2/13/13

Wholesome Talk Update & A Reality Check!

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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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2/12/13

Reflections for a Charlotte Mason Educator

Today, I will reach out to gently take each moment of learning, and treasure the memories and knowledge gained during that time.

 Today, I hope for my children the gift of aspiring to learn throughout their lifetime.  Constantly holding to the promise of wisdom gained through listening intently to the whisper of the Creator of all things. 

 Tomorrow will come and I will be thankful in that moment, no matter the circumstance, holding to the joy given me by the LORD.

 Yesterday is done.  It will not return and I will not regret.  Rather, I will savor the opportunity to learn from the past and determine to not mare my future with the mistakes thereof.

 Today, is a new day, and I am thankful.

 Here are a few links to inspire my fellow Charlotte Mason educators:
Joyfully Learning Alongside You,
The Joyful Socks Mom 

Be sure to keep up with Joyful Socks on Pinterest, Twitter & Facebook!
Here are some Pin Boards of interest: The Bard for All Seasons, Charlotte Mason & Art Gallery Kids.

HERE are other blog posts you might enjoy:
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2/7/13

WINTER WONDERS ---> D.I.Y. Winter Handicrafts at Home!

Well, here in Texas, it looks like the Groundhog got up early, for no shadow was cast and it feels like spring already!  

 I wanted to share the last of the Winter Handicrafts that we enjoyed showcasing at our Winter Wonders Handicraft Workshops during December.  Perhaps those of you who are still experiencing the joy (or cabin fever) of winter, you may enjoy some of these fun ideas, or file them away on your pin board for next winter!

You can follow the links below each picture for a tutorial:

 Woven Snowflake Ornament: This ornament was great for the kids and building patience.  Following the pattern was very easy.  You can find a good tutorial at Activity Village UK.
Soap Snowman Sculpting: We found this adorable little snowman on Craft Elf.

Nature Study Ice Sculpture:  This doesn't really need a tutorial.  Just take a nice nature hike with the kids, a pie pan for each child, and select items they would like to use in their sculpture (I only let the kids select items that have already fallen to the ground).  After the hike, they gently pour water into their pie pan and add a long strand of yarn, buried in the water & hang it out the side as a sculpture hanger.  Then allow to freeze - hang outside on a snowy icy day, if you want it to last (sorry to point out the obvious downside).

Snowman Hot Cocoa Gift:  This was a favorite with all of the kids at camp.  We really never found an online tutorial, because it was simple to figure out.

You will need: 3 clean baby food jars, black & orange acrylic paint, clear acrylic epoxy ribbon for scarf, 1 small felt black circle, 1 cup hot cocoa mix, 1 handful of mini marshmallows & 1 handful of peppermints.

1.  Paint the caps to the baby food jars black and allow to dry.  Once they are dry, cut slit in the small black felt circle.  Insert the top cap into slip, slipping the felt around the cap.  THIS IS THE SNOWMAN'S HAT, it will be the top jar.

2.  Next paint your snowman's face on the top jar.  Allow to dry AND FILL THE TOP JAR WITH MARSHMALLOWS.  Next, fill the middle jar with cocoa and bottom jar with peppermints & screw on the lids.

3.  Now, assist your child by applying clear acrylic epoxy to the tops of the bottom jar & middle jar only.  Now stack the jars and allow epoxy to dry completely.  Then add the ribbon around the snowman's neck.

Hope you all are enjoying what is left of your winter.

YOU CAN FOLLOW MY WINTER WONDERS PIN BOARD!  I pin ideas that we used for this year's day camp and things we would like to create next year too.

Did the ground hog see his shadow around your neck of the woods?

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

Joyfully Crafting Along,
The Joyful Socks Mom 

HERE are other blog posts you might enjoy:
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