Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Ebook Cover Sneak Peek


Hello friends!

We have been so busy over here  putting the final touches on the ebook that we will be releasing next month.  I am SO happy and excited that it is finally done and sent off to be formatted! Now I wanted to give you a sneak peek of the cover (it is actually the header for the site) so you can tell me what you think--here it is:



Also, we need a BIG favor--we just set up the True Christian Motherhood Facebook fanpage today and we need ALOT of people to go over there and like it so we can get our official user name in time for the HUGE MEGA BUNDLE  giveaway we have planned for the launch day!


and leave a comment to show us some love!

Thanks so much!

Have a blessed day!


******************


Are you encouraged here? I personally invite you to subscribe and get the latest posts sent to your inbox. Also, connect with us on Facebook and Twitter and get updates that are not posted here on the blog.

Saturday, August 27, 2011

End of Summer Toy Sale



Vision Forum is having their End of Summer Toy Sale with 25% off some of their best selling toys that are great for your little knight! Like this cute fold and go castle:


and Lion sword and shield (good for protecting little sisters!)






The sale ends at midnight--check out all the rest HERE.

Have a blessed weekend!


*****************

Are you encouraged here? I personally invite you to subscribe and get the latest posts sent to your inbox. Also, connect with us on Facebook and Twitter and get updates that are not posted here on the blog.

Friday, August 26, 2011

48 Hour Sale Ends Today!


Yesterday I spent a fabulous day shopping for fall clothes, planning out the school year, and ordering art supplies online from Amazon (yes, they have that and great stuff like manipulatives, puzzles, dry eraser boards, supplies, etc.). I also registered the children up for some local classes that they are excited about attending.  I'm feeling like I am wrapping up the strings to being fully prepared next week when we start and that we are finally ready.

I still had to pick up a few last things last week and was so happy when I ran across this sale at Vision Forum. Today is the last day for this 48 hour sale, so if any of you are like me and need to pick up a few good resources today is a great day to do it! They have really expanded their line this past year and have some great NEW homeschooling resources, click HERE to take a peek.


(They even sell fun things like this Windpower Kit!)

The sale is for all homeschool items 25%-50% off--PLUS FREE SHIPPING!  

(You can't beat that! And if you don't homeschool these still make great educational resources.) They also sell microscopes, sketching sets, calligraphy sets, Science DVD sets, readers, and so much more.


Remember, this sale ends at midnight tonight--so don't delay!



Have a blessed day!


********************

Are you encouraged here? I personally invite you to subscribe and get the latest posts sent to your inbox. Also, connect with us on Facebook and Twitter and get updates that are not posted here on the blog.


Thursday, August 25, 2011

I Just Feel Like a Failure



Yesterday I wrote a post about ungodly influences and a sweet reader shared this:

"I wish I could go back the beginning of the last school year and crack down on my daughter when she started to take out books like Twilight from the middle school library. Before we knew what was happening, all she was reading was about vampires, werewolves, witches, and other subjects like these. Most of the books in the teen area of the book store are similar. 

I read the Twilight books, because everyone was talking about their daughters reading them, and I wanted to see if they were appropriate. Huge mistake. My daughter saw me reading them, so subconsciously they were on her appropriate reading list. When we talk about appropriate reading materials, she becomes completely unglued, and the conversation rapidly spirals out of control. She thinks she knows what Truth is, but when she started reading these books, her outlook changed.

How do I fix this? She goes behind my back to read inappropriate stuff at school. She sneaks stuff home. And how to stop the conversations going crazy? I just feel like a failure."




Here is my advice...

Maggie, you are not a failure, that is what Satan would like for you to believe (he accuses the brethren). Remember, we are all learning in this great journey of obedience and NONE of us have "arrived". May I suggest the following steps:

1. Pray--You cannot endeavor upon changing the influences on your home without asking help from God. Ask God to give you strength for the battle, wisdom in how to handle your daughter, and perseverance to see it through to the end. Also, to give you spiritual clarity so that your judgment won't be clouded in case you are met with resistance and steadfastness to stand firm.

2. Bible Study--Do a Bible study as a family on what God's Word says about witchcraft, Satan, darkness, etc. and have a family discussion. Talk about how you want to obey Him as a family and that you need to make changes in order to do that. If you have been buying/reading them for entertainment, apologize to you children for not being a godly example and tell them you realized you were wrong (this is why we all need Jesus, point to Him since He is the perfect one and not us) and would like to make things right/repent now.

3. Remove books--Remove books AND other items from your home that do not have a godly influence. Pray and ask God to show you what they are, sometimes He will show you things that you might not even have thought of or reveal things that you did not know about.  You would probably never in a million years allow a witch/vampire to come to your house on a daily basis to teach your children--so don't allow others to do it through literature, movies, TV shows, etc. I shared about how we personally "cleaned house" here.

4. Replace--Now that you have removed ungodly literature, influences, etc. from your home be sure to replace it with good, wholesome and godly influences. If you need help, I suggest you start with my highly recommended booklist for daughters.

If you daughter is sneaking things around then be sure to check her things when she gets home. Remember, that you are the parent and that you are responsible for what comes through your doors. Be vigilant and don't give up, knowing that this is a spiritual battle for the hearts and souls of our children. There are strongholds at work here that we cannot see. Pray for your daughter's eyes to be opened and to have discernment.

Also, perhaps you could even let the teachers to alert you if she is reading any material she shouldn't if she is doing this at school.  I would also try to find out the source of where she is getting the books. Is it from the library? Friends? Bookstore? You will need to keep close tabs on this to make sure it does not happen again.

I would also look into her friendships. Are they the types of friends who would lead her to read these types of books? Into the occult? The Bible warns us "Do not be misled. Bad company corrupts good character." (1 Corinthians 15:33) I would warn these children too, in a very loving way, and let them know that your family is seeking to not read this literature any further. Remember, sometimes it takes one person to make a firm stand for what they believe in for others to follow.

Maggie, I hope this helps. Please know that there is hope for your situation and all is not lost. God loves you and can do a mighty work here and use it all for His glory. He loves you daughter too, even more than you.

Please keep us updated on your situation if possible and know we are praying for you both.


*****************


Are you encouraged here? I personally invite you to subscribe and get the latest posts sent to your inbox. Also, connect with us on Facebook and Twitter and get updates that are not posted here on the blog.

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Ungodly Influences


Last year I shared with you a post on Twilight and got quite a response.

I even shared with you a video by Pastor Mark Driscoll, where he shared his unbelief about the top books for teenagers over at Amazon and the witchcraft aimed at our children today.

We know the days are more evil and we really need to be on guard about what is out there, how subtly it can slip into our homes, and influence us and our family away from the Lord to sin. Just yesterday I was at the mall and plastered everywhere was this:



This is the latest TV show called The Secret Circle, it is about a 16 year old girl who finds out she is a witch and is just another movie aimed at indoctrinating our daughters and sons. We should not be surprised and expect this only to be commonplace in our culture from now on.

Satanic influences be found in movies, books, tv shows, radio, internet, blogs, YouTube videos and the list goes on. We have to remember that everything we watch teaches a lesson in something. It is imperative that we guard ourselves and teach our children to as well.  It can even come in subtle forms and we might not even realize it, these are just as dangerous.

I remember when I first got saved as a young housewife I would watch a family comedy TV show that "seemed harmless'. I though it was all good at first, but then noticed that the wife constantly berated, undermined, manipulated, fought with, and controlled her husband. Then, my husband would come home from work and I would notice little things that I would say to him that were like the wife in the TV show. Coincidence? I think not.

I was learning a lesson and imitated what I had learned. I didn't even realize I was doing it at first, but then began to realize how the influence of the show had affected me. When I stopped watching the show, I noticed the difference in how I treated or responded to my husband. The influence of the show led me to disrespect my husband, sin against God and tear down my home. Sure, my sin nature was totally responsible, but I was subtly influenced by what I was taking in.

In the past, I have shared with you how got rid of and tossed things out of our home. We did this because they didn't fit in with our new life. We did this because we knew that changes needed to be made in order to live a godly life.  We didn't want to keep things around that would cause us, our children, or those around us, to stumble.

We have to always remember that there is a real and powerful spiritual battle going on. As I began looking deeper into the topic of the influence of darkness I have realized that there is so much I want to discuss and cover --perhaps in October I will do a mini series.

In the meantime, if you would like a topic discussed or covered, please feel free to leave it in the comments. Also, please share what you think of these new teen TV shows like The Secret Circle...


I'd love to hear your thoughts!



***********************

Are you encouraged here? I personally invite you to subscribe and get the latest posts sent to your inbox. Also, connect with us on Facebook and Twitter and get updates that are not posted here on the blog.

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Today...




Whatever it costs you...


EXALT CHRIST.




*******************


Are you encouraged here? I personally invite you to subscribe and get the latest posts sent to your inbox. Also, connect with us on Facebook and Twitter and get updates that are not posted here on the blog.

Monday, August 22, 2011

The Culture of the Kingdom of Darkness



Yesterday I heard a great sermon that shared about how lying brought in the culture of the kingdom of darkness into our homes. This is a truth that is very important, one we need to ponder and apply and never take lightly.

We all need to be a people continually striving after holiness in every area of our lives.

But it got me thinking more about the kingdom of darkness and how we need to be on guard.

It surrounds us everyday and we need to be alert. We need to guard our eyes, ears and minds and be wise about what is of God's Kingdom and what is the opposite. We need to know what it is when we see it because we also need to guard our children from it.

So I am going write more about this important topic this week.

I hope you will join me.




********************

Are you encouraged here? I personally invite you to subscribe and get the latest posts sent to your inbox. Also, connect with us on Facebook and Twitter and get updates that are not posted here on the blog.

Friday, August 19, 2011

Homeschool Room Ideas for 2011

Every year I like to get new ideas for my homeschool room. While the majority of our homeschooling is done at the kitchen table, sofas and even bedrooms we do have a room downstairs that we use for storing crafts, displaying and making our many projects, painting and sewing, etc.

This year we purchased a black Labrador puppy for my son's birthday and the puppy wreaked havoc on my school room.  So this year I will be repainting and replanning this room and attempt to make it a happy space once again. I love some of the ideas below:



Isn't this tent adorable? What little boy would not want this?
By Magical Hands


I like how this uses a small space but makes it feel alive, bright and fun all at the same time. 



If you didn't have a lot of room, you could always just use one of these as workspace.


I like this kids alcove from house to home,
a place for little ones to have their own creative space.


This room is bright and sunny and I love how the students are faced AWAY from eachother, although I think my students would get distracted looking outside those windows! LOL!
BHG.com


What a lovely art room, 
I like the art work lovingly displayed in the background. I had a friend once who would display her children's art work on twine hanging from one end of the room to another using clothespins! It was quite charming!


The globes in this room beckon one to learn...
Pottery Barn


This brilliant mom has a beautiful reading/library room with rain gutter bookshelves. I love the colors in this one and the energy it gives! I am thinking about repainting with these colors...


Reading nook for the kids....



This little escape from Pinterest makes me want to curl up and escape with a good book (especially after a long day of homeschooling!) This could be called the Homeschool Mom's Recharging Nook!

Now, I know most of us just like to do school at the table or all over the house, which is just fine! Don't feel pressured to have to have a beautiful school room in order to teach your children! You can make homeschooling special whether you have a room or not--remember it is the learning and the memories that counts! Learning is LIFE---and can be done anywhere from the couch, outdoors, at the museum, zoo, etc. My homeschool room is used basically as a storage room for craft supplies, a place to CREATE and do major sewing or painting projects, displaying projects, etc. 

You also do not need a big budget to make a nice homeschool space for your children. Look around your home to see what you already have and be creative. You might even be able to repurpose something old and make it something you love for this room.

Pray and ask God to show you!

If you need more inspiration, nearly 300 moms have shared their homeschool rooms HERE.



If you have not seen my past posts of school rooms--click below:


Homeschool Rooms of 2010

Homeschool Rooms of 2009

Homeschool Room Virtual Tour

*****************************

Are you encouraged here? I personally invite you to subscribe and get the latest posts sent to your inbox. Also, connect with us on Facebook and Twitter and get updates that are not posted here on the blog.



Thursday, August 18, 2011

Homeschool Room Virtual Tour and Link-Up

As you all know, we will be starting school soon and I am always looking for ideas to freshen up our homeschool room! Today I am sharing a video from a homeschool mom who will share some great tips, is gifted in organization, and lays out how it all really is in the end:




I am still working on my Homeschool Rooms for 2011 post (I will even be touching on using small spaces)--that will be up soon! In the mean time, I'd LOVE  for you to share one of your  posts on homeschooling, homeschooling tips or pics of your very own homeschool room to encourage the rest  of us.

If you link up here please use the image below to let others know that you have linked up here so that they might join in the fun and be encouraged as well:





(It's easy--just copy and paste the code in this box!)
 

Thanks so much for being a part of this community--
I am looking forward to reading what you have to share!








Hat tip to Mrs. U for the video! 






















Are you encouraged here? I personally invite you to subscribe and get the latest posts sent to your inbox or RSS feed! Also, connect with us on Facebook and Twitter and get updates that are not posted here on the blog.
















Tuesday, August 16, 2011

41 Evidences of Pride


We all struggle with pride on some level or another. 

Some hide it better than others--but even worse is when we try to deny that we are prideful--we only hurt ourselves and prevent healthy spiritual growth in our lives. In order to combat this sin we need to be aware of when it rears it ugly head.

Today I am reading over a list of 41 Evidences of Pride.

Join me?


*************************

Are you encouraged here? I personally invite you to subscribe and get the latest posts sent to your inbox. Also, connect with us on Facebook and Twitter and get updates that are not posted here on the blog.


Monday, August 15, 2011

Titus 2 Series: Sober-Minded Women


Today, six friends and I are writing a series based on the biblical principles taken from Titus 2:3-5. We pray that the topics discussed will inspire and encourage you to draw closer to God and His plan for womanhood. This is my small part of the conversation---Sober-Minded Women.

In closing, you will find a list of lovely ladies and their individual "Titus 2" topic.

I hope you enjoy your time with us!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sober-Minded Women

Discontentment and lack of joy.

This is how Satan tries to sneak into each and everyone of our lives.

If we are not wise, we allow him to enter...
by NOT taking every thought captive.


By purposefully not taking every thought captive, we allow him to take us captive and we become hostage to his whims--his destructiveness.

We might not know we are doing it. But little by little, we tear down our homes, our families and our marriages with sins such as...

haughty looks, disapproving glances, critical and sarcastic speech, harsh tones, anger, discontentment, cold-heartedness, and a dominating spirit--this list is obviously not exhaustive.

Let me assure you ladies, that women of God WILL be targeted. There is alot at stake. The first person ever in the Bible to be targeted by Satan himself was the first woman on earth.....Eve.

We cannot raise godly seed, build nations, and transform culture if we are fixated on ourselves with a Jezebelian-like spirit. Satan will attempt to steal our marriage, children and homes if we allow him (and our flesh) to. He wants us distracted, for little foxes destroy the vineyard ( Song of Soloman 2:15).

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10-11

With that in mind, I urge you to think sober-mindedly. To go about your day in joyful peace knowing the Lord is triumphant, but also with your sword of the spirit intact as you remember that we are waging a daily spiritual battle as long as we are here on earth. As I shared with my children the other day----every moment we are either doing the work of God or the work of the devil, which one will you do?

My prayer is that we will have spines of steel, steadfast determination and the wisdom of God as we recognize and destroy Satan's work at first sight, and that we will protect our homes from all evil.

And it must begin with us first.

"That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed." Titus 2:4-5

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Please join the following ladies as they share their heart with you on each individual “Titus 2” topic.

 Far Above Rubies-Keeper at Home
 The Modest Mom--Being Chaste
 Raising Mighty Arrows--Being Discreet
 Cultivating Home--Loving Your Children
 The Legacy of Home--Being Obedient to Your Husband
 Simple Country Life--Loving Your Husbands



*********************


Are you encouraged here? I personally invite you to subscribe and get the latest posts sent to your inbox. Also, connect with us on Facebook and Twitter and get updates that are not posted here on the blog.

Sunday, August 14, 2011

One Fun Mom Giveaway Winner

The winner of the One Fun Mom giveaway is...



Darcy at memoriesmama@


Congratulations!

Thank you all for entering, and if you didn't win this time around, we will have some giveaways coming up soon so stay tuned!

Have a blessed Sunday!


******************

Are you encouraged here? I personally invite you to subscribe and get the latest posts sent to your inbox. Also, connect with us on Facebook and Twitter and get updates that are not posted here on the blog.