Lessons Learned in Homeschooling - Charity Graber

.I grew up being homeschooled and so did my husband. So when it came to schooling our own children there was no other option for us but to homeschool. I am going on my 10th year of homeschooling and let me share with you my heart. Ladies, I am still learning how this thing works. Last school year many of you were thrust into homeschooling and are looking at doing it again this next school year. I just wanted to maybe give you a little wisdom that I have learned through homeschooling my kids.

Children, Christian Life, Trusting God, Life ChangesAmy SappAugust 31, 2020homeschooling, teaching, school, children, learning

A Pattern of Good Works - Tracybeth Medford

The only good in us is because Jesus Christs righteousness and the Holy spirit that dwells in us. This past fall I went to a ladies craft day at a church camp with the ladies of our church. They go to this event every year, but this was my very first time attending. As I entered the room I saw four different craft stations set up, and at each station was an example of what we were about to create. Stacked neatly in piles on the tables were all the supplies needed to make that item. There were no written instructions on how to put it together but there was a leader stationed there if you needed any help. Guess who needed help?

Romeo & Juliet - Kelly Gray

Nature has a way of teaching us many lessons about life. One of my morning rituals is sitting on my back porch spending time with the Lord before my day gets started. This ritual always brings with it the combination of the beautiful East Texas morning, creation, and the love of God. Last week, I once again found myself on the back porch spending time with the Lord. However, this time two hummingbirds showed up to join me. I sat very still as I watched them hovering over the feeder.

ARE YOU SAFE? DO YOU FEEL SAFE? - Elaine Kaighen

Several years ago, my husband preached a message concerning “the name of the LORD”. He explained that the phrase, “the name of” was a way of saying “the character of”, or what that person is known for. It was not simply using that person’s name, but rather knowing that person’s character. This was eye-opening for me, and it transformed my life enabling me to repent of living a life filled with WORRY.

Anxiety, Children, Christian Life, God's Will, Life Changes, Peace of God, Trusting GodAmy SappAugust 10, 2020Safe, Shelter, Children, Trust, Safety

Guarding Your Children - Angela Grice

There are so many ways Satan can attack our children these days. Evil influences can enter your home through television and movies, social media, the internet, YouTube, game systems, music, friends, activities, sports and more. If we aren’t in our towers watching for these breaches to our home, it could be too late to do anything. As mothers, we can learn so much from a medieval castle design to teach us about guarding our children from evil attackers and invaders.

Children, Christian Life, God's Will, Trusting GodAmy SappAugust 3, 2020Castle, Protection, Children, Guard, Guarding

Sit Down, Take Your Shoes Off, Sit a Spell... - Penny Owens

Cut people a lot of slack. Why? Because they need it just like we do. God says in Psalms 86:15, But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth. People are our most important business because they are the most important thing to God’s heart. I have been humbled many times by the knowledge that the pain I feel because of other’s actions towards me is the same feeling of pain I give to God when I hurt or disappoint Him. When we genuinely love people, we will work hard to show the same compassion, grace, mercy, and longsuffering that Jesus showed toward us. Be kind Wow! Have you ever seen an age where people are so thoughtless, selfish, uncaring, rude, and down right mean to others? Sadly, we Christians have not exempted ourselves from these faults. We criticize, demean, post critical memes, and name call, all in the veneer of being “on the right side”

Walk in the Spirit - Lisa Gillespie

How can I stay right with God? Stay on the right path and going the right direction? How do I keep the decisions I made at camp or at any point? How do I continue growing and make a difference?

Bible Reading, Christian Life, Faith, Peace of God, Trusting GodAmy SappJuly 20, 2020Walking, Spirit, Humility, Godliness, Flesh, Spiritual, Faith

Crave the Potter's Wheel - Jennifer Smith

This year has seemed like none other year I have experienced. Through all the trials and struggles One thing has remained, God’s Constant and continual faithfulness!
One valley in particular that comes to mind I knew I had to go deeper into the crevice before God would deliver. Psalm 138:8 is and was my verse for those difficult days. God is not concerned with our comfort but with our character.

Amy SappJuly 13, 2020

Coined as a Christian - Dianne McQueen

First the coin is minted. I think the day we are saved we are minted for Christ. By being minted the coin is stamped with an image, because it has a value. The penny has Lincoln, the nickel has Jefferson, dime has Roosevelt and so on. When we are saved we have Gods image stamped on our lives therefore we are of more value than any coin.

It Came from Within - Amber Garcia

There are four primary enemies of the heart – four life blocking agents that become lodged in the heart, poisoning our relationships, our faith, and our character. These corrosive forces gain strength from the darkness. Secrecy is their greatest ally! Left to their own, they grow in power and influence.

Christian Life, Friendship, Life Changes, TrialsAmy SappJune 29, 2020Guilt, Greed, Jealousy, Heart, Enemies, Relationships

Thoughts in Helping Young People / Ladies Going Through College - Stephanie Flesher

Each of us is on a journey. Education is important in learning the skills, truths, and concepts of a given topic, but scholastic education is not needed to be successful in life. Learning how to LIVE successfully for Christ is the most important education to receive. Learn at your own pace, but be responsible; get back up when you make a mistake; learn, know, and experience the love of Christ; and know that you are valued and valuable. You are enough for God. ☺

My Strong Tower - Carrie Furman

So, as far back as about 4 yrs old, I remember my mom waking me up on Sunday mornings and putting me on a bus to go to church. She never went with me, but honestly the only adults that I ever saw were my teachers, so I never thought anything about it. But I remember, no matter what, every Sunday, without fail, I’d get up and go to Sunday school. I remember learning all the Old Testament stories. I remember learning about Jesus being God’s Son, and also being God.

Christian Life, Encouragement, Faith, God's Will, Trials, Trusting GodAmy SappJune 15, 2020tower, strong, testimony, cancer

Faith, Trust and Obey - Larissa Fahr

When we don’t know what to do, we can always stay faithful. Get up, read your Bible, pray, go to church, continue to serve in your church, go soulwinning, pass out tracts: just focus on what you can do for the Lord. He will guide your path and ALL will work out. Is my path clear right now? Ha! Oh my, no! We ended up having to go back to our home state. Our life on paper, to the world, would look crazy, but God has a plan.

Beautifully Broken - Kristi Caviness

When most people think of broken, they think of something that is unusable, has lost its value and no longer serves a purpose. God, however, is not limited to man’s knowledge and does not view “broken” the same way. In fact, He often places trials and tribulations in our lives to refine us and make us who we need to be to fulfill His purpose. He “breaks” us to make us beautiful.

God's Will, Illness, Love of God, Trials, Trusting GodAmy SappMay 25, 2020Vessel, Broken Vessel, Struggles, Trials, Broken

In the Silence, My Mother Heard God - Jennifer Dignan Morales (with Mistie Owens)

May is a wonderful month because it is when Mother’s Day is celebrated. I have utmost respect for my mother any time of the year, and always strive to honor her. However, during this month of May, I want to reflect on how she taught me the virtues of being a godly woman and mother. As Proverbs 31:26 says, “She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness”. This verse evokes warm thoughts of her. Mom is wise, sweet, loving and it shows in how she interacts with others.

The Gentle Savior - Briella Dignan

Gentleness has many definitions. One definition that I really love is, “Refusal to use harm to anyone.” How true is this of God. Our great, powerful God is so gentle. So many times, His gentleness is something that I have taken for granted. I love to see the powerful God. The God who created the world, the God who will destroy the wicked someday, the God who works miracles and changes lives. Yet, the God full of gentleness is the one who has made me great. Throughout the ages, people have worshiped false gods out of fear that their “god” would harm them if they did not do what he wanted. My God is not a God who wants to make my life miserable. In fact, He says in Matthew 11:29-30, “Take my yoke upon you and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” He is so gentle to us. He wants us to come to Him so He can help carry us through life.

Teamwork in Marriage - Tina Dail

We are a team! Our entire family follows a variety of sports, and team sports are our favorite. I have spent many hours following my husband and our three sons and their involvement in high school basketball. My husband is the captain of our team, and I strive to play my God-given role by submitting to his leadership. Ephesians 5:24 tells us, “Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.” I certainly don’t have all the answers, and I am always trying to watch and learn from others who have good marriages. The following are a few ideas that have helped me try to be what I need to be in our home.

Children, Christian Life, God's Will, Love of God, marriage, Trusting GodAmy SappApril 27, 2020Teamwork, Marriage, Energy, Assist, Sports

Keep Him on the Line - Celeste Woodard

About 30 years ago, at a revival an evangelist spoke on prayer. He had an old telephone receiver with the cord still attached. Yes, this was before smart phones. He explained that his phone was a direct line to God. First thing in the morning he picks up the phone and says good morning Lord and they have a chat. He illustrated that during his day he never hangs up on God but leaves the phone on his shoulder so he can keep God on the line. That image has stuck with me through the years. Celeste how are you going to keep God on the line?

Christian Life, Christian Service, Children, Faith, God's Will, Prayer, Trusting GodAmy SappApril 20, 2020pray, close, near, line

The Promise of His Presence - Susannah Faulk

Have you ever received a text, call or letter with the message, “Hey! I was just thinking about you!”? How wonderful to be the recipient of that sentiment, not only for the fact that someone was thinking of you, but that they took the time to let you know as well!

Christian Life, Encouragement, Faith, Love of GodAmy SappApril 13, 2020Promises, Presence, God, God's Promises, Messages

Faint Not! - Virginia Harris

With the spreading of the coronavirus, it appears that there is trouble on every side. You may have lost a job or temporarily laid off. You or a family member may be sick with this virus or have some other health concern. You may have unexpectedly become a home school mom and feel unprepared or unqualified. At this point, your life may be only mildly inconvenienced, but you are desperately missing your church family, the privilege of assembling together, and are feeling spiritually weak. Though we may feel troubled on every side, God's Word says that we don't need to be distressed.

Anxiety, Faith, Illness, Life Changes, Trusting God, TrialsAmy SappApril 6, 2020Worry, Fret, Fear, Trouble, Corona Virus, Sick, Challenges