, but I’m not in any rush to expose them to the evils of this world either.

Lastly, homeschooling appeals to me because I want to see children who grow up to be godly, mature, thinking, Christ-centered adults. With the exception of an outstanding Christian school, I just don’t see that happening regularly in any of the other options.

To Tell the Truth

One problem that I could not get past when I was teaching at my last job (the charter school) was the feeling that I was lying to my students. I taught first grade at that time and first graders have a million questions about everything. Truth and integrity are vitally important to me and I wanted my students to trust me that I would tell them the truth. (Christmas was especially difficult, trying to get around the Santa discussions!) When my students asked me questions that really required a biblically based answer to be truthful, I found myself so frustrated and conflicted. I did not want to lie to my students, but I was not able to freely discuss the truth of God’s word with them. As a Christian with a strong commitment to the importance of the Scriptures, I found it basically impossible to be comfortable with the compromises I was required to make whenever such a situation presented itself.

I remember at one point in my last year of teaching that the realization came to me – I would not want my child to be in my classroom. It was a real watershed moment for me. I was a strong Christian, a very good teacher with an excellent record of academic progress among my students, had high behavioral expectations, and was generally liked and respected by parents and staff wherever I taught. But I knew at that moment that sending my child into a place hour after hour, day after day, month after month, year after year, where Christ and the truth of the Scriptures were marginalized would not be an option for me.

"...make disciples of all nations...teaching them to observe all things I have commanded you." from Matthew 28:19-20

courage is displayed in the ordinary things of life

2006-04-04T08:12:00.000-07:00

"Churchill was not particularly gifted, but what terrified the average man, he found thrilling."

Celia Sandys, Churchill's grand-daughter.

"Every day you may make progress. Every step may be fruitful. Yet there will stretch out before you an ever-lengthening, ever-ascending, ever-improving path. You know you will never get to the end of the journey. But this, so far from discouraging, only adds to the joy and glory of the climb."

Winston Churchill

the principle: Courage is displayed in the ordinary things of life.
the plan: For one day, be daring!

At our 2005 retreat, one of the mothers shared that, when she began homeschooling, she did everything by the book with her lesson plans and textbooks never far from her side. As the years of homeschooling went by, she began to experiment with unit studies and, low and behold, found her forte. In stepping outside her comfort zone, she was able to discover a whole new "teacher" in herself! She dared to do something brave!

My friend, Kim, and I have long considered ourselves "quasi closet unschoolers" because we both love the spontaneous and between the two of us own about every category of curriculum known to mom.

One day she called me and said, "I have a confession to make. Brad (her husband) is up on the roof right now. He is installing "Home-Sat!" We both roared with laughter. It was outside of our area of experience, to bring a traditional classroom into our living rooms. And it had always struck us as "too easy," not to mention, b-o-r-i-n-g!

But, do you know what? After hearing her testimony of how she used it to supplement the other things they were doing, how she was liberated from feeling like her older children were missing good college prep because she was spending so much time on early elementary school with 4 little ones, I was hooked. We signed up for "Home-Sat" for the same reasons and have loved it ever since. Kim and I dared to do something brave. And we liked it!

Winston Churchill believed that leadership involves creating a culture where failure and error are looked upon as steps toward success. Is this how you see the education of your children? What frightens you about homeschooling? To what have you said, "I could never do that!" What have you longed to try with your children but were afraid that you might fail or, worse yet, that they might fail?

For one day, be daring!

"Be strong and of good courage...He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you. he will not leave you nor forsake you. Do not fear nor be dismayed." Deuteronomy 31:7-8

the north wind and the sun

2006-04-03T22:35:00.000-07:00

A story is told about the North Wind and the Sun. I seems that each claimed to have the greater power over mortals and a dispute arose.

"I am much stronger, " said the North Wind. I blow and blow and can even cause great oak trees to tumbled to the ground. Surely I have a greater power over man."

"Indeed not," said the Sun, "for without my warmth, a man would surely die! Consider the oak tree. Without me it would not grow to be so tall."

And so it was that the two decided to try their powers upon an unknowing traveler, deciding to see which of them could soonest strip him of his cloak.

The North wind furiously blew down upon the man, and caught up his cloak, believing he could wrestle it from him in one single gust. But is was soon apparent that the harder he blew, the more closely the man wrapped himself up in the garment.

The Sun then said, "I shall try my hand at this venture."

So he looked down upon the traveler and beamed his light ever so gently upon him. Eventually, the man unclapsed his coat as it drapped over his shoulders. The sun then shone down with his full strength, and before he had gone much further down the road, had taken off his cloak so he could complete his journey.

And so it is with raising our children. How much greater influence we have over them and the choices they make if we gently bring warmth and love to them, persuading them of what is good and true rather than beating down upon them, causing them to hold on ever more tightly to their own desires.

"Your gentleness has made me great. You enlarged my path under me so my feet did not slip." Psalm 18:35-36

courage meets challenges head on

2006-04-02T22:09:00.000-07:00

"Courage is rightly esteemed the first of human qualities because it is the quality that guarantees all others.” Winston Churchill

The principle: Meet challenges head on.
The plan: Do the next thing.

We have heard this a hundred times but it is most definitely true. We will never be able to move forward if we do not take the first step. All we must do is the next thing!

The first Christmas that my son, Sam, was coming home from college, I wanted everything to make a perfect homecoming. There was a large jar of his favorite candy bar cookies on the kitchen counter, the sweet aroma of cinnamon potpourri wafting through the air, the house was tidy and inviting, and a yummy supper awaited his arrival. We were thrilled to have him home and after dinner, he followed me up the stairs and into my bedroom, where a huge pile of unfolded laundry struggled to stay on a chair. He immediately went over to it and, hurling himself face first into it, sighed, "Aahh, home!"

This has been the continual joke in our home and it is probably funny because it is so very true. My laundry is never done! Somehow I am able to get it washed and dried but folding it is another matter entirely! The only way to courageously meet my laundry head on is to do the next thing...fold one load at a time.

The same is true when we face any other task as homeschooling moms....read the next chapter, thaw the meat for today's dinner, change one diaper, load one more dish into the dishwasher, teach them at home for one more year, graciously respond to your naysayers just one more time.

When we see the whole in front of us, it is often too daunting to endure, even until bedtime. But by taking each task, one at a time, and doing it then and there, by God's grace, we will perservere to the end.

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes I will help you. I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

chicken tetrazzini for a busy day

2006-04-02T09:41:00.001-07:00

My elderly mom, who lives with us, can never remember the name of this casserole. Is it tettarini, tezzini, scalloppini, or what? We always anticipate what new name she will come up with whenever this is served! This is a treasuremom version of tetrazzini that can be made in large batches and frozen in dinner size portions. It can also be prepared the night before a busy day and placed in the crock-pot for dinner. I like to serve it with bread sticks, salad, and pumpkin cake.

Chicken Tetrazzini

One whole chicken or combination of thighs, legs, and breasts, or boneless breasts only
1 large green pepper, chopped
1 large white onion, chopped
2 cups celery, chopped
2 cans cream of mushroom, celery, or chicken soup
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 small cans mushrooms
1 small jar pimentos, drained (optional)
2 lbs. spaghetti
8 chicken bouillon cubes
1 package saltine crackers, finely crushed
4 TBS. butter, melted
Parmesan cheese

In large stock pot, boil chicken until tender. Remove from bones if not using boneless breasts. (I like to use the leaves of celery and an extra onion for extra flavor in the stock pot.) Drain, reserving liquid. To the broth, add the chopped vegetables and the bouillon cubes. Bring to boil, making sure the cubes are dissolved. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente. Drain, again saving liquid. Add chopped chicken, pimentos, soup, and cheese. Mix well, adding 1-2 cups of the reserved liquid. But in baking dish or dishes. Toss cracker crumbs with butter and sprinkle over casserole. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes or until nicely browned. Pass the parmesan cheese if desired.

For the crock pot, place assembled ingredients in the crock pot and heat through on low temperature for 3-5 hours. Top with buttered crumbs the last half hour.

"When you eat the labor of your hands you will be happy and it will be well with you." Psalm 128:2

prayer for our children

2006-03-31T18:34:00.000-08:00

O Thou who didst take the little ones in Thine arms, put Thine hands upon them and bless them; we believe that Thou intendest joy for all the young.

We pray for children who know no happiness at home; who are ill-treated, abused, and held of little consequence. Give to all parents, O God, an ever-dawning freshness of vision towards their children, that nothing commonplace or soiled may be found in their relations to them.

Teach us to see that their lives reflect ours, scorn for scorn, gentleness for gentleness, beauty for beauty, roughness for roughness. Grant us, O Lord, ever the heart of Christ Himself towards them, and an honest desire and will to alleviate any suffering of those not in our immediate charge.

We confess anew Thy blessed Name of Father. May this name and sign mark all our homes, through Him who died to make us all Thy sons.

O God who art the Lord of all ages of man’s life and the supplier of his every need, hear our prayer. We seek Thy favor upon young people growing in all the conscious awkwardness of adolescence. Save them, O Lord, from the bravado, which their unhappy feelings so often breed; preserve them from the internal misery that so often attends their stage of life; and turn their eyes to Thee in whom is all the beauty of tranquil peace.

In depth of grace, in strength of character and in loftiness of vision, may they grow in Thee, witnesses to Thy Gospel and heralds of Thy truth.

Amen

Presbyterian Church in Canada Book of Common Worship

"He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young." Isaiah 40:11

Winston Churchill's principles for the homeschooling mom

2006-03-31T18:05:00.000-08:00

“There is no doubt that it is around the family and the home that all the greatest virtues, the most dominating virtues of human society, are created, strengthened, and maintained.” Winston Churchill

I love to read biographies, to go back in time and experience life and history through the eyes of those great people who went before us. Sir Isaac Newton once said “We are like dwarfs sitting on the shoulders of giants. We see more, and things that are more distant, than they did, not because our sight is superior or because we are taller than they, but because they raise us up, and by their great stature add to ours."

This has never been more true than it is today. This generation of Christian homeschooled children are being introduced to great men and women who have built the foundations of history upon which we all are standing.

As homeschooling mothers, one of our goals is to lead our children to both the truth of history and to Christ, who is, Himself, the Truth. If we believe that homeschooling is about building a relationship with our children, we must remember that our children will learn more from how we demonstrate our faith to them than by what we tell them. But are there tried and tested methods of doing so? Can we, too, as moms, learn from these heroes from past generations?

A man of diversity, Winston Churchill, who was best known as the Prime Minister of Great Britain during World War II, was also a journalist, an artist, a politician, a soldier, an orator extraordinaire, and a statesman. He struggled with depression, and yet was known as one of the greatest heroes in the history of the world. Great leaders from more than one generation have recognized his wisdom in meeting the challenges and difficulties of life by being prepared. Rudy Giuliani, mayor of New York City during the 9/11 attacks, a man who has often been called “Churchill in a Yankees cap,” said that Churchill had been “a great source of inspiration and strength to me following the tragic events.”

I believe that Churchill lived by universal principles from which we can learn as we guide our children to adulthood, teaching and training them through example as we order our family life around some of these ideals. So, during the next few weeks, I would like to share some of the thoughts I had while reading biographies of Winston Churchill. You will be amazed at how applicable they are for homeschooling moms in the 21st century!

"Now, faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony." Hebrews 11:1-2

Welcome, come in, the tea kettle is already on and the chocolate is awaiting your arrival!

2006-03-31T17:57:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the blog home of the Treasures of a Mother's Heart Annual Day of Encouragement for Homeschooling Mothers!

Our hope is that this blog will bring you a daily dose of the same sort of encouragment, inspiration, and fellowship that you receive at the annual retreat! We want to keep you updated as we prepare for this fall's Day of Encouragement and we hope you have already marked your calendars for October 21, 2006. If you have never been to a retreat and are interested in coming this year, you can read about our past retreats and register for this year by going to our website.

We also want to invite your participation here in our cyber space living room. Do you have a fun homeschooling story to tell or pictures you want to share? Do you have a favorite recipe that you know other families will just love? Have you read something in the news about homeschooling that you think other treasuremoms will enjoy? If you are a closet blogger but haven't yet mustered up the courage to start your own blog, we welcome your suggestions and submissions to be considered for publication!

So, come on in! We will pour you that cup of tea, give you hugs, and pass around the virtual chocolate!

"Comfort each other and edify one another." I Thessalonians 5:11