tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7124621599919230242024-03-13T03:25:05.598-04:00The 'BlishBlog + Lish = the 'Blish.
Striving to make much of Jesus through my calling as a wife, mom, homemaker, homeschooler, and daughter of the King. Welcome!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger193125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-712462159991923024.post-55079795617267759692014-12-08T09:53:00.000-05:002014-12-08T09:53:38.611-05:00Homeschooling + Working Outside the HomeHave you thought about homeschooling your child(ren), but you work outside the home and you wonder how in the world you could make it work?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjysN8IRMyQ-eE39Kvn9LkOFAUJ8zUgiw8HVeFmjb_WYjPx2Du7BXrCqQrpNIN-DdTd0Gy84vTMB7M8D_2ycRhSDHn-7LyHdWqOe6RBFn_UDlVTmdP0jqjDp8Ws4OHjG_ORtyhZEBlaAI/s1600/homeschooling+while+working.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjysN8IRMyQ-eE39Kvn9LkOFAUJ8zUgiw8HVeFmjb_WYjPx2Du7BXrCqQrpNIN-DdTd0Gy84vTMB7M8D_2ycRhSDHn-7LyHdWqOe6RBFn_UDlVTmdP0jqjDp8Ws4OHjG_ORtyhZEBlaAI/s1600/homeschooling+while+working.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
When my husband approached me about finding work outside the home earlier this year, I was devastated because I thought it meant giving up homeschooling my daughters...but we realized that by tweaking the daily schedule (ok...more like an overhaul - we'd have to swap much of our morning and afternoon routines!), I could continue to educate the girls at home while working 30-35 hours a week and while he was working full-time.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>There is no monopoly on the best way to schedule to allow for both homeschooling and working part- or full-time...it's one of the beautiful aspects of homeschooling.</b> You can, in many cases, fit your schooling time in around your work schedule (no matter what that is). It just takes a willingness to try different schedules until you find a perfect fit for your family in the season you're in!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My husband works at a local elementary school so he works M-F, 8-3:30. He rushes right home after his school day is done and then I go to work. I work at the local supermarket - the evening shift (5-9ish), usually six nights a week. I also tutor from home in the afternoons M-Sat - anywhere from 5-10 hours a week. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Here is a glimpse into our routine...my hope is that it helps you think of ways that you could make home education work for your family while continuing to work outside the home!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKziGxHNOL8Jtp1Pa1Equ9jD9FsGbxCrfUPfr5DcgRpijZvL3589hf7r6C9yeiYDjtjjp5q7HhPJhfW0p9j7O9ySVRxWv-oh9Jzr51KzYSgDs08eyuTHdOhHQnXH1vm5knNhfmxc2pPM0/s1600/morningroutine1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKziGxHNOL8Jtp1Pa1Equ9jD9FsGbxCrfUPfr5DcgRpijZvL3589hf7r6C9yeiYDjtjjp5q7HhPJhfW0p9j7O9ySVRxWv-oh9Jzr51KzYSgDs08eyuTHdOhHQnXH1vm5knNhfmxc2pPM0/s1600/morningroutine1.png" height="217" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I use the Maxwell's "Managers of Their Homes" scheduling system.<br />It has been a wonderful resource for our family! Visit their <a href="http://www.titus2.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">site</a> to check it out!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
This is a copy of the schedule that I keep visible all day. We are not slaves to it but it sure does help keep us all on track.<br />
<br />
<b>6:00AM</b> - I (try to!) get up and get ready right away. It doesn't always happen. If I choose to sleep in, then I have to skip the shower. The girls are required to stay in their room until breakfast is served. I am a 'I need quiet in the morning until I wake up' person, so letting them play or read quietly in their rooms gives me the time I need to meet with the Lord and realign my attitudes & outlooks.<br />
<br />
<b>6:30AM</b> - Bible & quiet time: to drink my coffee or tea, and to thank God for another day and to remind myself that I cannot accomplish anything in my day without His grace, and pray accordingly. I usually read 3 chapters (one from Proverbs, one from the OT, and one from the NT). If I shirk this time, the rest of the day is usually off-kilter. Even if I wake up later than normal and I have to skip shower and chores, I try to make this my top priority.<br />
<br />
<b>7:15AM</b> - I throw in a load of laundry and start my daily chore. I use <a href="http://www.timewarpwife.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Time-Warp Wife</a>'s guide as a loose guide for our home. Monday - deep-clean the bathroom. Tuesday - clean the bedrooms. Wednesday - deep clean the kitchen. Thursday - no chore. Friday - sweep/mop/vacuum all the floors.<br />
<br />
<b>7:45AM</b> - Prep breakfast. I serve the same thing for a whole week at a time so that it takes less time. I rotate through: eggs & sausage, cereal & milk, oatmeal & fruit, smoothies & toast. I also wake up my sleepyheads (usually my oldest) if they aren't up yet.<br />
<br />
<b>8:00AM</b> - Breakfast! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>8:30AM</b> - The older girls read out loud to each other from the passage on their <a href="http://www.sonlight.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sonlight</a> schedule for that morning, while Hannah & I read her Bible story together while snuggled up on the couch. <i>For a glimpse at this year's curriculum, see <a href="http://theblishblog.blogspot.com/2014/07/our-2014-2015-homeschool-curriculum.html" target="_blank">this post</a>!</i><br />
<br />
<b>8:45AM</b> - We read the family passage for the morning and talk about it, then we pray through our current prayer guide and sing a few memory verse songs together while dancing around.<br />
<br />
<b>9:00AM</b> - The girls take time to get ready, make their beds, brush teeth & hair, and do any other chores they've been asked to do (gather all the dirty clothes, wiping off the table, etc).<br />
<br />
<b>9:15AM</b> - The older girls and I focus on our history lesson for the day while H plays quietly.<br />
<br />
<b>9:30AM</b> - H & I work on her school reading and science lessons while the older girls have their silent reading time (usually 1-2 chapters per day).<br />
<br />
<b>10:00AM</b> - H goes back to playing quietly while E & A work with me on their Language Arts lesson. This includes dictation exercises, grammar practice, spelling, and working on research & report-writing skills this year.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxGmnCziiqvpZXgtxNZwRlry3rE0wg9mdstSKuGnhcSSg_zJ9Ivg-qBfCbl8AbhyphenhyphenzgS3UUuBr1cHglEaXtIvdVfgChQKoVUAth1RGw-DgUAwDBGJfSIX7fCdA9rGpTeGdeEQkLzFgQKCs/s1600/morningroutine2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxGmnCziiqvpZXgtxNZwRlry3rE0wg9mdstSKuGnhcSSg_zJ9Ivg-qBfCbl8AbhyphenhyphenzgS3UUuBr1cHglEaXtIvdVfgChQKoVUAth1RGw-DgUAwDBGJfSIX7fCdA9rGpTeGdeEQkLzFgQKCs/s1600/morningroutine2.png" height="172" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>10:30AM</b> - E&A practice Penmanship while I work with H on her daily <a href="http://www.sonlight.com/PR01.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Early Learner</a> page(s). I recommend the Early Learner set if you've got 3 & 4 year olds. It helps you identify strengths and weakness in their perceptions of the world around them. It helped me tailor the girls' education to each one.<br />
<br />
<b>10:45AM</b> - One or two mornings a week, the older girls and I work on a health lesson together - whether it's bodily, emotional, or spiritual health. H plays quietly. On the other days, all three girls have a 15-minute break together.<br />
<br />
<b>11:00AM</b> - Science time for E&A, continued playtime for H. Sometimes (if we're doing experiments) she joins in on the fun.<br />
<br />
<b>11:30AM</b> - E practices her guitar while A does her math lesson on the computer. H helps me make lunch. Again, I serve the same meal all week for ease. I rotate between soup, sandwiches, and fresh fruit & veggie plates. H is becoming quite the sandwich-maker and soup-stirrer.<br />
<br />
<b>12:00PM</b> - Lunch! I eat quickly and then read a chapter of our Read-Aloud book while the girls take their time and enjoy lunch. This is one of our favorite times of the day!<br />
<br />
<b>12:30PM</b> - E begins her math on the computer and A practices her flute. A plays and I have a little "free time" - to help anyone who needs it, or to sit a minute, or to squeeze in a chore or two.<br />
<br />
<b>1:00PM</b> - I tend to E's cecostomy. A & H play quietly while I get her set up, and then H practices her drums for a bit. I take the next half-hour while E is waiting to clean up the kitchen from lunch.<br />
<br />
<b>1:45PM</b> - One-on-One time. Twice a week M-Sat, each girl gets 15 minute of (95%) uninterrupted Mom-time. Sometimes a snuggle, sometimes a little chat, sometimes a quick board game or short story. Just a little chance to connect with each daughter right where they're at. :) Unfortunately if we fall behind in our schedule, this is usually one of the first things to go.<br />
<br />
<b>2:00PM</b> - Tea Time! We LOVE tea time! For more on our daily ritual, <a href="http://theblishblog.blogspot.com/2013/09/tea-time.html" target="_blank">see this post</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8MHyg0GcPdQ1Gf_BJAtVgW8xnurvvXA1hRbjjbSxU9CV7X8MHahR8S_Rk3V7h5VaNthzPgoRJyyEz3jFVUXrvytBw7NEOhfnvSd_wR1OXxTIOK3I2PGHN0EZdukyC20HBVWq8HT75laA/s1600/afternoonroutine1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8MHyg0GcPdQ1Gf_BJAtVgW8xnurvvXA1hRbjjbSxU9CV7X8MHahR8S_Rk3V7h5VaNthzPgoRJyyEz3jFVUXrvytBw7NEOhfnvSd_wR1OXxTIOK3I2PGHN0EZdukyC20HBVWq8HT75laA/s1600/afternoonroutine1.png" height="207" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>2:15PM</b> - I spend the next hour either <a href="http://theblishblog.blogspot.com/p/math-tutoring.html" target="_blank">tutoring</a> in the schoolroom or sewing. Both are ways that I help with income. The girls all take this time to rest quietly in their room together (reading, talking, or playing quietly on their beds. <i>Quietly</i> is the key word!)<br />
<br />
<b>3:15PM</b> - The girls are expected to clean up the living room (if they've made a mess there) and their bedroom while I do a quick pick-up of the rest of the house and begin to prep for dinner if necessary. Once the girls have cleaned, they have about an hour and a half of free play time (outside, if it's nice; otherwise in their room).<br />
<br />
<b>3:45PM</b> - I try (so hard!) to pick one spot to declutter for just fifteen minutes: a counter, a table top, my sewing area, my desk...<br />
<br />
<b>4:00PM</b> - I get ready for work and catch up with Will as he's just getting home. I'll sometimes catch a few more snuggles from the girls before I head out.<br />
<br />
<b>4:30PM</b> - I leave for my 4-hour shift at the bakery. Will makes the girls dinner, cleans up the kitchen, and gets the girls to bed.<br />
<br />
When I get home (9:15ish), I eat dinner, catch up with Will again - maybe watch a show or just chat. I also catch up on the computer stuff - <a href="http://www.facebook.com/theblishblog" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, the blog, email, <a href="http://m3001.myubam.com/" target="_blank">Usborne</a> for a bit. I head to bed around 11PM, which gives me about 7 1/2 hours of rest.<br />
<br />
It's taken us a while to adjust to our new 'normal' - normal only for now, for this season. It is still hard for me to leave my family each evening after the blessing of being home full-time for 8 years; it was interesting for Will to adjust to having the added responsibilities around the house but he's been fantastic about it all. But we both know that to provide for our family right now, God has called both of us to work outside the home - and He has also called for us to educate our girls at home. He gives the grace and the energy to do both for now.<br />
<br />
My hope is not that you will want to follow our schedule - my hope is that you'll be encouraged to find a routine and a schedule that fit your family's unique and God-ordained situation. that you CAN manage both homeschooling and working outside the home (whether full- or part-time). If it is best for your children and your family, it can be done.<br />
<br />
<b>Do you homeschool while working outside the home? Have you been thinking about it? I'd love to hear your thoughts below!</b><br />
<br />
Thankful for the grace to both homeschool & work,<br />
for His glory!<br />
~Lisha<br />
<br />
I may be sharing this post at these wonderful <a href="http://www.theblishblog.blogspot.com/p/link-up-parties.html" target="_blank">link-up parties</a>!<br />
You're invited to join me on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/theblishblog" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/lishahunter" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>, too!<br />
Blessed or encouraged by this post? Please share it with your friends.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-712462159991923024.post-72351369808126668012014-11-20T11:26:00.000-05:002014-12-06T13:45:16.152-05:00A Few of My Favorite Things - a Giveaway!The Giveaway is closed, and the winner was Libby from TN! Congratulations! And a huge thank you to each one who entered - you can earn free Ava Products by hosting your own online or in-home AvaHour! Invite your friends and family to educate themselves about the importance of choosing Non-Toxic body and home care products!<br />
<br />
Visit <a href="http://www.avaandersonnontoxic.com/elysiadevens" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Elysia's Ava Anderson Page</a> for more information!<br />
<br />
I am SO excited to share one of my favorite product lines with you! And I'm even MORE excited to give 3 of my favorite products away to one sweet reader!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwUP3V-uhqvp5QrBAIvFIzMIZbOJrB7ITXhqiaoui1PfpDF5E7-5-yppXsMR2I0j2mym1ycU9ujHeG84IzHC-7WxEKL23qT4IlBOLmItERDDgkWDCzDDV5FhawUC8ohN5WjYAO1uldW8w/s1600/my+favorite+things.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwUP3V-uhqvp5QrBAIvFIzMIZbOJrB7ITXhqiaoui1PfpDF5E7-5-yppXsMR2I0j2mym1ycU9ujHeG84IzHC-7WxEKL23qT4IlBOLmItERDDgkWDCzDDV5FhawUC8ohN5WjYAO1uldW8w/s1600/my+favorite+things.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
Have you heard of <a href="http://vaandersonnontoxic.com/elysiadevens" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ava Anderson Non-Toxic</a> (AANT)? If you haven't, please allow me to introduce you! And if you have, chances are you already LOVE it.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My best friend Elysia first introduced me to AANT back in February, and I loved not only the 100% toxin- and chemical-free products but the philosophy behind the company: educating our friends, families, and neighbors about the dangers of using personal care products that contain toxic chemicals, and having Ava's incredible chemical-free products as a safe alternative!!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And because I believe strongly in sharing Ava's message, Elysia (my Ava consultant) & I want to GIVE AWAY three of my personal favorites to one of my dear readers - </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Favorite product #1: Body butter</u></b></div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrK1nsJHd72zG5_eXbpmQF0smfVpPgKehZoWFF2ZMR2l_eqk3xTONJAaiTVHZoRrBtX5Ii7TME0eyk5jRn8A0acLyEE9pQShURRpVrjn3pgPByRHi9cEukGxaRjrRWWHjP3uKThjIuqaw/s1600/159_body+butter+detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrK1nsJHd72zG5_eXbpmQF0smfVpPgKehZoWFF2ZMR2l_eqk3xTONJAaiTVHZoRrBtX5Ii7TME0eyk5jRn8A0acLyEE9pQShURRpVrjn3pgPByRHi9cEukGxaRjrRWWHjP3uKThjIuqaw/s1600/159_body+butter+detail.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(4 oz container; $18.95 value!)</div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This is one of the first Ava product that I ordered, and I'm so thankful for it. Not only is it amazing for dry winter skin, it is the ONLY thing that I've found that heals my youngest daughter's eczema flair-ups <i>in a day or less</i>. (I hear Ava's Diaper Cream is also excellent for eczema and psoriasis!). And it's full of healthy goodness instead of awful toxic chemicals.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Favorite product #2: Detangler</u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTXeqRQvq0gbTQhJfgDgC2Rc7fQg1nhfht_hIEjfHEHwhx6mhjqTE1cfV-EK61kvtq_z7A6n9tV6WmEtAxJRq7rWjud9xoY9ZrfM03NT_E-JlS6NZHvBnPrlAbxyyZr9Gf9Sa1kTPMB2k/s1600/272_detangler+detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTXeqRQvq0gbTQhJfgDgC2Rc7fQg1nhfht_hIEjfHEHwhx6mhjqTE1cfV-EK61kvtq_z7A6n9tV6WmEtAxJRq7rWjud9xoY9ZrfM03NT_E-JlS6NZHvBnPrlAbxyyZr9Gf9Sa1kTPMB2k/s1600/272_detangler+detail.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(8 oz bottle, $13.95 value!)</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My middle daughter has hair that is down to the backs of her knees. And trust me, we've tried almost every name-brand detangler out there - which are full of endocrine-disrupting and potentially cancer-causing chemicals! - and none of them do even half as good a job as Ava's. It works well as a leave-in conditioner on wet or dry hair, too. Our hair is much happier with this fabulous AvaHair product. Bonus use: I've found that it also works well as a lotion on dry skin if I don't have the body butter available!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Favorite product #3: Eye Makeup Remover Pads</u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7VizyaPSq8_N4bBxZr8Iod68n4cNUmrI3XAbm7TsSHr4KxLzRNvP2cn-Dc3y5b-7OM-I_18j1nOQe2Ucs5QjF4Xd0XlIdeLtqfLsUypQ5eL8lEOrfAwNGLPqB59K7O0Cpk79E3RbXYAk/s1600/9_eye+makeup+remover+pads+detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7VizyaPSq8_N4bBxZr8Iod68n4cNUmrI3XAbm7TsSHr4KxLzRNvP2cn-Dc3y5b-7OM-I_18j1nOQe2Ucs5QjF4Xd0XlIdeLtqfLsUypQ5eL8lEOrfAwNGLPqB59K7O0Cpk79E3RbXYAk/s1600/9_eye+makeup+remover+pads+detail.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(50 count, $14.95 value!)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I do not wear eye makeup, so when this came as part of the FREE 6-piece avaSKIN set ($101.95 value! for FREE, people!) that I earned just for hosting an Ava Hour(!), I was kind of bummed because I thought they'd just sit in my cupboard. However, I found some wonderful uses for them: 1) in-a-pinch face freshener-upper when I'm on the go and don't have time to wash my face. 2) in-a-pinch hand/sweet-little-people face wipes when the girls and I are out and about. I carry these wipes in my purse most of the time. They are alcohol-free so they don't dry out your face or skin, and they pick up all kids of dirt and grime and leave your skin feeling SO soft and clean! So whether you're using them to remove eye shadow at the end of your day or on the run as a quick cleanser, you'll be glad to have them on hand.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>One dear reader will WIN the 4-oz Body Butter,</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>the 8-oz Detangler, AND the 50-count Eye Makeup Remover Pads!</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>(a $47.85 value!)</b></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
HOW TO ENTER, AND OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION:</div>
<div>
The drawing will be on<br />
<b>Friday December 5th, 2014 at 10:00PM EST</b>.<br />
All entries must be in before then!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Ava Anderson Non-Toxic ships within the United States only. (Sorry, international readers!)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><u>To enter</u></b> (each one earns you one entry unless otherwise noted):<br />
<b>+Subscribe to my blog by email </b>(top of the page, on the left). Leave me a comment below when you do!<br />
<b>+Join Elysia's Facebook group</b>: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/268432376653487/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Living Non-Toxic With Elysia</a>. Leave a comment below when you do!<br />
<b>+Share this post on your favorite social media pages!</b> Leave me a comment below when you do! (One entry per day - comment daily as necessary, please)<br />
<b>+For EACH $20 in Ava product that you order through show #44744 on <a href="http://avaandersonnontoxic.com/elysiadevens" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Elysia's Ava Anderson</a> site, you'll earn one entry!</b> (Example: a $65 order will earn you 3 entries).<br />
+<b>If you place an order of $95 or more, you'll earn one additional entry</b> for getting the Monthly Customer Special!<br />
+<b>Answer this question in the comment section below</b>: <i>What is one other Ava Product that you'd like to try, and why</i>?<br />
+<b>Contact Elysia to do an online Ava Show OR (if you're local to us!) for an educational Ava Hour in your home.</b> (3 entries)<br />
+<b>Join Elysia's growing Ava team</b> - share Ava's excellent products, important message, and earn income at the same time! (5 entries)<br />
<br />
{<i>I have received no compensation in exchange for my review of these products. All opinions are my own. No purchase is necessary to enter. One winner will be randomly chosen on December 5th at 10:00PM EST. Shipping and all applicable taxes for the winner will be covered by the consultant. Entry into the contest gives me permission to use your first name and state if you are selected when announcing the winner.}</i><br />
<br />
Educate yourself about and<br />
make healthy choices in your personal care products,<br />
for His glory!<br />
~Lisha<br />
<br />
Find me on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/theblishblog" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/lishahunter" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>, too!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-712462159991923024.post-14336502397097716322014-09-03T10:21:00.003-04:002014-09-03T21:43:34.130-04:00Do The Next ThingLast night was a restless one for me.<br />
<br />
Turning in for the night at the usual time I found that I just couldn't settle in. Since I can usually fall asleep in minutes, I knew something was amiss. There was this obnoxious uneasiness in the pit of my stomach - the kind that is almost always indicative of my not being right in my relationship with the Lord.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha7Jy-ZKZ1xp6G-B1IBpsOB3hTJAEK5DGqlEYZyDb20YCR9Lgs5-ojUjzsA1yQVF3LmiPmZac_aLuMP0GqCAsS5jYIfeZav6a_J7GLiLJPrEDAqdqCjgBFFmMx1JIDcwUli1othCOnlEY/s1600/do+the+next+thing.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha7Jy-ZKZ1xp6G-B1IBpsOB3hTJAEK5DGqlEYZyDb20YCR9Lgs5-ojUjzsA1yQVF3LmiPmZac_aLuMP0GqCAsS5jYIfeZav6a_J7GLiLJPrEDAqdqCjgBFFmMx1JIDcwUli1othCOnlEY/s1600/do+the+next+thing.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
As I sat down in my comfy chair hoping to drift off listening to the heavy rain, I began talking.<br />
<br />
I talked for hours to Jesus and realized it's been so very long since I've made time for that. I also realized (much later) that I did not once ask Him to talk. It was all me, me, me. My woes, my worries, my demands, my hopes, my pleas to make things easier.<br />
<br />
Every so often, I'd pause for a second and wonder why the uneasiness wasn't gone. I was praying, wasn't I? And at around 2AM, in one of those brief pauses, this verse came to mind:<br />
<br />
<b>Speak, Lord, for your servant hears. {1 Samuel 3:9}</b><br />
<br />
I'd done so much talking to Jesus and not given any thought to letting Him speak to me through His Word and in the quietness of my heart.<br />
<br />
Speak, Lord.<br />
<br />
<i>Are you sure?</i><br />
<br />
Yes! I want to hear from You, please!<br />
<br />
<i>Are you willing to change when you hear what I have to say?</i><br />
<br />
*pause* ...yes?<br />
<br />
At this, I started talking again. Bemoaning all the ways I've been coming up short. Lord, look, I'm trying to juggle all of these things and I have no time for You lately and Will & I both agree that I'm sometimes a wretched example of a wife and a lazy mom and I'm not pointing anyone to You if I can't even point Will or the girls to You. I can't manage a home well; I'm a selfish friend...<br />
<br />
<i>Lisha?</i><br />
<br />
...sorry, Jesus.<br />
<br />
<i>Do what I ask you to do day by day with excellence in that moment. [Colossians 3:23] Ask me each morning to show you what I have for you in that day [Psalm 5:3] - and then do not worry about anything else [Philippians 4:6-7]. When you finish doing something, ask Me what the next thing is. Just do the next thing, whatever it is, for My glory. You do not need to hold everything together - that's My responsibility [Hebrews 1:3]. You just need to set your heart to listen to My voice and choose to live as I called you [John 10:27].</i><br />
<br />
.<i>..and if you find you have no time for Me, it's because you are not<u> making</u> time for Me. You make time for those things that are a priority. You need to make time. It's hard to follow Me when you are distracted by so many other things. [Luke 9:57-62]. </i><br />
<br />
Oh, Lord. You are right.<br />
<br />
That deep-down uneasiness, I noticed, was gone.<br />
<br />
For the next three hours I got some of the sweetest, most restful sleep I've had in months. And when I woke up this morning, Jesus reminded me right away:<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Lisha, for today, just do the next thing that I have for you, with Me always in mind. Let go of every other care. If I bring something to mind, pray and do what you can in that moment. Leave the rest to Me.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Today, the "next thing" might be:<br />
-snuggling one of my girls<br />
-chatting on the phone with a friend in need<br />
-going in early to work to be a blessing to the manager<br />
-supporting Will in a big decision, even if it's not my first choice because I choose to trust<br />
-that mountain of laundry<br />
-tea time<br />
-stopping everything to pray<br />
-one of 1,000,000 other things that Jesus brings into my day.<br />
<br />
None of them is without purpose and none are inconsequential, because the total sovereignty of God is not inconsequential and He orchestrated every circumstance of my life for a purpose - to know Him more and to make much of Him!<br />
<i><br /></i>
Friend, if there is an unsettled feeling in your soul, please make the time to sit and ask the Lord to speak. and then listen. He knows your heart and your life better than you do and He desires that you live abundantly in Him so that others can see His love.<br />
<br />
Doing the next thing,<br />
for His glory!<br />
~Lisha<br />
<br />
I may be sharing this post at these<a href="http://www.theblishblog.blogspot.com/p/link-up-parties.html" target="_blank"> link-up parties</a>!<br />
You're invited to follow me on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/theblishblog" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/lishahunter" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-712462159991923024.post-55081924608030005532014-08-03T17:33:00.000-04:002014-08-03T17:33:04.472-04:00Free Usborne Books! - August Hostess & Customer SpecialsI love helping people get free and half-off books for the children they love most! It's one of the best parts of being an Usborne Consultant! I signed up with Usborne a few years ago to take advantage of the amazing discount but realized I loved sharing the books with friends & family!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
So I'll get right to the point:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>FREE BOOKS!</u></b></div>
<br />
<b>You</b> can get <b>free & half-off </b>books for your child(ren) in August!<br />
<br />
Host an online party!<br />
<br />
Whether you are local to me or not, you can 'host' a show online, and earn free books. Check out this month's wonderful Hostess Special:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuXgd_a-2TJ4D1VbFuJzhRvIHCbqKmNOmsTbYzmt3ZcSEw-uxwrtbLkZQKa4xt-Dx5By_1nqhw_5Nv8M6_-RqFLcVArdIycxKiI1yncaAr91ghUwZsJwvJP4WNoZ7XOGXhPzWj9uvNL7U/s1600/HostessSpecials2014August.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuXgd_a-2TJ4D1VbFuJzhRvIHCbqKmNOmsTbYzmt3ZcSEw-uxwrtbLkZQKa4xt-Dx5By_1nqhw_5Nv8M6_-RqFLcVArdIycxKiI1yncaAr91ghUwZsJwvJP4WNoZ7XOGXhPzWj9uvNL7U/s1600/HostessSpecials2014August.jpg" height="640" width="494" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(click image to enlarge!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
What could you do for your child's home library with $110 in FREE and $75 in half-off books?! That's $185 worth of quality, award-winning Usborne books, and you'd pay just $37.50 for them!<br />
<br />
You choose the dates you want your online show to be open, set your goal for free books, invite your friends, and let me do the rest!<br />
<br />
Click <a href="http://m3001.myubam.com/Host" target="_blank">here</a> to contact me today about hosting your own Usborne e-show!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>SAVE UP TO 60%!</u></b></div>
<br />
Not up for hosting a show, but you'd still love to get outstanding books for your kids at a great discount?<br />
<br />
Here are this month's Customer Specials!<br />
<br />
For every $40 you order, you can choose up to <b>3</b> specials! (Which means, if your order is $80, you can choose up to <b>6</b> specials!) You <b>save up to 60% </b>on these titles, while supplies last!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI3lSzy68Colr8vvIhD1_Zm9zaSTI7fKYh8NmLQuj48m13y34T5_lGic7zwkeywJF_YO4rPgqoVXnDKQlDGdPu20L0pZ24wkHpmw3QANq1ZZU9lwdSo_wk3hWXAa8TidWDIR2M0QsirhY/s1600/CustomerSpecialsAugust2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI3lSzy68Colr8vvIhD1_Zm9zaSTI7fKYh8NmLQuj48m13y34T5_lGic7zwkeywJF_YO4rPgqoVXnDKQlDGdPu20L0pZ24wkHpmw3QANq1ZZU9lwdSo_wk3hWXAa8TidWDIR2M0QsirhY/s1600/CustomerSpecialsAugust2014.jpg" height="640" width="494" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(click image to enlarge!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Shop <a href="http://m3001.myubam.com/" target="_blank">here</a>! I do earn a commission on orders placed through my Usborne website - every show you book and each order you place helps our family immensely and we are grateful!<br />
<br />
<i>Usborne's mission statement: The future of our world depends upon the education of our children. Usborne Books & More delivers educational excellence one book at a time. We provide economic opportunity while fostering strong family values. We touch the lives of children for a lifetime.</i><br />
<br />
<b>Need help choosing from Usborne's 2,000+ titles?</b><br />
<b>Ask me - I LOVE sharing my recommendations!</b><br />
<br />
Happy reading!<br />
~Lisha<br />
Independent Consultant, Usborne Books & More<br />
<br />
Like our <a href="http://www.facebook.com/UsborneWillandLisha" target="_blank">Facebook</a> Page for specials, deals, and literacy tips!<br />
Check out my recommendations by following my Usborne Board on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/lishahunter/business-usborne-books-and-more/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju9jY5dipXThYr0wocxfFw9v1QHdLy9riktBx05Tx4YN6fG3cewOplPYv_7V99eFQgp4ADh7n4b4pIPZbksAKSgt8vYeIjmK9rG5xcn7lellF4hBxTrjUupj6kuZ25W3MXcBUXbKbSbTw/s1600/AugustSpecials.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju9jY5dipXThYr0wocxfFw9v1QHdLy9riktBx05Tx4YN6fG3cewOplPYv_7V99eFQgp4ADh7n4b4pIPZbksAKSgt8vYeIjmK9rG5xcn7lellF4hBxTrjUupj6kuZ25W3MXcBUXbKbSbTw/s1600/AugustSpecials.jpg" height="308" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-712462159991923024.post-30076991355497067592014-07-28T20:30:00.000-04:002014-07-28T20:30:56.270-04:00Our 2014-2015 Homeschool CurriculumIn our house, we call it "Box Day" - the day when the new homeschooling books arrive!<br />
<br />
Because I've recently had to seek out employment (it's <a href="http://theblishblog.blogspot.com/2014/06/a-new-season.html" target="_blank">a new season</a> in our family life here), we did not know until just recently whether or not we'd be able to continue to homeschool beyond the summer. We're grateful that it appears to be working out, so we went ahead and ordered our books!<br />
<br />
We finally celebrated Box Day - we sat and unpacked the boxes, ooohing and aaahing and giggling and wondering. We cannot wait to start reading all of these wonderful new books in less than a week as we kick off the next round of school!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0VFudOtAC6HRmyWRfEP2lNNpYOuR7VkCYrpyuoRjH6eY86sEcMjvBwZkQcQXVLgZYAWoFjnYY43hRyalp7Wvk8w4ZhVSFxfgI8YHecUZdo2GPGRH_rGAteUy2K3VBNJYMFMnPVS6OWWk/s1600/homeschool+curriculum+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0VFudOtAC6HRmyWRfEP2lNNpYOuR7VkCYrpyuoRjH6eY86sEcMjvBwZkQcQXVLgZYAWoFjnYY43hRyalp7Wvk8w4ZhVSFxfgI8YHecUZdo2GPGRH_rGAteUy2K3VBNJYMFMnPVS6OWWk/s1600/homeschool+curriculum+1.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Here is the curriculum I'll be using with my two older girls (ages 8 & 7) and my youngest (almost 4):<br />
<br />
<b>Bible</b>:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgznpXgFsnev4K8Vk_E3MhHtVL1sVx9UoVIlGxU41Ve8HFeQ-RmzIyH3MHmCjyB3ndzfP_0swg-LsUmkRXKT5kkz4xZrlqY88nogTsobvwIAYd_DRT_YX3CV1nsDeNd0h6XtajvivDhBNs/s1600/homeschool+curriculum+7.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgznpXgFsnev4K8Vk_E3MhHtVL1sVx9UoVIlGxU41Ve8HFeQ-RmzIyH3MHmCjyB3ndzfP_0swg-LsUmkRXKT5kkz4xZrlqY88nogTsobvwIAYd_DRT_YX3CV1nsDeNd0h6XtajvivDhBNs/s1600/homeschool+curriculum+7.png" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Included: The Discoverer's Bible (NIrV), for the girls to begin reading on their own; the American Indian Prayer Guide, and the Harrow family's incredible CD, Great in Counsel and Mighty in Deed (Scripture Memory Songs). This year, the focus will be teaching the girls how to go directly to the source and learn for themselves what the Bible says when they have questions, rather than totally relying on Dad & Mom to give them the answers.<br />
<br />
<b>History/Geography</b>:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfWdgisQtCQWRYv8xB6oqWr5ykH0xtwNGXEfU4p_BAkA6YJL_hxxnjBpHDq3hOrWpxtcgfqRcM19Li2K9lYh53dvMQPxZRXe5tC0aYcZ83Lb9pJzWZY868WyvvpTtoFY4GWj_t_rTtBwo/s1600/homeschool+curriculum+4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfWdgisQtCQWRYv8xB6oqWr5ykH0xtwNGXEfU4p_BAkA6YJL_hxxnjBpHDq3hOrWpxtcgfqRcM19Li2K9lYh53dvMQPxZRXe5tC0aYcZ83Lb9pJzWZY868WyvvpTtoFY4GWj_t_rTtBwo/s1600/homeschool+curriculum+4.png" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This year is the first of a two-year exploratory look at American History, beginning with the Native American population around the time of the explorers. We'll be experiencing history through the stories and biographies of those who lived those here before any Europeans came; those who survived the first few colonies; Colonial heroes; the first few generations of American citizens; the pioneers; and those who fought to preserve the union - any many others.<br />
<br />
<b>Spelling & Vocabulary</b>:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHIQok7kIfgc6YX0NOE1M3Lr1h-e-jvvwkU-PmzHBz4HpAIxD3eG-6H3ecQsLQ3kUI5_EAX4GgAphVBe1WyhU90RkCqT5U4s9smG6aKdyZu6efPAENh2SpY702I42L-7X0QVT9EP6Vpss/s1600/homeschool+curriculum+8.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHIQok7kIfgc6YX0NOE1M3Lr1h-e-jvvwkU-PmzHBz4HpAIxD3eG-6H3ecQsLQ3kUI5_EAX4GgAphVBe1WyhU90RkCqT5U4s9smG6aKdyZu6efPAENh2SpY702I42L-7X0QVT9EP6Vpss/s1600/homeschool+curriculum+8.png" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This will be the first year we're taking a formal approach to spelling & vocabulary. The girls cannot wait (...and neither can I)! The 'natural language' approach that we've follow the last five years has served us very well and prepared the girls to now receive more direction instruction in these areas. The girls will also continue their penmanship practice with <a href="https://www.aophomeschooling.com/horizons/3rd-grade/penmanship/jsp315" target="_blank">Horizons' Book 3</a> (Cursive Writing).<br />
<br />
<b>Readers</b>:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirjjaXrzUNXME3MD6Ug2GiODu6wOLUfsijEQtSFYswdIxcV4Pq9Lc5G4n-zfKFdiyLhdY_L2nzwQPBlxNdu4KRqA7qO0XM6-_8gpPlrIxzTCI2d_fDbux5L927CbpXVVoD01NjdUq3mtg/s1600/homeschool+curriculum+5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirjjaXrzUNXME3MD6Ug2GiODu6wOLUfsijEQtSFYswdIxcV4Pq9Lc5G4n-zfKFdiyLhdY_L2nzwQPBlxNdu4KRqA7qO0XM6-_8gpPlrIxzTCI2d_fDbux5L927CbpXVVoD01NjdUq3mtg/s1600/homeschool+curriculum+5.png" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
These are the books that the girls will tackle on their own. Since Abby (7) is reading at a slightly higher grade level than Elizabeth (8), her goal is to finish all of these by the beginning of next summer; with E, her goal is to make good progress through as many as she's comfortable reading. She will more than likely read these aloud to me whereas A will probably sit in her bed and read alone. (Different learning styles require different tactics!).<br />
<br />
<b>Read-Alouds</b>:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzgF7DZQMRPNofpcWA2wHSPNRWvTVriTxqoC_AtZvKvDTm3YyL-ypzkZdz2tqE_ib3rNTZZpLH7Cn6DPx-m1hm2oabzxIwMa17flMUw7oZmtMUlONB-7TbCGRmCOy6pWJYZQEK5JuLcF4/s1600/homeschool+curriculum+6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzgF7DZQMRPNofpcWA2wHSPNRWvTVriTxqoC_AtZvKvDTm3YyL-ypzkZdz2tqE_ib3rNTZZpLH7Cn6DPx-m1hm2oabzxIwMa17flMUw7oZmtMUlONB-7TbCGRmCOy6pWJYZQEK5JuLcF4/s1600/homeschool+curriculum+6.png" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Read-Alouds are the books that Will & I take turns reading out loud, either during lunch or just before bed. Usually a chapter or two per day. We all treasure read-aloud time! So much of the history we study together comes alive through the historical fiction - it's much more fulfilling than memorizing names, dates, and places.<br />
<br />
<b>Science</b>:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj31pL_4IJnkZgAhzdNe09fXoygi4f24PsITyFP9i9C6nrstYLexd9tP8DP0Vy-Q7zV-Q8tO1GunaJBUEKGN_KWxgAYX-ay-Oxu7zEn1_j4UCvn2S71Zu0gZ2R2AzdAfhI-2v8UzuU_vQ/s1600/homeschool+curriculum+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj31pL_4IJnkZgAhzdNe09fXoygi4f24PsITyFP9i9C6nrstYLexd9tP8DP0Vy-Q7zV-Q8tO1GunaJBUEKGN_KWxgAYX-ay-Oxu7zEn1_j4UCvn2S71Zu0gZ2R2AzdAfhI-2v8UzuU_vQ/s1600/homeschool+curriculum+2.png" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Science this year will center around human anatomy, biology, & taxonomy - the box on the left there is most of the resources we'll need to conduct experiments (growing beans, wheat, corn, & radishes, among others). For the last three years, much of our science has been hands-on and focuses on gaining a breadth of knowledge rather than mastery. The girls have been exposed to all manner of scientific goodness: physics, meteorology, magnetism & electricity, etc. We are very much looking forward to science this year!<br />
<br />
<b>Math</b>:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZlX8YHHGDEN2YFqQecuQbrbggMiRbbX_9ratPm3nqb_Vd7XHZ4L5YiFDdr0P1TUUESgnqrvXxP2KeRqh-YulDcjE9REd2Jl6KDyrQ7OxIbO7C5TXdryiBPj0yZSnPHS_LMPmCgitXEco/s1600/homeschool+curriculum+3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZlX8YHHGDEN2YFqQecuQbrbggMiRbbX_9ratPm3nqb_Vd7XHZ4L5YiFDdr0P1TUUESgnqrvXxP2KeRqh-YulDcjE9REd2Jl6KDyrQ7OxIbO7C5TXdryiBPj0yZSnPHS_LMPmCgitXEco/s1600/homeschool+curriculum+3.png" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
For the last few years, we've used Alpha Omega's Lifepac Math - a workbook-based curriculum. One of my daughters is a hands-on, auditory learner - Lifepac was not a good fit for her at all. If they had been, I definitely would have continued ordering them because I really like Lifepac! This year, we're trying Teaching Textbooks. I've heard nothing but wonderful reports about this computer-based curriculum and both of my older girls LOVED the <a href="http://184.168.83.81/Math3Demo/new/movie.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">online demo</a> for it.<br />
<br />
<b>Preschool</b>:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2zvyDRXkp1KdIHgeIc61P_9yr3C5LJ6_vBHdSPFNMNc34dHPQ4nN8hRRM_ea4U1zmK6VLzAffiiYEda1j2_ABzbFzW7HFQLnpDTM3IlD5GMFcawftLm87yQ7z45Lvz3dnedBeZISGSas/s1600/homeschool+curriculum+9.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2zvyDRXkp1KdIHgeIc61P_9yr3C5LJ6_vBHdSPFNMNc34dHPQ4nN8hRRM_ea4U1zmK6VLzAffiiYEda1j2_ABzbFzW7HFQLnpDTM3IlD5GMFcawftLm87yQ7z45Lvz3dnedBeZISGSas/s1600/homeschool+curriculum+9.png" height="207" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This is my second time around with the P4/5 curriculum - and I cannot wait to share these beloved stories again with my youngest (...and I have a hunch that my older two will want to sit through them all over again as well!). Each day, we'll read a little bit - 'school' takes about 30-40 minutes - and then H will spend the rest of her time playing, shadowing her sisters, and helping me with chores as we find time. I appreciate the laid-back approach this curriculum takes to teaching the little learners.<br />
<br />
If you've been following this blog for a while, you have probably picked up on the fact that we use mostly <a href="http://www.sonlight.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sonlight Curriculum</a>! This is our sixth year of homeschooling with Sonlight and it has been worth every penny we've invested. If you're looking for a new curriculum and you love to read, consider it! The company has a wonderful <b><a href="http://www.sonlight.com/guarantee.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Love to Learn guarantee</a></b> - you can use up to 18 weeks' worth of the curriculum (really use it!), and if you don't love it you can return the whole years' worth of material for a refund.<br />
<br />
<i>(If you would like to place your first-ever order with Sonlight and the total is more than $50, please use this link: <span style="background-color: yellow; font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.sonlight.com/rewards/AH20264102">http://www.sonlight.com/rewards/AH20264102</a></span> You'll receive $5 off of your order, and I'll receive points that help discount a future order as well!)</i><br />
<br />
If you have any questions about homeschooling, or about Sonlight Curriculum, please ask in the comments below!<br />
<br />
Excited for our school year,<br />
for His glory!<br />
~Lisha<br />
<br />
I may be sharing this post with these wonderful <a href="http://www.theblishblog.blogspot.com/p/link-up-parties.html" target="_blank">link-up parties</a>!<br />
If this post has blessed, encouraged, or inspired you, please share it!<br />
You can find the 'Blish on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/theblishblog" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/lishahunter" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>, too!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-712462159991923024.post-171566981732515642014-07-24T13:50:00.001-04:002014-07-26T09:04:59.949-04:00He Has Dealt Bountifully With Me - a Guest Post<div style="text-align: left;">
I didn't know it, but it was the beginning of labor pains.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Literally.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
...and spiritually.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It was my husband's 27th birthday, and we'd made plans to celebrate as a family. We didn't get to...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Today, I have the honor of guest posting at <a href="http://www.rosevinecottagegirls.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rosevine Cottage Girls</a>' blog, kicking off their "When You Feel Like Saying 'When'" series. Please follow the link and read the rest of the post <a href="http://rosevinecottagegirls.blogspot.com/2014/07/when-you-feel-like-saying-when-he-has.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>!</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil_ihgJ_rrNHbdpNV6AMe7G7Fxhp2RAgNXY6XPxPGP2xD4f3t2kaloCU-ImmL4SVh61POdk8sZ4IR8hYprO9NOFDcRbrC4c_XxK9JQqMDHYy-kAoA6CFzArWoKkEmsbw_i0Dbx-jQF2cs/s1600/He+Has+Dealt.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil_ihgJ_rrNHbdpNV6AMe7G7Fxhp2RAgNXY6XPxPGP2xD4f3t2kaloCU-ImmL4SVh61POdk8sZ4IR8hYprO9NOFDcRbrC4c_XxK9JQqMDHYy-kAoA6CFzArWoKkEmsbw_i0Dbx-jQF2cs/s1600/He+Has+Dealt.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; padding: 0px !important; text-align: left;">
He has dealt bountifully with me,</div>
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; padding: 0px !important; text-align: left;">
for His glory!</div>
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; padding: 0px !important; text-align: left;">
~Lisha<br />
<br />
I may be sharing this post at these wonderful <a href="http://www.theblishblog.blogspot.com/p/link-up-parties.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">link-up parties</a>!</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-712462159991923024.post-89134161653536261552014-06-04T17:25:00.000-04:002014-07-26T09:08:36.435-04:00A New SeasonWe've entered a new season here in our home.<br />
<br />
I'm not referring to spring (...although, it does *finally* feel like spring, praise the Lord!). Not summer, winter, or fall, either.<br />
<br />
A season which I hoped would not come, at least for a while.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiyemJrIWSl57_1EguoZeHe7LUrs-z_xPLItvBly2LUYwuBMWOc9w1YmVzBfn9zJoIK5l_Xq_5KbvPQfJqu8SYjcM-S_wYEAH52RHR47FgJTX1XZTuAAkvrMz5I6yd3azFbBVpaG5ci4Q/s1600/a+new+season.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiyemJrIWSl57_1EguoZeHe7LUrs-z_xPLItvBly2LUYwuBMWOc9w1YmVzBfn9zJoIK5l_Xq_5KbvPQfJqu8SYjcM-S_wYEAH52RHR47FgJTX1XZTuAAkvrMz5I6yd3azFbBVpaG5ci4Q/s1600/a+new+season.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It's been so quiet around the blog because I have been searching, applying, and interviewing for a job outside the home. Financially, things have been just a liiiittle too tight around here for the last couple of years, and Will wanted me to find something that was more reliable and steady than my <a href="http://theblishblog.blogspot.com/p/math-tutoring.html" target="_blank">tutoring</a>.<br />
<br />
I've spent the last couple of months applying for several jobs - at first, hoping to find a position where I could just work evenings and weekends (so that we wouldn't need to worry about child care). When no one called back, I then inquired after a full-time teaching position at a private school in the area. My next step was going to be applying for third-shift manufacturing positions.<br />
<br />
I was desperate to find something that would allow me to continue homeschooling the girls. I told people with my lips that I would do "whatever came along", but in my heart I was screaming "NO! NO! I will <i>not</i> give up homeschooling! I will <i>not</i> give up my dream of being a stay at home, homeschooling mom to these beautiful girls! Surely, Father, You approve of what I'm doing here! Surely, You see that this is how You want it to be! ...right?"<br />
<br />
Over the last couple of years, God keeps challenging my convictions about being a wife, a mom, and a follower of Jesus. And He is teaching me that, although His Word is truth, He is not bound to <b>my</b> interpretation of how it should happen.<br />
<br />
For instance, it is clear that He desires that a wife & mom be the manager of her home (see Titus 2 & Proverbs 31). I took that to mean that it is against His will that I would take a job outside the home. I was <a href="http://theblishblog.blogspot.com/2014/01/called-out.html" target="_blank">called out</a> on this conviction a while ago, and I've been so resistant to asking the Lord what He thinks of it all. Hearing anything other than "Lisha, you stay home!" was not desirable for me.<br />
<br />
Nobody called me back. For weeks. I smugly thought, "Well, shucks. Will told me to apply for a job - clearly against God's design - I did it because I had to, but no one is calling back. Guess God showed him!" and I prematurely reveled in God's clear calling that I stay put.<br />
<br />
And then I got three phone calls in less than 24 hours.<br />
<br />
WHAT.<br />
<br />
An interview for a full-time job, an immediate offer of a evening-and-weekends job, and an inquiry about in-home childcare!<br />
<br />
After talking with Will, I ended up accepting the part-time job (2-3 evenings per week and weekend hours) and I interviewed for the teaching job. I went to the interview reluctantly. Though I knew I could excel in the position, I did not wholeheartedly want it. It would mean no homeschooling; we'd likely have to enroll my daughters in the school and find child care for my youngest.<br />
<br />
The Father and I had plenty of chats about this, and I made sure He knew that I was displeased with the possibility of working full time while other people raised my daughters.<br />
<br />
It often went like this:<br />
"<i>Lord, if I get this job, it's like You're asking me to lay down everything that is important to me right now - homeschooling, discipling my daughters full-time, the extra time to minister to others!</i> *stomps foot*"<br />
"That's the point. Are you interested in following Me and what I have for you no matter what, like you tell everyone, or do you believe that I owe you the luxury of being home and doing all these things because you believe in Me?"<br />
<br />
Over the next few days - before I heard the decision from the school - I began to understand that my prayer needed to stop being "Please let me get a job where I can still do everything I want to do for You", and it needed to sound more like "<b>Father, whatever job You have for me, make it clear, and help me trust that You'll use it, even if I have to 'give up' being home and homeschooling</b>."<br />
<br />
I'd like to tell you that I had a major heart change and that it became so easy to follow Jesus, even if that meant He was leading me where I'd never had any intention of going. The reality is that I still struggle with being grumpy each time I have to leave for work - even though it's just part time (for now). It's hard to see past the selfishness of what I want right now and praise the Lord that I've been given an opportunity to be Will's helpmeet in a very tangible way right now, by increasing our monthly income by about 50%. We'll finally be able to pay all of our bills on time.<br />
<br />
The reality is that Jesus asks that we always be willing to lay down everything that is important right now in order to go where He leads, no matter the personal cost. (See <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+8%3A18-22&version=NKJV" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Matthew 8:18-22</a>)<br />
<br />
Even if that means that we have to go back to the Word and reassess our own 'holy' convictions.<b> It isn't my convictions about Jesus that bring Him the most glory, it's my obedience to Jesus that brings Him the most glory.</b><br />
<br />
So for now, I'll share here as I'm able - but if you want short snippets here and there about what God is doing in my heart and life, please just ask - either on my <a href="http://www.facebook.com/theblishblog" target="_blank">Facebook</a> page, here in the comments below, or call me (if you have my number already). Joyfully, I will share! I long to take the time to share with you all of the lessons I'm learning from Jesus, but in this new season, blogging will be less frequent, at least until we've settled into our new 'normal' schedule.<br />
<br />
Embracing the change in the season,<br />
for His glory!<br />
~Lisha<br />
<br />
I may be sharing this post with these uplifting <a href="http://www.theblishblog.blogspot.com/p/link-up-parties.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">link-up parties</a>!<br />
Blessed, encouraged, or inspired? Please share this post and join me over on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/theblishblog" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/lishahunter" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-712462159991923024.post-13559467650880538482014-04-09T14:21:00.003-04:002014-04-09T14:21:36.166-04:00Please help! Reader survey!Greetings, sweet readers!<br />
<br />
Whether you've been reading for years or have just joined me through a recent link-up, I'd appreciate your feedback. Please visit this quick, <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/JBBZT9M" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">10-question reader survey</a> to help me best encourage you!<br />
<br />
Thank you!!<br />
for His glory,<br />
~Lisha<br />
<br />
Find more encouragement! Join me over on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/theblishblog" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/lishahunter" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> as well!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-712462159991923024.post-10676274504654327762014-04-01T00:18:00.000-04:002014-04-01T00:18:36.684-04:00How do I make much of You, Jesus?I do my best writing for the blog late at night. Inspiration, for me, usually comes between 11pm and 2am. It's been that way for as long as I can remember.<br />
<br />
Lately? Nothing. No inspiration. It's been <b>so</b> frustrating. It's either write something half-hearted to get a post out on time or go for weeks without posting, dreaming of and hoping for an amazing post that will bless the socks off my sweet readers.<br />
<br />
<i>Father, why? I want to make much of You and what You are doing in my life! I want to share it! You're doing so much - why can't I write well? Why can't I get these thoughts out coherently?</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIv8cfkdzWon9XYZMqT7O5E9WC8j3Hr9cZ6bWS1TlP-YQtSY0l1xL_GXtMXbfMgIUMi-R1qzYS9dWhLkCZ5F4z52vEaX1b2Xwkpfn3F4mQBoRqUoefwvNFIlwus9yLMywbYhpjk1bVkPY/s1600/How+do+I+make+much+of+You+Jesus.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIv8cfkdzWon9XYZMqT7O5E9WC8j3Hr9cZ6bWS1TlP-YQtSY0l1xL_GXtMXbfMgIUMi-R1qzYS9dWhLkCZ5F4z52vEaX1b2Xwkpfn3F4mQBoRqUoefwvNFIlwus9yLMywbYhpjk1bVkPY/s1600/How+do+I+make+much+of+You+Jesus.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<b>My daughter, make much of Me by spending time with Me in the morning and letting the overflow of My Word and My presence season your relationships for that day. One moment, one choice at a time. Start there, and let Me choose how to use that. Your heart is precious to Me, child - more precious than your writing style. And then, just write. You don't have to be witty or well-polished. Just share.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
How can I make much of Jesus?<br />
-Meditate on the verses that declare how glorious He is! (They're all over the place! I mostly am fond of the Psalms, Revelation, Nehemiah, Job, Isaiah, John, and Romans - but seriously. He's glorious from Genesis to Revelation)<br />
-Sing His praises throughout the day as I care for my daughters and our home!<br />
-Fill my heart and my mind with His Words. They are always words of life, peace, and assurance. Writing verses on index cards and taping them up in prominent spots helps me memorize.<br />
-Share all of the above with my sweet girls, and as much as I'm able with Will when he gets home.<br />
-Then, whenever God brings someone else into my path that day, be ready to share the love and truth He has imparted that day, and trust Him to work out the rest.<br />
<br />
<br />
Here's a partial list of what He's working on in me right now:<br />
1) He's challenging me to ask Him to show me where I have unconfessed and unrepented of sin - and to confess and repent! There's a boatload. And it's like a kid peeling a Band-Aid so slowly off of a hairy patch on her forearm. Each time I make a little inroad to dealing with one thing, He reveals something else that I need to deal with and it hurts like the dickens.<br />
2) I drag my feet too much when He says 'obey'. "Call that person and ask for forgiveness, Lisha." "...Lord, how about I just Facebook them?" "...No. Just call." Blurghhhhh. He treasures immediate obedience over doing something with style or for convenience.<br />
3) If I am not glorifying Jesus in my marriage - if He is not pre-eminent in all my thoughts, words, and actions toward Will - He is not being fully glorified in my life. No matter how much of a disciple I appear on the outside. White. washed. tomb. Hi, yes, that's me.<br />
4) The longer I walk with Him, the more sinful I realize I am. When I first started following Jesus 12 years ago, I thought for sure by now I'd have the hang of this Christian Living thing. Nope. I'm realizing I am capable of more depravity than I ever realized. And it's only by Jesus' restraining graces that my sin doesn't manifest itself more outwardly.<br />
5) Some of the most painful and pressing times I've experienced in the last year are a direct result of my own sinfulness in years past - not necessarily because of someone else's poor or foolish choices. Though Christ has paid for the sins, God has not released me from dealing directly and painfully from the consequences of those sins (although He does give grace to walk through the consequences). I am not 'suffering for Christ's sake' in most cases; I am suffering because of my own stupid choices years ago.<br />
6) He is calling me to freedom and to recognize the liberty I have because Jesus has already suffered the wrath of God on my behalf, and when I believe discouraging thoughts, it is an affront to the Lord. Even though I have done nothing to earn the favor of God, He has freely bestowed it and I should graciously live like I believe it. I am no longer a slave to sin; I am a bondservant of the Lord Jesus.<br />
7) I am selfish. SO SO SO SO SO selfish. <i>Die to self, Lisha. Over. and over. and over. Follow My example - willing to die to your dreams, your plans, your convictions, your wants, if it means the Father gets <b>the most glory</b>.</i><br />
8) I like to think I'm willing to let God do whatever will bring Him the most glory in my life, but the truth is that I secretly want to 'choose the scene of my martyrdom' (<a href="http://utmost.org/classic/the-commission-of-the-call-classic/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Oswald Chambers</a>) by telling the Lord how I would be able to praise Him in specific hard situations instead of giving Him the freedom to do whatever He needs to do, no matter the immediate or long-term cost.<br />
<br />
Jesus did not come to make much of me. He came to make much of His Father by His obedience. and if I want to make much of Him in all areas, I must follow. Let this be a reminder:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/EFl2qi8N4gk?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
I want to make<br />
much of You, Jesus<br />
I want to make<br />
much of Your love<br />
I want to live today<br />
to give You the praise<br />
that You alone are so worth of!<br />
I want to make<br />
much of Your mercy<br />
I want to make<br />
much of Your cross<br />
I give You my life:<br />
take it, and let it be used to<br />
make much of You<br />
<br />
Making much of Jesus,<br />
for His glory!<br />~Lisha<br />
<br />
I may share this post with these <a href="http://www.theblishblog.blogspot.com/p/link-up-parties.html" target="_blank">link-up parties</a>.<br />
If this post blessed you in any way, please share it!<br />
Please join me over on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/theblishblog" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/lishahunter" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>, too!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-712462159991923024.post-42642369630745606902014-03-31T01:19:00.000-04:002014-03-31T01:19:43.404-04:00The Liebster Award!<div>
The ladies over at the <a href="http://www.rosevinecottagegirls.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rosevine Cottage Girls</a> blog are sweet and encouraging, and have nominated me for a <a href="http://wordingwell.com/the-liebster-award-the-official-rules-my-first-blog-award-and-a-few-personal-secrets-revealed/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Liebster Award</a>. Thanks, dear ones!</div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicFAWzacuZafsmORcPGVjfFFHLC6a4kRtIVxUN-8gcl4aXRbxbxBQAtqcrNOWH9gj1Eq8AiRJpelbH0Xxx8xrcJQhFzsNWQbBJ_9rzLI482K7BQh0slZ0QFAqte88zkV2DUUkh7M6t8KE/s1600/liebsterblogaward.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicFAWzacuZafsmORcPGVjfFFHLC6a4kRtIVxUN-8gcl4aXRbxbxBQAtqcrNOWH9gj1Eq8AiRJpelbH0Xxx8xrcJQhFzsNWQbBJ_9rzLI482K7BQh0slZ0QFAqte88zkV2DUUkh7M6t8KE/s1600/liebsterblogaward.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
The best part of the Liebster Award is nominating others. Here are some of my favorite blogs to read. You should check them out!</div>
<div>
01) <a href="http://lovinglearner.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Loving Learner</a></div>
<div>
02) <a href="http://thecaffeinatedgirl.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Caffeinated Girl</a></div>
<div>
03) <a href="http://hisreflection.weebly.com/blog.html" target="_blank">His Reflection</a></div>
<div>
04) <a href="http://blessingsandsimplicity.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Blessings & Simplicity</a></div>
<div>
05) <a href="http://amykimble.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Bean's Blog</a></div>
<div>
06) <a href="http://adventureinhispresence.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Adventure in His Presence</a></div>
<div>
07) <a href="http://anoblecallingblog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A Noble Calling</a></div>
<div>
08) <a href="http://gracegirl89.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">For My Good and For His Glory</a></div>
<div>
09) <a href="http://1chron291113.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Renown and Crowned</a><br />
10) <a href="http://www.growinginhisglory.com/" target="_blank">Growing in His Glory</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
If you have been nominated for The Liebster Award and you choose to accept it, here are the rules, write a blog post about the award in which you:<br />
1. Thank the person who nominated you, and post a link to their blog on your blog.<br />
2. Display the award on your blog (by including it in your post and/or displaying it using a “widget” or a “gadget”.)<br />
3. Answer 11 questions about yourself, (which will be provided to you by the person who nominated you.)<br />
4. Provide 11 random facts about yourself.<br />
5. Nominate 11(ish) blogs that you feel deserve the award, who have (rules vary; some say fewer than 200; some say fewer than 3,000) (take your pick) followers.<br />
6. Create a new list of questions for the your nominees to answer.<br />
<br />
<div>
Here are 11 Random Facts About Me:<br />
<b>#01</b> My middle name is June, after my dad's mom.</div>
<div>
<b>#02</b> I'm pretty sure I could eat salsa & tortilla chips every day and never tire of it.</div>
<div>
<b>#03</b> The sound that is made when people rub their hands together <i>drives me nuts</i>. </div>
<div>
<b>#04</b> My hometown is home to the 'most climbed mountain in the world.' (Google it!)</div>
<div>
<b>#05</b> My great-grandmother, grandmother, mother, and I all attended the same high school, classes of '37, '60, '79, & '00. [Go Orioles!]</div>
<div>
<b>#06</b> I enjoy listening to classic country-western music - think Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Johnny Horton, etc.</div>
<div>
<b>#07</b> The first CD I ever owned was New Kids on the Block 'Merry, Merry Christmas'. And I still have it.</div>
<div>
<b>#08</b> Two topics I love reading about just for fun: number theory and political theory.</div>
<div>
<b>#09</b> I didn't get my driver's license until I was 21 (barely a year before Will & I married), and I failed my first road test because I ran a red light at an intersection.</div>
<div>
<b>#10</b> My 'life verse' is 1 Corinthians 2:2 - <i>For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.</i> </div>
<div>
<b>#11 </b>Where homemaking is concerned: I am terrible at baking, ironing, and taming clutter, but excel at sewing, making crazy blanket forts, and creating tasty casseroles.<br />
<br />
Here are my answers to the 11 questions asked by the Rosevine Cottage Girls:<br />
<b>Why do you write?</b> My husband encouraged me to write after we lost our third baby (August 2009), and the Lord blessed others through those early posts and He moved me to keep writing. I write so that His glory might be made known through what He is doing in our lives!<br />
<b>What and Who inspires you?</b> Will inspires me to be closer to and more like Jesus; my daughters inspire me to simply take God at His word and just trust Him.<br />
<b>Who do you admire the most?</b> My husband for his visionary way of thinking and my dad for his integrity and wisdom.<br />
<b>Where have you always wanted to go?</b> I don't know about always, but in the last few years I increasingly want to visit the Middle East to live in and learn more about the culture there.<br />
<b>What gets you through the really tough times?</b> Psalms. Oh, the richness of David's cries! I can pour out my heart - anger. frustration. anxiety. doubt. defeat. discouragement. ...and He understands each one, and draws me back to remind me that "He has dealt bountifully with me!" {Psalm 13!}. The Lord also uses faithful friends who, for reasons beyond my comprehension, love me enough to speak truth into my life - whether that is encouraging, you-can-make-it truths, or hard, here's-your-problem truths.<br />
<b>What is the most important lesson you have learned?</b> God is holy, and I am a sinner. And solely because of His grace and for His glory, Jesus paid the penalty for my sin.<br />
<b>If you could give advice to yourself as a child what would it be?</b> Strive for excellence, but please let go of trying to attain perfection. It's obnoxious.<br />
<b>Where is your favorite place to be? </b>The Penobscot Bay region of Maine (where my Dad grew up.)<br />
<b>What are some defining moments in your life that God has brought you through?</b> Oh. Two that have been most crucial would be the loss of our little one and a particularly long and painful patch in our marriage. Both have driven me to one central issue: either God IS worthy of praise and worship always, or He is absolutely not even worth a second thought. Am I going to cling to His truth and rejoice in spite of life coming unhinged, or am I going to utterly reject His goodness, mercy, and love because life is not going my way? The grief and heartache in both cases has cause me to fall more in love with Jesus.<br />
<b>What is your passion? </b>God's glory made known. My heart specifically is overwhelmed for teenage ladies and for exasperated moms to just know how majestic and mighty God is, and who He is.<br />
<b>If you could go back in history and meet one person who would it be?</b> I would want to meet Amy Carmichael!<br />
<br />
My Questions for my nominees:</div>
<div>
1) Coffee, Tea, or Cocoa?<br />
2) Would you rather go to a baseball game or Broadway show?<br />
3) What is one area of your life you've really grown in over the past few years?<br />
4) If you could do anything for the Lord and knew you could not fail - what would you do?<br />
5) When you are having a tough day, what helps lift your mood?<br />
6) Have you ever wanted to be on a TV show (game show, reality show, etc)? Which one(s)?<br />
7) Never-ending polar-vortex winter or never-ending hot and humid summer?<br />
8) What is your favorite song?<br />
9) What is the strangest/grossest/most exotic food you've ever tried?<br />
10) Do you have a favorite era in history that you prefer to learn about?<br />
11) Which person from the Bible do you tend to identify with most?<br />
<br />
For His glory,<br />
~Lisha<br />
<br />
I'd be thrilled if you joined me over on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/theblishblog" target="_blank">Facebook</a> & <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/lishahunter" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-712462159991923024.post-2046777265355148562014-03-19T00:36:00.001-04:002014-03-19T00:36:51.137-04:00He Will Refine and Restore<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"You focus on Me - I will work through others to refine you;</span></b><div>
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You focus on Me - I will work through you to restore others."</span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcMjyMA5Ker6vR7ba_oZBYEDtVEjyQG4FeoPKog1vb0YCjFdFwXqVh9XczsRShx7ZkU-WIpcDup1HZi_6gOsGpXK5kH1J3wD4M0AVGgmf20IKODhq84jf844mBjZ8daD4T1nLHg5EbsRQ/s1600/refining+and+restoring.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcMjyMA5Ker6vR7ba_oZBYEDtVEjyQG4FeoPKog1vb0YCjFdFwXqVh9XczsRShx7ZkU-WIpcDup1HZi_6gOsGpXK5kH1J3wD4M0AVGgmf20IKODhq84jf844mBjZ8daD4T1nLHg5EbsRQ/s1600/refining+and+restoring.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For months (really, off and on for over a year now), <a href="http://theblishblog.blogspot.com/2013/11/when-i-just-dont-care.html" target="_blank">I've been in this funk</a>. There's been a lot of whining on my part about circumstances I've been given and wrestling with feelings of utter failure in various areas of my life & just being a terrible reflection of Jesus. Recently (and probably all along! I've just been unwilling to hear it), this has been the consistent message: Focus on Me, Lisha. I will work through others to refine you and work through you to restore others. But you just need to focus on Me.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Jesus invites me to sit at His feet and hear His voice, often (continually). To be nourished in the depths of my soul by His words. And as I try to take Him up on His offer daily - small choice by small choice - I'm slowly letting Him show me that oftentimes the unkindness and harshness of others is what causes me to cling to Him even more. The unkindnesses and crummy circumstances are not good, but He uses those moments <i>for</i> good. And as I turn my energies to honoring Him with each next task or opportunity He puts in my path, I find that I do not have to step in to others' lives and try to play the part of the Holy Spirit - just yield to Him and let Him work in hearts (including my own!).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Friend, if you have taken your eyes off of Him, I am praying that this will encourage you, too<i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">.</span></i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Striving to steady my gaze upon</div>
<div>
the Author and Finisher of my faith,</div>
<div>
for His glory!<br />~Lisha</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I may be sharing this post with these uplifting <a href="http://www.theblishblog.blogspot.com/p/link-up-parties.html" target="_blank">Link-up parties</a>.</div>
<div>
Encouraged? Blessed? Inspired? Please share this post!</div>
<div>
...and find more encouragement on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/theblishblog" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/lishahunter" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>, too!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-712462159991923024.post-36894815911986591182014-03-18T09:31:00.000-04:002014-03-18T09:31:34.930-04:00Getting to know meA little while ago, Libby at <a href="http://anoblecallingblog.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Noble Calling</a> (one of my favorite blogs!) posted this fun "getting to know me" survey. I thought I'd join in the fun!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent-a-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/t1.0-9/993628_10151738552073351_239750166_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://scontent-a-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/t1.0-9/993628_10151738552073351_239750166_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, thanks to the Bitstrips app on Facebook!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>1. What are three of your favorite hobbies?</b><br />
reading, sewing, & mentoring young ladies<br />
<br />
<b>2. What is your favorite season?</b><br />
Being from New Hampshire, I'm partial to fall. There is nothing so gorgeous as the brilliant colors in October; nothing so refreshing as crisp, cool mornings and warm afternoons. Cider, apple picking, pie, sweatshirt weather...it's the best.<br />
<br />
<b>3. Heels or sneakers?</b><br />
Of the two, sneakers. But I prefer Birkenstock sandals year-round (yes, even in the snow!).<br />
<br />
<b>4. Casual or fancy?</b><br />
<div>
I lean more toward casual for the day-to-day - but fancy is fun and has its place, too!<br />
<br />
<b>5. Which do you prefer: a birthday party, or a girls sleepover party?</b><br />
When I was younger, I preferred sleepovers. As a mom with three girls, I think I prefer birthday parties because it's just a couple of hours and then everyone heads home.<br />
<br />
<b>6. What do you enjoy posting about more?</b><br />
I LOVE writing about what God is teaching me, and about homeschooling.<br />
<br />
<b>7. How old are you?</b><br />
31<br />
<br />
<b>8. When is your birthday?</b><br />
July 5th<br />
<br />
<b>9. Do you like the thrill of a roller coaster?</b><br />
ahahahahahahahaha...no.<br />
<br />
<b>10. Do you like watching movies in a theater?</b><br />
Not really. I much prefer the comfort of the couch, the ability to pause & skip back or forward in the movie, and to not either pay for snacks or feel guilty for smuggling in my own. The last movie I saw in theaters was Narnia (The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe)...in 2005!<br />
<br />
<b>11. What would be your ideal job in the future?</b><br />
I have my ideal job - being a wife & mom! But I dream of adopting oodles of babies and having the room and resources to take in single moms who need a hand.<br />
<br />
<b>12. Are you into sports? If so, which ones?</b><br />
I like watching high school sports - almost any of them. Field hockey is my favorite sport to watch & play. College football is okay (I enjoy keeping up with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish when I can).<br />
<br />
<b>13. In a football party, which are you: the one that jumps while shouting if your team almost scores? or the one who isn't interested in the game and prefers to eat the snacks while talking to friends?</b><br />
I'm probably in the kitchen making the snacks, and sampling for quality control. Unless it's the Pats, then I'm obligated to cheer for the hometown team!<br />
<br />
<b>14. Did you play Playdough as a child?</b><br />
Not that I remember. I preferred Barbies & My Little Ponies.<br />
<br />
<b>15. What are your favorite clothing stores you prefer to shop?</b><br />
Honestly, I haven't been clothes shopping in about 5 years. I don't care for it at all! I do like online "window" shopping at sites like Shabby Apple and ModCloth, though. :)<br />
<br />
<b>16. Are you a bookworm?</b><br />
Very yes! I love theology, practical how-to, and historical fiction books the most.<br />
<br />
<b>17. Which do you spend more time on- a book or the internet?</b><br />
It's probably pretty equal. Which means I spend too much time online.<br />
<br />
<b>18. When did you decide to start blogging?</b><br />
I started the blog in 2009, after my husband encouraged me to start writing in the wake of losing our third child. Being a mathematician, I've never considered myself a writer, but it was a blessing to be able to share freely what God was teaching me as He walked through the grief with us - and then He just kept letting branch out to writing about other topics.<br />
<br />
<b>19. On your honeymoon, which would you rather go to- a rustic lodge in the mountains or a sunny beach house in Florida?</b><br />
Well, since we went up into the mountains for our honeymoon - I'd say the mountains. :)<br />
<br />
<b>20. What are five of your favorite movies?</b><br />
The King & I</div>
<div>
To Kill A Mockingbird</div>
<div>
Pride & Prejudice (the A&E one)</div>
<div>
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (the cartoon)</div>
<div>
The Sound of Music</div>
<div>
(<a href="http://theblishblog.blogspot.com/2013/10/favorite-movies.html" target="_blank">Here are my top 25</a>!)<br />
<br />
For His glory!<br />~Lisha<br />
<br />
I would love to see your answers. So if you do it, let me know! It would be so fun to learn more about other bloggers :) (Or you can just post your answers in the comments below!)</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-712462159991923024.post-86534541935534731772014-03-13T01:33:00.000-04:002014-03-13T01:33:15.550-04:00How to Involve Your Kids in Missions**Warning**<br />
Involving your children in missions when they are young and eager to follow Jesus uninhibitedly may result in your children living a life that is sold out for the Gospel of Jesus, to see His glory made known everywhere, no matter where it leads them.<br />
<br />What are some ways to encourage your children to be involved with missions, even if you live in AnyTown, AnyCountry, with no desire or immediate plans to move?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp4Z9YVNCdV3_iBAqnRBzEb025Aef0lOXZhJTHEz1WZmFpOHknb01A6vnDqUqkloGihyphenhyphenYjVdTUIMFHnIR2BW4iXWq3qthESeDph9QF9JblHh2CWuH0LtxqDS-a-4lXbkytecyafjua-Co/s1600/How+to+Involve+Your+Kids+in+Missions.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp4Z9YVNCdV3_iBAqnRBzEb025Aef0lOXZhJTHEz1WZmFpOHknb01A6vnDqUqkloGihyphenhyphenYjVdTUIMFHnIR2BW4iXWq3qthESeDph9QF9JblHh2CWuH0LtxqDS-a-4lXbkytecyafjua-Co/s1600/How+to+Involve+Your+Kids+in+Missions.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
In our home in SmallTown USA, here's what I'm learning as I go as I invite my three girls to learn more about missions:<br />
<br />
<b>1) Introduce -and keep talking about- the God of glory, <i>as He reveals Himself through Scripture</i>.</b><br />
<br />
Start at the beginning and teach your children that God's plan from the beginning (and even before the beginning!!) was to redeem a people for Himself from every nation, tribe, and tongue - for His glory!! - and that He loves ALL people groups EVERYWHERE and asks us to join Him in bringing the gospel of Jesus Christ to them! When they see that <b>God is a missionary God from Genesis to Revelation</b> (and down through the millenia!), hopefully they will catch the vision that they should be a missionary people because they are His, no matter where He has put them.<br />
<br />
If this is an unfamiliar idea to you, please find a <a href="http://www.perspectives.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Perspectives</a> course near you! It's a 15-week course on the glory of God and the biblical mandate for and history of worldwide missions - and it is fascinating & convicting!<br />
<br />
(Really awesome activity: Search the phrases "all the peoples", "all the families", and "all nations" [in the NKJV. It might vary slightly in other translations] at a site like <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">BibleGateway</a> and you'll find that God has the whole world on His mind and heart from the beginning, threaded all the way through the Bible. <b>He's serious about His glory being made known, and people from everywhere worshiping Him forever.</b> Those should be our passions, too.)<br />
<br />
<b>2) Pray for missionaries, and...</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>3) Pray for people groups, countries, and governments!</b><br />
<br />
Pray with your children, and let them pray as they are led, too. If you need some direction on how to or who to pray for, contact your church leadership (if your church supports any missionaries) or get books like <a href="http://www.ivpress.com/operationworld/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Operation World</a> and <a href="http://www.sonlight.com/CH04.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Window on the World</a> to focus your prayers. Also, at your discretion, let your children know about major world events and leaders, so that they can pray more effectively. If you see their prayers answered in the news, tell them and keep a written record. We're not told to pray just because it's good for us - we are told to pray because <i>God works when we do</i>!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZoCuiEIxSiZLj0wcUe0wLNCATxeky7sBsFo6VfSP6WaVPhC68z-RUqR8hVW80zMycsfXaE_LH3IZoUD5dQxzTzhj_UJJ53y9sMW_fwpxaBP5fCLopEr_sTWtohZxL2O4wLRVUunG8UDs/s1600/flag+of+crotia.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZoCuiEIxSiZLj0wcUe0wLNCATxeky7sBsFo6VfSP6WaVPhC68z-RUqR8hVW80zMycsfXaE_LH3IZoUD5dQxzTzhj_UJJ53y9sMW_fwpxaBP5fCLopEr_sTWtohZxL2O4wLRVUunG8UDs/s1600/flag+of+crotia.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My 7 year old made this Croatian flag to remind her to pray<br />for the people of Croatia, and for our summer missionary<br />who is headed there in August.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i>Another opportunity</i>: if your children can write or dictate letters or emails to the missionaries or government officials they are praying for, let them! It's probably a huge encouragement to missionaries to hear that they're remembered back home, and it's probably nice for leaders to receive mail that asks for nothing but lets them know they are being prayed for.<br />
<br />
<b>4) Model missions giving or going.</b><br />
<br />
Do you include giving to missionaries in your budget? If so, let your kids see that. If not, why not? If reaching the world for Jesus is a priority for your heart, it should probably be a priority for your budget if at all possible - and if it really can't be (we've been there!), then spend your time instead: volunteering/going on a short term trip with one or more of your children/just striking up conversations with those closest to you about the Lord are some ways that you can be investing in missions yourself. And if God has clearly asked you to go somewhere for Him: GO. Don't think you can slide by with just giving money to the cause and staying put, like He will overlook your disobedience. If He calls you, follow His lead. Children are notorious for following what they see being modeled in their lives!<br />
<br />
<b>5) Let them help - let them lead.</b><br />
<br />
Our church is sending out seven short-term missionaries this summer. When my daughters heard this, they asked if they could raise money for all of them. We added up the amount that is needed to raise, decided that yes! God is capable of providing every last dollar!, and then I let them brainstorm a list of ways to raise money. I did not rule anything out (although we did chat about the feasibility of some of the ideas and how to improve on them: 'let's put all of our toys out on display in our bedroom and lots of people can come into our room and shop, like a store!') - and then they each picked a project.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUUwauVaoLZUT3-7jNxaFdfLUmM_1VThfQMYrL8g1b7hF1MB02V16vgavcFrRj9lgu6eXe6hEzvBXJcWnIvpMFYDitLhFORC4ZL19y4_XGXoTdvxpHDaYs7TOqrreiKLbxobCYG_6w1Rg/s1600/fabric+for+dolly+skirts.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUUwauVaoLZUT3-7jNxaFdfLUmM_1VThfQMYrL8g1b7hF1MB02V16vgavcFrRj9lgu6eXe6hEzvBXJcWnIvpMFYDitLhFORC4ZL19y4_XGXoTdvxpHDaYs7TOqrreiKLbxobCYG_6w1Rg/s1600/fabric+for+dolly+skirts.png" height="140" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A few of the fabrics A picked out for the dolly skirts!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Right now, I am cutting up fabric for 18" dolly skirts that Abby will help me sew together and Elizabeth is planning to make a series of greeting cards & prints. I am doing whatever I can to help as needed (as in, I run a sewing machine much more effectively than the girls do!), but they know they are responsible for seeing this through and thinking through the advertising and the budget for materials. Whether they contribute $5.00 or $500...I am praying that God will show me how <b>to encourage them to make a difference where they are.</b><br />
<br />
<b>6) Study the lives of faithful missionaries with your children.</b><br />
<br />
From the Old Testament, up through today. And don't forget (with discretion) looking at the lives of those in the persecuted church...the ones who are risking their very lives for the sake of God's glory being known in a way that we cannot fully comprehend. (Check out the <a href="http://www.persecution.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Voice of the Martyrs</a> for more information)<br />
<br />
Some amazing books about missionaries:<br />
(for younger listeners & readers)<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Heard-Good-News-Today-Children/dp/0873030737/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1394686316&sr=8-1&keywords=i+heard+good+news+today" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">I Heard Good News Today</a> by Cornelia Lehn <---far and away, my favorite so far<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Missionary-Stories-Millers-Miller-Harvest/dp/0962764345/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1394686357&sr=8-1&keywords=missionary+stories+with+the+millers" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Missionary Stories with the Millers</a> by Mildred Martin<br />
<a href="http://www.ywampublishing.com/p-470-christian-heroes-then-nowbrcomplete-set-books-1-42.aspx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Christian Heroes Then & Now</a> series (by Geoff & Janet Benge)<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hero-Tales-Vol-Dave-Jackson/dp/1556617127" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hero Tales</a> by Dave & Neta Jackson<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Word-Came-Power-Changed-Forever/dp/0880704756/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1394686497&sr=1-1&keywords=and+the+word+came+with+power" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">And the Word Came With Power</a> by Joanne Shetler<br />
<br />
(for older readers - high school & up)<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Foxes-Book-Martyrs-Pure-Classics/dp/0882708759/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1394686562&sr=1-2&keywords=foxes+book+of+martyrs" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Foxe's Book of Martyrs</a> by John Foxe<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bruchko-Astonishing-19-Year-Old-Adventures-Christianizing/dp/159185993X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1394686627&sr=1-1&keywords=bruchko" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bruchko</a> by Bruce Olson<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gods-Smuggler-Brother-Andrew/dp/0800793013/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1394686658&sr=1-1&keywords=god%27s+smuggler" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">God's Smuggler</a> by Brother Andrew<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/No-Compromise-Story-Keith-Green/dp/1595551646/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1394686883&sr=1-1&keywords=no+compromise+the+life+story+of+keith+green" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">No Compromise: The Life Story of Keith Green</a> by Melody Green<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Through-Gates-Splendor-40th-Anniversary/dp/B008YFBKIE/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1394686926&sr=1-3&keywords=through+gates+of+splendor" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Through Gates of Splendor</a> by Elisabeth Elliot<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Susanna-Wesley-Sowers-Charles-Ludwig/dp/0880621109/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1394686690&sr=1-1&keywords=susanna+wesley+biography" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Susanna Wesley</a> by Charles Ludwig {Susanna was not a missionary per se, but her faithfulness to raise her children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord gave the world both Charles and John Wesley, whom God used mightily. There are plenty of other faithful mothers you could look up, as well! Being missions-minded doesn't mean you have to go overseas; it means you need to be faithful to point people to Him no matter where you are.}<br />
<br />
<b>7) Live perfected in Christ.</b><br />
<br />
Not "live perfectly in Christ", but perfected. You are complete in Him, with everything that you need pertaining to life and godliness; thoroughly equipped for every good work; and He is continually working in you and has prepared good works for you to walk in. When you live perfected, your life will exude grace and deep joy (whether in calm or stormy seasons) and it will be a reflection of His glory and goodness and it will be infectious in your home - and your children will take that and spread it wherever God leads them.<br />
<br />
Is there any guarantee that you or your children will want to be overseas missionaries to unreached peoples if you do all of this? Not necessarily. But it does mean that you will be giving them a chance to find out <i>which kind</i> of gospel work God has for them: whether here, or in a far-off land - because God invites each of His children to partner with Him in taking the Gospel everywhere for His glory!<br />
<br />
May it all be<br />
for His glory!<br />~Lisha<br />
<br />
<i>There are <b>no</b> affliate links in this post</i>.<br />
I may be sharing this post at these amazing <a href="http://www.theblishblog.blogspot.com/p/link-up-parties.html" target="_blank">Link-up Parties</a>!<br />
<br />
Encouraged or blessed by this post? Please share it! Find more encouragement on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/theblishblog" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/lishahunter" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>, as well!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-712462159991923024.post-37938419624406931292014-03-09T22:39:00.001-04:002014-03-09T22:39:43.227-04:00God, please give my husband a new wife!<div>
They were words that I never thought I'd say, let alone ever even think:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>God, please, give me a new husband!</i><br />
<i>One who leads just like You,</i><br />
<i>speaks just like You,</i><br />
<i>loves just like You.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
I didn't really mean I wanted a new man for a husband; it was just that I wanted God to magically and miraculously get rid of all of my husband's sin struggles and 'irritating' (read: those idiosyncrasies that were <i>so cute</i> when we were dating!) quirks overnight, so that we could move on to the actual, important work of being a powerhouse team for the gospel - a couple that showcased grace, mercy, and forgiveness.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I was flustered, and it seemed hopeless. For years, I'd attempted to force change in my husband - and I wasn't seeing much progress doing it my way.</div>
<div>
<br />
I was emotionally and spiritually exhausted after almost a decade of praying and pleading that the Lord would spend His time changing this man into what I thought he should be. I confronted the Lord about His gross delay in answering my prayers to make Will more like Jesus.<i> Isn't that a holy request, Lord? Doesn't that honor You? Don't you say in John 14 that anything we ask in Your name, you will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son?!</i><br />
<br />
But God doesn't just hear the words; He sees the deepest motives. I had been praying that Will would change because I wanted <i>my</i> life to be <i>easier</i> - not because I deeply desired Will to grow in the grace & knowledge of the Lord. Those selfish kinds of requests do <b>not</b> honor Jesus, no matter how pious they sound. I'd been trying to play the part of the Holy Spirit when I should have been inviting the Spirit to work on my heart instead!<br />
<br />
Thankfully, the Lord gave me a husband who is not shy about telling me that I'm going about it in the wrong way, and He has also surrounded me with church elders and wise women who have been faithful to have the hard conversations with me about my selfish expectations and requests. After all these years, I'm slowly learning that the Lord spurs me to pray another drastic prayer that He has honors almost immediately each time by drawing me closer to Him daily:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv_v8cmIBAQ_GTkeUuafLQ7i91ftvfA4w4gOO_CQLTEj1dYGUjIdPXHcgX5lZ_Ua9BZzf36umgYa2hc8j3eKF9ZHOKPPjYDyNfG31NcM8zAkNSxH0XGaLhjhqsvs63B3R3dJfFVwtVarM/s1600/God+give+my+husband+a+new+wife.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv_v8cmIBAQ_GTkeUuafLQ7i91ftvfA4w4gOO_CQLTEj1dYGUjIdPXHcgX5lZ_Ua9BZzf36umgYa2hc8j3eKF9ZHOKPPjYDyNfG31NcM8zAkNSxH0XGaLhjhqsvs63B3R3dJfFVwtVarM/s1600/God+give+my+husband+a+new+wife.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>God, please give my husband a new wife.</i><br />
<i>One who follows You, speaks just like You, loves just like You.</i><br />
<i>One who has been radically transformed by Your Spirit.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>And let her...be me.</i><br />
<br />
Desiring to be a new wife,<br />
for His glory!<br />
~Lisha<br />
<br />
Blessed by this post? Please share it! And find more encouragement on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/theblishblog" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/lishahunter" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>!<br />
<br />
I may be sharing this post with these wonderful <a href="http://www.theblishblog.blogspot.com/p/link-up-parties.html" target="_blank">Link-up parties</a>!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-712462159991923024.post-30776685423609620682014-02-23T22:13:00.001-05:002014-02-23T22:13:37.742-05:00Top 15 Home Education Posts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Looking for some homeschooling inspiration? Here are the Top 15 Home Education posts from the blog, according to my dear readers!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBYd8EQc0QntqYJZZhP9YF-fThbMWPec_-0gZ5eqz4OTUzzw7GRSYIb8ikoxfx_CxpwKeqsX88B-m2xf2cS5lYzDTYGlWUCNFl4ChyphenhyphenWIpKXv6ZRixa-cDNXAyIAbJAuv1_CyW1fE6zCS0/s1600/top+15+posts.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBYd8EQc0QntqYJZZhP9YF-fThbMWPec_-0gZ5eqz4OTUzzw7GRSYIb8ikoxfx_CxpwKeqsX88B-m2xf2cS5lYzDTYGlWUCNFl4ChyphenhyphenWIpKXv6ZRixa-cDNXAyIAbJAuv1_CyW1fE6zCS0/s1600/top+15+posts.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Pin this!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>#1 Reader Favorite!</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A photographic peek into a 'typical' homeschool </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
day with three little girls!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxvm1-BOn-uoX6LxZmxvu3VuR9edAynSBGUIU6wirppoDE4b6N2sp3_fCbpUpeGP0bHob4djAtkt7120E4bVDuYAvvXmll0DPoHAJVPQUaA83tAfLBDtoUPrfBxg-bbmgznMKUOkZZoqY/s1600/photo+homeschool+16.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxvm1-BOn-uoX6LxZmxvu3VuR9edAynSBGUIU6wirppoDE4b6N2sp3_fCbpUpeGP0bHob4djAtkt7120E4bVDuYAvvXmll0DPoHAJVPQUaA83tAfLBDtoUPrfBxg-bbmgznMKUOkZZoqY/s1600/photo+homeschool+16.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://theblishblog.blogspot.com/2014/01/a-day-in-life-in-pictures.html" target="_blank">A Day in the Life (in Pictures)</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/337699672030545536/" target="_blank">(Pin it!)</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
23 Books that I never would have read to my girls<br />
if we weren't homeschooling, and how much we love them:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJibgoj1XoP2bux5bZZRl-1CNQw0zeZ_bDcSqQ276vK7H_tUYIhNC4b1iocZdrSLsD3H19WKqg7KlItt-6ZLsetyv0abpzPOmGDw_SMuXgagR5JVt6f_9Nq-9Jq2gnmKC08yzuS4xKF7g/s1600/23+books.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJibgoj1XoP2bux5bZZRl-1CNQw0zeZ_bDcSqQ276vK7H_tUYIhNC4b1iocZdrSLsD3H19WKqg7KlItt-6ZLsetyv0abpzPOmGDw_SMuXgagR5JVt6f_9Nq-9Jq2gnmKC08yzuS4xKF7g/s1600/23+books.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
#2 - <a href="http://theblishblog.blogspot.com/2014/01/23-books-you-dont-want-to-miss-reading.html" target="_blank">23 Books You Don't Want to Miss Reading with Your Children</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/337699672030518604/" target="_blank">(Pin it!)</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
We school year-round and it's worth considering.<br />
Here's why:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSau7Rw-azKNU36VOzBAoRVrDrn7M-gLt648IpZW0CuEezqqG74E4iEw-Z7eebJek0PwZtMbVompIEV34S4PLcGZ3Vu87iBRGDWabFKExOK2F8LkALENj19VKfCoq_EAXZO1hbZORgTlY/s1600/year+round+schooling.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSau7Rw-azKNU36VOzBAoRVrDrn7M-gLt648IpZW0CuEezqqG74E4iEw-Z7eebJek0PwZtMbVompIEV34S4PLcGZ3Vu87iBRGDWabFKExOK2F8LkALENj19VKfCoq_EAXZO1hbZORgTlY/s1600/year+round+schooling.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
#3 - <a href="http://theblishblog.blogspot.com/2014/01/year-round-schooling-why-it-works-for-us.html" target="_blank">Year-Round Schooling: Why It Works (For Us)</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/337699672030582415/" target="_blank">(Pin it!)</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
From September 2013, a list of read-alouds<br />
and school books we were enjoying!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg207WXJsMltlBY4-hjoobuKFcxJiav9J5Wgwk5ULN5RktVU9LKeqqPIZdDotQVgqL7tvGpOFjbkQjTKadvfe_FIOazYMNanjY-8BxixA6TUnN58q6RHH5fPk20oW4BibiyTYN4kCJSmAE/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg207WXJsMltlBY4-hjoobuKFcxJiav9J5Wgwk5ULN5RktVU9LKeqqPIZdDotQVgqL7tvGpOFjbkQjTKadvfe_FIOazYMNanjY-8BxixA6TUnN58q6RHH5fPk20oW4BibiyTYN4kCJSmAE/s1600/018.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
#4 - <a href="http://theblishblog.blogspot.com/2013/09/a-current-reading-list.html" target="_blank">A current reading list</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/337699672029898327/" target="_blank">(Pin it!)</a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
A look at the benefits of home education -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
tailoring each child's education to their strengths & talents:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCZPBo2b0Hwa7nvR9fhff_msdwC5B-gbSKqYV85hrdFgLx7CAuZbCVUp2xKS2v_EyhoNm73C07omIyRVj0jOiScluEiLjaNBCitZt24ACwoJTcwaeV8kcZBBgPxgd5RIVJnrRiNl5MiWE/s1600/DSC_0871aa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCZPBo2b0Hwa7nvR9fhff_msdwC5B-gbSKqYV85hrdFgLx7CAuZbCVUp2xKS2v_EyhoNm73C07omIyRVj0jOiScluEiLjaNBCitZt24ACwoJTcwaeV8kcZBBgPxgd5RIVJnrRiNl5MiWE/s1600/DSC_0871aa.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
#5 - <a href="http://theblishblog.blogspot.com/2013/09/an-individualized-education.html" target="_blank">An individualized education</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/337699672029799779/" target="_blank">(Pin it!)</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
December 2013 - a look at what each person in<br />
our home was reading:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0GrTjyB_G1yVGxvOJhrbeCJZLAgFsTjNEApP7eYdfSx3UZz6j_U1hJzXxPq8nre6pv3xKSwLrHVeDqhdeIFzwbKBm6flhr4xW1nV74N_aahv8Ob-uhxReizHGFsc_ylaoGnYyooPuil0/s1600/what+we+are+reading+now.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0GrTjyB_G1yVGxvOJhrbeCJZLAgFsTjNEApP7eYdfSx3UZz6j_U1hJzXxPq8nre6pv3xKSwLrHVeDqhdeIFzwbKBm6flhr4xW1nV74N_aahv8Ob-uhxReizHGFsc_ylaoGnYyooPuil0/s1600/what+we+are+reading+now.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
#6 - <a href="http://theblishblog.blogspot.com/2013/12/what-were-reading-now.html" target="_blank">What We're Reading Now!</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/337699672030339554/" target="_blank">(Pin it!)</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
A few tips on thriving in multi-age home education,<br />
with a preschooler in the house!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC0AhQCF5RBGAF12DUuhQ5tQ0fT24YJfC19_3P92s6CSi9L-lG56CsS0l7wu4oyPW0-TrUJZJ3x-RDpBr-pRSTRHeH65Mz4DwdHQZOjkNFiJcNo98ZsftY3FVcq63RQMbxw6AhOxhy7RI/s1600/preschool+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC0AhQCF5RBGAF12DUuhQ5tQ0fT24YJfC19_3P92s6CSi9L-lG56CsS0l7wu4oyPW0-TrUJZJ3x-RDpBr-pRSTRHeH65Mz4DwdHQZOjkNFiJcNo98ZsftY3FVcq63RQMbxw6AhOxhy7RI/s1600/preschool+1.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
#7 - <a href="http://theblishblog.blogspot.com/2013/11/how-to-preschool-for-3-year-old.html" target="_blank">How-to: Preschool for a 3-year-old</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/337699672030251703/" target="_blank">(Pin it!)</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
Which books and resources you might consider<br />
to help point your children to the Lord!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOBJQCL5JpGoo7W_v3hIaYz72i3EG-deUzVlIxjh3mb6azG4If10bgUIgYdGCLqER8jQER2-Y2KF3XepCl36aSs2Dud6xEjZi4euB_lCRm7p515RUQpKeZEq46AUgrkBA7qWVTKSuL9J4/s1600/daily+devotions.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOBJQCL5JpGoo7W_v3hIaYz72i3EG-deUzVlIxjh3mb6azG4If10bgUIgYdGCLqER8jQER2-Y2KF3XepCl36aSs2Dud6xEjZi4euB_lCRm7p515RUQpKeZEq46AUgrkBA7qWVTKSuL9J4/s1600/daily+devotions.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
#8 - <a href="http://theblishblog.blogspot.com/2013/12/daily-devotions-for-little-hearts.html" target="_blank">Daily Devotions for Little Hearts</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/337699672030290647/" target="_blank">(Pin it!)</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
World history at a young age? Does it work?<br />
It can:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggXOtY9YRsPm5vnoZ_GY4B72X1Dsf6ZTgxokO1AnaN8brIJSRRalyODsPsQ-ZBmBiTDIpREjf1JMUs-2yZfl4We_BGHKICE84gFOv5_tTjPPDWNm1_Bj31vuLkAKuPTcKhKBK_Mb-_3wM/s1600/world+history.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggXOtY9YRsPm5vnoZ_GY4B72X1Dsf6ZTgxokO1AnaN8brIJSRRalyODsPsQ-ZBmBiTDIpREjf1JMUs-2yZfl4We_BGHKICE84gFOv5_tTjPPDWNm1_Bj31vuLkAKuPTcKhKBK_Mb-_3wM/s1600/world+history.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
#9 - <a href="http://theblishblog.blogspot.com/2014/01/why-start-with-world-history.html" target="_blank">Why Start with World History?</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/337699672030479448/" target="_blank">(Pin it!)</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
This is a touching story and a way to involve<br />
your children in bringing Christ to the nations:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHAF0tMhy6BcvkmToXmn5fJBZFXutgcAVWwu3-izsWyFhmA_iq26GNdHE-CF9ckb8kyMbHRLCPDQsiGzfnabLDSAQz630_tcpCEzPGd6shHKYoTHPgaXhabLIsrjeVMjvHBtV1kJ7Jk84/s1600/roopa+story.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHAF0tMhy6BcvkmToXmn5fJBZFXutgcAVWwu3-izsWyFhmA_iq26GNdHE-CF9ckb8kyMbHRLCPDQsiGzfnabLDSAQz630_tcpCEzPGd6shHKYoTHPgaXhabLIsrjeVMjvHBtV1kJ7Jk84/s1600/roopa+story.png" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
#10 - <a href="http://theblishblog.blogspot.com/2013/10/lost-in-india.html" target="_blank">Lost in India</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/337699672030054243/" target="_blank">(Pin it!)</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
Some of the best devotional resources<br />
for little ones:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJx84g5FogQURl725G8geSGV1z0047ase27CzxgVMNAipV9BvHA34JxzNjw4R5b08_xUN8s5pzDVORoCnmnsMhzG_Z3wgpJWVT2rhQB8QAm5zOJ2r8eNJIS_Ks2AVYlo5Aq0N5DjVbJ9o/s1600/leading+little+ones+to+God.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJx84g5FogQURl725G8geSGV1z0047ase27CzxgVMNAipV9BvHA34JxzNjw4R5b08_xUN8s5pzDVORoCnmnsMhzG_Z3wgpJWVT2rhQB8QAm5zOJ2r8eNJIS_Ks2AVYlo5Aq0N5DjVbJ9o/s1600/leading+little+ones+to+God.jpg" height="320" width="256" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
#11 - <a href="http://theblishblog.blogspot.com/2013/07/ideas-to-help-teach-them-diligently.html" target="_blank">Ideas to help teach them diligently</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/337699672030002290/" target="_blank">(Pin it!)</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
The benefits of enjoying poetry with your children:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN014EwCv-hulQ5k3DOaP3zrxh_tORLkK_7awwiISRLexcXSqik-59LNAPPu3OVNJBjflFzlzqNZR819h30VCYU0dOeCcKjUHC02PCgjYDzTl7sTB8LYCS3oFDzyNwbN-s4Vt06Pd_jJI/s1600/poetry+made+easy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN014EwCv-hulQ5k3DOaP3zrxh_tORLkK_7awwiISRLexcXSqik-59LNAPPu3OVNJBjflFzlzqNZR819h30VCYU0dOeCcKjUHC02PCgjYDzTl7sTB8LYCS3oFDzyNwbN-s4Vt06Pd_jJI/s1600/poetry+made+easy.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
#12 - <a href="http://theblishblog.blogspot.com/2013/11/poetry-made-easy.html" target="_blank">Poetry Made Easy!</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/337699672030273171/" target="_blank">(Pin it!)</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
Do you have a hands-on learner?<br />
Here's a fun, hands (feet!)-on activity you can try:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEkG7o1Y5NKzOiib-tMn7oTlzdBPjGsFGKKgXJyFX61B6_h4aGFSDx97sBMzyFHYnJInfWCO2UlqSP-IIzyHRgkzU-Gt_A1cN7tBf6Tq4Wg27SaDLnX2H-pFhCSP1cVjTkG8v4AY8t9To/s1600/learning+cursive+with+snow.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEkG7o1Y5NKzOiib-tMn7oTlzdBPjGsFGKKgXJyFX61B6_h4aGFSDx97sBMzyFHYnJInfWCO2UlqSP-IIzyHRgkzU-Gt_A1cN7tBf6Tq4Wg27SaDLnX2H-pFhCSP1cVjTkG8v4AY8t9To/s1600/learning+cursive+with+snow.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
#13 - <a href="http://theblishblog.blogspot.com/2014/02/learning-cursive-with-snow.html" target="_blank">Learning cursive with snow!</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/337699672030774934/" target="_blank">(Pin it!)</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
Once the weather gets nicer, you can build a<br />
fairy garden with your little ones!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg23cYXaHn4boZ4g3Q2JtX1Br68bm3-XsJnoV4x5qAZnNCzBsaRaEUkpgo8dy15M4vSazm3o1M_nLxDmVC5Ne0vVDO5mqZgKqveZnb5_ZtjD12Aj7ejeweEqyktCrRp1vG5ienAOlsgkXU/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg23cYXaHn4boZ4g3Q2JtX1Br68bm3-XsJnoV4x5qAZnNCzBsaRaEUkpgo8dy15M4vSazm3o1M_nLxDmVC5Ne0vVDO5mqZgKqveZnb5_ZtjD12Aj7ejeweEqyktCrRp1vG5ienAOlsgkXU/s1600/006.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
#14 - <a href="http://theblishblog.blogspot.com/2013/09/building-fairy-garden.html" target="_blank">Building a fairy garden</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
#15 - Why do we homeschool? Read our most important reasons on the <a href="http://theblishblog.blogspot.com/p/educating-at-home.html" target="_blank">Educating At Home</a> page, and please leave your thoughts & reasons!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Encouraging home education,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
for His glory!<br />~Lisha<br />
<br />
I may be sharing this post with these outstanding <a href="http://www.theblishblog.blogspot.com/p/link-up-parties.html" target="_blank">Link-up parties</a>!<br />
Please share this post!<br />
<br />
Find more encouragement on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/theblishblog" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/lishahunter" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>, too!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-712462159991923024.post-86197124648894813132014-02-20T22:32:00.001-05:002014-02-20T22:32:23.600-05:00Why did Jesus die?Last week at my <a href="http://theblishblog.blogspot.com/2014/01/less-of-me-more-of-jesus.html" target="_blank">Perspectives</a> class, we were asked the following two questions:<br />
<br />
1) What is the primary purpose of the Church (global)?<br />
2) What is the primary purpose of Christ's death?<br />
<br />
How would you answer?<br />
<br />
1) _____________<br />
2) _____________<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2IvZbB2Pn3a6TT_WhsXRSauzFnyy3tGszhT86M4il-_cLY8JzeBV15WLIzeKFMqYpOkejLum6ahBX0NEkt4QbjHxEwu2Vg8H5jEglXSSz_7lMJ3_38yiagjTHW_sJYyBX8ChhXVG49ds/s1600/why+did+Jesus+die.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2IvZbB2Pn3a6TT_WhsXRSauzFnyy3tGszhT86M4il-_cLY8JzeBV15WLIzeKFMqYpOkejLum6ahBX0NEkt4QbjHxEwu2Vg8H5jEglXSSz_7lMJ3_38yiagjTHW_sJYyBX8ChhXVG49ds/s1600/why+did+Jesus+die.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
If you answered "to glorify God" for the first one, that's right!<br />
<br />
If you answered "to atone for our sins" or something similar for the second one, <b>you missed it</b>.<br />
<br />
But don't feel too bad - I missed it, too. Twelve years as a follower of Jesus, and I missed it.<br />
<br />
It may be the rote Sunday School answer, but we've missed it.<br />
<br />
Jesus' primary purpose for going to the cross<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><u><span style="font-size: x-large;">was to glorify God.</span></u></i></b></div>
<br />
(John 12:27-28 - “Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose I came to this hour. <b>Father, glorify Your name.</b>”)<br />
<br />
And in a panic, you may be thinking: But what about John 3:16? Romans 5:8?<br />
<br />
The fact that His PRIMARY purpose was for God's glory doesn't <i>negate</i> the truth that He came to die for our sin! But it simply means that the cross is not primarily about US - it is about HIM!<br />
<br />
Well, Perspectives Class. If that isn't a game-changer.<br />
<br />
When we get stuck on the mantras like "Jesus died for ME!" and "He had ME on His mind when He died!" and "Jesus thinks I'M worth dying for!" we make the gospel ME-centered...not God-centered.<br />
<br />
Jesus Christ went to the cross so that the glory of God would be magnified. It's true that by His death, He atoned for our sin - and it is worth rejoicing over! We <i>are</i> eternally secure in His love (see Romans 8), and we<i> are</i> cleansed from our sins (See 1 John 1:9)! BUT IT IS NOT THE MAIN POINT.<br />
<br />
<b>When we fail to put the glory of God ahead of everything else, we miss the point</b>. The Bible begins with God's glory on display as He created; it ends with God's glory on display as all the nations worship forever. And everything in between is about God's glory on display, through Israel and then to the ends of the earth!! <b>His glory</b> is the main point.<br />
<br />
He saved us, not so that we could sit on the blessing of our redemption and glory thankfully in our own salvation, but so that we would run hard with His message into the midst of a world that doesn't know how glorious! majestic! holy! awesome! God is. THAT is why He died. So that He might make the glory of God known through us!!<br />
<br />
Does that change things for you?! It should. It means that we, through no merit of our own, have <b>all</b> been called to partner with the living God to make <b>His glory known</b> through everything we do, say, think, and everywhere we go. It means that He saved us, <i>not because we were worth dying for</i>, but because His dying for us would magnify just how merciful, gracious, loving, just, longsuffering, and powerful He is.<br />
<br />
If people are drawn to worship Jesus solely because He died for them - it is a self-centered worship.<br />
If others see in our lives that Jesus is totally preeminent and glorious, they will worship Him solely because <b>He is worthy to be worshiped</b>, whether or not He died for us.<br />
<br />
The speaker at our Perspectives class was a man named Bob Sjogren, from <a href="http://www.unveilinglory.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">UnveilinGlory</a> ministries - it is worth your time to check out the site.<br />
<br />
And please, if you have a <a href="https://class.perspectives.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Perspectives class being offered near you</a>, sign up and take it. Or beg them to coordinate one near you. It is a 15-week course about the glory of God, and it is worth the time invested!<br />
<br />
I realize that I just tried to sum up 5 weeks of what I've learned in a rigorous course on the glory of the Lord in a short blog post. It's a lot to digest, and there will probably be more coming in the next couple months. But this is such a revolutionary idea to me that I couldn't keep it in! It is changing how I relate to my husband, to my children, to my family, to friends and total strangers. If I am not consistently concerned about bringing glory to the Father at all times, I am missing the point of my life. And I pray, desperately, that if you have never considered these things, that the Lord will prompt you to do all things for His glory and not stand still on the ground of your salvation while so many others just don't know how glorious He is!<br />
<br />
I want everything I do in this life to be<br />
for His glory!<br />
~Lisha<br />
<br />
I may be sharing this at these incredible <a href="http://www.theblishblog.blogspot.com/p/link-up-parties.html" target="_blank">Link-up parties</a>!<br />
<br />
Come and find daily encouragement through my <a href="http://www.facebook.com/theblishblog" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/lishahunter" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> pages, too!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-712462159991923024.post-89829237531343722292014-02-14T11:41:00.001-05:002014-02-17T10:01:26.801-05:00Blogging about life, or living to blog?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
*click*</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCEJGUcM9MIDYZZHe6B__huz2bIieGsuNHnSM4TO7S3OUaXuNP27NRnEvOWYMspHyAU4N7VSJBKLdRv8vjBdzhjioZZWNIkYxXz9Kwa8Cu2eaf5j-nXOkUvEdLpBzOSgNsWDQ9QWMB6uw/s1600/dont+be+that+person+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCEJGUcM9MIDYZZHe6B__huz2bIieGsuNHnSM4TO7S3OUaXuNP27NRnEvOWYMspHyAU4N7VSJBKLdRv8vjBdzhjioZZWNIkYxXz9Kwa8Cu2eaf5j-nXOkUvEdLpBzOSgNsWDQ9QWMB6uw/s1600/dont+be+that+person+1.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
*click*</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZtUNGxHl7kWNldV7dfdLWi_8k-72OlFbvtqSfTctvPWM_izth9CIRurs418ekbkAzpTauRNmrHw8-4KCEddutdx6Yph0VwayCOPGVZPbBRQpzmZ8Vfws75sEcR7XRMJm4dRf1VPMBnJg/s1600/dont+be+that+person+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZtUNGxHl7kWNldV7dfdLWi_8k-72OlFbvtqSfTctvPWM_izth9CIRurs418ekbkAzpTauRNmrHw8-4KCEddutdx6Yph0VwayCOPGVZPbBRQpzmZ8Vfws75sEcR7XRMJm4dRf1VPMBnJg/s1600/dont+be+that+person+2.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
*click* *click* *click*</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVzBvrzrg_VVtn8eJmmJ5DVthbF8vr2SW7ZbxotZ91_2MHaofuqjXjddUFIWP9wMQBmBPkISlUMMev6O1ZMPGVJ1uvIKQfhAN46q4GM5FqYqmJnDVCMXnN6e7fC_QEtNctNoyZnFOY1l8/s1600/don%2527t+be+that+person+3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVzBvrzrg_VVtn8eJmmJ5DVthbF8vr2SW7ZbxotZ91_2MHaofuqjXjddUFIWP9wMQBmBPkISlUMMev6O1ZMPGVJ1uvIKQfhAN46q4GM5FqYqmJnDVCMXnN6e7fC_QEtNctNoyZnFOY1l8/s1600/don%2527t+be+that+person+3.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
{that was the sound of me, playing with the new camera we got for Christmas, while we were out on a family walk}<br />
<br />
"Lish, I love you.<br />
<br />
...but don't be that person."<br />
<br />
"...? Hmm?"<br />
<br />
"Don't be like that. The person who is so busy taking pictures of everything and wanting to blog about it and not just enjoying us."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNEpQMBhjjLLCLLclvzitqEijoowIByTtNLG5wF5ElB1kJ9H7XCR7zpoetxSPtZVQRJpGmr8MN77Xj6nowKrmz2dyPxCRISL84nVGUCMGYqG9P00MRjYib3imP1aHgT62PNfXU75WX1mY/s1600/dont+be+that+person+4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNEpQMBhjjLLCLLclvzitqEijoowIByTtNLG5wF5ElB1kJ9H7XCR7zpoetxSPtZVQRJpGmr8MN77Xj6nowKrmz2dyPxCRISL84nVGUCMGYqG9P00MRjYib3imP1aHgT62PNfXU75WX1mY/s1600/dont+be+that+person+4.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
"Oh."<br />
<br />
Quietly, I placed my camera in my coat pocket and tried to be 'all there' for the rest of our walk. It was a gorgeous January afternoon (Sunny! Not snowing! Crisp, but not cold!), and Will got home from work early that day, and wanted to take a family walk. A walk that included all of us enjoying the moment - not four of us enjoying it and one lagging behind to capture it for a post about family time.<br />
<br />
It was hard to be "all there". Sometimes, as a mom who blogs, I think about things in terms of "how do I chronicle this?"<br />
<br />
Recipes = do I need to take pictures at various stages?<br />
Homeschooling = should I snap a photo of this experiment-gone-wrong?<br />
Homemaking = ooh! Neat trick...grab the camera!<br />
Field trips = play-by-play in photos of the whole experience!<br />
...and so on.<br />
<br />
and I'm guilty of interrupting the moment, just to capture it on film...instead of seriously drinking it in.<br />
<br />
Jesus did not come that I might <i>blog</i> abundantly. He came so that His glory would be on display in my life - by giving me thousands of opportunities to <i>live</i> abundantly.<br />
<br />
When my blogging about life becomes my living for the blog....something's very off.<br />
<br />
<b>Do you blog about life, or live for your blog? How do you balance it?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Learning to blog about life,<br />
and not live to blog,<br />
~Lisha<br />
<br />
I may be sharing this post with these encouraging <a href="http://www.theblishblog.blogspot.com/p/link-up-parties.html" target="_blank">Link-up parties</a>!<br />
Please share this post!<br />
<br />
You can find me over on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/theblishblog" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/lishahunter" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>, too!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com43tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-712462159991923024.post-61169615979294307532014-02-12T08:22:00.006-05:002014-02-12T08:22:41.812-05:00Weekly Bible Reading Plan - Week 6Welcome back!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxyFP8VL9Kc9C5aiBssF1-7uPIrgOwmTkaKCEk2nVwUXS5LC5usDI0AGJ5-jGJZJMJMYo8Hz8EvHcM4u-8dyseXn7_i7OlBYVGj39rKbR-GkZHWHIkZxqpzd9ROsb15ht93P2CBL-0i3c/s1600/Weekly+Bible+Reading+6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxyFP8VL9Kc9C5aiBssF1-7uPIrgOwmTkaKCEk2nVwUXS5LC5usDI0AGJ5-jGJZJMJMYo8Hz8EvHcM4u-8dyseXn7_i7OlBYVGj39rKbR-GkZHWHIkZxqpzd9ROsb15ht93P2CBL-0i3c/s1600/Weekly+Bible+Reading+6.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
First time? Get all the details <a href="http://theblishblog.blogspot.com/2014/01/weekly-bible-reading-plan-week-1.html" target="_blank">here</a> or take a look at <a href="http://theblishblog.blogspot.com/2014/02/weekly-bible-reading-plan-week-5.html" target="_blank">last week</a>'s plan!<br />
<br />
<b>Thursday, February 6</b><br />
OT: Isaiah 53-54<br />
PR: 6<br />
NT: Revelation 3<br />
<br />
Stand-outs:<br />
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+54%3A5-8&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Isaiah 54:5-8</a><br />
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+6%3A16-19&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Proverbs 6:16-19</a><br />
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+3%3A14-22&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Revelation 3:14-22</a><br />
<br />
<b>Friday, February 7</b><br />
OT: Isaiah 55-56<br />
PR: 7<br />
NT: Revelation 4<br />
<br />
Stand-outs:<br />
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+55&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Isaiah 55 (whole chapter!)</a><br />
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+7%3A4&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Proverbs 7:4</a><br />
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+4%3A8-11&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Revelation 4:8-11</a><br />
<br />
<b>Saturday, February 8</b><br />
OT: Isaiah 57-58<br />
PR: 8<br />
NT: Revelation 5<br />
<br />
Stand-outs:<br />
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+57%3A15&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Isaiah 57:15</a><br />
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+8%3A12-13&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Proverbs 8:12-13</a><br />
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+5&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Revelation 5 (whole chapter!!)</a><br />
<br />
<b>Sunday, February 9</b><br />
OT: Isaiah 59-60<br />
PR: 9<br />
NT: Revelation 6<br />
<br />
Stand-outs:<br />
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+60%3A19-22&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Isaiah 60:19-22</a><br />
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+9%3A13-18&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Proverbs 9:13-18</a><br />
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+6%3A12-17&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Revelation 6:12-17</a><br />
<br />
<b>Monday, February 10</b><br />
OT: Isaiah 61-62<br />
PR: 10<br />
NT: Revelation 7<br />
<br />
Stand-outs:<br />
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+62%3A6-7&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Isaiah 62:6-7</a><br />
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+10%3A4-5&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Proverbs 10:4-5</a><br />
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+7%3A9-12&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Revelation 7:9-12</a><br />
<br />
<b>Tuesday, February 11</b><br />
OT: Isaiah 63-64<br />
PR: 11<br />
NT: Revelation 8<br />
<br />
Stand-outs:<br />
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+64%3A1-2&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Isaiah 64:1-2</a><br />
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+11%3A31&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Proverbs 11:31</a><br />
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+8%3A12-13&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Revelation 8:12-13</a><br />
<br />
<b>Wednesday, February 12</b><br />
OT: Isaiah 65-66<br />
PR: 12<br />
NT: Revelation 9<br />
<br />
Stand-outs:<br />
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+66%3A1-2&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Isaiah 66:1-2</a><br />
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+12%3A24&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Proverbs 12:24</a><br />
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+9%3A20-21&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Revelation 9:20-21</a><br />
<br />
Thank you for reading!<br />
Till next week,<br />
<br />
loving the Word,<br />
for His glory!<br />
~Lisha<br />
<br />
I may be sharing this with these encouraging <a href="http://www.theblishblog.blogspot.com/p/link-up-parties.html" target="_blank">Link-up parties</a>!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-712462159991923024.post-68236294823013638862014-02-09T17:09:00.000-05:002014-02-09T17:09:05.653-05:00My daughters, my sisters<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP5tJvkPc_WBWYA_5VF7sWmNJ3ePXk_oDy6OcEv7UsEyZfOR2-fbrbjAhZFQYhIN87K3dWlJwoV5ybIoEqrwV-RPeveDfXW0McQ5jcXKP3LtlYWe7v1mv0niaHTL3P22Fpvft2vtpGBgk/s1600/my+daughters+my+sisters.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP5tJvkPc_WBWYA_5VF7sWmNJ3ePXk_oDy6OcEv7UsEyZfOR2-fbrbjAhZFQYhIN87K3dWlJwoV5ybIoEqrwV-RPeveDfXW0McQ5jcXKP3LtlYWe7v1mv0niaHTL3P22Fpvft2vtpGBgk/s1600/my+daughters+my+sisters.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Molly Viglione Photography, 2013</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Before we had children, I read Tedd Tripp's book "Shepherding a Child's Heart". It revolutionized my idea of what parenting is by conforming it to God's idea for what parenting should be, and has shaped most of my decisions and interactions as a mom.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My daughters were given to my husband and I, not so we could have temporary lordship over them, and get a kick out of telling them what to do and how to live - it was because the Lord was pleased to let us work alongside Him in raising up world-changing disciples for Jesus who are capable of thriving and growing after we are gone. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
One of the relationships that a believer has with other believers is that of a sibling relationship. Over and over in the New Testament, we are reminded that we are to treat fellow believers as brothers and sisters (or, better, if you have had a crummy relationship with your actual siblings!).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8:29&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Romans 8:29</a> - Jesus is the firstborn (the rightful heir) among many siblings! Anyone who has believed on the Lord Jesus Christ has been adopted into the family of God - we are all spiritual brothers & sisters. </div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Timothy+5%3A1-2&version=NKJV" target="_blank">1 Timothy 5:1-2</a> - Paul's instructions to Timothy on how the believers are to treat one another! Treat...'the younger women as sisters, with all purity'.</div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Peter+3%3A8-9&version=NKJV" target="_blank">1 Peter 3:8-9</a> - treat the brethren (believers) with a tender heart and courtesy, returning blessing for evil. When my girls are rude, disrespectful, wretched...I am to be a blessing to them, not mean toward them.</div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+2%3A1-5&version=NKJV" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 2:1-5</a> - I included this because Paul is speaking to his brethren (believers). I try to keep this passage in my mind when dealing with my girls: so that they may know that I am not parenting in human wisdom but that their faith should be solely in God's wisdom and power. Parenting is not a power play; it is a guiding role.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My daughters, if I am raising them in the truths of Scripture and covering them with prayers {and they are made alive in Christ by the Spirit!}, will be my sisters in the Lord - equals, as far as the Lord is concerned. I am not a better Christian than they are; I am to act toward them like an older, wiser, loving sister. The relationship I have to them as sisters will extend beyond the years as the authority figure/mom; I must plan for and parent in light of that.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Now, as their mom, I need to remember that in addition, the Lord has called me to train them to obey, trust, and grow in character. I am not their 'sister' in the sense that I'm their best friend and can let them get away with whatever. No, God's calling for parents is clear. I do not train my girls to obey Will and I because we are worthy to be obeyed in our own right; <i>I train them to obey because if they will not obey us, they are not likely to obey the Lord when He speaks to them</i>. I don't train my girls in good character qualities so my life will be easier and I can take them out in public with confidence; <i>I train them in good character so that no matter what the Lord calls them to later on, they will have a foundation of character on which to build, so that His name will be honored.</i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But how does my knowledge that these are my younger sisters in the faith change our day-to-day relationship?</div>
<div>
-It means that I will think twice before berating them for making my life more difficult when they mess up as they are learning. It is a sacred responsibility and joy to take the time to teach my 'little sisters' everything from studying the Word, to cooking, to dusting, to managing conflict among themselves. </div>
<div>
-It means that I take the time to share with them what I'm learning from my own quiet time - in an age-appropriate way. For my preschooler, that might look like "God is showing me that He is always faithful!"; for my older girls it might be "see this verse here that I read? It means that no matter what is happening, even if I think it's bad, that He can be trusted to do the right thing!"</div>
<div>
-It means that sometimes, I am just goofy with them instead of hounding them to be quiet/stop making messes/sit down/etc. Rather than seeing the girls as a management project, I delight in their company, because they are each created in the image of God, born for an eternal purpose! </div>
<div>
-It means that I purpose to speak to them with the same respect I would extend to any other adult.</div>
<div>
-It means that when they start talking about their dreams, I put everything down ASAP and listen. I want to let them know that I will do whatever I can to help them find out what God has planned for them, and that I am behind them all the way.</div>
<div>
-It means that when I see a glaring character flaw or sin issue in one of my girls, I don't complain about how much it affects me and makes my job harder. I swiftly go to battle on my knees on her behalf, and I find a way to point her to Jesus and what His word has to say for her specific need.</div>
<div>
-It means that when my girls take the time to minister to me, I don't just flippantly respond, 'oh, that's so cute!'. I thank them earnestly for their encouragement, and I praise the Lord for speaking to me through their lives.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I am not just trying to limp my way through managing children day in and day out for the next 15 years, until all the girls are 18 and "no longer my responsibility!". With the Lord's help, vision, and direction, I am investing my days to disciple a new generation of passionate women for Christ; and when they are grown, my goal is to walk alongside them through joys and sorrows, and offer counsel as a dear friend and sister.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4nGZRURAeAI734Tsm9hDEk_KodKGs6vjTkMTDDO2DQa57Jsikb2qZegiveFa5wZgT_hX7tn3gdZPrh6FXMH3DFsGOPpn2axWkU_FmDFLuFjsRdNbnS8UT08VXvyPH741g6KKSKUhtdGM/s1600/my+daughters+my+sisters+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4nGZRURAeAI734Tsm9hDEk_KodKGs6vjTkMTDDO2DQa57Jsikb2qZegiveFa5wZgT_hX7tn3gdZPrh6FXMH3DFsGOPpn2axWkU_FmDFLuFjsRdNbnS8UT08VXvyPH741g6KKSKUhtdGM/s1600/my+daughters+my+sisters+2.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They'll always be my little girls :)<br />Photo by Molly Viglione Photography, 2013.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Elizabeth, Abby, & Hannah will always be my little girls. They are, as the Psalmist says, 'a heritage' and 'a reward' {Psalm 127:3}. I will cherish the little years for my lifetime - it is a terrific calling to shepherd little hearts and watch them grow in grace and knowledge. But my years in the hands-on mothering role are fleeting. From now, and for eternity, they will be my sisters in Christ, and I want to parent with that in mind always.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>How does the truth that your children will someday be your siblings in the Lord change how you treat them?</i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
Shepherding my daughters,</div>
<div>
loving my sisters,</div>
<div>
for His glory!</div>
<div>
~Lisha</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I may be sharing this post with these encouraging <a href="http://www.theblishblog.blogspot.com/p/link-up/parties.html" target="_blank">Link-up parties</a>!</div>
<div>
Has this post encouraged or blessed you? Please share it!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Find me on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/theblishblog" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/lishahunter" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>, too!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-712462159991923024.post-7505394515568694892014-02-07T20:16:00.000-05:002014-02-07T20:16:33.961-05:00Why I didn't wait for marriage (or: why I married young)Will was 21, I was (just barely) 22.<br />
<br />
We were newlyweds, just two months out of college.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGs-CjkOrqW5smwQaSaJZ6pH2PHAiMcEh9EGZY_ejwxQiq0QGpHbGx-xpzZC-vHB82eCK_Ltnm5cGTJ1TDaUnN2bT_kZqIUQxXviRZ1OF0MLXYRPjTOe5tA8Bs0IQ68_W1_ymz__GprJw/s1600/married+young.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGs-CjkOrqW5smwQaSaJZ6pH2PHAiMcEh9EGZY_ejwxQiq0QGpHbGx-xpzZC-vHB82eCK_Ltnm5cGTJ1TDaUnN2bT_kZqIUQxXviRZ1OF0MLXYRPjTOe5tA8Bs0IQ68_W1_ymz__GprJw/s1600/married+young.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We met just one month into college. Each barely 18 years old - just figuring out this whole "being away from home" thing. We started dating 10 days after we met and have been together since.<br />
<br />
When we married, we'd been a couple for almost four years: two years of dating, and close to two years of being engaged (that long engagement was one of our less-than-stellar ideas, but that's another topic for another time).<br />
<br />
It made sense to me to marry right after graduating from college; a natural transition from young adult life to being a real, full-fledged grown up! A new career, newly married, a place of our own to live...it was gearing up to be perfect.<br />
<br />
***********************************************<br />
I've noticed an increase in the number of articles and blog posts that encourage young ladies that marrying young is the best idea, as far as when to get married. And guess what?<br />
<br />
It is the perfect idea -<br />
<br />
<i><b>if that is what the Lord has shown you will bring Him the most glory.</b></i><br />
<br />
There are some issues we keep trying to make a one-solution-fits-every-story issue. Here are some issues that are not one-solution-fits-every-story:<br />
<br />
When you get married. How many children you have. Breastfeeding. Homeschooling. Staying at home with your kids. Parenting techniques. Food. Headcovering. How many vehicles or what type of home you have. Modesty. Makeup. Music. Where you live. ...and a thousand others.<br />
<br />
If, with the heartiest blessing of parents and future in-laws, you feel that getting married while young is what His plan is for you - go. for. it. wholeheartedly, freely, excitedly! Because serving Christ in that capacity is awesome!<br />
<br />
But if not:<b><i> it will bring Him the most glory for you to wait.</i></b> Wait wholeheartedly, freely, excitedly! Because serving Christ in that capacity is awesome!<br />
**********************************************<br />
So back to the story, and the reasons why I didn't wait:<br />
<br />
Will and I got married, as I said, just after earning our college degrees. I have a degree in Mathematics with a concentration in Secondary Education; he has a degree in Studio Art. (Spontaneous, creative man + analytic, overly-logical woman = brave combo) It just seemed that the wedding was naturally the next step.<br />
<br />
As a brand-new believer in late 2002 (only a few months), I had a plan for my own life that I was not ready to give over to the Lord. I expected that He would go along with my plan because -hey!- it was a good plan. Marriage, career, kids, cozy home. So I just barreled along with our plan to wed. (You'll notice a lot of 'me' and 'I' in this narrative, and not 'we' and 'us' - I was a <i>wretchedly</i> selfish young lady.)<br />
<br />
Here are the reasons why I didn't wait (and how I would counsel young ladies in a similar situation with the lessons I've learned as a result):<br />
<br />
1) I didn't wait for marriage because I decided that it was best to get married young. It did not occur to me to ask the Lord if we were truly ready to get married when we did - and besides, I'd have thrown a fit if the answer had been 'wait a year or two, My daughter'. I am one of the most stiff-necked people you've ever met. Will can testify. The Lord has managed over the years to soften me a bit, but I still like things <a href="http://theblishblog.blogspot.com/2014/01/when-life-doesnt-go-as-i-planned.html" target="_blank">my way</a>.<br />
<br />
2) Will and I wanted to be together, ASAP. We wanted that ring, that covenant, that sense that he was mine & I was his. I assumed there would be security & happiness in being married to Will, instead of seeking it wholly in the Lord.<br />
<br />
3) Even though both sets of parents initially seemed hesitant about us getting married right out of school, I was certain we knew better, and didn't stop to ask them why. I was smart - I had that math degree, remember? Certified genius. I'd just spent years in an institute of higher learning that repeatedly reminded me that I was capable of living my own life and forging my own future. I should have respected our parents enough to dig a little deeper into their concerns.<br />
<br />
4) I had dreamed my whole life of planning my wedding. I didn't want to have to wait any longer! Will (not-so) jokingly reminds me that all he basically had to do was show up at the church - that everything else about the wedding was my doing. I didn't often think to ask him what he wanted.<br />
<br />
Now, ten years later - would I have waited to get married?<br />
Honest answer: No!! This year, Will and I (by the grace of God) will celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary, and that is quite an amazing feat for us, and our children are truly a blessing (not only to us, but to so many others). Had we not married when we did, every blessing we enjoy today would look vastly different. I am deeply thankful that we got married when we did! I praise the Lord for the trials He allowed me to walk through as a result because it has helped shape Will and I into who we are right now, and will continue to do so for a lifetime. I thank God for Will - God's primary person in my life who has had a huge part in refining my desperately sinful heart - and for each of my four children, and for how God has girded our lives with people who care and are willing to pray for us and ache with us and rejoice with us as the years come and go.<br />
<br />
However, I have repented of the sins of pride in trying to make decisions apart from the Lord (SO. much. pride - still have to repent daily of this!), of dishonoring our parents by disregarding their counsel, of greatly dishonoring Will by trying to forge ahead with my own life plans without really being willing to change for anyone (even him). I'm still the rottenness in his bones far more often then I am his crown (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+12:4&version=NKJV" target="_blank">see Proverbs 12:4</a>). I've had to confess that I often think that I know best about...everything. There were times early on when I would wonder how in the world other people could not get married in their early twenties, like me.<br />
<br />
I get it now, I think.<br />
<br />
The Lord is best glorified in each of us when we seek His face and His will for ourselves and obey joyfully - and encourage others to seek His face and His will for themselves and obey joyfully. And He is glorified when His plan for each person can be different and still there is unity in the church.<br />
<br />
So, if there are any young ladies (late teens/early twenties) reading this right now who are wondering about whether marriage is a good idea for them, I offer this:<br />
1) <b>Ask the Lord if this will glorify Him the most out of any of the possible scenarios</b>. If He says yes, listen; but if He says no, listen. <u>Marriage is not mainly about your happiness or sense of being complete with your husband - it is ultimately about His glory and about your relationship being a glimpse of Christ and the church.</u> Don't try to run ahead of the Lord's timing in an effort to help Him out by rushing into a courting/engaged/marriage relationship.<br />
2) <b>Ask your parents for their thoughts. Often</b>. Be willing to hear and honor their input, even if you don't like it. And if you are still living at home, and they say 'no' outright - humble yourself and obey them while continuing to seek the Lord's face. God can be trusted with your heart.<br />
3) <b>Do you think that being married will bring you security, safety, or status?</b> Your relationship to Jesus is the only secure one you can totally stand on. Seek the truth about who you are in Him.<br />
4a) Think about the areas of your life where you need to mature and grow - and <b>ask the Lord to grow you in those areas </b>in the meantime. Are you, as a rule, selfish? lazy? joyless? moody? impatient? disorganized? poor at managing money? fearful? controlling? lacking in discipline or self-control?<br />
4b) If you have a significant young man in your life whom you would consider marrying, think about the areas where he needs to mature and grow, and <b>ask the Lord to grow him in those areas</b>, and encourage him with the Word and by praying for him. Is he quick to anger? overly critical? passive? prone to waste time on inconsequential or sinful pursuits? Does he lack maturity in Christ? If the answer to any of those questions is yes, it might be helpful to wait a little while before committing yourself to each other in the covenant of marriage.<br />
<br />
There are multiple facets to every single situation - when to marry included. It is not important when you get married, as long as you have earnestly sought the Lord's will (though searching the Word and prayer) and the input of your parents & in-laws-to-be and your church leadership, if applicable. If all of those pieces are in line, oh dear one - marry young! Be blessed in that! And if the answer you hear is 'wait, My daughter' - pour your energies into seeking the Lord and trust Him that whenever you marry, He will bless you and bring glory to His name then.<br />
<br />
Thankful to learn from my journey,<br />
and for almost ten years of marriage in which to grow,<br />
for His glory!<br />
~Lisha<br />
<br />
I may be sharing this post at these wonderful <a href="http://www.theblishblog.blogspot.com/p/link-up-parties.html" target="_blank">Link-up parties</a>!<br />
If this post has blessed, encouraged, or moved you, please share, pin, or comment! Thank you!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com46tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-712462159991923024.post-62304404589424742652014-02-07T16:33:00.000-05:002014-02-07T16:33:30.469-05:00Learning cursive with snow!I grabbed a teachable moment today to teach cursive writing - while playing out in the snow.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ337igOjd53RjCXcHLtBwIXfIol8FsrHmldifkuf4J-NXioOvksKjCmMv7RrOCp-acu72NOd7JsbNf6ZWL35_2DaPvEtzX80Nld-EQuuiEP40iYGlcppVDtfeg7MIKoPxT1MCc6bIqdk/s1600/learning+cursive+with+snow.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ337igOjd53RjCXcHLtBwIXfIol8FsrHmldifkuf4J-NXioOvksKjCmMv7RrOCp-acu72NOd7JsbNf6ZWL35_2DaPvEtzX80Nld-EQuuiEP40iYGlcppVDtfeg7MIKoPxT1MCc6bIqdk/s1600/learning+cursive+with+snow.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
My daughters each learn best in vastly different ways (see my post <a href="http://theblishblog.blogspot.com/2013/09/an-individualized-education.html" target="_blank">An Individualized Education</a> for all the details). My oldest daughter shines in her penmanship practice, because it is an art form in her creative eyes. And as more of a hands-on learner, she appreciates doing instead of watching.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Today, it hit 20*F. As in, it's been much colder than that for (what feels like) weeks! Most days lately have been much too cold for little ones to be outside. So when we woke up to sunny skies and a hope that it would be in the 20s, we raced through breakfast, chores, AND school in record time and were able to take care of E's health needs - all before lunch. The girls & I got bundled up and spent glorious hours out in the sunny "warmth" of the beautiful February afternoon!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Amidst the snow angels, sliding, snowballs, & fort building, E started running across the backyard. "Look, Mom!" she shouted. "I'm writing in cursive!"<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_64_IG18B1kMCKHmHsIVqPLEN-RYIlVp1Y_B10IawJRAw3wsK7IfxjJVHM9zGBMNHXj6YXEcqcgRCpDupeVLjCPUaw4LIkVIjRRpsRDOiCvrgMdE7T-VOLMWZ7pBESwpkMukSmbxDuEk/s1600/learning+cursive+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_64_IG18B1kMCKHmHsIVqPLEN-RYIlVp1Y_B10IawJRAw3wsK7IfxjJVHM9zGBMNHXj6YXEcqcgRCpDupeVLjCPUaw4LIkVIjRRpsRDOiCvrgMdE7T-VOLMWZ7pBESwpkMukSmbxDuEk/s1600/learning+cursive+2.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can kind of see the "L" and the "E" here</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div>
And, wouldn't you know, she was trying to make capital cursive letters. And doing a decent job of it, too!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We are still practicing manuscript writing and will begin cursive in a couple of months, but they have seen me write in cursive before. So I joined in the snowy cursive fun, and began showing her how to twise & turn to make other letters! We managed a cursive L (which made us dizzy!), E, A, and H before we ran out of space.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For a kinesthetic (hands-on, or tactile) learner, they learn well when they can involve their whole body in the learning. For example, when she was a toddler, I would show her how to make the letters with her body (T, F, V, O, etc). She counts best on her fingers & toes. Dancing is a substantial part of her learning style. Relay races or using our giant timeline to put historical figures & places helps her remember.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitk6TEMknvfMl9P3tBsc6jhfGBQTVBCJO6F8ObFk8dsBbBlDmBa09jyjBvo-SjDc8QqEDWJAjil-uR95ktOKJP4cwmsBDNpZ1gMVXAequNEUo5usll7PUOjLjALrHrjvLqwi_8aVb6TSI/s1600/learning+cursive+3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitk6TEMknvfMl9P3tBsc6jhfGBQTVBCJO6F8ObFk8dsBbBlDmBa09jyjBvo-SjDc8QqEDWJAjil-uR95ktOKJP4cwmsBDNpZ1gMVXAequNEUo5usll7PUOjLjALrHrjvLqwi_8aVb6TSI/s1600/learning+cursive+3.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sweet hands-on learner :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Do you have any kinesthetic learners? What are their favorite activities?</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Playing in the snow,</div>
<div>
for His glory!<br />
~Lisha</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
PS I may be sharing this post with these <a href="http://www.theblishblog.blogspot.com/p/link-up-parties.html" target="_blank">Link-up parties</a>!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-712462159991923024.post-45292152691974890062014-02-05T21:13:00.001-05:002014-02-05T21:13:39.840-05:00Weekly Bible Reading Plan - Week 5<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIObreHpGYXxLTZ7qX133EOM60Sr_Nt1rd2KY8hJLwFlOa4TZJ_hHGiROReSQpuQxB-BI9rbWIp5JsNjLPoR796Sa6d0P7-NouHQHg3I7D8fhcShdo9K4lH40uWz2i1ZgQgM4_USBqJAA/s1600/Weekly+Bible+Reading+5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIObreHpGYXxLTZ7qX133EOM60Sr_Nt1rd2KY8hJLwFlOa4TZJ_hHGiROReSQpuQxB-BI9rbWIp5JsNjLPoR796Sa6d0P7-NouHQHg3I7D8fhcShdo9K4lH40uWz2i1ZgQgM4_USBqJAA/s1600/Weekly+Bible+Reading+5.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Welcome back! If you need more info, see <a href="http://theblishblog.blogspot.com/2014/01/weekly-bible-reading-plan-week-1.html" target="_blank">Week 1</a>, or check out <a href="http://theblishblog.blogspot.com/2014/01/weekly-bible-reading-plan-week-4.html" target="_blank">last week's plan</a>.<br />
<br />
<b>Thursday, January 30</b><br />
OT: Isaiah 39-40<br />
PR: 30<br />
NT: 1 John 4<br />
<br />
Stand-outs:<br />
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+40%3A3-5&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Isaiah 40:3-5</a><br />
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+30%3A32-33&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Proverbs 30:32-33</a><br />
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+4%3A20-21&version=NKJV" target="_blank">1 John 4:20-21</a><br />
<br />
<b>Friday, January 31</b><br />
OT: Isaiah 41-42<br />
PR: 31<br />
NT: 1 John 5<br />
<br />
Stand-outs:<br />
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+42%3A6-9&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Isaiah 42:6-9</a><br />
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+31%3A10-12&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Proverbs 31:10-12</a><br />
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+5%3A3&version=NKJV" target="_blank">1 John 5:3</a><br />
<br />
<b>Saturday, February 1</b><br />
OT: Isaiah 43-44<br />
PR: 1<br />
NT: 2 John<br />
<br />
Stand-outs:<br />
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+43%3A11&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Isaiah 43:11</a><br />
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+1%3A20-22&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Proverbs 1:20-22</a><br />
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+John+1%3A6&version=NKJV" target="_blank">2 John 6</a><br />
<br />
<b>Sunday, February 2</b><br />
OT: Isaiah 45-46<br />
PR: 2<br />
NT: 3 John<br />
<br />
Stand-outs:<br />
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+45%3A5-7&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Isaiah 45:5-7</a><br />
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+2%3A10-12&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Proverbs 2:10-12</a><br />
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=3+John+1%3A11&version=NKJV" target="_blank">3 John 11</a><br />
<br />
<b>Monday, February 3</b><br />
OT: Isaiah 47-48<br />
PR: 3<br />
NT: Jude<br />
<br />
Stand-outs:<br /><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+48%3A9-11&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Isaiah 48:9-11</a><br />
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+3%3A19-20&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Proverbs 3:19-20</a><br />
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jude+1%3A9&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Jude 9</a><br />
<br />
<b>Tuesday, February 4</b><br />
OT: Isaiah 49-50<br />
PR: 4<br />
NT: Revelation 1<br />
<br />
Stand-outs:<br />
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+50%3A4-6&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Isaiah 50:4-6</a><br />
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+4%3A14-15&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Proverbs 4:14-15</a><br />
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+1%3A12-20&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Revelation 1:12-20</a><br />
<br />
<b>Wednesday, February 5</b><br />
OT: Isaiah 51-52<br />
PR: 5<br />
NT: Revelation 2<br />
<br />
Stand-outs:<br /><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+52%3A13-15&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Isaiah 52:13-15</a><br />
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+5%3A1-6&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Proverbs 5:1-6</a><br />
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+2%3A17&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Revelation 2:17</a><br />
<br />
Until next week, dear one!<br />
<br />
Reading the Word,<br />
for His glory!<br />~Lisha<br />
<br />
I may be sharing this post with these uplifting <a href="http://www.theblishblog.blogspot.com/p/link-up-parties.html" target="_blank">Link-up parties</a>!<br />
If this post has been a blessing or encouragement to you, please share it with your friends!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-712462159991923024.post-78869730384463622982014-02-03T06:00:00.000-05:002014-02-03T13:48:11.360-05:00February Specials!Here are Usborne's February <a href="https://m3001.myubam.com/c/46/customer-specials" target="_blank">Customer</a>, <a href="https://m3001.myubam.com/Host/Rewards" target="_blank">Hosting</a>, & <a href="https://m3001.myubam.com/Join/NewConsultantKit" target="_blank">Business</a> Specials! I am ridiculously excited to share these with you - Usborne's books & activities are a big part of our homeschooling adventure, and you should take advantage of these great deals!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitk-v0eXLU_S2wF1htYsoR42gIcKb-8-2F_vOlf-30cDXoeEoY6f-HYhHMouzRW2rIP53-Q7VhPejPg7_MHF_BxECQcYW55QT7vTd00jk6BKpXIR0HjgREFLHMS3LQiULo513Zu2t-fF8/s1600/CustomerSpecials2014February.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitk-v0eXLU_S2wF1htYsoR42gIcKb-8-2F_vOlf-30cDXoeEoY6f-HYhHMouzRW2rIP53-Q7VhPejPg7_MHF_BxECQcYW55QT7vTd00jk6BKpXIR0HjgREFLHMS3LQiULo513Zu2t-fF8/s1600/CustomerSpecials2014February.png" height="640" width="492" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Make sure you check out our <a href="https://m3001.myubam.com/c/45/internet-specials" target="_blank">Internet-only Specials</a> as well:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
40-70% off some of the best-loved titles!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
These change every two weeks, so you want to check back frequently!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnJaEYHLa_dirazvNvm1gDER2nFG3AFtkTKPUEpSDmmDqA4wA3QYT6chPiTa0disGe-jXo7AhPJ-S6YQK0gwimQb6WmMHJXqS-HDEL_QfI8lD-Z375GOflxiPItjc-ry96QxpWlGQEa8M/s1600/HostessSpecials2014February.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnJaEYHLa_dirazvNvm1gDER2nFG3AFtkTKPUEpSDmmDqA4wA3QYT6chPiTa0disGe-jXo7AhPJ-S6YQK0gwimQb6WmMHJXqS-HDEL_QfI8lD-Z375GOflxiPItjc-ry96QxpWlGQEa8M/s1600/HostessSpecials2014February.png" height="640" width="492" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Not local to me? That's okay! You can 'host' an online show</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">and receive all of the same amazing hostess benefits!<br />I have only 3 online show spots left for this month,</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">so contact me ASAP if you're interested!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
*Lower 48 states only, please*</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdLfncEpyPd837MU-9oEpLL5hBGF80zZ11XiwCn8SZpm25LgYPCag-dG7ynPVl85Ue3BIqHAe2dKmjZRErZfgL7lKHVUGJKSONfLlHUsPQl2ZDR2N9HJqYxu3XhfmEn99u98OjM8cQq3E/s1600/ConsultantKits-2014February.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdLfncEpyPd837MU-9oEpLL5hBGF80zZ11XiwCn8SZpm25LgYPCag-dG7ynPVl85Ue3BIqHAe2dKmjZRErZfgL7lKHVUGJKSONfLlHUsPQl2ZDR2N9HJqYxu3XhfmEn99u98OjM8cQq3E/s1600/ConsultantKits-2014February.jpg" height="301" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The New Consultant kit is discounted this month -<br />
That's over $375 worth of AMAZING books and activities for $99!!<br />
You could earn back the cost of your kit<br />
with just a few home shows (according to average show sales)!<br />
There are NO monthly or quarterly income requirements to stay active:<br />
this business fits around your family's needs!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
I became a consultant for Usborne Books & More 3 years ago, when I realized that not only could I get a great discount (from half-off all the way down to free) on FANTASTIC homeschooling books, but that I could also help our family financially and encourage a lifetime of literacy in children all over my community! I have won a weekend away for my husband & I, helped pay off some of our debt, and given my children a rich home library.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Consider hosting an<a href="https://m3001.myubam.com/Host/Schedule" target="_blank"> eShow</a> this month. With your qualifying show, you could end up with $110 (or more!) in FREE Usborne Books for the kids you love!<br />
<br />
[I receive a commission from every order placed through my <a href="http://m3001.myubam.com/" target="_blank">Usborne website</a>, which helps me bless my family. I appreciate your interest in promoting children's literacy and your gracious support of my Usborne business!]</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-712462159991923024.post-23880573576525756742014-01-31T23:42:00.000-05:002014-01-31T23:42:26.395-05:00When Life Doesn't Go As (I) Planned<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZoUwEkt0ie0vYpGOlDsrWKvB2N6OHEqzr-FAKGqIACNP4qbc3jHVGndQGR0paNnTGXItC77hmoJtJgNYW-I-UCFxuYZKHOOHHuskZk3jvbajwY76pNn1-Sn4nKwdvGHrRexT8uN5zHjw/s1600/When+Life+Doesn't+Go+As+I+Planned.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZoUwEkt0ie0vYpGOlDsrWKvB2N6OHEqzr-FAKGqIACNP4qbc3jHVGndQGR0paNnTGXItC77hmoJtJgNYW-I-UCFxuYZKHOOHHuskZk3jvbajwY76pNn1-Sn4nKwdvGHrRexT8uN5zHjw/s1600/When+Life+Doesn't+Go+As+I+Planned.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Will got some unexpected news this week from work. Not terrible, but it was a big. old. bummer, and it was not what he wanted to hear.<br />
<br />
The turn of events was not part of our short-term plans.<br />
<br />
My initial reaction?<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Anger.</b></span><br />
The kind that brings irrationally hot tears and teeth-clenching.<br />
<br />
Why?<br />
<br />
Because I know how passionate and how excellent my husband has been at his job. And the news that came was, to me, totally and <i>completely</i> unfair. "Lord," I thought, "why this? Why now? Haven't we been through enough? Couldn't You have just allowed this to work?!"<br />
<br />
and, if I had to be honest,<br />
<br />
<i>I was angry because <b>my</b> idea of what is best for Will and our family had been overturned. <u>I am not. getting. my. way.</u></i><br />
<br />
Will's response - a calmer, cooler "I'm not going to get worked up over it; I won't even know more until Monday" (even though he was shaken up by it all) - was much wiser than mine. And even that irritated me. (<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Is it just me, or do people with more self-control seem more obnoxious when I am in the middle of a tantrum?</i></span>)<br />
<br />
"Stand up for yourself!" I wanted to say. "Don't let yourself give in to this! It's stupid! How can they treat you like this! Fight back - rise up and fight for what you know you are worth!"<br />
<br />
After biting my tongue and breathing deeply for a couple of minutes, I felt just like this:<br />
<br />
<b>For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good. But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. </b><br />
<b>{Romans 7:15-19}</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
My off-the-cuff actions give my true heart condition away: in me, nothing good dwells - just bitterness, a sense of vengeance, selfishness, and irrational anger. I know in my head that it is: a) wrong to react to something like this in anger, and b) not outside of God's total sovereignty [...you know, the kind that I wrote about just the other night?! <a href="http://theblishblog.blogspot.com/2014/01/wow-perspectives-story.html" target="_blank">Here</a>?!]...so why? Why do I do it?<br />
<br />
Because I am inherently sinful - from the womb, and because even though my sins were all paid for on the cross, I will struggle against sin for the rest of my life. Through Jesus, I can choose whether or not to sin; I am no longer a slave to it, but I still have to actively choose in each circumstance how I'm going to react or act. And sometimes (too often) - I allow sin to have the temporary victory.<br />
<br />
I have to train my head and my heart to react in pressure situations - train them to react in a way that absolutely honors the Lord.<br />
<br />
<b>What I will to do, that I do not practice</b> - but it doesn't let me off the hook from trying to practice even after my 1,000,000th fail.<br />
<br />
Here's what I *should* do when something starts to rile my emotions and I'm not getting my way:<br />
<br />
1) <b>PRAY</b>. Short and sweet if need be! 'Jesus, help me by reminding me that You are in control, even of this!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCZNe-0f2MGKplqdP3bnNmMlgC_79im6rOY-U6Bpz5lhKt38WCgf4NNTmzuJGfYSJSCyp3IbR42vBSHA0cX6wBLYTCrXTes3MQ85nVMlyKM6ZxB0Vn5CqL_aVGTS5ZPN38KmVlKCmi6Qo/s1600/Jeremiah+32.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCZNe-0f2MGKplqdP3bnNmMlgC_79im6rOY-U6Bpz5lhKt38WCgf4NNTmzuJGfYSJSCyp3IbR42vBSHA0cX6wBLYTCrXTes3MQ85nVMlyKM6ZxB0Vn5CqL_aVGTS5ZPN38KmVlKCmi6Qo/s1600/Jeremiah+32.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
2) <b>PROCLAIM</b> the truth of the Word. For me, it helps if I read it out loud! Here are some that I have written in strategic places all over the house to turn to at a moment's notice:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv2e3UfERYAOZp3h076_wscNmZPaW-wqobmIkPoXxx-RIf3WjVGjz4XJkf8nnP90cfKpwg6CebHvDqrn9rFGgOIExXf7024XxEwmcblXBllOjJLHB-JvZZZiwxT7Y34yBl8G5b6PZuPH4/s1600/1+thess+5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv2e3UfERYAOZp3h076_wscNmZPaW-wqobmIkPoXxx-RIf3WjVGjz4XJkf8nnP90cfKpwg6CebHvDqrn9rFGgOIExXf7024XxEwmcblXBllOjJLHB-JvZZZiwxT7Y34yBl8G5b6PZuPH4/s1600/1+thess+5.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqBZlObeanbsDdrqlI-wSIN4iipZlo_2XI2DWmCh7_ayc9kfxcybpwdfip45gN5phyDdm7bHdhdyNdspqeI8msdMOvLR0qIK1DFU2jcfR2lpKEkgtIDSqaeMDH8UuWct0bQYP64hDbDvw/s1600/2+timothy+1+.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqBZlObeanbsDdrqlI-wSIN4iipZlo_2XI2DWmCh7_ayc9kfxcybpwdfip45gN5phyDdm7bHdhdyNdspqeI8msdMOvLR0qIK1DFU2jcfR2lpKEkgtIDSqaeMDH8UuWct0bQYP64hDbDvw/s1600/2+timothy+1+.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz8il7lCDeAIzekTteE1oDJLeGqX7SCfI00ysiCEWsh1EI9RRsFHU5bzDuIeKgV5g_ZlFsa6pfZBICxQM3rRVgNfgzXX1lUwoOmeRquzps-RZxSzp6i3x1wyopzHG7Luo6ab3gSaehgQQ/s1600/isaiah+26.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz8il7lCDeAIzekTteE1oDJLeGqX7SCfI00ysiCEWsh1EI9RRsFHU5bzDuIeKgV5g_ZlFsa6pfZBICxQM3rRVgNfgzXX1lUwoOmeRquzps-RZxSzp6i3x1wyopzHG7Luo6ab3gSaehgQQ/s1600/isaiah+26.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgypRQDWZc9U3v532dsH8m2czRR1Oif3809ODXqw41UWCOQ-cGrdjdlc6rlpajKbdItMqp3WizslsEgy4OUOiX5uc_J2RqkM4oskMdVMob89zKympAMFtyQ0b-Ho_tzY-1UWZtWZhZOWhg/s1600/philippians+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgypRQDWZc9U3v532dsH8m2czRR1Oif3809ODXqw41UWCOQ-cGrdjdlc6rlpajKbdItMqp3WizslsEgy4OUOiX5uc_J2RqkM4oskMdVMob89zKympAMFtyQ0b-Ho_tzY-1UWZtWZhZOWhg/s1600/philippians+2.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
3) <b>PRAISE</b>. I want to undermine whiny, self-centered thoughts. Praising the Lord fills my heart, mind, and home with the reminder that He's got this, and that He's awesome at all times, no matter what happens.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8MOo7-xBeNmnmRfO-N1AQjPINak_g-DacshCwfMetrZJgKS90z8ux5RVZB5mk0TMoFi7wMVUFCfuX_P24OfLlPTpc6fg9JmM80hzTuZId_ypNVCL-2PEFHjkZyVsVEPRzr8sAouN8DiI/s1600/psalm+63.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8MOo7-xBeNmnmRfO-N1AQjPINak_g-DacshCwfMetrZJgKS90z8ux5RVZB5mk0TMoFi7wMVUFCfuX_P24OfLlPTpc6fg9JmM80hzTuZId_ypNVCL-2PEFHjkZyVsVEPRzr8sAouN8DiI/s1600/psalm+63.png" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhajTU2soeATfWAX3zJQTv8gbng70FApbg7pPU6uH_eOTlYX4P1L4j7wwXEZ8IAOOKxiBM1u1BxERcvSv4sBz4KrW6owScprOeP8jrA9GWluQs6gI_v7t1L7C54-ZvZDgP-Bp7YpZcQ7L8/s1600/psalm+42.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhajTU2soeATfWAX3zJQTv8gbng70FApbg7pPU6uH_eOTlYX4P1L4j7wwXEZ8IAOOKxiBM1u1BxERcvSv4sBz4KrW6owScprOeP8jrA9GWluQs6gI_v7t1L7C54-ZvZDgP-Bp7YpZcQ7L8/s1600/psalm+42.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1z21m79TRZTcoixhMk7IN_COvtZGWhbEV9v2G3zm2UJCpGGxiVvd7yl2VMoLhQ8hYINtk2iYUIwgz4oRmC45njAnEL7lCJWEKvAInJCfnPLJSfMzzlSGrSzM15ZyqP2518XCiDbQ1aA4/s1600/psalm+56.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1z21m79TRZTcoixhMk7IN_COvtZGWhbEV9v2G3zm2UJCpGGxiVvd7yl2VMoLhQ8hYINtk2iYUIwgz4oRmC45njAnEL7lCJWEKvAInJCfnPLJSfMzzlSGrSzM15ZyqP2518XCiDbQ1aA4/s1600/psalm+56.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
After the reassurance of my calm husband, the Lord & His Word, and my sweet Titus 2 mentor - I was able to calm down. To breathe peacefully, and cast this care upon the Lord. And able to try to encourage my husband to wait on the Lord, rather than tell him to do something unwise (run ahead of the Lord to fight on his own merit, and/or hit people).<br />
<br />
I have no idea what Monday will bring, except the continued reassurance and hope that God is always revealing His greatness & goodness in all situations. Even the ones I didn't plan for.<br />
<br />
<b>Where do you turn in the Word when life doesn't go as planned?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Praying, proclaiming, and praising,<br />
for His glory!<br />~Lisha<br />
<br />
I may be sharing this post with these encouraging <a href="http://www.theblishblog.blogspot.com/p/link-up-parties.html" target="_blank">Link-up parties</a>!<br />
Please share this post if it has blessed and encouraged you!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-712462159991923024.post-90648325511424268342014-01-29T19:50:00.000-05:002014-01-29T19:50:13.879-05:00Jesus and the Three Little Pigs<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ldpjjxYYnSZV9i2IfgS2HcGVsN_rircJW-12ylkj9COcjsRTldqC9Isuo_VO8fcsxt3nGYNevuYJDPO6J8jAmitQRoxSUSFJcfpw0nvCSOUaz0y8nrXLVIqPwEOQvWwcW5x8pNDi_Jk/s1600/three+little+pigs+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ldpjjxYYnSZV9i2IfgS2HcGVsN_rircJW-12ylkj9COcjsRTldqC9Isuo_VO8fcsxt3nGYNevuYJDPO6J8jAmitQRoxSUSFJcfpw0nvCSOUaz0y8nrXLVIqPwEOQvWwcW5x8pNDi_Jk/s1600/three+little+pigs+2.png" height="230" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Artwork by Abby</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>"What did you talk about in Junior Church this morning?"</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I ask each week as we load into the van after church.</div>
<br />
"Hmm. I don't remember," is usually the reply that I get. But if I don't press the issue, it will eventually work its way out in conversation, and I am almost always blessed because I'm given them ample time to process what they've learned.<br />
<br />
Like tonight, as I was fixing dinner. I was at the stove, plating everything up, and the girls were huddled around me, watching and talking.<br />
<br />
Abby: "Mom, one time we learned in Junior Church about sinking sand and solid rock. We did an experiment with two Little People. One stood on sand, and one on a rock. We dumped water on the people, and the boy on the sand fell over but the one on the rock - he wobbled a little bit!, but didn't fall down. And that story that we learned about, with Jesus? It sounds the same as the Three Little Pigs story.<br />
<br />
"Both have someone (well, two pigs and just one man in the other story) who build a house out of things that break easily. Like sticks and hay and out on the sand. But then the other pig or man builds out of things that don't break. Bricks and rocks."<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh7BDDFIgYcB-Tos_AHelQ38_on3HNV52AfOIsBRLnOFmDdomgw0ypPVHK2PA_QFEsPDyZ9DJrYw1h2CkEmPRxSt6ELsQgqNQOYcAzat6pPmiYVxXMQ7Oju5fsXkUdO_NJWTLVC9hM9tU/s1600/three+little+pigs+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The Three Little Pigs" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh7BDDFIgYcB-Tos_AHelQ38_on3HNV52AfOIsBRLnOFmDdomgw0ypPVHK2PA_QFEsPDyZ9DJrYw1h2CkEmPRxSt6ELsQgqNQOYcAzat6pPmiYVxXMQ7Oju5fsXkUdO_NJWTLVC9hM9tU/s1600/three+little+pigs+1.png" height="320" title="" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Artwork by Elizabeth</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Elizabeth: "So that when the rain or lightning, or the bad wolf comes around, the sticks, hay, and sand just *poof* sinks away to nothing...but the bricks and rocks don't go anywhere. They are strong.<br />
<br />
"<b>It's kind of like Jesus being strong for us if bad things happen.</b>"<br />
<br />
Thank You, Father, for teaching simple yet deep truths to my daughters, as only You can. And thank You for letting me listen in on what You're showing them!<br />
<br />
<i>What stories have your little ones shared with you recently?</i><br />
<br />
Building on the Rock,<br />
for His glory!<br />
~Lisha<br />
<br />
<b>Here are the verses the girls are talking about:</b><br />
<b>“Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>“But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>And so it was, when Jesus had ended these sayings, that the people were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.</b><br />
<b>(Jesus, in Matthew 7:24-29)</b><br />
<br />
I may be sharing this post at these encouraging <a href="http://www.theblishblog.blogspot.com/p/link-up-parties.html" target="_blank">Link-up parties</a>!<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com16