Charlotte Mom Favorites

We were featured in a guest post today on Charlotte Mom Favorites! If that's how you were led over to the Roof, WELCOME! We invite you to browse around and stay awhile.

Some things you may enjoy from the women of the Roof are:

• Our 4 part series on Fix and Freezes
• THE Best Organizational solution EVER
• DIY Family Rules
• Beautiful DIY journals

You may also want to check out these specific topics as they apply to you:

• Homeschooling with Ashlie
• Couponing & Budgeting tools featuring The Carolina Clipper
• Recipes and insight from The Musing Foodie
• Outreach opportunities such as Operation Christmas Child, Cupcake Kids, Orphan care and Adoption with Karen
• Bible Study with Glenda

We hope you'll become a regular around here and we'd love to hear what you think! TGIF, ya'll.

Love,
HPS

Marvelous Monday: This mother wears combat boots!

Are you a little weary today, tired of fighting and just want to throw in the towel? If so, here is some timely encouragment to gird up those loins and pull yourself up by the bootstraps from one of our fav readers and guest writers, Melanie (aka Mella Bella). She has previously shared a fitness post here on the the topic of running but today we are delighted that she wanted to share some of what the Lord is doing in her heart.

For the past few months I've felt like God has me on the "fast track" of refinement. Over and again, opportunities arise in which I see two possible paths. One path is laced with grace. I can extend grace and seek unity and peace not only in my actions which are visible, but in my attitude which I could easily camouflage from onlookers.

The other path is paved with "the right to." The right to defend myself, the right to take offense, the right to quit the game, pick up my ball and go home.

Can I just admit that there are moments in my life in which I find it very hard to be a grown up woman? I'm talking about a grown up woman of God. The kind of woman who speaks the truth in love. The kind of woman whose spiritual branches artfully display the Fruit of the Spirit. The kind of woman who is not jealous, sarcastic or snarky. Oh it's easy when life is easy but when someone steps on your toes? Ouch.

But thank the Lord for THE LORD! His presence in the person of the Holy Spirit reveals snapshots of who I yearn to be, of who I CAN be in Him! And I am not willing to be any less. And He's not willing to let me.

But, I'll tell you, it does not come easy for me. I want to be right. I want to defend myself. I want to shout, "You're not playing fair!" and "You just don't understand!" I want to scrunch up my face, turn on my heel and announce, "I quit!"

God has done too much for me to do that to Him and to His body! I must choose to discipline my flesh, like Paul, who wrote, "But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified" (1 Cor 9:27).

So while I may sometimes hesitate before the path of "the right to," and even take a step in that direction, I'm grateful for the Light of the Word revealing the potholes and quicksand down that path.

Paul teaches us that we are running and competing for a prize and we must exercise self-control if we are going to obtain the imperishable crown. He goes on to say that he fights his own flesh, and not as a shadow boxer but as one who disciplines his self-defeating, fleshly desires.

So I'll keep running and I'll keep fighting and if someone steps on my toes, it'll be okay and I'll choose not to take offense because starting now, this mother wears combat boots!

You can read more from Melanie on her blog here.

Train Up Tuesday: The REAL Students in Homeschool...

I hope you've enjoyed reading encouraging words from Becky Seamon of the blog "High Heels at His Feet" this month. It's been a real treat to have her insight on the adventures of homeschooling. The following is part 3 of a series she has written.

What I Have Learned From 17 Years of Homeschooling Part 3

“Lessons for Mom”

Not only have I learned that I can only home school through His strength by bathing each step in prayer, but I have learned that character trumps book learning in preparation for life and service to God.

It is a comforting truth that the greatest lessons are not ones that come from a text book. I believe the deepest traits my children will use in this world have been lessons of character. Don’t get me wrong, we use curriculum from cover to cover. We have a daily schedule and lesson plans. I take this responsibility very seriously. However, Godly character will carry one through the difficult places of learning and life.

With a concept of honesty, one will do his “best as unto the Lord.” With determination, one can continue until there is completion.

Through character traits combined with the Lord as one’s guide, our children will be prepared for life. I have witnessed home-scholars that not only survive in this world but thrive. I believe this is because Godly character traits were taught through home educating.

I have also learned that siblings can be best of friends. My children have grown to deeply love and respect each other.

My 14 year old states that his brother is his best friend. They are very close. They have been known to complete each others' sentences while sleeping.

I recall when one of our sons volunteered to take the punishment of his brother. Tears ran down my face as he endured his brother’s spanking. Through my son’s wisdom, his brother’s hardened heart melted. It was a turning point of submission to authority.

I have seen an older sister care and tend to younger siblings with the sweetest of compassion.

This bond has been formed one step at a time from hours, days, years together at home through their childhood. They were not separated by age and classroom. They played together, learned together, and worked together. They created memories together. It has developed a bond that has not been easily broken.

I have also learned that teenage years can be the best of times. It does not have to be a rebellious stage. We have enjoyed our children at every period of life. I am not saying that we have enjoyed every moment. Parenting has been the hardest yet most rewarding journey I have ever traveled. Yet, there is a state of completion when your children move from the parent/child relationship into a friend relationship. Having young adults that respect and love their parents is an inexplicable joy.

“Treasured Moments”

In closing let me add, if I could do one thing over, it would be to relax and take pleasure in each moment. Truly, I would love to go back in time for just one afternoon. Instead of focusing “to get it all done,” I would take the afternoon and just play with my children…a game, a walk, even to just sit with my little one and hold him tight. The moments pass quickly and each day is to be treasured.

Today is a special treasure as well. My children are living proof that an ordinary, inadequate mom can teach her children. Our oldest child graduated from Liberty University [this May] with a psychology major. Our oldest son has completed his first year at college. I still have two eager boys learning at home. I never dreamed it possible 17 years ago. I only mention this as encouragement to you. By God’s grace, it can be done and it can be done well. Don’t quit in this journey my sweet sister. From one home school mom to another, it is worth it. Your efforts will pay off. Your little ones will grow up and thrive in this world. And you may discover that your children are not the only ones being “schooled” in your home.

Thanks again, Becky for your real life observations!

Sisters, come back next week! School is O-U-T for the summer, so I KNOW you need some good ideas to help "entertain the kiddos" ;-)

Blessings,
Ashlie

Women of the Roof: Live online broadcast today!

Be sure to tune in at 11 am EST today to Grace Cafe for a live interview with on of our guest posters, Melanie, and Wednesday in the Word's Glenda. It's an interesting topic from which we can all benefit! There will be a live chat so you can ask any questions or give any feedback as the program is rolling. See you there!

Listen to internet radio with CWA Radio on Blog Talk Radio

Melanie Dorsey and Glenda Parrish have both suffered the the loss of a child. They both were surprised by the added grief brought on by the responses of others regarding their loss and grief process.

It takes a courageous person to figure out how to "be" around a friend who has suffered such a loss as loss of a child. Come join us. Learn to "be" that person.

Train Up Tuesday: Encouragement from a Pro for When Homeschooling Gets Tough

Last week, I introduced you to Becky Seamon, a homeschooling mom of 4 who has been doing it for 17 years! She has more encouragement for you today! Please enjoy:

What I Have Learned from 17 Years of Homeschooling Part 2

“When It Got Tough”

I must admit, I was passionate my first several years of homeschooling. There was a stimulation of learning within my oldest two that was exciting. We rose to the occasion. But I would be less than honest, if I did not tell you that as more children came along, different grade levels needed to be taught with a toddler pulling on me, and a baby crying, I began to watch the “air of excitement” seep out of our learning adventures. Just to get through the day, I needed fifteen hands and patience of mother Teresa and I had neither. I can remember moments when I would throw my arms in the air and threaten to enroll my children in the public school and daycare by noon that very day. I felt I was “ruining” our children. I was weak. I was tired. I was drained. I wanted to turn in my resignation.

I sat at my sticky kitchen table and told the Lord I could not do this any longer. As I told Him “I quit,” He whispered gently, “Though you are weak, I am strong.” I poured my questions, fears, and uneasiness into prayers. I was reminded, “He who began a good work in me would complete it.” I began to intentionally seek Him. I began to act on His guidance. I started praying through virtually every aspect of homeschooling. I saw direction as I prayed. I realized I must seek understanding from the One who knows the beginning and the end. This new depth in my prayer life became an on-going habit through the following years of teaching my children. I have prayed over curriculum, teaching methods, clarification in specific topics and even laid hands on my computer asking God for mercy to operate modern day equipment…Honest. He has given the direction needed in each step of the journey. He has placed others in my path that could answer my questions. He has provided co-op classes to teach the High School subjects I felt inadequate to present. He provided friends to care for my children on days I felt overwhelmed. He has proven that He is able, when I am not. He taught me that He gives wisdom and strength when I ask Him. James 1:5 states, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without fault, and it will be given to him.” It has been a journey of not only re-learning from textbooks as I train my children, but gaining wisdom from my Lord as I seek Him.

Come back next week for part 3! In the meantime, you can check out Becky's blog, too!

Blessings,
Ashlie

Train Up Tuesday: Encouragement from a "Pro"

I hope you all had a lovely Mother's Day. I love learning from moms of all backgrounds. And I love the path God has me on with homeschooling and the encouragement I've been receiving. One lady in particular is an inspiration to me. Becky Seamon is not only the wife of our church's associate pastor, but also an encouragement to women in so many areas of life.

Recently, I posted a series of "homeschool" themed articles. I know that my limited "first year" perspective may seem skewed, so I wanted to bring you thoughts through a different view, another lens...someone who has been doing it well, for a while. Hope you enjoy!

What I Have Learned from Seventeen Years of Homeschooling

“Beginning Steps”

I remember very clearly twenty-two years ago when my husband walked through the doors of our little apartment from a full day of attending classes at Mid-America Seminary and handed me a stack of papers. He then stated, “We had a guest speaker visit our school today. He spoke on homeschooling. I brought you some information. I think we should consider this.” I sharply replied, “I will never home-school our children. Homeschoolers are weird,” as I shoved the papers across the coffee table in his direction. Because my husband is a wise man he simply responded with, “Well, just pray about it.” I thought to myself, you pray about it, I don’t need to.

He must have prayed pretty hard for when it came time to enroll our daughter in Kindergarten there was uneasiness in my spirit. I had an educational background and decided I could at least handle Kindergarten. Then we would reevaluate. That year I did the research…I learned that academically home educated students scored off the charts on their standardize test. I observed that with the individualized instruction a child receives through homeschooling, lessons can be customized to the learning style of the child. I found hundreds of curriculum designed for home educators. I witnessed an over whelming amount of children who had a love for learning and knew how to think for themselves. They could research answers and apply knowledge. But what convinced me the most was the living testimony of the families I “ran into” that year. The children were well behaved with an amazing respect towards adults. Most had a love for the Lord and lived their convictions. Contrary to my former assumption, they were not lacking social skills but could relate to others of all ages. They were not home bound but busy in the community with projects, clubs, co-op groups, fieldtrips, church events and sports. Their homes were crazy with activity yet homes filled with peace. Needless to say, I was hooked. That first step has turned into many small steps; steps that turned into a journey of seventeen years….a journey of one math problem at a time, one science project at a time, one day at a time.
Yet, a path that created curiosity within the minds one little girl and three rambunctious boys as they observed…

• Quail hatching under an incubator in my living room
• A hamster loose in my house for days…did I mention that it was loose for days???!!!
• Finger paint on my chairs
• Chicken bones soaking in vinegar
• A cow tongue on the kitchen counter
• Seeds planted in plastic cups sitting on the window sill
• Eyeballs for dissecting
• Bird houses constructed
• Stacks of textbooks on my kitchen table
• Laptops humming
• A science experiment that went wrong and caught on fire
• Book reading on the front porch swing

Has it been easy? No. Has it been rewarding for my family? Absolutely. Would I do it over? Without a doubt. Was my husband right on this? I plea the fifth. :)


Come back next week for more inspiration from this sweet woman of God. To learn more about Becky Seamon, PLEASE check out her wonderful blog: "high heels at His feet"!

Much love,
Ashlie