tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20275116927215933172024-03-16T13:52:40.497-05:00Mom of Manymomofmanybentzshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04472248488933177600noreply@blogger.comBlogger1128125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2027511692721593317.post-18663846168291509782024-02-26T08:36:00.007-06:002024-02-28T22:58:17.725-06:00Lighten Your Load<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju5tdxaVPl2PBAVzlBvK2h1LCPPzM-NHjXSUtCoxFjMbNHNcuqxEfEu3c5v3Ramf3ACCw_Z1HKmlAIwNt_B2pS4Ja4ckqjU4secj_SIyPwPSY8WQpWjYTqFJUUQdrLWu6RNqab14Gwz_2ycAnRFOkkfAtZeiYn8cDF6QUxrTDAIcFplHspUG7ZlrJiGK3f/s640/Attachment-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju5tdxaVPl2PBAVzlBvK2h1LCPPzM-NHjXSUtCoxFjMbNHNcuqxEfEu3c5v3Ramf3ACCw_Z1HKmlAIwNt_B2pS4Ja4ckqjU4secj_SIyPwPSY8WQpWjYTqFJUUQdrLWu6RNqab14Gwz_2ycAnRFOkkfAtZeiYn8cDF6QUxrTDAIcFplHspUG7ZlrJiGK3f/w640-h640/Attachment-1.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; min-width: 100%; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td style="margin: 0px; padding-top: 9px;" valign="top"><table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="m_2652222393139819794mcnTextContentContainer" style="border-collapse: collapse; max-width: 100%; min-width: 100%; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td class="m_2652222393139819794mcnTextContent" style="color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 18px 9px; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">We all get weary about this time of year… winter seems to drag on and on, our best intended resolutions have escaped us (again), and there isn’t a bright spot in sight to look forward to!</p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">We scour the internet looking for that special “something” that can brighten up our day, make school bearable again, and lighten our load. May I suggest –we may be looking for “love in all the wrong places.” What we need is rest – but, the www.whatever doesn’t have what we most need.</p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">I’ve been pondering what brings this elusive “true rest” to my day. Of course, as Christians, we are familiar with the verse “Come to me all who are weary and heavy burdened and I will give you rest.” While this is abundantly true, I can find it hard to put it into daily practice in my homeschooling endeavors, especially in these years homeschooling high schoolers and having three post-graduates in the home.</p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">What are the things that are making you feel “weary and heavy burdened”? For me, I realized that the load I was carrying was heavier than it needed to be and I had picked up some things that I should have put down. I had been carrying them far too long –and the Lord gently invited me to come to Him and learn of Him and to find rest for my soul.</p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong><br /></strong></p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong>Academic Expectations & Fear</strong></p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">I had picked up numerous academic expectations along the homeschooling path about what we “had” to do. You know the ridiculous, but common, expectations that we have to do all the subjects, follow a specific scope and sequence, and excel at everything. These expectations created imagined “<em>requirements” </em>that the invisible “they” will be looking for on the prized, golden transcript– my child’s ticket to success. I really excelled at picking up all those unrealistic academic expectations and trying to meet them all!</p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">Along with these came fear. Fear that we couldn’t meet them, fear that we wouldn’t measure up and fear we weren’t good enough! So we worked longer and harder and those heavy “got-to-do-expectations” quickly consumed most of our waking moments; got to do Algebra and beyond, got to have 2 years of an intense foreign language, got to have extracurriculars, got to have volunteer hours, got to take the tests (even take them over again for another couple of points), got to do college credit, got to follow the checklists. (Actually – I kinda hate to admit this, I LOVE a good checklist –what a feeling of accomplishment there is to gleefully check something off! I may have even a time a two, written something down just to get to check it off. I think I’m a list-checking addict!)</p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">The rest of the verse in Matthew 11 intrigued me, “Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me…and you shall find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My load is light.” Our school days looked anything but “easy and light.” I realized I needed to learn more from the Lord and to understand better what His easy yoke and light load was for us.</p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">I found that these heavy expectations I had taken on were fueled by fear and became the dictators of our days. What a gift it was to trade all those burdensome expectations and fears in exchange for His light and easy yoke! It brought freedom. It brought peace. It brought us rest. </p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">Instead of hurrying to finish all those “got tos”, we started to prioritize all the “get tos”. It was a subtle shift from carrying heavy expectations to enjoying the journey with appreciation and gratitude. The Lord’s invitation to learn of Him allowed us to see all the many ways we had been given a gift of freedom in our days from the endless demands. We get to set a more relaxed schedule. We get to skip that difficult lesson and save it for another day when we may have more energy. We get to customize our studies to our unique needs and unique callings. We get to push the textbook lessons aside and experience real life learning together.</p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">Can I encourage you? Your children are loved by God more than by you (you know how much you love them!) You can trust Him to lead you and them. Those expectations you picked up will only leave you fearful, feeling behind and worn out.</p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">As I relinquished some of my pseudo-academic expectations for my children, the Lord showed up (as He always does.) Instead of a frantic pace created by trying to check all the boxes, we are learning to capture the moments, eliminate the unnecessary, and prioritize what the Lord is showing us to do. Peace-filled days, better real learning, and rest followed. And surprisingly, at least to me, none of my children have stopped learning and growing and excelling. In fact, the Lord provided many opportunities to learn in very creative ways that we had been missing!</p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong><br /></strong></p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong>Comparisons & Lies</strong></p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">Along our journey, carrying comparisons started to weigh me down. I’d like to think of myself as strongly independent, my own person who likes to do her own thing. But, comparisons started sneaking into my heart and my home. </p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">I would imagine what the “perfect” family looks like, and then look around at what my family looked like and feel discouraged or defeated. I picked up more -–“I’ll try harder - do more” ideas for my schooling, my home, and what I should be doing and weighed myself down to the point of exhaustion believing the lies.</p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">I thought things like, “<em>Maybe I need a shiny new curriculum or I need to join a popular co-op group to really make us love learning. All I need to do is spend the money, get on board and everything will be easier. Someone else knows better what my children need.”</em></p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;"><em><br /></em></p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;"><em>“Or maybe what I need, at least according to all the Instagram & Pinterest images, is a new look or an extreme home makeover. Everyone else’s home looks perfectly coordinated and organized while their children sit eagerly around the fireplace waiting for the wisdom to drip from mom’s lips as they sip homemade hot chocolate and eat fresh sourdough bread. My home or situation must be our problem.”</em> </p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">My thoughts continued<em>, “What we need is to sell everything we own and buy an RV to homeschool across the country next year. It’ll bring fun and adventure. What we need a complete re-invention of who and what we are. We should be like someone else.”</em></p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">But, the Lord intervened.</p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">He said “Come to me… learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Could it really be that easy?</p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">He said He will give me the desires of my heart, He will supply all my needs, He has good plans for me, He will give me the strength to do all He has called me to do, and He is enough.</p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">All this helped me enormously. I learned to focus daily on Him and those comparisons and lies started to lose their attraction. Refocusing my heart and home on Him gave us all a lighter and far easier yoke to carry.</p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong><br /></strong></p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong>Doing It All & Pride</strong></p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">Along with those pesky comparisons, I had picked up habits of doing everything myself. A sort of misplaced pride– thoughts of “<em>It is all my responsibility. If I don’t do it, who will?”</em> and<em> “It rests on me</em>”filled my heavy sack.</p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">Moms, we are so good at this! We learn quickly how to balance multiple responsibilities at one time caring for our little ones–even when they are no longer little. We get so efficient and so good at managing everything we barely even notice that our “little ones” are fully capable of carrying their own loads.</p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">I was the one running our household, planning meals, shopping, cooking, cleaning… the list went on and on.</p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">Meanwhile, nearly fully-formed adults were living absolutely care and responsibility free in the shadow of my endless labors. It was time to share some of the fun!</p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">And wow what changes came…and our house has one happier mama!</p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">Take a moment, look around your home. What things are you doing that they could be doing? Unload some of that. Let them reap the rewards of learning how to plan, shop, & cook meals for the family (that could be an entire article.) Expect them to take care of the home you share - by cleaning, repairing, and LEARNING how to! This will serve them all of their grown-up lives, and you may have been inadvertently preventing them from doing it, by doing it all yourself.</p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">I had taken on the burden of being the one driving the direction of their plans after high school. I was the one who worried through the transcript formation and scheduled the tests and planned the college visits and, of course, monitored their progress on all the checklists I could find!</p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">Instead, I realized my responsibility was to teach them to learn from the Lord and let them start directing their own path. Is it possible that you need to do that as well?</p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">Maybe you need to stop doing it all for them. I’m not saying to abandon your post as their guide and their cheerleader–I’m saying that the responsibility for determining their life plan is between the Lord and them, not you. Point them in the right direction, and cheer them on! Remember, in just several short years, they will not be students– they will be adults. Start letting them flex their muscles so that they are strong and wise enough to carry their own loads.</p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">All these things and more have helped me bring the heavy load I was carrying to the Lord and trade it for His lighter, easier yoke. I’m learning to keep Jesus’ instruction of “Learn of Me” a daily priority.</p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">Blessings,</p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">Renita</p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><em>“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. </em><strong><em> </em></strong><em>Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. </em><strong><em> </em></strong><em>For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” - Matthew 11:28-30</em></p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="m_2652222393139819794mcnDividerBlock" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td style="margin: 0px; min-width: 100%; padding: 18px;"></td></tr></tbody></table>momofmanybentzshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04472248488933177600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2027511692721593317.post-82961427172172388822023-11-22T12:26:00.005-06:002023-11-22T12:28:44.683-06:00Who Plays with Dandelions Anymore?<p> </p><h4 style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px 0px 8px; padding: 0px; text-align: right; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs x126k92a" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyAKeE4aSVwpOiV8-RkM6UnZW5cURz12KDPZpG6dNeM6bAcK1mlowyRV9zBsWrDp3OGtoQ5KXThRI4UjvO7E5GDcdf6RvPEamA5dMUpYJxuPhMZSzPcOKc4h9FMfDeSqtQcep0WNc8yPPr0wRduNuRpVxqtBXisH0d4sfWEef00opgcFMwdTYfJ4X7VuJg/s4032/dandelions2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyAKeE4aSVwpOiV8-RkM6UnZW5cURz12KDPZpG6dNeM6bAcK1mlowyRV9zBsWrDp3OGtoQ5KXThRI4UjvO7E5GDcdf6RvPEamA5dMUpYJxuPhMZSzPcOKc4h9FMfDeSqtQcep0WNc8yPPr0wRduNuRpVxqtBXisH0d4sfWEef00opgcFMwdTYfJ4X7VuJg/w480-h640/dandelions2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: 400;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: 400;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: 400;">Sometimes I feel this yearning for something I can’t quite define. It’s a shadow feeling of something I used to know, but can’t quite remember. My husband and I were taking a hike (one of my favorite pastimes!). As we walked along, we passed a lush green field spotted everywhere with yellow dandelion flowers. Instantly, I grabbed one, and an old childhood rhyme came flooding back to me…”Momma had a baby, and its head popped off…” (don’t teach this one to your <span style="font-family: inherit;"><a style="color: #385898; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit;" tabindex="-1"></a></span>kids - I grew up in public school in the ‘70s!) and I playfully flicked the yellow blossom’s head with my thumb and sent it sailing toward my husband. I reached down and grabbed a handful of the long-stemmed fuzzy beauties and began to braid them into a new adornment for my hair as we continued our walk.</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: 400;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: 400;">It suddenly hit me–no one plays with dandelions anymore! That yearning I was feeling was for a return to the simplicity of life, of sitting outside surrounded by beauty and being entertained by the simple act of plucking dandelions and marveling at them has almost disappeared from our over-scheduled, over-stimulated, over-hurried, over-burdened lives! </div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: 400;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: 400;">Can we undo this frenzied pace and intentionally slow down to play with the dandelions again? Oh, I hear your objections (because they echo at times in my heart too) –What if my children aren’t prepared? What if they don’t learn all that they need to get scholarships or go to college? What if they are “behind”? (That’s a whole new post!) What if I fail them? (Do you sometimes feel it all depends on you?) So, we pick up the pace and kept pressing forward. </div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: 400;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: 400;">Stop for a minute– does this sound like the Lord’s voice to you? The one with the still small voice that tells you His yoke is easy and His burden is light? I can imagine that Jesus probably played with dandelions– flicking them playfully at his disciples or tucking one behind his ear to display it in all its buttery yellow glory. I doubt He was worried that his disciples wouldn’t get high enough scores on any standardized tests or win coveted free rides to prestigious colleges. I’m sure He didn’t compare them to other saints and worry that they were “behind”. And I know He knew that He would never fail them, or leave them behind.</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: 400;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: 400;">Can we really be bold enough to step off this hurried path and take the more scenic route with our family? I think we can intentionally chose to hit the brakes, really we can– we are in the driver’s seat! Here are a few changes our family has made to slow down and enjoy the journey:</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: 400;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><i>WE TOSSED OUT TESTS AND ARBITRARY MEASUREMENTS AND TRADED THEM FOR TIME SPENT DISCUSSING WHAT WE WERE LEARNING AND FINDING FASCINATING.</i></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: 400;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: 400;">So much of my early homeschool journey consisted of making sure we were not “missing anything”. I was constantly on the lookout for the perfect curriculum– the one that would ensure that my children didn’t have gaps and could test their way into success. And we were moderately successful at being great test-takers but not necessarily great at discovering what we found fascinating or interesting. I realized that this path leads to a somewhat flat and one-dimensional sort of learning. We knew facts, we could exercise our memories, and we could enjoy the small rewards of good grades. But, we didn’t have time to really think and dream and connect to what we were learning–especially as we sped through high school.</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: 400;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: 400;">Lately, we have enjoyed a slower pace for our learning. Yes, even with high schoolers (I have 3 left - all in high school). I have ruthlessly eliminated many “good” pursuits, like dual college credit and ACT/SAT testing, and intentionally focused on less academics. I have even enlisted my children in choosing subjects they want to learn about. (Of course, I’m too much of a control freak to let them skip essentials like science and math!) </div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: 400;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: 400;">Instead of proving that they could memorize, I’ve spent time discussing what they have discovered. The results have been refreshing! I’m seeing them start to make meaningful connections, and offer creative insights. Their learning has become much more dimensional as the measurement tools have changed.</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: 400;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: 400;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><i>WE DITCHED THE ENDLESS OPTIONS OF OUTSIDE ACTIVITIES AND PUT THE PRIORITY ON FAMILY ACTIVITIES.</i></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: 400;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: 400;">This was a hard one to give up. Outside activities are good, right? Socialization is necessary, right? Yes, but the current way of American life is not! </div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: 400;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: 400;">We used to have an overfull schedule with kids being carted off to activities every night of the week. Dinner was always an on-the-go affair, and evenings home together a rare event. </div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: 400;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: 400;">Our new schedule is quite different! Dinners at home, together, around the table, are more the norm. Our calendar usually has activities that are shared with multiple members of the family. The conversations at dinner and the shared experiences are creating a positive socialization that far outweighs the old way! </div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: 400;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: 400;">Time is precious, don’t be quick to sacrifice it.</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: 400;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: 400;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><i>WE REVISED OUR BUDGET AND PRIORITIZED OUR SPENDING FOR THINGS THAT BRING OUR FAMILY TOGETHER.</i></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: 400;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: 400;">I’m about to get a bit personal here if you don’t mind. Our spending habits were contributing to our hurry and disconnection. We were investing in outside activities, the perfect curriculum, and the bells and whistles of keeping up with others. </div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: 400;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: 400;">Once we started making intentional decisions to simplify, we actually had more money to invest in things that moved us toward our goals. Take a hard look at where you are spending your money. A quick glance let me know that streaming services were eating up a huge amount every month. Eating out and convenience-style cooking were also adding up. Kids’ activities carried a hefty price tag as well. And, we don’t even want to talk about the curriculum costs incurred while searching out the best and most promising. </div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: 400;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: 400;">Remember, I said you are sitting in the driver’s seat? Push the financial brakes. </div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: 400;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: 400;">Disconnect a streaming service (or two) and pick up a book to read aloud together instead. You’ll be making family memories, encouraging imagination and I promise you’ll love it! </div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: 400;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: 400;">Start making dinner together–you’ll save money and teach them important skills they will enjoy for the rest of their lives. </div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: 400;"><br /></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Selectively choose the outside activities, and invest in things that bring your favorite people home. For us, it was skipping some much-wanted home updates to invest in an awesome deck for our above-ground pool, with the added benefit of acquiring some much-needed practical building skills!</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">I can’t tell you exactly what your priorities need to be. But I’m encouraging you to take an honest look and make bold moves. You won’t regret it!</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">With the ever-increasing pace of life right speeding past our doors, let’s be the kind of people who stop to play with dandelions and have our homes be places filled with rest and peace.</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is .light.” Matthew 11:28-3</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Blessings,</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Renita</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">crosswiredscience. com</div></div></h4>momofmanybentzshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04472248488933177600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2027511692721593317.post-38356499238398461552023-10-05T10:25:00.002-05:002023-10-05T10:26:15.603-05:00Are You Measuring the Right Things?<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC3ZWZ49qXJRsRtjZ5dr2e2Y4lCuw7RjuG-LnE_sej8-0hzL2DottwdnSbE3PhDqF1AeEKvJH4tfWH88DkIxnRu5H0z3vHoeWLUX4mcTLIoCNDTTsydqkDQ4hAhE10-B7ILt0y-TBSQUiPWcDMrE1L_nVQgf14IqEmiX1q5cKP6e1wWMgJTByDzL0p8dIZ/s666/measuring%20sticks.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="666" data-original-width="462" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC3ZWZ49qXJRsRtjZ5dr2e2Y4lCuw7RjuG-LnE_sej8-0hzL2DottwdnSbE3PhDqF1AeEKvJH4tfWH88DkIxnRu5H0z3vHoeWLUX4mcTLIoCNDTTsydqkDQ4hAhE10-B7ILt0y-TBSQUiPWcDMrE1L_nVQgf14IqEmiX1q5cKP6e1wWMgJTByDzL0p8dIZ/w445-h640/measuring%20sticks.png" width="445" /></a></div><br /><p></p><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; min-width: 100%; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td style="margin: 0px; padding-top: 9px;" valign="top"><table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="m_-6927881690561340737mcnTextContentContainer" style="border-collapse: collapse; max-width: 100%; min-width: 100%; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td class="m_-6927881690561340737mcnTextContent" style="color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 18px 9px; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><h2 style="font-size: 22px; line-height: 27.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><strong>Measuring Sticks</strong></h2><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">Are you measuring the right things?</span></div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; min-width: 100%; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td style="margin: 0px; padding-top: 9px;" valign="top"><table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="m_-6927881690561340737mcnTextContentContainer" style="border-collapse: collapse; max-width: 100%; min-width: 100%; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td class="m_-6927881690561340737mcnTextContent" style="line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 18px 9px; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><p style="color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">We have a fun “first day of school” tradition at our house. I print out a little “<em>Beginning & Ending”</em> worksheet I picked up along the journey of homeschooling. It has spaces for the all the usual - like how tall you are, what you weigh, some goals for the year, etc. Then, we mark everyone’s height on the wall with painter’s tape.</p><p style="color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">The tape marks usually stick around (no pun intended!) for a couple of days until I take them down. We repeat this activity around the end of our school year, if we remember. Please tell me…I can’t be the only one who suddenly realizes that the school year ended, or um… fizzled out.</p><p style="color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">We compare the measurements, and marvel at how many inches each of them grew in such a short time! </p><p style="color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">This got me to wondering, what are the measuring sticks I am using in our homeschool adventures? Do different measuring tools show you different results? Am I measuring their growth with the correct measuring sticks? </p><p style="color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">Very early in my journey, my measuring sticks included ridiculous measurements like - Did we finish all the pages in the workbook? Did we check all the boxes on the lesson plan? How did they score on a standardized, end-of-the year test - were they at “grade level” or better yet… above grade level for reading skills?</p><p style="color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">Silly, now that I look back. My measuring sticks were measuring the wrong things! They were measuring my children against some arbitrary standards set up by those who had never even met them. Or, worse they were comparing them to other children (that they didn’t even know). The measurements were useless, really. What they measured were things that didn’t matter in the long run. Could they take a test? Could they check the boxes? Not one of these measured what they really knew, or how much they had grown that year.</p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica;">I’d like to think I learned the lesson right away, don’t we all? But as they grew I continued to use the wrong measuring sticks at times. High school measurements included more boxes to check, more tests to take, and counting dual college credits or ACT scores to determine their growth.</span><br /></p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; min-width: 100%; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td style="margin: 0px; padding-top: 9px;" valign="top"><table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="m_-6927881690561340737mcnTextContentContainer" style="border-collapse: collapse; max-width: 100%; min-width: 100%; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td class="m_-6927881690561340737mcnTextContent" style="color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 18px 9px; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">The Lord has been gracious to teach me along this path. The realization that my measuring sticks were measuring the wrong things has come gradually with experience. (Thankfully, the Lord gave me multiple children to practice on…). In this season, I’ve had my eyes opened to new, and more effective, measuring tools. I’m starting to see the shortcomings of superficial measurements that don’t address their hearts, minds, souls, and strength.</p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">Here’s a few of my new measuring sticks, some questions I’m asking to determine if they are growing:</p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">How is their time spent learning to invest in their personal soul growth in the Lord? Are our days so jam-packed with curriculum and content that they have no time to spend with the Lord or with us as a family? Do they know and love the Word more this year than last? I know high schoolers can carry a heavy academic load, but the Lord promises an easy burden and a light yoke. Have I modeled that to them, or made the focus of our time together only about academic growth?</p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">Am I earnestly investing in activities and plans that encourage growth in their hearts? Did their compassion for others grow this year? Are they learning to value people around them more and more? Can they set aside their personal desires to help another family member get closer to one of theirs? Do they have time to do activities they enjoy–just for the enjoyment, and not for credit on the transcript? Is there enough quiet to listen to whispers in their hearts and freedom to chase their dreams?</p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">How about physically? Am I putting priorities in front of them that neglect their need to have strong bodies and make healthy habits? Am I encouraging them to take the time to move and build those muscles with practical, hands-on opportunities (sometimes at the expense of book or computer work). Are they learning the extent of their physical capabilities? Are they stretching to reach new goals?</p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">When measuring the growth of their minds, am I relying on a “find the right answer” approach, or using a score on a test to determine if they have learned or am I guiding them to really think deeply? I’ve discovered that the “fill-in-the-blank” and “answer the quiz correctly” approach was really just an early step in the process of growing their minds. Am I continuing to challenge them to look at things from different perspectives? Can they make connections between ideas and come to conclusions? Am I teaching them to think and question, or merely memorize information? Does it change the way they see the world? Can they confidently communicate what they believe and why?</p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">It can leave me with more questions than answers. But I do know that it changes the way I use my measuring sticks to determine if they are growing well. And it requires constant reliance on the One that knows them best to help me guide them along the path!</p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">I encourage you to reexamine the measuring sticks you are using. Don’t be afraid to throw them away and go a new direction, it’s never too late to begin again.</p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">I’m praying for you, and I believe this is going to be a great year, full of growth!</p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">Blessings,</p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">Renita</p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; min-width: 100%; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td style="margin: 0px; padding-top: 9px;" valign="top"><table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="m_-6927881690561340737mcnTextContentContainer" style="border-collapse: collapse; max-width: 100%; min-width: 100%; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td class="m_-6927881690561340737mcnTextContent" style="color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 18px 9px; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><strong><em>There is no greater or higher measure of success<br />than the praise of our Savior, saying,<br />“Well done, good and faithful servant” <br />- Matthew 25:23</em></strong></p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>momofmanybentzshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04472248488933177600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2027511692721593317.post-5643547496434098182023-05-06T08:25:00.005-05:002023-05-06T08:25:54.870-05:00Stop Boring Them!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipN5oEc8_ZrESribn7oge6uFJ5IeOPdvya5NHdvGJ4kufXfE_MGdGCO-J8SsXblme_FdpJjYp6Rx2dLNnAozq-dwqE5HD7k2mVkM72z4qQ0qmxv4N7zSjkzTU2CnLM4EqvxNeQrocLMXgrDhhmhngph-Zmfsc4pzYwiCTH9QxNMJFXsyto--CADDWXYQ/s754/path.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="754" data-original-width="710" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipN5oEc8_ZrESribn7oge6uFJ5IeOPdvya5NHdvGJ4kufXfE_MGdGCO-J8SsXblme_FdpJjYp6Rx2dLNnAozq-dwqE5HD7k2mVkM72z4qQ0qmxv4N7zSjkzTU2CnLM4EqvxNeQrocLMXgrDhhmhngph-Zmfsc4pzYwiCTH9QxNMJFXsyto--CADDWXYQ/w376-h400/path.jpg" width="376" /></a></div><br /><p></p><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; min-width: 100%; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td style="margin: 0px; padding-top: 9px;" valign="top"><table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="m_-4170034576457899267mcnTextContentContainer" style="border-collapse: collapse; max-width: 100%; min-width: 100%; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td class="m_-4170034576457899267mcnTextContent" style="color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 18px 9px; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><h2 style="font-size: 22px; line-height: 27.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><strong>Stop Boring Them</strong></h2><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">And start blowing their minds!</p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; min-width: 100%; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td style="margin: 0px; padding-top: 9px;" valign="top"><table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="m_-4170034576457899267mcnTextContentContainer" style="border-collapse: collapse; max-width: 100%; min-width: 100%; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td class="m_-4170034576457899267mcnTextContent" style="color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 18px 9px; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">Remember back with me, back to the very first steps into your homeschooling journey… What were those BIG goals and dreams you had for your children? I remember well embracing, “I want to create a “love of learning” and “teach my children to know and love God.” But, along this 20-year journey, I’ve discovered I have repeatedly made choices that have actually been the exact opposite of that deep desire I had. I’ve missed some precious opportunities to show my children WHO God is and help them fall in love with Him, and I’ve actually been guilty of boring them to tears instead of helping them be lifelong lovers of learning.</p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">So where did I take some wrong turns? I’ve pondered this on more than one occasion– and I’ve come to some conclusions. I hope some of this helps you too.</p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong>The Same Old Approach </strong></p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">I’ve bored my kids with continuing to fall back on the same old approach…trying to find the “perfect curriculum” over and over and over. Who said that “doing the same thing but expecting a different result is insanity?” I think it was Einstein. </p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">I’ve gotten distracted from my goals for my children by some very dull, predictable, and ineffective approaches… One main source has come via those big-but-empty textbooks. </p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">This default approach of relying on textbooks to teach, especially for our high schoolers, is that they simply cannot deliver on their promises. Those hefty-sized books are limited to only telling students (usually in black and white text) and never can really show them the wonder of God in living color! Those endless pages of seemingly important information are actually filled with boring minutia that we all know we don’t really need to learn! </p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">Furthermore, we further demean their love of learning by reducing the learning process to one of looking for a “right answer” and taking a test to prove that we learned the lesson over thrilling and amazing them with who God is and what He does and what that means for their lives. </p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong>Completely Useless Information</strong></p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">What completely useless information were you forced to memorize, regurgitate and promptly eject from your memory forever? I have a long list… I never ever, even one time, have used one upper-level math equation in my real grown-up life, nor have I ever diagrammed another sentence or found the knowledge of ten thousand things like prokaryotic vs. eukaryotic cells to be a valuable, life-changing pieces of information that I’m glad I stored up.</p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">The truth is, we are boring them to tears while heaping a heavy burden and load of meaningless school work for them to simply endure. And, along this path we destroy their wonder, curiosity, and admiration for their Creator. We miss the golden opportunity to be their “tour guides” and really show (not just tell) them the reality of who God is!</p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong>Long Dull Lessons</strong></p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">Another way I was boring my students was with long, dull lessons. Why is it that someone decided that the best way to learn something is to spend endless hours listening to someone else’s opinion on a subject? When do we really practice that in our daily lives? And when, is only ONE writer’s opinion the only correct one? </p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">For instance, a textbook curriculum writer becomes the definitive expert on a subject just because they wrote it– and we accept their information as rock-solid truth in a subject area. When do we make adult decisions that way? We don’t. We seek out a variety of counselors for a subject of importance; we research, we interview, and we analyze. I realized I was giving my children a very limited viewpoint by utilizing a single source for curriculum. I realized I was boring them, dulling their discernment, and working against my goals for them to be lifelong learners with sharp, questioning minds.</p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong>Avoiding “One Size Fits All”</strong></p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">There are much better tools and resources to learn from than the same old approach, and we get to choose for ourselves which is most appealing and useful. What a blessing to be freed from the “one-size-fits-all” approach and to pursue a path laid out for us by a good God who loves us! I have learned to stop looking for the “perfect curriculum” and to listen to the Lord for the perfect plan He has for each child. </p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong>Segregating the Family From Itself</strong></p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">Along the way, I also discovered that as my children have gotten older and more capable of learning on their own that I’ve disengaged sometimes from the learning process. I’ve realized this is a huge mistake many of us make! Our homeschool endeavor begins at home…together, and it should continue that way all the way through high school. We have been given a gift, with responsibility, to be part of the plan God has for shaping them to be the tools He designed beforehand for them to become! </p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">As my children grew older, we also increasingly encountered philosophies that attempted to segregate our children into age or grade compartments. This may actually be a not-so-subtle attack by the enemy to weaken the family structure that Satan hates so much. We began joyfully, all around the kitchen table together– learning together, but by high school– everyone was beginning to be banished to their own age-leveled corner to continue on solo or, maybe worse, with only same-age peers. </p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">Does it have to be this way? NO!</p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">I have discovered that you can completely disregard age/grade levels and teach your family together (with a minimal division for age-appropriate skills), even in those daunting subjects like <span class="il">science</span>! Our children need to be inspired by God’s greater vision for them, not just separated to “figure it out” alone. By staying engaged, we can inoculate them from becoming “a companion of fools.”</p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong>Getting Back on God’s Course </strong></p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">I want to encourage you: The face-to-face, daily interactions you are having with your children are working toward your educational goals for them faster and more effectively than you realize. You are the ONE that the Lord has chosen, in advance, to be your child’s teacher. You have everything you need when you keep your focus on His direction for your family and your unique children. Don’t let fear or comparison take that away from you. And don’t reduce your efforts to small achievements like getting them to college (with bonus points for scholarships). Keep building precious shared memories together, stay engaged in the process, and enjoy the journey together!</p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">I got distracted at times and worked against my goals at times. The great news is that it’s never too late to get a course correction from the Lord and to get back up, start over and get back on track for what He has for you and your family! </p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">Blessings,</p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">Renita</p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; min-width: 100%; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td style="margin: 0px; padding-top: 9px;" valign="top"><table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="m_-4170034576457899267mcnTextContentContainer" style="border-collapse: collapse; max-width: 100%; min-width: 100%; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td class="m_-4170034576457899267mcnTextContent" style="color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 18px 9px; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><strong><em>“</em></strong><strong><em>I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; </em></strong></p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><strong><em>I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” </em></strong></p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><strong> Psalms 32:8</strong></p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>momofmanybentzshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04472248488933177600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2027511692721593317.post-91366058863111834452023-03-15T14:03:00.000-05:002023-03-15T14:03:02.165-05:00A Path Untravelled<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSX9v_69ex0aUdyTZx1cyotgFaMjSpcFkJjv0u5yTGTuCpZsD6ZpQxJqzN6sal9moPU3FuRhSqVH6mZV1c-6fuK943h_2UktajvarNLe7MjvLdCTor2MlMciRmhYDpHgjzdw5dNyrnBI3gKSDwHTBslT4iq84TbV5OYBWJaNTtddeyedHiMH_1IXzflA/s640/42F16BC2-22AF-4620-82FF-33CF491CDDE0.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="580" data-original-width="640" height="363" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSX9v_69ex0aUdyTZx1cyotgFaMjSpcFkJjv0u5yTGTuCpZsD6ZpQxJqzN6sal9moPU3FuRhSqVH6mZV1c-6fuK943h_2UktajvarNLe7MjvLdCTor2MlMciRmhYDpHgjzdw5dNyrnBI3gKSDwHTBslT4iq84TbV5OYBWJaNTtddeyedHiMH_1IXzflA/w400-h363/42F16BC2-22AF-4620-82FF-33CF491CDDE0.heic" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I have a sign in my dining room (I love words on my walls!). It reads “<i>Do not go where the path may lead, but go instead where there is no path and leave a trail</i>” When I first saw it, I knew I needed it It has hung in my dining room ever since–a divine daily reminder for my homeschooling journey. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">However, those well-worn paths before us can be so hard not to follow…<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">I started homeschooling 20 years ago (we’re about to graduate number 5 </span><span style="font-family: "Apple Color Emoji";">❤️</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">) with excitement and fear. EXCITEMENT at the idea of getting to be with my little darlings and not put them on the bright yellow school bus to be taken away from me for hours and hours… but complete FEAR at the weight of responsibility I had just put on my shoulders to carry. I was going to have to teach them… well, everything! <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So, I stood surveying the beginning of several paths before me, trying to find my way. I packed my bags with well-sharpened pencils, new crayons, construction paper and all the educational toys and trinkets I could find and started out. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This path wasn’t so bad. My eyes were being opened to see all the learning opportunities around us and the beauty of the journey. We played, we created, we learned! Sometimes it was from a video, sometimes a field trip, sometimes a pile of picture books. This was our “trial year” – you know, the year that you tell everyone “<i>We’re just trying this homeschool thing; if it doesn’t work – we’ll send them to school next year!</i>” <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">But, this delightful preschool path came to fork in the road… called First Grade. Which path should I take now? I was beginning to discover this new homeschool travel necessity called “curriculum”. Should we continue to follow our own winding path of learning, or get a curriculum to guide us expertly along? But, the options were limitless… how could we navigate and find our way through this new forest of choices? <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I jumped in with enthusiasm and tried them all! I even signed up to be a homeschool Curriculum Reviewer (yes, it’s a thing!) and share my finds with others. This was a fun-filled journey, at least for me. I could always justify trying something new when what we were doing was getting old, or when we wanted the thrill of a new direction, or when my child didn’t seem to “get it”. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I do think this path was good for us, for a season. But, this “Curriculum Path” – the one that promised us success if only we could unlock the perfect curriculum combination for our child–leads to a dead end. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Curriculum can’t deliver on the promise; it’s only a tool to be used, not a formula to be followed. It’s still up to us to lead our children to the paths the Lord has planned for them, and standardized lesson plans can never meet the needs our un-standardized, unique children!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">As we traveled through the early school years, another homeschooling bend in the road came into view. The “Co-op Corner”. More decisions to make. Should we jump on this path and learn with others, or keep going at our own rhythm and pace? More twists and turns accompanied this maze of options. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We discovered that there were some fun new directions in this maze, like exciting classes, making friends, group activities, and even the small joys of packing backpacks and lunch bags for days spent away from the house. We made some incredible relationships and enjoyed discovering each new bend in the road, for a season. But, once again…we ran into dead ends. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We learned that not all co-ops are alike! We discovered that once we were in some co-op paths, it was hard (if not impossible) to take a different direction. We sacrificed some of our freedoms for the security and comfort of others’ wants and desires. Co-ops became “<i>the best of times, and the worst of times</i>” along our homeschool journey. I learned to proceed with caution when entering this maze and to stay alert. I learned to not be afraid to jump out and continue on my own way when things veered away from our desired destinations.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">As we neared high school, we came face-to-face with the freeway called “College Prep”. This was not a gentle, winding path through peaceful places. Instead it took us straight into gridlocked traffic and at other times way too much speed! It was fast years of transcript building, entrance exams, dual credit classes, part-time jobs, sports, rehearsals, activities, volunteering… go, go, go. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Once again, I felt the fear of nagging questions… Is this the right path for us, for this child, for this season? There was not a single correct answer that fit every child or every situation. There were times when an exciting and ever-expanding journey was great and other times when our days felt overcrowded, frenzied and filled with unnecessary requirements and stress. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">You will have to decide when you should hit the accelerator, or when you may need to slam on the brakes. It’s all about finding God’s balance for us where we are at. I admit, I am enjoying our present detour off the freeway during this current season. We’re discovering new paths we never noticed before and loving a slower pace of life again. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Don’t get stuck in the fast lane of “<i>how everyone is doing it.</i>” Be brave enough to make lane changes to a more manageable pace for your family. Be courageous enough to take an exit ahead and create new directions your journey! It’s never too late.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The truth is we have to repeatedly go to the Lord as our divine GPS to get the answers for which path we need to take! Those well-worn paths are hard to avoid, but they are not always the direction planned by the Lord that we should travel. I believe the Lord has a NEW untravelled paths for each one of us–ones that are uniquely suited to our families, and His growing purposes for us . We just have to trust His leading and be brave enough to journey into all His new plans for us.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He wants all of us to leave beautiful trails for others to follow. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Have a great journey!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Blessings,<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Renita<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="color: #010f18; font-family: Helvetica;">“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.</span></i><span style="color: #010f18; font-family: Helvetica;">” Isaiah 30:21</span></span><o:p></o:p></p>momofmanybentzshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04472248488933177600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2027511692721593317.post-58631272184048484652023-03-01T11:06:00.005-06:002023-03-01T11:06:51.551-06:00Make Life-Changing Memories<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ZdcsyhIdPvdWCM7uaV1UziHdDRo3zIIjcViAMdhsPZroCpi6d3lVejdAbCSXNmNZu2X84ZWCCTrR1BBpH3FJ7D_-LEh_J0jpNTejV2k2IoEakBGeCsSKIVBqBHKMY0WpZobwBtLXyHadgYd6KS65NN4-vrPDWhbblzjosnph-1Sj8toBQOXz9MMOCQ/s670/Life%20changing%20memories.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="626" data-original-width="670" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ZdcsyhIdPvdWCM7uaV1UziHdDRo3zIIjcViAMdhsPZroCpi6d3lVejdAbCSXNmNZu2X84ZWCCTrR1BBpH3FJ7D_-LEh_J0jpNTejV2k2IoEakBGeCsSKIVBqBHKMY0WpZobwBtLXyHadgYd6KS65NN4-vrPDWhbblzjosnph-1Sj8toBQOXz9MMOCQ/w400-h374/Life%20changing%20memories.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><b>Make Life-Changing Memories</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I had a realization as I was angrily (yes…I mean like mad) cleaning my kitchen grout (yes… I can be like that sometimes) that the memories my children were making were of me being angry while cleaning, and not the sweet memories I dreamed of. You know… the memories we make up of all the children sitting quietly around our rocking chair, hanging on our every word as we read aloud quality classic literature and train their hearts for eternity. Nope… my kids were running for cover as I furiously threw the toys out of the “toy closet” and had emotional breakdowns over the dirt in our grouted tile counters. What do we want our children to remember years from now? I remember long ago hearing a speaker tell us we should “begin with the end in mind”. </p>
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<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">So, I made an intentional vow to try harder, do better and make sweeter memories for them to carry into their adulthood. I failed. Over and over. BUT, I kept trying! Let me encourage you - don’t give up on this quest, just keep getting back up and trying again.</p>
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<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Today, four of my children have flown the nest, and 4-6 more are still in it, depending on the day, eating everything in sight (yes, they do tend to come back). And, I’ve learned a few lessons along the way.</p>
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<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">One big lesson that keeps coming back is that the <i>memories</i> of the ordinary daily moments we share matter more than we realize. Here’s a challenge that helped me: Put away the cleaning supplies and let go of some of those perfectionist ideals. Instead, just plop down on the couch together (ignore the mess), pull out your Bibles and teach them all the cool tools a Study Bible has to offer and actually have them take turns reading it aloud. It changes the atmosphere of your home… really. While you’re at it, pick a fun book to read aloud together, and add some snacks from exotic locations (go shop in the back aisles of your grocery store, or order a subscription snack box) and just be present with them in the moment. </p>
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<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><b>The Gift of Being Necessary </b></p>
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<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">There’s more; Give your children the gift of being necessary.</p>
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<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">We all need to be needed. Instead of doing everything for them, hand them the responsibility of becoming a necessary part of making your family run smoothly. Go beyond the low expectations of the usual chores of taking care of just themselves. Let them participate in the privilege of taking care of everyone. </p>
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<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">One way we do this is by rotating who plans and makes dinner every night and having real, meaningful responsibilities to keep our household running smoothly. It’s a wonderful way to end the day, with your family around the table eating food made by their siblings. (And yes, I mean actually sit down and eat off real plates!) An unexpected bonus; you get some more free time in your schedule too! Come prepared with questions or comments to get discussion going. It’s as easy as “What was a high/low of your day?” or “What did you like about…” You’ll be surprised by what comes out when you slow down a little.</p>
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<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><b>Go Big In Celebrating Them</b></p>
<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">Everyone needs it!</p>
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<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">When it comes to celebrating each other, I’m not talking about cheering them on in every activity you can sign them up for…and drive them to…and pay for. That leads to exhaustion. I’m talking about making family celebrations into memories they can carry with them. </p>
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<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">For instance, long ago, I got frustrated with the endless purchases of impersonal greeting cards. They never say what I want them to, and they cost a fortune – only to be thrown away. So, the “Birthday Journal” was born. Each member of our family has a journal, and on their birthday - we celebrate them by writing to them in it and reading aloud to them what we wrote. These journals are a precious memory–and a record of their lives, and how much they are loved. The birthday journals would be the first thing I would grab if we had a house fire!</p>
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<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><b>Life-Style Lessons</b></p>
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<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Currently, our “book-style” lessons are secondary to our “life-style” lessons. We are learning new ways of connecting and loving the people around us–together. We are learning new skills as we complete a family building project. We are learning new business strategies as we expand our family businesses and add a short-term rental to our repertoire (anyone want to visit sunny SoCal… I know a place <span style="font-family: "Apple Color Emoji"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">😁</span>). We have intentionally included everyone in our endeavors–and believe me, there are memories being made that will serve them well into their futures!</p>
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<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><b>Quests for Adventure</b></p>
<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">Out with boring living!</p>
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<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Don’t miss the chance to do something out-of-your-ordinary! Field trips are my favorite - when was the last time you took one? (They are not for just for the littles, either!) Nothing beats ditching the lesson plan for the day, and heading to the zoo with your high schoolers to marvel at the creativity of our God. How about a hike? Make it even more adventurous by jumping in the stream (bonus points if you are fully clothed!) Can’t afford a trip?…make up an adventure. Just getting outside is almost an immediate adventure. </p>
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<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Create a challenge for them– it can be as simple as finding new flowers or leaves, or as thrilling as finding a new trail or building a make-shift raft to float down a river. Pack a lunch, a blanket and eat your picnic together: Memories are being made!</p>
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<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><b>Stick Together </b></p>
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<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">It seems like our society pushes us to be independent, the sooner the better. But, is that really what works best? Is that what we should be striving for? We have discovered the great joy of being together, all ages. I encourage you to really think this one through… What is the end you have in mind? </p>
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<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">There has been a supreme delight in providing a safe place for our post-high school young adult children to stretch their wings, before they fly the nest. Don’t be afraid to swim against the stream in this and encourage your children to stick around longer. <b><i>Trust me, they have many more lessons to learn before they go, and you have many more memories to make together!</i></b></p>
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<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I guess all of this can be summed up by –<b>Be intentional</b>! Be willing to get off the well-worn, familiar path. You are divinely assigned this task of passing on your faith and heritage to your children, so they will pass it on to future generations. It’s an ongoing, ever-rewarding privilege that the Lord promises to give you the strength and wisdom to complete. You are building a bridge from one generation to the next. </p>
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<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Never give up. Make all the life-changing memories God has for you!</p>
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<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Blessings,</p>
<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Renita</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“We will not hide these truths from our children;</i></b></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Menlo; font-kerning: none; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><b><i> </i></b></span><span style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;"><b><i>we will tell the next generation</i></b></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></span><span style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;"><b><i>about the glorious deeds of the Lord,</i></b></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Menlo; font-kerning: none; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><b><i> </i></b></span><span style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;"><b><i>about His power and His mighty wonders.”</i> </b></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Psalm 78:4</b></span></p><div><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><br /></b></span></div></div><p><br /> </p>momofmanybentzshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04472248488933177600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2027511692721593317.post-5338789920778788862023-02-01T08:53:00.005-06:002023-02-01T08:53:54.287-06:00The Power of Delight<p><span style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Qp4RETRA7XeXIiQ2QHKH_qi6EZ7FZqdxI9YBvKVcufSH57BBcBOiMEXH9g0v6YbNxppjw5rarhJ1RWNSAyhSxCpWu46E2fr-O0D5ZCWvqpx7wFco5NhAlOd6tFBc4O2ryJJ3dS3T-43wudM9E40Te3vVy5f28fNt_t6wPNDWO8qlhWFjjvNInFvq7g/s320/F616D703-2139-464A-8663-5D1107C7C8E9_4_5005_c.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="320" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Qp4RETRA7XeXIiQ2QHKH_qi6EZ7FZqdxI9YBvKVcufSH57BBcBOiMEXH9g0v6YbNxppjw5rarhJ1RWNSAyhSxCpWu46E2fr-O0D5ZCWvqpx7wFco5NhAlOd6tFBc4O2ryJJ3dS3T-43wudM9E40Te3vVy5f28fNt_t6wPNDWO8qlhWFjjvNInFvq7g/w400-h400/F616D703-2139-464A-8663-5D1107C7C8E9_4_5005_c.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Long ago, when I was sitting on the sofa surrounded by miniature versions of myself, I had a revelation. I know it’s silly, but, in my early twenties I thought the “desires of my heart” were to have a successful career, to be self-sufficient, and to be able to direct my own destiny. What I discovered that day, as I looked at the faces of my children gathered around me, reading picture book-after-picture book, day-after-day, was that THEY were my delight and being with them was the desire of my heart! Motherhood, with all the glamour, big paychecks, and public accolades (who am I kidding?) had become the deepest desire of my heart, not my career.<p></p><div class="x1e56ztr" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><br /></div><div class="x1e56ztr" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x6prxxf xvq8zen xo1l8bm xzsf02u" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">I was filled with DELIGHT! I realized that the Lord had GIVEN me the desires of my heart… even before I knew what they were.</span></div><div class="x1e56ztr" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><br /></div><div class="x1e56ztr" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x6prxxf xvq8zen xo1l8bm xzsf02u" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">This profound realization has directed and guided me ever since. My focus is to delight in the Lord, and HE, in return, fulfills the desires of my heart.</span></div><div class="x1e56ztr" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><br /></div><div class="x1e56ztr" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x6prxxf xvq8zen xo1l8bm xzsf02u" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">This has many practical applications in the life of the homeschooling mom. Delight is equal parts gratitude mixed with wonder and it turns the ordinary and mundane into worship and time spent on Holy Ground. Instead of longingly looking outside my four walls for the fulfillment of my dreams, I have the opportunity to pour my delight into the precious gifts gathered around my table.</span></div><div class="x1e56ztr" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem;"><br /></span></div><div class="x1e56ztr" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem;">I used to dread cooking. I didn’t arrive on the scene of motherhood well-prepared. I could whip up a box of powdered mashed potatoes and call it a meal. (True story – I even microwaved a turkey once… to impress my soon-to-be-husband!) But, when I chose to trade the dread of cooking every day, and made an intentional choice to find delight in preparing fun, healthy, creative meals for my family, the Lord changed me from inside and gave me the desire I had lacked before.</span></div><div class="x1e56ztr" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><br /></div><div class="x1e56ztr" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x6prxxf xvq8zen xo1l8bm xzsf02u" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">Maybe we need to apply this “delight principle” to more areas of our lives. Do we really delight in our children? How about our husbands? Can we delight in our homes, our friendships, even our finances? The perspective from which we see all of these “desires of our hearts” really does have an effect on us and those around us.</span></div><div class="x1e56ztr" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><br /></div><div class="x1e56ztr" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x6prxxf xvq8zen xo1l8bm xzsf02u" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">So, how do I “delight in the Lord”? I find myself praying to have new “eyes to see” all the touches of His hand around me every day and turning them into prayers of gratitude. Laundry… means I have clothing (and an abundance of it!) Cleaning… means I have a home, and a beautiful one to boot! Teaching… means the Lord has given me a meaningful and important work to do, (and a second, or third, or fourth… chance to finally master Algebra!) Dishes are a reminder of meals gathered together, and of God’s gracious provision of all we need. And on and on. <span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><b>Delighting is an intentional choice you make.</b></i></span></span></div><div class="x1e56ztr" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><br /></div><div class="x1e56ztr" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x6prxxf xvq8zen xo1l8bm xzsf02u" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">It also means slowing down and truly savoring these precious moments with the children that the Lord has given us. Children grow up so very fast (I know everyone says it… It’s because it’s true!). You will only have those sweet, chubby little hands for a short time. So slow down and enjoy the feel of your toddler’s chubby little hand in your hand in yours as you take a walk together. Find the wonder in those elementary years and every stage beyond. Get down on their level and try to see the world like they do. Remember, it’s all fresh, new, wonderful and filled with delight at every turn!</span></div><div class="x1e56ztr" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><br /></div><div class="x1e56ztr" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x6prxxf xvq8zen xo1l8bm xzsf02u" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">Enjoy the school years spent together and the discoveries you make while homeschooling… You get another chance to learn alongside of your children. What a gift to explore God’s world together! I frequently have said that homeschooling my children was more for my own education than theirs. Embrace the freedom to let the Lord direct your desires … you can chose to follow a set path but<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i> there are many delights to discover as you blaze your own trail</i></span>!</span></div><div class="x1e56ztr" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><br /></div><div class="x1e56ztr" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x6prxxf xvq8zen xo1l8bm xzsf02u" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">Embrace those late night conversations with your night-owlish teenagers. Brew the cups of hot chocolate and the coffee (make mine a double espresso, please), pull out the snacks and really listen to them tell you how they see the world. Be their biggest cheerleader as they take those first solo flights into God’s adventures for them. Delight that you have been given the opportunity to mold these hearts and minds and that you get to catch a glimpse of the world as they do, full of challenges and opportunities. Never stop delighting!</span></div><div class="x1e56ztr" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><br /></div><div class="x1e56ztr" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x6prxxf xvq8zen xo1l8bm xzsf02u" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">Explore outside; seriously, when was the last time you simply sat down on the grass, or laid on your back and looked up into the sky and really noticed the wonder of what is going on around you? How could you not be filled with gratitude to the Creator that carefully orchestrated all of this…just for you? Look at the flowers, take long walks and see the stars. Feel the breezes, listen to the bird songs, hear the crickets and frogs again. These are gifts from your Lord for you and your family to find delight in!</span></div><div class="x1e56ztr" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><br /></div><div class="x1e56ztr" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x6prxxf xvq8zen xo1l8bm xzsf02u" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">Energize with time in the Word every day. Keep getting to know this God you follow deeper and deeper. When you take time for yourself and for time to meet with God each and every day, you’ll delight even more in Him. I know it by experience! You’ll feel awakened again to the beauty of His desires for you and experience this much more deeply. You’ll have have new eyes to see the wonders around you.</span></div><div class="x1e56ztr" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><br /></div><div class="x1e56ztr" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x6prxxf xvq8zen xo1l8bm xzsf02u" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">We grow in delight as we focus on gratitude and wonder–and we become more delight–full! The more I learn to walk in His ways, the more I realize we were created to be this way. Our delight brings joy to those around us as well and turns ordinary moments into opportunities to show God’s desires to our spouses, our children, our friends and others!</span></div><div class="x1e56ztr" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><br /></div><div class="x1e56ztr" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x6prxxf xvq8zen xo1l8bm xzsf02u" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">Delight is a choice you make, and that choice has God-sized benefits! The greatest desires of your heart are waiting. Don’t miss a moment!</span></div><div class="x1e56ztr" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><br /></div><div class="x1e56ztr" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px; text-align: center;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x6prxxf xvq8zen xo1l8bm xzsf02u" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>“Delight yourself in the Lord</i></span></b></span></span></div><div class="x1e56ztr" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px; text-align: center;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x6prxxf xvq8zen xo1l8bm xzsf02u" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>and He will give you the desires of your heart.”</i></span></b></span></span></div><div class="x1e56ztr" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px; text-align: center;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x6prxxf xvq8zen xo1l8bm xzsf02u" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Psalm 37:4</b></span></span></div><div class="x1e56ztr" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px; text-align: center;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x6prxxf xvq8zen xo1l8bm xzsf02u" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>What a profound promise from God Himself to us!</b></span></span></div><div class="x1e56ztr" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><br /></div><div class="x1e56ztr" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x6prxxf xvq8zen xo1l8bm xzsf02u" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>CrossWiredscience. Com</b></span></span></div>momofmanybentzshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04472248488933177600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2027511692721593317.post-33779030686576059802022-12-03T09:22:00.007-06:002022-12-03T09:22:35.593-06:00Time for a Reboot!<p> </p><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; min-width: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td style="margin: 0px; padding-top: 9px;" valign="top"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; min-width: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td style="margin: 0px; padding-top: 9px;" valign="top"><table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="m_6077843461755560851mcnTextContentContainer" style="border-collapse: collapse; max-width: 100%; min-width: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td class="m_6077843461755560851mcnTextContent" style="color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 18px 9px; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8SrWXQULmNNZpfGhlC1vVlSHDcYVm3uMSkDhGFqTaopCSo1TaE1FgRLZRWDaaQS3qlozA_bwvmzIqcYT8q5nQUYQxycB8IVfFCzAQgKjx15b-9GVrZy0C68-HWhnJCccRIHX43wFUHo6qxXGNYB9SYVTcn5U-WldGvfvhv5EU4uhvDlADfYRJNqBt8Q/s640/Attachment-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8SrWXQULmNNZpfGhlC1vVlSHDcYVm3uMSkDhGFqTaopCSo1TaE1FgRLZRWDaaQS3qlozA_bwvmzIqcYT8q5nQUYQxycB8IVfFCzAQgKjx15b-9GVrZy0C68-HWhnJCccRIHX43wFUHo6qxXGNYB9SYVTcn5U-WldGvfvhv5EU4uhvDlADfYRJNqBt8Q/w400-h400/Attachment-1.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">I just spent a day wrestling with our home internet. Anyone else with me here, the endless struggle to get and stay connected? </p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">After a full year of trying over and over to resolve our seemingly endless issues with the company we used for years, we threw in the towel, took the leap, and scheduled with a brand new provider. But, multiple attempts of trying to get it installed, then unforeseen issues, and hour-long calls to customer service left me frustrated and still without connection.</p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">In a last-ditch effort, we decided to reboot the entire system. Lo and behold the issues were resolved! All with just a simple flip of the power switch, we were back up and running. It’s amazing how many technical issues can be resolved with a simple reboot.</p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">It got me wondering… could this apply to our lives as well? Do we sometimes struggle to keep doing what “we’ve always done” and what we really need is a major change or a reboot? I’ve often been guilty of following a plan that is clearly not working. I’ve thought that by just trying harder or by sticking with it longer we might just get life running smoothly again. But what we really needed was way overdue was a whole new approach! We needed to move away from the familiar path and take new routes.</p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">It may be time for brand new directions for some of us. Maybe we need to rebel against the status quo and do things<em> very</em> differently. </p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">We made a huge decision to downsize (really – to half-size our home!). After praying a lot, we concluded that the Lord wanted to trade our larger house and busy city for more financial space to invest in closeness and experiences rather than more of the same. We packed everyone up and moved across the country to a smaller community and traded suburban highways for small town roads. We traded our overbooked schedule with everyone going different directions every evening for a quieter, slower pace where we get to enjoy our days together as a family. We began again. </p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">Was it difficult at times… of course! Was it worth it? ABSOLUTELY! Our family is running <em>much</em> more smoothly, the Lord is using us as a family to bless others, and everyone is MUCH happier!</p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">Change comes with its own set of challenges, doesn’t it? Even after you bravely step into new territory, there is the “set up” period–you know– when you must change all your passwords, update all the devices, and start all over. It’s the same for major changes in life. But IT’S WORTH IT! </p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">Maybe you need a huge change like we did. Maybe all you need is a simple reboot to get everything running smoothly again. Whichever it is, let me encourage you to begin now.</p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">Take some extra time off this upcoming holiday season. Put your plans and schedule on pause. Gulp… maybe even skip school for a few extra weeks. Go outside for regular walks with your spouse–get some fresh air together, alone, without kids. Surprise everyone with an unplanned adventure to somewhere you’ve never been (you don’t have to go far… I bet your hometown has places you’ve never been) Be brave, go during the day, when you’re supposed to be doing school! Try a new cookie recipe and take some to your neighbors (maybe as an introduction…and eat the rest of the cookies for breakfast!). Even better, invite all your neighbors over for cookies and cocoa (our plan this year!). Take a day off and stay in your comfy PJ’s while you read an entire Christmas book together. (It’s even more fun if you do it on a trampoline or next to a roaring fire). Go somewhere and spend time in a cabin. The point is to power off your “normal” routine and see what happens!</p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">And don’t stop there. As you make more changes, start praying for BIG ones the Lord may have for you. We did… and God has brought all sorts of amazing new things!</p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">Once our reboot was completed, we had lightning-fast service and connectivity. We have all been marveling at the difference, wondering how we ever managed before, and wishing we had made the change sooner. I’m praying your reboot this season and more reboots in the upcoming seasons will have the same effect for your family!</p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; min-width: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td style="margin: 0px; padding-top: 9px;" valign="top"><table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="m_6077843461755560851mcnTextContentContainer" style="border-collapse: collapse; max-width: 100%; min-width: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td class="m_6077843461755560851mcnTextContent" style="color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 18px 9px; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">“<em>Behold, I will do something new, Now it will spring forth; </em></p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><em>Will you not be aware of it? </em></p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><em>I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.”</em></p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">Isaiah 43:19</p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; min-width: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td style="margin: 0px; padding-top: 9px;" valign="top"><table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="m_6077843461755560851mcnTextContentContainer" style="border-collapse: collapse; max-width: 100%; min-width: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td class="m_6077843461755560851mcnTextContent" style="color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 18px 9px; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">Blessings,</p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">Renita</p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br />momofmanybentzshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04472248488933177600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2027511692721593317.post-69921796003963854952022-11-07T10:08:00.002-06:002022-11-07T10:08:27.527-06:00Silence the Critics<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXXBktfRrcmin8E6cVdQjAueotaizSHfKACPY3gizkNaEXOiCHLsqEBhz5s_arlN78wp1DMNppf5hCJ7yFRF3dv0I_FfyU1raUXJ0yPXyUyJLfJQJtMGmeHPizQ6crqwi05wHD_oGzPISk4itMHb3ZJI22RBs4lt-2xMiaYSLIr1WAdfl3vYfXvuAhJg/s640/A9AE81BB-BB48-49CC-8B72-67160BFE337C.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXXBktfRrcmin8E6cVdQjAueotaizSHfKACPY3gizkNaEXOiCHLsqEBhz5s_arlN78wp1DMNppf5hCJ7yFRF3dv0I_FfyU1raUXJ0yPXyUyJLfJQJtMGmeHPizQ6crqwi05wHD_oGzPISk4itMHb3ZJI22RBs4lt-2xMiaYSLIr1WAdfl3vYfXvuAhJg/w640-h640/A9AE81BB-BB48-49CC-8B72-67160BFE337C.png" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 34.7px; text-align: center;">Critics From the Cheap Seats</b></p>
<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18.7px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"> </span></p>
<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">What do you say to the critics? You know them… those loud voices telling you that what you SHOULD or SHOULDN’T be doing in your parenting and homeschooling (and frequently other areas of your life). </span></p>
<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"> </span></p>
<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">I have found these voices are often loudest from the “cheap seats”; those who were neither homeschooled, or are not homeschooling. They like to shout out directions like arm-chair quarterbacks calling all the “plays” and moves that you SHOULD be making, while you are the one on the field playing your heart out and taking the all the hits. These well-meaning voices never seem to end as they shout –“<i>They better be reading by Kindergarten</i>”– “<i>Make sure they learn how to socialize</i>” -–“<i>Better join a co-op</i>” – “<i>Make sure they do Algebra & Physics</i>” “<i>How do you expect to get </i><b><i>them</i></b><i> into college?</i>”</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"> </span></p>
<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">But there’s another critic that’s even harder for me to ignore… the quieter, ever-present voice inside of me. This one is brutally honest and constantly whispers my secret fears … “<i>You’re not qualified for this… You never even took Physics…You loved the socializing… and you turned out ‘just fine” </i></span><span style="font-kerning: none; font-size: 22.7px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><i>…</i></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>You are not enough–you’ll fail them</i>!” This critic is my worst enemy.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"> </span></p>
<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Dear parent: God has given you a task to do, and in His grace, He will give you EVERYTHING you need to accomplish it. But we are going to have to put the critics on mute, stomp out all those “should do” flaming arrows, put our blinders on, and go for it! </span></p>
<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"> </span></p>
<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">This path required me to depend, not on myself and my understanding, but only on the Lord. I couldn’t fake it for long… my true motivations and intentions came out front-and center in the refining “fire” of days spent at home with my children. My own desire of trying be “good enough” or worse, my expectations that my children would validate my efforts and abilities. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;"> My pride in “checking all the boxes” and seeing my children as shiny little “homeschool trophies” that was really only a form of idolatry. </span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> And one of the hardest maybe, was the sting of my own shortcomings, my selfish desires for more “me-time” and the sometimes-hard-to-admit, streaks of my own laziness. Homeschooling has been a humbling task </span><span style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;">but, an ever-rewarding endeavor </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">- not one to be undertaken lightly. Nothing can bring my heart to the surface faster than these little people. They can bring me to tears of joy one minute and throw a wrench into my plans like they are professional mechanics the next. They can set my emotions ablaze with just a single carefully worded match. This daily dying to myself brings the Lord’s resurrection power into my days!</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"> </span></p>
<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">And time flies, too. One minute I was happily sipping hot chocolate with them while teaching them to read and the next minute, I am white-knuckling my car door’s handle while sitting shotgun as I teach them to drive. It’s a wild ride! This ride will often require us to simply close our eyes and be willing to listen ONLY to the Lord’s voice. He’s right there with us. He will lead us along the path we do not know. We can trust Him. The time goes so very fast; treasure every moment.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"> </span></p>
<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">So, tell your critics (even that one inside) to sit down and be quiet! Then “suit up” (time alone with the Lord works wonders) and get back on the field. We are in this game for His approval alone, an audience of only one, He and He alone! All of Heaven is cheering us on!</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"> </span></p>
<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Blessings,</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Renita</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"> </span></p>
<p style="color: #0c0000; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow Me.” - John 10:27</i></span></p>
<p style="color: #0c0000; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><i> </i></span></p><div><span style="font-kerning: none;"><i><br /></i></span></div>momofmanybentzshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04472248488933177600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2027511692721593317.post-13376722508134027692022-10-17T08:51:00.005-05:002022-10-17T08:51:53.248-05:00They Got It...Right<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8t0t4P_0jDpLN0I3D0rCAFR-KpC-uPBsmhw991Y3W2pIVn0X3rBn1KS-lgg7B9SSRhuH6juenUmubjf3EU6oEmRrJOcCs8DNtVjMjpOHFqn_8Q9w0Eod5hyNXnpIq6K_VFGzFHTKY5rmTcITIiP5ARHz2YvlTbVcH1zpZLS0iU5_0AavU-eVAJyLWZQ/s904/got2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="904" data-original-width="556" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8t0t4P_0jDpLN0I3D0rCAFR-KpC-uPBsmhw991Y3W2pIVn0X3rBn1KS-lgg7B9SSRhuH6juenUmubjf3EU6oEmRrJOcCs8DNtVjMjpOHFqn_8Q9w0Eod5hyNXnpIq6K_VFGzFHTKY5rmTcITIiP5ARHz2YvlTbVcH1zpZLS0iU5_0AavU-eVAJyLWZQ/w394-h640/got2.jpg" width="394" /></a></div><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: "Google Sans", Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; min-width: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td style="margin: 0px; padding-top: 9px;" valign="top"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: "Google Sans", Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; min-width: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td style="margin: 0px; padding-top: 9px;" valign="top"><table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="m_7715616659333758245mcnTextContentContainer" style="border-collapse: collapse; max-width: 100%; min-width: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td class="m_7715616659333758245mcnTextContent" style="color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 18px 9px; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">Our teenagers “got it” right? After all, we mastered Awana (Cubbies to T&T with the Timothy Award to show for it!). We took them to church, each and every week. We even hosted the Bible Bee competition and spent our summer breaks with scripture memory and in-depth inductive Bible study around family bonfires. We started out of the gate running this faith race strong. Certainly, all our efforts resulted in success.</p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">So… they got it, right? They got our faith…they must have. We did all the “right” things, right?!</p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">I’m learning this lesson over and over myself. Our children run their own race to a living relationship with the Lord. Yes, God gives us an important role to play. We get to set a spiritual table before them and invite them to the feast. We carry the responsibilities as parents to raise them in the “fear and admonition of the Lord”. But, as a preacher once said, “God has no grandchildren”. OUR faith is not enough to pass the baton of faith to them and give them THEIR faith.</p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">Homeschooling is not enough to assure them their faith either. Sure, it’s a wonderful way to create a greenhouse like environment for their faith to germinate in, and a safe place for tender plants to begin to grow. Really, I don’t believe there is any better way! </p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">I want to encourage you - don’t stop tending those tender shoots yet. Don’t make any assumptions that “they got it” - just because you did all the right things in their younger years. They may have prayed a salvation prayer, or won all the scripture memory awards, or came home from summer camp still damp-headed from a lake baptism. Don’t stop daily discipling them! </p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">Let me go a step further, I believe that the high school years are the prime time for them to BEGIN to make faith their own. Yep, I said “begin”. This is the time when they are developmentally able to make these types of life influencing decisions. I rejoiced with each step toward God that my young children took. But it’s when they started taking those faltering first steps into adulthood that I could begin to really see if they “got it”.</p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">These years are when they are moving “from innocence to holiness”, a phrase my husband has coined. They are transitioning from knowing “Jesus Loves Me” and the simple faith of a child to “Yes, I know” and the life-altering decisions that accompany maturity. It’s a vital stage in the development of their faith. It’s when we begin to see the fruit of a living relationship with the almighty God. And, as much as we would love to be able to, it’s not something we can manufacture. We can only be their coaches and cheerleaders in this race as they run it.</p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">Too often, we let the “more important” subjects cut in and take precedence over our intentional faith developing studies when our students get to high school age. We comfort ourselves with thoughts “they got it”, right? The rigors of upper-level classes frequently move their daily quiet-times and intentional Bible studies to a back burner. Do not give up! Keep setting the spiritual table before them. This means keep prioritizing the Word in your school schedule and in your daily routines. Keep on doing it alongside them until you witness them doing it alone - and then, keep studying the Bible together (It will be one of your greatest joys!). Take it a step further, and make the focus on worldview, apologetics, and scripture memory take precedence over “lesser subjects” like geometry, physics, and dual credit. Don’t miss these final years with your children to make an eternal impact!</p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">Oh…one more thing. Our teenagers are masters at manipulation, and they can spot a counterfeit a mile away. So, if you are not practicing what you preach - you’re busted. Take the time to model for them what this living, breathing, active and powerful faith looks like. Make sure they see the priority the Word takes in your life and decisions you make. Then, never stop praying and interceding for them as they run their race!</p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">Blessings,</p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">Renita</p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">“You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth?” - Galatians 5:7</p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>momofmanybentzshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04472248488933177600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2027511692721593317.post-83704192070167696012022-10-09T10:12:00.007-05:002022-10-09T10:13:57.766-05:00Your Homeschool Table – What are you Serving?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhEW5XXaRGx7Cx-COeOGSZLCf7gslN6f4ztp5nLOicW7CnI-9oJJNJD9lbEx_pAQ0TIyOdbVi8dNLE-zxFcNAuiG37P-T6Kx0TRd5_lVZ9iT8Y14K_wRzfCOshrD7QuUNLF4siBdit-7Z4hKmbtq2G7D2slznlLDrV6vydn_OmmCkYDjvml4WaBYOhYw/s4032/9B800DE5-1B46-4A52-9ED6-4362A58397AB.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhEW5XXaRGx7Cx-COeOGSZLCf7gslN6f4ztp5nLOicW7CnI-9oJJNJD9lbEx_pAQ0TIyOdbVi8dNLE-zxFcNAuiG37P-T6Kx0TRd5_lVZ9iT8Y14K_wRzfCOshrD7QuUNLF4siBdit-7Z4hKmbtq2G7D2slznlLDrV6vydn_OmmCkYDjvml4WaBYOhYw/w640-h480/9B800DE5-1B46-4A52-9ED6-4362A58397AB.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 32, 32); color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 32, 32); color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px;">Homeschooling can be a bit like planning the menu and setting a table before our families. We all have a deep desire to make it an appealing, nutritious, and satisfying meal that EVERYONE will enjoy.</span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(32, 32, 32); color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">I may need to remind you, not everyone at your table likes the same things…. I know it’s almost comical to say it. OF course, they don’t!</p><p style="caret-color: rgb(32, 32, 32); color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">My earlier homeschool table looked a bit like a medieval feast - with HUGE dishes of steaming hot math problems, and well-cooked portions of language arts. Since I’ve never been one to be a minimalist in the food area, so I also heaped on the delectable side dishes of leafy green science covered with thick creamy sauces of history and geography. Not to mention a variety of spicy additions to the table like Spanish, Latin, and Greek - just to flavor it all. Of course, no one would want to miss out on any of the delicious desserts of delight-driven unit studies! There was so much to choose from, and I didn’t want to miss any of it!</p><p style="caret-color: rgb(32, 32, 32); color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">All this curriculum consumption left my students sitting at our homeschool table, stuffed like a Christmas goose but not savoring a single bite! The table was full, and the meal was certainly “meaty”. A single glance at their faces told me that this wasn’t what they were hungry for!</p><p style="caret-color: rgb(32, 32, 32); color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">Over time, our homeschool table evolved into more of a fast-food buffet at the kitchen counter during their high school days. We threw out some quickly microwaved math with online grading, some co-op concocted literary analysis, and generous helpings of college dual credit classes. We ate it while on the run to activities, sports, and part-time jobs. We forgot how to even set the table and family meals gathered sitting down all together became a distant memory.</p><p style="caret-color: rgb(32, 32, 32); color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">Lately, we’ve been re-discovering the delights of homeschooling (and eating) together. But, not with super-sized portions, the hurry, and the over laden table. Instead, we are learning to put a little less on our plates, while we linger a little longer and enjoy the company. </p><p style="caret-color: rgb(32, 32, 32); color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">We’re also tuning into what each of our children really need to have to function at their prime. For instance, if I eat a bunch of carbs and sugar - I’m a complete mess. Likewise, not all our children need to learn the same things at the same time. Some students may be ready for academic challenges, but some may benefit more from time spent developing deep family connections. It’s the beauty of the homeschool table, we get to choose what is best for them to consume! </p><p style="caret-color: rgb(32, 32, 32); color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">We are re-learning how to set the table in our learning as well. We are discovering the delight of days spent together with a less hurried approach. We are taking turns preparing and cooking the meals - and everyone is learning new life, kitchen, and study skills as we do it! </p><p style="caret-color: rgb(32, 32, 32); color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">We are making wiser choices with which subjects satisfy without leaving us stuffed. We streamlined our school schedule to make sure we are meeting our educational and our emotional needs. We have been realizing that we can experiment with different textures and flavors of learning, like internships and building projects with true satisfaction. We are consuming less and savoring each bite more. </p><p style="caret-color: rgb(32, 32, 32); color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">In homeschooling, and in life, sometimes LESS is MORE. This is what we have been discovering lately around our table, and aren’t most of the best lessons in life learned around a table?</p><p style="caret-color: rgb(32, 32, 32); color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">Blessings,</p><p style="caret-color: rgb(32, 32, 32); color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">Renita</p><p style="caret-color: rgb(32, 32, 32); color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;"> </p><p style="caret-color: rgb(32, 32, 32); color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><em>“Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare.”</em> - Isaiah 55:2</p>momofmanybentzshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04472248488933177600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2027511692721593317.post-29954780235064180342022-09-13T11:58:00.001-05:002022-09-13T11:58:23.463-05:0020 Years Later...<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></p><br /><i><br /></i><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNcelNvJtAWwzVS9Yak4Jrm7CYdmmr0_UqM-DbVJQnQd1Q5BL1RlEL1QyQbgoW43qWSnhNx44PSrUsc_XHIfrv6lQCkddH8PsNVETfS4rXxT2YLenx6yihTp4zbUFcK4yU0IxffTHfeaq1T9Knx6GX-t2EIQh-HQ0CVByh9SlechAa3g2AXcSXe_fR4A/s1632/IMG_6534.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1632" data-original-width="1224" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNcelNvJtAWwzVS9Yak4Jrm7CYdmmr0_UqM-DbVJQnQd1Q5BL1RlEL1QyQbgoW43qWSnhNx44PSrUsc_XHIfrv6lQCkddH8PsNVETfS4rXxT2YLenx6yihTp4zbUFcK4yU0IxffTHfeaq1T9Knx6GX-t2EIQh-HQ0CVByh9SlechAa3g2AXcSXe_fR4A/s320/IMG_6534.heic" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRzU4F_hdpVySd7XY9gM4tHDJF-LagyDNUytLPVdrDtJHtyXlPXTo4lz4lcM8a_0DC1aF5rZ2Rza5VisaRHDPOyD66ONc_MJpNFlihF3mhiUo9uBBC56gQeVwenR8WeuAR1beC5rM8AFD5hkxK-TtkESxX84z2NozTGyEiLcPsFYgm4a6bOdfBZg2UUQ/s3088/IMG_0972.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRzU4F_hdpVySd7XY9gM4tHDJF-LagyDNUytLPVdrDtJHtyXlPXTo4lz4lcM8a_0DC1aF5rZ2Rza5VisaRHDPOyD66ONc_MJpNFlihF3mhiUo9uBBC56gQeVwenR8WeuAR1beC5rM8AFD5hkxK-TtkESxX84z2NozTGyEiLcPsFYgm4a6bOdfBZg2UUQ/s320/IMG_0972.heic" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></i></i></div></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><i><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>20 Years Later…</b></span><span style="font-size: 24px;"> </span></p>
</i></i><br /></div></div></div></div></blockquote>We are starting school today… yes, it’s a late start for most homeschoolers. I’m sipping my coffee and reflecting over the past 20 years of homeschooling my eight children as I let my sleepy teenagers wake up a bit slower (minus the alarm clock.)<br /><br /><br /><b>This journey has definitely been the most easy, most difficult, most thrilling, most depressing, and the most unexpectedly beautiful adventure! </b>What an invitation from God, I’m so glad I accepted it. And all along the journey I have been privileged to have gotten a front-row window seat.<br /><br /><br />In my early 20’s I wasn’t on the path to motherhood and homeschooling certainly was the furthest thing from my mind. My “career” was my plan. But then God gave me the “<i>desires of my heart</i>” before I even realized what they were! Homeschooling my children came into focus and became a reality.<br /><br /><br />We started out with nothing more than a sweet, eager-faced little towhead boy. With his newly sharpened pencil, he eagerly waited for me at a re-purposed, hand-me-down end table with a little stool in our unfinished basement and a handful of books. While we read and played together, I discovered a great and unexpected pleasure in teaching this little person whom I loved most in the whole world. I jumped wholeheartedly into the joy of teaching him and vowed I’d never share that joy with some unknown schoolteacher down the street.<br /><br /><br />As we ventured along this path, our family kept adding a new student every couple of years. One of my first big homeschool purchases was my “school table” – a real, school-quality, blue table with adjustable legs that we could raise and lower. I got quite a workout over the years doing deep squats near that table every day! I vividly remember sitting at that very table with my older three children and thinking, “Someday… all these chairs will be filled with my kiddos, and God wants ME to teach all of them!” It was hugely intimidating yet quite exciting, too!<br /><br /><br />We outgrew the table pretty quickly. I knew I was in over my head and would need divine intervention to complete this monumental task! I asked God to show up and help me do this…since it had been His idea from the beginning! I kept that table for many years, it was always a symbol of God’s provision for me: He called me to this job, and He showed up day after day to help me.<br /><br /><br />Our journey took us through several family moves to several different states. We participated in co-ops and didn’t participate in co-ops. We played sports, did music lessons and orchestras, joined theater groups, and drove to hundreds of soccer practices and ballet lessons–and didn’t do all that, too. We had seasons with church activities and programs and seasons without.<br /><br /><br /><b>We prioritized the Word of God. </b> We memorized scripture (thank you - Awana and the Bible Bee!) We read about our heroes with biographies about Christian missionaries from all over the globe. (My second big purchase was every YWAM Benge <i>Christian Heroes Then & Now </i>series ever printed!) We LOVED reading them out loud as a family and listening to them on road trips. They built an incredible shared heritage between the kids and us and gave all of us a passion for the world and godly heroes to look up to. We prayed over countries and Unreached People Groups. We studied worldview and apologetics together and learned about the world God so loves.<br /><br /><br /><b>We spent endless hours lost in great books and read-alouds together </b>–<i>The Wingfeather Saga</i> and the <i>Mysterious Benedict Society </i>series were a few favorites. Our family has many hysterical inside jokes that come from the pages of the books we shared together. Almost all my favorite homeschool memories contain references to the books we read.<br /><br /><br /><b>We explored the wonders of science together.</b> We watched as tadpoles turned into frogs (that lived for 7 YEARS!) We marveled at our caterpillars flying away as butterflies. We collected every type of stick, pinecone, stone and bird nest we could find! We took countless nature center and science museum field trips and practically grew up at the zoo. We did experiments (including my personal favorite…the dissections!) together at the kitchen table and in classes at coop together with our friends.<br /><br /><br /><b>We learned about the world while we cooked the craziest concoctions, </b>(ever tried Pilgrim Swill?) <b>and eagerly tasted food from all over the world </b>(Vegemite anyone?). Our home was filled with maps and globes. For many years we had maps on the kitchen table under clear tablecloths. Our favorite school time snacks came from our “Universal Yums” boxes as we tried treats from different countries.<br /><br /><br /><b>We ventured into high school,</b> eager to prove we had done this homeschooling thing well. We mastered dual credit college courses, and rigorous study, classic literature analysis papers and the ACT. We did all the “Bonus” questions, and extra credit assignments and we had years we didn’t even finish the book!<br /><br /><br /><b>I discovered I had a passion for teaching–</b> both at home, and in a co-op setting. We learned to manage our time (the kids and me!) by doing schoolwork, having part-time jobs and balancing our commitments and responsibilities. We survived Driver’s Ed (Only a few more to go…) We deepened our faith and understanding by taking the Perspectives of the World Christian Movement course together. We went on mission trips and learned to serve others. And we learned to bravely step off the fast track and customize their education to the person God created them to be with new and varied learning opportunities.<br /><br /><br /><b>We experienced health issues and came face-to-face with cancer, twice. </b> We suffered deep tragedy and we wrestled with trusting in the goodness of God. We learned how truly faithful God is. We experienced beauty for ashes and thrilling new beginnings.<br /><br /><br /><b>We came to the end of the school years for my first born </b>(that seemed would never end) <b>and I had the great joy to hand my son a high school diploma.</b> I was an absolute emotional mess as I graduated Sam, my always eager student, in a full cap & gown ceremony with all the pomp and circumstance (How do we parents ever survive the Senior slide show?)<br /><br /><br />More years passed and more graduations have taken place. I’ve loved seeing each of them fly high beyond our homeschool! So much is happening now with all of them and some are launching into adulting from home which has had some amazing lessons, blessings and opportunities for all of us! My kiddos joke that I get more relaxed with each child… the last one will probably have a diploma thrown out the window at them as I speed off in my much-dreamed-about red convertible… and a laugh…a wild crazy laugh!) Homeschooling will make you lose your mind at times!<br /><br /><br /><b>These past 20 years have taught me so much more than I ever dreamed. </b> Sometimes I believe God’s direction to homeschool my children may have actually been more about my learning than theirs. There are amazing and abundant blessings that came with this decision! I have learned that I need to be constantly reliant on the Lord for each and every step along this path. Each new season requires His fresh guidance for the twists and turns ahead that only He knows are necessary for the wonders He wants to bring. I need to be truly as dependent on His leading today as I was in that first uncertain day.<br /><br /><br /><b>This gift of TIME with my children is the most precious gift I’ve ever been given.</b> I had time to get to know them, time experience life with them, time to learn together, time to grow in knowing God together, time to get to know and love on many people together and time to catch a glimpse of the amazing people God designed them to be.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I was given an invitation to participate in this great work to the very end of the journey–their graduation from High School and beyond! I’m so incredibly grateful! I pray that you will accept the invitation too!</div></div></div></div><p style="text-align: left;">Blessings,</p><p style="text-align: left;">Renita </p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><i><br /></i></i></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><i>All your children will be taught by the Lord, and great will be their peace. - Isaiah 54:13</i></i></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><i><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p></i></i> </div></div></div></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><br /><br />momofmanybentzshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04472248488933177600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2027511692721593317.post-36780102946880284362022-09-01T09:10:00.008-05:002022-09-01T09:30:54.047-05:00Two Trains<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8_CbKrFNNnjQCzaVB2pLxiYC4vKJVjCQQfRjXEJq13EJe8L85xHFFzQK2xN4Jqx1Jy610CnqqA0a78vWTQp-7N3KRwEGlKJ3XT5NZCnLsMnFNQRqWND5gqCefMyQG1pwo1UWeHztR2FF8lwP2g1UKcTwRzDPNZaCjvfij0NE1p4B9vLQ3Wm4yuqk_wQ/s790/DD9C8E33-BF1F-448A-BBD9-EA102847BA08.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="790" data-original-width="526" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8_CbKrFNNnjQCzaVB2pLxiYC4vKJVjCQQfRjXEJq13EJe8L85xHFFzQK2xN4Jqx1Jy610CnqqA0a78vWTQp-7N3KRwEGlKJ3XT5NZCnLsMnFNQRqWND5gqCefMyQG1pwo1UWeHztR2FF8lwP2g1UKcTwRzDPNZaCjvfij0NE1p4B9vLQ3Wm4yuqk_wQ/w426-h640/DD9C8E33-BF1F-448A-BBD9-EA102847BA08.jpeg" width="426" /></a></div><br /> <span style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">TWO TRAINS</span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Where are you Going?</span></p><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f" style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I’m probably going to be unpopular stating this opinion, but I have learned it from personal experience, so hear me out…</div><div dir="auto" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Maybe you do NOT need to do AP, Honors, or dual credit college courses while in high school. Whew… I said it, after graduating five students from our homeschool (they were all homeschooled K-12 and all earned college credits on their transcripts). </div><div dir="auto" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Close <span style="font-family: inherit;"><a style="color: #385898; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit;" tabindex="-1"></a></span>your eyes and imagine with me that you are getting on a train. You purchase your ticket and sit down to enjoy the scenery. BUT you forgot to check the train’s destination. </div><div dir="auto" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">You wanted the “Scenic Train of Wisdom” that took the beautiful route–the one including stunning views and a delightful table set before you, complete with tea and scones as you gazed out the windows. You wanted to marvel at the company, enjoy the conversations, and simply soak it all in. </div><div dir="auto" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Instead, you accidentally purchased a seat on the “High-Speed Bullet Train of Knowledge”. You sat down, buckled up and took off. There’s no chance to see the sights as they whiz by, no time for a restful meal, no deep conversations. It’s just zoom to the destination in the most efficient and speedy way on the pre-determined train schedule.</div><div dir="auto" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">This is what dual credit in high school was like for us. Sure, we were able to earn college credit in an efficient way and my children were certainly capable of doing the course work. But I should have remembered something I always say… “Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.” I forgot to check which train we took a seat on and the destination this ticket would take us to.</div><div dir="auto" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </div><div dir="auto" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin-63eF4AQ-UGrXNkrMcR9UXE3wZ4119hRTDNCIHVoZT9wFTTYduWljPLmnQ4ypUNTwz5YVmxEj3PdZ5SJ097avY_dEXEiGFNfdGkZZ8Xh1jX6Q1xMCRI8fsa3ICPiR5ptkRDCsfKV3Fv28XSoj_q_7IeV1ZHtragBx2bHkgNO8WWIGBtEM30aEfJAIw/s1280/4647C37F-43D7-4BCA-A12E-89B9D6577287.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin-63eF4AQ-UGrXNkrMcR9UXE3wZ4119hRTDNCIHVoZT9wFTTYduWljPLmnQ4ypUNTwz5YVmxEj3PdZ5SJ097avY_dEXEiGFNfdGkZZ8Xh1jX6Q1xMCRI8fsa3ICPiR5ptkRDCsfKV3Fv28XSoj_q_7IeV1ZHtragBx2bHkgNO8WWIGBtEM30aEfJAIw/w400-h225/4647C37F-43D7-4BCA-A12E-89B9D6577287.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The “High-Speed Bullet Train of Knowledge” got them to college quicker, for sure. But we missed the scenery! We didn’t have time to taste the tea or enjoy the conversations on the ever-faster speeding pace. They earned college credit and stuck to the pre-determined schedule (which dictated our family schedule as well). My children finished their degrees and got off the faster train only to discover that they really didn’t know where they were. They arrived at the destination early but, they missed a whole lot along the journey that cannot be revisited. They were in the rush to get to that “somewhere” they couldn’t quite define. They had empty suitcases without the souvenirs and treasures they should have collected along the way. They had their college degrees in hand, yes, but they lacked much of the real-life wisdom and experiences that they could have had.<br /><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </div><div dir="auto" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqWqJNIHxN5Ke7sfEVsHyQrsw3nbLbs7faQvLuLumPMl5D1HcukFjMh57pVsqjGWYhLF6ac51okDCz_n7u6cJEmt12s3D66eiMGLrFvePiYk5S4-6nPZZ2HSB1mX5u-mPHU2cV2LlexrM79cDGhJBGQ32FznDuxpwTXU5yQwlVr8FEtvemq6QMjUsPog/s278/3889C8A0-5AB3-4A15-BD93-3D8B42A0A481_4_5005_c.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="181" data-original-width="278" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqWqJNIHxN5Ke7sfEVsHyQrsw3nbLbs7faQvLuLumPMl5D1HcukFjMh57pVsqjGWYhLF6ac51okDCz_n7u6cJEmt12s3D66eiMGLrFvePiYk5S4-6nPZZ2HSB1mX5u-mPHU2cV2LlexrM79cDGhJBGQ32FznDuxpwTXU5yQwlVr8FEtvemq6QMjUsPog/w400-h260/3889C8A0-5AB3-4A15-BD93-3D8B42A0A481_4_5005_c.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The slower “Scenic Train of Wisdom” takes a more enjoyable route. This train’s schedule allows for multiple stops along the way and offers the time needed to experience and engage in the opportunities that present themselves. You are even allowed to stop this train and get off to explore without disrupting the ever-demanding schedule. There is an open invitation to take side journeys like mission trips, back-yard building projects, and serving opportunities in all shapes and sizes. Not only that, but you can also collect precious souvenirs along the way–souvenirs like valuable lessons and skills learned while serving others and the real life experiences that will help put knowledge into practice, along with the abundant blessing of time to develop an ever-deepening understanding of who God is. </div><div dir="auto" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">This has really gotten me thinking about these two trains. I know it’s very popular to grab a ticket on the “High-Speed Bullet Train of Knowledge” and get a head start on college, but, maybe what our children will miss out on isn’t worth the price of admission. </div><div dir="auto" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </div><div dir="auto" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">HIGH SCHOOL YEARS ARE THE BEST TIME TO HOMESCHOOL! The four short High School years are full of scenery we don’t want to miss. We finally get to relax from some of the pressure of teaching those labor-intensive basics and get to sit back to taste the depths of what our children know. We get to share real-life experiences together–without car seats, strollers and diaper bags! We get to enjoy deep conversations (usually late at night) as we get to really know WHO they are becoming while we listen to their hearts. These years are truly filled with WONDER! The “Scenic Train of Wisdom” has treasures we should consider carefully before we trade them for a couple more college credits. </div><div dir="auto" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </div><div dir="auto" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The slower “Scenic Train of Wisdom” also gives our children a chance to look around and explore where they really want to go. High school is such a short season, and it can never be replaced. This is the final opportunity to truly taste all the options available and to see which they prefer before getting stuck on the fast track to college which can actually limit their choices long-term. College, on the other hand, doesn’t have a “use-by” date, it can be done any time for the rest of their lives.</div><div dir="auto" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </div><div dir="auto" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I'm praying that before you hop on the homeschool train of high school (and you certainly will want to!) spend some time considering where the destination is heading to before you grab your seat!</div><div dir="auto" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Blessings,</div><div dir="auto" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Renita</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-style: italic;"><div style="text-align: center;">“This is what the LORD says: “Stop at the crossroads and look around. Ask for the old, godly way, and walk in it. Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls. But you reply, ‘No, that’s not the road we want!” – Jeremiah 6:16</div></span><div dir="auto" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div></div>momofmanybentzshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04472248488933177600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2027511692721593317.post-90375149365254746462022-07-31T09:38:00.000-05:002022-07-31T09:38:12.059-05:00My Homeschool Alarm Clock<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicfMcwW11JoHz8FlbTq5mIs_7xp0f0iC2nsvZZahlTGOGVhmh1Aekj0bB3GJUCNhSaz6K3xy55G9qYgQ-1nKexY1zSApsfS2Yf8i9dx3Rql68dYoP10IN5p7ikcefDXTQR9UxGUXRUEUe565_RvbiIvn3d4TL5nox8SkAHHFXDVeoD-uKzAdO4NPxMPQ/s4032/62C5E802-EEC0-46D0-AF89-4902E19FD08B.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicfMcwW11JoHz8FlbTq5mIs_7xp0f0iC2nsvZZahlTGOGVhmh1Aekj0bB3GJUCNhSaz6K3xy55G9qYgQ-1nKexY1zSApsfS2Yf8i9dx3Rql68dYoP10IN5p7ikcefDXTQR9UxGUXRUEUe565_RvbiIvn3d4TL5nox8SkAHHFXDVeoD-uKzAdO4NPxMPQ/w640-h480/62C5E802-EEC0-46D0-AF89-4902E19FD08B.heic" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p> <span style="font-family: Helvetica;">It’s the time of the summer my thoughts start to turn toward our upcoming year.</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"> </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"> </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">I’ve finally given up all the guilt from things we didn’t finish and let go of the grand plans I made this time last year!</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"> </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"> </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">I’ve slept in, drank my coffee peacefully and completely unwound from the past school year.</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"> </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"> </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Now, my internal homeschool alarm clock has started to ring to remind me to start looking ahead to our next year… or not?</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">I’m going into my 20th year of homeschooling (yep… with 5 more years to go) I feel like I’m having an “awakening” on our homeschool path. I know, I should have this down already, right? I’ve graduated half of my students - all with near perfect GPA’s, beautifully curated transcripts, and even hefty college scholarships. Yet…I’m feeling the nudges from the Lord that a new and different plan is waiting for me around the bend. Strange, I know.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">But these 20 years have taught me to listen to that “still small voice” and to follow where HIS path leads instead of my own understanding. So, instead of my usual attempts to get a running start to “planning season” for our homeschool year, I’m lingering in my summer-relaxed mode for at least a few more weeks.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Maybe some of you need a “thumbs up” to linger awhile longer as well. It’s OKAY, maybe even BENEFICIAL to take a pause from the curriculum search and spend some time sipping coffee on your porch swing (or hammock) with a book you’ve been “saving” for a time when you have some time (Please - I can’t be the only one that does this!). Maybe you need another unscheduled day at home, or an impromptu hike or maybe even a swim (ocean, lake, river… even just the kiddie pool!) Maybe the closest thing to school or planning you need is a few more chapters of your read aloud (remember… the one you didn’t finish) on the trampoline or the grassy spot under the tree at the local park?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhzunpwwGofkHcxllbHwMthfVMTkAdOQWEnI4Cqdp-zvTe14YDXE7_VOp5eAkvrfllARTep5ocGyv37E-N5PBkFJJkq4ICWtu1MBDk1QjuyLEYBeWicjaT-i7U2Xkk0asxswPVDpJz7R0j4_ssguu0cOL7UHAo6Ay4CBfnCNKrhs-biNG1ok4M5iTcmQ/s236/FE2F8486-46AD-41DB-96DC-CBA89DAFA227_4_5005_c.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="236" data-original-width="214" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhzunpwwGofkHcxllbHwMthfVMTkAdOQWEnI4Cqdp-zvTe14YDXE7_VOp5eAkvrfllARTep5ocGyv37E-N5PBkFJJkq4ICWtu1MBDk1QjuyLEYBeWicjaT-i7U2Xkk0asxswPVDpJz7R0j4_ssguu0cOL7UHAo6Ay4CBfnCNKrhs-biNG1ok4M5iTcmQ/w181-h200/FE2F8486-46AD-41DB-96DC-CBA89DAFA227_4_5005_c.jpeg" width="181" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">I’m not sure why I feel the compulsion to SLOW down this summer. Maybe it’s the realization of how few summers we really have in this season of parenting. These summer days are limited editions, they don’t last forever, and they are impossible to replace! I do know I want to savor them… not rush on to the next thing.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">So mommas, here is your permission slip to hit snooze on that homeschool alarm clock! Take some time to savor these final weeks of summer guilt-free with the amazing crew the Lord has gifted you with. I dare you to jump in the water with your kids, eat the ice cream cones together, and wait to worry about the upcoming year. The Lord has already gone before you, and he will show you the way you should go… at the proper time.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Blessings,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Renita</span><o:p></o:p></p>momofmanybentzshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04472248488933177600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2027511692721593317.post-52638113072564958052022-07-03T20:38:00.006-05:002022-07-03T20:38:42.911-05:00Rebels Unite!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEQKE_s-WakMZHvI8t0UwXA0oJC--WS5UmcMm7CEM12sYxSEAVkSwIYEWeuvXma_A78aEBcCxmV-4irCKIg7ExPVtHUWcmuUEq-IIFnbzaSBGYWxneMb6CUporD2yiVBS5Bd4JqQMi1Hx1QKydGDVNYHlj7ZY7iea-ES8pXChY1ZiVfbBRLOqypECjRA/s1182/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1182" data-original-width="989" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEQKE_s-WakMZHvI8t0UwXA0oJC--WS5UmcMm7CEM12sYxSEAVkSwIYEWeuvXma_A78aEBcCxmV-4irCKIg7ExPVtHUWcmuUEq-IIFnbzaSBGYWxneMb6CUporD2yiVBS5Bd4JqQMi1Hx1QKydGDVNYHlj7ZY7iea-ES8pXChY1ZiVfbBRLOqypECjRA/w536-h640/unnamed.jpg" width="536" /></a></div><br /><p></p><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; min-width: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td style="margin: 0px; padding-top: 9px;" valign="top"><table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="m_-2360754429584164736mcnTextContentContainer" style="border-collapse: collapse; max-width: 100%; min-width: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td class="m_-2360754429584164736mcnTextContent" style="color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 18px 9px; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><h3 style="font-size: 20px; line-height: 25px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><strong>Rebels Unite!</strong></h3></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; min-width: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td style="margin: 0px; padding-top: 9px;" valign="top"><table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="m_-2360754429584164736mcnTextContentContainer" style="border-collapse: collapse; max-width: 100%; min-width: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td class="m_-2360754429584164736mcnTextContent" style="color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 18px 9px; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">I saw this meme with this comment “<strong><em>Join the insurgency of the beautiful, good, and true.” </em></strong>I loved it!</p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">I’ve always been a bit of a rebel, but little did I know that is exactly what God wanted for me all along. (Sorry Mom & Dad…) Insurgency can be defined as “<em>an active revolt or uprising</em>.” Sounds exactly like what we need today.</p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">Let’s start this insurgency of beauty, goodness and truth, and let the revolution begin in our homes and homeschools!</p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">How can we bring this uprising to life? Here’s a couple of thoughts…</p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong>Find the beautiful.</strong> We need beauty, it’s transformative. Have you shown your children how to seek out and appreciate beauty? It’s literally all around us, all the time. We just need open eyes to see. This requires intentional pauses (yes, that means we need to slow down!). I challenge you to look around you right now… name something beautiful you see. Is it outside in nature? Is it in the way light moves through your windows? Is it your favorite soft blanket, or coffee cup? Tell your children what you find beautiful, show them. I can almost guarantee - if you think it’s beautiful, they will too.</p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong>Bring goodness. </strong>Goodness has synonyms like “kindness, generosity or beneficial”. <strong>What could happen if a wave of kindness started spreading out from our homes? It could change the world!</strong></p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">Simple acts of kindness can completely change your day, and may I remind you… your children are watching and learning from you. When is the last time you smiled at a clerk and genuinely asked them how their day was going? Or let someone go ahead of you in the long check-out lane? Once again, opportunities are all around us if we a simply aware. </p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">How about radical acts of generosity in the face of rising prices, inflation and shortages? How could you share what you have and multiply your blessing? It can be as simple as a batch of cookies shared with a neighbor (by the way, do you know their names?), or it could be much larger like sharing your time and resources with another struggling family. Could this infusion of goodness be beneficial to us? You betcha! (opps… my Minnesotan is showing again.)</p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong>Prioritize the focus on the TRUTH in your daily life and in your homeschool lessons. </strong> Have we helped our children recognize what is true from what is “almost true”? Our society has become inundated with lies, do we recognize them? This is where a constant study of the Bible and Apologetics will serve your family well and give them solid ground to take a stand on. Don’t be tempted to assume that you have “covered” it before and that means that they have learned it. (Or that a weekly visit to church will be enough.) We need a full immersion in truth! Keep repeating Bible and Apologetics lessons, every year, until you see the fruit of it in your life and your student’s lives. </p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">We need daily inoculations of beauty, goodness and truth in our homes and homeschools and we must train our families to fearlessly pursue them!</p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">“<em>I am doing a great work. I can't come down…”</em> Nehemiah 6:3</p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">Blessings,</p><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">Renita</p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>momofmanybentzshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04472248488933177600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2027511692721593317.post-7023706209607779552022-06-13T21:17:00.001-05:002022-06-13T21:17:40.100-05:00Lessons from the Campsite <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijF0zSygMUYi2fUaNkNUQwByRmldijf1mWwOCZP5OsNexH1gt2YPEEpHNjagSRGRa32QC1Sq5lth7EIVeCgs7HlHUWm2tJxO_6xZvJlol7xHQTExYRuyoTHQc2_OQF0yITYnRY5NX8792UI-LNZk8k8qBEadq2WhrOQcF4EMbiOA0owJop8arWGvIBuw/s4032/camping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijF0zSygMUYi2fUaNkNUQwByRmldijf1mWwOCZP5OsNexH1gt2YPEEpHNjagSRGRa32QC1Sq5lth7EIVeCgs7HlHUWm2tJxO_6xZvJlol7xHQTExYRuyoTHQc2_OQF0yITYnRY5NX8792UI-LNZk8k8qBEadq2WhrOQcF4EMbiOA0owJop8arWGvIBuw/w400-h300/camping.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> <span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 32, 32); color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px;">I can’t believe it took me so long to take the leap of faith and load up the family for a trek to the mountains to go CAMPING!</span><p></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(32, 32, 32); color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">I know many of you are already “campers” and loving it, but to those of you that have been hesitating - I’m encouraging you to just do it!</p><p style="caret-color: rgb(32, 32, 32); color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">The homeschooling lessons are abundant (and some of them worthy of the transcript <img alt="😂" aria-label="😂" class="an1" data-emoji="😂" loading="lazy" src="https://fonts.gstatic.com/s/e/notoemoji/14.0/1f602/72.png" style="border: 0px; height: auto; outline: none; vertical-align: middle; width: 1.2em;" />). Here’s a few we picked up on this inaugural tent trip:</p><p style="caret-color: rgb(32, 32, 32); color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">1. <strong>We really need peace and quiet! </strong>Yes, we did take 6 kids with us, ages 13-21, and yes, they are loud. But one thing we all agreed on… the quietness from the daily bustle of electronics and media was soul-refreshing and much needed. When is the last time you intentionally unplugged? You don’t have to sleep in a tent to do it (although it helps). </p><p style="caret-color: rgb(32, 32, 32); color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong>Homeschool Tip: </strong>Set a goal to make space for some quietness.</p><p style="caret-color: rgb(32, 32, 32); color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">2. <strong> We don’t need all the gear! </strong> We were blessed to have the basics - tents, sleeping bags (lots and lots of sleeping bags), camp stove, and cooler. After we got unpacked, I began to notice the other campsites around us with all the “cool” camping gear like outdoor “privacy tents”, flashy hammocks, and outdoor showers with hot water, etc., etc., etc. The lesson here is - you don’t need everything to have a successful camping (or homeschooling) experience! In fact, the basics served us quite well and even comfortably. </p><p style="caret-color: rgb(32, 32, 32); color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong>Homeschool Tip: </strong>Stop looking at your neighbor’s campsite…or homeschool and enjoy your own.</p><p style="caret-color: rgb(32, 32, 32); color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">3. <strong>What you forget doesn’t matter, it’s what you remember! </strong> After fretting about all the details and packing everything I could imagine we would need… we inevitably forgot things. There were “gaps” in our camping supplies. They slept in 30 to 40 degree temperatures with nothing but sleeping bags between them and the cold, hard ground (we didn’t bring air mattresses). They created entertainment for themselves (we didn’t have electricity) they walked, and ran, and swam and really engaged in the world around them. They even survived several days without a shower! My point is that your homeschool may have some “gaps” but, that doesn’t mean it’s not a success. What we forgot did NOT remotely diminish our experience and the memories we made. </p><p style="caret-color: rgb(32, 32, 32); color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong>Homeschool Tip: </strong>Focus on what you have, not what you don’t.</p><p style="caret-color: rgb(32, 32, 32); color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">After our memorable week camping, everyone agrees it was the best experience ever, and we are all looking forward to our next adventure!</p><p style="caret-color: rgb(32, 32, 32); color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">Blessings,</p><p style="caret-color: rgb(32, 32, 32); color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">Renita</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpeSoCTnMQkFJOPYsWCtGiN3K_HkOXW7x8C5f3jqeiqhc8jwgHGM514wGPdHlFd6TJQ7XjKNDQkh7RRPoq2i8glnh8BOaDoZxN1c9cxDCRqEMDBGq1EzlOLplIzkwwZjLS9toyKPgaPPHLV6yrKQW_fyHDCAcj0qk-QJHNaFUzKC2heMumb_mhszoe1Q/s4032/EDA8D4ED-E38F-4755-9107-1D1F72F4A13B.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpeSoCTnMQkFJOPYsWCtGiN3K_HkOXW7x8C5f3jqeiqhc8jwgHGM514wGPdHlFd6TJQ7XjKNDQkh7RRPoq2i8glnh8BOaDoZxN1c9cxDCRqEMDBGq1EzlOLplIzkwwZjLS9toyKPgaPPHLV6yrKQW_fyHDCAcj0qk-QJHNaFUzKC2heMumb_mhszoe1Q/w400-h300/EDA8D4ED-E38F-4755-9107-1D1F72F4A13B.heic" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="caret-color: rgb(32, 32, 32); color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p>momofmanybentzshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04472248488933177600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2027511692721593317.post-55606618963432747302022-05-27T09:45:00.001-05:002022-05-27T09:45:40.810-05:00Lessons from the Succulents<br /><br />Recently, we discovered a hidden treasure in our own hometown. A succulent nursery filled with row after row of beautiful and unique succulents. <br /><br />We were enthralled by each new tray of these intricate and varied plants, gleefully exclaiming over the colors and shapes, and delighting with each new plant we added them to our purchase wagon (yes…we needed a wagon!) <br /><br />It got me thinking, “Do we marvel at the variety and uniqueness of each of these succulents, yet don’t recognize the variety and uniqueness of each of our children?” Stay with me here…it applies to your homeschool journey. <br /><br />We start this homeschooling path with bright eyes and eager hearts, determined to grow our children in a well-tended greenhouse with a unique, customized education that will give them a “love of learning” for their lifetime. But all too often, we fall prey to the elements; the pressures, the comparisons, the lies, the fears and instead we can create a learning environment that looks far too similar to those in the local “garden center”. <br /><br />Succulents are well designed to withstand the elements. They need very little to survive and even thrive; they are very hardy little plants. If you overwater succulents, they will die. If you underwater other types of plants, their leaves yellow, wilt and fall off. Different plants require different care. Our children’s education is much the same. They do not all require the same schedule, the same classes, the same path to graduation, or the same skills beyond. Who determines if how to diagram a sentence or how to hammer a nail is more important? How about learning Latin or mastering video editing? Should they study the principles of physics or the practices of entrepreneurship? Who determines if a 4-day school week or a 5-day schedule is better? YOU do. You are the keeper of this garden! <br /><br /><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjHmwUtY7oVeT1KavtzjUbnpZkp1jSVEUo7Q89PlPHNRXsNtp-H0tHlAVDTXaa8THp1x5uG6ht0CdnbRWqyStWf8CvyTzW_snIcLOoNwyzeStRtJPoKOtFvV5g0BhAbCY-pAyeKb1lqMGgwBEnvSeO_XsWUwl4RTWzCHuXVlNvPNXwSt0eWbvpWuGweA/s4032/19EC2F4E-1BA6-4AB8-87D5-CB655B3DFD21.heic" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjHmwUtY7oVeT1KavtzjUbnpZkp1jSVEUo7Q89PlPHNRXsNtp-H0tHlAVDTXaa8THp1x5uG6ht0CdnbRWqyStWf8CvyTzW_snIcLOoNwyzeStRtJPoKOtFvV5g0BhAbCY-pAyeKb1lqMGgwBEnvSeO_XsWUwl4RTWzCHuXVlNvPNXwSt0eWbvpWuGweA/w240-h320/19EC2F4E-1BA6-4AB8-87D5-CB655B3DFD21.heic" width="240" /></a>Each of my children has unique and different educational needs, so a one-size-fits-all education would never serve them. Some of them thrive with a schedule and a carefully organized plan – both for the day ahead and for their future. They complete every assignment diligently and tackle academic classes and college degrees with focus and determination. <br /><br />Others are a bit more free-spirited and often prefer days spent exploring and experiencing the elements, rather than constant carefully crafted schedules. They look at life from different angles and see opportunities others may miss. They need time to use their hands and minds to create new things and purse innovative ideas. They seek out challenges with courage and excitement. <br /><br />Each of these tender plants need my careful attention to continue to grow. This is how the gardener’s job works; you must customize the care to fit the needs of the plant. So why would we insist that our unique and varied children follow the same specific pattern for growth and learning? <br /><br /><br />These beautiful children are planted in your garden by the God who intentionally created them. He’s given you the honor of tending them as they grow. I encourage you to really study them, see their variety and uniqueness, and customize your “gardening” techniques for them to best help them thrive in the unique ways God has for them. <br /><br /><br />Blessings, <br /><br />Renita</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Ny1E-JlQ4p7hFk6OOOwhXDqwU6w4rCV1o4q5myCZKkQICqAX6e_ApC4_c12kPZPZcS8-eGqq1qqbtBHc66o1w9i6YgV5HBEJacbd9nZQqDWv2xpmvINOow6pYzAccOAUp8vg17RDfCU1wCcq6qQcpxFuAkjhoRPImk9o-tRq9Vqg4kHfQOgcZvzkGA/s4032/CB801910-2A06-4C0B-A152-8FCDB05A9713.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Ny1E-JlQ4p7hFk6OOOwhXDqwU6w4rCV1o4q5myCZKkQICqAX6e_ApC4_c12kPZPZcS8-eGqq1qqbtBHc66o1w9i6YgV5HBEJacbd9nZQqDWv2xpmvINOow6pYzAccOAUp8vg17RDfCU1wCcq6qQcpxFuAkjhoRPImk9o-tRq9Vqg4kHfQOgcZvzkGA/w640-h480/CB801910-2A06-4C0B-A152-8FCDB05A9713.heic" width="640" /></a></div></div><br /><div><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></div><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /></div><br />momofmanybentzshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04472248488933177600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2027511692721593317.post-88728929660908249382022-05-20T14:12:00.001-05:002022-05-20T14:13:31.981-05:00Close the Escape Hatch! <br /><br /> Let’s talk about high school for a minute (or two). Is homeschooling high school really worth it? Will I really be able to teach them all they need to know? I can answer this question - Absolutely YES!<br /><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMF5eqfeaqu5nuL6J0KrNZOqx0RuiSZ9VF_eBNkawpJPWmI75U_lbDNjfJHhob0BZM4jBhXE49pDR53tgftAMoBwEicktNErzM_ybkB9Jqr05U2CvsXe3tVuTWM6x68uy-iMyqLVFZjLxbCcRsfzwxG6_EyA1xHtVwPgRTIXHs3C5ADFqEjVa51tc6Sw/s4032/919EC37C-2C3D-4C63-8B76-69059CE1C6F7_1_201_a.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMF5eqfeaqu5nuL6J0KrNZOqx0RuiSZ9VF_eBNkawpJPWmI75U_lbDNjfJHhob0BZM4jBhXE49pDR53tgftAMoBwEicktNErzM_ybkB9Jqr05U2CvsXe3tVuTWM6x68uy-iMyqLVFZjLxbCcRsfzwxG6_EyA1xHtVwPgRTIXHs3C5ADFqEjVa51tc6Sw/w480-h640/919EC37C-2C3D-4C63-8B76-69059CE1C6F7_1_201_a.heic" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"> </span></p><br />When we began the homeschool journey 20 years ago, I never imagined that we would graduate them. I figured we’d take it “a year at a time” and wait and see how this homeschool experiment would play out. Several years in (with my first in about 6th or 7th grade) I listened to a favorite homeschool speaker talk about homeschool parents needing to “<i>close the escape hatch</i>” and commit to the long term. It really impacted me, and from that point I changed my perspective of homeschooling from “one year at a time” to “Graduation Day”. <br /><br /><br />I am so thankful I did! We have now graduated 4 of the 8, and I wouldn’t change a thing. All four have gone on to the college of their choosing, with plenty of scholarship money in hand. But, that is not why I want to encourage you to keep homeschooling through high school. <b>I don’t want you to miss the opportunity these years hold! <br /></b> <br /><br />The high school years are some of the best years of homeschooling. You have put in all the hard, seemingly endless days of teaching them to read, mastering the multiplication tables, and navigating the confusing maze of English grammar - WHY would you throw in the towel when school is finally getting to the good stuff? <br /><br /><br />High school is your last chance with them. These 4 short years are the prime time for you to press in, and really help them know and understand the Bible, to study Apologetics together (the reasons to believe the Christian faith), practice Communication skills (like writing and speaking) and open their eyes to the wonder of Creation through Science all around them! I know it’s tempting to fall prey to the fear of them missing out, your own insecurities, or the anxiety of comparison during these teen years. But I want to encourage you to “<i>close the escape hatch</i>” and really go for it! <br /><br /><br />Not only do you get to teach them the good stuff, but you get to enjoy these delightful creations that God blessed you with! In what seems to go by in a blink, they will be off on their own. Sure… high schoolers can be messy, loud, and careless at times. But, they are absolutely wonderful world changers with endless energy, creativity and new ideas. They are the leaders of your future as well. They are the businesspeople, doctors and nurses, craftspeople, and law makers for the next generation - and you have been given a gift of being the most powerful impact on them now! <br /><br /><br />I think of Esther from the Bible. Her upbringing by her uncle Mordecai was the foundation that she stood on when she approached the King and saved her people. I imagine that all those late-night conversations over pita bread and olives, chariot driving practice (or maybe donkey driving), and the endless reassurances that she really was created exactly the way the Lord designed her to be, became the internal narrative that gave her the courage to stand up for her people. <br /><br /><br />Too often I hear of homeschool parents who started the journey but gave up during high school. I want to encourage you to realize it’s truly the high school years that have the greatest impact on your homeschool journey. <b>You were put on this path by the Lord, “for such a time as this”</b>. Resist the peer pressure, ignore the lies, and press on to complete the race set before you! <br /><br /> <br /><br />Blessings, <br /><br />Renita<br />momofmanybentzshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04472248488933177600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2027511692721593317.post-38511607082509884212022-04-27T09:12:00.005-05:002022-04-27T09:13:15.369-05:00Go Curriculum Commando!<br /><br />It’s that time of year… the time when it’s way more enjoyable to look at all those sparkly, shiny NEW curriculum catalogs than to slog on through this year’s lesson plans to the blessed last-day-of-school finish line! <div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioUzv6DkGMq6i8oXKzmtfCXpyYP5xDE7hXj1oNOfQIHCtoAo36GMn8BU8fLAEmWjV4HqoaXsPwyJcXfYSqrkY40raz11GA2il-F4rtCa47SJG2ed_GsyfVAAiPfxHtmvjXM012dU4MXTV1zYf0x7ISv0oBQiAgPSRwBPTy5bO4Lxt__ZD610mkuVzoDg/s1209/B8019303-C6A5-4C6F-A952-9C375D42B3E9_1_201_a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1209" height="530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioUzv6DkGMq6i8oXKzmtfCXpyYP5xDE7hXj1oNOfQIHCtoAo36GMn8BU8fLAEmWjV4HqoaXsPwyJcXfYSqrkY40raz11GA2il-F4rtCa47SJG2ed_GsyfVAAiPfxHtmvjXM012dU4MXTV1zYf0x7ISv0oBQiAgPSRwBPTy5bO4Lxt__ZD610mkuVzoDg/w640-h530/B8019303-C6A5-4C6F-A952-9C375D42B3E9_1_201_a.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /> <br /><br />Hello, my name is Renita, and I am a curriculum addict. I’ve been powerless over my addiction since the beginning of my homeschool journey. My poor children were subjected to continual curriculum testings and changes. I loved trying out all those educational promises so much that I wrote homeschool curriculum reviews for 12 years just to have an ongoing “fix” of new curriculum! <br /><br /><br />Those years of homeschooling, with the inflow of every type of curriculum imaginable, have given me some specialized training, insight and discernment. I have learned, with first-hand experience, what works and what doesn’t… for MY kiddos! That’s the catch, you will only need to know what works for the beautiful souls that the Lord has placed in your squadron for YOU to educate. You won’t need to know the BEST curriculum; you’ll only need the BEST curriculum for YOUR family. <br /><br /><br />It’s time for you to become a “<b>Curriculum Commando</b>”! Everyone tells you “<i>Enjoy these years, they go by so fast…</i>” I know it’s hard to believe when it feels like you’ve been teaching the same math lessons, spelling lists, and grammar rules for what seems like a decade. BUT it is true - you only have a short time with them to teach and train them in all they need to know. And, that’s why you need to have <b>determination </b>to accomplish your goals,<b> courage</b> to go your own way, an <b>unselfish attitude</b>, and a <b>cheery smile</b> in the face of adversity. <br /><br /><br />A<b> Curriculum Commando needs to determination to accomplish the main objective</b>. This is where many of us may falter. Do we know WHAT our children need to know in order to succeed in the mission the Lord has for them? We search frantically for the “perfect curriculum” that will meet all their needs and make sure there are no gaps. But truth is - there isn’t ONE WAY. There is only God’s plan for your child. You need to seek out the battle plan from your commander - FIRST. Then, keep your main objective in the forefront as you create your daily lesson plans. <br /><br /><br /><b>Curriculum Commandos need courage</b>. Just because your homeschool friends are all following a certain path, does NOT mean that path is right for you. Just because Susie is learning Latin and Jimmy can do trigonometry in 3rd grade, doesn’t mean that YOUR children need to do those subjects. Have the courage to say NO - even to the good things to make room for the great things God has in store for them. Have courage to refuse to fear “gaps” in their education. By the way, we all have gaps in our educations - shhh… don’t tell anyone, I have a college degree and I have NEVER taken a Physics class! (Funny... I help write science curriculum with my husband) Have the courage to customize, or even walk away from anything that doesn’t help accomplish your mission. <br /> <br /><br />Are you willing to take the unselfish route? A Commando has to put aside their own desires and focus on the target. This is getting personal, but oftentimes I chose a certain curriculum or class to help make ME feel better about homeschooling. Can I be honest for a moment, the curriculum you choose is NOT about you. Have you considered your student’s learning style over your teaching style? Are you selfishly wanting them to succeed so that you feel like you have succeeded? Examine your motivations. The homeschooling path was all new to me, I went to public school, homeschooling wasn’t even legal in most states. SO, I really wanted to prove I could do this! But that’s not what the target is… the target is to help them become who God designed them to be. <b>That means I need to have an unselfish approach that focuses on THEM and not ME! </b><br /><br /><br />Finally, Curriculum Commandos know that they are in charge, and they set the tone for their squadron. <b>A cheerful attitude goes a long way to making this operation a memorable one!</b> Can you smile and laugh at the future? Look for ways to bring joy into subjects and make learning together a delight! As I reflect over the past 20 years of homeschooling, it’s the joy and laughter that I remember most. The times we veered off the lesson plan and read all afternoon on the trampoline or spent time watching the eggs hatch in bird nest under our deck or made crazy projects (I bet there is still paper cache on our ceiling…) or had kitchen adventures trying to make authentic pilgrim meals complete with sour tasting “swill”. All those things brought joy, adventure and smiles into our learning. Make sure to laugh - it makes the journey sweeter! <br /><br /><br />So, as you search through all those shiny curriculum catalogs this spring, I encourage you to remember you are a “<b>Curriculum Commando</b>” and have a God-given mission to accomplish. You can do it! <br /><br /><br /><br />Blessings, <br /><br />Renita<br /></div>momofmanybentzshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04472248488933177600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2027511692721593317.post-74286074979558261142022-04-06T14:59:00.004-05:002022-04-06T14:59:50.636-05:00Supersize or Downsize!<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfNO1O1vaCmXxR5JIOpKg87YV4LCX4sDTNb_YR8Hq9Ij2-pJ1Wcjnu3UsfI9y2lWu4yH5TFPavA5YPxlGncTSbODDIlQM-V5Bu_6RnV1K1mSHhlvNBl7fNUPKyRR0HSHPuyMdJGysyONH6Zco_iL4hBhQ9NeHsTwcPNTG5NDuY3zj9SXdSRzRIYvW5og/s376/252BE35A-6C26-497F-A7C4-1C2F6F1858B1_4_5005_c.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="134" data-original-width="376" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfNO1O1vaCmXxR5JIOpKg87YV4LCX4sDTNb_YR8Hq9Ij2-pJ1Wcjnu3UsfI9y2lWu4yH5TFPavA5YPxlGncTSbODDIlQM-V5Bu_6RnV1K1mSHhlvNBl7fNUPKyRR0HSHPuyMdJGysyONH6Zco_iL4hBhQ9NeHsTwcPNTG5NDuY3zj9SXdSRzRIYvW5og/w640-h228/252BE35A-6C26-497F-A7C4-1C2F6F1858B1_4_5005_c.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>In today’s economic uncertainty, we are always looking for ways to save money. This isn’t another post about how to wash and re-use your plastic bags, or creative ways to stretch the food budget, although, those are great ideas.I’m talking about making INTENTIONAL choices to “downsize” your lifestyle and create some margin for better choices. </p><br />Don and I recently made a HUGE family decision that involved downsizing our living space. In today’s world…this is a bit counter-cultural! We sold the 3,600 sq. ft. home and moved the 8 of us (7 of us plus a good friend that lives with us) into a cozy 1,600 sq. ft home. A pretty BIG downsize in personal space! <br /><br /><br />This downsizing has UPSIZED our budget’s ability to make choices that benefit us with our most valuable resource… our TIME TOGETHER! <br /><br /><br />Along the journey, plenty of other unexpected benefits have surfaced as well. The sweet sounds of everyone laughing together in the kitchen while making dinner and the cozy evenings spent together in the same room in front of the fireplace playing games. (There is a reassurance and comfort when my people are close by.) The closer living quarters have also become an invitation for everyone to venture more into the great outdoors (for peace and quiet!). And, we have become intentional about what is allowed to occupy our precious space - both physically, spiritually, and emotionally. <br /><br /><br /><div>I know, not everyone can make such a drastic “downsizing” decision. But, I think we can all take small steps in the right direction. The downsizing concept has really gotten me thinking of what else could benefit from taking an intentional step back, or a step down. <br /><br /><br />For instance - “<i>Do we really want/need all the entertainment streaming options that have snuck into our family budget?</i>” </div><div><br /></div><div>Maybe this could apply to our homeschooling choices too - “<i>Do we really want an overstuffed curriculum package or a time-consuming co-op that dictates how we spend our days?</i>”</div><div><br /></div><div>What about the family schedule? “<i>Do we want a SUPERSIZED schedule with different activities and outings every evening?</i>” </div><div><br /><br />Can I encourage you to look into ONE area you could intentionally downsize and give yourself a bit more margin? I’m confident that the Lord has something even better to replace it with. <br /><br /> <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” James 1:5</i></div><br /><br /> <br /><br />Blessings, <br /><br />Renita</div>momofmanybentzshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04472248488933177600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2027511692721593317.post-17189662746481195502022-03-23T13:49:00.002-05:002022-05-20T14:13:57.831-05:00Glad I Did!<br /> I’m glad I did! I’m glad I chose to listen to the promises of the Lord and to choose to have my children. In this age, it’s a rare voice that tells you to “<i>go ahead, have more kids</i>”. The culture is loudly telling you, “<i>Don’t, You Can’t, You Shouldn’t!</i>” <br /><br /><br />We were walking along a path this week, with my 4 of my 8 children walking ahead. I paused a moment and realized that if I had made a different choice… none of these children would be here! <br /><br /><br />Can I gently remind you what the Lord says… “Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.” Psalm 127:3 That’s right, they are a GIFT and a REWARD. That’s vastly different from the message around us that tells us they are a BURDEN and RESPONSIBILITY. <br /><br /><br />I didn’t start out a “Mom of Many” (I have 8 children; Don has 8 children - Yes - that’s 16!) I started out as a college-educated, independent-thinking woman with a future career all planned out…MY way. Thank God, he caught my attention and gave me with the “desires of my heart” before I even knew what they were, by blessing me with my children. <br /><br /><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRhOmFJd1rQ3QGmT_PJybRH2v_Nj5bHrejeNJJllJIU29tSVNZD0XaZ76NAsCJa-xcP31CJ2r-qgn6daNpRVFbNrjRfLBBE45ZHCbBooaiHpG30N3FJsO-l-6GIEhN-7SkcrJyd9bjPtwutfOnUU5QEQLa2JwyWuzjmO3UaMXli8wr77gEr-8U5hOErw/s4032/2C3C5925-57C7-4539-A6B7-033140826CB1.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRhOmFJd1rQ3QGmT_PJybRH2v_Nj5bHrejeNJJllJIU29tSVNZD0XaZ76NAsCJa-xcP31CJ2r-qgn6daNpRVFbNrjRfLBBE45ZHCbBooaiHpG30N3FJsO-l-6GIEhN-7SkcrJyd9bjPtwutfOnUU5QEQLa2JwyWuzjmO3UaMXli8wr77gEr-8U5hOErw/w480-h640/2C3C5925-57C7-4539-A6B7-033140826CB1.heic" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><div>God wants to BLESS you with children, they are one of his best gifts. Have you ever told the Lord: </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">"<i>Don’t bless me with too much health - how would I handle it all?</i>” </div><div style="text-align: center;">or </div><div style="text-align: center;">"<i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; display: inline !important; text-align: center;"><i>Nope God, that’s plenty of money, I’ve got my hands full!</i>” </div></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; display: inline !important; text-align: center;"><br /></div></i></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="text-align: center;">NO way! </b><span style="text-align: center;">We ask the Lord to abundantly bless us in so many areas, except by giving us children. </span></div><br /><br />Trust me, I wrestled with God in this area. I had to be completely transformed by HIM in my thinking. He used some Godly voices to teach me the truth and I’m praying HE does same for some of you. If you need encouragement – please feel free to contact me! <br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Do not conform any longer to the pattern 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--his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br />momofmanybentzshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04472248488933177600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2027511692721593317.post-3083373877385618852022-03-07T22:20:00.009-06:002022-03-07T22:26:34.706-06:00Get to Work!<p><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">I had my children memorize this poem when they were younger… Now, they are learning to live this poem! </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"> </span></p>
<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 17px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 17px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjP1a6kUPq6aZK5wRq_QNeRAwIlc6vVQxP0yO3zCoZHts92tgRIN9m-nDjgubkwh2dJMUWfOj1Q6nUeDguicxh7B_cXrp7E5yhbkGQ3CcpLJ8ifq98hQKduR8JYEEV6JC_lsEtLk1RmXT8_NEgssKSPkDomTkONN9g8-80_hzqA84OEfhGx3EsDHwzQXg=s354" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="354" data-original-width="236" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjP1a6kUPq6aZK5wRq_QNeRAwIlc6vVQxP0yO3zCoZHts92tgRIN9m-nDjgubkwh2dJMUWfOj1Q6nUeDguicxh7B_cXrp7E5yhbkGQ3CcpLJ8ifq98hQKduR8JYEEV6JC_lsEtLk1RmXT8_NEgssKSPkDomTkONN9g8-80_hzqA84OEfhGx3EsDHwzQXg=w426-h640" width="426" /></a></div><br /> <p></p>
<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Having your children help you work is a lifetime benefit to them, and to you. When they were younger, we lived in suburbia, and I had to manufacture “work” for them. Daily chores, caring for the pets, raking leaves and a small backyard garden were about as strenuous as the work got. Even those little glimpses of the value of “work” have paid off. Now, we live on a tree-filled property and the “work” has expanded to include some real bone-tiring tasks. Having a team is a HUGE blessing, not to mention, all those family memory-making moments we get to experience together, and the satisfaction of seeing a job well done! </p>
<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 17px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEirTyPHHrPVOB9_dQXQEzkZzv8weHOzuez9qyiV8UUqL7JSeHDP-73jxf6L9oqKzWfwaAFiYrO4PS7l1yijfXMM3mVtXLhJAIgB2zqxP3Nk8eMgL2gn5W2Zee0LotNoRU89clotuwcdeREWLEa4RGKT5PrNEUI69E5h-pLRygsNftom56C20By0B3HwHw=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEirTyPHHrPVOB9_dQXQEzkZzv8weHOzuez9qyiV8UUqL7JSeHDP-73jxf6L9oqKzWfwaAFiYrO4PS7l1yijfXMM3mVtXLhJAIgB2zqxP3Nk8eMgL2gn5W2Zee0LotNoRU89clotuwcdeREWLEa4RGKT5PrNEUI69E5h-pLRygsNftom56C20By0B3HwHw=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 17px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I truly believe God designed us to work, after all, he put Adam and Eve in a garden and gave it to them to tend and provided animals for them to care for. It’s only after the Fall that work is cursed with “thorns”. </p>
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<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I believe our children learn valuable life lessons when they get the opportunity to work alongside us. All that working together also sweetens the playtimes we share together as well. It’s worth the investment, the lessons learned will stick with them for a lifetime!</p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 17px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhif_bJBKoeQZ94obwlzL-ZzWX9daqhDL65DZqtZ7hrookl8ngSIqhPv9tyrEec7rCZa9MPcwaGoSAOvIuRGuWIVZSzeIsLAQZNdFmoHQGQB-nX6OY5_80vvkzlt95Bwzbsyd5GriK9Rm3-eCstqAdmenmdqtUdm6gGrOzlmApuvMPzC7E1OO9ifISDGQ=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhif_bJBKoeQZ94obwlzL-ZzWX9daqhDL65DZqtZ7hrookl8ngSIqhPv9tyrEec7rCZa9MPcwaGoSAOvIuRGuWIVZSzeIsLAQZNdFmoHQGQB-nX6OY5_80vvkzlt95Bwzbsyd5GriK9Rm3-eCstqAdmenmdqtUdm6gGrOzlmApuvMPzC7E1OO9ifISDGQ=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">It's time to get to work!</p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Renita</p>momofmanybentzshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04472248488933177600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2027511692721593317.post-17382010723005253542022-03-01T22:21:00.015-06:002022-03-07T22:26:11.315-06:00Have Dinner Together Tonight!<p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-family: Helvetica; text-align: center;">`</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; text-align: center;">“All great change in America begins at the dinner table.” - Ronald Reagan</span></span></i></b></p>
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<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Can I ask… how long has it been since your family sat down all together at the dinner table? I understand, I have been there myself lately… wondering, when did we stop sitting down together at a table set with dishes, silverware, and food served in bowls waiting to be passed around? </p>
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<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">As a young mother, I was inspired to create a “family table” in my home by a dear mentor and my big oak table is my favorite piece of furniture. But, somehow amid raising all those children, we moved away from that nightly tradition of eating together; to eating at the counter, grabbing something as we walked out the door to an activity or even eating on the go in the van. When did this happen? I’m not really sure…. But, I know now is the TIME to “begin again” and re-establish our family dinners!</p>
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<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Can I encourage you? TONIGHT- even if you’re “not ready”, teach your child how to set the silverware next to your plates (paper plates work…shhh - don’t tell Don), put all the food (even if it’s frozen pizza) on the table and sit down together to share and eat (even if you are on a tight schedule). I know it’s more work and takes a little more planning and time. I promise you, it’s worth your investment! After just a few short weeks, it has become the part of the day we look forward to the most. You can even do it when you’re not “at home” any table works - just make sure everyone sits down together.</p>
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<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">After just a few evenings, we have seen the fruit of gathering again at our table. This is the place where our children learn how to interact with others, where they learn to listen and to speak, where they learn values of courtesy and hospitality, where they can serve each other, and beautiful family memories are savored together. </p>
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<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Our family dinner time is precious, don’t let any insecurities keep you from it - have dinner at the table together tonight!</p>
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<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Blessings,</p>
<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Renita</p><div><br /></div>momofmanybentzshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04472248488933177600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2027511692721593317.post-82635749067865656052022-02-14T14:48:00.001-06:002022-04-06T14:56:16.242-05:00My first Daughter-in-Law ❤️<p>We are delighted to have a new daughter - We welcomed Hanna to the family on February 14, 2022 when she married Don's son - Joe ❤️</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKVCjCf3hTi93W9FdFeIBJvY40uwtpKzaUacRhKcPvEpm3UhkRcehIhXdV40GUHK2q0ehuIjLt5NweK8_SCtZO01TWOY9pOYCtFSmjp5E3DKjD5x0Vs3vPLMfEDQ06-EEiiIODMQWu6vGqx0lBWI2xmxwpMwN8WlHLQL8SJRkQqg6Aun1M5DjXBFhuzw/s4032/9D03D66A-68A7-4D4B-B202-6136620681E1.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKVCjCf3hTi93W9FdFeIBJvY40uwtpKzaUacRhKcPvEpm3UhkRcehIhXdV40GUHK2q0ehuIjLt5NweK8_SCtZO01TWOY9pOYCtFSmjp5E3DKjD5x0Vs3vPLMfEDQ06-EEiiIODMQWu6vGqx0lBWI2xmxwpMwN8WlHLQL8SJRkQqg6Aun1M5DjXBFhuzw/w480-h640/9D03D66A-68A7-4D4B-B202-6136620681E1.heic" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What a beautiful day for a beautiful couple! They got married in our front yard...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioRQj8NzrkLXNLpDWuTtFfGwGdJ5LwpPNzTWVijetXsDSsbsj0UrTYyRHeE_mj7iZ_1mlKpt6fdxoT7t9YxxY_Ocr1eHNVLDydAJTPD6yuUAniCgzN36EVaWmM1v0ZHbXNwWIgNvxlaq2ctnovq5AqlgDC8PKlXKtpkQf9nOPNd0ODoTsLN01oL9I75Q/s1776/32B5D925-783F-4AAB-9F72-E201F377145A.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="1776" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioRQj8NzrkLXNLpDWuTtFfGwGdJ5LwpPNzTWVijetXsDSsbsj0UrTYyRHeE_mj7iZ_1mlKpt6fdxoT7t9YxxY_Ocr1eHNVLDydAJTPD6yuUAniCgzN36EVaWmM1v0ZHbXNwWIgNvxlaq2ctnovq5AqlgDC8PKlXKtpkQf9nOPNd0ODoTsLN01oL9I75Q/w640-h426/32B5D925-783F-4AAB-9F72-E201F377145A.heic" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">With a quick trip to the beach for some unforgettable memories!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWeevm8maVDRo8LSEbxCBYifbEhI7KTjBm_DRImG0Q2lqJ6wUiH5H3Wy28RE7xgMhpQP9jEwX11NY847cDzLAtdsvRLj8YFiWPeG0eCu3uvoMRHAm3g14Eyu9y1TXvq1hdWF8qoOGM2Z-5CkFNIKEi5BZ2ddexCqMQevM98fGLQPcZD0GYsygdFDLtUw/s1776/130B0574-E709-4CEB-BCCF-8F54487A7210.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="1776" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWeevm8maVDRo8LSEbxCBYifbEhI7KTjBm_DRImG0Q2lqJ6wUiH5H3Wy28RE7xgMhpQP9jEwX11NY847cDzLAtdsvRLj8YFiWPeG0eCu3uvoMRHAm3g14Eyu9y1TXvq1hdWF8qoOGM2Z-5CkFNIKEi5BZ2ddexCqMQevM98fGLQPcZD0GYsygdFDLtUw/w640-h426/130B0574-E709-4CEB-BCCF-8F54487A7210.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikYASyZCw_zm4bb9fX85hXXFsTG4Htg8ccye0U6p53o_7ghn-UEC6-XqsmHBvrGrhPua9w5Vck0iLqLqYCrcQ2RKV0e2xLZsdDST5ZTFh455HYSCjgfXHPnRCxJGptDakQbQgnDo8Hg2V1m66iyxRkcpLdze_APKR5f_clvWZD3wOzUkWV_y77vPK9mg/s4032/587BFF31-EA05-4891-8EE3-BFEF994581DA.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikYASyZCw_zm4bb9fX85hXXFsTG4Htg8ccye0U6p53o_7ghn-UEC6-XqsmHBvrGrhPua9w5Vck0iLqLqYCrcQ2RKV0e2xLZsdDST5ZTFh455HYSCjgfXHPnRCxJGptDakQbQgnDo8Hg2V1m66iyxRkcpLdze_APKR5f_clvWZD3wOzUkWV_y77vPK9mg/w480-h640/587BFF31-EA05-4891-8EE3-BFEF994581DA.heic" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What a blessing to be part of their new lives together!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD5u-rcaB2lBhkE5hJK-hFAA7VkaAa2jTCjGxg3y8ekUnf_80_VQx4o5n4uCXngAWsomZXbgONbw_NvoFjED425dbkE7cHxTZZXsXlRnmARwO5uOi0lKJVAbzEuIYxrO_u2DpGT_rnqyCLng7Hv2kLarZ-7wthrSh8xI3VxtNJWEz2DBpYnCir_UJ4eQ/s4032/4697E317-A88D-400A-A57D-ADE61254507C.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD5u-rcaB2lBhkE5hJK-hFAA7VkaAa2jTCjGxg3y8ekUnf_80_VQx4o5n4uCXngAWsomZXbgONbw_NvoFjED425dbkE7cHxTZZXsXlRnmARwO5uOi0lKJVAbzEuIYxrO_u2DpGT_rnqyCLng7Hv2kLarZ-7wthrSh8xI3VxtNJWEz2DBpYnCir_UJ4eQ/w400-h300/4697E317-A88D-400A-A57D-ADE61254507C.heic" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>momofmanybentzshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04472248488933177600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2027511692721593317.post-35309558442029719542022-01-19T14:25:00.001-06:002022-04-06T14:47:24.551-05:00No more boring science!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Who says that middle and high school science can't be fun? Why do we try to stuff their heads with textbook vocabulary, and never allow them to wonder... in wonder?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvsjT1SIfixqdys7SEbKcANfRi_JWB8b6FmlQe85GO0z7pCZWnO66VH3Vt0MA9xbHgfOGTeg_0VdNpk21GLDIFAlNWpEQF6tZVDtx9ByTyQ44h6keLOILD5RlDIuSQ0nRx3oi3hj_MSA_v0xURL8UVT-LFUk3fGxWLHppBlec-wxUCxboHsvJ1qtiTpg/s4032/5FACB653-3BCA-4C51-8087-FDD8099AF0D2.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvsjT1SIfixqdys7SEbKcANfRi_JWB8b6FmlQe85GO0z7pCZWnO66VH3Vt0MA9xbHgfOGTeg_0VdNpk21GLDIFAlNWpEQF6tZVDtx9ByTyQ44h6keLOILD5RlDIuSQ0nRx3oi3hj_MSA_v0xURL8UVT-LFUk3fGxWLHppBlec-wxUCxboHsvJ1qtiTpg/w480-h640/5FACB653-3BCA-4C51-8087-FDD8099AF0D2.heic" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>This is our 2nd year taking a different path in science. And guess what... we are enjoying science again!<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqp45ZCSDUTamRBxQJYrKqV7byTxaWsJTNQpaRTBmGWRn3PE3oQ9KNSDXvBK2X3TY0xs137ZpMJHX0mFdbFZ1y0YJ3-0gHpGhcfGrv7poV0KpnZRzwQ0RtZF7qJrIcCk-vhFXo0KLkyO2ijZcXAtc61JTu41WKu7c4F6FEEaFEHLy5i5v1Ulpkec3_eg/s4032/13E70E09-DA1A-48A6-A22C-9D9E5600CD1E.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqp45ZCSDUTamRBxQJYrKqV7byTxaWsJTNQpaRTBmGWRn3PE3oQ9KNSDXvBK2X3TY0xs137ZpMJHX0mFdbFZ1y0YJ3-0gHpGhcfGrv7poV0KpnZRzwQ0RtZF7qJrIcCk-vhFXo0KLkyO2ijZcXAtc61JTu41WKu7c4F6FEEaFEHLy5i5v1Ulpkec3_eg/w400-h300/13E70E09-DA1A-48A6-A22C-9D9E5600CD1E.heic" width="400" /></a></div><p>This is a simple experiment with a test tube, oil, water, food coloring and alka seltzer. Probably one you did back in preschool... But - let me tell you from first hand experience - "big kids" are not too BIG for this experiment!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF9F8wYeHNTuwpGLJ-pQxczbeCDB_vcek6FXTOVEF5hyesMoF0xmS_IEmyp6xG7PLqAENjWhut7iat80WNVe9IkuYRexydeAD1imvrKGS6AXVJIwR6ZY3dPfjfEYg1wdnG9A0Tgf1hrUtT_v1ox_ZnmYkKv2vIpjx3y77bWQnkhNsz4HfK_LSUcaTffg/s4032/30FDF887-16FE-4BE8-A21B-488E8E4CD1E6.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF9F8wYeHNTuwpGLJ-pQxczbeCDB_vcek6FXTOVEF5hyesMoF0xmS_IEmyp6xG7PLqAENjWhut7iat80WNVe9IkuYRexydeAD1imvrKGS6AXVJIwR6ZY3dPfjfEYg1wdnG9A0Tgf1hrUtT_v1ox_ZnmYkKv2vIpjx3y77bWQnkhNsz4HfK_LSUcaTffg/s320/30FDF887-16FE-4BE8-A21B-488E8E4CD1E6.heic" width="320" /></a></div><p>This is our co-op class - made up of middle and high schoolers. They all enjoyed this demonstration, and we had the chance to discuss some high level science concepts as well. Concepts like density, diffusion, the chemical properties of carbon dioxide and the polarity of water can be observed, discussed and remembered! Not to mention the mesmerizing effect of watching the bubbles go up and down the tube that you never outgrow...</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3j2ixgHp2PmKT5NaVD5e-EYOL9cGQ0eGjCDtrUOb4MSAN5eazHvkmQQmfz3Ps4R6KaCr3ZiOksdUMlNZwU0146nXaHQ7wg5hr47q2AHGT6YMC32rOl78AtI6iOBor_rlxVFI54SabacMPgm-awf6NxOW1Fs4UKt0MMse0Qfgb5PJfed0c4AUQjGguDQ/s4032/80D41223-0BE2-40C2-8445-7BC5216446B4.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3j2ixgHp2PmKT5NaVD5e-EYOL9cGQ0eGjCDtrUOb4MSAN5eazHvkmQQmfz3Ps4R6KaCr3ZiOksdUMlNZwU0146nXaHQ7wg5hr47q2AHGT6YMC32rOl78AtI6iOBor_rlxVFI54SabacMPgm-awf6NxOW1Fs4UKt0MMse0Qfgb5PJfed0c4AUQjGguDQ/w640-h480/80D41223-0BE2-40C2-8445-7BC5216446B4.heic" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgupzl46Hp7IbVFt6DVH4MewUG68dDUmso-xvgUJLdir6i9uUnAdNLDu2m4LCD8vY4dHz1en_etzds171CkbQwvE9W5A74HE_5NZgxo85bq3NsWrZmHO28BL4VvcYYmtHsAiQcaynpi4cYOqyiWBcPA_nElt2ShCFRbWH41yj7AIow9uumfDSNc0d6fTw/s4032/196ACAD9-EEE2-40AB-8211-924A85D155B9.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgupzl46Hp7IbVFt6DVH4MewUG68dDUmso-xvgUJLdir6i9uUnAdNLDu2m4LCD8vY4dHz1en_etzds171CkbQwvE9W5A74HE_5NZgxo85bq3NsWrZmHO28BL4VvcYYmtHsAiQcaynpi4cYOqyiWBcPA_nElt2ShCFRbWH41yj7AIow9uumfDSNc0d6fTw/w300-h400/196ACAD9-EEE2-40AB-8211-924A85D155B9.heic" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHIg7yxyqNeRPH1dOi7-LCJ7O0IRmM6VqDw6RHpmKV3knrmaJ3NEmYSBQTzcPdfl3yBIXR6zj097ptTpA4QKesiuOcY5TLrSOEc_zpIP1q22SDhsWDLOh1sB3hwRu2nyJhGzjhoWLVCD2LXgAc7RFKr4q_g2s4ootSjct7STPngE63nxsxbZlz0Mvtsw/s4032/11765361-A8DD-49C0-9DA2-DE8D57610B4B.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHIg7yxyqNeRPH1dOi7-LCJ7O0IRmM6VqDw6RHpmKV3knrmaJ3NEmYSBQTzcPdfl3yBIXR6zj097ptTpA4QKesiuOcY5TLrSOEc_zpIP1q22SDhsWDLOh1sB3hwRu2nyJhGzjhoWLVCD2LXgAc7RFKr4q_g2s4ootSjct7STPngE63nxsxbZlz0Mvtsw/w300-h400/11765361-A8DD-49C0-9DA2-DE8D57610B4B.heic" width="300" /></a></div><p>With a couple of household chemicals - we also taught them how to make some pretty cool "explosions" too! I promise you, we captured their attention - and they will not soon forget this lesson!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFBvAw5mrK5GkGBs_KH97NekAsgtsN19L8ZpXjsa_mpoGOPp8PYf_6T-S1Ii_pE3ShJtJBRI4kHt66_JTxQCPaDECrbz1KRdibHeGuZAR70-V5A3lPqoZ_z4mDtcMForBIk-La7UsrCkfSxjrhOUGxkeG4Ua2GUnBA7cH4IX5SziHXaVDsCQ5imHUhCw/s4032/B50949BF-970A-47A1-B8D7-3B4B41C7A6EA.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFBvAw5mrK5GkGBs_KH97NekAsgtsN19L8ZpXjsa_mpoGOPp8PYf_6T-S1Ii_pE3ShJtJBRI4kHt66_JTxQCPaDECrbz1KRdibHeGuZAR70-V5A3lPqoZ_z4mDtcMForBIk-La7UsrCkfSxjrhOUGxkeG4Ua2GUnBA7cH4IX5SziHXaVDsCQ5imHUhCw/w480-h640/B50949BF-970A-47A1-B8D7-3B4B41C7A6EA.heic" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My point is... science doesn't have to be boring to be "high school level". You can still have fun and do hands-on projects, in fact - you SHOULD!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p>momofmanybentzshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04472248488933177600noreply@blogger.com0