It's Almost Christmas!

Our Christmas Tree

Wow, I was suprised to discover it had been awhile since I've posted.  Anyway, homeschooling is going great!  We are getting excited for Christmas.  We decorated our tree this week.  That was the earliest I have ever decorated for Christmas.  Dasia noticed some Christmas lights while driving home this evening.  She said now she knows that Christmas is getting close! 

As Christmas draws nearer, the rushing of the season starts to set in with activities to attend, presents to buy and wrap and cards to mail.  I pray that God touches each and every one of our hearts.  That we not only remember the "reason for the season", but talk to God every day.  He loves you, every one of you!

Dasia hanging up ornaments.

Operation Christmas Child - Lesson in Giving

Our shoe boxes are packed and ready for Operation Christmas Child.

Several years ago, before Dasia was born, Dale and I started filling shoe boxes each November for Operation Christmas Child.  One year, we took our youth group to Wal-Mart and had the kids pick out items to fill shoe boxes.  We then went back to our church for an overnight party where we ate, played games and filled up several shoe boxes with gifts for the children who are blessed through Operation Christmas Child.  Every year, I look forward to participating in this ministry. 

This week, Dasia, Dylan and I made a trip to the Dollar Tree to purchase items to fill up four shoe boxes.  It's a good opportunity for the children to give to other children.  They both enjoyed picking out a few toys to put in the boxes.  That evening we wrapped and filled up our gifts.  It was an emotional time for Dylan who would really like to have some of the toys we put in the boxes.

National Collection Week is November 12-19, 2012.  If you would like more information on this ministry, visit http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/occ.

God's Ways....Are Not What We Would Think

My mums that I bought from Aldi either last year or 2 years ago.  Beautiful this year!

Last night, our story for the evening from "Little Boys Bible Storybook" was about Joshua and the wall of Jericho.  Every time I read about Jericho from one of our children's Bibles, I laugh out loud.  Here's an excerpt of what I find so funny (and amazing!).


     "God said we can capture Jericho," Joshua annouced.   "Alright!  We'll attack them so hard that they won't know what hit them!"  The Israelites cheered.   "No.  We're going to do exactly what God says: March around the city once a day for six days-without saying a word!"  Joshua was very firm.  "Huh? We'll look like fools," the people muttered...

      HA! Look at those crazy Israelites!" the men of Jericho laughed.  "What do they think they're gonna do...shake the walls so hard that they fall down?


I've heard this story many times, but nothing has done it justice like children's Bibles and VeggieTales.  Take a few moments and think about what it was like for Joshua.  The Israelites would assume they were going to fight.  Who wouldn't have thought that?  Joshua had to believe God and put himself out there.  And then once they started marching, can you imagine what the people of Jericho said? 

How can this relate to our lives today?  "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD.  Isaiah 55:8  Years ago, God did things differently than  you or I would have.  And....He still does today.  Ask God what to do with the difficult areas and problems in your life.  Take time to listen for His voice and answer.  There's a pretty good chance that what He tells you may not be what you would have decided to do on your own or what you would learn from worldly magazines and tv. 

Old Train Tunnel - Family Fun Friday

An old train tunnel that has been turned into a walking and bicycle path.

 Last Friday, the kids and I along with my mom and cousin enjoyed a walk along a nearby trail where there is an old train tunnel that you can walk through.  We took a flashlight in case the kids got scared.  It's pretty dark in the middle of the tunnel. 

My cousin acted as science teacher for the day and pointed out the different types of rocks and trees along the path.  So, we were able to have science and get some exercise at the same time.  We all had a good time!

My cousin Kevin, Dasia, Dylan and my mom

My Favorite Message from Love Life 2012

Love Life Joyce Meyer Conference 2012

I wanted to share my favorite message from this year's annual Joyce Meyer Women's Conference.  I loved all of the sessions that I was able to attend.  (I missed the Thursday evening session.)  However, I did have a favorite.

The message that touched me the most was Friday night when Joyce Meyer brought out a box filled with journals that she had been keeping for many years.  The journals included entries about what she was going through in her life and things she was believing God to bring forth. 

One entry that she read to us stated that she was believing God for 12 washcloths.  That was many, many years ago.  I was very encouraged as I listened to her read from the journals.  It was amazing to see where she is now and to hear details about where she used to be.  I can't quite imagine having to believe God for 12 washcloths.  But I was very delighted to hear that God had cared so much for her that He had someone take the washcloths to her house.  This person was unaware that Joyce was believing God for the washcloths.

As I was uplifted by the testimony contained in those journals, I was reminded that God uses each one our testimonies to bring glory to Him and to cause others to come to God or to increase their faith.  Don't be afraid to give God the glory and share what He has done or is doing in your life.

Love Life Women's Conference - Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer Women's Conference 2012

 This weekend I had the AMAZING opportunity to once again attend the annual Joyce Meyer women's conference.  You can read about why I haven't been to the conference in a few years in my post here.  So, why do I love this conference?

1) I love to listen to Joyce Meyer.  She is full of Godly wisdom and she's as real as a person can be.  God has used her to teach me how to walk with God.  It is such a blessing to know that someone else has struggled and does struggle with many of things that I deal with in my own life.

2) It is a great time to focus on God without the daily routine and struggles of my normal life.  I did miss my kids and husband, but it was nice to have time to focus on listening to God. (And to have some time to share life with a few friends.)

3) I enjoy the praise and worship time.  There are a LOT of women at this conference.  It is AMAZING to see all of those people in one place focusing on our Lord!  The other thing about the worship at this conference that I really like is the declaration of the songs.  The songs that are sung include many songs where the words declare that you are victorious!  Darlene Zschech led praise and worship this year.

4) One more thing that I enjoy is hearing all the testimonies of lives that have been changed through this ministry, watching a car be given away AMAZING, learning about the outreaches of Joyce Meyer Ministries and having an opportunity to give with a purpose!

I plan on sharing some of the things that were taught at the sessions and what made the biggest impact on me during the week.



Amber (a special friend) and Kellie (my sweet cousin) who both went with me this weekend.

Me, Kellie and my Aunt Sandy riding the metro to the conference
 

Me and Amber

To Go or Not To Go...

Love Life Women's Conference 2012

 I fully intended to write this blog post before I went to Joyce Meyer's Love Life Women's Conference 2012.  However, I didn't post anything at all last week.  Yesterday evening, I made it back home after spending Friday and most of Saturday at Joyce Meyer's annual women's conference.  It was wonderful!  But, that's my next post.  What I want to share hear is how it came about that I went to the conference.....

Before my children were born, I went several times with my aunt to Joyce Meyer's annual women's conference.  I always loved the opportunity to spend a couple days listening to Joyce, receiving a refreshing in my spirit and spending time in praise and worship.  However, after my daughter was born I told my aunt I couldn't go because I could not leave my little girl.  So, I had not attended any of the conferences in five years.

My cousin, who had never been to one of the meetings, sent me a text asking if I would go with her to this year's conference.  I thought briefly about, and told her I could not leave the kids (although I really wanted to go).  As the day wore on, I felt bad about telling her no.  A few years ago, I had really wanted her to go with us.  I felt bad because I would be stopping her from going.  Later in the day, God said to me, "Can you just trust me with you children?  And so, I decided to give it a try and go but only spend one night away from home and skip the first session. 

My cousin decided to go up the night before and I would just meet her there the next day.  I invited a friend, who after several weeks of praying and thinking (she also did not want to leave her children) decided to go.  Thank God that He encouraged us to attend!

Spending Time Together - Family Fun Friday

Dylan at his gymnastics class.  He likes the class, but dislikes stretching.

 Our lives have changed a little since we started homeschooling in August.  But, we are enjoying it and have settled into some what of a schedule.  Here's a little of what we've been doing lately...



Dasia walking the balance beam at gymnastics.

Making a chart during school.  Mommy found a great use for Microsoft clip art.

Feeding the ducks at the park.

 

 

Family Day at the Lake of Egypt Fire Station

Dylan and Dasia both loved using the geoboards that came with our Saxon Manipulatives Kit.  Dasia carried hers around all day.

This was our second trip to the local science center for the homeschool class.  The kids made weather vanes.  They both enjoyed it.  I was impressed with how well Dylan paid attention.  (and thankful that the center lets a 3 year old participate!)

The Art of Remembrance

As I read this week's challenge for the Revive Your Marriage Series that I posted about last week, I was reminded of the times in the Bible where God's people built an altar in order to remember what He had done for them.  That was a confirmation to me that the challenge this week is a good one!  Here it is....

      This week we are working on a perspective change.  Stroll down memory lane looking back at pictures from your dating years and your wedding.  Remember how and why you fell in love with your husband.  Remember the vows you made to him and commit to being the wife you vowed to be.

Memories are powerful!  Meditating on your memories whether good or bad, bring an emotional response.  So, what better way to improve your marriage than to remember how it began? 

Dale and I met at a church service for college students in 2001.  We were introduced by one of his cousins who was also hoping to do a little match making.  We were both hungry for the Lord and desired to be married to the spouse that God had prepared for us.  We spent a lot of time praying and asking God if this was His plan for us.  We both asked for God to confirm that we were on the right path.  He did!  In April 2003, we were married.  We were very blessed to have several family members offer their help with the wedding which gave us more peace that it was God's plan. 

One of my favorite things to share with others about us, is that Dale's dad's brother is married to my mom's sister.  Did you catch that?  So, we have an aunt and uncle and a few cousins that are in my husband's family and in my family!  At a family reunion on Saturday, Dale's cousin asked if my kids got to play with a certain cousin often.  After thinking a moment, I said, well, yes because he is in both families.  He's Dale's cousin and my cousin too!

As you think about your marriage this week, realize the power of remembrance.  Think about the good times and why your marriage began in the first place.

We will use these stones to build a memorial.  In the future, your children will ask, "What do these stones mean to you?"  Then you can tell them, "They remind us that the Jordan stopped flowing when the Ark of the Lord's covenant went across."  These stones will stand as a permanent memorial among the people of Israel.

Praying for Your Husband

As I mentioned last Monday, Women Living Well and three other bloggers have joined together for a Revive Your Marriage month.  The first "challenge" is to pray for your husband and your marriage.  When your eye falls on your wedding ring, let it be a reminder to pray for not only your husband, but also your marriage. 

I liked what Courtney said in her post, "If you don't pray for your husband, who will?"  And the other evening at church, the pastor mentioned that not only had Satan taken prayer out of school, but Satan had taken it out of our daily lives.  I thought this was a very powerful statement.  Take a minute to really think about that.  Do you pray regularly?  Do you pray without ceasing?

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Until now you have not asked for anything in my name.  Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.  John 16:24

The kids and I do pray for Dale on the days when he is at work.  We ask God to protect him and give him favor.  As a reminder for myself to pray for my husband each day, I'm going to put a note on the bathroom mirror and pray for him as I get ready in the mornings. 

In addition to praying for your husband, try speaking forth the Word over his life.  I have mentioned a book before by Joyce Meyer that is a great tool for confessing the word.

I Have a Confession....

So, for the confession part...I really hoped to make some money with my blog.  In fact, I've spent quite a bit of time thinking about that and placing ads on this blog and my other one, which I haven't looked at in quite a while.  So far, I have a very small balance in my Adsense account.  That may not be a big deal to many of you, but...

when I was first learning how to set up a blog, God told me to start one called "My Walk with God".  The purpose was to share my life with the readers in order to help others in their walks with God.  I secretly hoped that this could be a source of income (and that is still possible) but the fact remains that my focus is to be on sharing my life (seed) in the hope that others can not only be encouraged but also set free (harvest).

Wednesday evening, the kids and I went to church by ourselves.  Dale was going to meet us there, but ended up not making it.  So, I had the opportunity to sit all alone which made it easier to really listen and focus on God.  One of the best times that I have to hear God is during praise and worship at church.  It's so much easier for me to focus and really listen.  And, He talked and I heard.  I felt God saying to me that I am not to try to figure out how to make extra money.  I am supposed to pray and speak the Word.  He will take care of how the extra money comes to us.  And, I was strongly reminded about the purpose of this blog.

Sharing my daily life with you to encourage you in your walk with God....

Trina

Movie Ratings

Back in July, we purchased a Spiderman (cartoon) DVD for Dylan's birthday.  He was turning 3 and was recently enjoying pretending to be Spiderman.  Dale watched this DVD with the kids.  He later told me that there were a couple curse words in the movie.  I was shocked.  Really, in a Spiderman cartoon?  Needless to say, we threw the DVD away.

While discussing what we had discovered with my sister, she said, "Did you check the rating?".  Well, of course not because it was a Spiderman cartoon.  It never crossed my mind that it would have inappropriate language.  Dasia wasn't interested in super heroes and this was our first experience with any movie like that.

Recently, while at the movie theater, I saw a flyer about movie ratings.  This is what I learned....

G - General Audience, All Ages Admitted: A G-rated motion picture signifies that the film rated contains nothing most parents will consider offensive for even their youngest children to see or hear.  Nudity, sex scenes, and scenes of drug use are absent; violence is minimal; snippets of dialogue may go beyond polite conversation but do not go beyond common everyday expressions. 

PG - Parental Guidance Suggested.  Some Material May Not Be Suitable for Children.: The PG rating indicates that parents may consider some material unsuitable for their children.  A PG rated motion picture may contain some profanity and some depictions of violence, sensuality or brief nudity.  But, these elements are not deemed so intense as to require that parents be strongly cautioned beyond the suggestion of parental guidance.  There is no drug use content in a PG rated motion picture. 

(Ratings descriptions were taken from the brochure printed by the The Classification and Rating Administration.  For more information, see www.filmratings.com.)

I was suprised that the PG rating meant that a movie may contain some profanity and brief nudity.  I hadn't given it much thought.  We only take the kids to movies that are G at the theater, but as far as movies that we rent to view at home, we weren't necessarily checking the rating.  I do monitor the cartoons that we view on tv and those usually are only on in the morning.  Once afternoon arrives, the cartoons appear to be targeted to older children. 

In the future, before I purchase any DVDs at Wal-Mart, I will be checking the rating.  I was very thankful that Dale watched the movie with the kids so that we were aware of the content. 

Revive Your Marriage - September Challenges

It's been awhile since I took part in a "challenge" series at Women Living Well.  Starting next Monday, the Revive Your Marriage series will be starting.  This is an area where many people, including my husband and I, could use some improvement.  Wouldn't you love to have the relationship with your husband that God intended for you to experience?  Check back next Monday to read about the first challenge.

T-shirts with a Life Changing Message

Do you love Christian t-shirts as much as I do?  I've always liked the cute sayings on the shirts made by Kerusso.  Check out Kerusso's site to see the many shirts they have available.

Morning Devotions

I've been asking God to show me how to teach my children and to guide us to materials that will help us.  Every night before bed, we read a story from one of our children's Bibles.  However, I really wanted to do something with the kids in the mornings before school to start our days off with a focus on God and something that concerned "character".  We stopped by Lifeway today and I found a wonderful little devotional for 2-5 year olds.  I had no idea that there was anything like that for young children. 

There was a book for girls and one for boys.  I picked the one for boys.  It's called "Fun Devotions for Boys: Gotta Have God 3".  Each devotion starts with a verse from the Bible followed by a short real life story, questions and an activity. 

My plan is to read and discuss the devotion in the mornings with both kids.  I'm excited about starting this because it seems to be perfect for us! 

Memory Verse for the Week

Dasia did well with last week's verse.  Dylan kind of got it, but I decided to move on anyway.  I think he does a great job for his age. 

Our verse to memorize for the week is Psalm 34:13.  Keep your tongue from evil.  My translation (NLT) reads, "Then watch your tongue!  Keep your lips from telling lies!

Learning to Read - Hooked on Phonics

Are you looking for a solution to teach your child to read?  Dasia has been reading simple books for several months, but was needing help moving on to more difficult words.  I purchased the Hooked on Phonics 1st grade set.  We tried out the program for the first time yesterday. 

The first lesson consisted of a short dvd lesson followed by a list of words to practice and a short book to read.  Although we are just beginning the program, I think that it will be very good due the repetition of sounds and words in each lesson.  Click here for Hooked on Phonics.

Are They Twins? - Family Fun Friday

Over the past year or so, I've been getting asked if Dasia and Dylan are twins.  Well, lately, the question is being asked a lot more.  Today, while spending the day shopping, I was asked multiple times if they were twins.  I guess they look alike, but I think the confusing part is that they are almost the same size.  Dylan is two weeks short of two years younger than Dasia.  He's only 1 lb lighter and 1 inch shorter.  They are now wearing the same shoe size and sometimes the same shirt size. 

One woman today said, "Well, maybe she'll catch up."  I guess it's possible, but since her mommy is 4 ft 10 inches, I wouldn't be too surprised if she doesn't.  I'm thinking 5 ft 1 in sounds good for Dasia!

I have a sister that is two and a half years younger than me and the same thing happened to us.  It took a few years, but she passed me up in size pretty easily.  I don't think Dasia understands yet that it's very likely that Dylan will be taller than her by this time next year (or sooner). 




 

Freedom

We officially started our first homeschool year on Monday.  Since I was still feeling a little uneasy about how to schedule our days, I decided to jump in this week with the curriculum that we had purchased for this year and just see what happened.  We were already doing school work a couple days a week mostly in the afternoon time.  But, we were just using the school books sold by Wal-Mart and other retail stores.  Actually, this haphazard style of learning that I had been doing with Dasia for the past year and a half had worked fairly well for us.  She learned to read, tell time to the hour, recognize coins, and simple addition.  So, with the success that we have already had, you would think that officially starting homeschool would not really feel any different.

But, it did.  I think all three of us felt strange.  Afer today, the feeling is starting to fade from me.  It might just be the fact that "offically" starting school created emotional pressure that just wasn't there before.  I just want God to lead us and this to be a wonderful experience (although there will be frustrations, because I don't think any child always wants to do school work every time it is presented).  I realize that it is perfectly fine to make changes as needed and to add or remove any curriculum that we are using in order to find out what works best for us.  Can you say FREEDOM?  As I'm writing, I'm being renewed by the Lord that this is a wonderful opportunity for Him to change me and teach Dale and I how to raise our children to love the Lord!

As I've learned to walk with God in every day life over the last several years, I have noticed that FREEDOM is very important. 

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.  Galatians 5:1

You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.  Romans 6:18

God wants all of us to be free to love Him, ourselves and others!  As you choose to walk with God and let Him change you, freedom becomes more evident in your life.  God can give you freedom from jealousy, self-hatred, addiction, debt...whatever you are facing, God wants His people FREE!

First Homeschool Outing - Family Fun Friday

Dasia playing with magnets.

Yesterday, we went to the Science Center in Carbondale.  The Science Center has a homeschool class once each month.  We attended the class for kindergarten through 8 years old.  The class was about dry ice.  The instructor did several experiments that the kids enjoyed.  Dasia paid attention the whole time.  Dylan did really good, but did get a little bored.  My mom went with us.  We all enjoyed the experience.  After the class was over, the kids played on the exhibits in the center.



Dylan attempting a skeleton puzzle.

Dylan loves puzzles.  He spent a lot of time with the one above.


Digging for dinosaur bones.

Dasia enjoyed looking for dinosaur bones.  She has played at an exhibit similar to this before, but she still had a good time.  I believe we will try to do this again.  It was a great experience for our first homeschool event.

Memory Verses - How We Do It

Just for fun

Back a few months ago, I came across a printable list of verses for children to memorize.  I loved the layout!  There was one verse for every letter of the alphabet and a checkbox to complete after the verse was memorized.  I printed a sheet for Dasia and one for Dylan and hung the lists on our closet door above our chore charts.  I thought others might be interested in using it for their children.  You can print the list here.

My goal is to learn a different verse every week.  However, sometimes the verses are long and we work on them for a longer time period.  And, sometimes I forget and we do not practice the verse enough during the week.  We are currently on letter H and the kids are doing great!  Each night after we read our Bible story and another book or two, I say the verse and have each child repeat it.  During Sunday School, I ask both of them to tell me their Bible verse.  I usually have to prompt them with the first couple of words.  If they get it mostly correct, they get to pick a prize out of our prize box.  Our prize box consists of $1 items that I let them choose from Wal-Mart and Target. 

Periodically, we recite the previous verses we memorized to keep them fresh in our minds.  Notice I said "our".  This has been not only a great way for the kids to learn scripture, but for me too!

Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.  Psalms 119:11

Faith Comes by Hearing...

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.  Romans 10:17

Do you ever feel like your faith is not what you would like it to be in a certain area?  What should you do about it?  Wish, pray, any other ideas?  What about reading and choosing to believe the Bible?  Lately, God has been teaching my husband and I in this area.  There are so many life categories where we may need to increase our faith such as finances, health, and family.  Let's dig into the Word and choose to believe what God has said!  As a result, our faith will increase.  Read the Word.  Speak the Word.  Watch as your faith increases!

And the Winner is....

And the winner of Joyce Meyer's book, "The Secret Power of Speaking God's Word" is...

Laura S.

Congratulations Laura!  You will receive an email shortly with further instructions.  Thanks to all who entered the giveaway!

Our First Home School Books Are Here

Home school books for 2012-2013 school year.

I ordered our first year's home school books last week and everything arrived today.  Dasia will be starting kindergarten this fall.  I am planning on using the books above.  But, I bought first grade materials.  So, if any of it seems too hard, we may step back and purchase kindergarten books.  Dylan will be using those in a couple years anyway.  We will be using Saxon Math, A Reason for Science and A Reason for Handwriting.  I also purchased a used Hooked on Phonics for First Grade, but I think we need the kindergarten level for phonics.  Dasia is doing really well reading Bob Books.  We have Sight Words for Kindergarten and Set 2 Advancing Beginners.  However, the Hooked on Phonics set came with a list of words the child should be able to read easily before starting the program and she can't read all of those words easily yet. 

I'm also going to work with Dylan, who just turned 3.  I will be using the preschool books from Wal-Mart, Dollar Tree, etc.  I'll also use online printables for him.  We are going to take it very slow for him.  He does well with about 10 minutes and then is ready to do something else. 

I'm starting to get excited about our new stage in life!

Tip for Organizing a Boy's Bedroom

My favorite part of Dylan's room

After a couple Christmas's and birthdays, organizing toys for my little boy, who just turned 3, quickly became a necessity.  I'm not a fan of toy boxes unless we can keep the toys separated by type.  We do have 3 round, blue tubs from Wal-Mart that we use in place of a toy box.  Two tubs are full of cars/trucks/tractors and one tub contains costumes (swords, masks, etc.).


Storage area for his larger vehicles

My favorite storage area in Dylan's room is the one we created out of crates sold during the back to school sale at Wal-Mart.  I bought six crates last year once the prices were marked down.  I just bought three more this week at normal price, which was under $4 each.  Dylan got a few more large vehicles for his birthday so we needed some extra space.  My husband zip tied (if that's a word, ha) the crates together, horizontally and vertically.  The crates fit perfectly in Dylan's room in the small area next to his door. 

Letters we painted ourselves and signs that were bought as decorations for his birthday party

 Last year, we bought and painted the wooden letters above from Hobby Lobby.  However, the wall looked really plain.  This summer for Dylan's birthday party, I ordered the signs in the picture with his other party supplies.  The signs are a very thin plastic.  After using them for the party, I found that they looked great under his name. 

Dasia is 5!

Dasia and her cake on her official birthday.

 My little princess turned 5 on Tuesday.  She is such a blessing!  I'm amazed (as all moms are) how quickly time passes and little ones grow up.  We've enjoyed celebrating Dasia and Dylan's birthdays this month.  This is my last birthday post!  It feels like we celebrate the whole month of July.

Her favorite present!   

This year instead of giving the children presents on their actual birthdays and presents at the big party, we just gave them presents from us on their birthdays.  Dasia showed the most excitement over the Pac Man PS2 games pictured above.  She doesn't play the games, but she sits next to Daddy and coaches him through it.  They could play for hours!

I'm thankful for the two wonderful children that God blessed us with.  We enjoy them so much.

Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from him. Psalm 127:3 (NLT)