tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35498383345478945592024-02-23T01:52:14.458-05:00Thankful BunchGiving Thanks in all circumstancesSarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03094507936285871865noreply@blogger.comBlogger316125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3549838334547894559.post-3573991052362708522015-07-07T18:28:00.002-04:002015-07-07T18:28:08.999-04:00Mama Loves (Looking Back)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdjJ9rB8_9nOvBd0k8q4mSu0Fo-He3hlRFi-jEf2vAMpewghysXLVU378TNA2x-IPY2ll8kI1ZA47ZkEj4S9VxV7Skwi4L139_oJ6JxcbY0IP-zgXMIxu8HLVcm8V0IJkCxufQDZOyoZ-a/s1600/DSC00428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdjJ9rB8_9nOvBd0k8q4mSu0Fo-He3hlRFi-jEf2vAMpewghysXLVU378TNA2x-IPY2ll8kI1ZA47ZkEj4S9VxV7Skwi4L139_oJ6JxcbY0IP-zgXMIxu8HLVcm8V0IJkCxufQDZOyoZ-a/s320/DSC00428.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was about one year ago. It goes so fast!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span id="BB_SIGN_BEGIN">Looking back at old blog posts ... (from 2012)</span><br />
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I love that Lila, at age 7, still wants me to sing to her at bedtime.<br />
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I love how Mara likes to tell me all the details of her days.<br />
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I love when Cody pats me and says "Mommy" in that reassuring way to himself and when he says, "Hugga," and squeezes me tight.<br />
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I love when Kyle says "Hugga" too - which he does.<br />
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I love squeals of delight over the simplest things like silly faces or noises, seeing construction vehicles, daddy coming home from work, saying goodnight to the moon, a favorite song or rhyme.<br />
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I love when Lila wants me to watch her dance routine.<br />
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I love the homemade & spontaneous notes of love from Lila.<br />
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I love the thoughtful help around the house from Mara when she sees I'm having a hard day.<br />
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I love that Kyle likes to tell all his plans and dreams for his life, and that he wants me to watch his new favorite tv show with him.<br />
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I love that the kids know my favorite songs and will call me in to listen to them when the songs are playing.<br />
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I love baby feet.<br />
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I love seeing who each one is growing to be - the special talents and gifts that God has given them. And how God put us together to grow us into who he made us to be.<br />
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I love how they gently encourage me in ways I need to grow.<br />
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I thank God every day for making me their mama!Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03094507936285871865noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3549838334547894559.post-63180265781276589462015-05-25T06:00:00.000-04:002015-05-25T06:00:01.924-04:00Ten Favorite Summer Reading (repost)1. <u> Thunder Cake</u> by Patricia Polacco (One of my favorite authors)<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0698115813/ref=as_li_tf_il?ie=UTF8&tag=thanbunc-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0698115813"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=0698115813&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=thanbunc-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thanbunc-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0698115813" height="1" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
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2. <u>Come on, Rain!</u> by Karen Hesse<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0590331256/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il?ie=UTF8&tag=thanbunc-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0590331256"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=0590331256&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=thanbunc-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thanbunc-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0590331256" height="1" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
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3. <u> The Summer Night</u> by Charlotte Zolotow - this is one of my favorite since I was a little girl, and I read it to my kids every summer. It's hard to find now.<br />
<img align="left" border="0" src="http://www.charlottezolotow.com/images/summer_night.jpg" height="200" hspace="6" width="158" /><br />
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4. <u>God's Quiet Things</u> by Nancy Sweetland<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0802851673/ref=as_li_tf_il?ie=UTF8&tag=thanbunc-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0802851673"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=0802851673&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=thanbunc-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thanbunc-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0802851673" height="1" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
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5. <u>Night Driving</u> by John Coy<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0805067086/ref=as_li_tf_il?ie=UTF8&tag=thanbunc-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0805067086"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=0805067086&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=thanbunc-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thanbunc-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0805067086" height="1" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
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6. <u>Oregon's Journey</u> by Rascal<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0816733066/ref=as_li_tf_il?ie=UTF8&tag=thanbunc-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0816733066"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=0816733066&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=thanbunc-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thanbunc-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0816733066" height="1" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
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7. Blueberries for Sal (and Make Way for Ducklings) by Robert McCloskey<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0040YHY8I/ref=as_li_tf_il?ie=UTF8&tag=thanbunc-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0040YHY8I"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=B0040YHY8I&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=thanbunc-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thanbunc-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0040YHY8I" height="1" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
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8. Fairy Houses by Tracy Kane<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0970810458/ref=as_li_tf_il?ie=UTF8&tag=thanbunc-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0970810458"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=0970810458&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=thanbunc-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thanbunc-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0970810458" height="1" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
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9. Hide and Seek Fog by Alvin Tresselt<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0688078133/ref=as_li_tf_il?ie=UTF8&tag=thanbunc-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0688078133"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=0688078133&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=thanbunc-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thanbunc-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0688078133" height="1" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
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10. Wind Says Goodnight by Katy Rydell<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0618085858/ref=as_li_tf_il?ie=UTF8&tag=thanbunc-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0618085858"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=0618085858&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=thanbunc-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thanbunc-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0618085858" height="1" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03094507936285871865noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3549838334547894559.post-21520993487361266722015-05-13T06:00:00.000-04:002015-05-26T15:18:47.814-04:00Trades of Hope in Haiti<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Picture" class="galleryImageBorder" src="http://www.tradesofhope.com/uploads/3/4/7/1/3471494/2077736.jpg?194" height="200" style="border-width: 0px; margin: 10px;" width="143" /></a></div>
In 2007, a woman named Shelley Clay went to Haiti to adopt a little girl. When she and her husband arrived, they discovered that the child’s parents were living and still wanted her, but they simply could not afford to care for her. She was a relinquished child. As Shelley investigated further, she found that every child in the orphanage was in the same situation – their parents were so desperate that t<span class="text_exposed_hide">...</span><span class="text_exposed_show">hey felt their only choice was to give their babies to an orphanage so they could have a chance.</span><br />
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Shelley and her family moved to Haiti and started a group called the Apparent Project. In 2007, she started with 4 women, teaching them to make jewelry and sell it so they could afford to keep their families intact. Shelley now has more than 200 employees. Trades of Hope was their first wholesale partner, and we continue to be a huge part of the change for Haitians and the crisis of relinquished children. All of the Haiti Signature products are made by this group, which is nicknamed the “Unorphanage.”<br />
The Haiti jewelry shown here is made of recycled cereal boxes! Half of the beads are clay, half are recycled cereal boxes made into beads.<br />
Watch this video from Shelley at the Apparent Project (two of our founders make an appearance at the end!): <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCctTpYedpw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCctTpYedpw</a> For more information or videos, see <a href="http://www.mytradesofhope.com/saragellerstedt">Sara's Trades of Hope</a></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DCctTpYedpw" width="560"></iframe><br />Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03094507936285871865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3549838334547894559.post-37087729204846152362015-05-12T10:16:00.001-04:002015-05-12T10:16:29.589-04:00Step into My Shoes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a class="navbar-brand logo-sims" href="http://stepintomyshoes.org/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://fw010326-21-flywheel.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/themes/ci-sims/assets/img/logo-sims.png" style="display: inline-block; height: 199px;" /></a></div>
Here's a fun summer idea ...<br />
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We are sponsors with <a href="http://stepintomyshoes.org/for-families/">Compassion</a>. So I love ways for my kids to feel more a part of what that means to be a sponsor and learn about children around the world. Compassion has a family toolkit that they are offering right now. It comes with a DVD about Pastor Tom and his family in Uganda, a map of Uganda, a journey guide, prayer shoelaces, and the <a href="https://www.compassion.com/free-magazine-subscription.htm?referer=139303">Compassion Explorer magazine</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://stepintomyshoes.org/for-families/">"</a><em><a href="http://stepintomyshoes.org/for-families/">Step Into My Shoes</a>™</em> delivers a peek into the daily life of Ugandan Pastor Tom, his wife Nancy and their 12 children, as they gather water, prepare food, find safety when they sleep, go to school, and enjoy time together."<br />
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Would you like to go on the journey too?Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03094507936285871865noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3549838334547894559.post-49363928117505295992015-05-09T07:00:00.000-04:002015-05-09T07:00:01.339-04:00Trades of Hope Countries<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbCxdl91aSHDA0mWRypJ_8bcxL2yyNACKqCDGi4dqRswt4wtY8HNEAbxYesY7BMSNYIVJ262rfa-JvZXX5BLkIm3aeZnd5KsGoDCb8wBbpPaQ5FTebgnMLJYggmpQk74m0-y0afwccVoQc/s1600/11174973_10205818532615910_4823188511552831185_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbCxdl91aSHDA0mWRypJ_8bcxL2yyNACKqCDGi4dqRswt4wtY8HNEAbxYesY7BMSNYIVJ262rfa-JvZXX5BLkIm3aeZnd5KsGoDCb8wBbpPaQ5FTebgnMLJYggmpQk74m0-y0afwccVoQc/s1600/11174973_10205818532615910_4823188511552831185_n.jpg" /></a></div>
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I am so excited to be working with<a href="http://www.mytradesofhope.com/home.aspx"> Trades of Hope</a> <a href="http://www.thankfulbunch.blogspot.com/2015/04/trades-of-hope.html">(as I shared before</a>). I believe empowering women and children around the world changes so many lives and brings so much hope! I thought I would share on my blog once a week some of the artisan stories from<a href="http://www.mytradesofhope.com/home.aspx"> Trades of Hope</a>. These stories can change our lives too. Stay tuned for the first story soon!Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03094507936285871865noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3549838334547894559.post-60853255040725204032015-05-08T16:51:00.004-04:002015-05-08T16:51:59.522-04:00Fasting: Habits of a Child's Heart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvFZVD77_EXO1SR9rMC9-sAFCz8xMJQmIdx-uETvQpQ90I2bAWjzZ9CvSVvVTusgBRxwzIieN-aWvO-UXW0kKAzywNwexqofSvJsfOlFSg9nA7ZiyF3-1fQHgbSTCDrmOoJcJ41MssRaJV/s1600/2015-05-08_14-48-22_626-743855.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6146605636498283746" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvFZVD77_EXO1SR9rMC9-sAFCz8xMJQmIdx-uETvQpQ90I2bAWjzZ9CvSVvVTusgBRxwzIieN-aWvO-UXW0kKAzywNwexqofSvJsfOlFSg9nA7ZiyF3-1fQHgbSTCDrmOoJcJ41MssRaJV/s320/2015-05-08_14-48-22_626-743855.jpg" /></a></div>
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Another habit: Fasting from <u><em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Habits-Childs-Heart-Disciplines-Experiencing/dp/1576834271"><span style="color: #336699;">Habits of a Child's Heart: Raising your kids with the Spiritual Disciplines</span></a></em></u> by Valerie Hess and Marti Watson Garlett.<br />
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I have fasted for brief times in my life. I have seen a peace in it and how it is a way to humble ourselves before God in worship. I would like to try to do this with more intention. Fasting is typically done by giving up food for a period of time. Of course we can fast in other ways. Fasting from Facebook is one that I see people doing today or maybe it's giving up caffeine. The interesting thing about fasting from food is that so many of us do use food as a replacement for something lacking in our lives or a way to deal with stress. By fasting from food (for a short period) - something that we do need (we don't need Facebook) we have to look to God when we would normally just eat. If we are stressed, instead of eating ice cream we can pray - a much better response to stress anyway. <br />
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Now I love tea, but I don't need tea. It is my little "sereni-tea" during the day among family chaos. I could fast from tea, and I have at times. But I also like the idea of having my cup of tea in a quiet time with my prayer journal. I usually pray and ask God if he is asking me to fast before I do.<br />
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Anyway, there were several ideas in this chapter of how to share this discipline with your children. <br />
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Maybe you can give up sweets or snacks for a day or two or more. I like the idea of putting some Bible verses in a cookie jar in your kitchen and when you are feeling like you need a little sweet treat, pull out a card from the cookie jar of Bible verses and see what sweet truth God may have for you.<br />
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I like the idea of fasting (if you can call it that) from complaining. Every time we feel like we want to complain we give it to God and replace it with a blessing.<br />
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Have you fasted with your family?Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03094507936285871865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3549838334547894559.post-71028718106777690992015-04-15T15:41:00.001-04:002015-04-15T15:41:07.073-04:00Wear One Share One (Mercy House)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF9kBMCHVhkDK1v3eCQq3DSyIebAQ5QrFwpSkPcl3DswR6TGHqUEka2M4oG7mVtV1rTDlgXy3T4IyrEWi873F-QVuVlavApxB93QwZbGZEh7VoFYWbE0hRAni4FHN0Uny6LMRtS5R7YY11/s1600/WearOneShareOne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF9kBMCHVhkDK1v3eCQq3DSyIebAQ5QrFwpSkPcl3DswR6TGHqUEka2M4oG7mVtV1rTDlgXy3T4IyrEWi873F-QVuVlavApxB93QwZbGZEh7VoFYWbE0hRAni4FHN0Uny6LMRtS5R7YY11/s1600/WearOneShareOne.jpg" height="320" width="220" /></a></div>
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This is a great family service project. I think we are going to make these as a family and sell them at our neighborhood garage sale along with a <a href="http://mercyhousekenya.org/">Mercy House</a> Bake Sale to raise. You get a kit to make a bracelet to wear and one to share to pray for the mothers and babies at <a href="http://mercyhousekenya.org/">Mercy House</a>.<br />
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What is Mercy House? <a href="http://mercyhousekenya.org/">Mercy House</a> "exists to raise funds to provide alternative options for pregnant girls living in the streets of Kenya. The Mercy House will aid them in education, nutrition, housing, prenatal care, Bible study, counseling and job skills for sustainable living." <br />
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Our family has been supporting Mercy House for years, and we just love to see all that God is doing there. We always like to join Him where we see Him working! You can learn more about Mercy House with the links above or at <a href="http://wearethatfamily.com/">We Are That Family</a>.<br />
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If you would like to order a kit to help support Mercy House, click <a href="http://shop.mercyhousekenya.org/product/love-mercy-prayer-bracelet-kits-for-families-groups">Wear One, Share One</a>.Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03094507936285871865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3549838334547894559.post-81614417416160217442015-04-14T00:11:00.001-04:002015-04-14T00:11:56.805-04:00Look what my minions made<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilH7CRAEllxqsLqJDlCQ2kBvnXWGNFrSD3xIGS0IFRqe_h4JxA7OPMxaWh5W6NEvoJtEY68uMmk3O81ZW2O8G8xnZaLjVMyUT5tkTa4vA_hSz_bNfpakjhmNL5TKaUe6C89YorUPOCHjQ-/s1600/2015-03-03_11-55-26_729.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilH7CRAEllxqsLqJDlCQ2kBvnXWGNFrSD3xIGS0IFRqe_h4JxA7OPMxaWh5W6NEvoJtEY68uMmk3O81ZW2O8G8xnZaLjVMyUT5tkTa4vA_hSz_bNfpakjhmNL5TKaUe6C89YorUPOCHjQ-/s1600/2015-03-03_11-55-26_729.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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So, we always seem to have toilet paper tubes. You too? Anyway, one day we needed a craft. Upon seeing the toilet paper tubes, I issued a challenge: What can you make with this? And this is what the littles came up with - Minions. I thought they turned out cute :).<br />
<br />Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03094507936285871865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3549838334547894559.post-3381195085235783822015-04-10T23:01:00.000-04:002015-04-10T23:01:52.700-04:00The Christian Caregiver<br />
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<a href="http://www.christiancaregiversupport.com/"><img alt="http://www.christiancaregiversupport.com/" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVCyw4NSAta0-OOzxGnYZgAI9l0Tx5ARZr2LiEYzkGPQMhQHHz6eEG05_ZAPTkSgumBmhDr8w7eih22yiMgHHWfp35vYyOk2dJakAz7t97FcDXoTgMvbNE6IecUTG7R3WXufneeg5wU-yR/s1600/1367698386.png" /></a></div>
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I'm sharing today about my dad's <a href="http://www.christiancaregiversupport.com/">Christian Caregiver</a> support site. My dad started this site after caring for my granny in her last years. The site is filled with devotions, resources, devotional blogs, etc.. The site includes suggestions on how to start a local support group. These resources are applicable to caring for aging parents, sometimes even for adoptive families caring for their children from hard places, for spouses caring for ill or disabled spouses, for those who may be caring for siblings or whoever God has placed in your life. </div>
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Caregivers need each other and support to be strong and faithful to those they care for. God is strong and faithful to us as we are caring for our loved ones, and He uses others in our lives to carry us along. Sometimes it is even just a book of devotions that keep our eyes on Him. Sometimes it is connections with others on the same or similar road that we are on.</div>
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I love that God used my dad's caring for my granny to bless others. I saw how God blessed him and carried him through that journey that at times seemed overwhelming. It was a holy time. A time of weakness when he needed to lean on God and was able to see and know Him in new ways.</div>
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I see little bits of that just in my parenting of my children on the hard days. Thanks be to God. He loves us and our loved ones SO very much.</div>
Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03094507936285871865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3549838334547894559.post-5804427375291053112015-04-08T20:01:00.000-04:002015-04-08T20:08:27.352-04:00Trades of Hope<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGChXWcSO-QAkztLRDGelH88EM-ttMz_cV5nU7plSO8pFapd-p6dBf-WIRiVV4blGxlbFzgxVsRdotdyT-a36jgpcE6NgdJtASQ6Z4PZxs1eXoFHLO4j7n-V63Rss6kOt4rhF_zHUeXE0A/s1600/8670656_orig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGChXWcSO-QAkztLRDGelH88EM-ttMz_cV5nU7plSO8pFapd-p6dBf-WIRiVV4blGxlbFzgxVsRdotdyT-a36jgpcE6NgdJtASQ6Z4PZxs1eXoFHLO4j7n-V63Rss6kOt4rhF_zHUeXE0A/s1600/8670656_orig.png" height="118" width="320" /></a></div>
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I am so excited to be an Independent Compassionate Entrepreneur with <a href="http://www.mytradesofhope.com/home.aspx">Trades of Hope</a>. This is a missional company to empower women around the world out of poverty, out of sex trade or sweatshops, etc. with sustainable business through fair trade. I have always been passionate about helping others and speaking up for those whose voice isn't heard. That's one reason our family adopted.<br />
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One project that <a href="http://www.mytradesofhope.com/saragellerstedt">Trades of Hope</a> works with is the Apparent Project in Haiti. The vast majority of orphans in Haiti are given up simply because the mothers can't feed them. By helping these mothers have a sustainable business they are able to keep and take care of their children at home with dignity. That makes me SO happy!<br />
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I'd love for you to check out my website: <a href="http://www.mytradesofhope.com/saragellerstedt">www.mytradesofhope.com/saragellerstedt</a> or my<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Saras-Trades-of-Hope/1415975468707910"> Facebook page</a> (and Like it :)). You can make a difference too when you purchase these wonderful fair trade items. Or you can become more involved and host an online party or become a Compassionate Entrepreneur.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFMKo76UkkHgsKtqeN3hjQ2YdTQRYxGmkzfR6Y588iUXbmiuRedy3OeICqYxpupZ9eu4B4qPlvf8-KMb4_MLIIjj4MNaxQn8ToUmeoLCQx28lwkRPxrOEDuGjaRxc9K-DxfLE1L1SksPIn/s1600/11148447_10205710073224493_1671612261890797355_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFMKo76UkkHgsKtqeN3hjQ2YdTQRYxGmkzfR6Y588iUXbmiuRedy3OeICqYxpupZ9eu4B4qPlvf8-KMb4_MLIIjj4MNaxQn8ToUmeoLCQx28lwkRPxrOEDuGjaRxc9K-DxfLE1L1SksPIn/s1600/11148447_10205710073224493_1671612261890797355_n.jpg" /></a></div>
Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03094507936285871865noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3549838334547894559.post-19310170149048547382015-03-03T06:30:00.000-05:002015-03-03T06:30:01.194-05:00Tea Tuesday: Tea Quotes (Pinterest)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">from<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/thankfulbunch/tea/"> Pinterest</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">from <a href="http://cupcakerehab.com/2012/08/rose-petal-hibiscus-tea-jelly/">Cupcake Rehab</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Loving my tea!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/thankfulbunch/tea/">Pinterest</a><br />
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Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03094507936285871865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3549838334547894559.post-1468467483333152902015-03-01T18:13:00.000-05:002015-03-01T18:15:24.534-05:00Prayer: Habits of a Child's Heart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuccF3yzOYLzaR2FUkilunQpDaGb9Ii7ipmm6yvPYWSBmSv4BhTxgshGrp6RqoSCzWzHtR_axIny6VjVfV_arxDeUnZBMhcHa5NQKPm60io4DkH7bBCy4gA7VJprFfQ2Lgk9uiXUvS61jo/s1600/2015-03-01_15-50-28_749-777430.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuccF3yzOYLzaR2FUkilunQpDaGb9Ii7ipmm6yvPYWSBmSv4BhTxgshGrp6RqoSCzWzHtR_axIny6VjVfV_arxDeUnZBMhcHa5NQKPm60io4DkH7bBCy4gA7VJprFfQ2Lgk9uiXUvS61jo/s320/2015-03-01_15-50-28_749-777430.jpg" height="150" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6121403334040067954" width="200" /></a></div>
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For February we read chapter two on <strong>Prayer</strong> from <u><em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Habits-Childs-Heart-Disciplines-Experiencing/dp/1576834271"><span style="color: #336699;">Habits of a Child's Heart: Raising your kids with the Spiritual Disciplines</span></a></em></u> by Valerie Hess and Marti Watson Garlett. It has been a great way to move into the Lenten season. Prayer has been so central to my faith and relationship with God. I have kept a prayer journal since I was a teenager. It is my "Ebenezer" of sorts - a marking of God in my life. I have been able to see how God has been working in my life and answering ALL my prayers. I am in awe and amazement any time I think of it all. Seeing His faithfulness in my life in the past gets me through the times when it is hard to see what is going on. It has built my trust when I am in a wilderness or when I cannot see ahead of me or understand my circumstances.</div>
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Anyway, I only want the same prayer life or even better for my children. I try to pray with them regularly and spontaneously. I encourage them to record in some way God in their lives. This chapter has many suggestions of encouraging and sharing the prayer habit in your and your children's lives. Some ideas include: a prayer "rule" (a regular time of prayer whether we feel like it or have anything to say or not), a prayer journal, memorizing prayers, and more.</div>
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How do you pray as a family? How do you encourage your child's prayer life?</div>
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I feel prayer is so central to our faith. I am hoping to share more prayer resources and books over the next couple of weeks that have really shaped our prayer life in our family. Do you have any recommendations?</div>
Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03094507936285871865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3549838334547894559.post-72121112354744529512015-02-25T06:30:00.000-05:002015-02-25T06:30:00.286-05:00EMBRACING HOME<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkbUSc0upLUInBrc-O_YC35Hpxrz0T9pen1TfsvEJiaWB_bEVJX4Pno1Q5lGpQsUnss3F9S8rAHXw0eBJeMyW5L7wb1Natfo6g6fJh0ujoIo_JbpHehViDpViKaJK0gaswgViUgYQBG2x2/s1600/2015-02-24_14-51-53_979-783618.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkbUSc0upLUInBrc-O_YC35Hpxrz0T9pen1TfsvEJiaWB_bEVJX4Pno1Q5lGpQsUnss3F9S8rAHXw0eBJeMyW5L7wb1Natfo6g6fJh0ujoIo_JbpHehViDpViKaJK0gaswgViUgYQBG2x2/s320/2015-02-24_14-51-53_979-783618.jpg" height="240" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6119537626623340514" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: sans-serif;">HOME ...<br />
</span></span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: sans-serif;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: sans-serif;">Have you heard any of these sayings?<br />
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Home is where the heart is. <br />
Home, sweet, home. <br />
There's no place like home.<br />
Keep the home fires burning.<br />
Make yourself at home.<br />
Charity begins at home.<br />
Close to home.<br />
A good laugh is sunshine in a house.<br />
A happy home is but an early heaven.<br />
A house is built with boards and beams; a home is built with love and dreams.<br />
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<em>As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.</em>
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In our home let love abide, and bless all those who step inside<br />
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Have LOVE in your HEART and PEACE in your HOME<br />
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Having someplace to go is HOME . . . Having someone to love is FAMILY . . . <br />
Having both is a BLESSING.<br />
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When children laugh and families play, home is where they want to stay.<br />
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Our home is filled with peace and rest – may all who enter in be blessed.<br />
Sit long, Talk much, Laugh often<br />
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Welcome Home</span> </span> </span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333;">I wrote shortly after we moved last year about starting to feel at home in this new place. And yet this world is not truly our home. I am understanding that more and more. I think I had hopes of finding that perfect house and perfect setting here. But I was looking at it all from my point of view and my wants. What makes a home? Is it just a residence or a dwelling? Where do we find home? There's no perfect house or location. Even if you had plenty of money and built your dream house - would it be perfect? Probably not (that's a guess). </span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;">I think home is not where but WHEN we are embracing our plans and life in God's hands knowing he loves us and he has our best. We can trust all our dreams and desires to him when we are seeking and trusting him with all our heart. It's not all about me right now. Maybe I am here for my kids - this is the best place for them right now. Or maybe it is for me and I don't see it yet or for my husband or for a way to serve.</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;">So, I am embracing home.</span></div>
Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03094507936285871865noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3549838334547894559.post-34550464901538825442015-02-24T16:41:00.002-05:002015-02-24T16:41:59.887-05:00Ivory Soap School<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<img alt="'We put an ivory soap bar in the microwave today.'" class="scaledImageFitHeight img" height="239" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/p526x296/10424301_10204959393617447_3460980350465924039_n.jpg?oh=2fb38a64fffb4ba9f7e25bbcbf8e37f2&oe=5590E537&__gda__=1434222476_ff10908ec5b13b6ea859a66a155d247c" style="left: 0px;" width="320" /></div>
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Today we added a little clean fun to our school day. We put a bar of ivory soap in the microwave to see it grow! We also read a little bit about the history of soap. Then so as not to waste the soap, we crumbled it up. It fell and looked like snow - ivory snow :). I made some mint tea that we added to the "snow" and kneaded it into a dough. We molded the dough into some cookie cutters to dry. Now we have some fun soap bars we can use in the bath tub. We could of added some food coloring to make them prettier, but I like to use natural dye, and we are all out at the moment.</div>
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Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03094507936285871865noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3549838334547894559.post-78931035264177353882015-02-16T15:58:00.001-05:002015-02-24T18:21:31.517-05:00I'm Following Compassion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I love following Compassion bloggers on their trip. I learn so many wonderful stories!Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03094507936285871865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3549838334547894559.post-65185259650714675622015-02-03T18:59:00.000-05:002015-02-23T22:55:03.513-05:00Tea Tuesday: Tea Bread<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCbmLrc1QwGmFaf60BvpUQN4xeEJ1YMUQUKbfRM7zVV5VA712-gwyCrduyQDH6bjcG4DMQ8HIBU8uYtIsA8cLtMDK8bdMqV0JffKqmDDslU6UISgihKfPddw5kzPL6rfjbNM8OJn1FExl8/s1600/tea+time.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCbmLrc1QwGmFaf60BvpUQN4xeEJ1YMUQUKbfRM7zVV5VA712-gwyCrduyQDH6bjcG4DMQ8HIBU8uYtIsA8cLtMDK8bdMqV0JffKqmDDslU6UISgihKfPddw5kzPL6rfjbNM8OJn1FExl8/s1600/tea+time.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
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I have been trying to get my husband to drink tea with me for years. He just doesn't appreciate the drink as I do. But, I have found a way that he does enjoy tea. In food. This week my daughter made tea bread with<a href="http://www.tealightfultea.net/SARA/"> Tealightful Tea's Lavender Lemon Tea Cake tea</a>. It was delicious and my husband loved it. Actually, we all did. He also loved homemade ice cream with <a href="http://www.tealightfultea.net/SARA/">Cherry Rose Petals tea from Tealightful Teas</a>.<br />
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Do you make food with tea?Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03094507936285871865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3549838334547894559.post-73409184380591397792015-01-28T06:00:00.000-05:002015-01-28T06:00:05.028-05:00Pockets Magazine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXha5V1AQeQG4HSASjp0-8lH-oKcmNnYzEpfrnxBIRWJiF_jqgN1pX_UXRd4nMvbJeANZqoNjLoIMOwPHEwZOF9BFUJfrwGbW3-ryqGFYEdTezN-oCkBXcxnxTod_6sHqyTyK8ey1V_KHy/s1600/2015-01-27_15-19-00_599-700942.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXha5V1AQeQG4HSASjp0-8lH-oKcmNnYzEpfrnxBIRWJiF_jqgN1pX_UXRd4nMvbJeANZqoNjLoIMOwPHEwZOF9BFUJfrwGbW3-ryqGFYEdTezN-oCkBXcxnxTod_6sHqyTyK8ey1V_KHy/s320/2015-01-27_15-19-00_599-700942.jpg" height="200" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6109150321518876530" width="150" /></a></div>
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We love this magazine -<a href="http://pockets.upperroom.org/"> Pockets</a>. Lila is even on the advisory board this year. When Kyle was younger he also got the opportunity to be on the board. But that's not what we love. We love all the stories, devotions, games, recipes, poems, jokes, etc. My kids have been reading now for maybe 10 years. And we've been saving the magazines - they even reread them. It's nice to have a magazine come in the mail that reinforces what we believe and teach at home.</div>
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Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03094507936285871865noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3549838334547894559.post-87138147611242565032015-01-27T16:20:00.002-05:002015-01-27T16:20:55.640-05:00Habits: Trying to be Soft Noodles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6on9LTDP8xgeRIC6zqxriGa9f4a13ARTf-2fpIAx56Tp1m0f4Kx8KK4tuie82ACLaUhpy3S7MTnNLdEfCBw-RtYxi1xYpH6jWesO-XLsb_hhrVzANEiY_qXonXmyVsSsyVpAGBG-jNkQc/s1600/2015-01-27_14-07-10_864-745726.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6on9LTDP8xgeRIC6zqxriGa9f4a13ARTf-2fpIAx56Tp1m0f4Kx8KK4tuie82ACLaUhpy3S7MTnNLdEfCBw-RtYxi1xYpH6jWesO-XLsb_hhrVzANEiY_qXonXmyVsSsyVpAGBG-jNkQc/s320/2015-01-27_14-07-10_864-745726.jpg" height="200" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6109132477185439282" width="150" /></a></div>
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We were talking about Meditation - our spiritual disciple that we are focusing on this month. The kids really liked the example about how meditating on the things of God softens our hearts like pasta in boiling water.<br />
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We are memorizing: May me meditation be pleasing to him, as I rejoice in the Lord. Psalm 104:34.<br />
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Would you like to join us this year as we focus on <a href="http://www.thankfulbunch.blogspot.com/2014/01/habits-of-childs-heart.html">Habits of a Child's Heart</a>? Each month we will focus on a different spiritual discipline using the book <u><em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Habits-Childs-Heart-Disciplines-Experiencing/dp/1576834271">Habits of a Child's Heart: Raising your kids with the Spiritual Disciplines</a></em></u> by Valerie Hess and Marti Watson Garlett.Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03094507936285871865noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3549838334547894559.post-71949481732352292452015-01-21T06:30:00.000-05:002015-01-21T06:30:00.700-05:00Loom Knitting Crazy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My daughter wanted to learn how to loom knit. We already had the looms that we picked up at a thrift store a couple of years ago. So we watched a you tube and got started. Lila made several hats lickity split. She can be very focused. But now her interested have turned to drawing. And yes, she has a sketch book FULL of her drawings! She is very good!</div>
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But I am totally loom knit crazy. I've always liked to crochet especially blankets - full sized blankets and they can take awhile. Needless to say, I haven't had time to do that in a while. But these hats - I can make a hat a day. There's something about it that is relaxing to me. I can pick out lots of fun yarn so every hat is a little different. I can hardly stop. I not very creative so I just keep doing the same hat in different yarn or size over and over while I'm watching a show or talking to my kids or riding in the car. Crazy. But fun for me for now.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrINqmKghPNeuzTVt8TH6xUyL48fsrLfFHijmc9k_LYvH82WYx5sejWwYJvl-H85ADSzdG7VL-ilnatZ-ZKyk9Z-7jQP1LKGIs3boHW35NT2NvyaK-a9sy39pLpoJZfxALkil7f-x9JzDM/s1600/2014-10-16_09-29-33_223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrINqmKghPNeuzTVt8TH6xUyL48fsrLfFHijmc9k_LYvH82WYx5sejWwYJvl-H85ADSzdG7VL-ilnatZ-ZKyk9Z-7jQP1LKGIs3boHW35NT2NvyaK-a9sy39pLpoJZfxALkil7f-x9JzDM/s1600/2014-10-16_09-29-33_223.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03094507936285871865noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3549838334547894559.post-66525438346204348142015-01-19T06:30:00.000-05:002015-01-27T16:19:28.507-05:00Habits of a Child's Heart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a class="CBD-ProductDetailImageWrap" href="http://www.christianbook.com/reader/?item_no=34272" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Habits of a Child's Heart: Raising Your Kids with the Spiritual Disciplines - By: Valerie E. Hess, Marti Watson Garlett
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I'm reposting this because I am trying this again this year. We just got too distracted last year ...<br />
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I wanted to share a book, <u><em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Habits-Childs-Heart-Disciplines-Experiencing/dp/1576834271">Habits of a Child's Heart: Raising your kids with the Spiritual Disciplines</a></em></u>. I've used it years ago with my older kids, and I am planning on using it again this year. It has twelve chapters which makes it perfect to focus on one habit a month as a family. The book also has practice and teaching suggestions for different ages of children.<br />
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Chapters include: Meditation, Prayer, Fasting, Study, Simplicity, Solitude, Submission, Service, Confession, Worship, Guidance, and Celebration.<br />
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So, this month we will focus on Meditation. <em> I will meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I will delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word. Psalm 119:15-16.</em><br />
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An example to share about meditating in God's Word is using tea. Brew tea with your children and talk about "how we are the hot water and the Word of God is the tea bag. The longer the tea soaks in us, the more we become stained with the likeness of God." Then use a tea bag as a book mark in your Bible for the rest of the month. Of course, I love tea and my kids know this, so this is a perfect way to share this discipline with my children.<br />
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This seems like a great way to start the new year! Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03094507936285871865noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3549838334547894559.post-8976464061310461112015-01-18T18:16:00.002-05:002015-01-18T18:18:44.142-05:00Twinkle and Twilight<div class="sflyProductPreviewWidget" style="height: 494px; width: 425px;">
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Our cats when they were kittens! <br />
We had to leave our cats behind when we moved. We miss them, but they are with a wonderful family and well loved!</div>
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Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03094507936285871865noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3549838334547894559.post-57047907487662355702015-01-17T10:06:00.002-05:002015-01-17T10:06:44.166-05:00Home Front<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://hub.truministry.com/i/440279" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="HomeFront January 2015" src="http://www.homefrontmag.com/cushy-uploads/HomeFront-January-2015.png" height="320" width="256" /></a></div>
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I love reading <a href="http://www.homefrontmag.com/">Home Front</a> magazine every month. Our church gives it out monthly, but I also get it on the computer. Each month is a different theme with devotions, kids in the kitchen, worship time ideas, taking action ideas, storytelling, family craft, grandparenting articles, marriage articles, etc. I wanted to share so that you could enjoy it too.Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03094507936285871865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3549838334547894559.post-53353973937035255952015-01-13T06:00:00.000-05:002015-01-13T06:00:03.850-05:00Tea Tuesday - Herbal Tea Playdough<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This was so fun. We made playdough with<a href="http://www.tealightfultea.com/Catalog913/"> Summer Berries</a> herbal tea. The tea smelled so good and the color from the tea was beautiful. We are going to make some orange spice playdough and who knows what else. </div>
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We used a recipe that I pinned on my <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/thankfulbunch/tea/">Tea Pinterest board</a>.</div>
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Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03094507936285871865noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3549838334547894559.post-29649209266207904442015-01-09T06:00:00.000-05:002015-01-09T06:00:05.226-05:00That Reminds Me<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://smile.amazon.com/That-Reminds-Me-Jean-Eittreim-ebook/dp/B001MS7E8U/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1420762842&sr=8-1&keywords=that+reminds+me+eittreim"><u><strong>That Reminds Me</strong></u> by Jean Brown Eittreim</a> is a great little book filled with 200 story-starters for passing on your faith. I have pulled it out at dinner times, holidays, vacations, visits with grandparents, bedtime or tea time. Sometimes all we need are some prompts to help us share what is important or has shaped our faith. I could only find it for Kindle on Amazon right now, but that works - especially if you have Kindle on your phone like I do.Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03094507936285871865noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3549838334547894559.post-53177117828896076962015-01-08T06:00:00.000-05:002015-01-08T06:00:00.963-05:00Oatmeal - Grain of the Month<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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January is National Oatmeal Month. I love oatmeal. So this holiday works for me. Rolled oats with brown sugar are my favorite. I also love oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. To celebrate oatmeal we are making<a href="http://www.recipe.com/oatmeal-chocolate-chip-waffle-cookies/"> oatmeal chocolate chip cookies using our waffle maker</a>. <br />
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Did you know there is a <a href="http://wholegrainscouncil.org/whole-grains-101/grain-of-the-month-calendar">Grain of the Month</a> every month? I think we may just add this into our homeschool lessons for fun this year.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://wholegrainscouncil.org/whole-grains-101/grain-of-the-month-calendar" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="http://wholegrainscouncil.org/whole-grains-101/grain-of-the-month-calendar" border="0" class="imagefield imagefield-field_photo" height="271" src="http://wholegrainscouncil.org/files/images/GrainCalendar.gif?0" width="294" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture and link from <a href="http://www.wholegrainscouncil.org/">www.wholegrainscouncil.org</a><br />
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Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03094507936285871865noreply@blogger.com0