Thank you all for the encouragement. Means a lot to me. Yesterday went much better. Hubby did school in the evening the previous day and had a talk with the girls. So yesterday one child started her math and was finished by 10am and then completely finished with school by 11:30. I had time to work on a lap book with my youngest and get our history reading done. They all did their best work and I was pleased. Yes, I know that sending them to school is not the answer for us, but some days, it’s just hard. Know what I mean?
I know I need to work on my attitude. I am trying. I am praying, asking the Lord to fill me with his love, his power, his strength to keep on keeping on.
Now, on a completely different topic: Christmas. Yep, I know it is still October but it is coming fast. I’ve been thinking about it a little, in my spare time! We have a puppy as you all know, and I was thinking how I wasn’t too thrilled with the idea of putting all my precious ornaments on the tree, just to have Max knock them off and chew them up. I was at a craft store a bit a go and saw a paper pack of ornaments. You punch them out, fold them up and Presto! Hand made ornaments ready to hang on the tree. I was also thinking of how much my girls are still into the whole Little House on the Prairie thing. I am thinking it would be a good idea to go really simple and homespun this year. String popcorn and cranberries, hang ribbon bows and pine cones on the tree. That way if the dog attacks the tree, no biggie. Not only that, but the girls will really be able to participate in the decorating. I found a book in the Rainbow Resource holiday catalog that is titled, A Pioneer Christmas. It tells about pioneer holiday traditions, games, recipes, and crafts. I think I will buy this and really do the Little House theme this year. Oh, don’t worry, we will not forget the real theme of Christmas. This is just to focus on simplicity and togetherness. Wouldn’t it be great to get all my Christmas shopping done in November and I wouldn’t have to worry about any of that during December?
Susan
The Little House Christmas sounds wonderful! I’ve always thought it would be fun to do a totally “natural” tree with all handmade ornaments, popcorn, cinnamon sticks, etc. And really, it’s not at all too early to think about Christmas- it’s going to come up fast!
Glad things are looking up for you!
Rebeca
I think your Christmas idea is a good focus for you. When I’m stressing or frustrated, having a goal is very important. Then you can do ’school’ stuff related to your goal. For example, making Christmas ornaments and reading the Little House type guides. What a fun way to learn while doing.
So, so, so glad that you’re doing better. How awesome that your husband stepped up to the plate and helped out. That’s quite a man. Give him an extra big hug today.
Hi!
Wowsers! we’re planning on doing crans and corn this year too! At least, that was the plan. My hope is to get my hubby to remember that Christmas is FUN and ALLOWED to be celebrated, unlike what his present “cult” is telling him. They are such a downer group, I’m tellin’ya! I mean,m something is wrong when you get excited about finally finding a nice large nativity to put in the front yard and he balks at it…
Susan;
In regards to your second paragraph…the day you accepted Christ as your Lord and Savior you were filled completely with His Holy Spirit. You therefore already possess all love, power and encouragement to be “more than a conqueror” in this life on earth.
Living by the Spirit is an act of faith. By faith, you do what the Holy Spirit leads you to do; by faith, your old man is reckoned dead; by faith old things have passed behold you are a new creation. It’s Him in you.
The only time the disciples were powerless were when they lacked faith. Without faith, it is impossible to please God.
Believe God is who He said He is. Believe God can do what He said He can do. Believe you are who He said you are. Own it. And live your life accordingly. Don’t look at the circumstances with your eyes. Look at them as God tells you to see them. Don’t allow busyness or hobbies to distract you. Be purposeful with your intentions. God is speaking. Do the last thing the holy Spirit nudged you to do and start there.
Your sister in Him,
Glad things are better today and that your hubby has had a talk with the girls. Sometimes it is important to call in the principal/chancellor to talk with the students because they have a tendency to forget some things being with mom 24/7.
It is helpful to take a step back sometimes and look at the big picture. From your posts, there is a lot of change in your home and everyone is adjusting to many new things. Don’t compare yourself to others and truly find a schedule that works for you and your family based on how God created each of you.
The homespun Christmas sounds beautiful, best wishes as you plan.
Continue being a blessing to others with your transparency, your labor is not in vain.
Hi Susan!
I’m so glad things are going better for you in the school dept. It does get hard sometimes and it’s good for daddy to step in and encourage the kids to do better.
As to the pioneer Christmas, that sounds like a super-fun idea!!! So long as Max doesn’t like popcorn. Or maybe you can put a little cayenne pepper on the bottom string? Or something else that might deter him from having a yuletide snack?
Oh, one more thing. Do you still have your Beadattitudes site or are you just linking to your flickr account?
Marsha