tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89656917202219954732011-04-21T15:03:25.053-07:00A daily Coffee Break for moms...those homeschooling, working, running a business, in ministry, those with toddlers, with teens, and those without children at home.Suenoreply@blogger.comBlogger441100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8965691720221995473.post-1231092408923358272008-06-09T08:51:00.002-07:002008-06-09T08:52:21.598-07:00

You can find the Homeschool Encourager at www.homeschoolencourager.com

Suenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8965691720221995473.post-89474936582500159592008-01-26T08:48:00.001-07:002008-02-02T06:32:46.191-07:00

“Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” (Howard Thurman). This is a great quote to meditate on...I for one don't want to live life going through the motions! I want to be fully alive and engaged. I want my life to matter to more than just my family and for more than just one

Suenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8965691720221995473.post-10728968033982820752008-01-19T08:37:00.001-07:002008-01-19T08:37:53.947-07:00

Wow, some great family movies coming out in 2008...I think Inkheart and Prince Caspian top my movies I want to see list! Click here for 15 Movies to See in 2008

Suenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8965691720221995473.post-56961960277704664532008-01-16T17:13:00.001-07:002008-01-16T17:13:29.593-07:00

"The world doesn't need to see what we can do for God; the world needs to see something only God can do."    Donna Partow I want my life to be something only God can do!  I've done some many things "for" God...I want to see God do something through me.  This means it will be something beyond my ability to manufacture or manipulate on my own.  How often do I allow myself to be so stretched

Suenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8965691720221995473.post-13854643634421311162008-01-16T05:59:00.001-07:002008-01-16T05:59:18.021-07:00

"The Lord has done great things for us! We are glad!"  (Psalms 126:3) Seek God more than ever Practice Galatians 5 Keep it SIMPLE Don't major on the minors MYOB Let God be God Exercise & eat right Conquer the details Seek wisdom Pursue peace Have fun Love each other Lighten up Laugh more Begin each day with prayer End each day with prayer Be

Suenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8965691720221995473.post-20825041402259797742008-01-13T13:53:00.001-07:002008-01-13T13:53:13.929-07:00

"Parents can only give good advice or put them on the right paths, but the final forming of a person's character is in their own hands."  Anne Frank This quote sums up what I truly believe about parenting and homeschooling.  Homeschooling is about giving our kids the best opportunity to succeed, but the ultimate responsibility for that success will be on their shoulders. I would add of

Suenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8965691720221995473.post-36024018694059586032008-01-12T10:01:00.001-07:002008-01-12T10:01:01.273-07:00

When you boil it all down, everything we sow into our kids lives is sown through an investment of our time. Homeschooling takes time, no question about it. This statement is a good reminder of how valuable our time is—when we are sowing it into our kids and into their futures. What greater goal could a parent have than to invest in their child’s future? But, we are talking about more than money

Suenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8965691720221995473.post-16698930623333785992008-01-10T20:30:00.001-07:002008-01-10T20:30:45.050-07:00

I thought this was a great quote and study...albeit a sad one.  Please let your kids play today...creativity is a terrible thing to waste. "Early on in life, creativity is natural and even encouraged as we develop.  In our childhood years, our lives are filled with creative thought and potential.  Studies reveal that children in the on-to-six age group score in the ninetieth percentile of

Suenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8965691720221995473.post-50786358171192857752007-12-17T12:00:00.000-07:002007-12-17T12:02:03.356-07:00

Here are the Brages doing a little elf dance for you!Go here to make your own...

Suenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8965691720221995473.post-43900837762800357132007-12-05T13:03:00.001-07:002007-12-05T13:03:38.270-07:00

I am quite curious over the buzz yet another movie is stirring up among Christians.  The Golden Compass is built on a troubling premise, written by a troubling author, agreed.  However, I want to be on the side of engaging discussion and offering truth, not blacklisting and boycotting.  This thoughtful and thorough review offers much food for thought. I am considering seeing this movie to weigh

Suenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8965691720221995473.post-20989177884762476142007-12-04T12:21:00.001-07:002007-12-04T12:21:07.882-07:00

Sunsets   I can't help see a sunset without thinking of a friend from my past.  Last night as I watched the breathtaking sky on my drive home I thought of her again.   She and her family considered moving to my beautiful state, and were all prepared to do so, save one thing. She had the idea that you couldn't see sunsets in Colorado. I don't know where this idea came from. I believe the most

Suenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8965691720221995473.post-88230221444003286142007-11-28T09:13:00.000-07:002007-11-28T09:19:08.185-07:00

I found this to be an interesting article by Phil Cooke. Regardless of where you find yourself on the Christian landscape, these thoughts and ideas impact us--because they influence the way the world views Christians as a whole. Although Phil is talking about ministry organizations in particular, I think his points apply to the local church and the Body of Christ at large.Four Conversations:1)

Suenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8965691720221995473.post-29095049729971522122007-11-28T08:15:00.001-07:002007-11-28T08:24:40.188-07:00

This article reminded me of the time I spoke on a panel at a MOPS group. We were discussing educational options, and I was representing homeschooling. One of our discussions was centered around the idea that the local Denver schools weren't "that bad." That's a common line of reasoning for opponents of homeschooling. One woman stated that the climate in our local schools wasn't bad at all, not

Suenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8965691720221995473.post-8171470980388530962007-11-21T14:12:00.000-07:002007-11-21T14:17:10.165-07:00

from the Homeschool Encourager"Don't always be asking, Where are the good old days? Wise folks don't ask questions like that. On a good day, enjoy yourself; On a bad day, examine your conscience. God arranges for both kinds of days So that we won't take anything for granted. "Ecclesiastes 7:10,14One thing I've learned as a parent and a homeschooling mother, is that regret is inevitable. I'm sorry

Suenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8965691720221995473.post-50610297502686031732007-11-13T07:41:00.000-07:002007-11-13T08:28:32.871-07:00

I've seen many hard-working, faith-filled parents drop the baton and walk away from homeschooling because of discouragement, fear, and frustration. Most of them struggle with issues that stem from unrealistic expectations. It becomes a mental and spiritual battle to keep homeschooling. Even mature believers may begin to think that homeschooling is just too hard or the problems they are dealing

Suenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8965691720221995473.post-226683463112949432007-11-02T04:35:00.000-07:002007-11-02T04:36:46.298-07:00

"Strength and honor are her clothing, she shall rejoice in times to come. She smiles at the future."(Proverbs 31:25)As you consider the future…are you filled with excitement or trepidation? Are you facing it head on, with a smile? If you've ever tempted to give up or tested to doubt God's call and your ability to follow—you are not alone. Today we can take a cue from our dear friend, the

Suenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8965691720221995473.post-85273013231734910532007-11-02T03:58:00.000-07:002007-11-02T04:03:06.548-07:00

"Faithful is He Who is calling you [to Himself] and utterly trustworthy, and He will also do it…"(I Thess 5:24 AMP)Have you ever felt totally unqualified and overwhelmed by a task that lies before you? Like educating your children, being a wise parent, cleaning a house, helping at church? I know I have.When I was a busy mother of young children, managing my home, caring for five children not my

Suenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8965691720221995473.post-51749320680958309662007-08-08T14:05:00.000-07:002007-08-08T14:08:08.722-07:00

Read my previous post on the Mighty Musk Ox to understand the significance of this video...

Suenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8965691720221995473.post-3710960690636370692007-08-07T11:50:00.000-07:002007-08-07T11:56:45.340-07:00

"The best way to help a student is to move her just one step from what she knows to what she doesn't know. Education is a process of building upon a foundation of previous learning."This works in life, too! When I am frustrated with a situation, I'm always tempted to institute a total overhaul, instead of building on what is working. The foundation is the place to start, whether we are talking

Suenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8965691720221995473.post-53005398228249471662007-07-31T06:38:00.000-07:002007-07-31T08:53:54.937-07:00

I just read last night that the average vocabulary consisted of 55,000 words thirty years ago. Today, the average person's vocabulary contains only 15,000. That stresses to me the importance of reading and making quality material available to our kids...and ourselves!In this article by Phil Cooke, he gives lots of helpful thoughts and ideas on creating a great library. Check it out!

Suenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8965691720221995473.post-39639709234553739182007-07-09T06:40:00.000-07:002007-07-12T07:06:37.578-07:00

Use this printable checklist to find out! I think this would be a great tool to use with our teens as well.Other resources from Steven Covey:

Suenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8965691720221995473.post-47327396528683725672007-07-09T06:33:00.001-07:002007-07-09T06:36:03.830-07:00

I enjoyed this article on "time management" by H. Wallace Goddard. I'm not familiar with this man, but his words rang true for me...My experience may be unusual, but I would argue that my productivity relates much more to my willingness to run errands for God than my skill at planning my priorities and scheduling them wisely. It doesn’t even relate to resisting the tyranny of the urgent. It

Suenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8965691720221995473.post-64620176953747461112007-07-02T07:47:00.000-07:002007-07-02T07:55:50.283-07:00

"A home is not a home unless it contains food and fire for the mind as well as the soul."Margaret FullerThis quote sums up one of our main goals as parents and homeschoolers--to provide fuel for the fire of curiosity and for learning. Many times, the best thing I could do for my kids was introduce an idea. Sometimes in the form of a book or video; sometimes in a suggestion or observation. Then

Suenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8965691720221995473.post-4544052519359945942007-06-28T06:37:00.000-07:002007-06-28T06:38:50.734-07:00

I found this article about John Wesley inspiring...I pray at the end of my life I will have done all I could possibly do for the Kingdom!

Suenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8965691720221995473.post-51388443406398645312007-06-27T07:44:00.000-07:002007-06-27T07:47:45.452-07:00

Will you join the ranks of women, raised in Christian homes all over the world, who are rising up in this critical hour of church history? Will you be one who stands in faith for the generations to come? Donna Partow is one of my favorite authors...and Christian ministers! She teaches a concept called "Mighty Musk Ox Princesses" which I think has great application for us as homeschoolers.

Suenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8965691720221995473.post-84886791084895977602007-06-22T10:09:00.000-07:002007-06-22T10:12:43.045-07:00

Words from a sister in Christ who has gone on to heaven...yet, still we can glean from her life and experiences."The Confessions of St. Augustine are currently stirring me at a very deep level. Some years ago I read a copy of Louis Bertrand's biography of Augustine. Perhaps it is good to read that biography before reading the Confessions. Against the background of Augustine's life, the pouring

Suenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8965691720221995473.post-53508980548367147032007-06-21T08:23:00.000-07:002007-06-21T08:25:07.823-07:00

I only know the names of two angels. Hark and Harold. Gregory, 5I hear angels all the time in my dreams. And I'm sticking with that no matter how many people tell me I'm crazy. Molly, 8Everybody's got it all wrong. Angels don't wear halos anymore. I forget why,but scientists are working on it. Olive, 9It's not easy to become an angel! First, you die. Then you go to heaven, then there's still the

Suenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8965691720221995473.post-5082274475836569262007-06-18T18:01:00.000-07:002007-06-18T18:07:18.375-07:00

Let them set their own goalsHelp them visualize both positive and negative results of achieving or not achieving their goalsremember the power of praiseExpose them to various activitiesExpect them to do rightbelieve they can do great thingsHelp them develop a positive self-imageReward themExpose them to people you admireUse the "I Can Do It" PrincipleBe persistent (not just consistent)Be

Suenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8965691720221995473.post-29641930877522006632007-06-11T19:47:00.000-07:002007-06-18T18:09:33.943-07:00

"Quite often the absence of immediate success is the mark of a genuine call"(Bruce Larson, from My Creator, My Friend)This quote drew me into Zig's chapter on Failure. As I'm watching my sons find their place in the world and in God's Kingdom, it's tough at times to see them struggle. I feel so deeply and take so personally each misstep and immature moment. Yet, this chapter reminded me once

Suenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8965691720221995473.post-73445666650714676122007-06-11T19:29:00.000-07:002007-06-11T19:46:23.489-07:00

In his great book, Better Than Good, Zig Ziglar has written an encouraging and inspiring chapter called Failure: Life's Refining Process. His insights on the role of failure has really encouraged me—especially this list of the lessons we can learn from our mistakes...Failure teaches us:to depend on Godhumilitythat we can't always get what we wantto make a correction in our course of

Suenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8965691720221995473.post-9356272566416137932007-06-07T09:54:00.000-07:002007-06-07T09:57:59.943-07:00

I am excited about this movie. I like the idea of bringing to light the true stories of the Bible--even if Hollywood puts a creative spin on it. If it gets people talking about God and trying to understand what really happened and why, then I'm all for it!Thanks CBN for the resources and promotion of this movie. Perhaps it could be a useful teaching tool in our families...

Suenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8965691720221995473.post-25777933611889914492007-06-07T06:46:00.001-07:002007-06-07T07:05:37.680-07:00

There are times in this journey of faith when we need to take a break from the "battle" to regroup and renew our strength. There are also times when we must press through even though we are weary and battered! The question is, how do we know which is which?I believe we must trust the Holy Spirit to lead us, yet I think there are some things that are always worth the fight..things that demand us

Suenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8965691720221995473.post-899377328978208322007-06-06T07:17:00.001-07:002007-06-06T07:26:34.070-07:00

How interesting to see the Hand of God intervening in world events...The stage was set for war and Israel's enemies prepared for victory. They remained convinced they could "drive the Jews into the sea." But what was about to transpire would not only stun Israel's enemies, confound military experts but transfix the world. Many believe what happened in the six days following June 4, 1967 was

Suenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8965691720221995473.post-86916824184516988892007-06-06T07:17:00.000-07:002007-06-06T07:24:53.536-07:00

How interesting to see the Hand of God intervening in world events! Sarah Rigler, author of Six Day War, believes that series of Egyptian mistakes revealed the work of an unseen hand. "You can say, what a lucky coincidence or you can see the Divine Hand," she said. "You can see God arranged all these things to happen the way they did because He wanted the Israeli strike to

Suenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8965691720221995473.post-36961773115804818782007-06-06T06:30:00.000-07:002007-06-06T07:08:17.835-07:00

Today I wanted to share some thoughts from one of last year's WW: Running the Race!"…Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, (Heb 12:1-2 NKJV)Well, most of us have crossed the finish line of another year. Many of you, I'm sure, are graduating sons and daughters as well. What an accomplishment—for them

Suenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8965691720221995473.post-19084968112671098422007-06-05T11:30:00.000-07:002007-06-05T11:32:33.758-07:00

Please check out my updated, "new & improved" site. I'd love to know what you think!!

Suenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8965691720221995473.post-87266219006423969932007-06-04T10:56:00.000-07:002007-06-04T11:28:35.224-07:00

"Do not gloat over me, my enemies! For though I fall, I will rise again." Micah 7:8 NLTHave you ever lost a battle you know you could have won had you just applied yourself? I have...many times! This week in fact.I woke up feeling defeated and a little discouraged. The Lord began talking with me about the fight of faith, and the importance of choosing our battles wisely. We won't win every

Suenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8965691720221995473.post-76461580742252516152007-06-04T06:30:00.000-07:002007-06-04T09:44:15.760-07:00

I did not realize that Jordin Sparks had participated in the Gospel Music Association's, Music in the Rockies right here in Colorado.According to Kevin Jackson from the Christian Post Reporter,Sparks, 17, has strong ties to the GMA. In 2004, she competed in the GMA Music in the Rockies– a showcase event for aspiring, often unsigned, songwriters and artists in the Christian

Suenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8965691720221995473.post-22137582917854668232007-06-03T17:45:00.000-07:002007-06-03T20:32:03.125-07:00

I have been working to create a better, more effective Coffee Break page for us. So, here is the unveiling! Thanks for your patience as we iron out the details. We will be launching a redesign of The Homeschool Encourager as well, very soon. Please post your suggestions in the comments area.Also, I would love to get your friends input as well, so please forward this link and come back often.

Suenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8965691720221995473.post-70154568084414530622007-05-23T06:42:00.000-07:002007-05-23T07:25:27.631-07:00

The first secret to being a confident woman:Know that you are loved..."May Christ through your faith [actually] dwell (settle down, abide, make His permanent home) in your hearts! May you be rooted deep in love and founded securely on love, That you may have the power and be strong to apprehend and grasp with all the saints [God's devoted people, the experience of that love] what is the breadth

Suenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8965691720221995473.post-3858887159614287652007-05-17T06:50:00.000-07:002007-05-17T07:09:55.094-07:00

"Every one of us has in himself a continent of undiscovered character. Happy is he who acts the Columbus to his own soul." J. StevensI don't think any of us fully realize the potential we have. I know our teachers and guidance counselors told us--mainly that we weren't living up to our potential; but that was probably because we didn't fully recognize or embrace the gifts and talents that we

Suenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8965691720221995473.post-43741602444148684392007-05-16T06:24:00.000-07:002007-05-16T06:39:58.611-07:00

Taken from the powerful book, Prayers That Avail Much, this phrase jumped out at me this week:I know You Father God, and how You work. I steep my life in God-reality, God-initiative, and God-provisions. I want to answer the question:Am I living in the reality of God, following the initiative of God, and living daily in His provision?

Suenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8965691720221995473.post-9573112458714300932007-05-15T09:32:00.000-07:002007-05-16T06:24:29.081-07:00

God-reality is a good place to live.It means being willing to face the truth of any situation...armed with the understanding that God's truth supersedes our situations. That's the challenge for Christians sometimes, isn't it? Finding balance between faith and fact. How do you deal with the imperfect and disappointing, while at the same time maintaining your belief that God has your best interest

Suenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8965691720221995473.post-49817523639719875272007-03-01T13:36:00.000-07:002007-03-01T14:21:25.036-07:00

Have you ever noticed just when we gain momentum in some area of life, it seems an "innocent" distraction comes up and the next thing we know it's three months later and we're off course.I've seen this in dieting or any attempts to change my lifestyle for the betterI'v seen it in my writing and ministry goalsI've seen it in the financial arena.I'm beginning to think there is more to distraction

Suenoreply@blogger.com0