It's About the Cross

The lyrics of "It's About the Cross" remind us what Christmas is all about!


It's not just about the manger
where the baby laid
It's not all about the angels
who sang for Him that day
It's not just about the shepherds
or the bright and shining star
It's not all about the wise men
who traveled from afar


It's not just about presents
underneath the tree
It's not all about the feeling
that this season brings to me
It's not just about coming home
to be with those you love
It's not all about the beauty
in the snow I'm dreaming of


The beginning of the story is wonderful and great
But it's the ending that can save you
and that's why we celebrate!


It's about the cross, It's about my sin
It's about how Jesus came to be born once
So that we could be born again
It's about God's love nailed to a tree
It's about every drop of blood that flowed
From Him when it should've been me
It's about the stone that was rolled away
So that you and I could have real life some day
It's about the cross


Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas!

Christmas Traditions

Our family Christmas traditions are all about keeping Christ in Christmas. We do not celebrate Santa Claus, we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Here are our top three Christmas traditions that remind us what Christmas is all about.

#1 Christmas Story

Every year, before any gift can be opened, we gather around the Christmas tree and my husband reads the Christmas Story from Luke 2.

#2 Three Gifts

Every year, my girls have three gifts under the Christmas tree to be opened on Christmas Day after we have read the Christmas Story. You may wonder, why three gifts? Because baby Jesus received three gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

#3 Birthday Cake





Every year, we have a special cake among the desserts, a birthday cake for Jesus. This year, the request is a German Chocolate Cake.

Our family has a couple other Christmas traditions; but these are our top three because they remind us what Christmas is all about, the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.





Teaching with Toddlers

If you have toddlers, your homeschool has to be designed with their needs in mind. Otherwise, you are going to be frustrated, and they will feel ignored. Here are three tips for teaching with toddlers.


1. Maximize naptime. If you have maintained a routine and schedule for your kids, then you should have an afternoon naptime to take advantage of. This is when you pull out the science experiments and art projects that cannot accommodate your toddler's involvement.


2. Purchase special materials just for school time. Set up a school area for them and place special items in a box that may only be used during school time. Puzzles, dry-erase workbooks, craft supplies, and any other special items that are available - will keep many toddlers occupied for the time you need to teach a brief grammar or math lesson to other children.


3. Raise independent learners. If we have designed a homeschool that expects independence and self-government from our students, our older students should be able to complete their studies while we work with our younger students.


Happy Homeschooling!

Exploring Creation with Human Anatomy and Physiology

Apologia's Exploring Creation with Human Anatomy and Physiology is an in-depth study of the human body. Your student will examine the skeletal, muscular, respiratory, digestive, circulatory, immune, and nervous system. They will also study nutrition, health, and embryology to see what makes each of us a unique creation of God.


The junior notebooking journal includes lesson plans, vocabulary crossword puzzles, lapbook-style books for students who benefit from a hands-on approach, and copy work to help students develop their handwriting while hiding God's Word in their hearts. Projects in this course include creating an edible cell from JELL-O, testing bacteria content around the house, discovering your student's blood type, and even building a stethoscope!

Give Thanks



1 Thessalonians 5:18 reads “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” Many countries set aside a special day each year for thanksgiving; but for the Christian every day should be a day for thanksgiving.

Thank God for Salvation. God has given us the greatest gift of all – His Son – who died on the cross and rose again so that we can know Him personally and spend eternity with Him in heaven. The Bible tells us that we are separated from God because we have sinned. Romans 3:23 reads “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” He loves us so much that He sent His only Son into the world to die for our sins. John 3:16 reads “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” How long has it been since you thanked God for your salvation?

Thank God for People. It is so easy to take people for granted, or even complain and become angry because they do not meet our every wish. But we should give thanks for those around us – our spouse, our children, our relatives, our friends and others who help us along the way. Paul began his first letter to the church in Corinth by saying “I thank my God always on your behalf” (1 Corinthians 1:4). Do you let others know that you appreciate them and are thankful for them?

Thank God for Blessings. We never seem to be satisfied with what we have – rich or poor, healthy or sick. But what a difference it makes when we realize that every thing we have has been given to us by God. King David prays in 1 Chronicles 29:12-14 “Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand is to make great, and to give strength unto all. Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name. But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.” Are you constantly preoccupied with what you do not have? Or have you learned to thank God for what you do have?

Thank God for Trials. In the midst of our trials, we can thank God because we know that He has promised to be with us and that He will strengthen us. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 reads “ And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” I don’t know what trials you are facing right now, but God does, and He loves you and will give you His strength in the midst of trials.

In closing, let us remember to give thanks always. Ephesians 5:20 reads “Giving thanks always for all things unto the God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”



Newman's Castle

Mike Newman had a dream to build his own castle and in 1998 he broke ground on his mighty fortress. Newman's Castle, a one-of-a-kind custom creation, is located in Bellville, TX. The castle features its own moat, a massive working 3,000 pound drawbridge with an accompanying portcullis, a chapel, five round corner turrets, a courtyard, and a central keep with a dramatic view of the surrounding lands.

Newman's Castle is available for tours six days a week by reservation only. The tour and the lunch are $15.00 per person. The tour and lunch will last about 2 hours. Call 979-865-9804 to reserve your date!

After the tour, stop back by the bakery for some good sweets and take home treats!

The Mandie Collection

The Mandie Collection is a children's historical mystery series written by Lois Gladys Leppard. Lois Gladys Leppard worked in Federal Intelligence for thirteen years in various countries around the world. She now makes her home in South Carolina.

The stories of her own mother's childhood as an orphan in western North Carolina are the basis for many of the incidents incorporated in this series, as well as her own Cherokee heritage and adventures while growing up. The setting of the series is North Carolina in the early 20th century. The story starts around the year 1900, when Mandie is 11 years old. In every book she finds a mystery to solve with her friends Joe Woodard and Celia Hamilton.

The Mandie Collection is Christian based, each book begins with a Scripture passage and Mandie calls out to God several times throughout the series "What time I am afraid, I will put my trust in Thee."

My girls and I are currently reading one chapter each night at bedtime and my girls hate to book the book down after one chapter because they have to wait to find out what happens next; but they love the suspense and are eager for the next story time. We love The Mandie Collection! Join us on this adventure! Relive exciting mysteries and learn important life lessons with Mandie and Snowball and the whole gang. Be a part of the adventure series that has sold over six million!

Motivating the Reluctant Learner

Today we are going to discuss the reluctant learner. There are two possible explanations for children who are reluctant to learn.



1. Their attitudes. Proverbs 22:15 reads "Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him." In order to help our children, we need to replace this foolishness with wisdom.

2. Their abilities. There are two factors to look at here. Internally, your child may be a reluctant learner because his learning style is not being taught. Externally, your child may be a reluctant learner because of his learning environment.

So how can you motivate the reluctant learner?

1. Adapt to his learning style.

2. Assess your learning environment.

3. Evaluate your curriculum. Choose a curriculum that tailors to his learning style.

4. Speak positive affirmations - do all you can to show your confidence in him.

5. Use rewards - this just may show you he can really do mathematics because he is motivated to earn the reward.

Happy Homeschooling!

Get Wisdom

Proverbs 4:5-7 reads "get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding."


It is one thing to be educated. It is quite another thing to have wisdom. As life goes on I really can see why Solomon asked God for wisdom more than anything else he could have asked for.


Why is wisdom worth more than anything else one could desire? Why does Proverbs tell us that whatever we do, we should get wisdom? It is because wisdom yields benefits that go far beyond material comfort and convenience. Look at these passages in Proverbs and see why wisdom is to be desired for the blessings it brings.


Proverbs 4:5 - "Get wisdom, get understanding..."
Proverbs 8:7 - "For my mouth shall speak truth..."
Proverbs 8:12 - "I wisdom dwell with prudence..."
Proverbs 8:18 - "Riches and honour are with me..."


If we are going to "get wisdom", we are going to have to seek it. We need to spend more time in God's Word and apply His Word to our lives. In closing, let us remember Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig & Museum

The Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig Museum is located on Galveston Island, Texas and is open daily from 10:00 a.m. till 5:00 p.m. Cost is $9.00 per adult, $5.00 per student, and children 6 and under get in free.

 

Visitors board the retired jackup drilling rig and view a video about the offshore industry. The museum features three floors of models and interactive displays illustrating the story of offshore oil and gas from seismic technology to exploration and production. Scale models of production platforms, actual drill bits and remotely-operated vehicles (ROVs) as well as videos and exhibits explain drilling, geology, seismic, well servicing and production.


Following a guided tour inside the museum, visitors can take the skywalk out onto the drill floor of the rig, or visit the exhibits on the pipe deck from the first floor of the museum.

Please call 409-766-7827 for more information and to reserve your guided tour.

Bishop's Palace

Our co-op recently visited the Bishop's Palace, also know as the Gresham Castle. The house was built from 1887 to 1892 for Colonel Walter Gresham and his wife Josephine. Nicholas Clayton designed the house and today it is one of the finest "Broadway beauties" in Galveston.



Constructed of steel and stone, it survived the Great storm in 1900. Three stories over a raised basement level, with steep roofs and long sculptural chimneys. Typical of Clayton, he used a combination of simple geometric forms in bold massing to create an additional dramatic effect. The house includes abundant stained glass, wood carvings, and decorative plaster ceilings and walls. It is truly a beauty to see.

Located at 1402 Broadway Street in Galveston, TX 77550. Cost is $12 per adult and $9 per child 6-18, children 5 and under are free. 

Transitioning from Public School to Homeschool

Many families are withdrawing their children from public school to homeschool. If this is you, then you have a greater challenge than those of us whose children have never known anything else. To give homeschooling the best shot, consider these three realistic expectations.


#1 The older the child is, the more time it will take to acclimate him/her to homeschooling. Give your children time to adjust and during this time maximize the opportunities homeschooling offers - freedom to control your schedule, apprenticeships, field trips, etc. If you merely recreate school at home, minus all the fun, your children will likely be resentful. They need to see the benefits of homeschooling in a tangible way.


#2 You need involvement in a support group or co-op. Your children are going to miss their friends at school. They need a new network of friends. Start networking with your homeschool community right away - attend activities before you withdraw your children from public school.


#3 Be strong in the Lord! Joshua 1:9 commands us "Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be though dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest." Having worked with and observed children in many situations, I am convinced that strong leadership always brings the best behavior.


Happy Homeschooling!

Maps, Globes, Graphs - Level E

I used this course with my girls when they were in 5th grade and it is a great way to teach geography. Maps, Globes, Graphs - Level E is published by Steck-Vaughn. This course focuses on directions, symbols and legends, scale and distance, route maps, physical maps, special purpose maps, grids, latitude, longitude, the earth and sun, time zones, and graphs.

The workbook is consumable. The workbook is very colorful, and attractively laid out with maps or graphs on every page. Throughout each chapter, students will answer both simple and thought-provoking questions, fill in the blanks, and do map and graph work. Each section ends with a skill check.

Shop www.shopchristianliberty.com for the workbook and answer key.

Cultivating a HEART for Missions

Jesus sent forth his disciples with these words from Mark 16:15 "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." As a homeschool mom, I place Bible above all other subjects because we are first called to disciple our children and then lead them into their academic studies. But it takes more than Bible study to cultivate a heart for missions.

H - Host a missionary. Open your home to a visiting missionary and let your children enjoy firsthand stories of God's work in another country.

E - Be an example. What you believe about the gospel, people, and missions must be visible. Show your children that missions are a priority by the way you spend your time, money, and talents. I am the treasurer/secretary to our missionary in Spain, so my children see me working weekly to prepare deposits and reports; and they are rewarded with a candy every time we make a trip to the bank. I also allow my children to help me when we have reports to mail, they help fold letters and stamp envelopes; and this is just one way we can all serve and further God's work in Spain.

A - Affinity. Build a personal relationship with a missionary. Connect with a missionary family that has children of similar ages. let your children become pen pals with the child closest to their age. This is a great way to keep up with current events and prayer needs in their part of the world.

R - Read the missionary letters. Read about the country they serve in and get to know the geography, culture, and people. But don't stop here. After reading, pray for the missionary and allow God to use you to help give to those in need.

T - Take a trip. Take a short mission trip close to home with your children - empower them to impact their world in ways that are relevant to them. My youngest daughter has been in the hospital so much and throughout all her stays, she has come home with many gifts. Our family wanted to bless others in return and now we take gifts to the children in the hospital at Christmas and we share the gospel by placing a tract with each and every gift. There is no better way for children to cultivate a heart for missions than to be a missionary!

Christian Liberty Nature Readers

Christian Liberty Press offers five nature readers for grades K-5 that will introduce your students to God's marvelous creation. Book K introduces an animal for each letter of the alphabet, and includes a story for each one of them. Book 1 focuses on creation and reinforces phonics principles. Book 2 teaches youngsters about interesting small creatures. Book 3 exposes young students to the daily routine of various animals. Book 4 focuses on different aspects of animal life. Book 5 teaches students about the wonders of the human body. Review questions are provided at the end of each chapter to help instructors evaluate reading comprehension. 

Twelve Tips to Raise a Reader

We read A LOT in our house and I'm frequently asked "How do you nurture a love for reading?" So today I share with you my twelve tips to raise a reader.


1. Read to your child. I read to my girls every night. We are currently reading through The Mandie Collection by Lois Gladys Leppard and each night I read one chapter aloud (sometimes two).


2. Be a reader. Kids model what they see, so if you want your kids to read books, you have to read books.


3. Make reading the easy choice. If the tv remote and the tablet are handy but books are on a high shelf, what is the likelihood that your kids are going to read? None. But if the tablet and remote are kept high while the books are easily accessible, they are going to head to the books when they have nothing better to do.


4. Have a library routine. My oldest daughter volunteers every week at the local library and so we have a set day and time. Not only does a library routine make library fines a thing of the past, but having a library schedule will encourage your kids to see books as a treat (sometimes movies too).


5. Ask questions. Stop before the end of the story and ask what she thinks will happen next. Get her thinking about the story.


6. Listen to audio books in the car. The benefits of audiobooks are not quite the same as reading a good book, but it's still better than nothing, especially when your stuck traveling for hours at a time in the car.


7. Make sure your child has books at her level. Books that are too easy might be boring, and books that are too hard will be frustrating.


8. Be a good listener. Ask your child to read aloud to you. She may be reluctant at first, but with a little encouragement, she might come around and enjoy it. Make sure you're giving her your full attention.


9. Subscribe to magazines she likes. My girls love American Girl magazines. When they come in the mail, my girls pore over each and every page. Find the magazines that interest your kids and get them delivered in the mail. Everybody loves getting mail!


10. Start a family library. Just buy one or two books at a time until you have a collection.


11. Offer a reading challenge. If your child needs an incentive to read, offer a reading challenge - read 100 books for a chance to go to the Disney Store and get a special toy.


12. Relax! If your child doesn't love to read, don't make a big issue out of it. If she doesn't like reading, continue to provide good books and magazines for her, read to her, and do the other things on the list. Be patient, and maybe, she will come to love reading.


Happy Reading!

Till Death Do Us Part

In all the hustle and bustle of homeschooling and keeping up with the kids schedule, it is easy to put our marriage on the back burner. I would like to share with you today what God's Word says about marriage and how I nurture a heart of love, a heart prepared to support her husband until till death do us part.

I am on assignment from God to help my husband.

Genesis 2:18 reads "And the LORD God said, It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him."

How can I help my husband?

• I ask him "What can I do to help you today?"
• I follow through in a timely manner with the task he ask me to do and I do it with excellence.
• In word and deed, I ask "Will this help or hinder my husband?" 

I am on assignment from God to submit to my husband.

Ephesians 5:22 reads "Wives, submit yourselves unto your husbands, as unto the Lord."

How can I submit to my husband?

• Be willing to let him have the final say.
• Be willing to admit when you're wrong, and say you're sorry.
• In word and deed, speak and show him respect.

I am on assignment from God to love my husband.

Titus 2:4 admonishes us to "love their husbands".

How can I love my husband?

• Pray for your husband. James 5:16 reads "Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." To pray for your husband effectually, create a page for him in your prayer journal. Write his name at the top and then list the aspects of his life you want to hold up to God - his role as husband, his role as father, his health, his work, his ministry. As you invest your time, your heart, and your life in prayer for your husband, you'll wake up one day and find arguments decreasing and mellowing - even warming - heart toward your husband. It is truly impossible to hate or neglect a person you are praying for.
• Plan for your husband. Plan special deeds of kindness. Each morning I ask God to show me something I can do for David that will cheer him up or make him feel special. Plan special dinners. When I plan the weekly meals, I ask David and my girls which meals they would like for dinner, and then I prepare those meals. Plan to go to bed at the same time. Doing so will nurture physical love in your marriage. 1 Corinthians 7:3-5 reads "let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto her husband. The wife hath no power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath no power of his own body, but the wife. Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come again together, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency." 
• Prepare for your husband. Preparing for your husband's homecoming each day shows him that he is a priority and communicates a heart of love. Prepare the house, take a few minutes before your husband is due home to quickly pick up. Prepare your appearance. If company were coming, you would do a little something to freshen up, wouldn't you? Your husband, the most important person in your life is about to walk through the door, so he should get the most special treatment of all. 
• Praise your husband. Ephesians 4:29 reads "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearer." We should praise our husband in the privacy of our home, thanking him for providing for our family. And we should never pass up an opportunity to praise our husband in public.

 To summarize, a wife is on assignment from God to help her husband, to submit to her husband, and to love her husband. Put these principles to work and you'll communicate "I love you" more powerfully than words alone can! So put on your thinking cap and get to work showing your husband the love that is in your heart!

BJU Geometry

BJU Geometry is a course that focuses on real-life geometry and the orderliness in which God created our universe. Students learn to construct proofs built on postulate systems as they study incidence, logic, congruency, area, space, volume, similarity, and trigonometry. Each chapter contains analytic geometry and Biblical foundation features. Proofs and many calculations are worked out in full in the Teacher's Edition. It provides practice and cumulative reviews as well as challenging enrichment topics including calculator skills,  construction skills, theology proofs, and biographies of mathematicians. Protractor and graphing calculator are recommended.


Visit www.bjupresshomeschool.com where textbook kits cost 15% less than if the items in that kit were purchased separately.


Visit http://payhip.com/b/AfnU to purchase the lesson plan for this curriculum.

MCP Mathematics Level E

Modern Curriculum Press Mathematics Level E (5th grade) uses traditional drill and practice format with an easy-to-use lesson format that's flexible and adaptable to your schedule and needs. Each two-page lesson focuses on one main objective; the first page begins with a developmental model and the second page provides practice. Reinforcing basic math skills, extensive practice will help students learn and retain new concepts while preparing a wide range of ability levels for success on standardized tests. Level E covers adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing fractions and decimals; geometry; ratios and percents; graphs, statistics and probability; equations, integers and graphs. Chapter test provide assessment of the skill at hand, so you can detect deficiencies before progressing to the next level.


The teacher's edition includes reduced student pages which have the correct answers overlaid; the margins feature the lesson and teacher instructions in a two-page layout. objectives, materials needed, warm-up exercises, the lesson with provided problems to write on the board, practice exercises, assessments, alternative chapter tests, and enrichment activities are included.


Click HERE to purchase the student edition.


Click HERE to purchase the lesson plan.

Homeschool Mom Retreat - Sessions

You are invited to at the Homeschool Mom Retreat on August 6, 2016 at Midway Baptist Church, 4512 Ellis Drive, Kountze, TX 77625. A place for moms to RENEW your vision, REFRESH your heart, and RESTORE your strength.


RENEW your vision with two dynamic presentations by Dr. Voddie Baucham, Jr.


"Whoever Controls the Schools Controls the World" - Dr. Voddie Baucham knows what most parents are too quick to dismiss: whoever is teaching our children is also discipling them. Voddie persuasively argues that Christian parents need to take the initiative in their children's education and stop turning to the anti-God environment of the government school. Using Scripture, statistics, and sound reasoning, Voddie powerfully makes the case that whoever controls the school does indeed control the world.


"Getting Your House in Order" - In this lecture, Dr. Baucham turns his attention to the Christian home and explains what an "orderly" home should look like. Expounding on the Old Testament text of Deuteronomy 6, Voddie highlights six characteristics of a properly ordered home. Through personal testimony and biblical instruction, Voddie educates and motivates Christian parents to rise to the challenge of changing the world - one household at a time.


REFRESH your heart with two power-point presentations by Susan Reed.


"Till Death Do Us Part" - In all the hustle and bustle of homeschooling and keeping up with the kids schedule, it is easy to put our marriage on the back burner. Through personal testimony and biblical instruction, Susan shares how to nurture a heart of love, a heart prepared to support her husband until death do us part.


"APPLES of Gold" - Using Scripture, Susan Reed shares six principles that will improve the way you communicate.


RESTORE your strength with a good round table discussion among fellow moms. As any mom can attest, we tend to get so focused on others that we neglect ourselves; and that's not good for anyone. We need to be with other moms for that occasional grown-up conversation. Time to encourage one another and learn from each other's challenges. During this session, conversation prompts will set in motion the "gift of gab".


09:00 Check-In
09:30 RENEW your vision
11:30 Lunch (Chicken Caesar Salad with Bread and Fudge-Nut Brownie)
12:00 REFRESH your heart
01:00 RESTORE your strength
02:00 Takeaways & Giveaways (must be present to win)


RETREAT REGISTRATION
Early-Bird Registration $20 (Through July 24)
Pre-Registration $30 (July 25 - August 1)


Click here to REGISTER

THSC Convention - The Woodlands

Whether you have been on this homeschool journey for years or are just beginning (or considering) this homeschool journey, I would like to share my top three reasons to attend the THSC Convention.


#1 Education


Sometimes we have to admit, we don't always have all the answers, and we need a little guidance. Convention offers so many workshops to choose from that will equipt you for the coming home school year.


#2 Curriculum


This is probably my favorite part of Convention. I love the Exhibit Hall! Here, you can view, hands-on, many different curriculum options and you can purchase many of these curriculums at a special discount.


#3 Family Fun


Each year, Convention offers some sort of entertainment on Saturday evening. A fun time for the whole family! This year, you can see The Amazing Chemistry Show.


Please visit www.thsc.org for more details!

Homeschool Mom Retreat

You are invited to attend THE Homeschool Mom Retreat on August 6, 2016 at Mid-Way Baptist Church, 4512 Ellis Drive, Kountze, TX 77625. A place for moms to RENEW your vision, REFRESH your heart, and RESTORE your strength.


RENEW your vision - a presentation that is both an encouragement and challenge to the millions of Christians who need to know what God's Word says about the discipleship and training of the next generation.


REFRESH your heart - a short time of reviewing what God's Word has to say about issues closest to a mom's heart can do wonders to encourage a homeschool mom.


RESTORE your strength - friendships with other women can strengthen us to be better wives and moms. As any mom can attest, we tend to get so focused on others that we neglect ourselves; and that's not good for anyone. We need to be with other moms for that occasional grown-up conversation.


09:00 Check-In
09:30 RENEW your vision
11:30 Lunch provided by Jason's Deli (Chicken Caesar Salad with Bread and Fudge-Nut Brownie)
12:00 REFRESH your heart
01:00 RESTORE your strength
02:00 Top Ten Takeaways & Door Prize Giveaways (must be present to win)


REGISTER


Want to bring a Homeschool Mom Retreat to your town or church? To request information, please email me through the Contact Form.

My Homeschool Lesson Plan

As a homeschool mom, I have a homeschool plan. In fact, I have a plan for the ENTIRE homeschool year. While some may baulk at the idea of planning out the entire homeschool year, allow me to share how and why I plan for the entire homeschool year.

HOW?

Planning a full year of school work can seem like a formidable task at first; but dividing the work into smaller units, makes the task more manageable. Let's do this one step at a time.

To plan out a textbook by lessons, list the textbook, list the number of lessons in it, and list the total number of tests to be used with this textbook, making sure to count tests which are printed in the textbook.

With this information in front of you, you are ready to plan your school year.

Add tests to your lessons, this is your number of total lessons. Next, divide the number of total lessons by the number of school days to estimate how many lessons should be completed each day.

As you can see from my example, I plan a 4-day week, and we complete our school year in 36 weeks. Quarter 1 completes weeks 1-9. Quarter 2 completes weeks 10-18. Quarter 3 completes weeks 19-27. Quarter 4 completes weeks 28-36.

My homeschool lesson plan is also my grade book. When the assignment is complete, I write in the grade. After each quarter, I average the grade for the quarter and write it next to the quarter number. I then transfer this information to my child's transcript or report card and then at the end of the year all I have to do is figure the final grade.

WHY?

Now that you know I am a planner, perhaps you would like to know why I plan for the entire homeschool year.

A plan brings freedom. By taking the time in the summer to create my homeschool lesson plan for each subject, I don't have to waste my time during the school year trying to structure all the "HAVE TOs". I can use this time to provide some of the "WANT TOs". We have the freedom to take rabbit trails, create memories, and explore new interests because the foundation has already been created.

A plan affords flexibility. With a homeschool lesson plan already established, I can see at a glance what subjects need concentrated effort and what subjects won't require as much time and attention that day. If we need to jet off to an unplanned doctor's appointment or make a meal for a sick friend, I can quickly glance at my plan and know what can easily be brought along with us or can be started and then put on hold until later that day. And sometimes we just have to rearrange our week, if we have a doctor appointment on Wednesday, we do school on Monday-Tuesday-Thursday-Friday, this is why I love our 4-day lesson plan.

A plan provides a goal. As the old saying goes, "Without a plan, you plan o fail." Having a year-long plan sets definitive goals for both me and my children. While we may not complete every jot and tittle of the plan each day, we always maintain forward motion because there is a clear and KNOWN goal. My children's education is of high priority to me. I cannot afford to slip to idleness. Having a plan, or a goal, motivates me into action!

A plan creates a season. Scripture reminds us in Ecclesiastes 3:1 that there is a season for everything under the heavens. While each season of creation is different, they all have two things in common - a BEGINNING and an END. The very nature of a year-long lesson plan creates an obvious BEGINNING and an obvious END - a season. Without a plan of action, how can anyone know when the action is completed?



A Virtuous Woman - Summary

When we look at the virtues of a virtuous woman it can be overwhelming, but if we look at each one by itself we can see the woman God intends for us to be and we can resolve to be a virtuous woman.


Proverbs 31:10 - The woman in this passage is virtuous.
Proverbs 31:11 - The woman in this passage is trustworthy.
Proverbs 31:12 - The woman in this passage will do her husband good.
Proverbs 31:13 - The woman in this passage willingly works with her hands.
Proverbs 31:14 - The woman in this passage is resourceful.
Proverbs 31:15 - The woman in this passage is an early riser.
Proverbs 31:16 - The woman in this passage is business savvy.
Proverbs 31:17 - The woman in this passage is a strong worker.
Proverbs 31:18 - The woman in this passage uses good time management skills.
Proverbs 31:19 - The woman in this passage is a seamstress.
Proverbs 31:20 - The woman in this passage is charitable.
Proverbs 31:21 - The woman in this passage is a provider.
Proverbs 31:22 - The woman in this passage is well dressed.
Proverbs 31:23 - The woman in this passage esteems her husband's reputation.
Proverbs 31:24 - The woman in this passage is a good business woman.
Proverbs 31:25 - The woman in this passage is inwardly decked with spiritual attire.
Proverbs 31:26 - The woman in this passage is a teacher.
Proverbs 31:27 - The woman in this passage is a virtuous watcher.
Proverbs 31:28 - The woman in this passage is praiseworthy.
Proverbs 31:29 - The woman in this passage excels.
Proverbs 31:30 - The woman in this passage fears the LORD.
Proverbs 31:31 - The woman in this passage receives public praise.


Resolve to be a virtuous woman!

A Virtuous Woman - Proverbs 31:31

Proverbs 31:31 - Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates.


The woman in this passage receives praise from those around her - her character was clearly seen by those outside of her home. She receives public recognition in the gates for being a virtuous woman.


Indeed, a virtuous woman is rare and her worth is far beyond any earthly treasure. The Lord sees her work and her love for Him and her family and He does not forget to bless her for it. I love knowing that nothing goes unnoticed in our Father's eyes. Resolve to be a virtuous woman.

A Virtuous Woman - Proverbs 31:30

Proverbs 31:30 - Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but  a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.


The woman in this passage is praised because she fears the LORD, not because of her favour or beauty. Favour can be misleading because it promises a lifetime of happiness but cannot deliver; and physical beauty is only temporary. But the fear of the LORD (Yahweh) is the indispensable care of a woman like this.


The woman who fears the LORD will have a God conscience. She will be aware of God's presence in her home at all times. She will work tirelessly and sacrificially to create a home that is filled with peace, joy, and comfort. A virtuous woman loves the LORD and desires to please him. She serves her husband and children because of her higher desire to please the LORD. When marriage difficulties arise, this woman remains unwavering in her faith and dedication to pleasing God. She does not respect and submit to her husband based on her husband's worthiness but out of her love and fear of the LORD. She knows when her husband is acting ugly that there is a God in heaven who loves her and so she presses through those difficult times remaining unwavering in her dedication to him. Resolve to be a virtuous woman.

A Virtuous Woman - Proverbs 31:29

Proverbs 31:29 - Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.


The woman in this passage excels them all. As her children grow and have their own children, they endeavor to raise them as they were raised by her. She is constantly before them. Her tender guidance, her wise counsel, her loving discipline, her godly example, her hard work, her unselfish giving, all of these things never cease to fill the memories of her children and so they begin to fill the lives of their children. Resolve to be a virtuous woman.

A Virtuous Woman - Proverbs 31:28

Proverbs 31:28 - Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.


The woman in this passage is praised for her many excellent qualities by those who know her best - her children and her husband. The words "arise up" mean that the children are full grown. Often times, it's not until children gain a bit of perspective in life that they recognize how much their mother has sacrificed for them.


Arising and blessing their mother is not just about the "thank you" but about them arising and living honorable, noble, God-fearing lives. This fruit is evidence of a mother's hard work. This is a mother's true reward!


If you find all your praises come from sources outside your home - and inside your home is a train wreck, then you can be sure your priorities somehow have been derailed. A huge challenge lies before us today as we consider our parenting skills. Have you blown it? Apologize. Have you failed to pray? Start today. Give your children the best of you. Resolve to be a virtuous woman.

A Virtuous Woman - Proverbs 31:27

Proverbs 31:27 - She looketh to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.


The woman in this passage is actively guarding, protecting, saving, and attending to her home and the people in it. As she watches over her household, she resists idleness.


There are many time robbers in our daily life and we should not eat the bread of idleness - procrastination, inadequate planning, failure to delegate, poor use of the telephone/television/computer - ask God to reveal your time robbers so you can become more alert, a more virtuous watcher over your home. Resolve to be a virtuous woman.

A Virtuous Woman - Proverbs 31:26

Proverbs 31:26 - She openeth her mouth with wisdom: and in her tongue is the law of kindness.


The woman in this passage is a teacher. She diligently teaches her children words of wisdom from God's law and she does it with kindness.


Deuteronomy 6:6-9 - And these words, which I command this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.


The fact that the Scripture verses are from the Old Testament does not lesson their force for today. God still requires us to provide a godly education, and this education is to be continual throughout the day.


A virtuous woman not only teaches her children; she also teaches the young women around her.


Titus 2:3-5 - The aged women likewise, that they be in behavior as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.


Scripture is clear, we are to teach our children and the younger women around us. We do this through words of wisdom from God's Word; but we also do this by the way we live, our lives should reflect Christ and point others to Him. Resolve to be a virtuous woman.

A Virtuous Woman - Proverbs 31:25

Proverbs 31: 25 - Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.


There are two descriptions of the virtuous woman in verse 25.


1. The woman in this passage is inwardly decked with spiritual attire. When people see her, they see honour, she is of high public esteem for her beliefs and her actions. When people see her, they see strength, a spiritual strength for she has hidden God's Word in her heart and is ready always to give an answer.


1 Peter 3:15 - But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts; and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.


2. The woman in this passage smiles at the coming day. She does not fear the future. Why? Because she knows her life is right with God. She knows in whom she can trust. And therefore she can rejoice in what is ahead. Resolve to be a virtuous woman.

A Virtuous Woman - Proverbs 31:24

Proverbs 31:24 - She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.


The woman in this passage is a good business woman. She has the time and the inclination and the talents and abilities to do things in the home that can benefit the family. She does not have a career at the expense of her family, at the expense of her children, at the expense of her husband and the home.


A virtuous woman doesn't just make linen - she makes fine linen. She applies her excellence to her work, offering quality work. As a result, her product was in demand by the merchants.


Consider your talents and abilities that can benefit your family. Seek God and your husband's wisdom in this decision-making process on how you can use your talents and abilities to add to your family's income - and do it with excellence. Resolve to be a virtuous woman.

A Virtuous Woman - Proverbs 31:23

Proverbs 31:23 - Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.


The woman in this passage has a husband, and he is known in the gates, he is known as her husband, and his reputation is known far and wide. What happened was, inside the gates of ancient cities there would be a platform area where the elders of the city would gather every day and they would adjudicate the matters that came up in the city, disputes, it was like an open court where hearings were made with regard to the issues of the time in where business was carried out. And the elders of the city sat in that place and rendered judgment.


Her husband has a great reputation among the leaders of the city. It is a reputation basically built by his wife. She is so faithful to the duties of her love to him, he is free to be every bit the man he can be and so he develops a tremendous reputation. That reputation is undergirded by her because she is doing everything to make him everything he ought to be. And so he is known as a man of great nobility and great respect because of the contributions that she has made selflessly to him. Resolve to be a virtuous woman.

A Virtuous Woman - Proverbs 31:22

Proverbs 31:22 - She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.


The woman in this passage is well-dressed. She is clothed in silk and purple, which was always associated with elegance.


She appreciates the beauty that God has given her. She appreciates the fact that her husband rejoices in that beauty; and she knows how to take care of herself in a way that expresses her beauty and her loveliness to her husband. This woman understood how important that beauty was because her heart was right with God.


I Timothy 2:9-10 - In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety, not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; but (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.


A virtuous woman who focuses on worshipping God will consider carefully how she is dressed, because her heart will dictate her wardrobe and appearance. Resolve to be a virtuous woman.

A Virtuous Woman - Proverbs 31:21

Proverbs 31:21 - She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.


The woman in this passage is a provider. She is prepared for the winter season and provides wool garments for her household. But not just wool garments, these garments are scarlet, she dyes them deep red. Why? Wool garments deep red in color would retain more heat. Dark garments retain heat and light garments reflect heat. This would be very important in the winter season.


These scarlet garments are significant because such garments were dignified, they were beautiful, and they were well made. They were functional but they were deep red so that her household are clothed with warmth and beauty.


Are you prepared for the winter season? Have you thought about what your family will need and the quality of what you will make or purchase? Resolve to be a virtuous woman.

A Virtuous Woman - Proverbs 31:20

Proverbs 31:20 - She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.


The woman in this passage is charitable. She demonstrates not only a special devotion to her home but compassion toward those not fortunate enough to be in her home. She demonstrates compassion to the poor and the unfortunate who have needs. When it says she stretcheth her hand to the poor, it means she gets involved in their life, she provides what they need - maybe it was food, maybe it was money, maybe it was a cloak. She reaches forth her hands to the needy. A virtuous woman doesn't just touch those who come close to her, she goes to those who have needs. She is an utterly selfless woman. Resolve to be a virtuous woman.

A Virtuous Woman - Proverbs 31:19

Proverbs 31:19 - She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.


The woman in this passage is a seamstress. She has to purchase the bare product of wool and flax, and then she has to spin it into thread, and then she has to weave it on a loo. And then once it is woven into fabric, she has to cut it and make the garments with it. Remember, she used wool in the winter and flax in the summer.


The spindle served her family and she worked with her hands in delight. There is no complaint about this. It is not begrudging. She finds joy in this labor. Why? Because it is a labor of love.


You may not be a seamstress, maybe you go to the mall to purchase your clothing; either way, we must provide clothing for our family and this clothing should be fitted for the season. And as we manage our homes, we should take special care with our laundry. Resolve to be a virtuous woman.

A Virtuous Woman - Proverbs 31:18

Proverbs 31:18 - She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.


The woman in this passage ensures that her dealings are well handled, even if it means staying up late. She works hard and long hours for the good of her family.


Because of the invention of the light bulb we might forget that her candle would have begun when the sun set and she would not rest till the dishes were done, laundry was put away, stories were read, and possibly cleaning if she was away during the day - her candle simply had to burn to get it all done.


A virtuous woman establishes priorities through good time management skills. The more you plan, the better you manage your time and the more you achieve. Use a planner and write everything down in it - writing things down relieves the stress of trying to remember everything. Unless you plan, you cannot manage your time. Resolve to be a virtuous woman.

A Virtuous Woman - Proverbs 31:17

Proverbs 31:17 - She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.


The woman in this passage works vigorously and her arms are strong for the task. We must not shy away from hard work - it's good for us! Working hard will help us live with energy and it will benefit our family with a clean place to take refuge.


Look around your home - is there work to be done? Try using a cleaning checklist to vigorously clean your home. Resolve to be a virtuous woman.

A Virtuous Woman - Proverbs 31:16

Proverbs 31:16 - She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.


The woman in this passage is business savvy. She is wise with her money and invests it well. We see three business tips a virtuous woman applies to her finances.

1. She considers a field. She sees a field and can imagine what it could become - she has a vision.
2. She buys the field. She wisely invests in something that will benefit her family.
3. She plants a vineyard. That's something that will give back to her and her family for years to come.

How well do you handle your finances? A virtuous woman is wise with her money and always uses it to benefit her family. Resolve to be a virtuous woman.

A Virtuous Woman - Proverbs 31:15

Proverbs 31:15 - She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.


There are two descriptions of the virtuous woman in verse 15.


1. The woman in this passage is up before dawn to prepare a meal for her family. Her household is above her own comforts, above her own rest. She's up long before her husband and children so that she can give food to her household.


2. The woman in this passage rises early to plan and prepare for the day's work. May I suggest that you create a daily planner, write out your to-do-list, and check things off as you complete each task. Rising early can change the entire course of your day and it will bless your family. Resolve to be a virtuous woman.

A Virtuous Woman - Proverbs 31:14

Proverbs 31:14 - She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.


The woman in this passage is compared to a merchant ship, in other words, she is resourceful. She is willing to go afar to provide and prepare healthy food for her family.


Are you like a merchant ship? Are you willing to go afar to find the most cost effective and healthy ingredients for your family? Are you more into convenience foods that are fast or are you willing to cook from scratch?


I know how much planning, time, and energy goes into shopping. If we are going to be like the virtuous woman we are going to have to be willing to turn mundane shopping into a labor of love for our family. Resolve to be a virtuous woman.

A Virtuous Woman - Proverbs 31:13

Proverbs 31:13 - She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.


There are two descriptions of the virtuous woman in verse 13.


1. The woman in this passage seeks for wool and flax. Why wool? Because of winter time. It was very cold in the winter. Why flax? Because of the summer time. It was very hot in the summer. Wool was used in the winter and flax was used in the summer.


2. The woman in this passage willingly works with her hands and she does her work with a good attitude. God doesn't want the work that stems from a bad attitude or a begrudging heart. He wants the self-sacrificial, I do this because I love you work.


How do we get this kind of willingness?

1. Pray and ask God to give you a willing attitude all day long.
2. Do your work as unto the Lord. Colossians 3:23-And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.
3. Change your perspective. Each mundane chore you complete for your family is a labor of love. As you cook dinner, fold the laundry, and clean the house - remember that these small tasks all added together equal a well nurtured home and family. Without one word, your willingness to work will speak volumes to your husband and children. Resolve to be a virtuous woman.