12/30/12

A-Pin-A-Day Project: January - Setting Goals to Produce!

Welcome to a new year!  A time of renewed hope, goal setting and planning.  Right?

 Resolution time has just never been my favorite new year activity . . .  Of course, you know what "they say" about the "best laid plans", right?  Yea, it's just not my greatest strength, especially when it comes to "self-care".  Name one mother that is ACTUALLY good at that.

 Take for instance, my Pinterest Board (dun * dun * dun).  Scary!  It is chalk full of good intentions and "best laid plans".

 What was supposed to have been a fun project, became a quickly forgotten momentary obsession, or even worse, an envious look at what I don't have!  YUCK!  I despise the tendency to compare myself with others . . . a trap I fall into easily.  I think that is just a woman thing! 
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No fear ladies, I have a plan. (Yes, this should frighten you a little.)

 I have decided to use my Pinterest Board as a vehicle for setting goals; personal, professional & family goals, for the new year.  Pinterest can, and should be a useful tool, rather than a hindrance or perpetual "time-sucker".

 The idea is to use it (Pinterest) as a means of personal accountability to remain consistent through the entire year, God willing.  I would love for you to join me in this journey.  Hey, it's Pinteresting fun . . . enough said.

 With all of that in mind I unveil my new blogging series:

This should make all you Pinterest-Junkies very excited (me included)!

This is how it will roll:  

  • I will bring you a new Edition each month at the beginning of the month. Each monthly edition will be focused on a particular theme and will be our assignment for pinning our way to PRODUCTIVITY during 2013!
  • You will spend the month pinning & producing "A-Pin-A-Day" during your regular work week.  The pins you post to your board need to go along with the focus and theme of that month's edition of "A-Pin-A-Day".  Example: December Edition (Holiday Stress); you would pin one pin each day relating to an article, post or project that helps you to relieve holiday stress, encourages you or helps you complete a project or goal.  

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  • YOU DON'T ACTUALLY HAVE TO PIN EVERYDAY!  This should be for accountability purposes and self-motivation, not to stress you out!
  • At the end of the month I will feature another "A-Pin-A-Day" post that will have a link-up.  This will be the place to share your Pin Board for that month's assignment or share a post from you blog relating to your "A-Pin-A-Day" Project. YOU DO NOT have to be a blogger to participate.

Ready to get to some Pinning?
Alright then, this month edition and challenge will focus on the new year and the setting of new goals.
ORIGINAL: Photo Credit
Here is your challenge assignment: JANUARY - Setting Goals to Produce!
  1. Go to your Pinterest Board and create an entire board entitled A-P-A-D January Goal Setting.  
  2. Next, Pin this post to your board.
  3. Be sure to FOLLOW our A-P-A-D January Board HERE ---> This board will include my personal goals & ideas, tips and inspiration for you to pin to your board and encouragement for this month's challenge.
  4. LET THE PINNING BEGIN!  Spend the 1st week of this challenge pinning your goals to your board.  Spend the next 2 - 3 weeks productively acting on these goals on a daily and weekly basis, according to your goal plan.
  5. Remember to stop back by the last FRIDAY of the month to link-up your Pinterest board or blog post and share your ideas, tips and progress!  January's link-up date will be Friday, January 25th, 2013.(Update: Sharing week will be moved to the 1st Full Week of every month) February 5th, 2013: January Goal Setting
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Don't forget to follow our hashtag on Twitter & Pinterest #APAD13

May your year begin & end with joy!
The Joyful Socks Mom 

HERE ARE SOME MORE JOYFUL RESOURCES FOR YOU!
  • Visit my new Etsy Shop: HERITAGE FOLK ART to get unique handmade gifts!  Custom orders are welcome. 
  • HARMONY FINE ARTS: The best study for art and music appreciation!  Hard working moms with little time left will love this curriculum plan.
Statement of Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. The blog owner receives a small portion of sales generated from these links, which helps to support this blog. The blog writer does not receive compensation for thoughts or opinions expressed on this blog. Thank you for your kind consideration. 
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12/28/12

D.I.Y. Hobby Starter Kits: Science Guy Fun Kit {with Links to Free Printables}


I enjoy giving gifts to the children I love, but I am a PICKY gift giver.  Yes, you heard it here first folks!

 I just have major issues with always giving the latest video game, junk plastic toy or over priced plastic building set (brand remains anonymous).  I do LOVE for kids to be overjoyed in playing, inventing, experimenting, and learning in a fun and creative environment. 

 I needed a gift for my 2 nephews, aged 8 years old and 10 years old.  Thus, I decided to go with an economical but fun learning kit that I built myself, with love.  Here is what I included in their Science Guy Fun Kit:

Science Equipment:

  • Safety Googles from the Dollar Store 
  • Latex Gloves 
  • Small Documentation Journal
  • Pop Rocks . . . because they explode and they're yummy!
I placed all their Science goodies in plastic carrying baskets I got at the Dollar Store, blue for one, green for the other.


 Experiment Kits: I chose to include EXPLODING experiments because my nephews are TOTAL BOYS, but I have included a list of alternative experiments to use at the bottom of this post.
TOTAL COST FOR 2 KITS? $11.00


Here are some great alternative experiments that would fit easily into a hobby kit:

POP ROCKS EXPERIMENT 
MAGNETIC MONEY (Kids really like this, obviously)
HOMEMADE ICE CREAM SCIENCE 
WATER WHISTLE

You can find tons of free experiments online, and I do suggest trying it at home!

Hoping your new year is full of wonder and joy!
The Joyful Socks Mom 
HERE ARE SOME MORE JOYFUL RESOURCES FOR YOU!
  • Visit my new Etsy Shop: HERITAGE FOLK ART to get unique handmade gifts!  Custom orders are welcome. 
  • HARMONY FINE ARTS: The best study for art and music appreciation!  Hard working moms with little time left will love this curriculum plan.
Statement of Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. The blog owner receives a small portion of sales generated from these links, which helps to support this blog. The blog writer does not receive compensation for thoughts or opinions expressed on this blog. Thank you for your kind consideration. 
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12/23/12

Hearing From The LORD Through The Generations

Luke 1:55

 "As He spoke to our fathers,
To Abraham and to his seed forever"

Hearing from the LORD is a matter of position.

 Not a position in world terms, but taking a position of authority over your own flesh, your heart and your family.

 Mary didn't wake one day and say to herself, "Self, I think we should have great faith and become a chosen vessel of the LORD."  

 Sorry to burst you bubble.  I guarantee that the faith building work that became manifest in this young teenager's life began with faithful parents.  Parents who saw the generational benefit of serving the LORD and living in His will.
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Remember that establishing generational blessings for your family is a process, one which takes time, consistency and faith.  The world may pull on the heart strings of our children, but the heart of the home, when established in the foundation in Christ, will trump the world in the end.

Joshua 24:15

New King James Version (NKJV)
"And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

 The application of these biblical principles will look differently in each individual home.  What is acceptable in my home, may not be in your home.  It is up to us as parent's to determine prayerfully what is acceptable according to God's will for their family.
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Philippians 2:12

New King James Version (NKJV)

"Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;"

However; there are foundations of biblical principles that I now submit will be essential in all Christian homes:
  • Deal with weaknesses (flesh, heart issues, etc.) now, not later when these issues have crossed from temptation, to iniquity, to out right sin issues.  Here is one of the resources we like to use consistently in our home.
  • Build the "Jesus culture" in your home.  Building all house rules, focus and purpose on the basis of Jesus Christ and His cross, crucified!
  • Build "fences" for your children!  My pastor gave an excellent word on this just this past Sunday.  The principle is this: We set the holiness standards, or measuring stick, by which our family should walk by.  Not for salvation, for that alone is found in Jesus Christ, but to set fences surrounding our children's heart, protecting them from the enemy of our souls and the world.
  • Believe God at His Word, in all His promises and commands without condition!  His ways our not ours and we must remember that He brings all things around to good, in His time.  Not your time, His time.  Not what you think it should look like, but it is His masterpiece.  Trust Him!
In the end, you and your family belong in His hands and live but for His purpose alone.  Hearing from Christ, through His holy living Word, and allowing Him free reign in your life and your family's; this will be the most assured way to establish generational blessings for you and your children, and your children's children.

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Today is the last day to reflect together on having a "Mary Heart".  I hope journeying through this beautiful prayer in scripture has blessed you and renewed your faith.  It has been an ardent blessing to me and I am grateful for the journey.

 Hoping your new year is full of wonders and joy!

PHOTO CREDIT: A Mary Heart Logo Button ORIGINAL WORK BY: http://www.flickr.com/photos/pokpok/ ---> Thanks!
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12/22/12

His Ways Are Wonderful & I Don't Have To Ask Why!

Luke 1:51-54 (NKJV)

 "He has shown strength with His arm;
He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.

 52 He has put down the mighty from their thrones,
And exalted the lowly.

 53 He has filled the hungry with good things,
And the rich He has sent away empty.

 54 He has helped His servant Israel,
In remembrance of His mercy,"


The key to understanding God's ways is this . . . stop asking why?

 Now before you get all huffy-puffy on me, please understand a few things:
  • I think it is healthy and natural to question.
  • I know that I, myself, still struggle with this concept, so I acknowledge that I, too, need growth in this area.
  • I know that these ideas are "counter-culture", but most who know me will plainly understand . . . being culturally relevant is not high on my list of priorities! OBVIOUSLY!
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Why is asking "why" so dangerous anyway?

Isaiah 55:8

New King James Version (NKJV)

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord."

Job 40:1-2

New King James Version (NKJV)
"Moreover the Lord answered Job, and said: 'Shall the one who contends with the Almighty correct Him? He who rebukes God, let him answer it.'"
Contending in our hearts that according to God and His ways, we just don't know that much can be difficult for many.  This is, of course, not a "far stretch" for me much of the time.  Why?  I have been in acceptance of the vastness of what little I truly understand. ;)
Fortunately, or unfortunately in this case, we humans feel an innate need to understand our world and surroundings.  Meanwhile the world and culture we live in actually elevates and glorifies those who question authority and the natural order of things.  Our need to understand is fueled by our society's need to "feel" important.  The pride of life.  Oh boy, don't get me started on that dangerous topic!
What does the song of Mary teach us about a proper response to our need for understanding?
  • Submission - Mary acknowledged the LORD's ways being far above that of her own feeble understanding.
  • Surrender - Mary accepted the Word of the Lord in any and all forms that it came to her.  She may have asked how, but she did not ask why.

Luke 1:38-39

New King James Version (NKJV)
"Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her."
  • Consistency - Mary over and over shows an unwavering faith in God's Providential hand in her life.  Her faith trumped her circumstance.
Let us not get caught up in the "why" of this world.

Let us instead reach for the wonder of God's faithfulness to those who fear Him and follow His ways . . . ways we may not understand, but that we do trust.

He sent Himself to be sacrifice for my sin and yours.  

Why?  I DO NOT UNDERSTAND, but I am thankful!  Aren't you?
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I hope this series will be a source of peace and joy for you this season.  Join in tomorrow as we discuss how to hear from the Lord throughout the generations.


PHOTO CREDIT: A Mary Heart Logo Button ORIGINAL WORK BY: http://www.flickr.com/photos/pokpok/ ---> Thanks!
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12/21/12

Fearing The LORD and Bringing a Heritage

Luke 1:50 (NKJV)

 "And His mercy is on those who fear Him
From generation to generation."

The fear of the LORD.

 This biblical principle does not get enough "lip service" in today's church community.  Why not?  Well, let just say it is not exactly the "feel good" message that most Christians are seeking on Sunday morning.  Many leaders just don't want to "go there".  No worries sister, I WILL go there with you!

Hosea 4:6 (NKJV) "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.  Because you have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you from being priest for Me; Because you have forget the law of your God, I will also forget your children."
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Oh my . . . let this not be our plight!

 What Mary had, is what we need.  A true understanding of the fear of God!  Not some vague notion or "generic-brand" knowledge, for THAT is not knowledge at all!

 Proverbs 1:7 (NKJV) 
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of of knowledge . . . "
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Okay, so what is the "fear of the LORD"?  How do I get it and then keep it?

 The fear of the LORD, in my humble estimation is this . . . 
to live with awe, wonder and holy reverence for the majesty of the One and sovereign God.

 I submit that this is the time of year to renew, refresh or develop for the first time this fear that leads to knowledge.  What a great way to mark the beginning of the new year with a renewed sense of wonder and awe!
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Here is my own personal list for beginning and keeping my sense of wonder and awe:

 1.  READ AND WRITE THE WORD!  This is something I've been doing a lot of recently.  Just slowly meditating on God's Holy Word and writing them down in my journal.  

 If you are on Instagram you can use the hashtag #writetheword and join other ladies that have committed themselves to this process.  I also participate with the #hellomornings - Winter session begins January 28th, check it out here.

 2.  Pray for wisdom and focus.  
James 1:5 (NKJV) "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him."

 3.  Purpose my heart.  My husband says these very words to my son, on an almost daily basis.  It is all part of "counting the costs" and deciding "whom you will serve".  I want to fear the LORD and grow in His ways, above the ways of men.  I MUST set it in my heart to this task, first and foremost, everyday.

 4.  Stop sweating the "small stuff".  P.S.  That means EVERYTHING!  The in-law situations, the store clerk with attitude, the wreck-less driver in front of you, the non-perfect children in your house . . . all these things must be pushed to the wayside and rather spend your energies focusing on your awe and wonder for the Most High.

 5.  Mark this time and season with purpose-filled moments of awe, wonder and joy.  This is the prescription for the stress and strain the world forces on us during this time of the year (oh, and every-other-day-of-the-year too).
  • Listen to Handel's Messiah, the Hallelujah chorus 
  • ---> I like this one and my friend Connie suggests this one on YouTube.
  • Start a Blessing Log!  Take a few minutes each day to count those blessings and your wonder will never cease at what the LORD has done.
  • Go caroling with a group of close friends and bring cookies to hand out.
  • Serve a dinner to a sick neighbor or church member and thank God for your health.
  • Watch the sunset while drinking a hot cup of cocoa.  If you have a nine year old girl, invite her to come . . . she will be good to point out all the WONDERFUL things you might be missing! ;)
Be full of wonder this season and the fear of the LORD will spring out the wisdom and knowledge in your heart!  That is a remedy we could all stand to receive.

Hoping your winter is full of wonders and joy!
The Joyful Socks Mom 
HAVE YOU MISSED A POST:
Day #1 ----> Praying A Mary Heart for the Season
Day #2 ----> Remembering His Regard For You
Day #3 ----> 3 Steps Mary Used To Avoid Complaining

HERE ARE SOME MORE JOYFUL RESOURCES FOR YOU!
  • Visit my new Etsy Shop: HERITAGE FOLK ART to get unique handmade gifts!  Custom orders are welcome. 
  • HARMONY FINE ARTS: The best study for art and music appreciation!  Hard working moms with little time left will love this curriculum plan.
Statement of Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. The blog owner receives a small portion of sales generated from these links, which helps to support this blog. The blog writer does not receive compensation for thoughts or opinions expressed on this blog. Thank you for your kind consideration. 
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12/20/12

3 Steps Mary Used to Avoid Complaining

49 
Luke 1:49 (NKJV)

"For He who is mighty has done great things for me,
And holy is His name."

Do you have a complaint?
How about an illness?
Are you striving over an unsaved friend or relative?
Do you tend to struggle financially during this season?

 Complaining about the strife of life is a slippery slope, one that is far too easy to fall down.  
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Our tendency in the natural is to gravitate toward the "easy out" . . . grumbling!

 Mary made a conscious effort to gravitate towards God and to acknowledge His hand in her circumstances.
"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJV)
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"Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV)

I am certain that Mary had an opportunity to complain and grumble.  Undoubtedly she could have . . . I mean she was female and a teenager at that!  She certainly had cause to complain as far as "world standards" would have dictated.  Mary's heart, however; was acceptable in the sight of God, therefore, she became a chosen vessel.

 How can we too reciprocate this kind of heart?
  • Acknowledge the LORD.  Proclaim His goodness and boldly recall that His ways are high above ours.  Find the Light in your situation, this builds your faith.  Grumbling and complaining only feeds the flesh.  GO the opposite direction.
  • Shout it from the mountain tops the renewal of your grateful heart.  Search and seek for something to be content with and thankful for . . . you maybe surprised at the long list you end up with.  Thankfulness is the healing remedy for complaining.
  • Declare His holy name.  Keep the name of Jesus Christ at the tip of your tongue and do not be ashamed to boldly declare it over you life, again and again.
Mary must have known that her circumstances here on earth did not dictate her value in the LORD's kingdom.  Her meek and humble spirit accepted that this earth was not where her value lies.  The same is true for you!

Please remember that the way you "feel" or how you "perceive" your circumstance is not the reality that God intends for you.  It is just a feeling, a thought, a passing moment, a breath. 

Trust in the One who established your path and give Him praise!
I hope you will join us tomorrow as we continue to reflect on having a Mary Heart for the season and bask in the faithfulness of our God. 

The Joyful Socks Mom 

HERE ARE SOME MORE JOYFUL RESOURCES FOR YOU!
  • Visit my new Etsy Shop: HERITAGE FOLK ART to get unique handmade gifts!  Custom orders are welcome. 
  • HARMONY FINE ARTS: The best study for art and music appreciation!  Hard working moms with little time left will love this curriculum plan.
Statement of Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. The blog owner receives a small portion of sales generated from these links, which helps to support this blog. The blog writer does not receive compensation for thoughts or opinions expressed on this blog. Thank you for your kind consideration. 
Posted by at No comments:

12/19/12

Knot-A-Scarf: Fun Idea for Handicrafts with Girls

I originally found this Pinteresting idea from Dollar Store Crafts, which is one of my favorite blogs . . . obviously, I am crafty and cheap frugal!  Why wouldn't I love it?  We have lovingly dubbed this project, the Knot-A-Scarf!  Aren't we just too clever?!?

The knotted-scarf is a super easy handicraft project that is great for beginners to crochet.  The only stitches used are the basic beginning stitches (slip stitch & chains - single crochet), which makes it an excellent project for handicrafts with kids, for the purpose of home education.  The girls and I have had so much fun with these scarves that we have expanded our knotted-scarf portfolio.


 The Bug (only 9 years old), began using the French knitting method to create the lovely little strands necessary to construct these adorable Knot-A-Scarves.


She sells her French Knit Knot-A-Scarf at handicraft and folk art festivals and fairs.  It has really given her a sense of accomplishment to finish a project of quality worthy of resale.  Which, of course, is the goal.  Giving her a hand craft to carry forward into adulthood.

Check out the easy to follow tutorial on crocheting knotted scarves HERE.

* Here is a really neat video that they showed at a Women's Conference this spring.  Many of these techniques will work with our KNOT-A-SCARF ----->


Are you just not a Do-It-Yourself "junkie" like me?  If you are interested in purchasing a Knot-A-Scarf from our family, simply email me to order your own.

The Joyful Socks Mom 

P.S.  Here is my knot joke:

Rope goes into a fancy restaurant to eat.  The snooty host will not seat him stating, "You are a rope.  We do not serve your kind here."

Disappointed the rope runs into the alley and messes up his hair, then ties himself up.  He returns inside to try and get seated.

The host exclaims again, "I thought I told you to leave.  You are a rope!  We don't serve your kind here."

The rope looks at him with confidence and exclaims, "I'm a-frayed knot!" 

 I know, I know . . . I'm easy to entertain!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 
Where we are at?

HERE ARE SOME MORE JOYFUL RESOURCES FOR YOU!
  • Visit my new Etsy Shop: HERITAGE FOLK ART to get unique handmade gifts!  Custom orders are welcome. 
  • HARMONY FINE ARTS: The best study for art and music appreciation!  Hard working moms with little time left will love this curriculum plan.
Statement of Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. The blog owner receives a small portion of sales generated from these links, which helps to support this blog. The blog writer does not receive compensation for thoughts or opinions expressed on this blog. Thank you for your kind consideration. 
Posted by at No comments:
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