Train Up Tuesday: Increased Faith

During our recent 2 months of chaos, we had lots of time home...which meant lots of time making due with what was in the cupboards to keep from going to the grocery store. We had plenty, but there are always those items you have to constantly replenish with 3 little boys. Top of the list? MILK!

I know you've heard the stories of the "saints" who needed food or supplies that were miraculously delivered in their times of real need...needs for themselves, orphans, or others. This particular "need" didn't rank up there with those. However, there we were, stuck with just a little milk (enough for one of them), food that "only tastes good when you are having milk with it" as a snack before bed, and the knowledge that there would not be milk for breakfast unless Nana arrived in time the next morning (she alone knew about our "need" and was bringing some by the next morning before church; my husband was out of town and could not fetch said milk or watch little sickly ones so that I could).

So...my boys and I did the only thing we knew to do. We prayed. They knew God hears prayers and answers them. I (though skeptical, honestly), thought this would be a great opportunity to see their faith increased....especially if milk "fell from the sky"! I mean, mine would have been increased, too! Those little voices asking God for something simple as milk, which, again, wasn't an urgent need, were so precious, honest, and sincere. We would have made it fine without the milk. But this need to pray was most important.

Fast forward about 20 minutes later. We await my saintly, very-pregnant-at-the-time sister who was dropping off homemade doughnuts her husband made. We were expecting her to come, but I was in no way going to ask her to stop for milk! She had 2 babies already of her own and things she needed to do.

Her car pulls in. I open the door to see her carrying the doughnuts and lugging a grocery bag obviously full of something heavy, and immediately I know what it is. I call for the boys to come to the door. They are all smiling and celebrating, "Praise the Lord! God gave us milk! God told Aunt Paige!"

He did indeed. My sis "happened" to talk to my mom before arriving at our house and my mom mentioned that we needed milk. You can call it "coincidence"...but God's timing is amazing. My boys told this story to EVERYONE for days! ....and they started praying for EVERYTHING that they saw we "needed" in the following days.

Faith increased? Check! Now to explain the difference between "need" (milk) and wants ("Oreos").

How has your faith been increased lately?

-Ashlie

Train Up Tuesday: Recipients of Encouragement

Are you one of those people that enjoy doing just about anything for someone else...but you almost cringe at the thought of someone having to help you out? Maybe you think you can handle it or you honestly don't want to burden anyone. Maybe it's that you think someone else could better use the offered help or encouragement.

Can I tell you that it might be pride that keeps you from allowing others to step in? How dare I say it? Oh, because I remember coming to that realization several years ago. And by "coming to", I really mean, having it pointed out. Yeah, it was by my immediate supervisor at a previous job. I was talking about my aggravation at having done something mindlessly stupid (locking my keys in a car hours away from home...and trust me, it wasn't a simple remedy like getting a locksmith...it was in a remote area...it involved being driven home

late at night and having to make arrangements to go back to pick up the car the next day). I mentioned that I wouldn't have minded being the one helping someone in a fix, but I loathed being the one that needed the help IN the fix. Quite gently, my boss pointed out that sometimes not wanting others to help us out is a sign of pride in our own life. Ouchie. He said he didn't mean that was the case in my situation...just a thought.

That could have blown right over...except that same day...literally...same day, I had opened an new book and guess the topic...pride in handling things ourselves. Ugh!

So, all that to say I've been in a process of allowing more people to "help" and to "encourage" me in all that is "life". It's still not easy. I mean we all have ways of doing things in

manners that we prefer. Sometimes we can get caught up in our own ways that we can shut out the offers of others.

But people want to help, right? They don't simple want to be the recipients of love, they want to give love, too. And they are blessed for doing so. We shouldn't rob them of their poten

tial blessings. Nor should we shortchange ourselves the beauty of seeing them as caring for us.

My sister (who was VERY pregnant and I think actually due the week she offered help) organized a week's worth of meals for my family last month, when we had been in the thick of much sickness and doctors/hospital visits. It wasn't necessary, I could have handled it. Others were surely in more need than us, but God knew that WE were in need of seeing our "neighbors" in the light of His love. Everything fromhomemade meals, pizza delivery (with pepperoni shaped into a heart), and a catered buffet of sorts from Panera (the nearest one is 25 minutes away from us!), and giftcards for meals showed up at our home throughout the week. The neatest thing was seeing my boys light up at the deliveries. We talked about the graciousness of the friends/family represented in each meal. It was God's love in action. They witnessed it as recipients so now they know what it feels like to be cared for by a "neighbor" in Christ. My hope is that they will remember this in the future when we are able to care for another.

(oven fresh lovin'!)

(you don't always need a dozen flowers to brighten your day...a dozen sandwiches can do the trick, too)

Throughout that week, I remember asking, "Is it possible to be overwhelmed but not surprised?" We were overwhelmed by the outpouring, but knowing the people who gave of themselves, we were not surprised, because they have often showed their love for Christ in their actions, words and attitudes.

I also was overwhelmed by words of encouragement. A Facebook message. A card. A phone call with my Mom or sister. Earnest prayers. Also that "one" phone call. In the middle of caring for 3 boys, my husband answered the phone. It was a friend from a few years ago. Not a super close friend that I hung out with. One I attended church with for a few years and got to know a little. Although she has a Facebook account, I think the last time she checked it was 3 years ago :) However, she called me. She said, "I don't really know why I'm calling. It may be nothing. But I've had you on my heart for about 3 weeks now. God keeps putting little things in my way that make me think of you. So, of course I prayed for you, but God told me to call you...and now finally I have." WOW! She had not seen any "status updates" and hasn't been in my "circle" for years, yet God spoke to her to pray for me. And she did. And she called to encourage me. THAT is amazing!

So, friend, see someone in need? You don't have to look far to be a help. Most of us want to do that.

Friend, are you in need? Have there been offers to help minister to your soul in some way? Don't shut it out. YES, it will encourage you and let you see them in the light of Christ...but you also afford them the opportunity to be blessed with the "feel goods" or validation that their encouragement to you was a God send.

Hope you allow yourself to be encouraged ;-)

Ashlie

Train Up Tuesday: What We're Up To

Hey gals, have any of you noticed our absence on Tuesdays lately? "Life" has been happening to me. I didn't just have ONE "month of Mondays", we were hit with craziness in February AND March! And from the sounds of it, it's been hitting a lot of my friends, family, andacquaintances. But more about that in a future post :)

For now, I'd just like to share a few things brewing in our home to help

us focus on "joy" and good stuff (I'm fond of Pollyanna's "glad game" concept...we'v

e certainly needed something like that around here lately). I found this cute idea on....wait for it....Pinterest and thought I'd introduce it to my family. It's a "warm fuzzies" jar. (Here is the original site that was pinned, which also has several REALLY great Resurrection week ideas!) I placed 100 pompoms (since we recently hit our 100th day of classwork) in the heart and when one family member notices someone else's kind deed or thoughtfulness within the family, the "doer" gets to put a "warm fuzzy" in the vase. Right now, that's all the motivation my little guys need to play the game....just getting to transfer the bright fuzzies. I guess you could have a "reward" for filling the other jar if you felt it necessary, but it is a bit nice to just find satisfaction in noting someone else's kindness, don'tcha think?

Also, I've really wanted to incorporate more celebration and awareness of Holy Week and Resurrection Sunday. It can be a new concept particularly to a Protestant who wasn't brought up much in the way of liturgy. Again, Pinterest was somewhat helpful, but some of my FAVORITE ideas have (once again) come

from Impress Your Kids. One of the posts has a collection of other readers' ideas. I really liked the Resurrection Garden. We made one together and it is quite lovely (even though I don't have a green thumb, I was thankful for being able to dig up grass and moss patches in our own yard....RESOURCEFUL!) ;-)

We are also mixing up our homeschool curriculum and focusing on the lessons that lead us through Holy Week (another reason I love "My Father's World). I'm adding some of the ideas from Impress Your Kids to make it a sensory experience with my boys.

Yesterday, we talked about "The Last Supper" and broke bread with my husband over Skype during his lunch break at work. My oldest (6 y.o.) read from his Bible Reader about the bread. It was lovely.

I hope to have a family foot washing on Maundy Thursday and then prepare our first Seder meal for Good Friday as we talk about Passover to really draw my boys into the story of that final week leading to the Resurrection. I find that recreating the scene really gets lodged into their little brains and hearts. (I saw it in action as we acted out the feeding of the 5000 recently...what fun they had trying to carry 12 "baskets"!) To find out more about a Seder Meal, check out Thriving Family.

Be sure to look back through posts from previous years to see what other Resurrection fun we've had here on the Roof! I know my oldest (AND my husband) looks forward to the Resurrection Rolls again this year!

He IS Risen!...we don't even have to wait until Sunday to celebrate!!!

Ashlie

Train Up Tuesday: THE Greatest Love of All

There has been so much to say about Ms. Whitney Houston's death. Much of it reflects sadness not only on how many of us presume she passed, but also over how she chose to live much of her life. She provided so many "anthems" that are considered the "gold standard" in music now. Unfortunately, between the lines of her songs and her life is clearly marked sadness and loneliness unsuccessfully veiled with false self-confidence. And even more unfortunately, these songs really are anthems for this generation.

Consider today "The Greatest Love of All", it speaks of how children today need to be taught well and led, how in her own search for a "hero", she found no one to meet her needs and found loneliness as a result. In attempt to take care of herself, she looked to herself to find that the "greatest love" is "learning to love yourself". Sadly, in the end, she learned that this was not enough after all.

Is this enough for our children? Looking to themselves for their safety, love, acceptance? There HAS to be more that we can teach them! Well, I have GREAT news, WE CAN teach them and show them a better way!

Do you know THE Greatest Love of all? Of course, I'm talking about Christ, primarily. But there is something more I want to share. If you are married, it is your marriage relationship. Read Ephesians 5:22-29 for full context, but read this quote by John Piper:

The main meaning of marriage is to display the covenant-keeping love between Christ and his church. In other words, marriage was designed by God most deeply, most importantly, to be a parable or a drama of the way Christ loves his church and the way the church loves and follows Christ. This is the most important thing for all husbands and wives to know about the meaning of their marriage.

"Marriage Is Meant for Making Children...Disciples of Jesus, Part 1." (Sermon delivered on June 10, 2007).

I came across this during our youth group's Sunday night gatherings. We are using a resource from "Children Desiring God."

Teaching our children to love, value, and respect the marriage covenant IS the way we can teach them and lead them in the greatest love of all and in leading others towards that. Are you valuing that relationship? Are you doing everything to protect it and honor it, to make it of primary importance to your family? Are you preserving it for your children's sake and the sake of the unchurched? I've mentioned it here before, that Titus 2 isn't there just so we can have happy homes for our own sakes, but so that God's Word isn't dishonored. Do we really believe that?

One of my awesome girls in my 10th-12th grade small group that I am humbled to lead brought up something quite profound. We were discussing Satan's lies and how he makes the "traditional" family look unnecessary or lacking. I asked them why they thought Satan fights so hard to tear down the traditional family and makes divorce look acceptable and desirable. One dear girl said (and I paraphrase poorly), that Satan hates the picture of Christ loving the Church for eternity despite their shortcomings. He seeks to destroy that testimony to the world so that the world won't believe that Christ could really love them that much.

Wow! This is one girl who IS being led properly in her home and is learning to have that Christian worldview. And she is right. Satan does want to fight tooth and nail to blind us and the world to God's love and perfect plan.

Let me leave you with a slightly more inspirational song that you may hear today, in light of the greatest love of all. The message isn't perfect, but if you can "redeem" the lyrics in light of Christ's love for the Church and our love for Him, maybe you'll think a little differently next time you hear "I Was Made to Love Her". Take it, Stevie:

Train Up Tuesday: I HEART Resourcefulness!

Okay, this really isn't a deep subject, but I love resourcefulness. Sometimes I get mistaken for someone who is creative, when in reality, I think it's just that I'm cheap....er, thrifty...and don't like throw too many things away that I think I could use for another purpose (don't worry, I'm not THAT bad!...you'll never see me on one of those hoarders shows). I prefer the word "resourceful" over cheap and thrifty, though.

Things that get me excited? Well, Pinterest (naturally). But also, I recently found myfridgefood.com. You can check off what you already have on hand in your pantry and fridge and voila! SEVERAL recipes for you to make based on your list! (Okay, so, if you don't have very much on hand, I suppose your list would be pretty short.) I made fried cheese...yeah, just shredded cheese fried in a pan. My kids loved it...why couldn't I think of THAT on my own?!

I also recently read an email sent to me on the hundreds of uses for coffee filters. And guess what? When I was making said fried cheese, I was out of paper towels....so....coffee filters fit the bill that day :)

So what's the point of this and how does it relate to kiddos? Train them to be resourceful! Yeah, I know that's simple and seems like common sense, but I think that today's kids have missed out on learning "street smarts" and resourcefulness. We have gadgets and gizmos for everything these days. Many kids are super busy with so many "things" and activities, and when they do have the rare moments of being bored, they aren't encouraged to be left to their imaginations.

We all know the best 5 toys of all time include a box, a stick, and a string. If you have to "give" something to your child to encourage imagination and resourcefulness, start with those basics. When your child asks for something she doesn't have, suggest an alternative in using something she already owns. Make a game of coming up with as many different ideas or uses for one toy, tool, or gadget. Pretend you are an alien from another planet and trying to figure out what the gadget is. Look for open-ended toys to encourage play.


It's in boredom and in times of "want" that creativity and resourcefulness really blossom! Think of the great inventions and stories that come from these times! Don't sell your child short by not allowing him to use the gift of time and the things around him and in his head to do or make something spectacular (in his or her own world).

Train Up Tuesday: My 3 Sons

Chris Kale Photography

I love being a mom, for so many reasons (although from recent posts you've learned what an exhausting job it can be!). One of the things I love about relationships that God allows us to experience (friendships, marriage, parenthood) is how it can cause us to wonder about God's relationship with us.

Recently, now that I have 3 boys with 3 personalities and various needs, I've been praying (quite earnestly) about making sure that God makes up the difference in the attention and time that I give to each child. I love them all so much, but sometimes I fear that one may lack in the attention he needs from momma.

My oldest child is in his second year of homeschool. That means he gets lots of attention from me (thought not always my completely undivided attention). He thrives on learning and doing new things.

My youngest child is a newly walking toddler, into everything, exploring everything, and still needing mommy for lots of things (especially attention). I love the "newness" of this relationship and discovering his personality.

Then, there is my precious middle son, and if you have a "middle" you know what I mean. He sometimes will observe classtime lessons and do the activities to the best of his ability, but usually he wants to get into something other than what is on task. :) He often gets "into trouble", "on my nerves" (asking for things that I can't do at that moment), or like at this VERY moment he is under my arm shaking my hand as I type making an otherwise easy task quite difficult. But....I love him for it. And I know he probably lacks in getting the most attention. So, I have to be purposeful in taking him with me on errands (alone), letting him help me in the kitchen (though it takes at least twice as long), and just holding his hand while walking through the house to let him know I know he is there, and I am there for him.

I wonder if God lets us see this as parents to maybe let us catch a glimpse of Him. We all are in different parts of our walk with Him. Are we deep in His Word, learning about Him, walking with Him and thriving in that each day? Are we new in Christ and relishing in all that the newness brings? Or maybe we feel like we are missing out on something (whether or not it is of our on doing). Yes, sometimes the nearness we feel to Christ is a result of correction, but sometimes it can be His presence as we seemingly struggle in finding where we "fit" with Him and His family.

Regardless of where we are "in THE family", it is so reassuring to know that God wants to draw near to us and will use any means necessary to bring us to that point. Yes, He indeed draws near to those who draw near to Him.

My sweet middle son is indeed striving to draw near to mom, and though I may not be able to give him the same attention as his brothers, I desire to be near him, too. And, though through different methods, I do just that.

If you feel yourself as a mom, struggling to keep balance with your babies and their needs for your attention, pray to the Father to help you make up the difference and that HE would make up the difference in their lives as well.

And take time to thank Christ for wherever you are in your relationship with Him. Seek to draw near to Him and thank Him for how He expresses His love towards you, even though it may not look just like the way He is expressing it to someone else. "Oh, how He loves us!"

Blessings,

Ashlie

Train Up Tuesday: The Conspiracy

If you are an ardent Advent lover, you've probably already heard of the Advent Conspiracy. It's for those of you who want more from Christmas...and by "more" I DON'T mean more gifts :) Check out this video for a brief overview:

When I was first introduced to AC a couple of years ago, it was instrumental in impacting my family's traditions. It has lead us to spend less on each other, make more gifts, get creative, and give more towards missions (local and internationally) and towards those around us in need of help or encouragement. The last few years have been exceptionally wonderful for us. I can't remember much that I've received in way of packaged gifts, but what we've received as a family in contentment, joy, quality and quantity time cannot be matched.

I hope that the recent weeks' posts have encouraged your gift making and giving, but more than that, I hope this week's post drives you to do more by doing less in some areas.

Merry Christmas & join the Conspiracy!

Ashlie

Train Up Tuesday: Random Acts of Kindness and Homemade Gift #2

Did you know that November 7th is the beginning of "Random Acts of Kindness" week? You may remember a link to some great RAoK ideas a few weeks ago. Well, I searched on "Pinterest" for some more ideas (unrelated to blogging about it here) and was pleasantly surprised with THIS RAoK Advent idea (Random Acts of Christmas Kindness)! What a GREAT way to "redeem the time" and make the focus of Advent what it was truly intended to be!

I also like the timing of the "RAoK Week" because it leads up to "Veterans Day." Wouldn't it be lovely to take some time THIS week to do some "random acts" for a Veteran you know? Or perhaps you don't personally know a Veteran. Maybe you could keep your eyes peeled when you are in public for some men and women wearing flag pins or hats. You could secretly pay for their meal or coffee and perhaps leave a note of encouragement and thanks to them. Maybe you could do something for the family of a Veteran (those spouses and children have made much sacrifice, as well).

Although (I think) Veterans should often receive "special treatment", I doubt it is as commonplace as it once was. Your children may ask why you are doing it; perhaps the receiver asks as well. Make sure that your children and the Veterans know that it is more than mere appreciation, but that you are a "servant of Christ" and it is your delight to serve or encourage others so that they may see Christ.

What a GREAT opportunity that RAoK Week and Veterans Day affords us this week! Check out randomactsofkindness.org for more ideas!

Homemade Gift (2)
This next gift is so much fun! It's a dress up trunk! Almost every little boy or girl I know would love such a gift. Last year, I collected clothes and costumes for my niece at half price sales at thrift stores and by rummaging through my own unused collection of purses, bags, accessories and jewelry. With the Halloween season behind us, you may be able to score some great steals on costumes. Your imagination is the only limitation! Find either an old suitcase or a rubber storage container. I LOVED seeing my niece's expressions as she discovered all the treasures inside.

Another play on this idea is to make "when I grow up" kits. Maybe you collect things for an original doctor's kit (bandages, cute cold compresses), housewife's cleaning box (empty squirt bottles, aprons, cute rags), or even something imaginative like a "knight's chest" or a "space explorer's backpack". This year, I'm working on a Caboodle's box (does ANYONE remember those?!) filled with real curling and flat irons (with electrical cords removed), hair clips, hair embellishments (maybe I'll find some feathers), and fake make up. I found great inspiration for fake make up that doesn't involve the mess of the play make up. Be sure to check it out on Chasing Cheerios!

Hope this inspires your Advent Season AND your week (You don't have to save RACK for Christmas; make it Random Acts of CHRISTIAN Kindness any day!...Thanks to my friend, Kathy for that one) ;-)

Train Up Tuesday: A Servant's Heart

There is a "theme" that keeps repeating itself around me...in my reading, talks and discussions, and even suggested blogs I receive from friends. It's that of "servanthood".

There is SO much I could write regarding how God is shaping our family in this way. It would take several posts (will this be a part 1 of several? We'll see?). Let's step our toes into the water first. :)

I clearly remember being taught to have a "servant's heart" as a kid in school. I can still remember the tune and most of the words to a song we were all taught (I wish there was a version of kids singing it, because that's how I "hear" it, but this should give you a good idea):



I want to be a servant for Christ and others. I want my boys to become those "servant leaders" I admire. In today's culture, though, opportunities for that are rare and not enticing. I mean, even in the church world, we want to proclaim our efforts and receive accolades (or feel that we have to give them to those who do serve....many who want to do so quietly and NOT receive earthly recognition). How in the world do we train children in a world that loves platforms and fame? I'm finding that it isn't easy, but we CAN be intentional in our efforts. Why a servant's heart? As an opportunity to share the gospel of The ultimate Servant-Leader...not just to be a "pushover or a loser" (thanks, Tim Hawkins):



Let me whet your appetite with a few things that have lit my family's fire. :) First, you can read more about how my family has been challenged and how we are starting (we fondly call it the "garbage game") in my husband's post. Check out this blog that will no doubt give you great ideas for random acts of kindness (a launchpad for serving others).

How are you teaching your children or teens to have a "servant's heart"? What does that look like in day-to-day life and how do you apply it? I'm not asking just to get you thinking....I really want to know your ideas so I can share them and maybe even incorporate them into my own home. :)

Much love,
Ashlie

Train Up Tuesday: Sweeter Than Honey

"Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bone."
Proverbs 16:24

This is the verse my family is learning this week (thanks to "My Father's World" curriculum). My oldest son remembers this principal (that of kind words being like jewels) from some studies last year. We came across an old fairytale at the library called "Toads and Diamonds" (read it here). It left quite an image in my son's mind. He often will say to me, "Momma, your words are so nice. It's like jewels are falling out of your mouth!" (That may only make sense to you if you read the previously mentioned fairytale.) :)

This week, as we are memorizing this verse and studying ways to apply it, we used this illustration: place one spoonful of honey and one spoonful of garbage in front of your child. Ask which one he/she would rather have. Even if your kid doesn't like honey, I doubt they would ever consider the garbage! I really didn't even want to serve the garbage - dig for it, put it in a bowl and place it on our table. We should take that same consideration with the words we decide to serve to others.

Upon further meditation on this verse, we talked about where we could get inspiration for these "pleasant words". We realized that the best words can be found in God's Word. We can pray for others, pray for what to say (or not say), say "I love you" or "God loves you". We also talked about the "healing" benefits of honey (hey, I was curious why the Bible says the words are like honeycomb). You should look that up, you might be surprised at all that honey can do for you! Our words can be a healing salve, an antiseptic, a soother for someone's soul (all things that honey can be for the body).

Your family might have a "hive" full of honey that a hurting world, neighbor, or family needs access to. Or maybe your own little family needs those "pleasant words" put into practice inside the home. Either way, take a little time today to get some honey from The Word so that you can have kind words to share with others.

Much love,
Ashlie

Train Up Tuesday: Ten

No doubt you've read many a post related to September 11 already. The encouraging thing is that it shows we don't have short memories about everything (I've heard it said that Americans tend to have short memories regarding many things, especially politically), though this is probably a memory that we all wish we didn't have to have.

Unfortunately, as Christians, we too can have short memories about some great things. We may "forget" because the pain of the past still hurts far more than what we feel it's worth recalling. Or we often tend to "forget" the good things and only dwell on the negative. I'm challenging you today to make an effort to make all those things a marker of sorts in your life, for the benefit of pointing others to Christ.

September 2001 has some powerful markers for me. Of course, I am forever impacted by September 11th, but there are a couple of days leading up to that that have profoundly influenced my life as well. The first is the salvation of a gal who was (and still is) my hairstylist. God had given me and other Christians opportunities to be a witness to her while getting our haircuts and color jobs. She was certainly seeking, that was obvious to us. But we were all anxiously anticipating the day she would see her need for Christ and make Him her choice. And then, it happened, and oddly enough, it happened about 2 weeks BEFORE September 11th.

I remember talking to her shortly after that date. She said she knew if the Spirit had not led her to Christ before then, September 11th may have made her heart more hardened and she would not have had His peace on that day. Ten years later....she is a most amazing woman of God and witness for Christ, still doing hair and encouraging those she comes into contact with. On a personal note, she is one of my best friends, and even better....she is my sister-in-law. I will ALWAYS remember September 2001.

The second story is related to the day BEFORE September 11th. That was a very hard day for me. It was the realization that things weren't as perfect in my marriage as I thought. It wasn't for the sake of something hugely immoral, but it was the realization of the track of debt that we were on, mostly due to medical bills related to our first year of marriage (when my husband was diagnosed with cancer). It was sobering and a revelation for us that we had to dramatically change our course of action.

Debt isn't its only problem in itself. The managing of it, or the poor attempts can bring up issues of trust and doubt in marriage in general, even if they are unsubstantiated. I recall that night quite vividly. How in this world would we make it through it?! But God is so faithful. It was the beginning of a "healing" per se and the birth of something so beautiful in my marriage....total trust and openness and finding true contentment with what we did have. Ten years later...we have such joy. Yes, we have very little debt, which is great in itself, but more than that, we do have that contentment. Our house maybe be small and our family is ever growing, but our children are learning to feed their hearts and souls with more than material possessions or even the desires for them. I will NEVER FORGET September 2011.

Coincidentally, for a class my husband is taking he recently had to write out a one page salvation testimony and a one page recovery testimony (the latter being something "fresher" that God has brought you through since salvation). I encourage you to go back and look at some things that have happened in your life and the lives of those close to you. Recall them and actually talk about them, especially with your children. As huge as September 11th was for all of us, if we don't continue to remember it, eventually there will be a generation for which it has no meaning. Similarly, if we don't take time to revisit salvation of friends and relatives as well as "recovery testimonies" our children will fail to see the spiritual struggles that we've faced and that God has been faithful to bring us through.

My hopes for the future of "Patriot Day" in our family is to take time to recall September 11th AND the days leading up to it.

NEVER FORGET,
Ashlie

Train Up Tuesday: A Rainbow of Fun!

Do any of you use Snapfish? I'm FINALLY making some photobooks of pics I've had stored for a couple of years! I've used Walgreens and Shutterfly and have been pleased. I don't think I've used Snapfish, but I'm on their emailing list. They have a neato promo going this summer. You can enter photos based on a color of the week theme for 7 weeks. If you participate, you get a FREE 5x7 photobook! What a fun project! There are more details and more prizes to win!


Wouldn't this be a fun way to make a "color book" for your kiddos or a young friend? It could be a book to introduce colors to your child. Or maybe in talking about colors, you could also use this as an entry to talk about the gospel. (Remember those witness bead bracelets using the cord and 5 different color beads?...think along those lines)

Also, does anyone other than me remember "The Crayon Box Song"? I LOVED this song as a kid!



I love simple things, like rainbow books, bracelets, or songs that give me an image to remember basic biblical concepts. What are some favorite songs or crafts that you use around your house to instill and remember the basics?

-Ashlie

Train Up Tuesday: Celebrate the Flag!

Has today just passed you by? I mean, did you wake up thinking..."just another Tuesday"? Did you know it is "Flag Day"? Does it matter? I have a love/hate relationship with the spring/summer holidays from Memorial Day through Veterans Day (with D-Day, Flag Day, 4th of July) all of it wrapped up in these nice, beautiful seasons. On the one hand, you have a great 5 months to celebrate the greatness of patriotism. On the other, you have a lot of people (including myself) who see it all get jumbled up into "one" idea of celebration. Each of these holidays mark very specific points for our country - honoring the fallen brave servicemen and women, remembering specific attacks, the "adoption" of our flag, our country's "birthday" of freedom, honoring those who have served. It is a beautiful time indeed, but it is so easy to gloss over all of it and not take time to make each of these days special.

In the past, I've not really made a big deal over "flag" day. I'd like to change that. Last year, we visited my Dad's grave on Memorial Day weekend (he was a Marine and actually passed around that time many years ago) and went to our first 4th of July parade . I've not found a lot on "Flag Day" in the way of crafts, but perhaps these links will get you started:

Enchanted Learning has quite a few great printables to help you.

Apples 4 Teacher has SEVERAL links to help you talk about Flag Day and to make things for celebrating.

I think this would be a fun flag to make... "Let freedom ring"


...but I don't know my boys would be able to do much in helping me with it. So, our craft will probably be basic and made from whatever craft bits I have on hand.

Maybe, if your family enjoys exploring "The Flag", you could talk about making your own family flag, filled with symbols that mean something to you, your interests and your values! I'd like to do that at some point with my family. Perhaps revisiting the idea every few years to see if anything changes.

Hope it's more than just another Tuesday for you!
Ashlie

Train Up Tuesday: "My Father's World" (part 3 of Homeschooling series)

I've enjoyed encouraging you moms who are considering homeschooling your children. If you're new to the "series", be sure to go back and check the last 2 weeks of posts. ;-)

This week, I just want to share with you the curriculum that God brought into our lives. We found ourselves gravitating towards the Charlotte Mason approach to learning (see last week's post to find out where you can learn more about different approaches). I needed something already well prepared for me; we wanted something that incorporated real "living" books (not just textbooks); we wanted something that focused on nature and God's world and involved hands-on learning. Those were just a few things we had in mind for our family. Through a mention in Cathy Duffy's book and the referral of some other great ladies, we found "My Father's World" (or rather the curriculum found us).

acting out a favorite chapter from a "real" book

Though we're not quite finished with the K-5 curriculum, I'm already excited about next year (first grade). This year has been all about exploring God's creation as we work through the alphabet together. Each week has it's own theme. For example, "S-s-Sun" for a week, but also a deeper spiritual lesson ("Christ is the Light of the world"). From there, science, math, art, reading all stem from the basic unit of studying the week's theme.

making "creatures" for our "Creation week" study

It is easily laid out, and easy to follow. The week's units are complete and full of great ideas on it's own. However, you can always add or switch up activities based on your child's interest. In fact, there are forums on the site for each lesson with parents offering ideas (activities and books to read) based on their own teaching experiences.

having fun with a HUGE magnifying glass

Not only have my boys enjoyed their "classtime" and other learning times exploring God's world, but "My Father's World" has helped my husband and I gain a fresh perspective on life, not just letting it "happen" or pass by without thoughtful reflection even on the simple things. It really has been a breath of fresh air for my family.



I hope that whatever curriculum you choose for your family, the learning brings you all closer to Christ and reflecting on His wonder. After all, isn't that what we all are supposed to be learning?

studying rocks and volcanoes

Next week, encouragement for moms considering homeschooling....or considering pulling out of it. ;-)

Much love,
Ashlie

Train Up Tuesday: Reaping Care

I sometimes wonder if my boys will step in when Social Security is nonexistent (most likely our lifetimes, right?). That's part of what I hope I am sowing into by being at home with my boys - caring for them, teaching and training them to love others as Christ loves us, and looking out for each other.

I love being there for them when they have a boo-boo (and let's face it...we've only JUST begun with boo-boos - 3 boys and only one that's hit the 5 year old mark). I don't make a huge ordeal over each one, but I let them know that mommy cares about each little bump and bruise.

I was delighted in the last week to see myself "reaping" already some of what I hope my boys are learning. I was making breakfast for the boys and just barely burned a knuckle of one of my fingers. No big deal and I didn't make much of a yelp at all. However, my middle son noticed :) He looked it over carefully and immediately ran to the bathroom to get me some "cream" and what he knew was the LAST Toy Story band-aid (that's a big deal, ya know). The best part though was, of course, the kiss to top it all off.


Also, last week (unrelated) my oldest told me that when I "get wrinkles like a grandma" he'll "still think I'm pretty."

So, when I'm old, wrinkly, and need care from others, I'm thankful to know that my body and spirit will be in good hands - those of my boys, my husband, and God.

Have a great week!
-Ashlie

Train Up Tuesday: More Than Tolerant Part 2

Last week we talked about "tolerance" and our hopes that our children will see that we truly LOVE them because they are a joy and a blessing. That is the first step in teaching them to be beyond tolerant.

We can also be proactive and intentional in providing opportunities to share God's love....and that He isn't merely a "tolerant" god but, rather, the God of Love. Maybe it looks like this in a child...helping open doors for strangers or carrying groceries for that mom in the parking lot who has her hands full, making cards for shut-ins, raking a neighbors yard or helping to weed. It's teaching them to be honest (like when you are given back too much money at the register), to engage those they come into contact with (yeah, there are times you SHOULD talk to strangers!...ask them how they are doing today; sometimes it opens the door for the gospel), smile at people, be a reflection of The Light.

Behind the "public eye", "being intentional" might be praying for people that it's "hard to love" and also those who the child feels needs extra prayers or working on their own character issues. Perhaps you have boys who need to work on their arrogance and boasting or rudeness (see 1 Corinthians 13:4, 5) or girls who need to learn to rejoice when others rejoice (instead of being envious?).

The point is to be proactive in this teaching. I think that failure to do so will make them like everyone else in society....merely tolerant.

What are some verses that come to your mind that we can teach our kids to "live out"? Do you have any suggestions for practical, daily applications of showing LOVE to friends, family, strangers?

Get that comment role going! ;-)

Much LOVE,
Ashlie

Train Up Tuesday: Think on THESE Things

Do you have a child with an "obsessive" personality trait? I do. It's my oldest (now 5). The positive side of it is that when he finds a subject of interest (like trains, cuckoo clocks, treehouses, or whatever we are studying in homeschool) he delves in and devours any information I can feed him.

The negative side of this trait? When he finds something he doesn't like - no, more like, is afraid of - he obsesses about it, too. We've dealt with fears of dogs, thunderstorms, and currently....skulls...as in the pirate skull and crossbones or even just an actual medical-display-type skeleton. Terrified. That's what he is.

Unfortunately, all these fears translate into bad dreams, thus waking us all up in the middle of the night. For about 2 weeks straight, we were waking up every night with him hollering or crying. I was at my wits end. (Have I mentioned we also have a 5 month old in our house?...so sleep is pretty precious these days.) We tried eliminating television, Leapster or Daddy's iPad games, and food an hour and a half before bedtime hoping this would all help. It really didn't do a whole lot on it's own.

So, then I just prayed more intently. I shared this with a beloved "Aunt". She teaches little ones in Sunday School. For Valentine's she made her class little heart-shaped pillows and told them they could hold onto it and remember that God cares about their hearts. She had a couple of them left and gave them to my oldest 2 boys. The first night they had them, I began telling my oldest that he didn't have to be afraid, but he needed to stop obsessing about things and think on good things.

We now quote Philippians 4:8 before bed time and think of at least 3 "good" things. We are learning that it's not just enough to get rid of "bad" thoughts. We have to replace them with "good" thoughts to bring us God's peace. This has also helped show self-control during the daytime when these worries pop up at home or out in public and try to build into emotional meltdowns.

In the last 3 or 4 weeks of doing this, we have had very few night time interruptions due to bad dreams. It's been a delight.

What has worked for you with your little one's fears? What verses or good habits bring them comfort?

Thinking on the "good" things and trying to conquer our fears,
Ashlie

Train Up Tuesday: Heart Awareness

You may already know that February is American Heart Awareness Month. I've caught news blurbs and such on the morning shows reminding us of signs of heart disease. It's very serious stuff.

I thought I would bring our attention to that "other" heart that we should be even more attentive to. In the last several months, I'm sure as a parent your heart has been broken as you've no doubt seen coverage of the perils and mistakes made by young starlets (like Lindsay Lohan and Miley Cyrus). Their stories open the door for conversations and media stories regarding the parental care (or lack thereof) and the advice these young people were given as they were growing up before the world. I imagine that at some point they were given that bit of "advice" that I always cringe to hear - "just follow your heart." It always sounds good and poetic but it always seems to lead to the wrong paths. Why is that?

Well, to get to the "heart" of the matter, Jeremiah 17:9 tells us that the "heart is deceitful above all things" and some versions go on to say it is "desperately wicked" or "sick" or "beyond cure" "who can know it?".

If the heart is deceitful, it will trick our minds and spirits into doing what isn't right or best for us and certainly not what brings glory to God. Only God can search out the heart, steer the heart and "establish the steps of a righteous man." (Psalm 37:23) It isn't simply a matter of maturity and being old enough to know what one should do.

How can we avoid just "following our heart" and giving better advice to our children? Get them grounded in God's Word and teach them to communicate regularly with the One who made them, who has a divine plan for them, who loves them unlike anyone else can, who wrote a "Love Letter" to them to guide them and sent a Comforter to lead them.

Teach them to "guard their heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life." (Psalm 4:23) And since it is the wellspring of life, we need to make sure it is filled with things that we can trust to make us more surefooted.

Parenting - it's a tough task and not for the faint of heart, but God can give us everything we need to give our children all they need to follow the heart of God rather than just following their own hearts.

Much love,
Ashlie

Train Up Tuesday: Valentines to the Forgotten

I've really enjoyed seeing the many posts about Valentines Day. We have some very creative and crafty ladies! I'm hoping to make a photo frame inspired by Hannah's vase. Be sure to scroll to "older posts" to see what all the ladies of the Roof have been up to lately!

Are you making or buying Valentine cards this year? I've seen some really cute ideas on marthastewart.com and on familyfun.com. It makes me wanna do them all! :) We are making valentines at our house. This year, we are using doilies, stickers, glitter...all that fun stuff. I wanted to do something "special" and meaningful to mark the day, too. James 1:27 kept coming to my mind and we take so much time to care for orphans during Christmas; I thought this would be a good time to reach out to widows. My own mother was a widow for a short period when my brother and I were small children, so these precious people (widows) are close to my heart. My mother-in-law works in a nursing home, so I thought that would be a PERFECT outlet for our cards. A chance to bring a smile and encourage them with God's love.

Have you gals come across the "VALENTINE" in John 3:16? I came across it several years ago and just love it. You basically just print out the verse, but letters are lined up so that you spell out VALENTINE (hidden in the verse). We decided to use this on the cards my boys and I made.


I just want to encourage you to spread a little of God's love during the special "love-day". I'm sure you are already good about doing that anyway, but perhaps in making or sending valentines you could also use it as an opportunity to send something to a "forgotten" one. Widows, soldiers, shut-ins. There is a great list of folks who would love the gesture, I'm sure! Share your ideas with us, please!

Xoxo,
Ashlie

Train Up Tuesday: Cuddlebugs

One of the things I love about having 3 boys is having 3 boys to cuddle with! :) One of the things that's hard about having 3 boys is making time to cuddle with each one. But, I think it's so important (not too mention, just plain precious!).

Cuddling gives special attention to each child. Each night before bed, I used to cuddle with my oldest as his little brother was being put to bed. Shortly before the birth of my third son, I saw the importance of letting the 2 older boys alternate cuddle nights with Mommy as their Daddy put the other to bed. When the newest baby boy arrived 3 months ago, it was hard at first, because that time always seemed to be needed for tending to him and his needs. We are back to our cuddle times now, thankfully, and the boys thrive in it (as do their Momma). They look forward to "their" night with me, and I get to squeeze and kiss them and tell them what I love about them.

Cuddling also helps soothe one who has been wronged and show love to one who has wronged. Sometimes when there has been a squabble (okay, a FIGHT!) between them, the one who has been wronged obviously needs attention (because they are usually the one crying first)....but the one who has wronged needs loving attention, too that speaks forgiveness and provides as close as an expression to unconditional love that we can give as parents.

One other thing I love about cuddling (and there are too many to post!) is the sense of trust that we establish with our little ones and the opportunities to teach that it provides. We all know that when they become preteens they begin to pull away a little, and by the time they are teenagers the mouths that we couldn't get to stop asking questions and talking to us about crazy things as little kids gets quiet and almost refuses to open up! I'm learning to use these quiet moments to verbally express my thoughts to each one, to talk to them about things they may not be ready to hear in the "heat of a moment" (i.e. when they are in trouble), and to hear their own thoughts about anything (as silly as it may be from a 2 and 5 year old).

I'm encouraged by the story of one mom that shared with my sis-in-law who is a hairstylist. They were talking about the struggles of getting little ones to sleep and this mom admitted that she would lay with her daughter each night until she fell asleep. When questioned and challenged by others about this being a potentially bad habit, this mother with emotion of any caring mother said that it was more than just getting her to sleep and having cuddle time with her. It was a time that the daughter felt that safety of being able to be herself and tell her mom ANYTHING. Fast forward about 20 years later, and when the daughter would come home from college for visits, she would lay on her old bed with her mom and tell her of her woes and hopes.

THAT is what I'm hoping for with my babies! They'll be teenagers and then adults soon enough and if I wait until then to get them talking and trusting, it will likely be too late!

One other thing I want to leave you with today that you can ponder over yourself is this: look closely at the paragraphs above and your relationship with your HEAVENLY Father. He is waiting for this time to "cuddle" with you, too ;-) It may even be when your head hits your pillow and you share your own woes, hopes, and gratitude with Him. As you cuddle with your babies, think about how you are mirroring a Spiritual love that you have with your Father and what you can begin teaching your children.

Taking time to cuddle,
Ashlie