Showing posts with label christian living. Show all posts
Showing posts with label christian living. Show all posts

6/1/14

Saying Good-bye to Cookie-Cutter Parenting

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 It is a truth universally acknowledged???
  • Boys and girls are not that different.
  • Our expectations of our children should be the same across the board, regardless of gender.
  • What is good for the goose, good for the gander.
  • Anything you can do, I can do better . . . blah, blah, blah.
Holding children accountable in a "cookie-cutter" fashion, with no regard to gender is an outward sign the we are allowing the world to influence our parenting.  

 The current politically-correct, socialistic-styled parenting that our American culture appears to promote, dictates simply, that our boys and girls should be parented in the same manner.  Our society, in general, has a bend toward promoting this manner of parenting as a basis for "equality".  The main-stream cries out to the conservative moral-minority demanding, "non-separation by gender", and that all should be "fair and equal".  Anything less than this socially accepted standard is considered narrow, or close-minded thinking.

 Well then, if we are going to label and name call, let me be the first to volunteer.  Yes, you may go ahead and slap me with the "narrow-minded conservative" label if it makes you feel better, and let's all get on with our lives shall we?
  • God's Word is clear in the rearing of children as individuals, whilst considering gender as a standard for accountability and discipleship.
"That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the world of God be not blasphemed.  Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.  In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing corruptness, gravity, sincerity, Sound speech that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you."  Titus 2:4-8 (KJV)

  • It is widely accepted that men and women have different needs, emotionally, physically and mentally.  Logic therefore dictates that boys and girls are different from one another in their emotional, physical and mental demands.  Rightly then, they should be raised toward obtaining these needs, specific to their own gender.  We are should be training children to step into God ordained roles as husbands and fathers, wives and mothers, therefore; a child's training   should be specific and geared toward these roles as a life learning goal.

 Yes, we are equal in the sight of God . . . on that, I believe we can agree.  However; equality does not automatically dictate sameness.  Equality, in my own estimation, means mutual respect, for the position and purpose of the opposite gender, and a respect for yourself in embracing your own God ordained role.
"For whatsoever things are written aforetime, are written for our learning, that we through patience, and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.  Now the God of patience and consolation give you that ye be like-minded one towards another, according to Christ Jesus, That ye with one mind, and with one mouth may praise God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 15:4-6 (GNV)


In short, toss the cookie-cutters parents, and embrace the differences in your sons and daughters with joy and determination to go counter-culture with your parenting of the future husbands and wives of the Church.


Joyfully Learning with You,

The Joyful Socks Mom 

Be sure to keep up with Joyful Socks on Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram & Facebook
Photobucket                Visual Latin : Will your kids laugh in Latin class?
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2/27/13

When My Life Isn't Homeschool Picture Perfect: RISE UP

Well sister, if you were looking for perfection, you came to the wrong blog!

To quote my most entertaining dad, "Somethin' just ain't quite right about that girl.  Boy howdy, I know that's right." ;)  
He means it in the sweetest way possible, promise.

So, as I am encouraging you all to "RISE UP" to the challenge of homeschooling with a Christ-centered focus, let me be completely transparent about my epic fails in my own efforts.  Here are some reasons my life has not been homeschool picture perfect this week:
  • Truly, I am the learn by-the-seat-of-my-pants skirt, wait till the last minute, oops-I said I would take care of that, homeschool friend at times.  This week, no exception!
  • My life is hectic at times (I know, you are saying, "like who's isn't?").  It takes a huge effort and all the grace that Jesus can bestow upon me to keep my mouth shut & just do what is kind.  Had more than one hiccup with that this week.
  • My husband was ill with the stomach flu this week (yuck * I do not recommend).  Bless his heart, it was bad.  He gave me some lovely flowers to say thanks. . . I probably didn't deserve them.  You know how "we wives" can feel about husbands whining when ill?  Yep, that was me . . . in secret.
  • I had a mild temper flareup when my new hand crank grinder showed up at my door without any instructions.  My handyman (hubby) was sick and I had to ACTUALLY wait 24 hours for it to be fixed.  Not a big deal, right?  Don't worry, I took it out on my prayer walk.  Silly.
  • I slept late on Monday.  Breakfast was WAY off schedule at 9:15 am and I did not get my lesson plans finished.


So, there you have it.  Nothing tragic.  Less than perfect.  Still in one piece.  Living on grace for the remainder of the week . . . and the rest of my life.

I am hanging on to the lovely words of Roxanne Parks, "Whatever the question is, Jesus is the answer."


Prayers for all of my sisters.  Hoping you experience a joyful (even if it may be less than picture perfect) homeschool journey this week.

Joyfully Learning with You,
The Joyful Socks Mom 

Be sure to keep up with Joyful Socks on Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram & Facebook

HERE are other blog posts you might enjoy:


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2/25/13

10 Steps to Being Less Easy-to-Offend: RISE UP

We have all been there.
We have all done it.
We all have that "mommy-bear" that can rare up, unexpected and unwelcome.  Getting offended can truly be just as painful to any by-standard close by, and just as hurtful as the offense.

 The root issue?  I take offense to what you did, said, or implied.  

 Is it right? No.  Do I know it's not?  Probably.  Yet, there it is.  I am offended!  Now what?

 RISE UP!

 10 Steps to Being Less Easy-to-Offend:

 1.  Get Accountability!  If getting easily offended tends to be an area of struggle for you, get yourself an accountability partner.  A friend.  An elder. A lady at church.  Your spouse.  Chat it out with someone who will not allow you to take it to a sinful, negative place.  Do not confide in an individual that will allow you to gossip, or that will enable you to stay in this negative life pattern.

 2.  Stop Taking It Personal.  It is totally feasible that whatever it is that is offending you is not about you, intended for you, nor directed at you.  There, I  said it, don't take offense. ;)

 3.  Walk A Mile In The Other Person's Shoes (or, Socks!).  People are people.  Always have been, always will be.  They will sin, make mistakes, have bad days, suffer tragedy and lash out.  Again, it is probably not about you.  Give grace.  Give a hug.  Say a prayer.  Write a letter.  Now, move on.
PHOTO CREDIT via Compfight.com cc
4.  Forgive Immediately, Then When You Remember, Forgive Again! and Again! and Again!  Jesus did not ask us to forgive.  He commanded it.  Period.
Mark 11:25 - 26

"And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.  But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses."

Luke 6:37
"Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:"

Luke 17:4
"And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him."

5.  Stop Taking People Literally.  Face the fact that people, in general, myself included, are sarcastic in today's society.  There lives literally revolve around themselves.  They don't mean to be short, brash, blunt or rude . . . they just are.  This is the perfect opportunity to practice grace.

 6.  Choose Joy.   A close friend of mine and I were discussing this, in-depth, just last week.  Choosing joy and choosing NOT to be offended is just as valid a choice as anger, resentment, offense, or un-forgiveness.  The later are quick, fleshly responses we gravitate toward easily. (I'm wincing at my own statement there)  The joy and not-being-easy-to-offend choices are fruit of the Spirit and require a faithful effort on your's and mine conscientiousness. 
PHOTO CREDIT via Compfight.com cc


7.  Give Yourself Some Grace.  Look, we are going to mess-up . . . me especially.  Give yourself some growing room to begin "turning the other cheek" and don't be surprised when you fall short.  Be a big girl, suck-it-up (my dad's favorite advice), and keep moving.

 8.  Go Prayer Walking!  Get in the habit at the end of the day, or anytime that is best for your schedule, to hit the sidewalk.  Walking, praying and shedding your day's frustrations is therapeutic to your body, mind and spirit.

 9.  Give A Reward to Yourself!  When you have gone God's way and have truly chosen to not be offended in a big situation, just give Him glory and do something good for you.
     

Okay, okay . . . maybe you would pick a different reward for yourself.  That's cool.  This is obviously what I would pick if I had my choice!

You don't have to be extravagant in rewarding yourself either.  In fact, it would be better to keep it sweet and simple.  Examples:  Give yourself extra time reading, napping, or in the bubble bath.

10.  Give it to God!  Lay these anxieties at the cross of Jesus Christ and leave them there . . . P.S.  That includes not picking them back up again tomorrow.


I know this can be a tough issue for many, and truly, what one of us has not been there?  I am praying that the LORD would give you peace and His strength to help you (and I) lay this one down, so we can Rise Up in His greater service.

Joyfully Learning with You,
The Joyful Socks Mom 

Be sure to keep up with Joyful Socks on Pinterest, Twitter & Facebook

HERE are other blog posts you might enjoy:


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2/23/13

Rise Up and Meet the Road: {Weekend Reflecting}

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An Old Irish Blessing
~ Author Unkown

 May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Reflecting on the week with joy; come good, bad, or indifferent . . . 

 This week has been full of prayer and reflection.  I tend to get introspective this time of the year.  Perhaps this is caused by the constant warm-cold-in-out of Texas weather.  When it comes to weather in Texas, you just have to be flexible sister.

How our school week went . . . 
We had a what I lovingly dub a homeschool-lite week.  The children spent most of their academic hours reading or working on their history projects.  Each of the kids will be entering multiple entries in our local Texas Independence Day Festival coming up next week.  Here is a sneak peek:
The Alamo: by the Squeaker, 14 yo
What I'm reading this week . . . 
I have been reading as much as possible during the week.  This is essential for me.  Reading feeds me, and helps me to maintain a more positive outlook.

Charlotte Mason: Original Homeschool Series, Not Your Mother's Make-Ahead & Freeze Cookbook, Abigail & John: Portrait of a Marriage & A Charlotte Mason Companion

Won my copy on Simple Homeschool - Thank you!
What's on my e-Reader . . . 
One Bite at a Time
This book is a great motivator for me during this season.  The book is broken down into small projects created to help you reach a simpler lifestyle.  Oh, yes please!  Do you know how easily this mommy can make things too complicated and "gum-up" the works?  Think Speedy Gonzales fast!

What the kids are reading this week . . . 
The Squeaker: Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, The Outsiders, The Strange Case of Origami Yoda (NOT BAD for a dyslexic kid!)
The Scout: The Spy & The Secret of the Fortune Wookie
The Bug: The Rover Boys on the River, True Tales of Animal Heroes, The Bible (she's trying to do a read-through this year), Fudge-a-mania

 Mom projects that I tackled this week . . . 
  • This was my most exciting week for accomplishing some projects!  I officially have a "writing" mentor and she is helping me stay accountable to my writing goals, and checking my progress.  I NEED THIS.  I worked on two of my upcoming eBooks, began an article and posted on this blog (my goal is 4 posts a week).  
  • Cleaned out the garden & flower beds for some spring planting.  Cross my fingers . . . 

 What I'm Eating?  
Gluten Free, mostly Dairy Free, Clean-eating, whole foods . . . having major issues maintaining this when I am out of the house.  Lock me up food-police!

 Here are the posts I enjoyed this week . . .
Joyfully Learning with You,
The Joyful Socks Mom 

Be sure to keep up with Joyful Socks on Pinterest, Twitter & Facebook . . . if you dare!

* This post may contain affiliate links.  Please see our full statement of disclosure here.  Thank you for your support.

HERE are other blog posts you might enjoy:
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2/19/13

How To Overcome The Daily Mommy Blahs: RISE UP

I am, without any stretch of the imagination, one of the world's worst mommy-procrastinators!  I have absolutely no pride or shame in letting the laundry go . . . literally.  Remember this picture . . .
YIKES!

There are beds to be made. Blah.
Dinner to be cooked. Blah.
Lesson Plans to be finished. Blah. Blah.
Dishes to be unloaded. Blah.
Chore charts to be completed. Blah.
Weeds to be pulled. Blah. Blah.
Monday! Blah.
PHOTO CREDIT via Compfight.com cc
What then is to be done, by mommy, when you live in a society that says you should "feel happy" and be instantly gratified by every single thing you do, everyday?!?

Let us reflect on the old adage, "What would Jesus do?".  Cliche? Yes, but indulge me.

Read John 13.

"We see there the Incarnate God [Jesus Christ] doing the most desperate piece of drudgery, washing fishermen's feet [yuck!], and He says - 'If then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet, ye also ought to wash one another's feet.'  It requires the inspiration of God to go through drudgery with the light of God upon it." --- Oswald Chambers

Answer to overcoming the daily mommy blahs?  Arise, and shine.  Give God the glory!

Jesus Christ, can make the most common and ordinary action, beautiful and holy.  Are you "feeling" life's drudgery today?  Stop girl, and realize that your life is not about "feelings" but about giving glory to the One that made you.
  • Arise, get up and do that "thing" with the joy of the LORD in your heart, and His glory in your mind! (Yes, I will join you in well-doing, by doing my laundry . . . joyfully.  Adios Mrs. Procrastination - you're fired.)

Colossians 3:23-24

"And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ." (KJV)

ORIGINAL PHOTO CREDIT via Compfight.com cc

  • Take stock daily and give thanks.
  • Make that ordinary thing beautiful.  As a bonus, your children will observe you doing this and will follow suit.
Praying for you, my dear friends and readers, that you will be moved toward the ordinary today and make it extra-ordinary, to the glory of God!

What is the blah thing you need to rise up and do today?

Joyfully Serving With You,
The Joyful Socks Mom 

Be sure to keep up with Joyful Socks on Pinterest, Twitter & Facebook!

HERE are other blog posts you might enjoy:
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2/13/13

Wholesome Talk Update & A Reality Check!

http://wp.me/pMqqr-20o

My friend Connie, over at Smockity Frocks, issued us a challenge recently.  A challenge centered around 30 Days of Wholesome Talk.  This challenge includes these top three priorities:

 I will only use words that are . . .
1. helpful
2. needful 
3. beneficial

 As a Christian mother, these three priorities are like second nature to me, right? WRONG!  I cannot even begin to explain the depths to which my innate sarcasm will allow me to sink.  Like a rock in the ocean, kind-of-sinking!

 This challenge has been beneficial to me already, forcing me to examine each word carefully, before I use it.  Which is ironic considering I tell my children all the time to do this, and did not realize how infrequently I hold myself to the same standard.  Hmm, I guess there's the reason for me having to remind them constantly . . . they are just exemplifying my own negative behavior.  Light Bulb Moment!

 Here is where this challenge has hit me the hardest:

 TEENAGERS!

 I am beginning to see how my speech toward both of my teenagers is actually not helpful, needed, or beneficial to them as they are seeking to grow in wisdom, stature and favor with God and men.

 This is hard for me to admit.  The source of the issue at hand is my heart, and not their behavior.  The iron-fist that I have continued to wield is only hurting our relationship and in-turn, threatens their spiritual growth.  


"Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life."
Proverbs 4:23 (KJV)

"Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips."
Psalm 141:3 (KJV)

I have hidden behind teaching them authority (which they have well learned to follow in my home since a young age, and needs no reinforcement), in order to push my own agenda, and get them to do and act exactly as I would want.  Sounds pretty selfish, huh?
PHOTO CREDIT via Compfight.com cc 
Reality Check.  Reflecting.  Praying.

I am spending the remaining time left in this challenge deep in prayer and reflection.  I have also picked up my Charlotte Mason education series again, and enjoying the comfort of those words as well.
"The constraining power should be present, but passive, so that the child may not feel himself hemmed in without choice. . . When it occurs to a child to reflect on his behaviour, he should have that sense of liberty which makes his good behaviour appear to him a matter of his own preference and choice."

"When we recognise that God does not make over the bringing up of children absolutely even to their parents, but that He works Himself, in ways which it must be our care not to hinder, in the training of every child, then we shall learn passiveness, humble and wise."
~ Charlotte Mason, from School Education (Developing a Curriculum) Volume 3

I guess altogether I am pleased to have opened myself up to learning from this experience and allowing the LORD to change me in this area of need.  To Jesus be all the glory and honor as He changes the heart of His saint.
"Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers." Ephesians 4:29 (KJV)

 Need some help with wholesome talk too?  Join the 30 Day Challenge over at Smockity Frocks.


Humbly Learning Alongside You,
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2/4/13

Reasons I Will Not Apologize When My Faith BUGS YOU!

or, otherwise entitled: When my faith flies into to the face of other people, I'm getting to where I do not care as much, but I'll pray for them. ;)

 Let me explain . . . 

 I don't wear make-up.
I do wear skirts.
I don't cut my hair.
I do stay home to educate my children.
I don't bling.
I do submit to God and my husband as the ultimate authorities in my life.

 These are the things that I get to hear from others (yes, even other Christians) because of the outward standards that others observe in me, that for one reason or another REALLY bother them . . . 

 "Why do you stay-at-home and sacrifice your family's financial future?"

 "I don't get it.  Just trim your hair already, it's healthy.  God didn't tell you to blow your nose in the Bible, but you do it because it's healthy and needs to be done."

 "You should look more approachable and culturally relevant if you want to be a good witness to Christ."

 Really?

 Let's look at this and get right down to the fun, "nitty-gritty"-I-may-not-be-very-popular-if-I-say-this-out-loud on my blog:

 These are principles and virtues that God has place on my heart . . . let me repeat that, MY HEART. . . Mine.
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They are standards He has erected in my life.  They do not save me.  They do not make me holy.  That work was done long ago, by Jesus Christ, alone!

 The modesty standards that are in place for me and my family, are an outward sign of a spiritual inward truth that the LORD has revealed to us.  It doesn't make us better or worse than any other Christian.  It is an expression of our faith.
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Romans 14:1-9

"1 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.
2 For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.
3 Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.
4 Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.
5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.
6 He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.
7 For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.
8 For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.
9 For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living."


 What this scripture says to me, is I that need to be obedient to what the LORD has placed in my life.  If He has called me to obedience in a certain area, where He has not called you, then it is me that is in peril if I do not submit, not you.

 Philippians 2:12
"12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye 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."

With all the love, grace and mercy I can muster, let me say, the holiness standards that God has given to me, is not about you.  Nor is it about the lady behind me in a pew, or the guy at the check-out stand, or my neighbor across the way.

 It is about me and my Jesus!

 As Christian brothers and sisters, we must learn to walk humbly in our own faith, and give others leave to do the same.  May I suggest a few steps that you can take to avoid judgement when you are observing a standard of faith, in a brother or sister, that is different from your own:

  1. Do not compare.  Unless God has called you to that standard, do not think of yourself better or worse.
  2. Do not assume judgement on the individual.  God is the judge of a man's heart, and it is the heart that He is concerned about.
  3. Do not believe that individual is declaring that you should do the same as they.  Most likely, they are suggesting no such thing, so just stop assuming. Okay?

Romans 14:10-11

"10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.
12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God."

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Love you all sisters, just the way Jesus made you to be!
Be sure to keep up with Joyful Socks on Pinterest, Twitter & Facebook . . . if you dare!

Joyfully Learning as I Go,
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2/2/13

Prayer of a Positive Speaking Home Educator


Positive Words for the Home Educator

The morning silence is filled with wonder,
the humble handmaiden rests in the Savior's arms.
Praying.
Weeping.
Rejoicing.
Hoping.
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There may be challenges to endure and slight hardship,or two, to face,
but in it I will search for His love, that reaches me, and rest in His tender grace.
PHOTO CREDIT via Compfight.org cc
Math may be met with unwelcome tidings by the cranky morning crew,
but with delight I will choose to meet my morning and teach my children to do the same too.

For whether they go to Harvard, or check-out at the grocery store, be it math, science, literature and more,
I know that God's grace is sufficient for today, and He is in control.
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I will rest in His mercy and lead the day on with a wholesome heart of glorious praise,
His hand is in it, not mine, and these are His children to raise.

 Hoping you all have a peaceful weekend renewal!

 Here are some great weekend links for encouraging you on your home educating journey:

Be sure to keep up with Joyful Socks on Pinterest, Twitter & Facebook.

Joyfully Learning as I Go,
The Joyful Socks Mom 
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