Vote for my “Best of Transformations” Photo entry. I have entered a competition with Sitesell Facebook hoping to get a free year’s subscription (or two years) for my website, plus some cash! I entered one of my favourite photos of the awesome transformation you see from a caterpillar to a chrysalis to a butterfly. If you have followed my site for a while, you would know we love watching those changes and taking photos of it. Remember the pictures we took of the changing monarch caterpillar to butterfly Joel put on his mini website? See the changes a caterpillar goes through here.
If you would like to help me win, you can vote for my photo here at Sitesell Facebook – and help me to win a free SBI, extra cash and maybe even some coaching from the president, Ken Envoy!
Thankyou! Voting starts 12pm on the 12th of December for 4 days only! Vote for my “Best of Transformations” Photo entry here.
Some Thoughts on Thankfulness 2012
Jesus, who in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped! In this Christmas season we recognize that Jesus gave up his rightful position so that we may become part of his family, and yet how difficult is it for us or our children to give up our rights?
Only a few days ago, two of my boys were complaining about their rightful ownership of chair space. Have you ever experienced that? “He’s on my side?” “Can’t you move your leg?” “I’m not touching him. My leg is in my line.” ..... and on it goes. Is this just in my family?
Arguing and quarrels often come about because we are so keen to hang on to what we call our ‘right.’ We argue to get our own way – to see our desires put into practice. When it isn’t done our way, we grumble and complain and make a fuss. Our perspective becomes limited and we major on the minors!
What have I made a fuss about this year in regards to homeschooling?
- My house always seems to be a cluttered, untidy pile of ‘messes.’
- Two incomes would make life easier.
- Going out to work would probably feel more satisfying.
- This program doesn’t seem to work for us, I wish I had...
- I wish my husband was more involved.
- My chore list is endless.
- I wish my children would step in and do their work and chores cheerfully.
- I don’t seem to have any time for ‘me.’
The people of Israel also complained against God when their desires weren’t met. Their needs were met with the manna and quail God supplied, but their desires, their sinful craving was not satisfied in the way they wanted, and within a few days of the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea, they complained bitterly and kept it up for forty years.
When I complain, what am I really doing? Aren't I just questioning whether God knows what He is doing? It is as though I am not really trusting that God is in control of all my circumstances. Doesn't it show my lack of trust in a God who is able to provide and a God who knows what is best?
My daughter who is reading PollyAnna at the moment, loves to play the “Glad Game.” She tries so hard to make every situation into one in which she finds something to be thankful for. "The rain means I can’t play outside, but I’m glad that the plants are being refreshed with water."
If we should not complain, does it mean that we are constantly required to play the “Glad game” through our lives?
Well, in one way, it is not a bad discipline to develop – to cultivate a thankful heart in all circumstances. Remember 1 Thessalonians 5:18. And yet, God is a God who cares – and who listens. The Psalmists show us real human suffering and pain, and they cry out and complain to the One who is able to relieve pain and alter circumstances. In doing this, they recognize that God is all mighty and able and completely in control.
Jesus gave up His right to remain seated on His throne, was born in humble circumstances, dwelt for a while among the people on earth in an earthly body and died a cruel death. His humility is staggering. Through his humility we have gained life!
Can we give up our right to be in control? Do we allow God to be in the driver’s seat? Do we accept the circumstances we find ourselves in? Have we learnt to be content?
In 2012, I would like to cultivate an attitude of thankfulness in myself and my children.
Please God, help me to:
- Pray more.
- Prioritize and get rid of things on my schedule which shouldn’t be there.
- Gain a balanced perspective.
- Frame every disaster with the question, “In five years, will this matter?”
- Recognize the good in all things.
- Laugh with my children a whole heap more.
- Trust in God’s vision for my children and relax knowing He is in control.
- Prepare, Plan, Organize and then go with the flow.
- Remember that my children have one childhood. Anything they miss now, they can gain easily at a later date. They don’t have to do it all right now!
- Keep moving forward.
- Keep doing the important things when life is really busy.
- Hug each child as many times as you have meals in a day.
- Pursue what you really love.
- Think about whatever is noble, right, lovely, good, admirable or praiseworthy.
Preparing for Christmas
How do you prepare for the Christmas season?
Years ago I created the symbols for a Jesse tree.
Have you ever created a Jesse Tree?
A Jesse Tree helps us to be thankful for God’s promises from the very beginning of time. As we make and hang ornaments on our Jesse tree, we read and contemplate the Biblical stories and gain an overview of God’s wonderful plan of salvation. Use the links below to print off free Jesse Tree ornaments and devotions to help you to meditate and spend some time remembering God’s goodness to us as we move closer to Christmas.
http://www.couponing101.com/2011/11/free-jesse-tree-printable-kit-downloads.html
http://www.scribd.com/doc/72089851/Jesse-Tree-Packet-2011
http://www.aholyexperience.com/2010/11/free-jesse-tree-advent-devotional-book/
http://www.printcandee.com/jessetreekit/
Organizational Tip
My latest 2012 Keep on Track Homeschool Planner is ready! – Jan-Dec 2012.
This is the simple, yet sylish planner all ready to go - ready to be printed for 2012 - all the months of January to December for those who like to work in calendar years.
Enjoy!
Coming soon...
I would like to wish all my readers a blessed Christmas and I sincerely pray that God will bless your homeschool in the new year.
Enjoy your children, enjoy the days and be content with the circumstances which you find yourself in. As you develop your thankful heart and attitude, you will smile on your situation and glorify God in your words and deeds.
It is humbling to know that we may be used as His instruments in our families and in this world.
Kind regards,
Marianne
May God bless your journey in home education!
...See you next year....
Marianne
