Gratitude

In teaching my children at home there are certain character traits I wish to instill. Recently I have noticed a trait in which I am not satisfied with in my younger boys. I am witnessing an "I want" stage. They received a large some of money from their Grandparents for their birthday. They were excited and felt blessed, however, I started to notice something I did not agree with. They would go onto the Internet shopping for what it was they "wanted". Then, I went on and purchased it, had them pay me for it, and all is well, right? No, after receiving the item the excitement only lasted for that day. That evening they were up shopping for what it was they were going to get with the rest of the money. Then, after that came in the mail, we jumped into Grandma's pocket and she told them she would do a half and half deal. If they saved up their money, Grandma would match it. Suddenly my boys were on the computer day and night, anytime they had a free moment, deciding what was next. I did not like this at all, there was no appreciation in their blessings. There was no gratitude towards God. I do not wish my children to get wrapped up in this "I want" stage. I prefer my children to have the gratitude that pleases God.

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity.... It turns problems into gifts, failures into success, the unexpected into perfect timing, and mistakes into important events. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision of tomorrow." ~ Melody Beattie

I have made the decision to have my boys write a gratitude journal. It is a way to train the mind to constantly look for reasons to be grateful. I will encourage the boys to record things they are thankful for. Discussions surrounding the positive aspects of life and especially seemingly negative situations will help the children learn to focus their minds on the good things.

My prayer is my children will grow to "Delight In Simple Things".

Learn to like what does not cost much.
Learn to like reading, conversation, music.
Learn to like plain food, plain service, plain cooking.
Learn to like people, even those who may be different from you.
Learn to shelter your wants simple.
Refuse to be owned and anchored by things and opinions of others.
Learn to like the sunrise and the sunset, the beating of rain on the roof and windows, the gentle fall of snow in winter.
Learn to hold heaven near and dear.
Learn to love God, for He surely loves you.
~Author Unknown

"Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, {so} walk in Him, having been firmly rooted {and now} being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, {and} overflowing with gratitude." Col 2:6-7

The Trouble With Textbooks - FOXNews.com

The Trouble With Textbooks - FOXNews.com

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A Child's Faith

A few weeks ago I took my children to see a new friend, this was our first visit at her home. My children enjoyed every moment especially the Labrador. My son thought this dog was the "coolest dog ever". Later that evening he continued to tell us how he loved that dog and wanted a dog just like that. He would pray that evening for a Labrador and continue to pray daily. Well over this last weekend we celebrated his birthday and the boy's prayer was answered.

I had went for my morning walk with my Beagle and suddenly a dog came out of no where and started right at me. I then noticed this tall dog was a Labrador puppy. I asked the neighbors and no one knew who she was. I continued my walk with her right by my side, she would not leave me for a moment. As I returned and walked in the door my son laid eyes on her and instantly fell in love. Of course, my mind said don't get attached she belongs to someone. However, she had no collar and had not been fed in a while with dehydration. I then realized when I was on my walk I saw two other posters "Found Yellow Labrador"and "Found Black Labrador". Still, no one has claimed these puppies, it looks as though someone has dumped a litter of 6 to 8 month old pups. My son continues to tell us that no one is going to claim her because his prayer was answered and this Labrador is a birthday present from God. Wow, I look at his faith and am reminded of Mark 10:14-15

"Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it."

To have his faith, the unconditional trust.

The trust and unfailing confidence of a child in his father to direct him, as well as provide protection - and the child's only responsibility is to hold onto his father's hand.

"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." Prov 3:5-6

To have the mustard seed faith.

The child is like a blank slate, whatever is written on that slate he will embrace. When he hears the words of Jesus "nothing will be impossible for you." He believes with no questions.

"...if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you." — Matt 17:20

If we're not careful to guard our hearts, the devil will slither in to poison our minds with disappointment, failure, and regret. These doubts will trap us from the freedom that comes from taking God at His Word.

My prayer is for you and I to live with the faith of a child. To teach our children to guard their hearts and keep their incredible faith.

"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you" Mathew 7:7

Blessings,
Cherie

If I Had Known

• If I had known that teaching my children would be so much fun, I would have started homeschooling sooner.
• If I had known my children were going to grow as fast as older women said they would, I would have treasured our time together even more.
• If I had known that my son was going to become an archeologist and dig in the dirt for a profession, I would have never worried about removing the stains when washing his clothes.
• If I had known that all my children would go on to receive college degrees, I would have never second guessed my curriculum choices and teaching abilities.
• If I had known how unimportant it was to keep a spotless house, I would have gone to bed on time instead of spending countless hours cleaning, organizing, and tidying up for the next day.
• If I had known how living on one income would build a solid faith in God, I would have gladly lived with less without all the complaining.
• If I could only experience the thrill of one job to last an entire lifetime, I would homeschool my children all over again.

Whatever lessons you’ve learned from homeschooling so far, you’re incredibly blessed to teach your children. Praise God for the wonderful opportunity to be both your child’s parent and teacher! “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end” (Jeremiah 29:11).

Lord, I lift up a grateful heart of praise and thank You for all my homeschooling joys. As we begin a new school year, please help me appreciate the benefits of homeschooling even more. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

~Daily Focus
Alpha Omega Publications

Morning Prayer

Here we are, starting the new year. My prayer this year is to stay focused. One thing I changed at the end of this last year was my prayer time. Wow, what a blessing it has been. For the last few years I would pray for the Lord to wake me in the morning so that I may spend time with him. Every morning he would keep his promise and gently wake me, however I would look at the clock and apologize, knowing he would forgive me and fall back asleep. For the rest of the day I did not feel complete, I felt guilty. And of course I struggled through my daily tasks.

"Whenever I happen to be prevented by the press of duties from observing my hour of prayer, the entire day is bad for me" ~Martin Luther

Can you relate? This last year I would awake between 5:30am and 6:30am and spend an hour or 2 in prayer and Bible readings. Yes, if you asked me a couple of years ago I would of argued with you. Way too early! Although I have been completely blessed. The Lord has blessed my days with my children. I am so much more relaxed through the day, Thank you Lord!

"The men who have done the most for God in this world have been early on their knees. He who fritters away the early morning, its opportunity and freshness, in other pursuits than seeking God will make poor headway seeking Him the rest of the day. If God is not first in our thoughts and efforts in the morning, He will be in the last the remainder of the day." ~E.M. Bounds

Jesus, our example, practiced morning devotions.
"And in the morning, rising up a great while before day. He went out and departed into a solitary place, and then prayed." ~Mark 1:35

My prayer this year is that the Lord continues to rise me early every morning so that I may enjoy His beautiful morning in His Word. Also, that you will come to rise every morning with me and spend time in our Lord's Word together. Your day will be blessed!

"The morning is the gate of the day, and it should be well guarded with prayer. It is one end of the thread on which the day's actions and strung, and should be well knotted with devotion. If we felt the majesty of life we should be more careful of its mornings." ~Charles Spurgeon

Take this challenge with me, pray the Lord awakes you in the morning to spend time with him. Before we sit down and teach our children and take on the daily tasks, spend time with our Father.

"Don't pray when you feel like it, have an appointment with the Lord and keep it. A man is powerful on his knees." ~Corrie ten Boom

In His Name,
Cherie

Clutter

Hello Ladies,

Well here we are getting ready for a new school year. This year I pray for a stress free year. I have so many ideas I want to be able to do all of them with no worry of household chores. I have 2 more weeks before I will start homeschooling my children and I have decided to go and declutter my home. I have moved here 8 months ago and still have boxes to unpack, yikes.

"A house that is cluttered is usually lived in by people whose minds are also cluttered, who need to simplify their lives. This begins with simplifying and clarifying their thinking. Mind and life need to be freed from the 'disorder of the unnecessary.'" ~Elizabeth Elliot

I pray for a clear mind this year so I may focus on my children and give them all the attention needed. I will take an hour a day or so and go through each closet, cabnet, and drawer and thin out and organize my home.

"Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me." ~Mathew 19:21

I have so many unnecessary things that do me no good in this world. I have decided to make a pile of donations and give to a charity, hmm maybe I will have a yard sell and give the money earned to the Lord. I have not decided which would be more beneficial to the Lord in the day we live in. I will be praying for this.

"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." ~Romans 12:2

My goal is to bring peace in my home so when we open a drawer or a closet we are not overwhelmed by the visual chaos. I am sure this is going to be difficult and there may be spiritual warfare, the enemy wants us to be in spiritual chaos. I will keep the lord by my side during this process and close my eyes and say good bye to the unnecessary.

"For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints." ~1 Corinthians 14:33

I challenge you to take this task with me.

In His Name,
Cherie