Sadie's Blessed Life

Raising A Princess

2009-06-10T19:43:00.006-06:00

The Lord blessed us with a beautiful and precious daughter. She is going on 12 these days and I find myself realizing that before I know it she will be a young woman. A young woman who will be faced with what the world says a woman should be. Of course, that definition does not coincide with the Bible's definition. So, we are embarking on a path of learning we call "princess training". As she is a princess of the almighty and glorious King then so shall she live her life...as I am trying to live mine. Yes, I'm a princess, too. My daughter and I represent our King in heaven so our lives must reflect Him at all times. I am working through a book with her called "Dear Princess" distributed by Rod & Staff. We have really enjoyed learning about being a godly princess for the Lord, not to mention spending sweet time discussing things that I want her to ask me instead of asking her friends. When we are together, I look at her beautiful face and how excited she is to be learning how to have a heart even more beautiful that will shine for Jesus all of her life. That goes for me, too! Mothers do not let this wonderful time of your daughter's innocence pass by instead seize it to teach her how to be a princess with a quiet and meek spirit living and shining for the Lord.

Love, Sadie

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-04T14:33:00.006-06:00

To all Moms out there, may you be blessed by this poem I found. It reminds me of how much we truly are needed even if the "thank yous" are few. Stay faithful to your calling.

Love, Sadie

If Only ---- by Fay Inchfawn

If only dinner cooked itself,

And groceries grew upon the shelf;

If children did as they were told,

And never had a cough or cold;

And washed their hands, and wiped their

     boots,

And never tore their Sunday suits,

But always tidied up the floor,

Nor once forgot to shut the door.

If John remembered not to throw

His papers on the ground. And oh!

If he would put his pipes away,

And shake the ashes on the tray

Instead of on the floor close by;

And always spread his towel to dry,

And hung his hat upon the peg,

And never had bones in his leg.

Then, there's another thing. If Jane

Would put the matches back again

Just where she found them, it would be

A save of time to her and me.

And if she never did forget

To put the dustbin out; nor yet

Contrive to gossip with the baker,

Nor need ten thunderbolts to wake her.

Ahem! If wishes all came true,

I don't know what I'd find to do,

Because if no one made a mess

There'd be no need of cleanliness.

And things might work so blissfully,

In time -- who knows? -- they'd not need

me!

And this being so, I fancy whether

I'll go on keeping things together.

Thinking Homeschool

2009-04-17T23:35:00.014-06:00

I attended our local homeschooling convention today. It is always my intent to attend not so much for the workshops and speakers but to browse the curriculum available. It is the perfect time to really thumb through the books and see what they are all about. It's usually during this time that I make major decisions on what we will be studying in the upcoming year. I have to say I am so grateful for the convention. I also find it a blessing in another way: visiting with other homeschooling moms. It truly amazes me how big the homeschooling community is here where I live. It moves my heart, truly.

Our homeschooling journey has been nothing short of amazing and rewarding. We are approaching 16 years of home education and I thank the Lord often for choosing our family to do this. I honestly feel so blessed to be called for this task. I love looking over new books and get excited when I finish deciding on curriculum for the next year. The Lord is so faithful to lead me to what He would like us to cover. And after today, I am excited about what we will be doing this next school year. I try not to think about how different my life will be when these precious days of educating my children are past. So, for right now, I treasure them and ponder them in my heart with much joy.

Love, Sadie

By His Resurrection!

2009-04-13T11:38:00.006-06:00

May you be encouraged! Love, Sadie

By his resurrection we have the unshakeable assurance of obtaining victory over the rule of death. The fact is that he could not be held prisoner by death's chains. By exercising all his power he came out of it, thus breaking in pieces its weapons in such a way that they can no longer strike us mortally.

His resurrection, then, is the certain fact, the basis and foundation not only of our own resurrection to come, but also of this present resurrection which enables us to live a new sort of life.

By his ascension into heaven he has opened to us the gate of the kingdom of heaven which was closed to everyone in Adam. In fact he has entered into heaven with our human nature, in our name as it were, so that in him we already possess heaven through hope and sit with him in the heavenly realms. And it is for our good that he has entered into God's sanctuary---a sanctuary not made by man's hand. In accordance with his office of eternal priest he has entered there to be our perpetual advocate and mediator.

~~Taken from John Calvin's "Truth For All Time".

He is lovingly sovereign

2009-02-18T19:19:00.010-07:00

This is not an easy post for me. I am writing to say that the Lord has decided to take our baby back to His heavenly kingdom. Actually, it was His baby before it ever made its way to my womb. My last post I shared a short writing from Elisabeth Elliot about faith. Faith to believe that it is enough to know He is a good God. And He does what is best for us. And His will and timing are perfect in all things. And explanations are not needed because we trust Him completely. How I have learned this once more. How my heart has had to renew this truth and remind me that I serve a lovingly sovereign God.

So, we pray that He will hold us close as we make our way through this time and that maybe someday, once again, He will bless us with another child to raise for His glory, if it be His will.

Love, Sadie

Having Faith

2009-02-04T20:27:00.004-07:00

I am a little over 7 weeks by my calculation. I have my first appointment this coming Tuesday so we'll see if I'm right. I am learning much about my faith in the Lord's plan. I found a writing by Elisabeth Elliot that really reminded me about where my heart should be today and every day. I wanted to share it with you. May you be moved to have more faith wherever the Lord has you today. ~Sadie

Faith Is Holding Out Your Hand
Elisabeth Elliot

Sometimes when I was a child my mother and father would say, "Shut your eyes and hold out your hand." That was the promise of some lovely surprise. I trusted them, so I shut my eyes instantly and held out my hand. Whatever they were going to give me i was ready to take. So it should be in our trust of our heavenly Father. Faith is the willingness not to have what He does not want to give. From the greatest of all gifts, salvation in Christ, to the material blessings of any ordinary day (hot water, a pair of legs that work, a cup of coffee, a job to do and the strength to do it), every good gift comes down from the Father of lights. Every one of them is to be received gladly and, like gifts people give us, with thanks.

Sometimes we want things we were not meant to have. Because He loves us, the Father says no. Faith trusts that no. Faith is willing not to have what God is not willing to give. Furthermore, faith does not insist upon an explanation. It is enough to know His promise to give what is good-He knows so much more about that than we do.

2009-01-27T12:12:00.005-07:00

We're Expecting!!!
The Lord has chosen to bless us once more and we are so humbly grateful.

George and Emmit

2008-09-14T22:19:00.004-06:00

Today we adopted Emmit. Emmit was labeled a Shepherd mix but I don't see much shepherd in him so we'll ask our vet what he thinks. He is 7 months old and very puppy. The kids actually paid for his crate and blankets needed to make him comfortable. Dad named him. And I will be training him daily so he is a good dog for our family. George Bailey has been our house dog since he was born so he is learning to adjust to sharing his family with another puppy. George is house trained and well behaved for the most part. We are still working on some issues but that will come. Now I will be working with Emmit to make him a weel behaved dog. So far I see that he listens well. He understands no or "uh uh" which is our main command word for "not acceptable behavior". He sits on command already and tonight I began teaching him how to calm down when he gets too active. This is a very important thing to teach dogs. They need to know when too much is too much and how to relax quickly. As for George, we will continue to reiterate all he has learned and teach him what he needs to know still. George Bailey is learning to get along with Emmit and that will take time before he can relax around him completely. I am praying they will become lifelong pals and always get along.

Isn't He Amazing?

2008-09-10T21:21:00.009-06:00

Who is she talking about you ask? Well, I'm talking about the Lord himself! I live in the mountains and I see His creation daily. For starters, we have the best sunrises and sunsets to view daily without fail. We also enjoy watching all the different birds and hummingbirds around us. One hummingbird found his way into our garage. Setting him free was a feat in itself but we did it. Well, my dear husband did it. We even get to hear all of the different bird songs that delight the ear. Then, there is the two squirrels that often sit at the top of a tree in the arroyo. We named them Papa and Mama squirrel. Papa squirrel loves to sit and enjoy his morning breakfast, watching intently all that is going on around him. Sometimes Mama squirrel joins him. Butterflies often find their way to our kitchen window so that we get a quick glimpse of their beauty. I can't forget to mention the excitement of watching water run through the arroyo after a good rain. Oh, just so much to be in awe of --- truly! The Lord created this world with love and, when I view it, I see His hand in everything. From the tune of the birds to the consistent way that Papa squirrel sits in the same place in his tree to enjoy his food. Let me encourage you to take time to look at the creation around you the next time you step outside. Appreciate what the Lord has given us to enjoy. Read Psalm 104 embracing every word with all your heart. He is amazing!

Lazy Days

2008-08-31T13:10:00.007-06:00

I love days where I can actually be lazy. And when I say lazy I mean have a low key day. Still being productive but at a much slower pace and doing only what needs to be done. Those kinds of days are few and far between but the Lord knows when to give them to you. He always knows what is best for you. On my lazy days, I realize that what I do lifts my spirit. Usually, I bake something I don't normally get to or work on my scrapbooking for a long period of time or spend more time that usual visiting sites I love on the computer. Or maybe my family gets to play more than one game in a row because, well, its a lazy day. I still get a load of laundry done, keep my kitchen orderly and do small chores around the house. My family helps with this as well and that allows us to enjoy our lazy day even more. These days are so special to me because they give me time to relax and gear up for what the coming days will bring my way. I never know when my "lazy days" will show up but I look forward to them and thank the Lord for providing them. He is so loving in all He does.

**Painting by Georges Jeannin

Our Little Home School

2008-08-31T00:29:00.011-06:00

I mentioned I would share our homeschool with you and here you go. I have graduated our oldest and he begins his 2nd semester of college. I am currently teaching our youngest two. We are doing the following books:

Bible: Studying God's Word-D (daughter)
The Life of Christ (son)
Science: Considering God's Creation (finishing up what we srated last school year)
History: The Mystery of History (finishing up what we started last school year)
Geography: States Study (my own curriculum)
Math: Horizons Math (daughter)
Saxon Algebra 1 (son)
Grammar: Easy Grammar Plus (son) 3 days a week
Handwriting/Spelling: Various Scripture verses (daughter) 3 days a week
Reading: Little House on the Prairie (daughter)
George Meuller (son)
Memorization: Book of Psalms (3 days a week/recite on Fridays)
Art: (as we can)
Read Aloud: Making Brothers and Sisters Best Friends

These are what we are making our way through at the moment. I have everything timed out so they are productive and get through it all. Having a schedule for them to follow truly helps in keeping them on top of things. When we finish up our science we will move onto weather. And when we get through history, we will move onto the next volume in the series.

Growing In Wisdom

2008-08-25T21:09:00.005-06:00

Growing in wisdom. That would be our oldest son. He has recently turned 19 and had to celebrate it with a skin infection on his abdomen. It has been quite the week for him having to learn much about his pain tolerance and about the Lord he serves. He has been a child of God since he was 7 years old. I have seen him grow throughout the years to trust and love the Lord. As a fellow Christian would know, you have your good days and your not-so-good days. Thankfully, the Lord knows His children well. This past week Damian has seen the Lord work in his situation, drawing him unto Himself. He has seen how many people were willing to pray over him and then see that prayer answered. He saw the Lord's provision in his medical care. Doctors and nurses who cared and showed him compassion not to mention knowledge of what to do. He saw the Lord's faithfulness in his family's love and understanding of what he was enduring. And he thanked the Lord for his love for him, an undeserving, sinful man redeemed through Christ's sacrifice on the cross. Yes, he is growing in wisdom. The Lord is awesome to move in his life so faithfully and sovereignly, educating his heart even more. Yes, he growing in wisdom!!! Praise the Lord!

A Day In My Life

2008-08-23T19:24:00.002-06:00

Though I have my daily schedules, know they aren't always followed to a tee. Unscheduled things happen or I get caught up doing something longer than I had planned or my health is not at its strongest and my schedules are thwarted a little. That's why I must pray daily that the Lord make me productive in whatever the day holds. If I can stick to my schedules, it's awesome. If I can't, it's okay. So, here is my life....for the most part.

My Morning Routine:
Wake up (usually around 7-7:30)
Read Devotional & Pray
Brush Teeth & Hair
Exercise (MWF)
Get Ready for the day
Start Laundry & Make sure kids are on schedule
Make Bed/Straighten Room
Drink Protein drink (MWF) or Have a small breakfast
Touch up Kitchen/Master Bathroom
Do Science with Kids
Check on Laundry/Finish up Master Bathroom
Dinner Prep, if needed
Do History & States Study with Kids
Lunch & Read Aloud

My Afternoon Routine:
Straighten kitchen after lunch
Finish up School
Laundry
Do scheduled chores or Run Errands
20 minutes Nap (if I can :-) )
Quiet Time (Bible Study)
5 Minute Room Rescue
Start Dinner, Kids set table
Greet Husband with love!

My Evening Routine:
Look at daily schedule/calendar for tomorrow
Do one hot spot, Sweep tile floors as needed
Shine Sink!! (I'm not always faithful but I try)
Put out fresh dishcloth
Prepare bed for rest
Kitchen/Dining Room/Living Room Room Rescue
Wash Face/ Contacts
Brush Hair
Computer Time
Kids to bed (Dad)
Time with Husband
Read a Devotional, Pray and Lights out by 11pm

Now, these are designed to keep me on my toes throughout the day. I'm not always able to stick them exactly but that's okay. And my family helps out with much so that I can strive to keep my schedules. Like my husband cleans up the kitchen after dinner. He just believes that if I cook the meal, he can clean up. And keep in mind, I do believe in cleaning as you cook so I try to not leave him too much. And my kids help from time to time. Also, my kids have their own schedule as well and that helps me as well. Here is what theirs (in a nutshell) looks like:

Rise 'n Shine (7:30-7:45)
Get Ready
Make Bed
Morning Devotional
Do morning Chores
Eat Breakfast
Begin School with Bible first (8:45/9:00)
Do Science with mom (10:10)
Snack Time (10:35) (Tend to Pets)
Do History & States Study with Mom (11-12pm)
Lunch & Read Aloud
Finish up School
Do Afternoon Chores
Free Time (3:00-ish)
Dinner/Afternoon Activity (Piano, Guitar, Tap Lessons, Baseball)
Bedtime by 10:00pm

(Note: They do do more in school but I didn't write that all down. I plan to share their home education in another post.)

So, that's my day here at our house. As much as I enjoy sticking to my schedules, I am ready to adjust if needed. Keeping flexibility in the back of your mind is very important. And if I get off on a day, I just pick up with the next day and move forward.

Back To Order

2008-08-23T00:09:00.004-06:00

August is here. Life is back to a schedule and I'm feeling more orderly and organized. Summer is a sweet season because it allows our family to be more laxed and less orderly but it can only be a season. Our family seems to operate more efficiently when they know what they should be doing and when and where. I'm thankful the Lord stresses orderly living as well. And it is because He commands it (1 Corinthians 14:40) that I work diligently to make it happen in our home plus I find we are a "well oiled" family if we remain orderly.

I keep a Home Management Binder (HMB) to assist in keeping me on top of all things concerning our family. (I plan to share my HMB in a future blog.) I am almost finished with putting it together and look forward to when all is at my fingertips to keep me on track. For my kids, they have a section in one of their binders that we call "Life Skills". It is here that they keep their own schedules for school, chores and daily activities. I have seen how more productive they are using their schedules. If we get off, we just pick up where we are and move forward. Guilt is not allowed. I know there will be days where we be unable to stick to our schedules but I don't let that hinder my productivity or the childrens. We just do what we can and "roll with the punches", as they say. The Lord is sovereign over each day as it unfolds and we try to keep our eyes focused on Him.

In my next blog, I will share what a day in my life is like. Until then, be blessed.

(Happy Birthday Damian! You're becoming quite the man before my very eyes. )

A New Life

2008-04-23T23:02:00.002-06:00

We are finally in our new house. We've been living here since February and what a blessing! Being here feels like a new life. A fresh start. A new beginning to another part of our lives. I find that such a cool thought. We waited over 16 years to be at this place in our lives, to have a home of our own, designed just for us and in a place we so desired. It's been worth the wait. God's timing is perfect. And this week I was reading in the book of Ephesians in the my Bible. It was chapter 4:17-32....A New Life. A new life in Christ to be exact. I found myself remembering that in the Old Testament that God said He was going to "raise up a righteous Branch"(Jer. 23:5). But the people of the OT would not see this happen. It wouldn't be until the New Testament times that this "righteous Branch" would be revealed and seen. Jesus Christ was this righteous Branch. He would offer a new life through His sacrifice on the cross and ressurrection. Sadly, some would not accept this gift of righteousness. Paul writes to the Ephesians that they "must not walk as the Gentiles do" (Eph. 4:17) They are "darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart" (Eph. 4:18). He goes on to remind them that they, the Ephesians, were "taught in him as the truth is in Jesus" (Eph. 4:21). So their lives should reflect this new life in Christ. They were to put off the old self and "be renewed in the spirit of their minds" (Eph. 4:22a & 23). A new way of living. A new way of thinking. A new way of being. It was a new beginning in their life. What they knew before would no longer be for they have found a new life in Christ. Just as we have a new life here on our mountain and things will never be as they were before. It's a new beginning to another part of our life. Just as accepting Christ into your heart and as your Savior is a new beginning to the best part of your life.

Building A Foundation

2007-10-26T15:36:00.002-06:00

It is so exciting! We laid the cement foundation for our house. I am including a picture with today's blog but I wanted to share what I learned today as I watched the cement being poured. The most important thing I learned was how important the foundation is to the stability of the house. The cement must be the right mixture - too wet or too dry would not work at all. Then, as it is being poured, there must be someone to guide it to the right areas as other men must push it around to make sure every nook and cranny is filled. After that someone comes through and smooths out the cement just laid making very sure to fill all holes and gaps so no pockets exist. The edges get much attention as well making sure the whole foundation is flat and no cement is left to harden in a pile. Then, they run this machine over the top of the foundation to ensure a tight fit and total compaction as well as a smooth finish. I probably make it sound so easy but it is hard, delicate work. Everything must be done for the foundation to be ready for a house to sit upon it. It reminded me of my Christian walk. I, too, need a firm foundation to stand in this world. And my foundation begins with accepting and receiving the sacrifice by Christ on the cross on my behalf so that I may know the forgiveness of sin and the hope of eternal life. Like the cement mixture, Christ had to do what He did. If He had used His power to stop the crucifixion and saved Himself from the cross, I would not have hope. But because He was willing to die for me, I gain a new life and a changed heart. I see the hope of eternal life through His death and ressurection. 1 Corinthians 3:11 reads "For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ." Isaiah 28:16 says "Therefore thus says the Lord God, ' Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion, a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation: Whoever believes will not be in haste.'" Then, as a growing Christian, that foundation continues to grow strong and firm by reading, memorizing and praying God's word every day. Daily experiences, trials that may come my way and times of joy are other ways that the Lord continues to perfect me in Him. And each day my foundation grows stronger and more sure. "And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1:6)

Sadie

Purposed Family

2007-10-25T20:30:00.002-06:00

So, today I was reading this short article written by Melton Duncan about families and their purpose. It really made me think about the purpose of my family. Our time on earth is very short yet God has us here for reason. That reason, my friends, is for His purpose and His glory. Duncan wrote "in the Old Testament God worked through families to accomplish His purposes in establishing his covenant people." Isaiah 59:21 reads "And as for me, this is my covenant with them,' says the Lord: 'My spirit that is upon you, and my words that I have put your mouth, shall not depart out of your mouth, or out of the mouth of your offspring, or out of the mouth of your children's offspring,' says the Lord, 'from this time forth and forevermore.'" Isn't that so fabulous?? God has purposed my family and my children and their children. We have a purpose and our lives are not in vain. We are here on earth to serve the Lord and not ourselves, to share the gift of salvation found in the shed blood of Christ and the hope of eternal life because Christ has risen and sits at the right hand of God. Joshua 24:15 says "But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." This is the ideal for my family. Not only did the Lord use families in the Old Testament to establish and accomplish His purposes but he continues this in the New Testament. Duncan writes "that the family continued to be one of the primary means of evangelism for those within the growing Christian church." The Bible is the truth of a faithful and loving God who uses faithfulness within families. Praise God for faithful redeemed families that are the instrument of God to share His redemptive plan from one generation to another. Thank Him for the family he has placed you in. Adorn Him with praise for He is so deserving of it.

Sadie

Kids activities

2007-10-24T17:37:00.004-06:00

My kids are involved in different activities. One is a tap dancer who teaches tap to other kids. Another one plays baseball, plays golf and plays guitar. The last one tap dances, golfs, and plays the piano. They are all busy with the things they love. Some parents might think they do too much but I disagree. They do just what they can handle. And honestly, God has allowed these activities not to interfere with our home life too much. We still get to enjoy our evening meal together as a family and we are pretty much together most of the time. A bonus is these activities give my children an opportunity to grow as people, to put into action what they are taught at home, like kindness, sharing, putting others before yourself, speaking well, paying attention to others, and so on. Homeschooling kids also get a bad rap when it comes to socialization yet when I watch my kids interacting with other kids and adults and putting into action what they are taught at home, it is an assurance that they are not missing anything and will cope well, if not better than some, in this harsh and trying world. I'm so grateful we home educate our children and I hope they, too, will do the same for their children. God is good to call us into this rewarding and sweet adventure called homeschooling. It is good to be obedient to our Father.

Sadie

Today I Begin

2007-10-22T19:41:00.000-06:00

Well, I have no idea what I am doing 'blogging" but I felt very compelled to jump into this with two feet and trust the Lord with the rest. I mean, I journal at home and have kept journals for a very long time, so why not share my blessed life with others who might be interested? So, here I go jumping in!!

Let me share a little about myself. I am very happily married with five kids (two in heaven). I have two dogs, Samson & George Bailey, and one cat, Patches. I enjoy scrapbooking, quilting, cross stitching, reading my Bible, being a mom, homeschooling and working on my website. And we are presently in the process of building our first homestead. Yikes!!! That in itself has been an adventure. We have learned about patience and completely trusting the Lord with all details. End the end, if we build this house without Him, we build in vain.

I will share more about my blessed life tomorrow. May you know how much God loves you in your life.

Sadie