I had my 14 week appointment today. I'm measuring a week behind, but I'm a petite person anyway, and I'm sure my 2 weeks of sickness between this visit and the last may provide some reasoning behind it. (I measured right on target last time.)
In a few short weeks we'll be able to peek at the baby and find out the gender. I cannot tell you how much I anticipate this moment! I know I am definitely a spoiled woman, since my grandparents did not have this technology and just had to wait it out like everyone else!
This week has held it's share of loveliness and ickiness. Sometimes when we're really having a fantastic celebration in life, something comes along and tries to rain on our parade- and there have been several things that happened over the last few days that, at any other time, would have probably broken us down (not our relationship, but just our spirits).
But, God has.... IS... helping us through this time and providing for our needs, and we are ever so grateful. My women's study has been on attitude, and I know that God hand-picked this study for me because He knew what was to come and knew I'd need these verses and sermons running through my head.
Anyway, I have enjoyed slowly building my baby registry- not that I expect many people to purchase anything since it is our fourth child. It's mostly cloth diapers (I love gro baby diapers... they are so simple and cute!) to add to stash we already have. I am currently using one-size pockets with Keagan, and would love to use gro baby one-size snap ins (no pocket stuffing!), but, financially, it's best to use what I have and be thankful for it!
An internet friend of mine has been so generous as to donate her small one-size pockets to me for this little apple, and I am ever so thankful for her kindness!
I've also purchased a few disposables because I found an INSANE deal on a package of Walgreens brand(with over 50 diapers) for a mere $2.19 a pack. I had to ask a sales associate if that was the correct price. I bought all the packages they had left (which was three). These should last a good while since it's over 150 diapers and I will only be using them for outtings and maybe night times. Keagan is in disposables at night because he is such a heavy wetter, and I'm afraid of leakage, even though I have really good microterry liners. Still, since he sleeps through the night, I'd rather not wake him up to change his diaper, should I need to, and with an infant, I'm going to be up nursing the wee one anyway (and changing diapers)- so I'll likely use cloth during the nights. I'd also like to test out FLIP diapers, which have the option of using disposable liners- which are great for when you're out and about.. or at night (and VERY cheap, especially when compared to regular disposable diapers), but are also like regular cloth diapers. Two options, one diaper? Good deal.
I know my husband really likes gro baby (not that he hates the pocket diapers- he will change a pocket diaper) because the liners just snap in- no stuffing pockets, so it's easier to reuse the same cover. I think he'd also like FLIP diapers as well, so I've put both on my gift registry. Maybe one of my friends will be kind enough to grab me a few for my baby shower. (Some friends of mine feel I've been deprived and need a "real baby shower" since I've never had a "real baby shower".)
It's interesting because when Merikalyn was little, the idea of cloth diapers disgusted me. Of course, I was still picturing the old fashioned prefolds, diaper pins, and plain pull on covers that my parents used. I had NO idea that cloth diapers had come so far and were so simple. (In fact, we do use cloth when running errands, because they aren't that big of a hassle, but if we're going to be out for most of the day, we use disposables.)
Now I'm absolutely addicted and it's hard not to crave all the cute little colors and prints available! Most of all, even though the diapers seem expensive, in the long run, it's much cheaper (especially if you're buying one-size diapers that grow with your baby).
We were spending about $500 a year for disposable, off-brand diapers (which I often found on sale 2 for one) for a toddler (which means only 4-5 diaper changes a day).
During infant years, when a baby goes through about 8-10 diaper changes in a 24 hour period, you're spending much more, and double or even triple that price if you're using name brand diapers (depending on the name).
A friend of mine calculated the cost of what she spend on a year's worth of diapers and it came out to over $1000.
So, for the first three years of a child's life, you could be spending anywhere from $1500-3000 in diapers.
Compare that to the cost of one-size cloth diapers, even the nice expensive ones. Depending on how often you wash the diapers (the less you wash, the more diapers you'll need) and whether you buy them new or used (The nice thing about cloth is that they can be resold if they are in good, clean condition), and what sort of diapering system/brand you choose, you could spend anywhere from $60-1000 on diapers that will, if taken proper care of, last you through your child's entire diapering years.
If you've treated them with care, you can use them for your next child or sell them.
So far, I've received all my diapers have been lovely gifts from friends who were no longer using them- so all I've had to buy are soakers/liners and disposable liners (which sit on top to catch poo). So, my costs have not even broken the $50 mark.
If you're interested in cloth, I suggest you try out used first. That way you don't sink a bunch of money into brand new stuff only to find it doesn't suit you. And, it's important to remember that there are about a dozen or more different diapering methods/systems out there (fitteds, pockets, all-in-ones, prefolds with covers, etc) so if you don't care for one method, try another. :)
And find a good cloth diapering forum to learn the ins and outs of it!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Monday, February 15, 2010
I'm alive, really!
I know it's been a while. I hope you'll forgive me. I don't get on the computer much, although I am able to access the web through my phone. (But I cannot upload photos to my blog and it takes forever for me to write out an entry on my touch phone!)
I am 11 weeks along today. It seems very surreal. Last week, I had a visit with my midwife, and we heard a healthy and strong heartbeat (although it took several minutes to find, which felt more like hours, and had me in a mini-panic). Things are looking good, and I just need to make sure I am getting plenty of iron, since I have major anemia issues when I am pregnant. (I passed out about half a dozen times when I was pregnant with Keagan, three times when I was pregnant with Nolyn and that was scary!) I definitely want to make sure I get plenty of iron (which means taking supplements and eating plenty of iron-rich foods).
This has definitely been a wonderful blessing. I am feeling great, which is normally pretty unusual for this point in my pregnancies. Normally, I am crouching over the porcelain throne on a frequent basis, so I am grateful for the waves of nausea that pass without such "worship".
Nolyn turned five on the 28th of January. Every year I am shocked by their growth. Soon my oldest will be seven. Time passes so quickly, and these years are so precious. I am so thankful we are able to homeschool so I can soak up every minute with these kiddos.
We are all looking forward to another little baby in our household. And yes, we will be finding out the gender. I would be pretty unprepared should we have a little girl (and we would love to have another little girl- we miss the frilly tiny dresses and headbands)! We have been praying that God will send this child's angel early to watch over and protect! After four miscarriages, I am a bit paranoid about every little thing. (And, I keep dreaming about losing the baby, which doesn't make for a pleasant morning.) I have to remind myself that it is in God's hands.
I don't think I mentioned that I have been watching a friend's son during the weekdays. Jack is almost two years old, so he makes the perfect playmate for Keagan. However, they are toddlers, so sometimes I find Jack biting Keagan's cheek or Keagan throttling Jack's neck. I definitely have to keep my eye on the two of them. Of course, there are some moments that are sweet- like when they share or hug each other.
I hope you all are doing fine and not suffering from extreme weather conditions. (It's been cold, for South Texas, but we've avoided snow and ice for the most part!)
I am 11 weeks along today. It seems very surreal. Last week, I had a visit with my midwife, and we heard a healthy and strong heartbeat (although it took several minutes to find, which felt more like hours, and had me in a mini-panic). Things are looking good, and I just need to make sure I am getting plenty of iron, since I have major anemia issues when I am pregnant. (I passed out about half a dozen times when I was pregnant with Keagan, three times when I was pregnant with Nolyn and that was scary!) I definitely want to make sure I get plenty of iron (which means taking supplements and eating plenty of iron-rich foods).
This has definitely been a wonderful blessing. I am feeling great, which is normally pretty unusual for this point in my pregnancies. Normally, I am crouching over the porcelain throne on a frequent basis, so I am grateful for the waves of nausea that pass without such "worship".
Nolyn turned five on the 28th of January. Every year I am shocked by their growth. Soon my oldest will be seven. Time passes so quickly, and these years are so precious. I am so thankful we are able to homeschool so I can soak up every minute with these kiddos.
We are all looking forward to another little baby in our household. And yes, we will be finding out the gender. I would be pretty unprepared should we have a little girl (and we would love to have another little girl- we miss the frilly tiny dresses and headbands)! We have been praying that God will send this child's angel early to watch over and protect! After four miscarriages, I am a bit paranoid about every little thing. (And, I keep dreaming about losing the baby, which doesn't make for a pleasant morning.) I have to remind myself that it is in God's hands.
I don't think I mentioned that I have been watching a friend's son during the weekdays. Jack is almost two years old, so he makes the perfect playmate for Keagan. However, they are toddlers, so sometimes I find Jack biting Keagan's cheek or Keagan throttling Jack's neck. I definitely have to keep my eye on the two of them. Of course, there are some moments that are sweet- like when they share or hug each other.
I hope you all are doing fine and not suffering from extreme weather conditions. (It's been cold, for South Texas, but we've avoided snow and ice for the most part!)
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Announcement!
I am not sure what to title this. Some have suggested, "Look what I tinkled on!" but I suppose that sounds a bit crude, doesn't it? We found out on New Years Eve that we are once again expecting. After four miscarriages in 2009, we are both excited and scared. This has definitely challenged me to place my trust and faith in God! Many of you already know, but I thought I'd post it for my readers who have yet to "hear" our news!
By the way, on New Years Eve of 2006, we found out we were expecting our little Keagan. So this baby and little Keagie will have close birth dates! This baby is due September 9, 2010. Keagan was born September 12, 2007.
Monday, December 28, 2009
A weekend of fellowship
This Christmas season has been absolutely wonderful. These days are especially cherished because my husband is off of work. Some friends of ours made the drive down from Georgia, and we have been so blessed to be able to spend some time with them.
The fellowship with other Christ followers has been bountiful, and I really wish every day could be as such. But, work cannot be avoided forever, and friends cannot be kidnapped and taken home with us (although, I am tempted....).
We were very blessed to be able to visit our favorite church EVER (ODBC). It's so refreshing to hear the Word of God boldly preached- without apology or sugar coating. Brother Jerry's sermons are always filled with correction and conviction that always touch me deep within. He lovingly guides the congregation- the people in his care. You can tell he is passionate about God. I am under no delusion- I know he's not perfect (as he would say, he's a yellow-bellied, good-for-nothing sinner even on his best day), but I do know he is very much an anointed man of God.
He encourages men to be leaders of their homes and women to be their husband's supporters and encouragers. He reminds us that we should not be living defeated lives for the battle has already been won (and Jesus is the Victor!). He's not the sort of preacher to skim the top, but he's very detailed- digging into the meat of the Word.
The man who leads the music portion of the Worship is equally as amazing. Tory is the lead vocalist of the Christian ministry band, Broken Vessels. (Sample their music @ brokenvessels.com). I have only seen a few people lead worship with such passion for Christ- and Tory is one of them.
And last, but certainly not least, are the people. Loving, compassionate, godly folk who aren't out to "act religious" and put on a show. It is always a joy to fellowship with them, and I miss them greatly when we are gone.
It was just a cherry on top to have our friends from Georgia, Trent and Chrissy, visit ODBC with us the last Sunday. We had stayed up until the wee hours of the morning discussing spiritual things after we had dinner at Outback, and it was hard to pull ourselves away and get that rest we needed.
I cannot explain how awesome it is to have such wonderful God-loving friends. We stayed up sharing stories of God's work in our lives and in the lives of others- stories of miracles, convictions, and experiences. It was truly an encouraging evening that I didn't want to end.
Sunday afternoon, we all went to our friends' home for lunch (Trent and Chrissy, and our family of five). John and Ashley are a sweet couple that we have been friends with for several years now. John and my husband, Brandon, worked together at Chili's Bar and Grill years ago (when I was pregnant with our first little one!). Several years ago, we moved back to Louisiana (from Indiana) and ran into a newly wed John at Cracker Barrel. His wife and I became fast friends. John is now a youth pastor.
So, our weekend was fully saturated with fellowship with wonderful friends (our family in Christ!) and left me very encouraged and uplifted (as well as convicted and corrected!).
I felt like this was God's Christmas gift to us! For the last few weeks, God has poured out His blessings on our family, and my arms and lap are overflowing with His goodness!
If you are interested in listening to some of Jerry's sermons, you can download them going to these links: (These are older sermons from 2005-2006 I found online, btw.)
http://wpbcword.org/sermons/20060310pm1.rm
http://wpbcword.org/sermons/20060309pm2.rm
http://wpbcword.org/sermons/revival2005/11mar05chaddick.rm
The fellowship with other Christ followers has been bountiful, and I really wish every day could be as such. But, work cannot be avoided forever, and friends cannot be kidnapped and taken home with us (although, I am tempted....).
We were very blessed to be able to visit our favorite church EVER (ODBC). It's so refreshing to hear the Word of God boldly preached- without apology or sugar coating. Brother Jerry's sermons are always filled with correction and conviction that always touch me deep within. He lovingly guides the congregation- the people in his care. You can tell he is passionate about God. I am under no delusion- I know he's not perfect (as he would say, he's a yellow-bellied, good-for-nothing sinner even on his best day), but I do know he is very much an anointed man of God.
He encourages men to be leaders of their homes and women to be their husband's supporters and encouragers. He reminds us that we should not be living defeated lives for the battle has already been won (and Jesus is the Victor!). He's not the sort of preacher to skim the top, but he's very detailed- digging into the meat of the Word.
The man who leads the music portion of the Worship is equally as amazing. Tory is the lead vocalist of the Christian ministry band, Broken Vessels. (Sample their music @ brokenvessels.com). I have only seen a few people lead worship with such passion for Christ- and Tory is one of them.
And last, but certainly not least, are the people. Loving, compassionate, godly folk who aren't out to "act religious" and put on a show. It is always a joy to fellowship with them, and I miss them greatly when we are gone.
It was just a cherry on top to have our friends from Georgia, Trent and Chrissy, visit ODBC with us the last Sunday. We had stayed up until the wee hours of the morning discussing spiritual things after we had dinner at Outback, and it was hard to pull ourselves away and get that rest we needed.
I cannot explain how awesome it is to have such wonderful God-loving friends. We stayed up sharing stories of God's work in our lives and in the lives of others- stories of miracles, convictions, and experiences. It was truly an encouraging evening that I didn't want to end.
Sunday afternoon, we all went to our friends' home for lunch (Trent and Chrissy, and our family of five). John and Ashley are a sweet couple that we have been friends with for several years now. John and my husband, Brandon, worked together at Chili's Bar and Grill years ago (when I was pregnant with our first little one!). Several years ago, we moved back to Louisiana (from Indiana) and ran into a newly wed John at Cracker Barrel. His wife and I became fast friends. John is now a youth pastor.
So, our weekend was fully saturated with fellowship with wonderful friends (our family in Christ!) and left me very encouraged and uplifted (as well as convicted and corrected!).
I felt like this was God's Christmas gift to us! For the last few weeks, God has poured out His blessings on our family, and my arms and lap are overflowing with His goodness!
If you are interested in listening to some of Jerry's sermons, you can download them going to these links: (These are older sermons from 2005-2006 I found online, btw.)
http://wpbcword.org/sermons/20060310pm1.rm
http://wpbcword.org/sermons/20060309pm2.rm
http://wpbcword.org/sermons/revival2005/11mar05chaddick.rm
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
The Joy of Christmas!
How are you doing? We're doing pretty good around these parts. I absolutely love the Christmas season. It's a joy to focus on the birth of Christ, since, so often, we focus more on His death (which sent us free from sin!). It's so much fun to get into the spirit of giving. Our Lord is so generous, and this time of year, even non-Christians seem to get in the Spirit.
Even though our society as plastered Santa all over the place, the Spirit of Christ still spreads. The Reason for the Season begins to touch the lives of people who normally don't think about God.
I am so thankful that my loved ones are able to get time off around this special holiday so we can get together and lavish each other with love. It is easy to get caught up in the busyness of life, but this season provides a time for us to gather in the kitchen, laugh, play, and build memories together.
I have so much fun picking out gifts for friends and family this year. When we make or purchase gifts for others, we consider their wants and needs. So often, in the day to day, we do not give such consideration to others.
My prayer is that this beautiful spirit of generosity, compassion, thoughtfulness, and love would not just be confined to Christmas, but would run all year long. We should celebrate Christ daily. These Christian qualities (the Fruit of the Spirit) should be pouring from our lives every day.
Here's a photo of the kids and I before our church's Christmas program (which Merikalyn sang in!). Excuse the messy floor!
I hope you all have a Christ-filled Christmas!
Even though our society as plastered Santa all over the place, the Spirit of Christ still spreads. The Reason for the Season begins to touch the lives of people who normally don't think about God.
I am so thankful that my loved ones are able to get time off around this special holiday so we can get together and lavish each other with love. It is easy to get caught up in the busyness of life, but this season provides a time for us to gather in the kitchen, laugh, play, and build memories together.
I have so much fun picking out gifts for friends and family this year. When we make or purchase gifts for others, we consider their wants and needs. So often, in the day to day, we do not give such consideration to others.
My prayer is that this beautiful spirit of generosity, compassion, thoughtfulness, and love would not just be confined to Christmas, but would run all year long. We should celebrate Christ daily. These Christian qualities (the Fruit of the Spirit) should be pouring from our lives every day.
Here's a photo of the kids and I before our church's Christmas program (which Merikalyn sang in!). Excuse the messy floor!
I hope you all have a Christ-filled Christmas!
Monday, December 7, 2009
The snow, The 80's, oh yeah.
I definitely have some thing on my mind (and heart) to write about, but I simply don't have the time, so.. for now, photos from last week!
It snowed last week, and WOOOOO did the kids enjoy that! They played until their fingers were frozen!
Big sister let Keagie borrow her pink cap. :)
Our friend Miranda had an 80's themed birthday party. I would have done the big hair, but I didn't want to have to brush that out at the end of the night! (Notice my hubby's double polo popped collars!)
I am NOT a fan of skinny jeans, but I found these pair deeeeply discounted, so I purchased them for my costume. Btw, what is with boys wearing skinny jeans? I think that's a ridiculous style! When I was in highschool, the guys wore baggier clothes so they'd look bigger and more macho. I don't like this string bean style guys are doing.
I have misplaced our ornaments, but... at least we made PLENTY of our own this year! Here's one of my favorite salt dough ornaments that I decorated.
It snowed last week, and WOOOOO did the kids enjoy that! They played until their fingers were frozen!
Big sister let Keagie borrow her pink cap. :)
Our friend Miranda had an 80's themed birthday party. I would have done the big hair, but I didn't want to have to brush that out at the end of the night! (Notice my hubby's double polo popped collars!)
I am NOT a fan of skinny jeans, but I found these pair deeeeply discounted, so I purchased them for my costume. Btw, what is with boys wearing skinny jeans? I think that's a ridiculous style! When I was in highschool, the guys wore baggier clothes so they'd look bigger and more macho. I don't like this string bean style guys are doing.
I have misplaced our ornaments, but... at least we made PLENTY of our own this year! Here's one of my favorite salt dough ornaments that I decorated.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Pantsformed. ;)
Pantsformed=transformed. ;) Get it? Har har? No?
Remember that skirt I was telling you all about- the one I was having made from a pair of jeans? Here's the result:
I absolutely LOVE how it turned out, but it was quite pricey since I had a tailor do it. (I'm not talented enough to do this myself!) My mom, being the sweetheart she is, paid for it as an early Christmas gift to me. It's very comfortable and a great length. Cute, right? It's a shame I don't have a "before" photo!
And, speaking of cute, I managed to catch a photo of all three of my children smiling and looking at the camera. (RARE!) We've been enjoying weather in the 40's here. It's been nice to open the windows and allow the cool air to filter in!
I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! We really loved spending time with family and filling up on good food!
Remember that skirt I was telling you all about- the one I was having made from a pair of jeans? Here's the result:
I absolutely LOVE how it turned out, but it was quite pricey since I had a tailor do it. (I'm not talented enough to do this myself!) My mom, being the sweetheart she is, paid for it as an early Christmas gift to me. It's very comfortable and a great length. Cute, right? It's a shame I don't have a "before" photo!
And, speaking of cute, I managed to catch a photo of all three of my children smiling and looking at the camera. (RARE!) We've been enjoying weather in the 40's here. It's been nice to open the windows and allow the cool air to filter in!
I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! We really loved spending time with family and filling up on good food!
Saturday, November 21, 2009
What are you willing to sacrifice?
While browsing the library last week I came across a book titled The Guidance Manual for the Christian Home School. The book's focus is preparing your children for college and career with a biblical perspective. I really enjoyed it as the writers seemed to be as conservative as I am. It's one of those books every Christian homeschool should have, even if your children are practically "babies" like mine.
It's the sort of book you'll go to through the years of your homeschool. The authors (David and Laurie Callihan) discuss all sorts of subjects like:
-Inspiring your children to love learning
-Developing a godly character and instilling good morals
-Guiding toward a Christian worldview
-Encouraging natural abilities and recognizing spiritual gifts
-Planning for long-range goals and preparing children for roles as husbands, wives, and parents (teaching them how to cook, clean, manage money, etc)
-Home educating special needs children
-Preparing for college, ministry, military, career or other callings.
I most definitely recommend this book, but I didn't come here to write a review for it. Rather, I wanted to share with you a wonderful, thought-provoking question from their book:
What are we willing to sacrifice to see that our children are raised in a loving, godly home where they know the value of hard work, caring relationships, and loving commitment?
I find parents today are struggling with two points- selfishness and busyness- that keep them from truly focusing on their children and providing the godly environment and faithful homeschool they so long for.
I spent a lot of time contemplating this question last night. Am I willing to sacrifice for the good of our children? Am I willing to set aside my own selfish motives and desires? Am I willing to cleanse my home of things that distract from our mission? Am I willing to practice self-control and be a good manager of our time?
If we step back and look at our lives we will realize that there will be sacrifice made somewhere, somehow. Will we sacrifice our morals, our calling, and our family to pursue things that are temporary or trivial?
I love to look at the lives of so many of my homeschooling friends who have made wonderful sacrifices for the sake of their families. I know many women who have given up successful careers to be keepers of their home. Many would call this a waste of their talent, but God sees the truth. He knows that time spent discipling, training, nourishing, and loving our children is never wasteful. Maybe our sacrifice doesn't seem as noble. Maybe our sacrifice should simply be to shut off the computer, turn off the television, and really focus on our children. Maybe our sacrifice is to let go of our busy nature. I think, at times, we confuse busyness and being active with being truly productive. Maybe our sacrifice is to let go of our lazy nature.
I know of several families who have made the commitment to not allow any "filth" into their home. Some of these people have chosen to have a tv-free home, while others restrict television time and filter what their children are allowed to watch.
There's a verse that really convicts me every time I read it.
I feel that this should be the feel and spirit of our home, and in order for it to be the spirit of our home, it must be the spirit of the parents. If this is to be the spirit of our home, then we must follow the instruction of the bible and lay aside sinful things and anything that would weigh us down and hold us back from living a faithful and godly life (Hebrews 12:1-2). If we aren't living godly lives, then we cannot have a godly homeschool and we cannot successfully teach our children to live godly lives.
Are we willing to sacrifice? Are we willing to lay aside those weights and sins? Sometimes some of the things that hinder us aren't necessarily sinful, but they become sinful because they distract us from our mission and keep us from whole-heartedly doing God's will.
I know, for myself, it is a struggle to keep focused, and every day I have to ask for God's forgiveness and pray for help in training and raising our children. There are many days when I go to bed and feel that we were not productive, realizing that it was my fault and understanding, with much shame, that I fell short of my calling.
Whether you homeschool or not, as Christians, there are sacrifices to be made. Society encourages and applauds things God hates and we must understand that, if we choose to protect our children and live biblically directed lives, we will be seen as radically religious. We may be told that we are too strict or overbearing. You see, society seems to believe that sheltering children and living self-controlled, pure lives is a ridiculous and foreign concept. (Why do you think the Duggar family's show gets so much attention? People are stunned to see a family living a godly lifestyle and shunning worldly practices!)
Anyway, so I've rambled quite a bit (whenever I ponder something overnight, my brain usually goes in all sorts of directions), but hopefully I've made some sense.
I know I have to be reminded of the goals and ultimate reason for why we do what we do (or why we need to do what must be done). My children are worth it. We're not just talking about their education here- we're talking about their salvation.
So, take the time to ask yourself that question:
What are YOU willing to sacrifice to see that our children are raised in a loving, godly home where they know the value of hard work, caring relationships, and loving commitment?
It's the sort of book you'll go to through the years of your homeschool. The authors (David and Laurie Callihan) discuss all sorts of subjects like:
-Inspiring your children to love learning
-Developing a godly character and instilling good morals
-Guiding toward a Christian worldview
-Encouraging natural abilities and recognizing spiritual gifts
-Planning for long-range goals and preparing children for roles as husbands, wives, and parents (teaching them how to cook, clean, manage money, etc)
-Home educating special needs children
-Preparing for college, ministry, military, career or other callings.
I most definitely recommend this book, but I didn't come here to write a review for it. Rather, I wanted to share with you a wonderful, thought-provoking question from their book:
What are we willing to sacrifice to see that our children are raised in a loving, godly home where they know the value of hard work, caring relationships, and loving commitment?
I find parents today are struggling with two points- selfishness and busyness- that keep them from truly focusing on their children and providing the godly environment and faithful homeschool they so long for.
I spent a lot of time contemplating this question last night. Am I willing to sacrifice for the good of our children? Am I willing to set aside my own selfish motives and desires? Am I willing to cleanse my home of things that distract from our mission? Am I willing to practice self-control and be a good manager of our time?
If we step back and look at our lives we will realize that there will be sacrifice made somewhere, somehow. Will we sacrifice our morals, our calling, and our family to pursue things that are temporary or trivial?
I love to look at the lives of so many of my homeschooling friends who have made wonderful sacrifices for the sake of their families. I know many women who have given up successful careers to be keepers of their home. Many would call this a waste of their talent, but God sees the truth. He knows that time spent discipling, training, nourishing, and loving our children is never wasteful. Maybe our sacrifice doesn't seem as noble. Maybe our sacrifice should simply be to shut off the computer, turn off the television, and really focus on our children. Maybe our sacrifice is to let go of our busy nature. I think, at times, we confuse busyness and being active with being truly productive. Maybe our sacrifice is to let go of our lazy nature.
I know of several families who have made the commitment to not allow any "filth" into their home. Some of these people have chosen to have a tv-free home, while others restrict television time and filter what their children are allowed to watch.
There's a verse that really convicts me every time I read it.
Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. (NASB- Philippians 4:8)
I feel that this should be the feel and spirit of our home, and in order for it to be the spirit of our home, it must be the spirit of the parents. If this is to be the spirit of our home, then we must follow the instruction of the bible and lay aside sinful things and anything that would weigh us down and hold us back from living a faithful and godly life (Hebrews 12:1-2). If we aren't living godly lives, then we cannot have a godly homeschool and we cannot successfully teach our children to live godly lives.
Are we willing to sacrifice? Are we willing to lay aside those weights and sins? Sometimes some of the things that hinder us aren't necessarily sinful, but they become sinful because they distract us from our mission and keep us from whole-heartedly doing God's will.
I know, for myself, it is a struggle to keep focused, and every day I have to ask for God's forgiveness and pray for help in training and raising our children. There are many days when I go to bed and feel that we were not productive, realizing that it was my fault and understanding, with much shame, that I fell short of my calling.
Whether you homeschool or not, as Christians, there are sacrifices to be made. Society encourages and applauds things God hates and we must understand that, if we choose to protect our children and live biblically directed lives, we will be seen as radically religious. We may be told that we are too strict or overbearing. You see, society seems to believe that sheltering children and living self-controlled, pure lives is a ridiculous and foreign concept. (Why do you think the Duggar family's show gets so much attention? People are stunned to see a family living a godly lifestyle and shunning worldly practices!)
Anyway, so I've rambled quite a bit (whenever I ponder something overnight, my brain usually goes in all sorts of directions), but hopefully I've made some sense.
I know I have to be reminded of the goals and ultimate reason for why we do what we do (or why we need to do what must be done). My children are worth it. We're not just talking about their education here- we're talking about their salvation.
So, take the time to ask yourself that question:
What are YOU willing to sacrifice to see that our children are raised in a loving, godly home where they know the value of hard work, caring relationships, and loving commitment?
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