Encouragement to the Task

As our family prepares to dig into another home school year, God plopped these little gems into my lap this week so I would be sure and notice them. Now I can breathe a sigh of relief~ He's got me covered!

What do you expect of me, Lord?

My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother; For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck. Proverbs 1:8-9

But how will I have the strength and wisdom to do this, Lord?

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

On what should we focus, Lord?

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. Philippians 4:8,9

Will You bless us in our efforts, Lord?

Be not deceived, God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing; for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Galatians 6:7-9

Good Thought

If I Had My Child to Raise Over Again

by Diane Loomans

If I had my child to raise all over again,

I'd build self-esteem first, and the house later.

I'd finger paint more, and point the finger less.

I would do less correcting and more connecting.

I'd take my eyes off my watch, and watch more with my eyes.

I would care to know less and know to care more.

I'd take more hikes and fly more kites.

I'd stop playing serious, and seriously play.

I would run through more fields and gaze at more stars.

I'd do more hugging and less tugging.

I'd see the oak tree in the acorn more often.

I would be firm less often, and affirm much more.

I'd model less about the love of power,

And more about the power of love.

I Love It When a Plan Comes Together

Every afternoon at Pecan Bluff we have what we call Personal Devotional Time. We just started it this summer, and it's gone really well. Each child finishes up his or her Chore Pack after lunch, then they grab a Bible and read and pray for 20 minutes. We've always had mandatory quiet times, family Bible times, reading times, etc, so it wasn't too big of a stretch to make this little chunk of our day into individual Bible reading and prayer time.

I just stuck a load of laundry in and made my rounds to check on everyone. At this very moment my three older children have their heads bent over their Bibles, deep in thought. And lo and behold, I peeked around the corner at the baby, and she is studying her Baby Bible! I didn't even realize her Bible was down off the shelf, but she has it in her chubby little hands. Hee hee

So, I'm off to get some good Personal Devotional Time, too. God is so good to bless us every day with the little things to show us how much He cares about our lives!

Pulleys and Cranks and Gears~ Oh, My!

The past few months we've really made use of our museum family pass (thanks Granny and Grandpa!) to see Machines in Motion, a traveling exhibit showcasing the inventions of Leonardo da Vinci. It was absolutely amazing, and the kids enjoyed it so much, especially my little guys. The legos and Knex here at home haven't rested in weeks since the boys are so full of their own inventions now, inspired by the master himself. These photos are from a special day when just the 3 guys went. Very, very fun!

The museum docent shows the boys how to work the machines.

We decided we need one of these bridges over our creek.

Wouldn't that make a good project when the boys are a bit older?

Time to build something of our own before we leave for the day.

And time for a snack to fuel all those busy brain cells.

Obedient

Eldest son watched quietly from the sidelines while I corrected his brother and sister after they'd had a big squabble. I gave the fussing pair a thorough talking-to, complete with scripture quotes and apologies all around. Then I sent them on their way with extra chores so they could work off some of that attitude.

Watching them walk away, he came to me and put his arms around my neck. "Mama," he said solemnly. "I don't want to get extra chores like they did. That's why I'm always very... obey-ish."

Sounds good to me!

Bulgogi

Here's what's for supper tonight at Pecan Bluff. It's delish!

Our kids eat a lot of this, so I triple the recipe for our family.

Korean Barbecued Beef (Bulgogi)

3 T soy sauce

1 T sesame oil

1 T sesame seeds

1 clove minced garlic

2 t sugar

pinch of salt

1 t freshly ground pepper

1 pound beef top sirloin or other thinly sliced beef

1 bag frozen asian stir fry vegetables

white rice

green or red leaf lettuce

Whisk together first 7 ingredients. Place meat and veggies in zipper bag to marinate for at least 3 hours. When ready to cook, preheat outdoor grill for high heat. Remove meat and veggies from marinade and place on large sheet of aluminum foil. Discard marinade. Place meat and veggies on grill and cook for 15 minutes or to desired doneness.

Serve with rice and big leafy lettuce leaves to wrap the beef and veggies.

Great Dad

Yesterday at lunch my oldest son, age 7, looked thoughtful.

"Mom," he said between bites, "when I grow up I'm going to be a train engineer and a Dad."

"That sounds good," I said. He continued, even though his mouth was full.

"Yep. I'll drive my train then come home right away. But not on the weekends. I won't drive my train on weekends. I'll stay home on the weekends, because my family will need me. And on Sunday, we'll go to church. Just like our family."

Every little boy watches his daddy to see what kind of daddy he should be one day. Every little girl watches her daddy to see what kind of man she should marry one day. I'm thankful my boys and girls have their Daddy to watch. He's teaching them all the right stuff.