Making a Difference One step at a Time

         I recently had my older brother, Josh, as a guest in our home. It was very nice to be able to share time and good conversation with him. He showed me a Youtube video of a woman by the name of Christine Caine. Her video has touched my heart in so many ways. I wanna shine light into the darkness. I wanna step out of my comfort zone and make a difference. I wanna share this video with you. I hope it touches your heart the way it has mine. 

 

What have I done to make a difference on this day, week, or month? 

I'm not only organizing my home lately, but my life. It is a new year, a time for new things, a time for refreshing the old. I pray for a renewal of my heart, and a cleansing of my thoughts.


Is it trash or treasure? While we are organizing, and cleaning our homes of unwanted items, remember the ones that may be in need. Before you take that pair of jeans you no longer need to the trash, think about someone that might really need that pair of jeans. Bag it up and take to a shelter, outreach, any donation center.  :)

I found a great study and I would love to share this wonderful resource with you. (Click Below)

 The Widow's Mite

 

 Matt 6:33 says: "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things (food, clothes, etc) will be added unto you." 

 

Many Blessings,

Jennifer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

50 Ways to Bring Our Your Childs Best!

 50 Ways to Bring Out Your Child's Best
 Written by Thomas Armstrong, Ph.D.

1. Let your child discover her own interests. Pay attention the activities she chooses. This free-time play can say a lot about where her gifts lie.  

2. Expose your child to a broad spectrum of experiences. They may activate latent talents. Don't assume that he isn't gifted in an area because he hasn't shown an interest.

3. Give your child permission to make mistakes. If she has to do things perfectly, she'll never take the risks necessary to discover and develop a gift.

4. Ask questions. Help your child open up to he wonders of the world by asking intriguing questions: Why is the sky blue? Find the answers together.

5. Plan special family projects. Shared creativity can awaken and develop new talents.

6. Don't pressure your child to learn. If children are sent to special lessons every day in the hope of developing their gifts, they may become too stressed or exhausted to shine. Encourage, but don't push.

7. Have high expectations. But make them realistic.

8. Share your work life. Expose your child to images of success by taking him to work. Let him see you engaged in meaningful activities and allow him to become involved.

9. Provide a sensory-rich environment. Have materials around the home that will stimulate the senses: finger paints, percussion instruments, and puppets.

10. Keep your own passion for learning alive. Your child will be influenced by your example.

11. Don't limit your child with labels. They may saddle her with a reputation that doesn't match her inner gifts.

12. Play games together as a family.

13. Have a regular family time for reading, listening to music, talking.

14. Have reference materials available to give your child access to the world.

15. Allow your child to participate in community activities that interest her.

16. Use humor, jokes, silly stories to encourage creativity.

17. Don't criticize or judge the things your child does. He may give up on his talents if he feels evaluated.

18. Play with your child to show your own sense of playfulness.

19. Share your successes as a family. Talk about good things that happened during the day to enhance self-esteem.

20. Provide your child with access to a home, school or public library computer.

21. Listen to your child. The things he cares about most may provide clues to his special talents.

22. Give your child a special space at home to be creative.

23. Praise your child's sense of responsibility at home when she completes assigned chores.

24. Visit new places as a family.

25. Give your child open-ended playthings. Toys like blocks and puppets encourage imaginative play.

26. Give your child unstructured time to simply daydream and wonder.

27. Share inspirational stories of people who succeeded in life.

28. Don't bribe your child with rewards. Using incentives to get children to perform sends a message that learning is not rewarding in its own right

29. Suggest that your child join peer groups that focus on her gifts.

30. Discuss the news to spark interests.

31. Discourage gender bias. Expose your child to both feminine and masculine toys and activities.

32. Avoid comparing your child to others. Help your child compare himself to his own past performance.

33. Be an authoritative parent.

34. Use community events and institutions to activate interests. Take trips to the library, museums, concerts, plays.

35. Give presents that nourish your child's strengths.

36. Encourage your child to think about her future. Support her visions without directing her into any specific field.

37. Introduce your child to interesting and capable people.

38. Think of your home as a learning place. The kitchen is great for teaching math and science through cooking.

39. Share feelings. A child's gifts can be stifled by repressed emotions.

40. Encourage your child to read.

41. Honor your child's creations.

42. Do things with your child in his areas of interest.

43. Teach your child to trust her intuition and believe in her capabilities.

44. Give your child choices. It builds willpower and fuels initiative.

45. Show your child how to use books to further an interest. For example, "how to" books for the "hands-on" learner.

46. Set aside an area of the house for displaying creations and awards.

47. Encourage your child to tackle areas that are difficult for him. Help him learn to confront any limitations.

48. Be a liaison between your child's special talents and the real world. Help her find outlets for her talents.

49. Introduce children's literature that honors and develops gifts. Books like the Little Engine That could encourage a "can do" attitude.

50. Accept your child as he or she is.

Ramblings of Thankfulness & Love

What are we thankful for?

It's been a fun last couple of weeks. I'm Loving the fall season, the aromas, the colors, and the feelings of thankfulness. I, maybe like many of you, like to indulge in facebook a wee to much sometimes. Mostly, I see vague comments of friends and family routines and thoughts of the day. Lately, most have started writing about what they are thankful for, due to a 30 days of thankfulness post. It's so joyous to read these comments and reflect back on my own thankfulness. I have even realized how much I take for granted at times.

I am thankful for a wonderful husband, whom works so hard to provide for his family. Wonderful children, that mean the world to us. Wonderful family, who will be there for us whenever needed. Our health, our love for one another, our desire to learn, the opportunity to homeschool, and so much more to write. I'm mostly thankful for God, who created all the wonderful things of this world, and who loved us so much that he gave his only son, Jesus, so that we may be saved. I have bookmarked an incredible site. I love to go there and watch live sermons, catch up on studies, and learn about everything I didn't know I needed, until it just clicked! I need this! I know that sounded funny. Didn't know you needed it!? Well yes, and no! I know I need to read and study God's word, but I struggle. On this site, I will watch a sermon and I will be like "WoW! I really needed that!"

Here is the link: http://www.lifechurch.tv/watch


We've been taking a different approach to learning this month, a more thankful approach. A more stress free approach. It's been very relaxed, and although I would love to say it's like this always, I would be lying. I sat down and played dolls and barbies with my girls earlier, and I took the time to ask the girls what they were thankful for. I expected them to say something about their fav toys, or the awesome movie they had just raved about a min or so before I asked the question. Instead, I heard such sincere answers that melted my heart to the core. My oldest said I am thankful for you mommy and daddy and that God loves me and I can talk to him whenever I want. I'm doing something right here, people! I could have screamed it from the rooftop. It was a joyous moment, but also a moment I realized how much more I must watch my actions and live these wonderful teachings I teach them. How I so don't desire to be a hypocrite in my child's eyes.

I heard my mother-in-law say a saying the other day and it was:
Heaven before Harvard! WoW! how true is that! While I do wish true happiness for my children no matter what career or schooling they choose, even if it be Harvard, lol, I hope they learn and never forget this saying!

*Jennifer

Being an example!

I sat here and pondered on what I would write about today. I'm watching the girls run, play, and try to act like me? There is no fighting! YEAH! I hear the girls talking amongst themselves, "Okay girls what are we going to learn today" says Breanna , "Do you need to use the restroom, Raylee?" asks Gracie, "Mom , Can we help you?".

I can't help but be so proud of how they are growing into respectful, helpful little girls. It has been an uphill battle on hoping that by my example I could instill such values as they are starting to show now. I knew from the time my girls were born, that I was so blessed and had a job so important in raising them. I thank God everyday!

The most common and most important discipleship relationship is that of parent and child. It is a nurturing, training, teaching, and discipling relationship. Since the contact between parent and child is so close, teaching is unavoidable. The child will be like the parent in many ways. "Like father, like son" is not just a catchy saying - it is the reality of life on earth. The parent has a responsibilty before God and others to disciple and teach their children successfully.

I'm going to be working on myself daily, to insure that I am setting the right example. I'm going to remember to change what isn't working and look for methods that do. Most important I'm going to love my children unconditionally and continue to pray for guidance. :)

Blessings! *Jennifer

Thursday!

COMING SOON!

Home Grown Hearts Academy (Hgha) Newsletter!

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Free Curriculum
Book List
Favorite Websites
Website of the Month!
Recipe of the Month!

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True Life!

All parents have one time or another had to handle situations that they wish never happened. That is just part of being a parent. Well that brings me to today.

We had an appointment today for all of the girls. Things started out pretty smoothly, until all at once, they ALL started throwing fits. I tried my best to use my deep voice to address them properly that their actions weren't appropriate. Nope didn't work, only got worse. My stress was building and they could sense it. Fists started flying at me, legs kicking, screaming so loud the whole office could hear it. How I thought to myself how did it come to this, Why are my children so mad. What can I do? I just wanted to melt away. After the appointment, I was left feeling as though I hadn't handle the situation correctly, or could I have prevented it.

After getting home, it was if they were never mad, they were happy. Happy to be home.

After Evaluating the situation and talking with them I realized they were scared of the appointment. It was where they usually go to get shots. My youngest was the only one getting a shot, but they all where ready to go the second we walked in. Although their actions still aren't justified fully, because no parent should have to deal with the disrespect in the manner given; I see now that I should have communicated better about what was going on. Not got so stressed and I need to talk to them more than I have about manners, respect, and disrespectful behaviors. :) I truly LOVE being a mom, even when I want to pull my hair out! ;)

*Jennifer

Here is a great site for
building good character.

GoodCharacter.com

Have a wonderful Day!

The Love to Learn

Summer is here!

My little girls are growing so fast! I'm loving everyday with them and think it is a huge blessing to be a stay-at-home mom. I cherish the days I spend watching them learn. Its amazing what a child will find interesting and pick up on, if only a person will take the time to teach. I'm making time and I'm finding that my children Love to Learn. Amazing! Really? I sometimes think "am I going to be able to even teach them to read, write, ect?". My fears and doubts are only a burden on my heart! I'm worth and my children are worth more than that attitude. So I will answer my own question. Yes they are going to learn to read and to write! I'm their teacher and our classroom is not only our home, but the world! Have a great Day!