Mother Culture....

When we started homeschooling over 10 years ago, I researched (I love to research!) all about the different methods of homeschooling....textbook approach, unit studies, classical christian, eclectic, un-schooling, and the Charlotte Mason approach. Well...with much prayer, God revealed to us then, and it still applies today that we follow the eclectic approach....a little bit of everything! A book was written recently called "The Heart of Wisdom Teaching Approach" that combines all of my favorite aspects of homeschooling into one book. I spoke over the telephone with the author many times, and if I had written a book about homeschooling, this would be it!

One of the first things to stand out to me that I read was from a book called "The Charlotte Mason Companion" by Karen Andreola. She coined the term "Mother Culture"....to care for yourself, while ministering to your family and homeschooling your children. She advocated having at least 3 books that you are reading at one time. (or more if you like)....I've always had more than one book going at a time since I could learn to read! (so I had to laugh).....I read good fiction at night before falling asleep to help me relax and distract my mind....I have theological books to grow me spiritually, and other books to research and learn from. Of course, my Bible comes first...and my favorite devotional 'Streams in the Desert'.

A friend recently posted about what she has been reading and asked the question, "So, what are you reading?"....so I'm going to answer her!

I'm just in the beginning of reading "The Roots of Endurance" by John Piper. It is wonderful...but a book that I need to be alone and concentrate on, underline, journal about and re-read and think about slowly.

I am slowly re-reading "Created to be His Helpmeet" by Debi Pearl. She writes in a very interesting manner, but I admit, that WHAT she writes about marriage, really does hit home. After 20 years of marriage, (this June)...I find myself praying harder and trying harder than ever before to make the next 20 years even better than the first 20!

I'm reading (we all are) "Lasagna Gardening" and "Square Foot Gardening"....we had such a nice garden at our old house in the city, and for the past 3 years the children and I have really missed it! Of course, our yard was fenced in, we didn't have rabbits and we didn't have a single deer. The other night the girls and I came home, and there were 7 doe in our front yard! So, we are going to attempt to "out-smart" the deer this year and put in a garden.....along with my beloved lavender and a raised bed herb garden.

I've also been reading "Nourishing Traditions"....making lots of homemade broth, culturing kefir and kombucha....and collecting large jars to culture sauerkraut, beet kvass and homemade cultured pickles and salsa....trying to learn about enzymes in our diets, and eating naturally and traditionally.

After having quite a few fibromyalgia flareups this past year, I was praying and trying to remember when I felt the best...it was when I was drinking fresh juices of carrots & lemon, green juices and eating lots of raw fruits and veggies and coconut milk. So....I've been getting tons of books out of the library, and bought 2 books "Alive in 5" and "Raw in 10 Minutes"....quick, easy and healthy. I'm starting to crave grapefruit, and raw juices! And....I'm seeing a difference in how I feel. Now to combine the Nourishing Traditions lifestyle with raw foods...shouldn't be too hard.

I've been reading homeschooling catalogs. I think I've finally ordered what I need for this year, and know what I need for the following year as well...hopefully, by then (Meghan's senior year) I will have almost everything that I need.

And....my "nighttime" fiction. A series of books by Christian author Leisha Campbell, "Julia's Hope" series. It starts in the beginning of the Great Depression and follows 2 families thru the end of the 1940's. It is a wonderful series about the struggles, faith and God's provision for each family, how they handled trials....how they all worked together and the growth of their faith.

I've also been looking thru a lot of homemaking/craft books. Making lots of copies of future projects, getting inspiration...and also learning to do things the "old-fashioned" way....as natural and by hand as possible...and finding the joy in the mundane (I love hanging clothes and blankets on a clothesline!) as well as the peace and joy of creating....as my Creator inspires me.

So.....what have you all been reading? Have a blessed day! (I will not be reading anything today....switching sizes and seasons of clothing for my 2 little ones...it will be an all day job! But...I'm so grateful for the provision!) ~Sue~

Martin Luther

*Yesterday, we had to do a short essay on the differences between a secular biography on Martin Luther, and then a biblical biography. Here is my essay, and I hope you like it!*

Two Views of Martin Luther

Written by Sara C. Gorecki

Many people have written biographies about Martin Luther, and there are two basic views found in these biographies: a secular view or a Christian view. When I was reading them, I found that they both shed a different light on Martin Luther; either a critical view or an admirable view. There were many differences in the biographies about Martin Luther's life and I was surprised at how little the secular book had to say and how much the Christian one had. The differences between the two types of views were very interesting to see.

The Christian view of Martin Luther had pages and pages to say about his life and convictions. It spoke highly about his work in the reformation. Not many Christian text books give people a chance to develop their own thoughts, but a rare few do, such as American Vision's To Pledge Allegiance: Reformation to Colonization. In that book it gives out the information and their view on it, but they then ask you thought provoking questions and ask for your opinion. Christian textbooks that speak of him speak very highly of his deep convictions and all his work for the protestant reformers. He was quite the admirable man, and so many books praise him. Many Christian books also praise his influence on later generations.

The secular biographies I read about Martin Luther either speak disrespectfully about him or barely speak of him at all. They talk about his work in the reformation, but they leave out why he did what he did, and his convictions. The politically correct school books don't want to speak about the intense love of God Martin Luther had. He was a German monk before he became a reformer, but not a lot of books write about that. They focus on the high points, and sometimes miss the little points that made him who he was. Teachers and the government definitely do not tell America to filter everything through God's word, and that goes directly against what the bible teaches. Part of our problem in America is that we don't go back to the bible for everything, if anything. Apologetics are so important, but sadly very few people are learning them.

There are some views that aren't biased and many of those are online or in encyclopedia. Martin Luther was a great man, and in all text books they list what he did. It is just that some go more in depth than others, and have different points of views. But isn't that what America is all about? Freedom of speech and opinion are two very important things that America is known for. Freedom of faith, speech and opinion are three of the main reasons the English Protestants, a century after Martin Luther, immigrated to the New World.

A belated post.....

I have had this to post for a while now...and lost it....it came back from cyber land, so I wanted to post it! Above is Ron and my cousin John...Pittsburgh Penguin hockey fans!!! And...more importantly....family!

Me and my mom's oldest sister, Aunt Marilyn...she reminds me so much of my grandmother!

My dear friend, Dawn...who happens to be my cousin Kim's cousin...multiple blessings!

My cousin Kathy, me and Kim

Oh, how this girl makes me laugh!!!!!

We have a large extended family on both sides. Lots of birthdays! We enjoyed celebrating my brother-in-law, Tommy's 30th birthday over the weekend. Yesterday, was my cousin Kim's birthday....so the kids and I headed over to see her last night.

Kim is married to my cousin, John. She and I have been close and have grown so much closer over the years...she is so special to us! All the kids enjoy being together, as well. Ron and John have a close relationship, too, going to a men's bible study every week, watching hockey and enjoying the same music and concerts. We are so blessed to have close family!

Kim has had a rough couple of years, recently, with a rare auto-immune illness that has required her to be on multiple drugs, chemo which made her so sick and made her lose her hair...and has seriously caused us to think we may lose her numerous times....and has caused us to value family even more.

Kim laughs....and makes others laugh as well. And, she laughs at herself more than anyone! She has taught me so many things about trusting God thru illness and pain....thru laughing through the pain and exhaustion because...(as she says) what else can you do?! To value my husband and children more than anything outside of our home...activities, commitees, commitments....nothing and no one is more important than family...starting in my own home.

We are having a sad time right now....along with the tragedy with the police officers, we've had news over the weekend, that our much loved Great Aunt and Uncle are not doing well...his Altzeimers is so bad, that he is now in a facility, and could go at any time....his wife, my Aunt Helen, is lost without the love of her life...they have been married for over 65 years, and other than when he was in Africa during WW2, they've rarely been separated.....it's breaking our hearts. They have been such an incredible example to us of a selfless, loving marriage.

With all the illnesses, and sadness...we feel the need to celebrate family even more right now....to be together...to simply spend time together making memories...and I thank God for the opportunities to do that.

So....Happy Birthday to....Tommy, Kim, Elizabeth, Michael Patrick, Rhonda and Pammy.....all of our dear family (and special friend).....who has a birthday this week! We are priviledged to be able to celebrate your lives...and how special you are to us!!!!

Sunday

Hello :)
I am so happy the blog is back!
Didja miss us?

Today was kinda crazy: Meghan and I actually woke up early (dont faint readers!) to get ready for church; that meant we could have a leisurely breakfast of banana bread and milk so we wouldn't starve :P After our friends the Skiles picked us up (Mum was staying home with Ronnie/Anna), we were on time! The sermon today was amazing; all about the good samaritan but not focused all on the story. Mr Pierson talked about the importance of loving ones neighbors, even if they are hard to love and ways to serve and help. Awesome worship too, and one of the songs I adore: O Happy Day! I posted the lyrics here:
Verse 1:
The greatest day in history, Death is beaten
You have rescued me
Sing it out Jesus is alive
The empty cross, The empty grave
Life eternal You have won the day
Shout it out Jesus is alive
He's alive

Chorus:
Oh happy day, happy day
You washed my sin away
Oh happy day, happy day
I'll never be the same
Forever I am changed

Verse 2:
When I stand, in that place
Free at last, meeting face to face
I am Yours Jesus You are mine
Endless joy, perfect peace
Earthly pain finally will cease
Celebrate Jesus is alive
He's alive

Bridge:
Oh what a glorious day
What a glorious way
That You have saved me
Oh what a glorious day
What a glorious name
I am trying currently to learn the chords to that on my guitar... I love the chorus! If you have never heard it, look it up to listen to it; it is an amazing, happy joyful song.

After church, we came home and ate a salad after changing. Then my neighbor and her daughter Grace came and we went to Grace Christian Dance Recital because alot of my friends were in it. I am doing dance next year, so I wanted to go. It was great; so many beautiful dances, and all the smiles :) My favorite would have to be the irish step dance performed by (among others) my dear friend Bella, who was phenomenal. All in all, the performance didn't disapoint in the least.

Now we're home, watching Anna's new movie BOLT, then head off to bed! Glad to be back in the blog world again :) LOL, oh and if you want a background made, go to: http://blogbackgroundsinc.blogspot.com

Photo memories.....

Crazy Chloe cat....I like this picture!
Look at that smile.....Ty is irresistable!

Meghan followed a tradtion in our family and made this years "Lamb cake" for Easter...she even piped tons of stars on to make it look like wool.

Proud Dad! (tired Meghan)

Proud Grammy....she made them for years when I was a little girl, then I made them for years....now Meghan has take over....next year Sara wants to make one too!

So close cousins! Sara and Tina are only 11 months apart...and so close!

Anna 'helping' Ty ride her little car.

My beautiful Mom!

My niece, Lauren...it was so nice to spend time with her home from Penn State!



Our "sister" picture...I think maybe we should try for a better one....hmmm....

Cousins...the girls.....

Some of the guys...doesn't Shayne look like he is having fun?!


Pammy's 39th birthday....1 more year till the big '40'!

My Dad and Pammy....

Easter morning....Princess Anna!

Sara, pretty in pink.

Our 'blueberries', Meghan and Ronnie....he insisted on wearing his suit!


Ron is playing hockey on an adult instructional team once a week...he is loving it!

He is a big guy...playing defenseman
Our favorite model!


Meghan's piano recital yesterday....she played so beautifully! When she played "Fascination"...one elderly woman started singing along! She really blessed them!


Anna yesterday...minus her tonsils and adnoids. She loves the stuffed rabbit her aunt brought her...she named it cotton candy.

And....I was so pleased with this meal! Ron and the kids loved it, too....especially Ron! Venison and blackbean burgers, on a bed of jalepeno vinegar romaine lettuce...topped with guacamole, and salsa...with steamed broccoli as a side.

~Couldn't find any pictures on here of my crazy cousin Kim...must be on Sara's computer....I really wanted to put the pictures of her and her family....but more to come! I enjoyed posting these pictures....Ronnie and Anna helped me pick which pictures to post. More coming.....~Sue~

It's Procrastination!

Before I scurry off to write some very belated letters to my friends, I wanted to take this opportunity to write on our 'resurrected' blog! :)

Lately, between Easter, Anna's surgery and everything else, I've been feeling very hurried and busy. Like there's not enough time in a day. I realize this is from a whole bunch of different things that were all my own choice: waking up late (9 a.m to 9:30), not having at least a very basic plan for my day, staying up late reading and dawdling over my few chores that are required of me. I need to prayerfully consider what I do each day; instead of leisurely sipping a cup of coffee in my jammies with sleepy eyes at nine-thirty in the morning I should get up, (early!) get dressed, make bed and then get coffee and do devotions. The Lord directs my steps, however, it is up to me to make good choices for my day including having a good attitude towards work, schoolwork, the speech I'm starting for school, and/or any interruptions that come.

My intentions are great....I've tried setting my alarm early, even placing it across the room so I have to get up to shut that annoying beeping sound off, but most times I do that.....I crawl right back into bed for two more hours. Regrettably my daily devotions have been on the back burner. Now that the weather is so nice and warm (more like HOT!) the lovely birds have been singing in the trees through out the neighborhood, their 'dawn chorus.' Since our room is at the front of the house, close to a bunch of bushes, shrubs and a tree, I get a front row seat for the dawn chorus. At five or six o'clock on a Sunday morning, after tossing and turning from a stuffy nose all night, it is NOT PLEASANT! TO HEAR!! :) Ahem.....anyway, maybe this rather boisterous 'dawn chorus' will get me up and out of bed but not to just lean over and shut the window. :)


Please pray for me that I have a desire to get up early in the mornings to spend time in the Word and the desire to do my utmost best through the whole day for the Lord-and not to be lazy and slothful! In my opinion, my behavior has been the world's 'typical teenager on summer vacation' behavior-not a daughter of the Lord behavior.

To close....between Anna's surgery and preparations for that with making special foods, and finally finishing up the schoolwork I was very behind on, the past two weeks have been so busy and kind of crazy but now finally, the Lord has granted me peace, and a vision for productivity for my days, but most of all, a desire to more fully know and treasure Him.

Satan is a liar! (and teasing is MEAN!)

Hello!

Funny name for a blog post, isn't it?! Well....satan IS a liar! I was feeling as if our blog meant nothing to anyone....and my writing was a waste....I also felt pressured to post often....well, after much prayer and some time off....I miss it! I miss writing! I also have dear friends and family out of town who miss seeing pictures of my children, and keeping up with our daily lives...these friends and family are who I blog for....and for myself, as I find that writing is another creative outlet for me, and I enjoy it. Also, maybe, just maybe...something I write might be of benefit to someone...whether it is a recipe, or inspiration for a craft.....I find I get inspired by seeing/hearing cool crochet or sewing projects....healthy recipes or meal ideas...and my family benefits.

All of this to say....the blog is back up! I will be posting some pictures of Anna and the family soon. Anna had her tonsils and adnoids out on Thursday....after being at the hospital since 5:30am (and waking up at 4am),then coming home at 7pm...she was exhausted, and was up most of the night in pain. Praise God, though, she slept all night last night, has been drinking and today she ate good...and she has been playing outside and with Ronnie all day so far, she is acting much more normal. (her voice sounds like she inhaled helium, though....makes me smile!)

Off to make some carrot juice...and hopefully, get either Ronnie or Anna's clothes/seasons switched(since it is in the 80's this week!) before making dinner. My sister Lori is bringing Anna a movie "Bolt" that she loves on dvd...and Ty to distract her this evening. May you have a blessed Sabbath enjoying the Lord's blessings! ~Sue~

Last post....

Well...after much prayer and discussion, this blog will be closing. I will leave it up for 1 week, then it will be gone. It was fun and creative in the beginning, but, I'm finding with my fibromyalgia...I'm having lots more bad days, and when I'm having good days, I don't want to be on a computer....Our family is even letting our answering machine pick up instead of us answering, and are only checking email once a day in the evening. Too many interruptions to our family...makes life stressful when I am already in pain and fatigued. We are changing eating habits to more raw fruits and veggies....of course, these take time to be prepared....we are putting in a large garden....again, lots of time involved...and we are convicted to use our time more productively. So, thank you all for the kind comments and interest in our family. May the Lord bless you all richly! ~Sue, Meghan & Sara~