Today’s not your typical Monday post, but you know, I’m just so confused about so many things going on in our world - even the Christian community today. But I’ll end with the Lord’s blessings.

This past week has been full of surprises -good and bad. Some of these have provoked a little deeper thinking and evaluation on my part…. along with discussion with other Christian women.

I’ve already decided I’m NOT going to do politics for the remainder of the Presidential campaign - as far as debating which side to, or not to, vote for. But I will leave it with my questions, just to maybe bring up a different view for you to pray about.

I’m really struggling with this - I couldn’t believe my eyes when I read online that McCain had picked a female for his running mate! My initial thinking was “Is he crazy, this is handing the election over, we’ll be the joke now”.

Imagine my surprise when DH shared how all the Christian talk shows are all over this, and in favor of it!

For me personally, I’ve always deliberately voted AGAINST women in elections. I believe women have no place in authority, just as God’s Word says. If women were to be keepers at home thousands of years ago, why would God change His mind now? Isn’t He the same yesterday, today, and forever??!!

But now I’m faced with either voting for the lesser of the two evils and compromising my belief, OR not voting for them and allowing (in essence) the Presidency to be handed over to someone whose religion is questionable to me.

So, that being just one of many ’struggles’ I’m having.

Another being the lack of discretion and decency in America AND churches today! Besides being totally uncomfortable with the Olympics - which we only watched maybe 5 or 10 minutes of all together…. Just turning on the news last night (which is the first time in months!) to see about Hurricane Gustav, what did I see?

Well, thousands upon thousands of people so obsessed with a game about a tiny little football! Imagine if all that energy and excitement would be put towards something that actually benefited the kingdom of God!

Not that I’m against people getting together for fun to play a game, but really - these people take it a little too far. And you can’t convince me that guys don’t watch it in part to see the cheerleaders upper bodies and uncovered stomachs flash up on the screen every few minutes. I was sickened!

Then tonight (Sunday night), again just wanting to see if anything was on about the storm, we landed on a station for a few minutes. I know remember why we quit watching television so long ago - especially with our children in the room.

If you think commercials and these shows are harmless, look at it this way… My ‘just turned 4′ year old son turned his eyes and head away MANY times - ON HIS OWN!!

If a 4 year old has such a pure, clean conscience that these would cause him to immediately turn his face - should we as adults? Jesus tells us to become like the children, for they are the kingdom of God.

When I think of all the time and effort people are putting into things that are pointless, it makes me shudder at their ignorance of what is happening spiritually in this world.

But indecency doesn’t stop at the unsaved, even in churches men are faced with temptation with the way women and girls dress. Skirts above the knee, or pants for that matter (which are usually tight), and sheer tops, or so low cut that you ’see it all’ when they bend over… then you have to add in the too tight tops….

Really, what a shame that men can’t even attend church seeking God without having the fleshly temptations thrown in their face - by ‘Christian’ women!

A battle is brewing, a spiritual battle, and I honestly believe the end is nearing soon. The church is so enjoying life, forgetting what is really going on - it’s time for the church to wake up and see evil for what it is!

When I mentioned something about the football madness to my DH, he asked me a good question - what are you doing with your time?

My response initially was - not wasting it on something that has no point or purpose - but that really made me think deeper….. What am I doing with my time?

God has given me a set number of days to live for Him. Am I living for Him? He has given me a set number of days to teach my children in His ways. Am I teaching them as He would have me to?

God has given me opportunities to serve others, and not just myself. Am I serving others when I see needs?

Am I serving my husband, being his helpmeet - in every aspect? Am I faithfully serving my children?

To end this ‘doom and gloom’ kinda post, I have to share the wonderful blessing I had this week!

Out of the blue, I had someone email me and ask (TELL) me to let them know how they could serve me! Wow! I was told to share if we needed meals, childcare, the house cleaned, a NAP - just to pull out my “I Wish” list and share honestly whatever I needed!

I was blown away - even more so because this is a mom with 5 children herself, the youngest just 10 weeks old.

She’s been through the stage with 3 little ones close together, and being pregnant again - and really just needing someone to help out! She knows exactly where I am. So she all her crew packed up this week and headed our way.

My children had a blast with hers, and between her and her children - and myself - we had all the ‘visible’ rooms in the house pretty much 100% clean - it was amazing! Amazing because it was done in 3 hours or so.

I shared with her what a blessing that was to me - just to have a picked up house and be able to take an afternoon nap with my children and not worry about cleaning. (In case you’re new here, I’m around 7 or 8 weeks pregnant I think = a lot of sleep needed!)

THAT’S what I want to be, someone willing to say to others ‘tell me when, tell me where, tell me how’. THAT’S the type of people I want my children to grow up to be - servers - to God and others.

So, back to my hubby’s question - what am I doing? Am I meeting others needs? To be honest, I need more work in this area.

In the midst of all the frustration at the world and church this week, the Lord has also allowed me to see that He still lives and works His goodness to me through others. And by being blessed, I pray that He’ll teach and allow me to bless others as well.

Have a wonderful Labor Day - and if you’re family is able to all be home and together - LOVE ‘em!

Hi Ladies!

I didn’t get this in time to share for my Fantastic Friday Finds, but hopefully you’ll see it before this sale ends!!

Looking to avoid all the harsh chemicals in store bought soap? Missi, from Cheeky Maiden Soap Company, uses ALL NATURAL products in her soaps!

I personally have tried the Baby Soap with my last little one, and kept sniffing them over and over. I especially loved the all natural part of it, since my children are extremely sensitive to even Johnson’s and Huggies baby soaps.

I’m waiting for her Complexion Soap to arrive soon - to try that instead of the very costly ProActiv - which also has chemicals I’m wanting to avoid.

Anyway - this sale is good through midnight on Labor Day. Click her link below to get your savings! You won’t be disappointed!

I came across this link from Biblical Womanhood the other day, and really thought it was something to share with you all - if you haven’t already read it.

It’s entitled - “12 Things You Should Not Do To Your Husband“, written by Camilia Brown.

It’s a blog post, not a book - so I highly encourage you to read this. Many of the points she mentioned I already knew, but it’s always a good thing (at least to me) to have my memory refreshed and see someone else’s take on it.

If you’d like to read something that will encourage you in being the wife God would have you be - she shares many true, direct points of actions wives take that can either encourage or discourage their husbands.

– On another note–

To learn how to create your own ‘fine motor skills’ toys for your children vs. paying $$ for those cute little teddy bears at the store - visit Sonbeams blog!

By Theresa Gould

“Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.”

How many times have you made daily, weekly or monthly plans, only to have them change? It can be aggravating, frustrating and annoying if we do not have a biblical perspective on how and why things happen the way they do.

Just picture our family of nine getting ready to go to church this past Sunday. We were running a wee bit behind only to find that two sets of clothes had not been ironed. Then as most of the crew is heading out the door our two year old has an accident. She needs to be washed up and changed into a new set of clothes.

By the time people and clothing are fixed and we are out of frazzle –zone, it is not worth the 45minute drive to church.

The silver lining is in the fact that my mother-in-law mentioned to my husband twice over the weekend that she would be home on Sunday, so we ended up spending a delightful afternoon with her. Enjoying the beautiful weather and dinner out – her treat.

Proverbs 27:1 tells us not to boast ourselves of tomorrow because we don’t know what it may bring.

James 5:15 says, “For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we will live, and do this or that” revealing that even though we may plan, we need to be open to the Lord’s will for us.

These verses, along with experience, have taught me that even when I make plans the Lord can always provide a detour from them.

This is why I really try to say, “Lord willing, we will be at church on Sunday” or “ We plan to do visit so and so, Lord willing…”

It is hard to make this a habit each day as events and plans change in a flash; all because God orchestrated something else. Nevertheless, this has proven that it is best to air on the side of Lord willing, we will do such and such. For if I don’t…that is the time that it is sure to change!

-Mrs. Theresa Gould is Robert’s wife of 14 years. She is the homeschooling mother of seven children. She resides in a Northwest suburb of Chicago with her family.

She and her family enjoy reading, walks and working together on their home businesses – Faith and Family Books, RobnT Business Solutions, as well as their blogs - Faith and Family Blog and VirtuousGirlhood.com In her free time, Mrs. Gould can be found reading, writing, or talking with her children.

Enthusiasm
“Expressing joy in each task as I give it my best effort.”

vs. Apathy
“1. absence or suppression of passion, emotion, or excitement.
2. lack of interest in or concern for things that others find moving or exciting.”

Wow, I’m in trouble on this one! Many times - a DAY - I’m guilty of ‘lack of interest’ or ‘lack of concern’.

I have to keep reminding myself that no other stay at home mom with little ones at home has a perfect life, perfect house, perfect children. (It just appears that way!) And especially those with 3 like myself - soon to be 4!

But when you feel like you’re living in defeat, it’s only a matter of time before apathy sets in.

Thankfully, there is no defeat necessary by being on God’s side!

“Expressing Joy” - There’s a common association with the word JOY in Christian living. It’s - Jesus first, Other’s second, Yourself last.

Then you come to the last part of this character qualities definition - “as I give it my BEST effort”. Ouch, got me again….

Life isn’t always that exciting as you fix meals, do laundry, clean house, wipe noses, change diapers, etc, etc… every day. You lose thought of giving it your best efforts at times. It’s just housework, it’s just taking care of the children…. But is that my human side thinking??

God has made it very clear in Scripture that women are to be keepers at home (Titus 2), to raise their children to be obedient, to be submissive to their husbands.

In our society today, that is almost made a complete mockery of, even within the church - which honestly makes it even harder to follow and obey.

But if God has said this in His Word, and He’s the same today as yesterday - then it’s pretty clear that I’m doing what He has called me to do.

So let me look at it again - God Himself has told me His plan for my life. Am I enthusiastic in obeying Him? Am I expressing joy in EACH task as I give it my BEST effort?

Too many times I’m guilty of the opposite definition - apathy. I lose my passion for keeping a clean house when the little ones mess it up right behind me. I lose interest and concern for being consistent with my children. Be honest, there are just days you just throw your hands up in the air and anything goes - I do!

But, the JOY of the Lord is my strength! Ask the Lord to place this song in your heart throughout the day, and restore your enthusiasm as you fulfil His calling in your daily life and duties!

Ask Him to block your thoughts from wandering to ‘how nice it’d be to have a job to get a break’, or ‘how wonderful daycare would be so there would be some peace and quiet’. Been there, done that myself!

When He’s first, and others are second - then you’re serving Him! Now, I need to get on those prayers myself!

PS - For any of you that might be past where I’m at now (3 or more children - all in a close age range), I be ever so grateful for ANY encouragement you might could share!

Yes, it’s Friday - yes, I forgot I was supposed to have a new post up before I turned off the computer on Thursday night. I’m sorry!!

It’s been one of those weeks, and especially - Thursday was one of those days…

The baby woke up at 4:30, 2 hours before normal - but I went ahead and nursed him and put him back to bed. Maybe around 5:30 I got back to sleep, and then baby woke up at 6:30, followed by big sister, followed by big brother.

We were ALL up before 7 - which is not good for Mommy - especially since morning sickness hits at night too and it took forever for me to fall asleep the night before.

Anyway, Thursday was a day of fussing, crying, all around bad attitudes. I was right in the middle of the tears - with the two boys and myself all bawling around 9:30 Thursday morning.

So, by last night, I was mentally and physically beat - thus, no post. I’ll do better next week!

For those of you keeping up, the baby must be doing great, since I’m feeling pretty rough. Not as bad as my 1st pregnancy where I actually got sick, but worse than the last two - since I’m fighting NOT to get sick a lot of each day.

I can say I’m grateful for that, knowing the baby is good - you always think of those things after losing a baby.

Enough said, I’m trying to enjoy my little ones more today since I failed so miserably yesterday. Isn’t great to know God’s mercies are renewed each day too - just as our attitudes!

By Theresa Gould

“The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the grey head.”

This verse always reminds me of how much the elderly deserve our respect, as well as the honor the Lord bestows upon that beautiful head of grey hair.

This past weekend I required our children to call a new acquaintance by Mrs. M.,even though she was younger than me. Afterwards Mrs. M. commented on how it is not very often that she and her husband come across people that call adults by Mr. And Mrs. They were from Mississippi.

Then we got into a bit of a discussion on how rare it is that parents are teaching their children to refer to adults as Mr. And Mrs. Smith and so on. We both desire our young children to grow up respecting their elders, since we live in a world that has lost it.

Then we visited with an old college friend who grew up in and lives in the South. Her husband did too and was a Marine. They are training their children to say, “Yes Ma’am, and Yes Sir” or “No, Ma’am or No, Sir.” It sounded so respectful.

Robert and I have attempted this, but have not been consistent to make it a habit among our children, but after hearing these children, I think it is another thing that we need to stick to and require of them. It’s just another one of those signs of respect for adults that has been lost and need to be rejuvenated again.

Proverbs 20:29 clearly states that God views the grey head as the beauty of old men. It is a sign of age yes, but also one of honor and wisdom. After all God created grey hair, so not only should we honor those who are aged, but what about accepting it when we start seeing those grey hairs on our own head?

—Mrs. Theresa Gould is Robert’s wife of 14 years. She is the homeschooling mother of seven children. She resides in a Northwest suburb of Chicago with her family. She and her family enjoy reading, walks and working together on their home businesses – Faith and Family Books and RobnT Business Solutions, as well as their blogs Faith and Family Blog and Virtuous Girlhood. In her free time, Mrs. Gould can be found reading, writing, or talking with her children.—

Contentment vs. Covetousness

Realizing that true happiness does not depend on material conditions.

I’d first like to thank Character First for all the resources they offer on their website regarding Character Studies.

As I mentioned last week, I was homeschooled in the ATIA program, and this program, Character First, is linked to them.

I had the opportunity to hear Mr. Tom Hill in 1994 I believe it was, at a 2 week training in Indianapolis, Indiana.

I was so excited to come across this website the other week! There were many wonderful lessons I learned through the beginnings of this program, and lessons I taught in the Children’s Seminars I volunteered at.

Contentment:

When I hear this as a mother, I automatically think of how I try to teach my children contentment. There’s always a new toy, a bright cereal box, or even random cans on the shelf at the grocery store!

It doesn’t always necessarily matter what it is, or if they know what it is - they just know they don’t have it, and thus they ‘need’ it!

They don’t quite understand coveting yet - the 10th commandment, or the verse “in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content”. Philippians 4:11

But what about me? I am content where God has me?

Not too long ago, I felt the urge to begin ‘farm’ hunting. I was constantly looking up the newest listings online, in the paper, and then we’d drive for hours trying to find what turned out to be junk.

Then we found it, a BEAUTIFUL piece of land - rolling land, trees, pasture, hay fields… and the price was right!

The only downside was the hour drive DH would have to make, since he recently changed jobs.

We were set to go - and then she changed her mind! The ‘whole’ deal was a house with 10 acres, and 41 extra acres that she would sell separately. We were eyeing the extra acreage.

For some reason, the Lord stepped in the way and changed her heart - she couldn’t sell the land until she first sold the house.

Of course I was upset at first, especially since I had asked her upfront about it before we made the long drive out to her land.

But then the Lord showed me that if I couldn’t be content where He has me now, if I’m not taking advantage of learning how to garden here, then why should He give me something more to handle?

I have many great reasons why I don’t like it here, between neighbors that constantly smoke and drink where my children can see them, to a ’same gender’ neighbor, to the girls next door that wear hardly nothing in the front yard doing yardwork or washing their cars, even to the neighbors that let their pit bull loose at times.

But, THIS is where God has me now! I don’t know why. I don’t like our surroundings, and I especially don’t like the black widow spiders we find once or twice a month!

Maybe God would have me learn patience and trust in Him? Maybe He’s keeping us safe from snakes - these seem too common in the county here in Alabama… Maybe He has a better piece of land at a better price!

I don’t know, but let me share the definition again:
Realizing that true happiness does not depend on material conditions.

I shouldn’t think that I’ll ‘be happy’ once I have a farm and can grow our own fresh food. For once I get there, is it not true that I might likely complain at times about working in the heat? About the bugs, or snakes, or even spiders that might live there?

Happiness in our lives shouldn’t be based on what we have or don’t have. That means our focus is on ourselves and what we want.

As Christians, our eyes are supposed to be fixed on Christ, His kingdom and glory, and what HE wants - is it not?

If I’m not truly happy, then maybe I just need to step back and place myself back down - humbly before the Lord - and seek His will first in my life.

When we’re seeking and following Him - walking in His ways and in what He would have us do - there is no greater happiness and fulfillment!

Years ago, I was inspired to begin learning a craft which my great grandmother and great aunt did so well - I wanted to learn to crochet! My great grandmother crocheted a baby blanket and booties for each of us great grands to bring our firstborns home from the hospital with.

I’ve treasured mine - using it with all 3 of my children, and even using it for the 2 week old pictures (except the baby - with 3 kids we were bound to forget something!).

I basically had to teach myself, and thankfully had a lady I babysat for that didn’t want her book anymore - so she gave it to me! It was nice having the book, but it really wasn’t enough.

It was hard figuring out what some of it meant, and trying to figure out the drawings. I never had the chance to just sit and watch anyone. I got frustrated with the lack of help that I could watch and learn by - no one around me really knew how to crochet, or how to teach. (My family wasn’t exactly right next door.)

I will admit, my first sample pieces didn’t look too bad, though I did have a Granny Square blanket that doesn’t resemble a square AT ALL!!

Needless to say, I gave up! My corners always curled up, and as I mentioned, my square isn’t really a square.

I did make one blanket with a single crochet stitch that was gorgeous! I used shiny white yarn, and it would be a beautiful baby blanket, with only a little minor curling. But it never got finished…. Why? I didn’t know how to stop!!

Ha Ha!!! Laugh all you want, I’ve laughed too!

So… when I came across a DVD the other week made by a Christian stay at home mom, I HAD to try it. I’ll tell you, if crocheting is something you’d be interested in learning - this is the perfect DVD for you!

I really enjoy reading “Teaching Good Things” blog, by Kathy Brodock - she has many practical lessons. I hope she’s still writing when my daughter gets old enough to learn some of these (though there are things for sons too!).

Anyway, I got the Basic Crochet DVD in the mail pretty quick, but had to wait until some free time on Sunday afternoon to start watching it. Dad and oldest son were going to the grocery store for me, baby boy was asleep, so dd and I began watching together!

I popped it into my computer, expecting to just watch a little each day – mainly since I have 3 young children keeping me pretty busy.

I started watching with my 2 year old – and made it 16 minutes into the video before the baby woke up. But I was SO into watching the video, I made the baby sit in my lap to watch it too! Really, it was already intriguing me!

I did have to eventually stop it, I guess my little guy won’t be making any blankets - ha - he didn’t seem too interested. I figured it would be the next day before I could get back to it. But… I couldn’t wait! I stayed up after the children went to bed and watched the entire thing!

I found myself hanging on Kathy’s words – watching every move her hands made. And the camera was in a perfect location – capturing every little thing I needed to see. Where was this when I needed to learn the basics!!

Although I had taught myself to crochet years and years ago, I had put it away - never to pick it up again. By this point, I didn’t even remember what anything was.

I quickly picked up on her step by step instructions, and loved being able to watch her hands and their every move.

I was so excited and proud of myself when she made a mistake on the video – I caught it just before she mentioned it! She is a great teacher and makes it easy to learn quickly!

I find it’s easy to get distracted when crocheting, which can cause you to skip a step (or stitch). Kathy points out over and over how important it is to count each row, to make sure you’re not pulling the yarn too tight, and to insert the hook through the right places. I’m sure I’ll be hearing her ‘warnings’ to pay attention for a long time.

My curled up edges were a result of that - having the yarn too tight.

I loved being able to rewind to go back if I missed something. It was like being able to raise my hand and ask a question without having the embarrassment of ‘not getting it’ the first time.

Kathy touches on all the basics – from needle sizes, to different yarns, to how to read a pattern, and even shows you different ways to hold the needles and yarn.

I loved the way she taught to begin – not by making a blanket – but by trying sample pieces. That’s a mistake I’m sure many make - being a little too sure of themselves. (Like me and my Granny Square!)

The most important thing I learned… What I never knew before, and why I never could finish a project…. I learned how to finish and knot off the yarn and weave it back through!

I was very impressed with all the time she took sharing the basics - even how to make a few projects!

As for something to get you started, I would 100% recommend this for young girls and their mothers!

I know my favorite wedding and baby were the homemade crocheted blankets and doilies. These would cost $60 and up – but imagine the savings if you could make them yourself!

I can’t wait to begin again! Maybe I’ll have something for this next baby….

Below is the link to Kathy’s website, where you can read more about this and some other teaching products - such as cake decorating.

By Theresa Gould -

There are quite a few verses in this chapter of Proverbs that I have marked…difficult to choose which one(s) to talk about.

Proverbs 13:20 – “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.”

Nearly 12 years ago, my husband and I attended our first homeschool conference. Our first child was not even 3 months old. There was a speaker, Jonathan Lindvall, there that spoke on sheltering our children.

Contrary to the popular belief that sheltering children is somehow bad, this speaker endorsed the decision of no sleepovers, supervised play with neighbor or church children. You see, he had grown up doing taking part in these things and remembers all the negative things that happened or learned.

Dr. S.M. Davis, a pastor here in Illinois, has spoken on if a friendship between two children is to the extent that one or the other is bringing one down, then do not allow them to be together because it is not a good friendship.

These gifted speakers, along with today’s verse triggered something in my husband and I to protect our children from bad influences. Each of our children are sinners and will eventually make a poor choice, but we can monitor that within our home.

It is much harder to monitor outside friendships if they are unsupervised. We actually do not allow our children to play unsupervised with most children. Nor do we allow them to freely roam the neighborhood.

This verse speaks of becoming or being wise by hanging out and spending time with those who are wise. Let’s use homeschool versus public school for an example without any intention of it being a “bash” on public schools. The National Home Education Research Institute has plenty of research to back up the difference between the two.

Now, why is it that there tends to be a noticeable difference in homeschooled children? They spend the majority of their time with their parents. Why do public school children seem more immature? Because they are mostly with peers their own age.

My husband and I desire that our children become wise. Therefore, we work toward that end by making sure their companions are wise and not fools.

This can also be applied to us, as parents too. If we desire to be wise, then we should choose friends and companions who are wise as well. It also helps to be an example to our children. As we choose who to spend time with, it is very easy to incorporate why we are doing so into a lesson on choosing friends to our children.

Recently, our oldest, RJ, observed a couple of girls younger than herself doing something at church that they should not have been doing, so she gently spoke to them telling them that she did not think they should be doing what they were doing.

The first girl chose to continue doing what they were doing leading the second girl to do likewise. RJ related this story to me and said, “That is an example of a friendship where Lucy is bringing down Tracy. They really shouldn’t be together. It isn’t a godly friendship” (This is my version of it and the names of the girls are changed.)

Our daughter would not have known this, if we had not taught her the wisdom in choosing companions wisely.

Mrs. Theresa Gould is Robert’s wife of 14 years. She is the homeschooling mother of seven children. She resides in a Northwest suburb of Chicago with her family. She and her family enjoy reading, walks and working together on their home businesses – Faith and Family Books, as well as RobnT Business Solutions. In her free time, Mrs. Gould can be found reading, writing, or talking with her children.