Laying Down the Cape, Putting on the Spirit #7: Faithfulness

Posted on May 20, 2013 by Katie Hornor — No Comments ↓

Faithfulness

A dictionary definition of faithful will give you something like this:

faith·ful (fthfl) adj.

1. Adhering firmly and devotedly, as to a person, cause, or idea; loyal.
2. Engaging in emotional and sexual relationship only with one’s spouse.
3. Having or full of faith.
4. Worthy of trust or belief; reliable.
5. Consistent with truth or actuality

Who knew faithfulness had so many meanings right? When 1 Peter 1:4-6 tells us that we are partakers of the divine nature and that we have excaped the corruption that is in the world, and then goes on to say that we must add to our faith certain things. What then does it look like for a modern day super mom to put on faithfulness?

1. I am devoted to my Lord and his cause.

Going into all the world to preach the Gospel, begins in my own home with the children and visitors God sends me, and the people I come into contact with throughout the course of my day. I can put on faithfulness by sharing his message of salvation, redemption, adoption and hope daily.

I can remain devoted to him and his purposes/plan for my life instead of being resistant to the ~~interruptions~~ opportunities he sends my way. I can strive to reflect back on him the glory he deserves in everything I do.

2. I am loyal to my spouse.

I can guard my heart from emotional affairs. I can consistently seeking to put my husbands needs before my own. I can make him a priority in my day and in life, defend him, respect him, be his most loyal fan.

3. I am full of faith in my Lord.

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.This is what the ancients were commended for. Hebrews 11:1-2

A modern day mom putting on faithfulness will be full of faith in God. I can be confident that he which began his good work in me, will complete it. I can be confident that he knows the plans he has for me, that his ways are better than my ways. The ancients were commended for an evident faith, a faith that acted upon that confidence. How full of faith am I?

4. I am trustworthy and reliable.

I can be trusted to do what I say I will do. I can be trusted by my husband and by my children to put high priority on their welfare. I can be trusted to be consistent, to be responsible, to be dependable, because I am allowing God through his Spirit to evidence that fruit in my life.

5. My life is consistent with/true to God’s principles for living.

I can live the Truth of God’s Word and his principles. Not by my own strength. Not by my own power, but through his Spirit.

Faithful is He that calleth you, who also will do it. 1 Thessalonians 5:24

If God has called me to put on faithfulness (and all the other fruits) and he has! Then he will by his Spirit give me all I need to accomplish what he has asked of me. I must put off the cape of pride and self-sufficiency, and choose to put on faithfulness by the help of his Spirit and for his glory.

May you live in the victory of faithfulness today!

If you missed the other fruits, you can read them here: Love, Joy, Peace, Longsuffering, Kindness & Goodness.

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What’s Working?

Posted on May 17, 2013 by Katie Hornor — No Comments ↓

I was featured!

My friend Renee from Next Generation Homeschool just told me that my homeschool uniform post was featured on their blog this week! How exciting is that!

Don’t think homeschool uniforms are for you? Maybe not, but you shouldn’t return the verdict until you at least read the article.

And don’t forget to check out the other great posts about What’s Working in Homeschools around the nation and around the World! Click on the button below!
Have a fabulous weekend!

Laying Down the Cape, Putting on the Spirit #6: Goodness

Posted on May 15, 2013 by Katie Hornor — No Comments ↓

Being Right Does Not Equal Being Good

Laying Down the Cape, Putting on the Spirit: Goodness www.ParadisePraises.com

In the world of modern day Super Moms, it is easy to view “goodness” in terms of “rightness”. I am always right, therefore I am a good mom. Or a good mom is always right. Or a good mom always makes the right decisions for her kids.

Continuing our study of the Fruit of the Spirit from Galatians 5:21-23, let’s take off the cape of “being right=being good” for a moment to look at goodness in light of another fruit.

What is Goodness Then?

When we look at goodness from the biblical “love in action” perspective, this is what Super Mom goodness may really look like:

When they hide,
You find them.
When their behavior is unlovely,
You love them.
When training is hard,
You do the hard thing.
When they stumble and fall,
You pick them up,
And kiss their hurts.
When they cry during the night,
You comfort them.
When you want to give up,
You remember God’s Word
That strengthens and encourages you.
When their friends are mean,
You show them compassion.
When the world is cruel,
You show them mercy.
With each “when” in the lives of your children
You experience God’s goodness;
You exemplify God’s goodness;
You teach them to trust His goodness.

This is a good mom.

The aged women likewise, that they be… teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be … GOOD…that the word of God be not blasphemed. Titus 2:3-5 (KJV)

O taste and see that the Lord is GOOD: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. Psalm 34:8, (KJV)

Read the other posts in this series: Laying Down the Cape, Putting on the Spirit

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A Homeschool Conference at Home!

Posted on May 14, 2013 by Katie Hornor — No Comments ↓

It’s Homeschool Convention Season!

If you’re like me you’re looking at the spring/summer line up of homeschool conferences across the US and wishing you could attend, well, all of them! Today I wan to introduce you to the one conference you can attend (for free) from the comfort of your own home!

The Ultimate Transformation (Homeschool) Expo

The Ultimate Transformation Expo is an online Homeschool Conference brought to you by Felice Gerwitz and Media Angels. This week (May 13-17, 2013) at 11am, 1pm, and 7pm EDT you can listen online to live homeschool conference sessions for free! And if that’s not enough you can purchase an “on demand” ticket and listen to the live recordings, plus about 45 pre-recorded sessions whenever you want to!

The sessions (with downloadable handouts) cover topics including how to choose a curriculum, teaching with timelines, teaching with literature, teaching while traveling, teaching preschoolers, mentoring your child, how to afford homeschooling, balancing home and business, and many more from speakers such as Melanie Wilson, Kendra Fletcher, Meredith Curtis, Amy Pak, and Andrew Pudewa.

Media Angels has hosted many of these Homeschool Expos through the years, but this is the first time that they will also be offering a Spanish track! So if someone you know is interested in homeschooling in the Spanish language, there will be 7 Spanish sessions available to listen to for free starting May 20! And they will be highlighting the Lemonhass Spanish Homeschool Curriculum!

I hope you’ll join us and also tell a friend as we enjoy the Ultimate Transformation Homeschool Expo this week!

Looking for a great homeschool convention to attend? May I suggest Teach Them Diligently? You still have time to get to the Nashville one this weekend, May 16-18! Or the Omaha one May 30-June 1!

16 Ways to be a Good Grandmother

Posted on May 13, 2013 by Katie Hornor — No Comments ↓

A Tribute to Grandmothers, without whom my life would have been greatly impoverished:

We all have grandmother figures whom we look up to. What can we learn from these grandmothers’ examples that will give us greater impact with our own children, grandchildren and other young people in our spheres of influence?

My maternal grandmother spoiled us. Not rotten, but we definitely knew we were special. While at home we only ever got blah (i.e. good for you) cereals, Grandma always had our favorites on hand when we arrived for our summer visit, and we were allowed to choose whichever one we wanted on the next shopping trip! Her big four poster bed was a special place reserved for reading, snuggled in luxury! From her I learned that a good grandmother

makes others feel special without spoiling them
makes time to read and snuggle
shows more love than frustration

My paternal Grandma’s impact on my life extends beyond the culinary and sewing arts, in that, while teaching me those things, she also patiently taught me how to feed and dress the soul. We knew our grandparents had a date with the Lord each morning over breakfast, and often we arrived at their door just in time to hear the final Bible reading and listen to them pray through the list of children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Grandma taught me that a good grandmother

is joyful in serving her family and is a gracious hostess
is meticulous in her responsibilities (Yes, there is a right way to tuck in bedsheets!)
delights in simple pleasures and sees God’s object lessons in everyday living
actively keeps her mind”stayed on Him”
prays for her family regularly

I know that “blood is thicker than water”, but I also know that there may be some reading this who may not be biological mothers, and may feel like you don’t have an influence. You couldn’t be more wrong! Every woman can positively influence those God puts in your path, even if they aren’t any “blood relation”. You may never know the full impact of your example, influence, and love.

Grandma Madge was a family friend whose influence made a huge impact on my young life. I still remember her guest room with one end piled to the ceiling with fabric scraps, her fabulous handmade quilts, her special raisin cookies, her gourd water dipper hung by the cool mountain stream a few yards from her house, her flower garden filled with gorgeous hydrangeas and bleeding hearts, her concentrated listening to the “important things” a child wanted to share with her, and hearing her prayers for others. From her I learned that a good grandmother

has time to listen to the joys and woes of “little people”
inspires and cultivates beauty all around her
selflessly loves and gives to others

Grammy is another family friend who has had a grandmother’s influence in my adult life. Grammy has a way of giving straight-talking counsel without stinging, and she knows the secret of encouraging without puffing one up. Though I will never attain to her level of graciousness, hospitality, generosity and pie making excellence, (I do aim to give it my best shot), I have learned from her that a good grandmother

holds loosely to this world’s goods
knows how to love the unlovely
knows how to do the hard things with joy
Inspires and motivates others to excellence
will stop and pray with you over anything at any time of day or night

Are You a Good Grandmother?

What memories or qualities of your Grandmother have made the biggest impact on your life?
What legacy was left to you that you desire to replicate?
What legacy do you wish to leave behind?
What can you do today to begin being the grandmother you hope to become?
Who has God placed in your life who needs a mother’s or grandmother’s influence?
What will you do to begin making a difference in that young (or younger) person’s life?

Mothers of Mine

Posted on May 12, 2013 by Katie Hornor — No Comments ↓

Note from Katie: On Mother’s Day 2013 we have a very special post from a very special lady. Carrie is my sister, my friend and an awesome mother of 3! I know you will enjoy this! Happy Mother’s Day!

Dear Mom,

For all the orthodontist trips that could have been peaceful…
For all the vehicles that could have been clean…
For all the days we could have been away at school…
I noticed.
I noticed when you could have made things easier for you,
but you didn’t.
Thanks for all those times.

My Grandma is…

Biblical values, daily devotions, lasting marriage,
made from scratch cooking, time to talk, grounded advice,
unconditional love…
My Grandma is the example of all I hope to be one day..

Remembering Grandma…

Vanilla yogurt, Lucky Charms, Friendlys Ice Cream…
Campers, swaps, card games, bikes…
These things will always remind me of you.

To My Mother (and Grandmothers)-in-Law on Mother’s Day

People say

“In-Laws are the enemy, watch out for them.”

But what if God gives you the mother of your husband as a way to understand him better?
What if, in finding my husband I gained more brothers?
Another mother?
An involved grandmother?
Maybe some things people say are true, like

“what you don’t know you need, God sends to you…”

Wishing all Mothers a very Happy Mother’s Day today!

Wings and a Paint Brush (and Tribute to Mom Linky Party)

Posted on May 10, 2013 by Katie Hornor — No Comments ↓

A Tribute to Mother

A Tribute to Mother LInky Party ParadisePraises.com

My mother taught me to paint: watercolor, acrylic, puffy t-shirt paint and beautiful oil on canvas. As I child I was awed by her masterpieces, and she was never bothered by my messes or imitations.

She taught me how to make paper come to life in cards, crafts, scrapbook pages, and stamped art. Beauty was found in everything (And don’t forget the confetti!)

My mother works magic with wire and stone. Her magic is handcrafted, wire wrapped, one of a kind, wearable, jewelry art. I aspire to her level of mastery, and she applauds my attempts at greatness.

My mother’s love for beauty and the act of creating it is a treasure that has filled my life with much joy, (much confetti) and many wonderful memories.

My mother often traveled to distant lands and ancient times from the comfort of her own room.

She took us on many daring adventures to the library story time circle, and on wondrous excursions to the children’s corner where time stood still as we wandered the world from the safety of colorful vinyl bean bag chairs.

She read books, she borrowed books, she loaned books, she gifted books, she encouraged us to explore the world through books. Reading was never homework, or schoolwork, it was an adventure!

I have caught the “fever” from my mother’s love of literature, and have yet to recover. I fear I may never return from the happy lands and far away places to which she first introduced me.

Without you Mom, my world would have been small, colorless, and boring. Thank you for giving me wings and a paint brush. I love you! Happy Mother’s Day!

Tribute to Mother Linky Party Guidelines:

Post topics can include anything that would be a tribute to mom, or that would encourage or honor a mother, yours or another’s. Especially ways she has impacted your life for good, but please refrain from including giveaways, sales, or linky party posts.
Link as many posts as you like that are tributes to mothers. It doesn’t have to be from this month. Remember, link to a SPECIFIC post, not your whole blog.
Add a party button or text back link to your post. Html for a text link back:<a href=”http://paradisepraises.com”>ParadisePraises</a>
Visit at least two other links and share some encouragement.
Although not mandatory, I’d love it if you’d follow me on social media! I always enjoy making new friends! And, if you subscribe via e-mail before June 6, you’ll receive a FREE download code for my ebook Divine Design as a thank you!

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You are a Good Mom!

Posted on May 9, 2013 by Katie Hornor — No Comments ↓

Dear Young Mother,

You are a good mom! A bad mom would not care or voice a desire to change as you did in your letter yesterday. You want to thrive in the little years, and you can!

I know your frustration. I’ve been there. I understand the survival mode. The sympathy you felt oozing from those “older moms” comes from our own memories of survival.

Thriving doesn’t happen over night, but it can begin to happen today. Here is what I recommend:

First, take your frustrations and your desires to the Lord.

Here are some of his precious promises to you:

Faithful is he who calleth you [to motherhood], who also will do it. 1 Thessalonians 5:24

Casting all your care [frustration, exhaustion, desires] upon him for he careth for you. 1 Peter 5:7

I know the plans I have for you says the Lord, plans for peace and not for evil, to give you an expected end. Jeremiah 29:11

He can help you through these little years of motherhood. He will give you what you need to accomplish the job he has called you to, if you are willing to acknowledge your own inability and depend on his help. Your home can be peaceful and you can trust him.

Second, your heart attitude must follow your stated priorities.

Yes there are certain responsibilities that must be accomplished, but if your work, or outside of the home ministry or other non-priority obligations are causing stresses and displacing any of your other priorities, (like time to enjoy your children and be enjoyed by them) you need to curb your activities and re-align your schedule with your priorities.

And third,

Messes are temporary, memories are for ever.

You must make a conscious choice each moment of your day to live the memorable and not the regrettable. What is one more mess compared to memories of Mommy never letting us have fun? It’s the little steps, faithfully and purposefully taken that get you closer to your goal each day.

Success is a marathon. Stay in the race. I’ll be cheering you on from the finish line. You are a good mom. And God will help you each day to be a better mom. Ask for his help. Trust him to give it. And then live it! I am praying for you today.

Love,

Your Friend

Dear Reader,

Are you a struggling young mother? I would encourage you to read Toni Anderson’s 10 Tips for Becoming a Yes Mom. She shares some great tips that you can incorporate into your busy day little by little to help you be a “yes mom” and begin to thrive at home with your little people. Practical I-could-do-that kinds of things like routine tweaks, organization tips and … well, go read what she says. I guarantee you will be encouraged and inspired just as I was!

Are you an “older mom”? Did you take the challenge yesterday to reach out to a young mom? I hope so. You have so much life experience and wisdom to share. Please don’t miss out on the blessing of blessing that younger mom that God has laid on your heart!

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Hugs for all of you moms today! Love,

Letter from a Young Mother

Posted on May 8, 2013 by Katie Hornor — 2 Comments ↓

Dear Friend,

I heard a great talk last night on Mommy Jammies Night about being a “yes mom”. It was great! So inspiring! I want to be a “yes mom”. But then I asked the question

What about us moms trying to be good moms, yes moms, with little people in the family? I mean my kids are all 7 and under….?

And it’s like I immediately heard a hush and felt the sympathy begin to ooze, and the speaker and the other “older moms” in the chat room slowly began to all say

Oh, I wasn’t like this when I had little people. It will get better when your kids are bigger. It’s something you learn to do well over time.

Well, that’s nice and all, and I’m looking forward to that day arriving, but what about now?

I need some hope for today,

for right now,

when I feel like the next shrill Indian yelp will send me over the edge, like another mess, another whine, another sibling fight and I may just walk out.

How do you be a “yes mom” a “good mom” today? In the little years? When you have so many demands pulling at you from all sides? When you feel like you’re doing all you can and then some! When you feel like you can’t even seem to come up for air, much less keep everything else afloat!

I want to read more stories, do more cuddling, bake more cookies, make more paper maché messes, answer kindly, drop it all and chase them around the yard just to hear them giggle. But there are meals, and laundry, and sticky floors, and homeschooling, and work projects and correspondence and ….

Messes are temporary, Memories are for ever.

I know that. But how do you LIVE that? How do you LIVE the memorable and not the regretable, today, in the little years?

Signed,

A Young Mother of Littles

Dear Reader,

Do you know a young mother in the trenches, bravely facing days full of little ones and messes? What could you do to encourage her today?

Could you call her and tell her that she IS a good mom and that you are praying for her? Could you send her some flowers or a note of encouragement? Could you stop by and take her kids to the park for an hour so she can get a bath or run to the store by herself? Could you offer to get a sitter for her kids and take her to lunch?

Mother’s Day is coming soon. If you know a young mother who you could encourage this week, please leave her first name in the comments, and tell us what you plan to do for her. Writing it out will help you follow through, and will give us ideas that we can use to encourage others.

If you have an answer for the young mother in the letter above and would like to share, please email your reply to paradise praises {at} gmail {dot} com and I’ll create a post from your responses.

Praying God’s grace on young mothers today,

On Homeschool Uniforms

Posted on May 8, 2013 by Katie Hornor — No Comments ↓

To do or not to do? That is the question about homeschool uniforms today.

This can be a tough topic to discuss, and chances are your opinion, if you have one, is a strong one. On So You Call Yourself a Homeschooler today, I took up my courage and dove in. I hope that you’ll take the time to click over and read my take on Homeschool Uniforms, see a cute picture of my kids, and just maybe be surprised by a few things you’ve never thought to consider – until today.

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With you for the journey,