Finding JOY in the Morning Finding JOY in the Morning Loni reveals how God has been her Life Sustainer. She shares her journey of homeschooling a large family, surviving the death of her 16-year-old son, and going through various stages in life — including a 12th pregnancy at age 43! 
Articles
In Other Words: Perseverance
2008-06-24 22:29:00 P erseverance - it’s a pretty big word - that takes a lot of work. For a preemie baby it may be learning how to nurse, and a persevering mother to keep on trying. For a toddler, it’s learning how to walk and a five year old learning how to tie his shoes. As we get older, it’s persevering through algebra, driving, marriage and parenthood. It’s persevering through daily struggles and major life alterations.  For a dear family we know, it’s now persevering through much grief and pain after the loss of their 12 week old son/grandson from SIDS. They have much to persevere through as each day right now is a struggle. Their friends and family need to persevere to carry them along and continuing to pray for them. Perseverance  and can be a long lonely walk through the valley of the shadow of death and can be much slower than a snail’s pace to the ark. It may be perseverance just to get up in the morning and face another day.   As m... More About: In Other Words , Words
Another Graduation Completed
2008-06-16 22:38:00 S o now our third oldest son is officially graduated from homeschooling.   We had a graduation party for him this past Friday and it went real well. We were praying all week for the weather to be good, after harsh storms had hit a lot of our area. It was wonderful seeing family and friends. We mainly served desserts, including wondeful cookies one of my sister-in-laws made, brownies (that had to be made the night before at our church because once again my oven decided not to work), cookies, and all the toppings you can think of for icecream sundaes. One of my close friends and her husband did all the serving, keeping things running very smoothly. An older couple in our church that are like grandparents to our kids, made this beautiful cake for Jayson, which captured one of his passions.  He was so surprised. It was hard to cut into it! But it tasted just as wonderful as it looks! One of the neat things after his party was all overwith, and the cleaning was done, J... More About: Graduation
In Other Words: Think On These Things
2008-06-10 00:10:00  Ican be one of those day dreamers - giving myself panic attacks thinking of the “what ifs”. It happened a few days ago. My husband is self-employed as a small engine repair mechanic. Several times he has breathed too much exhaust, giving himself carbon monoxide poisoning.  He puts larger garden/lawn tractors on hoists, which he’s never had fall on him, yet, but I fear it. His days can be busy with with phone calls, sales reps visits, customers coming to drop off/pick up items and his runnings about with pick-ups and deliveries and getting parts. He will work very late at night in the shop on repairs. There’s been several times I’ve fallen asleep hours before him to wake-up and he’s still not in bed. That night, I woke up with a jolt - where was he? I was so stricken with fear, afraid to call him on the speaker, so I walked out there, fearing the worst, holding my breath as I peered around the door. He was fine, thankfull... More About: In Other Words , Words , Things
Congratulations to our Daughter!
2008-06-04 18:23:00 T his is my braggin’ moment, and with having ten children, I should do this more often! Our daughter Heidi entered an art contest at our local library, which included all the local public schools. There were only a couple of homeschooled children that entered. Her artwork (photograpy) is among 30 winners! It will be professionally matted and framed and displayed in the library for the summer. Then a local business will lease it for one year and after that, it will be returned to her. So, she will be a part of having her picture in the paper and a Gala Reception to honor the winners. I am just so excited for her! One person will be picked from these 30 to win $200 and she would sure love that for a camera she is saving up for. Congratulations Heidi! “Apple Blossom Beauty” ©2008 by Heidi More About: Daughter
Subway & Schoolastic Blocks Out Homeschoolers
2008-05-30 06:01:00 (I wrote this post earlier in the week, saving it to post today. I received several e-mails today regarding the apology Subway has given to HSLDA. You can read it here.) I f you homeschool, you probably have read numerous times about the writing contest Subway & Schoolastic are having. This is the disclaimer that removes homeschoolers: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. Contest is open only to legal residents of the United States who are currently over the age of 18 and have children who attend elementary, private or parochial schools that serve grades PreK-6. No home schools will be accepted. (emphasis added) I may not be as irrate as some blogs and e-mails that I have received regarding it. It certainly is a bummer that homeschoolers are specifically excluded. However, it may be a lack of knowledge on their side. The “grand prize” is $5,000 value of sports equipment. Subway and Schoolastic may not realize what a large community homeschooling is... More About: Homeschoolers , Blocks
♥ Remembering & Missing Matthew on His 20th Birthday ♥
2008-05-28 06:01:00 N ot a day passes without something reminding us of you - a glimpse of you in one of your siblings, finding one of your treasures on earth, mail still coming with your name on it or the brilliance of the color of red, your favorite colour. We made bittersweet memories on Monday, as we planted red impatients at your gravestone, and your baby brother you’ve never met, tried digging in the soil to “help”. One of your siblings said, “This is the closest Nathan has been to Matthew “. Someday he will know you too.  Though we wonder about the “what ifs” your days were still numbered by God. How blessed we were to have you for 16 years. And yet, how much more blessed we are with the assurance that you accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, we will meet you again, and all our tears will forever be wiped away. Until then, we will miss you, remember you and always share about you. Forever with love, Your Mumsie (affectionate name only ... More About: Birthday , Missing , Remembering
Celebrating a Delightful Daughter’s Birthday
2008-05-27 18:29:00  Look who’s seven!  Happy birthday to our little sunshine!    She wanted a dolly and a “strawberry shortcake pillow” so momma had to do some searching and found material on eBay and made her two pillowcases for her new pillow. The other side is a soft flannel. She said it will be hard deciding what side to sleep on! :)       More About: Birthday , Daughter
Abeka & Sonlight Homeschool Material Needed for Missionary Family
2008-05-14 18:43:00 D  ave & Diane Ford are special friends of ours. I went to college with them and attended church with them for several years. Our husbands worked together for quite a few years.  Diane was with me when our twins were born, and with me when our daughter was stillborn. Then God moved them far away - to Thailand, as missionaries. I cannot imagine their sacrifice, leaving behind several of their older children as they went to college, two of them now married, one of these expecting their second grandchild. Two of their children are with them in Thailand; Anna will be in 6th grade and Drew in 4th.  With their schedules it is hard to have them on a rigid school schedule and want them to be involved in their work and learn the language, so they have decided to homeschool them. Their support is down with the USA economy slump. My reason in sharing, is I know many of my readers homeschool. Would any of you have Abeka or Sonlight material for fourth and/or sixth ... More About: Family , Material , Missionary
In Other Words: Following Jesus
2008-05-14 06:11:00  So He went to her, took her hand and helped her up. Mark 1:31a  A s Scripture is read, don’t you often desire to see more of the picture . . . know more of the story? This is one of those instances. Take the time to read the full text, but here’s a little more: And immediately after they came out of the synagogue, they came into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was lying sick with a fever; and immediately they spoke to Jesus about her. And He came to her and raised her up, taking her by the hand, and the fever left her, and she waited on them. Mark 1:29-31 So Simon was married. I wonder what Simon’s mother-in-law was like.   Was Simon’s wife so distraught about her mother?  Had she been pleading with her husband to bring Jesus to their house?  How long had the woman been sick? Did the men try to hurry Jesus along to the house - is this why it is said “immediately&l... More About: In Other Words , Words
Slowing Down - But NOT Slowing Down!
2008-05-06 23:25:00 I f you stopped by to read a new post for the “In Other Words”, I am taking this week off. The last few days have been very filled, and I am working on numerous mother’s bracelets that need to be sent in time for my customers to get for Mother’s Day.  What an encouragement and blessing that my  Etsy store is increasing in inquiries as well has just having sold my 10th item! We are trying to wind down with homeschooling and are preparing to doing more with gardening and the kids have lots of ideas too!  So, I am back to beading and sewing . . . here’s a little peek of the newest items:
A Princess Turns Five
2008-05-04 04:05:00 S o our baby girl turned five today. I really do not know how she slept last night because she was SO excited about being FIVE when she woke up. Yes, she was up early - much earlier than I wanted for a Saturday morning. Big brother gave her a bag of candy before he left for work, so the children had their sugar buz before we had our morning coffee. She loved being pampered from her siblings and a special “happy meal” from Wendy’s birthday club. She got lots of smiles from those around her, with her little princess crown on AND sunglasses! LOL! She was quite cute! She wanted lots of strawberries for her cake, and since her papa who just had a heart attack was to come, we had an angel food cake which was heart healthy, and loaded with strawberries. She is looking forward now to tomorrow with her special friends coming over to celebrate after church. But she did say before bed, “Why can’t EVERYDAY be my birthday?!” We have two... More About: Princess
In Other Words: The Proverbs 31 Woman
2008-04-29 06:01:00 “”If Mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy!’” “We smile as we read the wall plaque in the novelty store. But our smile quickly turns to a frown if truly “Mama ain’t happy.” This is because the wife and mother in a family often “sets the tone” in the home. The “tone” God wants her to set is one of joy, optimism, and a delight in the Lord and in her family. If your family were called upon to describe you, what would they say?” ~ by Martha Peace ~ “The Excellent Wife“ (excellent book - highly recommended!) U hhgggg! Should I really write on this one?  Our home can be quite chaotic busy with ten kids, including teens and a baby that needs his diapers changed, homeschooling, the phone ringing for me, my kids AND my husband’s small engine repair business that interrupts meals, early in the morning, late at night and even Sundays (though we are CLOSED). I don’t know how m... More About: In Other Words , Words , Proverbs , Woman
In Other Words: Friendships
2008-04-22 07:57:00 “To be intimate with others is to reveal our innermost selves to them, including our emotions, thoughts and desires. For such deep sharing of the soul and spirit to occur, people must respect and trust each other. … In a world controlled by sin, however, to choose to be intimate is to choose to be hurt. Yet Jesus calls us to this kind of intimacy with Him and with one another.” ~ Kenneth A. Schmidt ~ A couple of years ago, I pretty much gave up on friendships. I’ve done a lot of reading on grieving and relationships after the death of someone close, and one thing that seems to stand out the most, is friendships and relationships change. You’d think friends would reach out more, try to be closer, but instead, many will run - not just my friends - but it’s common in most relationships that go through a tragedy. It’s not necessarily the “friend’s” fault - people change - and the grieving person also changes - and may run ... More About: In Other Words , Words , Friendships
In Other Words: The Proverbs 31 Woman
2008-04-20 06:01:00 “”If Mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy!’” “We smile as we read the wall plaque in the novelty store. But our smile quickly turns to a frown if truly “Mama ain’t happy.” This is because the wife and mother in a family often “sets the tone” in the home. The “tone” God wants her to set is one of joy, optimism, and a delight in the Lord and in her family. If your family were called upon to describe you, what would they say?” ~ by Martha Peace ~ “The Excellent Wife“ (excellent book - highly recommended!) U hhgggg! Should I really write on this one?  Our home can be quite chaotic busy with ten kids, including teens and a baby that needs his diapers changed, homeschooling, the phone ringing for me, my kids AND my husband’s small engine repair business that interrupts meals, early in the morning, late at night and even Sundays (though we are CLOSED). I don’t know how m... More About: In Other Words , Words , Proverbs , Woman
Baby Chick Days
2008-04-19 04:46:00 I f you come over visit, you may hear the “tweep tweeps” of little chicks more than the children’s voices! A dozen little chicks sure can make a lot of noise! This is just the start of our new brood. We plan on getting turkeys and other little chicks. These are Bantums and Rhode Island Reds.  More About: Baby , Chick , Days
More Wheels
2008-04-17 23:43:00 Y ou know how it is when a little boy get’s a new toy truck or car, and you hear the “vrooom, vroom” noises. Well, our son Jayson, has the “real” thing, yet, I think he’s as excited as a little guy. It has an automatic start on it, so he walks up the driveway, hits the button, and looks back to hear his truck going “vroom”. So, it’s more of this “letting go” time and praying more as that “vroom” noise leaves the driveway. Two sons on the road with their own vehicles - SCARY! (AKA MOM!) More About: Wheels
In Other Words: Tell Me the Story of Jesus
2008-04-15 06:01:00  “One of the most wonderful things about knowing God is that there’s always so much more to know, so much more to discover. Just when we least expect it, He intrudes into our neat and tidy notions about who He is and how He works. ~by Joni Eareckson Tada ~ D on’t you love it when your teach a little one something about Jesus , and it clicks in their minds, and their eyes light up as though to say, “wow”! Does this happen to you as you read God’s Word and learn more about Him? I am in a Kay Arthur Bible study on the life of Abraham.   We have a Bible study manual in which we do research throughout the week, and then we get together, go over it, and then watch a video which Kay Arthur speaks. Last time the study was on the Covenant God made with Abraham and how it was a picture of His covenant with us - His death on the cross.  In the Old Testament when they made covenants, an animal was split in half, and those making the covenant ... More About: Story , In Other Words , Words , The Story
The Old Schoolhouse Magazine Contest
2008-04-12 06:07:00 The Old Schoolhouse Magazine ’s Spring Promo is in full bloom. Subscribe now to The Old Schoolhouse Magazine and receive 25 BONUS gifts valued at over $550! The Winter Promo sold out, don’t miss out on the free gifts this time! The HSB Front Porch is having a contest and you can win a $50 gift certificate just for blogging about the Spring Promo before midnight April 13, 2008. Click HERE for details. More About: Contest
Now the mom of a 21 year old
2008-04-08 06:40:00 T he birth of a firstborn certainly makes a mark on a mom’s life and details at least for me are still pretty clear. Just a few weeks before Stephen was born, my husband was laid off from his job. Here we were with our first child to be arriving, and a job gone. He was due the end of March, but I had a secret prayer. I was actually praying that he would be born late - specifically 10 days late. I was hoping he’d be born on my grandpa’s birthday, a godly man that had a profound affect in my life who went to be with Jesus when I was in high school. Then my husband lost his job - so I added to the prayer, that my husband would also have a job. God knew how important this was for me, and not only did my husband get a job a few days before, yes, Stephen was born on my grandpa’s birthday. I was one of the first moms in a new birthing room, and generally then, first time moms did not have their baby in a birthing room. My mom-in-law was with my h... More About: Year
Newest ETSY Handmade Items - Personalized Bracelets
2008-04-03 18:46:00 Click the pictures to see the ETSY store or visit my webpage, Bracelet Stories for more pictures. More About: Items , Bracelets , Etsy
In Other Words ~ Following Jesus or Following Man?
2008-04-01 06:08:00 “We must assess our thoughts and beliefs and reckon whether they are moving us closer to conformity to Christ or farther away from it. ~by John Ortberg ~ T his is certainly a thought-provoking quote this week - and another one of those things that was just discussed in my life. I was just talking to an “old” college roommate friend of mine today, about how our lives have changed, especially in our walks with God. In college she was  so quiet and reserved. She came from a very conservative, legalistic upbringing. I remember her struggling with a lot of it. In time, she learned what was God’s convictions on her heart - not “man’s” rules. It was as though she had to be stripped down, and find her own faith, and find what God wanted of her, making the standards of her life between her and God personally. Certainly, her husband, pastors and her parents had an influence, but it ultimately came down to where God wanted her.  S... More About: Jesus , In Other Words , Words
Wuzzles & Puzzles
2008-04-01 06:01:00 With spring break arriving for many families and summer break really not that far away, we want to keep our children’s minds thinking . . . but sometimes we have to “sneek” it in. Check out the website below for some fun FREE puzzles, mazes and games. Moms might even enjoy a few too! More About: Puzzles
In Other Words ~ Following Jesus or Following Man?
2008-04-01 04:08:00 “We must assess our thoughts and beliefs and reckon whether they are moving us closer to conformity to Christ or farther away from it. ~by John Ortberg ~ T his is certainly a thought-provoking quote this week - and another one of those things that was just discussed in my life. I was just talking to an “old” college roommate friend of mine today, about how our lives have changed, especially in our walks with God. In college she was  so quiet and reserved. She came from a very conservative, legalistic upbringing. I remember her struggling with a lot of it. In time, she learned what was God’s convictions on her heart - not “man’s” rules. It was as though she had to be stripped down, and find her own faith, and find what God wanted of her, making the standards of her life between her and God personally. Certainly, her husband, pastors and her parents had an influence, but it ultimately came down to where God wanted her.  S... More About: Jesus , In Other Words , Words
Newest Handmade Items on Etsy
2008-03-28 19:06:00 Ifell in love with this beautiful capri set - but the top did not fit. I don’t usually wear bright yellow, but I just loved it anyway. Maybe it’s cuz it’s been winter here so long in Michigan, that I am SO ready for spring to stay - and this just says “sunshine”!  I wish I had taken a picture of the top before I re-created it. It had three lovely embroidered and apliqued flowers on it, so I took apart the top, and made it into this drawstring bag. I’ve listed it on Etsy , but if it does not sell - I won’t be too sad! And here’s the newest diaper addition. I just love this print. So now my girls are bringing me some of their clothes asking, “can we make a purse from THIS?” Just so the younger ones don’t try it on their own! I can just see them cutting up a dress their grandma gave them, trying to make a purse! Aarrrg! More About: Items
1800’s Emma Leslie Church History Series Book Giveaway
2008-03-28 18:30:00 Check out this reprinted series of seven books that are just coming to print and 50 will be given away!   The Emma Leslie Church History Series were first written in the late 1800’s and are now available with added historical notes, timelines, word definitions, and some with maps. Visit this website for details of the giveaway and descriptions of the books. More About: Book , Church History
In Other Words: Pieces of my Life
2008-03-26 04:00:00 “Throughout the history of God’s people as given to us in the Bible, we see that life is a test. We have before us the option to trust God “no matter what,” or to walk away from Him. To walk away from God is to leave the fragments of our dreams in pieces on the floor, but to trust Him is to let God pick up the pieces and make us whole again. When we choose to let Him make us whole again, He will make our lives more beautiful than before ~What I Learned from God While Quilting~ by Ruth McHaney Danner & Cristine Bolley~ T his is being posted late on Tuesday, because I was cleaning my sewing/craft room today. (I did not even know what the quote was about until a short while ago.) I had too many piles and with now starting the Etsy store, I need to be more organized. I have been quilting since I was pregnant with my twin girls, over 16 years ago. I don’t do the fancy, elaborate type of quilting. I’ve done little hand quilting. ... More About: Life , In Other Words , My Life , Words , Pieces
My New Crafting & Handmade Items Store
2008-03-24 13:54:00 After writing each day a week ago, I took last week off from writing, but I have been busy at home sewing away. In the last several weeks we’ve had two baby showers to go to, and another friend is having a baby soon, so we have been making a couple of things for her too. It’s been awhile since really feeling up to sewing, which I love to do, and now it’s almost hard to stop! We’ve been making baby shorts for our baby, and little girl dresses as well. And then we have been making these raggedy baby quilts with the little silk taggy ribbons on the sides. I’ve decided to put some up on Etsy to see if they’d sell. Etsy is a store, somewhat like an eBay buy it now, but it’s all homemade and vintage items. We are in need of some homeschool computer teaching programs, and are hoping this will allow for it to happen. Here’s a few of the items I have put up (click pictures to see full size):    Those of you who have follow... More About: Store , Items , Crafting
This Week’s Ultimate Blog Party BOOK WINNERS!
2008-03-14 18:58:00 H ere are the winner’s from the book reviews from this week. I will also be contacting each throughout the day. Thanks so much for participating! ~ The Comfort of Home for Alzheimer’s Disease: A Guide for Caregivers, (from MONDAY’s post) - Linda from her blog, Mocha with Linda Harsh Grief, Gentle Hope  (from TUESDAY’s post) is Michelle and Susan. The Middle Place (from WEDNESDAY’s post) there were no entries, so I will be donating my copies to our local library. (If someone is still interested & I have not yet given to our library, please leave a comment here, and I will get back to you. Postage for the book will need to be paid). (UPDATE, one request for one - still one left!) Mosaic (from THURSDAY’s post) is Penney Douglas. CONGRATULATIONS and thanks to the many who wrote me notes and participated! More About: Party , Blog , Book , Winners , Week
My Ultimate Blog Party Wish List
2008-03-13 05:05:00 So here’s my wish list for the  The Ultimate Blog Party . There are SO many various prizes to pick from, but I finally narrowed it down to my top three picks, and all have to do with winning something for a blog makeover here: ~ I would be SO thrilled to win a custom blog design from Sweet ‘n Simple Design. Shauna from See My Designs is also giving away a free Blog Makeover. Take a look at her beautiful blog designs.  Again, I would be THRILLED! And then there’s Revka & Linda of RS Designs who is offering a $40 gift certificate towards a blog or website design. More wonderful ideas for blogs and websites! And if my top three picks are already chosen, here are the other prizes that would be absolutely wonderful receiving in order of preference: #59 ($25); #55 ($23); #129 $15 Amazon GC; #140 $20 Amazon; #117 $25 Target; #44 (Jump Start World 1st Grade); #49 ($10 Christian Book Distributors); #109 KN Cool (R) Daywear; #91 (Burt’s Bee... More About: List
Book Review: Mosaic By Amy Grant (& one copy to giveaway!)
More articles from this author:2008-03-13 05:01:00 ~ This post is in participation with The Ultimate Blog Party. ~ Ihave read this book, Mosaic , and had some of the same feelings before reading and after reading it as the blog reviewer below. When I read her review, I could not have put it in any better words. Kelly Kelpfer has granted me permission to reprint her review here. Thank you Kelly, and thank you for sharing so eloquently and from your heart. I was offered the opportunity to read and review Amy Grant’s new biography, Mosaic. Had it been in the bookstore, I might have picked it up, glanced through it and come away with a very different impression than I’ve developed from reading it cover to cover. I haven’t been a rabid Amy fan. As a matter of fact, I’ve seen her in concert once and that was because I went to see Mercy Me and Amy opened for them. I purchased her Christmas CD at a garage sale. This information is not a slam in any way. I’m just sharing where I am coming from where Amy ... More About: Book Review , Review , Book , Copy 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 |
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