Interior transformation--Introduction

"Young Ruth" by Nicole A. Hayes

Sometimes we just want to escape! The "day spa" business seems to be thriving these days, and many of us dream of taking a vacation in the Caribbean, far from any responsibilities or problems.

But when the spa date is over, or our airplane hits the tarmac on our home turf, we realize there is no escape at all; we begin to understand that we weren't running from our difficulties or our responsibilities, we were really running from ourselves.

Eve, in the beginning, set the stage for all of us. She desired the forbidden fruit, was enticed by the clever arguments of the deceiver, and then allowed her own reasoning and "creativity" to have full reign. 

Rather than remaining submitted to a loving Creator, she rebelled. She went her own way. Was she reasoning in her spaghetti-like brain, connecting all sorts of dots that should never have been associated with each other? I wonder...

I wonder because that is what we all have the tendency to do. All kinds of things we do seem so very "logical" to us; the way that we respond to others or the plans we make can seem so deceivingly right, that is, until they start to bring forth death.

But we really do have the best of intentions (at least we "think" we do). Why does it seem that the hardest things we attempt to accomplish seem to spiral down so quickly?

We are Eve--her prodigy. We are that same woman who stood before the forbidden tree pondering her own willingness to become submitted to God's plan. What will our choice be? Will we use our own wisdom and understanding, (rather than relying upon God) with our eyes opened to the evil and good before us. Are we the ones who are going to make it all turn out "right". If we choose our own wisdom, we then become responsible for the self-willed decisions that result in the messes we make wherever we go! 

A dear woman once wrote to me asking for advice. She began by telling me all of the things she was supposedly doing "right". She was a stay-at-home mom, homeschooling her children, even wearing only skirts and a head-covering!

But her home was an absolute mess. Her sons were defiant and lazy, her husband uninterested and ineffectual in her eyes.

In fact, she was so disgusted with her husband that she went to great lengths to describe just how very awful he was in his role. She felt that he wasn't taking the helm, and what burned her immensely was his recent decision to move the family from one state to another in which there were supposedly no good churches or homeschool support groups. 

It only took a few sentences for me to see through all of her religious trappings to the very root of her problems--without even realizing it, she had torn down her own home. 

She had taken over. Unable or unwilling to trust God through her imperfect husband, she had withdrawn her reverence of him. Instead of risking increasing disrespect and criticism from a bitter wife, he had withdrawn. It was this inordinate marital relationship that was having a negative effect on the children and caused even the housekeeping to become out of control.

Her outward adornment was supposed to speak of her inward state, but it would have been far better if she had decided to wear a mini-skirt and tank top and, yet, made her husband the king of his home. 

But this poor lady is not alone. Every person born a woman has the very same temptations and tendencies. Today it is quite easy to become deceived, and even Bible "teachers" and "counselors" are spewing out the "worldly wisdom" first heeded at the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. 

The adversary never shares the fine print with us. He never points out to us the folly and the resulting consequences of following his ways.

It is always intriguing to me that, while many of the aims of the Women's Liberation Movement of the late '60's and early '70's have been accomplished, fulfillment and happiness are still elusive to most females. In fact, I would hazard to guess that there are many more women in counseling and under psychiatric care than ever before in our history.

The fact is that sin and rebellion bring forth death and destruction. Deliberately refusing to trust God's plan and surrender to His ways does not set us free, it enslaves us. And our failure to surrender to Him is not a small thing; it negatively affects our homes, our communities, and ultimately, the world in which we live.

There is hope, and their is help, but we have to be willing to give up our own predilections and become absolutely honest with ourselves. We need to be able to read the Bible and take it at face value, without cutting out or explaining away the portions which do not please us or with which we are not comfortable. More than a book of theoretical and lofty ideals, God's Word is active and powerful for our daily living, and it is in its everyday application that we experience its greatest release!

I have some shackle-busting to do, using Scriptural truths that I look forward to sharing with you in several installments, and in so doing, I hope that they will present a way to true interior transformation that will have a practical, freedom-producing effect in all areas of our lives. 

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At the beach

Friends and relatives who have been to Disney World or the original Disneyland all tell me the same thing; the theme park was great, but their kids preferred the beach.

The park offered fun at every turn--the food, the shows, the street spectacles, the rides--all were meant for enjoyment and entertainment.

A time for solitude and reflection at the beach

But the next day, when everyone was tired, they all opted for a quiet time at the beach. The children felt the sand squish between their toes as warm foam swirled around their legs. They listened to the beckoning sounds of the pounding surf, and stared into the clear tidal pools filled with creatures. They made elaborate sand castles and warmed their backs in the sun.

Somehow, a man dressed in a static Mickey Mouse head just didn't compete.

And this is what the American church experience has been for me for several years now.

I've been to a lot of churches--In fact, I was saved in Sunday School. I have attended churches that felt like the Matterhorn bobsled ride at Disneyland--full of wait and boredom, with a promise of something exciting in the future, but without its fulfillment in the here and now. 

I've also been to "amusement park" churches (A.W. Tozer calls this "Golden calf" Christianity). Like one immense pep-rally, participants sing songs about reaching the lost in the wide, wide world, and about the nations, and about all kinds of corporate things we all should be doing. At one service they even turned off the lights and handed out glow sticks so that everyone could wave them around--it was fun, I have to admit--sort of like a rock concert without the drugs and alcohol. 

Sherry Hayes

But it wasn't real, anymore than the Mickey Mouse caricature who goes around shaking hands with the park visitors. I have been to so many of these and come away feeling empty--a sense that what goes on there just doesn't jive with the rich relationship I experience daily with my Lord. 

At one church service a man stood up and boldly proclaimed that the only reason any of us were alive was to proclaim the Gospel. He was only a babe in Christ, and some misguided souls quickly had him convinced that personal holiness meant to be lived and walked out in our daily life had no applicable meaning in the "real" world. Within two years he and almost all of the leadership of that church had become involved in several adulterous relationships--what weeping and sadness had been caused by the unbalanced attempt of some to fill up the chairs on Sunday.

But I don't buy it--I don't want to have an amusement-park life.

I prefer the beach.

Here at home, in my everyday life, I experience more of Jesus, and more of the power of His Holy Spirit, than at any hyped-up service I have ever attended.

Olivia and Faith alone, in their quiet discoveries

It's taken years to really understand what I have now come to know--the truly rich life is the quietly private, and set apart one. It's like staring out my back window at the clouds above the prairie or while walking in a nearby nature park and pouring my whole heart out to Him (the Lover of my soul). It is opening a hymn book and singing aloud with my children. How many times have I felt as though I had glimpsed a little corner of Heaven.

Sometimes it's when I'm cooking a pot of spaghetti, or even folding clothes in the wee hours of the morning following a bout of insomnia that He meets with me. How precious these intimate times are! Frequently it's when we are gathered as a family, praying and reading the Word together, that He speaks to me. I hear His thoughts echoed in the prayers of my sweet innocent children--that is when I know He is visiting with us.

When I am being filled with His Spirit in this way, it's not hard to share with those around me. I don't have to gather around with a group and hand out leaflets, I just stay open to His leading, and doors open up in the grocery line, or at the bank.

Fellowship happens with anyone who is willing--at any time. I have friends and relatives with whom I can share these joys, and they rejoice with me. We bolster each other up and pray for each other--this is the gathering together that truly builds and edifies.

I am so grieved by our sad state here in America. I remember hearing of contrite Chinese believers who leave the floor wet with tears of repentance when they gather together to seek God's face. I heard they are amazed at what we seem to have accomplished without the leading or power of God's Holy Spirit.

But there is a remnant--I hear it in the comments of many of you who read here--and I see it elsewhere in the extensive yet uncharted regions of Christianity. Father God is calling His beloved ones out, those who have been treated as if they were paupers, and even "losers" by the "relevant" and popular ministries of today--because they dare to live counter-cultural lives in this world!

I know how lonely it can seem. I know how many times we may question ourselves and field the inquiries of others who do not really understand. However compromise is not an option. And when we find that we are the loneliest, we have a special portion from Him reserved for those times when we feel forsaken--how precious!

And yet, I am not by myself--many others have walked here before me. 

Remember you are not alone--He sees you.

Post was originally published on 3/30/09.

Announcing Homeschool Sanity—the book!

Recapture the best from the past!

It's not easy being a homeschooling parent today. Educating one's children is a huge responsibility. There seem to be more "answers" than there are questions! Everyone has a textbook, or a method, or a philosophy. But how are we supposed to figure out just what path to take?

We want our children to have the very best and to grow up with the God of the Bible as their frame of reference; but the best way to accomplish this seems to be just out of our reach!

For more than 23 years I have been asking these same questions about education. During my own journey, I have read books and research by the most insightful and influential homeschooling leaders such as—Dr. Raymond and Dorothy Moore, Ruth Beechick, Charlotte Mason, John Taylor Gatto, and many more. They were true pioneers of the current homeschool movement and all were dedicated to the welfare of children and their families.

Although their messages were often diverse, I began to identify a common theme. In the last few years I have discovered the Eclectic Education Series, and all those threads began to reveal an incalculably rich tapestry of education resources, that for many were lost to the past.

My heart was burdened with the realization that there are many others just like me that are seeking a way to simplify their homeschooling into a coherent system which makes room for a child's personality and gifts, but at the same time gives him structure as well as discipline.

I have come to realize that the modern educational systems and methods are strangely unique in our human history, and they have failed us abysmally. Never before have we had so much knowledge at our fingertips, and yet, the literacy rates of our nation's school systems are at an all-time low. Despite the fact that we live in the information age—the divorce, homicide and suicide rates are at all-time highs. Our children face greater challenges today than we would have ever dreamed, nevertheless, many don't have the tools to handle these new demands and pressures.

It is time we threw out the progressive educational philosophies and ideologies which have lead us here. We need to turn back the clock and promote the fear of God which is the beginning of wisdom. We must revive the unswerving Christian devotion that used to be lived out by our predecessors before the present narcissistic influence of humanism took over!

We can rediscover the tools of learning that helped our forefathers overcome the great obstacles of their time, that have only recently been replaced by "dumbed-down" work texts and worthless statistics which require no higher thinking on the part of young learners.

Homeschool Sanity: a Practical Guide to Redemptive Home Educating is my attempt to communicate a way back to common sense learning. It is a pathway back to the simplicity and joy of gaining the knowledge born out of the reverence for the God of the Bible. It is a journey filled with the grace and truth of Jesus Christ.

This book is easy to read. Even if one only has time for perusing, something useful and encouraging will be achieved (I have included a few pages in this article from my book for your consideration).

It is full of colorful and engaging graphics, helps, charts, templates and resources. Even the busiest mother will be able to breathe a sigh of relief as she reads just how easy it is to give her children an education that will be a blessing to them for the rest of their lives!

Here is a small portion of what I have included in Homeschool Sanity's 160 pages:

• An overview of the different methodologies of homeschooling
• A brief history of education in America
• Preschool
• Reading and literature
• Grammar
• Arithmetic 
• History
• Science

No fancy psycho-anything here. I have rediscovered precisely why things used to work, and why they are so very broken today. I hope to lead the way into a fresh attempt to bring back the best of the past in order to prepare our children for the best future possible.

In essence, I have tried to make learning the "old" ways as convenient as possible for our modern lifestyles.

This is why you will find many nifty charts and templates ready for your use. You will discover a catalog of successful methodologies for your own re-education. If you are like me, you will not feel tired and anxious after you read my book; you will be refreshed and filled with real hope!

Many thanks to Dollar Homeschool for the wonderful resources offered in the form of the Eclectic Education Series. This book would not have been possible were it not for the opportunity I had to write the guides for each of the wonderful Eclectic collections.

It's the thought that counts

Hearth and home at Christmas!

Little Charlie's bright eyes sparkle as he wraps up his gift--he imagines his mommy's wonder and surprise at the mug he made and carefully painted for her.

Christmas morning finally arrives and mommy begins to open her son's present. Inside the misshapen package is an item which defies explanation; a mug painted in a vibrant psychedelic explosion of color. She bites her tongue and remembers her little boy; she knows that she holds his precious heart in her hands.

"I love it! It is exactly what I was hoping for!" she exclaims, as she wraps the small boy warmly in her loving arms. He is so delighted, feels so very successful. He reluctantly breaks free from his mother's embrace and takes a little skip as he walks across the room.

We mothers know just how to encourage our children when it comes to gift-giving. We know how to be gracious to almost everyone in our lives when it comes to receiving gifts that are not exactly what we would really want, except when it comes to our husbands.

The happy couple

Somehow we don't think the dear, delightful men in our lives deserve the same consideration that others do. They are just like young Charlie; they are all thinking about how much their gift will be a blessing, and it is their hope and anticipation to receive a grateful response. How truly sad it is when a man's special lady rejects his gift, or complains, or says, "It's a good thing the stores have a liberal return policy".

Some men think diamonds, some think mud flaps for the car. Others simply place a gift card in an envelope. There's something malicious in the heart of a woman who constantly finds fault, or keeps comparing him to others in her own mind; that's not what so-and-so's husband is getting her, why didn't he even wrap it? Doesn't he know we could spend this money more wisely?

My husband's greatest desire is to see me happy. That's why he takes me along to shop with him. When he discovers that I am interested in an item, he buys it for me, and then has me wrap it for Christmas.

Now, I love surprises and secrets--so it takes a bit of the fun away for me to know what's inside every package. I could get "pensive" and suddenly decide that he is not putting enough thought or effort into his gift-giving, by selfishly complaining and making him feel bad.

Wishing the best Christmas ever!

But through the years I have learned to be more appreciative than that. I love his heart. He is so intent on making me the happiest woman on the face of the earth, that he only wants to give me gifts he knows I will like. By taking me along, he is cherishing me.

Some husbands cherish their wives by working overtime even during the holidays. Still others may refuse to accept gifts for themselves for the sake of the needs of the others they love. One man may buy accessories for the family car, or even new cleaning supplies or other practical things. There are men who view Christmas as an opportunity to bestow material blessings on their families, and many men who wince at the thought of the extra expenditures because they see the looming year ahead and don't want their families to suffer want.

And we women often use all of their good intentions against them. "Why don't you stay home with us more at Christmas? Why don't you ever buy me anything romantic? Why do you always spend too much money? Or why do you seem to always get so "commercial" at Christmas--shouldn't your focus be more on the Lord?"

"...but thou excellest them all."

The wise woman, the one who wants to build-up her own home, will bite her tongue at these temptations. She will keep away from the foolish sitcoms and soap operas, magazines, and all those movies that tend to promote a life of selfishness. The genuine Proverbs 31 woman will cease being a tormentor, and instead give him the security he needs--by building him a throne with her loving approval and complete acceptance.

Becoming a virtuous women

"Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. She stretcheth out of her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom, and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates." (Proverbs 31:10-31)

Our special, intimate date alone

Dad and Mom together!

He called me up to our room. The morning routine was finished--and each of our little ducklings were all in a row. My babies were creating masterpieces with their washable markers, and the older children were happily practicing their mathematical skills with playing cards.

I opened my bedroom door and found his arms open wide--he was playing one of those romantic soft-rock ballads from the 1970's. I fell into his embrace and we began to slow dance--it was one of those precious holy moments, blessed by God in His union of husband and wife. Somewhere in the middle of our retreat we heard energetic shouts--so we rushed to open the door, stumbling over one another to try and be the first to find the cause of the commotion.

Little Lorilee asleep

We looked out over the stairs to the dining table--six lovely faces smiled up at us. It seems that the children were simply all excited over their card games.

This sudden adrenaline rush altered our mood completely, but we knew what we needed was a (very cheap) date so that we could alone together!

It is a common misunderstanding that parents with many children never have time for romance--and if you think about it, there is ample evidence to the contrary...

So I set off to talk to the kids about expectations, started lunch, set boundaries, checked my e-mail. When I returned to the room, our toddler was cuddling next to her daddy.

Sweet Olivia relaxing outside

"We really should take her with us, don't you think?" he said.

Just then, Olivia slipped past me like a soft breeze, a quiet embrace as she moved past me, letting me know in her sweet way that she was craving some connection time also.

Then my dear husband said, "Don't you think we should take Lorilee with us, too?"

Light-hearted Eliana

I mentioned something to him about intimacy, about the definition of "cheap", but I could not get past the smitten, "puppy-dog" look on his face (he's just so irresistible to me when he is loving our children). I caved--he smiled. I told him Eliana had mentioned she wanted to come, as well.

Our Faith Noel

We went back out on the "poop deck" and announced we would be taking four of the tiny girls. We looked down at the table and realized that Faith was sitting there. She felt left out, and she is still so little. Daddy tender-heartedly agreed that she should come along as well.

So we rustled up their shoes and coats in nothing flat, and packed our small SUV--little girls don't take up much room.

We launched out on our adventure and then landed our crowded spaceship at a local pizza palace--complete with stained glass and ladies in Victorian dress. There was an atmosphere of Christmas all around us--fireplace blazing, player-piano tinkling out a familiar Christmas tune, an elaborate 20-foot tree decorated with fine lace and colorful baubles. We were on tour with five little girls, 11 years old and under--everything was old-fashioned and quite marvelous.

Lovely Patience

Our table was large and circular, my husband and I sat across from each other, with beautiful, happy little faces all around us. I would often glanced at him throughout our meal, as I passed out slices of pepperoni and sausage pizza and topped-off cold mugs of root beer, his eyes glistened with the merriment of the occasion.

Afterwards we made a stop at Sam's Club. We roamed and talked about anything and everything, the sort of babbling little girls love, when their best and first boyfriend is there making even the ordinary seem special.

A Christmas memory

On the way home it was just beginning to become dark, and so all of us were alert for Christmas lights as we drove home.

My husband and I joked about how wonderful our "intimate" date had turned out after all. There is nothing like family during the holidays!

What will you do with Jesus?

Joseph, baby Jesus and Mary in the manger

It is perfectly acceptable to speak of Him as a sweet babe. We wrap Him in swaddling clothes and lay Him in a manger; we even cover Him with light and give Him a radiant halo.

But He is all grown up. He is no more swathed in cherubic sweetness. He was a man--better than that He said he was the Savior--the Lord--the Son of God--what then, will we do with Him?

We can call Him a great teacher--but His lessons are too harsh. His message was about dying in order to live, and losing in order to gain. He traveled throughout Israel like a common transient--He gleaned His food from the fields and slept with only a rock as His pillow. He gave until His skin was bruised and torn and His life's blood flowed. 

Though he was God, yet He was not His own Boss. He laid down His own will and took up His Father's. He fully submitted to God, "Not my will, but Thine", and in the surrender of His life He demonstrated to us the way to life. He is not the fulfiller of dreams, He is the Dream. 

"Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes to the Father, but by me." (John 14:6)

We can call Him a Prophet--because He spoke the words of God. But He was God, and He was the Word.

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not." (John 1:1-5)

We want to include Him in a group of all sorts of good, spiritual men, but He will not fit. He was not good, He was Goodness. He was not spiritual, He was the Son of God, the very God Himself in the flesh. There is nothing spiritual besides Him, and all attempts to glory in any other is vain.

We cannot have Jesus and...

Savior and Lord of all!

...Jesus must stand on His own. Yes, He was a lamb led to the slaughter, yet God declares Him the Lion of Judah. He comforts and loves all who are His own; He died that all might live, but it is a "free-will" choice--to choose Him--to choose life. Each of us must decide for ourselves, because if we are not for Him, we are against Him.  

Someday, when the tombs of all the other "gods", prophets, and kings are swept away into forgetfulness, Jesus will take His place as the King of kings and Lord of lords.

Will we be able to claim Him as our Treasure, our One Desire, our God and King, or will we be smitten to the ground, fearful of our fate before His Holy Majesty?

What will you do with Jesus?

Loving My Large Family

Children are an heritage of the Lord!

I don't think of my children as one group, or even as any certain number. Just the other day I even forgot for a moment how many children I actually have (I have 15 wonderful children).

You see, I am in awe of everyone of them! I carried each one under my heart, rejoiced at the first fluttering I felt, prayed for them, talked with each one before they were ever even born, massaged all those tiny feet as they poked out from my enormous tummy.

It is assumed that, after giving birth so many times, it all somehow becomes old-hat. I suppose there are things that one can take for granted, but there is just no way to get "used" to carrying and giving birth to another precious life! In actual fact, the whole process has become more sacred to me with each new pregnancy. I find myself keeping the whole thing more intimate, since the often unintentional callousness of others can still break my heart--"Are you done yet?" is one that I have a lot of trouble with--as if having a darling little baby is just about the dumbest thing a person could ever do, so why don't I quit already?

Tiny-winnie baby Patience

There is just no other treasure comparable to my sweet babies. Even as they get older, weather they are 18 or 28, I simply can't believe I was ever privileged to be their mother. They are so very wonderful to me. I watch them as they have grown and there is an ache there, but I am so blessed by their lives, just knowing they are out there making a positive difference in the world.

And my little ones at home are so dear to me. Every day I get to spend with them is important. I know they need me, and it is such a joy to give of myself to them. I love to cuddle them and enjoy their silly-hearted antics, take pleasure in talking and joking around with all of them, discovering things together, planning, reading good books, sharing the Lord Jesus and especially praying together.

A time to play...

I love stopping whatever I am doing (even writing a post) to press my face close to one of their charming little faces when they talk to me--in this way, I communicate just how wonderful they are.

I don't ever complain when they cause a bit of work, worry, or even interrupt me while I am busy. My husband and I never sit together wishing that they were already grown and gone. Instead, we feel great sorrow for couples who are our age and have no children at home.

It is just so marvelous to have them all here with us. There is always something to do, always someone to care for, always genuine "meaning" to the mundane things of life.

We love the noise, the commotion, and the instant "party" whenever there is something to celebrate--even a toddler who uses the potty for the first time is hailed and lauded!

Ryan's rendition of a happy mother and babe

No, they aren't perfect little angels, and they can cause us some sleepless nights and passionate emotions, but they are worth it. They are worth making the effort to work things out, even with some difficult soul-searching questions, when they don't feel happy, comfortable or even receptive to us.

In reality, we have needed each one--even though they may be angry with us, or simply misunderstand, or just want to try things their own way. We need them because we are not perfect people either; we need them because they are assisting God in our transformation.

Folks tend to wonder where their kids would be without them; we tend to wonder where we would be without our kids!

Christmas Homeschool

The three wise-men following the star of Christ!

Someday, I am going to begin planning in July for December...someday when all of my children are grown and there isn't anyone left to plan for!

Meanwhile, in the real world, I need to face the facts; there is no way for this mother to keep up the grind of formal homeschooling during the holiday season. Besides, if I did my children would rebel.

Instead, I try and do a stress-free "Christmas school". Every one of those nifty craft projects that were too messy or time-consuming to do at any other time, Bible study, poetry, Christmas stories, original compositions, are all very much a part of my December plan.

The children begin their salt dough creations!

For one thing, every one of my children knows that the holidays mean salt dough creations—the children love to work in this stuff almost daily. Good thing Sam's Club sells a mega box of salt for only 98 cents! We work, bake, and then paint and decorate them. Many of these turn out to be wonderfully sweet decorations that are saved as keepsakes and hung on the Christmas tree each year.

Next, we also love to create Christmas cards—of different varieties. These are great, sneaky ways to get the children to do some unofficial copy work while filling the insides with creative poetry—and because others may see these, the handwriting, spelling, and grammar receive closer attention! 

God's Word is precious!

For Bible study, I am having the older children study the nativity accounts from the Gospels and then complete a comprehensive, written narration. I am also requiring them to memorize a Christmas carol from our hymnals and play at least the melody on an instrument of each person's choice (around here that means keyboard, guitar or recorder).

Creating a family newsletter is another great way to keep the kids writing. It is a cinch to fix up a first-rate booklet to send to family and friends via desktop publishing. I have used PrintMaster to create newsletters in the past. It is so enjoyable to include family photos, scans of original artwork, prose and poetry the children compose themselves. The funniest stories we ever included were the ones dictated to me by the tiniest children in the family—verbatim!

Besides these, there are so many great resources for coloring pages, mazes, crossword puzzles, cut-outs, etc. for free on the Internet. Here are a few of the sites I am using this year:

A time of thanksgiving...

Activity Village

Disney Family.com

I am using the Christmas decorating pages from Activity Village, both as activities for each of the children, and coloring in and laminating a set of each to use as a file-folder game. The snowman set from the Disney site is perfect for one of these folder games as well.

Activity village also offers a series of coloring pages covering the nativity with lines for narration or copy work! I have printed and copied some mazes and dot-to-dots for my tiny ones from here as well.

For Christmas math we just allow the kids to purchase gifts for each other—the practical application is worth 50 workbook pages!

...to reflect on all God's blessings!

Of course, there is also a lot of hand-crafts happening in all sorts of secret ways and places for Christmas gifts—I can't share all of that here for fear of giving away some surprises!

Additionally, one should never discount the baking of yummy cookies and other good things—we are cracking out the "What Einstein Told His Cook" book to delve into the "why's" and "how's" of sugar, etc. Science with a smile!

What are some of the ways you like to incorporate stress-free learning during the holidays?

Testing feeds once again

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

If you receive my blog via a feed service, please forgive the messy arrangements of new items posted for your reading. They may be old and out of order, but at least they are there! I have had a number of problems with my feeds, which I thought were fixed, but recently found they were still broken.

Thanks to a kind blogger help person, they should all be fixed again! Please let me know that you have found my blog again through the feed service.

So glad to be back!

Blessings,

Sherry