NOTHING!

In Psalm 119 it says, "Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble."

NOTHING!

Not a bad test grade.

Not a bully.

Not a misunderstanding during a lesson.

Not when the family pet passes away.

Not when he/she doesn't get the leading role in the community play.

Not when he/she doesn't get invited to (insert child's name)'s birthday party.

Not when he/she is unsuccessful the first time trying a new sport/activity.

Not when you leave to go on an anniversary trip for 5 days.

Not when he/she goes away to "stay away camp" for the first time.


If you love the Lord & HE is King of your heart, you know the peace that is perfect ... especially in your weaknesses. Teaching this to your children takes discipline & time. Discipline because you cannot decide to vent your frustrations constantly in front of them or have daily, dramatic meltdowns. Instead, you must show them what self-control looks like in action & you must be a witness for Christ to them by sharing how your trust in Him, gives you a peace that NOTHING can touch! No matter how bad.

Not when your boss skips over you for that raise.

Not when someone cuts you off in traffic.

Not when you're running late for church.

Not when you've been up all night with your child who is sick ... and now is sleeping quietly while you are disinfecting the house.

Not when your friend gets a bigger or better or newer (insert worldly object).

Not when you're waiting on the phone for someone from (insert company's name) to pick up & handle your customer service request...and you've been on hold for 15 minutes already.

Not when a new recipe you try flops at the dinner table.

Not when you have prior obligations & cannot attend dinner with "the girls."

Not when your best friend is diagnosed with breast cancer.

Not when your father dies.

Not when you're in a hurry & the lady in front of you at the check-out stand is busy talking her time with the person checking out in front of you.

Not in your manner of speech.

Not in your tone of voice.


...And when you do stumble, ask forgiveness. Let your sweet little ones know that the enemy is always looking to devour us & when we slip, we can easily run back into the safety of our Father's arms where we will always be protected & always be redeemed.

"I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you.”

Stand firm ~ for if you are a child of God, NOTHING can make you stumble through His mighty power!!!!

JOYfully Living

I would classify most children as: Jolly, jubilant, excited, vivacious, jovial, giddy. I can't recall many children who are so downtrodden, stressed-out, overworked, or sad that a good knock-knock joke, pillow fight, wrestling match or tickling fight won't crack a smile to their face (even if they have to look away so you don't see them!!!). There are some children, however, that I would say are joyful. There's a big difference. Joy has many definitions: *The emotion of showing great delight or happiness, caused by something exceptional *The expression or display of a glad feeling *A state of happiness *A source of great delight

The bible refers many times to the word joy ~ Songs use the word ~ People are named Joy ~ It is used as a noun, verb, adjective, & adverb...When you think about it, it's a pretty flexible word!

If you know me, you know my husband & I do not have children. We long for the day when God allows this to happen. It has been over 5 years of listening, waiting, moving forward, moving backwards, standing still... & is quite a journey to walk but on this journey, He continues teaching me about joy. And when you are desperate to feel anything but the agony of waiting in a world where NOTHING stands still, you tend to seek out joy.

"Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and JOY in his dwelling place."

Joy is synonomous with our Lord. One cannot be without the other. If part of our great calling is to be more Christ-like, then it is with more JOY that I need to live. There are so many times when joy is referred to in the bible:

~When enemies are destroyed
~When a child is born
~When an mother sees kindness showed to her child
~When gifts are presented before a King
~When we turn away from sin
~When a friend visits
~When a son returns to his father
~When we are "jailed"
~When someone comes to know Christ

And there are also many people who experienced joy:

~Mary, when she visited her sweet friend Elisabeth
~Deborah, when Sisera was overthrown
~Angels, when Jesus was born & when sinners repent
~The disciples, when Jesus ascended into heaven
~Paul, when he experiences great hospitality
~New believers, who did not "see" but yet believed

....So many other times & so many other people. Joy, in my observation then, is not a "feeling" which may come or go. I can laugh, I can be glad, I can feel excited or happy ... but joy, ...no... I think pure joy is only from the Lord.

"My servants will sing from the JOY of their hearts..."
"So the woman hurried away from the tomb, afraid, yet filled with JOY..."
"At that time, Jesus, who was full of JOY through the Holy Spirit..."
"He provides you with plenty of food & fills your heart with JOY."


My heart is filled with JOY today. As I think about the many prayer requests I offer to my Lord, I try to remember in each of these circumstances, there is JOY to be found.

~When I am sick...because then, I "have time" to turn off my phone, the tv, and draw the curtains closed & be with my Lord.
~When I "don't have an answer" to my question...because through my waiting, He gives me strength & is preparing me for something far greater.
~When I get rejected...because I am a child of God, He knows me by name & has already prepared a place for me in HIS house.
~When I am sad & alone, even in a room full of people celebrating a joyous occasion...because I know He will never leave me OR forsake me & that all of my ashes are being used for His beauty.
~When I experience the death of a saint...because I know One Day they shall rise to meet us in the air as He calls us home.
~When I'm made fun of or questioned or tested because I beleive in Christ...because hopefully through my sufferings, more may believe.

Are you teaching your child JOY? Are you showing them that it is not a state-of-mind or a feeling one gets, but rather a longing in one's heart to be with Him? A simple knowing that if I have nothing else ~ or nowhere to go ~ or no one to turn to, He remains? I pray we each vow to remember this as we come before Him with our requests, moment-by-moment. I also pray we each pass joy along to our children. Not happiness...Not something temporary...Not a fleeting feeling...But true JOY, which comes only from Christ.

"I will see you again & you will rejoice, & no one will take away your joy....Ask & you will receive, & your joy will be made complete."

Living JOYfully today ~

Tips & Tricks

I've received several emails asking for tips or tricks on introducing new books to their children. Whether your child isn't into reading, is into only reading one genre, or reads only for AR point, finding the right book for your little one can be daunting. I've listed a few helpful suggestions below. If you have already tried some of these, it may be helpful to try them again. If you haven't, try a few & see what the outcome is.

1. Read TO your child. Select an interesting & fun book that is somewhat mysterious. Read a chapter (for older children) or a few pages (for younger children) each night to your child.

2. Pick a location that is different from your normal location, pack some snacks, & grab a blanket & get comfy while you read. While you're reading the book, stop periodically & discuss what you've just read.

3. Take a trip to your local library & ask your child to select 7-10 books of VARIOUS interests (several different genres). Then, make it a "game" & surprise your child by reading a different book each night.

4. Introduce your child to new books that YOU have selected but tell them they get to rate the book. Come up with a rating system of 0 - 5 stars with a short summary of why someone would or would not want to read this book. Your child will still be listening to the book & still feels empowered because they are able to rate the book. Agree that if it receives less than 3 stars, it goes STRAIGHT back to the library!

5. Grab 10 friends & have a "Book Swap." Don't ask me why, but your child's friends books are WAY more interesting than his/her own! ;o)

Want some book suggestions? Below are a few of my all-time favorites!

Verdi by Janell Cannon
Bad Dog, Marley by Josh Grogan
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs & Pickles to Pittsburg by Judi Barrett
Goin Someplace Special by Patricia McKissack
Mr. Peabody's Apples by Madonna
Salt in His Shoes by Deloris Jordan (Michael Jordan's mother)
The Princess & The Pizza by Mary Jane & Herm Auch
The Three Little Wolves & The Big Bad Pig
Do Pirates Take Baths by Kathy Tucker
Horrible Harry chapter books by Suzy Kline
Cam Jansen chapter books by David Adler

There are SOooooo many others ... but we'll keep it short for today.

Happy Reading ~

Can You SEE With Your Heart?

I'm reading a book right now which simply amazes me and challenges me in all new areas. It journeys a man through his imprisonment & how this obviously changed his life.

Sometimes we feel imprisoned. Maybe your feeling comes when your children are grumbling with each other all day. Maybe you feel trapped within the confines of a particular job or job duty. Perhaps it is a choice you've made and it just seems there's no way out. Your imprisonment can be projected towards anything & many circumstances. What does the Word say, though? "Consider it pure joy my brothers when you face trials of many kinds."

The man writing my book says there were weeks he couldn't even think of a scripture because of the mental games his captors played with him and injections they gave him. His only prayer..."Jesus, I love you." He repeated this over & over again ... He knew the bible but the scriptures were so far from his tortured, distorted mind and yet he KNEW in his heart that Jesus was Lord of his life.

A few days after he realized this, Luke 10:23 came to his mind: "Blessed are the eyes that see what you see.." You can apply that to so many situations but he related it to the disciples coming back from an oppressed country where everyone was tortured & there was sickness, hunger, etc...Nothing there was "beautiful." Jesus tells them this to remind them that this is not our home! They knew oppression but also knew boundless freedom. They each witnessed the stark contrast between being fed & being hungry ... LITERALLY! They saw the pain & misery, but they had seen the Savior. He showed them unending, freeing, always full~never hungry, pure LOVE! He goes on to say more regarding this but I love this point he makes as a kind of summing up point: "It was through their torturing that we learned to love."

(((((UMMMMMMM, C O N V I C T E D !!!!!!)))))

If you already know the Savior ... You can rest certain that you've been prepared & already seen what you need to see ... Keep your eyes open & fixed on Him, your heart ready, & remember that through each of these "prisons," God is showing you many things ... Continually teaching you to love above all else, even when someone or something "wrongs" you helps remind you to see with your heart ~ through His heart. 1 Peter 4:8 says, "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins" and John 13:34 says, "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." He gives no disclaimer that if your enemy or friend has hurt you, you can skip this command and love them when they're nice to you again or finally ask for forgiveness. He tells us that He has called us not only to love one another, but to do so in order to show His Father's heart & spread His Father's message. Period.

Share your heart today & love someone with reckless abandonment ~ let them see His heart ~ John 15:13 says, "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."

Loving Him ~ AND YOU!

I love football season. I don't understand all the "dime plays" or "nickel draws" or "zone defense" like my darling husband does (those words are probably wrong anyway!) & for the life of me, I cannot pick it up, even though PlayStation shows you the routes, details what each player's responsibilities are, & then puts it exactly as directed into action. Doesn't matter to me. I love the cheering & the friendly rivalries as much as I love the reason to get together with friends each & every week!

Can you picture the start of each game? Where do the lead players meet? That's right ~ there in the middle of the field with the official and sometimes a few others, both teams meet up, slap high fives or give each other a wink (I'm sure to say ~ Not today buddy!), & flip a coin. After the official directs which team won the toss & whether or not they will receive the ball, he also tells you which end zone is the "home" field. In boxing, the referee tells the boxers where they can hit & that they must listen for his call or the bell. In soccer & basketball, nearly the same procedure as football takes place. Everyone is aware. All players know what is happening. No one can say, "I didn't know that this wasn't my end zone!" (Although, I'm certain someone's tried!!!)

You need to do the same in your "classroom." If you have home schooled before, your children basically know the rules. If you have not, these are uncharted waters for you & your child & both of you are begging for someone to give you the parameters. But regardless of whether this is your first or tenth year, each year brings new challenges, new children, new curriculum, or at the very least, new wonders! Setting the expectations "for the game" are essential!

Ecclesiastes 8:5-6 says, "Whoever obeys His command will come to no harm, and the wise heart will know the proper time and procedure. For there is a proper time and procedure for every matter, though a man's misery weighs heavily upon him."

Create a schedule. Show each child how long they will have to complete a given subject. Let them know when the school day will end. Let them know when it begins. Let them know when you will eat lunch, if your day is not ending at that time. Most importantly, let them know your flexibility. Some days are more flexible than others ~ Tuesday & Wednesday you have PE & a co-op class just after lunch so your child cannot work past the scheduled time that day. But Thursday's are wide open so if they are struggling with something, you can play catch up that day. Being flexible with a schedule takes practice ... And if you're the Type A scheduler like I am, it takes A LOT of practice! :O) I assure you, however, that you will make sure the task is completed.

Prepare your child for what they will learn. Show each child his/her curriculum. Tell him/her the "scope & sequence" of the year .... What he/she is going to learn throughout the course of the year. It can be as simple as saying, "In science this year, we're going to study Astronomy through Genesis 1:14-19 & how God created night & day & the things which separate them on the fourth day." You could also allow them to sit down and flip through some of their work text pages. You should let them know that each (day) (week) (month), you will be posting a task list for them to see the things which need to be completed. For younger children, daily or weekly is best. For older children, giving them a monthly list allows them to create a weekly/daily plan in order to meet these goal & take accountability.

Take an inventory of interests! I'm sure you know what your child is interested in but I find 9 out of 10 parents who do this, find out valuable information they DID NOT know about their child. Make it simple ... Ask questions like, "What do you want to learn?" or "Tell me something you already know and want to know about (a particular subject or topic)." With younger children, you can do this orally ... The older ones typically enjoy doing this on their own so typing it out for them is usually more beneficial.

SET BOUNDARIES! I cannot emphasize this last suggestion to you enough! Think of all the things which could possibly come up in a day & tell your child what to do in that instance. It's overwhelming to do ... So creating a list of 5 - 10 general "rules" or "boundaries" will at least give them direction. Things like My pencil broke! ~ or ~ I have to use the restroom. ~ or ~ I need a break! ~ or ~ I'm finished! ~ or ~ I just don't understand this stuff! Letting them know your expectations for how the day is going to work & what they are/are not allowed to do within those parameters when things arise, puts everyone at ease because we all know how to play the game now.

Do you remember what happens at the end of the game? Most of the time the players meet each other somewhere in the middle & shake hands or speak somehow to one another. But there are beautiful, rare occasions where you see players huddled together, knees bent, in the middle of the field, lifting up prayers of thanksgiving to our Lord for any number of things. While the scripture in Ecclesiastes tells us a wise heart knows the proper time & procedure for everything, it is not revealed to us via email from God. (If you're getting these though, PLEASE put me on His mailing list!!! HA!) It comes through knowing His Word & hearing His promises & listening for His timing. You are called to lead your children ~ So who is leading you? Listen to His call upon your heart for these procedures & plans. Begin & end each day with prayer & let your children know that regardless of the day's activities & how much work was completed or not completed, we need to thank Him for this opportunity of learning & for continuing to order our thoughts & minds day by day...Because He knows the proper time & procedure for it all!

HAPPY BACK TO SCHOOL!!!!

Fruit of the Spirit

There's a new link at the top of this page ... Look up ... Now over to the right a little bit ... That's it ... See where it says Fruit of the Spirit ... Check it out!

Back ~ To ~ School

I started a new bible study this morning ((Thank you sweet Amy!!!)) & since then, this entire post has changed. Last night, the post was basically, "Yay for a new school year ~ Everything is prepared ~ Look at what God is working for you!" Then the bible study introduction happened & I was broken to my knees.

You are homeschooling for a reason!

Reread that & soak it in: YOU ARE HOMESCHOOLING FOR. A. REASON! Somewhere between the reason & today though, has it been watered down? Out of your obedience to His plan, will HIS blessings flow.

Deuteronomy 28:1-14 speaks to the blessings of our obedience. In major contrast, v. 15-68 (yea, that's over TRIPLE the amount of warning he gives!) tells us what we can expect our consequences to be if we choose to disobey. Allow me to succinctly phrase what He says: Obey me & follow my commands & I've got things in store for you which you cannot imagine! But if you disobey me, you will be cursed.

(L O N G pause of silence ..... look around ..... make sure no one saw you cringe!)

God hasn't brought you here for you to say to Him, "Thank you, God, for getting me to this point. I got it from here!" Quite the contrary. The things you teach this year are crucial & only when we are listening to Him lead us, will we see the blessings of His guidance. Jesus talks a lot about our hearts bearing witness as we act & speak. In Matthew 12 He says, "For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks."

How can you teach your sweet cherubs about salvation, forgiveness, obedience, taming your tongue, kindness, being faithful, honesty, ....If you aren't IN God's Word learning more about these things? If you aren't hiding His truth in your heart so that from your mouth pours the love of Christ, why do you expect your children will be any different? If your focus is always "getting through the lessons of the day" & you aren't seeking what God has intended for you & your child, why would you think your child would search for God's hand in the day-to-day activities of life?

Are you silent again? I was. I sat there for about 15 minutes nearly in tears as I thought of the things to which I am obedient & disobedient. God isn't to be used today for one purpose but discarded the next as things get rolling along. Yes, each day is filled with ever-fresh & radiant possibilities & every moment can be transformed into something new but out of my obedience can come many blessings & from my disobedience can come numerous curses. I'd like to be the obedient one.

Can I encourage you to read Deuteronomy 28 today & ask God to show you where you are being obedient & disobedient? Can I also suggest this not only applies to home schooling but to our every day life? Our friendships ~ Our marriage ~ Our relationship with our parents and/or in-laws ~ Our life's example to our neighbors or doctor's office. It might make you cringe ... but remembering our purpose is to serve Him, honor Him, & glorify Him, all through obeying Him, will make it all worth your while.


Shannan

Promoting Good Instruction

While there are many ways to say, "Great job" or "Well done" and even more ways to correct, I thought we could all use some fresh phrases to praise our children, even when correcting, especially in these first few weeks of getting back into the routine of school.

~ You did a lot of work today!

~ You really outdid yourself!

~ That's a neat idea!

~ You're really getting the hang of it now!

~ Wow, that's incredible!

~ You make it look so easy!

~ You're improving every day!

~ Nothing can stop you NOW!

~ You are doing a terrific job trying ~ Keep it up!

~ I'm proud of the way you worked so hard today.

~ You're really learning a lot.

~ Quite the improvement, sir or ma'am!

~ You have made my day!

~ You've got your brain in high gear today!

~ I see such an improvement in your work.

~ Tremendous job!

~ I couldn't have done it better myself!

~ You make teaching such a pleasure!

~ That was first-class!

~ You're getting better each & every day.

~ Super, groovy, hard work, my love!

~ God knew just what He was doing when he made you my son (or daughter).


Proverbs 16:21, "The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant words promote instruction."

Promoting Good Instruction alongside you ~

Shannan

Words Are Everywhere

I start out each school year reading 2 books. One: Fancy Nancy by Jane O'Connor. Clearly, this book (as well as the others in the "series") is chocked full of new words. The other: Donavan's Word Jar by MonaLisa DeGross.

Both encourage new vocabulary. Fancy Nancy finds words she likes that "sound" fancy. For example, her favorite color is fuchsia...which is a fancy way of saying purple. And Bonjour! is a fancy way to say hello. Donavan wakes up one morning and notices a word on a cereal box. It fascinates him and so he sets out to find all kinds of new words. He writes them down and...you guessed it...puts them in a collection jar!

I first read the Fancy Nancy book and my kids spend the entire day putting into practice some of her helpful suggestions. Then, I read the first two chapters of Donavan's Word Jar to my students and we start in on making our very own word jars (although, in classrooms, we usually do envelopes...sadly...not jars, due to lack of space). We cut strips of fancy papers and we start adding words!

Giggle. (You know you want to now!)

Bizarre. (It's way more fun to say than 'weird')

Quizzical. (Just makes me feel smart.)

Zany. (It's one of Fancy Nancy's favorite words, too!)

The words my kids come up with which fascinate them are hysterical. I always enjoy reading through them after a tough week. It helps me realize that they, in fact, weren't making paper fortune tellers, they were writing down new words. Phew! At times I wondered!

I've been thinking of the words we say to our children for a while now. I knew basically we should think carefully about them but did you know that He references either our spoken words or His words over 400 times in the bible? Our tongue is referenced another 130+ times. They must be important if He gave us such wisdom!

The scripture that echoed in my mind as I drove today: "Everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who builds his house on the sand." Matthew 7:26.

What if you encouraged your children to put specific words into their vocabulary to build their small houses ... exchanging them for words you do not want in their house?

Forgiveness. Instead of bitterness.

Gladness. Instead of happiness.

Self-control. Instead of self-indulgence.

Obedience. Instead of rules.

The words we speak, He says, will either bring forth life or death. Walking out our faith in front of our children, is beyond important! They listen to everything we say...and don't. In 1 Corinthians, we are instructed to take every thought captive and in Matthew 12, we look at the things which bring forth good and those which do not. We should think first...not react...because ... "But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned."

You are a success.

You are beautiful.

You are intelligent.

You are valuable.

You can make good choices.

So grab the old spaghetti jar or pickle jar or purchase a plastic jar from a craft store and start decorating! Teach your children the words you want written on their hearts.

Because in them, is life.

"Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads." Deut. 11:18.

Shannan

Approaching a New Year

The month of August is upon us & I can hardly believe it! I thought yesterday was May...I vaguely remember June & quite honestly, I don't know where July went! Are you thinking what I'm thinking??? School will soon begin! So... How is your planning for next year going!?

Are you ready for your new school year? Do you have everything planned or are you scrambling to put together your lesson plans? Are you using the same curriculum as last year or is it new? Perhaps you're adding a child to the mix this year & you're not sure how it's all going to work.

What about your kiddos? Have they done some summer prep work to keep their minds fresh? Have you found any interesting books for them to read lately? Are there any holes you left from last year's curriculum which you said you would finish up this summer? What about their weakest subject ~ Have they done some practice work to try & "patch up" their understanding?

There are many reasons why we plan ... A wedding ... A special event ... A baby ... A trip ... A party ... An outdoor barbecue ... School ...and so much more! But do you make sure you ask that the Lord lead you through these steps? Remembering that the Word of God is as sharp as a double-edged sword and will judge both the attitudes and thoughts of your heart, what occupies your mind as you plan?

Are you thinking about the ways in which God can use you as you plan and prepare for your business trip? ...Or are you thinking that the company sure should have sent someone else because you have too many other things going on right now!

Do you ask the Lord to tame your tongue & allow His Words to flow forth when in conversation with your neighbor at the backyard barbecue? ...Or do you decide not to stand up for what you believe in because you "don't want to turn them away from Jesus by being zealous? and you gossip about the other neighbors"

What about the attitudes we get when planning? And no, it doesn't have to be an attitude that anyone can see.

Are you grumbling in your head as you purchase that gift for a sweet friend's wedding shower? ...Or are you still asking God why SHE gets to get married and not YOU?

Do you roll your eyes (publicly or privately) when you find out that "so-and-so" is going to be at the social tomorrow? ...Or do you continue to pray God heals this relationship in order to bring Him glory?

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Please don't think I don't stand here (okay, I'm sitting...) saying that I haven't done each and every one of those examples above...I HAVE! Maybe not the exact words, or the exact situation, but definitely the same attitude or thought. My dearest friend challenges me in such tremendous ways that I cannot thank God enough for her. During one of our most recent bible chats, we both resolved to continue pressing forward with the scripture which I will end with in mind.

There is no sin in preparing. We are charged with using our time wisely. I would be honored if you needed some assistance and called upon me to help. This is why God led me to begin this journey. I enjoy delving into curriculum and planning to make sure your home school year is successful! Please know I am here to help you prepare. Whether you call upon me for assistance or not, as you begin to prepare for next year, please continue to pray for God to lead you. Pray that God will guide you through your planning and selection of curriculum; Pray for God to order your thoughts concerning all matters regarding your choice to home school; Pray for the meditations of your heart and the words of your mouth and the attitudes you both portray and hide; Pray that in all you do and all you say and all you think, HE is at the forefront of your mind and heart and that bringing Him glory through all He has purposed for you is not only your heart's desire, but that it brings forth fruit through your actions.

"In his heart, a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps." Proverbs 16:9.

Praying and Planning ...
Shannan

Joy comes in the morning...

This is long ... So I'm sorry ... But I kinda am not ... it's been on my heart. Will you take 5 minutes though and humor me? ;o) Thank you~

We all grieve. Each in our own ways & in our own time & each through various difficulties...but we all do it. As adults, we know the "stages" & can work through it in our minds over time. But as children, the effects of a loss can be very confusing.

My parents sheltered me from a lot & I'm grateful for that. They also let me see things that were a part of God's master plan, even when they hurt. Every time we moved, I suffered a loss. I remember my mother's sister dying & while I was too young to really understand it all, I knew she was gone & I saw the pain surrounding me. We had to give my dog away before we moved once. My dad's best friend suddenly passed away. One of my surrogate grandparents passed away. I got my first D. My best friend no longer wanted to be my best friend. They were all gut-wrenching to me...at that time...at that point in my life.

So how do you as a parent help your child as they grieve? ...Well, that's kind-of a tricky subject. And honestly, everyone has their own opinions. And, rightfully so! I like to copy my dearest friend's statement of "Everyone gets their own child to screw up in their own way" because in this profession, I get asked ~ "What's your opinion of...." a lot. So, "To each his own" I say.

Can I offer up a suggestion though? Don't hide them from the tragedy of life. The scriptures tell us that, "In this life, you will have struggles. But take heart, I have overcome the world!" Letting your child know that life is a battle but there IS a greater hope reaches far into the depth of their soul & lasts far longer than you might imagine. With even one scripture, you can talk for hours about how it relates to their personal life & what they are going through at any given moment. Some of my favorites which have spoken to me through many trials & tribulations are below...They also have some topics which you might choose to discuss with your sweet cherub.

"Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all of our days." Ps. 90:14 Perhaps your child struggles with bullying. Don't you want them to know God loves them with an UNFAILING love? What about the child who has just been rejected from a team sport? Or the one who sits & waits on a phone call from the "friend" who said they'd call. His love NEVER fails. Lamentations 3:22-23 is also a great reference for these topics. His mercies are new EVERY morning. ... EVERY morning!

"I love you O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my Rock, my fortress and deliverer. My God is my rock in whom I take refuge." Ps. 18:1-2. Does your child have nightmares? Do they become fearful before they take a test? Does he/she come to you with questions about what to do when they can't shake the fears of tomorrow because of what "that girl" or "that boy" might say? Verse 3 says, "I call to the Lord who is worthy to be praised and I am saved from my enemies." I mean, go ahead God...set the record straight why don't you?!!!!! ;)

"Rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn." Rom. 12:15. What about when your child says they "just don't know what to say" when someone is hurting? Or, have they ever been so excited for someone & want to do something for this person out of excitement? A hand-written note of encouragement ~ whether it is of congratulations or sorrow ~ is always nice to receive. As a body of believers, we are called to minister to one another & when someone is overjoyed, be overjoyed with them! On the flip side, when someone is weeping ~ even in their heart ~ we not only grieve with them (in a sense) but we should encourage them to persevere. Sometimes that might be with a cupcake in hand...I'm jus' sayin!

Do you ever think of how the disciples & other believers felt the day our Lord was crucified? Scripture tells us they didn't really understand all of the implications dealing with His death. They didn't understand when He said, "In a little while you will see me no more & then after a little while you will see me again." He also said, "I tell you the truth that you will weep & mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy." Could you imagine how their understanding changed on the 3rd day when they finally understood the LIVING JOY?!!!

(((((Is ANYONE standing up shouting at this point????? Just askin'!)))))

Your child will go through many ups & downs during grieving periods. I sit here practically pleading with you to open up God's Word & allow His Word to spread through them at these points. A sweet friend read something to me today referencing all of the many "boxes" we put God into...Yet never really let Him spread through us like wild fire, trusting Him to be our J O Y! Will you not only let Him be your joy...but will you share this joy with your precious child?


This posting is in memory of my sweet niece, Sydney Caroline Murphy. She lived only a mere 61 minutes but forever changed our hearts & lives. We pray fervently that she continues to shape lives for the cause of Christ. ...For this I know..."For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel & with the trumpet call of God, & the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive & are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air & so we will be with the Lord forever." ...I shall meet her One Day...& what a glorious day it shall be! I love you sweet Princess...Enjoy spending today at the feet of our King! Happy Birthday!


Aunt ShaSha

Too Many Choices???

I remember finally realizing that everyone learns differently one year as I was teaching a mini-lesson in 2nd grade...

One boy was listening & answering questions while break-dancing in the back of the room. One girl would not so much as even move her finger while I was speaking.
Every time one boy answered & I asked him to connect the answer to his life, it always related to a song. I had one little girl who brought her composition book with her to the carpet every time we read a book & discussed it just so she could take notes. I had one little love bug who had to tap something when he listened to a story...Thankfully I convinced him that tapping his fingers together was movement enough but didn't make noise & interrupt others' learning!

Scripture tells us in Romans 12 we each have different gifts, given to us for a specific purpose. Jeremiah says we are created for His purposes which He intends for good. What comfort I find in knowing He created me to be JUST. LIKE. THIS!!!

Research tells us that children learn best when individual differences are taken into account and learning styles are acknowledged as an important, contributing factor of learning. We also know that providing interesting activities which make children feel valued, accepted, and challenged increase their long-term memory. Establishing rules and boundaries are also key in a child's early education.

So how do you select the right curriculum for your child? By taking into account the kind of learner you're teaching! Even the most hands-on, tactile learner can be taught to understand the importance of memorizing multiplication facts. A child who likes everything neat, organized, and perfected can also become a very talented artist. Finding out what style of learning your child best relates to, gives you an edge on those who think the child in the back of the room break-dancing is not paying attention. (((Just a side note on this young man...He scored a perfect score on the FCAT! ...I'm sure it was all due to his 2nd grade teacher...HeeHeeHeee!!!)))

Right now, I am offering a learning styles assessment to all of my homeschoolers ~ current and new ~ for a discounted price during the months of June and July. A 1-hour session is normally $40 for the evaluation and for this limited time, I have reduced the price to $20. This will give you valuable information and insights into your child's world of learning. In this short, 1-hour session, I sit down with your child, one-on-one, for about 30 minutes and ask him/her a few questions. I will then spend the remaining 30 minutes talking with you and not only give you a written explanation of how he/she learns best but also offer some suggestions as to how you can engage him/her more during the school day. Taking these steps will probably validate some of what you already know ... But more importantly, it will allow you to consider changing a few things about your homeschooling day in order to best serve your child. We can do this at your home, my home, or an outside location. My suggestion is your home because children feel most comfortable in their own surroundings.

These factors are important to consider as you begin your selection of curriculum for next year. "I've already ordered it!" you say. No worries! Remember, this will give you valuable information as to how your child learns BEST. So regardless of what is in the textbook you've chosen, you can begin to come up with very creative ways to teach your child, according to his/her own personality!

If you aren't interested in this service but would like more information regarding assistance in the selection of curriculum for next year, I would love the opportunity to assist your family. Call me today at 962-9596 or email me at scritzer711@gmail.com to schedule your appointment!

Happy Learning ~
Shannan

A Look Ahead

I'm tired. MY. FEET. HURT. I see spots. I hear beeping. I canNOT stop singing songs from Willy Wonka & chocolate is ALWAYS on my mind. These things will go away (although I will miss some of them!). It's what one of my sweet 5th graders said to me late this afternoon which I will probably remember always: "Will I ever see you again after school's out?"

Sigh ... So sweet, I know. My heart felt like it was going to lurch out of me!

Now that I have announced my leaving, it is bittersweet. I have not told any student yet & as they make plans for next year, talk about which teacher they want or ask if I will teach this grade or that grade, it yanks at my heartstrings. Today's question definitely did & sometimes it's just difficult to know I'm leaving things like this behind.

Just for a moment though, can we remember Lot's wife? "But Lot's wife looked back and she became a pillar of salt."

YOWZERS! The meaning of "looked back" in the Greek & Hebrew means she pondered or considered. She didn't just look back to say good-bye once more. She wasn't waving to her friends. She also wasn't looking back at her beautiful home. We can gather from the text that she wasn't happy about leaving, either. But be not deceived, God will not be mocked. They were told not to look back. They were warned. She was warned. So, make no mistake about the tug at my heartstrings ... I am not pondering my decision. In fact, I'm very happy with it. :o) But it did get me thinking....

Each morning, as you begin your homeschooling lessons, do you begin with a look ahead ...or do you look back? I know so often as a teacher, a lesson would botch because a child got sick mid-lesson ...or it was picture day & my schedule was off ...or I lost my place because children didn't answer how I thought they would so I never got my point across. I would think about what I would've changed for days & then I would re-teach it just to see if the same thing happened. It was bad! I'm sure the list could go on ... I'm sure you could add distractions to my list.

The phone rang and you HAD to take it.

The laundry was piling up so you tended to it.

You forgot to pick up the dry cleaning so you ran up the street for just a minute.

With all the distractions we come in contact with every day, it's tough to remember that yesterday is gone & today is filled with an endless possibility of new mercies. Decide each morning that yesterday's distractions will not prevent you from moving ahead today. Try getting up 30 minutes early & preparing before everyone wakes or if you're a night owl, stay up a few minutes more & make sure you've made the changes needed to press forward. Call me to schedule a planning session or let's meet to discuss rearranging your weekly schedule. You've got the great responsibility & calling of pouring into your children & by discussing some changes you'll make in order to stay focused, you can share with your child how looking back is not productive & the changes we've made are going to help you both be more productive. We will learn from our mistakes ~ yes; We will not dwell on them. Finally, as you pour into your child, remember they are watching your every move.

This includes how you react.

This includes how you speak to them and to others.

This includes how you adapt.

This includes how hard you work.

And this includes whether you look ahead ...or look back.


"Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."

Shannan

Welcome Change...Come on in!

I stepped into my first classroom setting in 1999 and on June 11, I will say good-bye to formal school education for the time being. Talk about change!

I will now be working with several home school groups and consulting for an educational curriculum provider. This decision was not made lightly, for it was prayed over by many throughout the course of several months. There are many exciting things (which shall reveal themselves all in the right time) but this is the first step. One driving scripture was Acts 1:4. Jesus says, "but wait for the gift." Another scripture is from Jeremiah 14:22, "...Therefore we will wait expectantly for you, for you have made all these things." I was led to this decision but covet your prayers as the next steps unfold.

MY heart is to serve God with all that is within me using the gifts and talents He provided me. Throughout the past three years, I have served many home schooling families in the support of educating their children. With overwhelming support, they have encouraged me (among others) to do more on a more regular basis. Well, now is your opportunity to take advantage of me! =o) I am available to help you with your home school curriculum selection, outlining your year or planning for each month, as well as leading small groups. I also offer tutoring and evaluations and much, much more. When you contact me, we can discuss your personal needs and create a plan together, suited just for you.

For those of you who have prayed me through this step, THANK YOU! God has truly blessed me with His people surrounding me. Each one of you has shared a unique word ~from His Word~ that has been forever ingrained in me. For those of you just joining my journey, thank YOU for your support! Our lives will forever be intertwined and I anxiously await what's to come!

"Do not conform any longer to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is..." Romans 12:2. I refuse to drown in this world's rushing waters or stand idly by while I'm called by Him to serve. I will stand firm & pay attention to what HE wants for me.

I hope you join me in this because I can assure you exciting things are to come!!!!



Shannan

I Can Sense It!!!

Can you sense it?

The smell of sunscreen and strawberries waft through the air...The views are breath-taking with turquoise waters, white-washed sands and vibrant, over sized beach towels nestled underneath an umbrella...The distant sounds are those of laughter, lifeguard whistles, and splashing...

It's almost here...

Do you remember when you were a kid and the excitement of summer just couldn't be contained??? You thought about Disney World or trips to the lake...You secretly planned the summer's initiates into your clubhouse (or backyard shed if you were going to Grandma's)...You probably already began begging your mother to allow your friends to sleep over at your house. Guess what?! TEACHERS ARE JUST LIKE YOU! We are already thinking of our summer professional development and the way we are going to decorate our classroom next year, how our behavior plan will change or a better way to group our students...That, of course, is all while we are sitting at the pool! :o)~

Focus for just a moment though...

As the school year approaches an end, have you assessed your child's reading level?

Have you given your child a placement test for next year's math curriculum?

Do you have a plan for a better organization system?

What about the curriculum you've been meaning to take a look at for your child who just wasn't interested in the selection you made this year?

What about the infamous end-of-the-year portfolio review?

If you haven't done these things, now is the time! Call me so we can schedule your next consultation and get busy wrapping up this year and planning your year ahead. Before you know it, just like when we were kids, the newly sharpened pencils and perfectly organized spiral notebooks will be on sale at your nearest super center before you blink your eyes!

I am scheduling now for the end of May and the months of June and July...Because I can sense it! Can you?


scritzer711@gmail.com

Shannan Critzer

The Caterpillar and the Spider

The book of Ecclesiastes about life and its meaningless nuances is one of the dearest to my heart. I was reminded of it as I arrived early one morning to work this week.

I was scurrying around getting a few things accomplished while the halls were still serene and the building still glowed in the early morning sun. I paused for a brief moment as I saw a dewy spider web apparently formed overnight. I noticed the intricate detail this spider had tended to ... The outside was seamlessly designed with perfectly symmetrical lines creating its width. It had lines draped between man-made bricks and nature-made trees. It initially caught my eye because as the sun gleamed down on the dew-kissed, delicate strings, I noticed a bright, green caterpillar "hanging by a thread." (if you know me, you know I just laughed right there at my own silly thoughts...it's the little things ya know...) I watch it wriggle and squirm as it tried to free itself. I watched anxiously and wanted to grab a stick to hold underneath of his tiny body because I knew the awful fate that awaited this new birth of spring if it actually freed itself.

He stopped moving for a moment and my breathing slowed. I noticed "Charlotte" in the corner with her legs crossed, showing just how "in control" she was. I imagine she was peacefully dozing but all the while feeling the thrashing on her newly created masterpiece. It may have even annoyed her just the slightest because she had just spend several hours spinning this magnificent creation. He started wiggling again and I held my breath...He's so young & doesn't understand the cycle of life going on here.

"Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see, but know that for all these things God will bring you to judgment. So then, banish anxiety from your heart and cast off the troubles of your body, for youth and vigor are meaningless." (11:9b-10)

From the back hallway, a child starts to laugh and teachers discuss the day's agenda. I bode farewell to this sweet caterpillar, wishing him well and walked on to deliver materials after my two minutes with God's creatures.

That's when it dawned on me. I'm hanging by a thread! I'm banging myself back and forth in this web, my life, tearing at the very threads God is trying to weave! Everything I am trying to hang onto that is not from Him, is meaningless. I'm scared for the "new" and "unknown." Things are not "planned." And I remember then...I want, rather I need, to make my life a living sacrifice for Him.

"Meaningless! Meaningless! ...Everything is meaningless!" (12:8)

He will guide and direct me ... and put a stick under me so I won't fall! He feels me tugging and sees the broken threads needing to be sewn back together but He waits patiently for me to stop throwing a temper tantrum. He loves me even in that moment and that is purely amazing to me! All of the things I feel pressuring me and pursuing my time and attention begin to drop. Even if those pursuits are of evil and if they are hidden to me.

"...here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil." (12:13-14)

So how do I grow? I feed myself with what He has provided. Two of my favorite children's books have always been "Charlotte's Web" and "The Very Hungry Caterpillar." Charlotte waited patiently for the right time, yet never wasted a moment of her life because it had a distinct purpose. The nameless caterpillar learned an important lesson after eating all of the things he shouldn't have...and when he finally ate the delicious green leaves created just for him, he rested. In his rest, he changed into something more beautiful than he ever imagined.

What are you still sitting there for reading this latest post? Get up, read these books to your children, and help explain to them that this life we are walking in is meaningless, meaningless if we aren't waiting on Him, ridding ourselves of all of the "bad foods" and resting in His perfect will. ...Just a thought, you should probably read Ecclesiastes, too...I'm jus sayin...

:O)

Shannan

Star-FALL in love!

This site, some of you have shared with me. I've used it for a couple of years and many teachers I know use it. Not only can you play games and read, but you can download activities for your child to use. While the site is more primary (ages 4-7), they have some great resources and Step 4 has some fantastic books! The games are fun for even adults...That's right, I've played them ~ Don't act like you're not going to snoop around on the site & "try one out" to see if your child will like them. ;o)

http://www.starfall.com/

Shannan

FREE downloads & games

Sometimes you just need new places to roam on the internet...It's not, however, exactly the safest of places to allow your children to do so alone. I hope some of the sites I've already posted have been of some use. Several of you have emailed me with some other great sites and I'll be sharing those over the next several weeks. You can also post them in comments so others can see your choice of sites!

Thank you to those of you who have already contacted me regarding my assistance as you explore your options in homeschooling or to those of you who have requested some of my services. This is a VERY exciting time for me and your support, prayers, and encouragement are so greatly appreciated!!!

Today's site has free downloads, several games, and numerous links to fun activities. After exploring it, I had many new ideas so I hope you find some to entertain your little ones! Enjoy ~

http://www.dositey.com/


Shannan

SUCH FUN!!!!

I don't know about you, but I always LOVED having a bedtime story read to me. My mother tells me I used to ask for a book to be read over & over & over again! For children, hearing books read to them not only allows them to hear how words are pronounced, but also hear how we should read. This is called fluency. We don't speak all chopped up and sounding out words, so why read like that?! The site for today is AWESOME and should be viewed over & over & over again! Actors and actresses read some of their favorite books & give some beautiful insights to the book they've selected. So enjoy bedtime tonight...Maybe even build in an extra 20 minutes tonight to hear James Earl Jones read "To Be a Drum."

http://www.storylineonline.net/

Happy Listening ~

Shannan

Forgive me please...As a lifelong learner, I'm still learning about this whole blog thing. Thank you to those who have offered to help me!!! All the new changes you'll see through the next two weeks or so are ALL due to those who are helping me!!!

So one thing I still haven't learned to do is post the hyperlink site to the blog...instead, it only comes up as a site you need to copy & paste to your web browser.

For tonight, what's B I G and red and loved by all children??? That's right, Clifford the BIG red dog! Clifford not only is engaging to young children but always has a great lesson to teach his viewers and readers. So I hope you find time to check out the following site:

http://teacher.scholastic.com/clifford1/

And until tomorrow ~

Peek-a-boo, Speak-a-boo

Research shows that children who hear books read to them are better speakers, listeners, and readers. Describing the pictures, explaining the meaning of the story, and discussing the meaning of books creates a more socially adapted child AND improves the child's understanding of the world. The oral and written language they are exposed to helps expand their ever growing vocabulary at a very rapid pace! Maybe you've seen this mathematical explanation...

Take 2 children...Child One reads or is read to for 20 minutes each night; Child Two reads or is read to for 4 minutes or less each night.

If Child One reads 5 nights each week, he/she will read 100 minutes each week while Child Two will read only 20 minutes a week. Child One will then read 400 minutes each month or 3600 minutes during one school year, which is the equivalent to 10 school days. Child Two will read only 80 minutes each month or 720 minutes during one school year, which is the equivalent to only 2 school days.

By the time these 2 students are in 6th grade, if they have maintained these same habits, Child One will have read a total of 60 full days while Child Two will have only read 12 days.

Which student is more likely to have gaps not only in his/her reading ability, but in his/her speaking & listening ability, as well as standard vocabulary? YOU'VE GOT IT! Child Two is far less likely to succeed. Did you know that a third grade student who is behind in reading has a 75% chance of being as behind in the ninth grade? Did you also know that your child's reading foundation is almost 75% shaped by the time they exit first grade?!

Need I say more? Go grab a book RIGHT NOW! HA! I'm posting some websites during the next couple of weeks which I hope you find useful! Some read to your child while others allow your child to read from the book on the screen. There are also some which are game oriented. I hope your child will find at least one of them exciting & engaging! I will try & post one a day for the next 2 weeks ... I've got a bunch to share! For today, try Speak-a-boo...It's geared towards the younger student...Probably ages 3-7. Some of the stories in favorites and folk tales might be engaging for your 8-10 year olds. You can become a member & also download some free goodies!



HAPPY LISTENING!

http://www.speakaboos.com

Good morning class!

A long time ago, I decided to become a teacher. Sometime in between changing grade levels, changing schools, and changing jobs, I also changed my mind about schooling. While homeschooling isn't the best option for everyone, I am a firm believer that YOU ~ the parent(s) ~ know your "student" the best. You know his/her learning style; You know what excites him/her; You know how to manage his/her interests and behavior. Yet for all of those who support homeschooling, there are double the amount of those who oppose it. They have their reasons, too. Either the children aren't exposed to state standards or the amount of social interaction they get is vastly decreased in comparison to the public or private sectors or even one of my favorite: it cannot provide individual students with a comprehensive educational experience. While the debate still goes on regarding the amount of monitoring needed for those who choose to home school, my experience has been that those choosing to home school set a stringent schedule, thoroughly research the program(s) they will use with their children, and find multiple outlets for their children in order to allow them to grow socially, emotionally, physically, and academically.

Hopefully since you are viewing this site, you are in support of homeschooling. YAY for you! I will be your biggest cheerleader and will make it my goal to personally assist you through this process. I hope to provide you with useful information and links to better serve your needs. I am available to you for private tutoring sessions, end of the year evaluations, progress monitoring, and even the selection & planning process of your curriculum.

As you view this site and as we travel this journey together, I will share things both professional and personal. My goal is to help you get to know me more, so you can trust me to help you with your children's education. I hope this site helps you. I already have several "side-bars" to homeschooling for you to check out. My sister, Lindsay Murphy, has a published site I follow in honor of her daughter & my niece, Sydney Caroline. Angie Smith has 2 sites I follow which are just blessings. You'll also notice a few foundation sites which I feel everyone should check out! I'm still trying to figure out the whole blog thing & will hopefully figure out how to get photo sites on here so you can see some of my work on Diaper Cakes & Scrapbooks. I'll add more I'm sure but for now, those are great places to start & I hope you enjoy them! I look forward to getting to know you & your family ~ spread the word about this site & let others in the community know ~ and let ME know what you think...I will serve you better this way! My email is scritzer711@gmail.com and I look forward to hearing from you!

Shannan
Your Home School Professional

Shannan