Social Graces

In his newly published Bringing Up Girls, Dr. James Dobson writes:

A girl who has been trained properly is never completely

knocked off balance when she is in an unfamiliar circumstance.

She knows what is expected of her and how to deal with it. Her sense of self

worth is reinforced by the way adults react to her charm, poise,

and grace. For the mother who wants to give her daughter a

head start in life and help her compete socially, this is a great place to begin.

I love the thought that if I train them well, my girls will not be knocked of balance when they are in an unfamiliar circumstance. Isn't that a beautiful picture? What a gift to give my girls.

All good training, teaching social graces included, is a daily - (constant) endeavor. It requires direct training, setting a good example and sneaking in good object lessons as well. I am excited about a new book that I found recently that is going to the top of our read aloud books.

What I love about this book is that it uses stories from literature to illustrate manners. Remember, story is a pull strategy? I often say to my 4 year old, "Are you acting like The Beast, or a Beauty?" This instantly gives her a visual and gentle reminder from me to correct her behavior.

What about you? How do you teach social graces to your children? Today, the Homeschool Village is having a blog carnival and you can see how other parents are doing just that!

Looking Forward,

P.S. The MODsquad Blog is coming July 5! I am super excited to be part of this amazing blog for Mother's of Daughters. Follow us on twitter @modsquadmoms or find us on Facebook so you don't miss anything.

Home School Village

Robyn, Stef, Sue, and Susan started The Homeschool Village with a desire to provide a place of connection and encouragement for homeschool moms. Each week, they have a link up party at Layton Family Joy, focusing on a new topic of discussion that is applicable to the homeschooling mom. During the rest of the week, they share encouragements (and Starbucks) through their facebook page and tweets! If you are a homeschooler, I know that you will be glad to hang out at the Village! This weeks link up party is to share a favorite book you have found in your homeschooling journey.

I have been homeschooling for almost 6 years. Yes, that sounds like an eternity to me, too. But really, it has flown by. For me, it is not so much about teaching my girls. It is about being with them and discipling them. I do teach math, language, history, science and the like, but our focus is doing life together. I have never been one to read a lot of "how to books" on the subject of homeschooling. So the book I am going to share with you is really a heart book. My pick is:

The Ministry of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson:

One of my favorite parts of the book is when she describes the ministry of Christ:

"The night before Jesus was to be crucified, his heart and mind must have been filled with weariness and exhaustion at the thought of what he would soon endure...But instead of just telling them (the disciples) what to do, harshly commanding their allegiance with orders and threats or guilt and manipulative statements, he chose to tie the cords of his heart to theirs with the strong and unbreakable bond of a loving, serving relationship. Jesus spent his last night on earth with his disciples in service to them." Pages 34,35 (excerpts)

When I first read these words I thought, "Jesus understands me. The disciples really were like little children. My mothering is a ministry." I can't tell you what a difference this has made in my life as a mom who also happens to homeschool. Every day I have a choice to tie the cords of my heart to theirs. Some days I do better at this than others. But it is always my goal. I pray that they remember, not just the lessons at the table, but the relationships we built around it.

Looking Forward,



P.S. Sally has a beautiful blog called I Take Joy that you really should visit! I know her words will encourage you!

The Porch

I am so thrilled to introduce you to Joann. She is a M.O.D Squad mom of two and every time she shares her heart I am inspired to love Jesus more and be a mom of purpose. Recently, she shared this story about her daughter for our home school program. If you read one blog post today, read this one! I know it will be so glad you did!


The Finish Line
by Joann

This weekend, our family celebrated the graduation of our oldest daughter Jordynn. We have crossed the finish line and we are overwhelmed with joy!

Jordynn's graduation journey began her Freshman year of high school. As a family, we decided to attend graduation each May until it was our turn. We would ask her to visualize herself walking across the stage to receive her diploma. My husband and I would visualize ourselves walking across the stage to meet her. One year I even remember grabbing the back of a church envelope to practice writing what our recording would say. Would we be funny or serious? Would we let the audience know all of our daughter's funny nicknames? Would we share congratulations for her academic accomplishments or for the growth of her tender heart? We practiced this moment for four years...we had an end picture.

For our family, parent directed education was an unexpected turn on our journey. God had called us to remove our daughter from private, Christian school at the onset of seventh grade and bring her home. This was an act of obedience and required total reliance on the Lord.

Can I tell you the most amazing part of our family's story? The Lord knit our hearts together in a new way. We fell madly in love with our daughter all over again! Was homeschooling hard? You bet! Were there disagreements? Of course! Did we love each other? Yes! Did we like each other? Most of the time. (wink!)

Crossing the finish line requires...

- Full engagement
- Intentional preparation
- Unrelenting perseverance
- Whole-hearted commitment
- and lots and lots of Love!

Moms, I encourage you to develop your end picture. I encourage you to visualize your finish line. I encourage you to practice celebrating the moment for He promises that His good work in your family will come to full completion.

"And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you." -- Philippians 1:6 AMP

This mother's heart rejoices today for the finish line is so sweet...He has completed what He started in our graduate!



When I asked Joann if I could post this for my 29lincolnavenue friends, she said, "Mom's are my passion and anytime the Lord allows me to encourage them, I'm thrilled!!" Don't you just love her! Thanks so much Joann!

Looking Forward,


Have you become a fan of 29lincolnavenue on facebook yet? You can click here and choose 'like' By doing this, each time there is a new post here, it will show up as a news item in your daily feed. Thanks!

On Million Arrows My Response

So here I sit, thinking to myself, “How can I take the long way home and commit today to raising arrows that will strike a blow against the kingdom of darkness?”

First, I am praying that God will give my husband & me a specific vision for raising our own little pink arrows. They are all unique and fabulously made. I am determined now more than ever to be a parent who is purposeful. Second, I know it will take a commitment from me every day to be shaped by the Shepherd Himself…because “they will become as I am becoming..” (Paraphrased from page 22). I have to be willing to be shaped first before I am going to shape them.

Will it be easy? No. Will I be asked to forgo my own personal comforts? Probably. Might others think I am crazy? Surely. Will there be rewards? You bet.

I am going to offer one person a chance to win a copy of this book. Leave a comment below and tell me what you are thinking about this week's focus of One Million Arrows. *I will choose one comment from Randomizer.org to win a free copy of this book. The contest is open until Sunday May 29 at midnight.

If by chance your heart is stirred, I highly encourage you to order this book. I promise you will be challenged and inspired! And another added blessing is that all proceeds from the sale of One Million Arrows go to further work with orphans around the world! So not only will you be blessed to read it, you will bless others by purchasing it as well.

Looking Forward,


To order a copy of One Million Arrows, click here.

***Contest is only open to those living in the United States of America.


Julie Ferwerda is recognized for making the Bible exciting and relevant to everyday life through her writing and speaking. Her articles are featured in many Christian magazines and websites for both adults and teens, and she frequently volunteers her time and talents to international orphan ministry. Learn more at OneMillionArrows.com.

One Million Arrows Review

Challenged.
Inspired.
Moved.

These words all describe how I felt as read this book. At it's core, it is a book discipling our children in Christ. The book is broken into three sections. First Julie challenges you to Gather – by owning the mission, next to Sharpen – by being purposeful in the training of your children, and finally to Launch – by placing them in the hands of Christ “prepared as skillful weapons against the kingdom of darkness” By doing this you can raise children who will literally change the world.

The vision for this book came from a long time servant of Christ, Dr. M.A. Thomas or 'Papa', as he is often called. Serving in the poorest sections of India, Papa, received a calling from the Lord to gather, sharpen, and launch arrows who also happened to be orphans. As Julie describes, this method of discipleship can also work in our own homes with our children.

I think my favorite part of the book is in the chapter entitled “Shape Arrows At Home.” In it, Julie interviews several parents including Bob and Pam Tebo, Gregg and Sono Harris, and Josh McDowell . As a Florida girl, I have to give a special nod to this quote about recent Florida Gator and Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow’s parents:

“Tim had parents who stuck to the safer, long way home by committing themselves to raising arrows… Tim’s parents made decisions based on the big picture, not on immediate gratification, easy shortcuts, or personal comfort. From the beginning, they set out to raise kids who would make a lasting impact on this world.” P. 52

If you haven't been living under a rock for the past few years, you certainly know about Tim Tebow. You probably also know, that he was recently drafted to play in the NFL for the Denver Broncos. Even if you aren't a football fan, you may have seen Tim and his mom in a Super Bowl Ad for for Life, produced by Focus on The Family. The amazing thing is that when Tim's parents realized how gifted he was, they saw football as a platform for him to share Christ. Today, that vision is giving him the chance to share his testimony with people all over the world.

Tim is just one of a Million Arrows that God has used to change the world for Christ. His parents answered the call early on to become arrow shapers. I would highly encourage you to read One Million Arrows and you will be powerfully moved to consider how you might become an arrow shaper, too.

Looking Forward,



To Read a copy of Chapter 1, click here.
For information on how to order a copy, click here.






Julie Ferwerda is recognized for making the Bible exciting and relevant to everyday life through her writing and speaking. Her articles are featured in many Christian magazines and websites for both adults and teens, and she frequently volunteers her time and talents to international orphan ministry. Learn more at OneMillionArrows.com.

P.S. I am also linking up today with Seeds of Faith and I Fellowship to promote this awesome book and the tour! I also happen to like what these neat women are doing to build a community of women online! Check them out!

One Million Arrows

I have this unspoken rule. When I stumble across something twice…I take it as hint from God to notice it. I’m not sure where I first saw the book One Million Arrows by Julie Ferwerda, but the Lord in His wisdom put in front of me a second time. I took the hint, contacted Julie and she was gracious enough to send me a copy. Over the next 3 days, I will be participating in her One Million Arrows Blog Tour and dedicating my posts to this awesome book. Today, I am going to give you a basic summary of the book and a chance to read the first chapter. Tomorrow, I will post my Review, and Thursday I will give you a chance to win your own copy.

Summary:

Will the world change our children...or will our children change the world? Time is short and lives are at stake. Right now, God is inviting our families to become part of a bigger story—a vision that will engage hearts to make a radical difference. One Million Arrows is an inspirational call to raise our kids to impact their culture, community, and world for Christ. If we want our kids to discover their purpose, if we want them to live with passion for the Kingdom, if we want our family to go down in His-Story, accept the mission...and leave a mark for eternity.


Looking Forward,



Download a free copy of Chapter 1, here.
For information on how to order a copy of the book , click here.
To visit other blogs taking part in the OMA Blog Tour, click here.


Julie Ferwerda is recognized for making the Bible exciting and relevant to everyday life through her writing and speaking. Her articles are featured in many Christian magazines and websites for both adults and teens, and she frequently volunteers her time and talents to international orphan ministry. Learn more at OneMillionArrows.com.

Chair Time

The day started with a bang. The girls clamored for their breakfast. Between the four of them there are about 15 requests.

As I finished up kitchen duties and moved to put the baby down for a nap I was immediately met by my four year old who wanted to play on the computer. I knew this was a good activity for her while I taught my two older girls. So, I said, "Let me get the big girls started on their work, you dressed and then mommy will put you on the computer."

Teaching my first grader is at best a challenge. I have to bring my "A" game ready for lessons. On this particular day I was overly tired, due to a teething baby and interrupted sleep the night before. As we were making some headway, my oldest burst into the room in tears. She didn't understand what she is reading and was having a meltdown. I sent her to room to finish her emotional breakdown.

Next, I fed the baby who had been crying for about 30 minutes. At this point, it was lunch time for the rest of us. Lunch, like breakfast had about 15 requests. While I was moving the baby to her play seat I realized she was dirty and needed to be changed.

After I changed her she spit up all down the front of me. I cleaned myself up and decided once again to put her in the play seat. As I was dong this, the sisters overwhelmed us to 'love' on her, which really means "hang on me."

This was the tipping point......I lost it verbally, tired, hungry, and overwhelmed by the needs of so many.

I admit, it wasn't pretty. And after placing the baby gently in the play seat I quickly gave myself a much needed time out. Sitting alone in my guest bedroom I had a long talk with the Lord. I cried out to Him. I asked for forgiveness. I told Him I could not do it without Him. I decided that even though I would really like to stay in that bedroom alone for the rest of the day, I needed to check on the kids.

When I returned to the kitchen my lunch had been made by my oldest.
3 of the girls were playing sweetly together.
The air was clear.
I was forgiven.
It was 12:52 pm.

Some days are just like that. It seems like everything goes wrong. And I blow it big time. But, in those moments I am so thankful by this verse:

There is therefore now no condemnation for those that are in Christ Jesus.

Romans 8:1

I have been studying Romans 8 and this truth has truly captivated me. He does not condemn me. In fact later in Romans 8 it says He is for me. And nothing can ever separate me from that love. Even me at the tipping point.

Looking Forward,

Stacey

Chair Time

I have been thinking a lot about stories. Specifically, the story my children will tell about me when they are older. The story they will tell their children. This is my legacy.

I am reading a book called The Story Factor by Annette Simmons. She says, "Other methods of influence - persuasion, bribery, or charismatic appeals - are push strategies. Story is a pull strategy." See I want to live my life in such a way to pull my kids to Jesus. Not push them. I want my life to draw them closer to Him.

So how do I do that exactly? This of course is the million dollar question and where I must face the cold hard truth. I can't just hope the story turns out in the end okay in the end. There is too much at stake. I have a part to play as well. God is the author, but He does require that I do my part. For me that means I am to pursue Him every day through His Word, pray like crazy that His story will shine through my life, and to be in a small group where I am accountable to others.

And when all that is said and done, I have to tell them, every day, all day long as we are "sitting in our house, walking along the way, when we rise up and when we lie down..." (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). But with kids, our stories are told not only in our words, but in our actions. So as I am telling them the story, they are simultaneously watching it unfold before their eyes. My prayer is that these two versions of the story line up and will impress upon their hearts the image of Christ.

Looking Forward,
Stacey

P.S. For the next couple of weeks I will expand on this idea during Chair time. I would like to spend a week each on Bible, Prayer, and the power of a Small Group as it pertains to our Legacy: The Story Our Children Will Tell. If you have any thoughts, please leave a comment or join the conversation in the 29lincolnavenue blogfrog commmunity.

The Cry of My Heart

Lord,

You see them, but do they see you? Help me to teach them how to develop an inward gaze of the soul upon you. That they may look forward and be satisfied with great expectation to your will for their lives. You speak to them, but are they listening? Do they understand that your Word is written to lead and to guide them through this crazy mixed up noisy world? And that your Word leads them straight to your heart and into your embrace?

How can I, as their mother begin to teach them to behold you in every moment and to listen for your speaking voice? Show me, for if I teach them anything today, let it be these truths. The cry of my heart is that they would:

love you,
obey your voice,
and hold fast to you
all of their days....
Dueteronomy 30:20

Looking Forward,