Photo by D'oh Boy(Mark Holloway) via Compfight.org cc
Photo by jatmoos via Compfight.org cc
Photo by Medicinehorse7 via Compfight.org cc
Joyfully Learning As I Go,
The Joyful Socks Mom
1/30/13
Modesty in Art Appreciation: CENSORED
Okay. For the most part I purposely avoid the "hot button" topics around these joyful parts. But, not today . . .
Having recently posted regarding a field trip to the art museum, I felt it appropriate to share how we deal with an important issue to many parents, nudity in art. Don't shut down on me . . . I'm going somewhere with this.
Should we shy away from studying the arts with our children because of a seemingly consistent presence of nudity, prolifically displayed in some art?
Many Christians would argue saying yes, the possibility of encountering nudity demands we not study art and sighting scriptures like,
1 Thessalonians 5:22 "Abstain from all appearance of evil."
I would agree, up to a point . . . however (you saw that one coming, didn't you?); I do not believe we can be so emphatic about our personal belief system as to push them so strictly in judgement over an entire form of expression that can, and has been used to glorify God.
Here is my take, for what it's worth:
Having recently posted regarding a field trip to the art museum, I felt it appropriate to share how we deal with an important issue to many parents, nudity in art. Don't shut down on me . . . I'm going somewhere with this.
Many Christians would argue saying yes, the possibility of encountering nudity demands we not study art and sighting scriptures like,
1 Thessalonians 5:22 "Abstain from all appearance of evil."
I would agree, up to a point . . . however (you saw that one coming, didn't you?); I do not believe we can be so emphatic about our personal belief system as to push them so strictly in judgement over an entire form of expression that can, and has been used to glorify God.
- We live in the world, we are called not to be "of the world". The same rational that would denote I should refuse the benefits of an art education to my children because of what I might potentially encounter; could also rationalize my need to therefore NEVER LEAVE MY HOME for the same reason. We cannot fear the world, but must be lights for Christ Jesus set upon a hill for all to see; rather than being constantly afraid of what we will see.
- When we choose to live boldly in the world, as Christ calls us to do, by faith we make the earth, which He created to be good to become our classroom setting. It is much more character building to my children for them to see the talents and abilities that are given to men, by God, and the limitless possibilities that open up to us as His servants when we choose to use them for His glory rather than our own.
- My children must learn how to put into practice the self-discipline that scripture teaches: training their own eyes, mind, hands, and hearts; every tool given of God to praise Him and not to use toward fleshly pursuits. Warning my children, through God's Holy Living Word, what the world, the enemy and our very own flesh use to be the stumbling blocks to faith, this is my job. We train our own eyes away from that which is NOT OF GOD! (a.k.a. nudity in art, immodest clothing on women & men in public, commercials on television, potential internet dangers, pictures in the magazine rack at the grocery store. . . shall I go on?)
"Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."
Whew! I feel better. I am officially folding up my, as my hubby calls it, "portable" soapbox making way for normal discussion again.
Discuss among yourself, I'll give you a topic: Franklin Delano Roosevelt's New Deal was neither new, nor a deal! Discuss.
Joyfully Home Educating,
The Joyful Socks Mom
Thank you for the art! via Flickr:
Vatican City, Rome, Italy by: tiffanybstone
Russell, John - Girl with Cherries - Louvre by: Lynn (Gracie's Mom)
Monet by: sipazigaltumu
Starry Night close up-moonlight by:maureen lunn
1/29/13
Art Education: Dad Does It Different, Not Wrong!
Being away for the weekend at the Homeschool Winter Summit meant a little planning needed to be done. Dinners. Laundry. Housework. The basics, plus I didn't want to leave Dad hanging on Friday with kids that were out of their homeschool swing.
After some discussion we both decided that a trip to a local art museum would be a great homeschool field trip. The Scout needed to visit an art museum for a Boy Scout Merit Badge and I needed the kids to review some European Art for enrichment to our Harmony Fine Arts curriculum. Win, win!
Well . . .
Mommy's way of doing the museum:
Big props for the photos goes to my 13 year old son, The Scout. Good job!
After some discussion we both decided that a trip to a local art museum would be a great homeschool field trip. The Scout needed to visit an art museum for a Boy Scout Merit Badge and I needed the kids to review some European Art for enrichment to our Harmony Fine Arts curriculum. Win, win!
Well . . .
Mommy's way of doing the museum:
 |
| Weeping Willow by: Claude Monet |
- The Kimbell Art Museum - European Artists Collection
- Complete four notebooking page Scavenger Hunt & Artist page, along with scetches of student's favorite works
- Return to mom completed for a test grade
Sounds simple enough. Right?
Wrong!
Daddy's way of doing the museum:
- The Modern Art Museum
- Lots of engaged discussion
- Tons of interacting with the art
- Documenting their journey on camera
So, was dad's way wrong? Nope! Not a bit. As a matter of fact, the kids have been chatting my ear off about their trip & I bet you a million they learned much more doing it dad's way.
Am I so blessed to have such an amazingly engaged, extra handsome home educating father for my children, or what!?!
P.S. They went to the Kimbell Art Museum and completed mommy's assignments first . . . then they went and did art dad's way.
My vote? Dad should now be in charge of field trips! Anyone second that motion?
Home Educating with Joy!
The Joyful Socks Mom
1/28/13
A Winter's Refreshing: Homeschool Winter Summit (Oklahoma)
A rare treat. A weekend away from home. An overnight stay without my hubby or kids. A weekend with fellow Christian sisters. Edifying. Encouragement. Refreshing.
Enter in with me, to the Homeschool Winter Summit (Oklahoma) . . . and yes, I was cheesy enough to sing "the song" to the poor innocent bystanders riding with me!
Lovely ride with people who were willing to listen to me talk, and talk, and talk and talk . . . rare, huh? Me talking and people listening? What other choice do they have, they were stuck in a van with me.
We reached the most lovely Embassy Suites in Norman, Oklahoma. Home city of some collegiate football team that I refuse to name on my blog. (freedom of speech)
Joyful Socks arrived with a bit of sneezing . . .
maybe I'm allergic . . .
to Oklahoma? . . .
to being in the same town as "un-named" football team?
On to Saturday's session . . .
Oh well, I'm sick, but in excellent company and getting a spiritual recharge that this mommy's batteries desperately needed. Real sharing. Real laughing. Real home educating moms who love Jesus!
Reminders to see the good. Reminders to be real with one another. Reminders to validate one another. Reminders to keep our marriage sacred. Reminders that the Word of God is living and breathing and ready to work on your behalf to the glory of God. Reminders to keep "drinking deeply of Jesus Christ" and "to be the sieve" pouring it out to our children (THANK YOU Cheryl Lange). Reminders to dream big & be "Circle Makers" from Roxanne Parks.
Home again with my lovely fellow travelers & as officially being dubbed from the stage as Connie's "sick friend" (hopefully the reference was for physical illness only?).
Where we are at? We are linking up this week with Homeschooling on the Cheap at 3boysandadog.com
 |
| PHOTO CREDIT |
We reached the most lovely Embassy Suites in Norman, Oklahoma. Home city of some collegiate football team that I refuse to name on my blog. (freedom of speech)
Joyful Socks arrived with a bit of sneezing . . .
maybe I'm allergic . . .
to Oklahoma? . . .
to being in the same town as "un-named" football team?
Friday night session included wonderful worship. Amazing yeah-homeschool-mom-you-go-girl pep rally. And the stage was set.
I will not be sick, I will not be sick, I will not be sick!
On to Saturday's session . . .
Oh well, I'm sick, but in excellent company and getting a spiritual recharge that this mommy's batteries desperately needed. Real sharing. Real laughing. Real home educating moms who love Jesus!
Reminders to see the good. Reminders to be real with one another. Reminders to validate one another. Reminders to keep our marriage sacred. Reminders that the Word of God is living and breathing and ready to work on your behalf to the glory of God. Reminders to keep "drinking deeply of Jesus Christ" and "to be the sieve" pouring it out to our children (THANK YOU Cheryl Lange). Reminders to dream big & be "Circle Makers" from Roxanne Parks.
Home again with my lovely fellow travelers & as officially being dubbed from the stage as Connie's "sick friend" (hopefully the reference was for physical illness only?).
Officially I am on the mend and backed by MANY powerful prayers!
Spent my first day back at homeschool in bed, seeing all the good:
- Husband able to take off work & teach Bible to the kids, while waiting on me hand and foot, and telling me I'm beautiful when I'm sick and TOTALLY not feeling that way.
- Executive director and parents who "have my back" filling in at Homeschool Co-op this week. (((Hugs)))
- Children blowing kisses from the door way and a gift of lady bugs from my youngest (pictured above)
Thank you Jesus for your touch in my small life. Thank you for making a way for me, your most humble of servants.
Read more about our fun time AND SEE MUCH BETTER PHOTOS from someone who was mentally and physically competent while attending Homeschool Winter Summit, over at Smockity Frocks! Do you tweet? Read lots more at #HsSummit hashtag.
Who will join me next year? Hopefully minus illness, of course!
The Joyful Socks Mom
Where we are at? We are linking up this week with Homeschooling on the Cheap at 3boysandadog.com
1/7/13
What's The Plan Stan? - Menu Plan Monday Jan. 6 - Jan. 12
Readying my home and troops to get back-to-homeschool business, has been a more formidable task than usual. Winter doldrums can really work me over. NOT THIS YEAR! I have a plan & we are sticking with it.
I have been doing lots of reading, this is no shocker, surrounding the areas of greatest need or challenge in our home, family, homeschool, etc. I am confidently equipped for consistency this year! I hope that you are all enjoying the blessing of refreshed and renewed vision.
This week's planning begins with our weekly menu. You will see many changes coming soon, as we begin to become "food detectives" in our upcoming review of the Be Free Challenge. Right now we are completing the emptying of the stockpile, to prepare our pantry for this new style of eating.
Until then, we are focusing on consistent healthy eating, predominately gluten free and working on the rest . . .
SUNDAY
Breakfast: Baked Oatmeal with apples
Dinner: Vegetable Soup
Supper: Sheppard's Pie, Green Beans, Salad
MONDAY
Breakfast: Potato Latkes, Baked Apples
Dinner: Left Overs
Supper: Broccoli Rice, Basil Pesto Zucchini, Salad
TUESDAY
Breakfast: GF Oatmeal Cinnamon Banana Muffins, with Oranges
Dinner: S.H.A.P.E. Lunch (at co-op)
Supper: Taco Soup, Salad, Chips & Salsa
WEDNESDAY
Breakfast: Granola with fruit
Dinner: S.H.A.P.E. Lunch (at co-op)
Supper: Sausage, Onions & homemade sour kraut, with fried potatoes
THURSDAY
Breakfast: Baked Oatmeal and fruit
Dinner: S.H.A.P.E. Lunch (at co-op)
Supper: Potato soup, bacon bits, cheese, yogurt, salad
FRIDAY
Breakfast: 4-H Pancake Breakfast
Dinner: Hot Dogs (uncured beef-no bun), Chili Beans, Greens, Corn Bread
Supper: Beans, Rice, Avocado & Tomato, Cheese, Salsa & Chips
SATURDAY
Breakfast: Omelets, hash-browns, bacon, tomatoes
Dinner: Grilled Cheese with spinach, sweet potato chips, fruit
Supper: Three Bean Chili, Salad, Corn Bread
I have been doing lots of reading, this is no shocker, surrounding the areas of greatest need or challenge in our home, family, homeschool, etc. I am confidently equipped for consistency this year! I hope that you are all enjoying the blessing of refreshed and renewed vision.
Until then, we are focusing on consistent healthy eating, predominately gluten free and working on the rest . . .
SUNDAY
Breakfast: Baked Oatmeal with apples
Dinner: Vegetable Soup
Supper: Sheppard's Pie, Green Beans, Salad
MONDAY
Breakfast: Potato Latkes, Baked Apples
Dinner: Left Overs
Supper: Broccoli Rice, Basil Pesto Zucchini, Salad
TUESDAY
Breakfast: GF Oatmeal Cinnamon Banana Muffins, with Oranges
Dinner: S.H.A.P.E. Lunch (at co-op)
Supper: Taco Soup, Salad, Chips & Salsa
 |
| PHOTO CREDIT |
WEDNESDAY
Breakfast: Granola with fruit
Dinner: S.H.A.P.E. Lunch (at co-op)
Supper: Sausage, Onions & homemade sour kraut, with fried potatoes
THURSDAY
Breakfast: Baked Oatmeal and fruit
Dinner: S.H.A.P.E. Lunch (at co-op)
Supper: Potato soup, bacon bits, cheese, yogurt, salad
FRIDAY
Breakfast: 4-H Pancake Breakfast
Dinner: Hot Dogs (uncured beef-no bun), Chili Beans, Greens, Corn Bread
Supper: Beans, Rice, Avocado & Tomato, Cheese, Salsa & Chips
SATURDAY
Breakfast: Omelets, hash-browns, bacon, tomatoes
Dinner: Grilled Cheese with spinach, sweet potato chips, fruit
Supper: Three Bean Chili, Salad, Corn Bread
May your year begin & end with joy!
HERE ARE SOME MORE JOYFUL RESOURCES FOR YOU!
- Don't forget to keep pinning your way to productivity! Read more about the Pin-A-Day Project & follow our hashtag on Twitter & Pinterest #APAD13
- 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.
1/3/13
Top Ten Posts from 2012: Your Favorites & My Favorites
Well another year has zoomed by, and I find myself reflecting on my year, as I am sure are most of you. I have grown this year, have some regrets, but am wholehearted and hopefully looking forward to all that the LORD has in store for 2013.
As I wind down 2012, here are the top posts from the blog. Your favorites were those that were ranked top in page hits.
The next 5 posts were my favorites, for many different reasons; be it research, learning value or passion, these were my favorites from start to finish.
As I wind down 2012, here are the top posts from the blog. Your favorites were those that were ranked top in page hits.
Thanks for reading along with me, as I write along the journey.
Many blessings for a safe and blessed new year to you all.
The Joyful Socks Mom
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