20 Minutes to Dinnertime--Kabobs and Persian rice---Yummmm!

Yummm! Even at the last minute, when you don't think you are capable of making one more meal! We had this for dinner tonight! Thanks to my friend, Brandee, who shared the idea with me.

This is for all the women in the world who have rice in the cupboard and a little more in the fridge! In order to creatively get dinner on the table in 20 minutes, which may seem like an eternity at the end of your day, improvising is key! Whether it is a picky eater you are dealing with, or the challenge to get your family to the table all together may be daunting at 5:30 pm while you are driving home from another exhaustive day. Don’t even think about the drive thru because this is where I can help you!

Dinner can seem to be such a heavy burden when you are tired and just want to accomplish the task of getting a meal prepared, but think about what a great opportunity this could be to teach your kids, especially teens who need to know how to cook the basics; how to cook rice. They will really appreciate it if they don’t already know how versatile rice can be, and it will take you all of about 5 minutes to get it on the stove and then you just let the magic happen! You will still be eating dinner in 25 minutes tops, while building relationship with your awesome kid(s)!

Here are three recipes for a Persian style feast you will be sure to enjoy! You can take all three recipes and have a complete meal on the table. Again, getting the kids involved will be helpful and memorable.  If you have a hurried schedule, just take the pilaf and leftover chicken from the night before or on the way home pick up a nice rotisserie chicken to throw into your rice bowl. The kids absolutely love it! If you know that there is an ingredient your family will not enjoy, omit it or exchange it. That is what makes this your own version of the recipe. No need to reinvent the wheel - just make it your own style of wheel!

When your day seems never ending and time keeps ticking by, remember that rice is your friend in the kitchen!  This new twist on rice will stir some conversation around the table! Wow your family and familiarize yourself a little with the Persian culture. Then, share a quick fact or two and they will really be amazed at how smart you are, on top of being a good cook!

I prepared the chicken and the rice in big quantities, and froze them in freezer containers. Then I took one container out tonight and heated it in my pressure cooker with a little liquid for 5 minutes and dinner was ready!

Persian Rice 

2 tablespoons butter 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 cup basmati rice (or brown rice) 1 teaspoon salt 2 cups water or broth 3/4 teaspoon curry seasoning 1/4 cup dried apricots, diced 1/4 cup slivered almonds

Directions

1. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat; cook and stir onion until onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in basmati rice, curry, and salt; cook and stir until rice is slightly opaque, about 3 minutes.
2. Pour in water; stir to combine. Mix in apricots, and almonds; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until rice has absorbed the liquid, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat and allow pilaf to stand covered for 10 more minutes. Stir before serving.

Chicken Kabobs

1/4 cup lemon juice 1/4 cup vegetable oil 3/4 cup plain yogurt 4 cloves garlic, minced 2 teaspoons tomato paste 1 1/2 teaspoons salt 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom 2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut into 2 inch pieces 2 onions, cut into large chunks 1 large green or red bell pepper, cut into large chunks 1 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

*Optional veggies/fruit for Kabobs: pineapple, mushroom, cherry tomatoes/zucchini

Directions

1. Whisk together the lemon juice, vegetable oil, plain yogurt, garlic, tomato paste, salt, oregano, pepper, allspice, cinnamon, and cardamom in a large bowl; add the chicken and toss to coat. Transfer the chicken mixture into a large plastic bag; refrigerate at least 4 hours.
2. Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat and lightly oil grate. Thread the chicken, onions, and pepper onto metal skewers giving 1/4 inch in between meat & veggies. Cook on preheated grill until the chicken is golden and no longer pink in the center, about 5 minutes each side. Sprinkle the parsley over the skewers.
3. Optional oven method: preheat oven to 375 degrees. On lightly greased shallow pan, line Kabobs 1 inch apart and cook in oven for 20 - 25 minutes. Turning Kabobs after 10 minutes for even cooking.
4. Serve immediately over rice pilaf or as is on the skewer.

Naan Bread Recipe     1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast  (2 1/4 tsp)

1 cup warm water

1/4 cup white sugar 3 tablespoons milk 1 egg, beaten 2 teaspoons salt 4 1/2 cups bread flour 2 teaspoons minced garlic (optional) 1/4 cup butter, melted

*This is a great bread to use alongside hummus as an appetizer to meal.

Directions

1. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Let stand about 10 minutes, until frothy. Stir in sugar, milk, egg, salt, and enough flour to make a soft dough. Knead for 6 to 8 minutes on a lightly floured surface, or until smooth. Place dough in a well oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and set aside to rise. Let it rise 1 hour, until the dough has doubled in volume. (If you live in a  cooler climate, preheat oven at 140 degrees. Then, turn off oven and place dough into oven to rise. Keep an eye on the dough, it may rise 10 - 15 minutes quicker!
2. Punch down dough, and knead in garlic. Pinch off small handfuls of dough about the size of a golf ball. Roll into balls, and place on a tray. Cover with a towel, and allow to rise until doubled in size, about 30 minutes.
3. During the second rising, preheat grill to high heat. (You can use an indoor grill or panini press as well!)
4. At grill side, roll one ball of dough out into a thin circle. Lightly oil grill. Place dough on grill, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until puffy and lightly browned. Brush uncooked side with butter, and turn over. Brush cooked side with butter, and cook until browned, another 2 to 4 minutes. Remove from grill, and continue the process until all the naan has been prepared. If you make a double batch, this bread can be bagged in airtight container or ziplock/bread bags. To warm bread, wrap in foil and heat in oven at 350 for 10 - 15 minutes.

***Check out the giveaway below for your chance to WIN a copy of Chrystal and Tony's book, "Kingdom Woman." a Rafflecopter giveaway

Godly Women: Boring, legalistic, frumpy--Really?

Crystal candles atop a crimson table cloth flickered and sparkled on the victorian china  from a great grandmother's dowry, as the last guest opened the front door. Bedecked in frilly dresses, rouged cheeks and lipsticked mouths, smelling all like flowers, 14 mothers and daughters bashfully took their chairs around our dining room table.

The event marked our first ever traditional mother-daughter Christmas tea. My hopes were that as Sarah's friends and moms met together in such a civilized manner, we could share intimate thoughts, hear of the girl's dreams and build a foundation of friendship.

Politely quiet at first, the group oohed and ahhed at the raspberry soup, cream scones and raspberry jam.

Wanting to stimulate the conversation, I ask all the daughters, "What would some of you like to become or do in your life when you grow up?"

Much to my surprise, the comments quickly came:

"I am going to live a much more interesting life than my mom. She never seems happy and doesn't ever have any fun."

"Well, I am not sure, but I don't want to have lots of kids like my mom, because she is always tired and grumpy."

"I know what you mean. And my mom homeschools--I don't think I will ever want to do that, because I think it makes her angry with us, because we never do what as well as she wants us to!"

I was so surprised. Not exactly the comments I was expecting.

That was twenty years ago. Fast-forward to now. My adult-aged children and I often work with teen and college age groups. Last Spring, I was speaking to a group of young women and asked them to tell me their impression of godly women. Their answers were the same: boring, legalistic, frumpy, quiet and disengaged.

Motherhood is such a demanding call and we do have so many tasks to complete. But all of our work will be in vain if we do not seek to show our children, in our home, the reality of God's joy, love, creativity and life. And most of these young women said they got this impression from their mom's lives!

Our view of God will be reflected in how we live life in front of our children each day.

God is the author of all creation--including waterfalls, roses, puppy dogs, storms, color, sound, food and all delights. As the One who gave us the instinct to giggle and belly laugh, to sway and swirl with the sounds of vibrant music; to delight in the galaxies aglow on a summer's night, the ability to touch, kiss, hug and love; to be able to work and bring color, beauty, skill in the presentation of a well-planted garden, a well written story, a table well-set, a meal to delight the palette, the ability to nurse back the ill to health---so much more, then our lives should reflect this greatness of God, this "joie de vivre", through the ways we face and celebrate life each day.

If we do not reflect the very "life" of God, the fruit of living with Him filling every part of our being, then what is the point of working so hard to shape the life of our children. If the Spirit of God is not filling us each day with the capacity of His spirit lived out in a real personality, then our labor is in vain.

How do we move from the mundane to the beautiful? We become artists in our home, bringing color and design to our rooms. Romanticists, touching and caressing and singing love into the hearts of our children. We dance through the music and sing loudly as we wash dishes together. We celebrate life each night as we eat and drink together, sharing not just the table but the culture of our family life.

Instead of gluing our faces to a machine, we look deeply into the eyes of these creatures of God living in our home and we see inside their hearts and affirm the beauty we see there.

Now is the time for Christians--the Christ Ones--to emulate His greatness, excellence, civility, redemption, care, and truth that wins without condemning.

Each year, I reflect,

What is the Jesus my children are seeing through me each day?

How do I need to read, pray, fill my own heart, so that what my children and friends draw from is life-giving to them?

What do I need to confess and repent from--complaining spirit, fear, disappointment, critical attitude?

Specifically, what does each child need, at this phase of his life, from me to encourage with life-giving words, to build up, to love, to train?

When mamas are filled with the power, love, wisdom and celebration of the Spirit, then the next generation will catch the fire of their passion.

What about you? Can you lean into the strength, wisdom, love and gentleness of your sweet savior and then come out of His presence giving a fragrance of His reality? What do you need to change? What do you need to re-create your vision? What do you need to read to inspire?

May God move us to reflect more truly the reality of walking day by day the artist who threw the galaxies into the heavens, the God who gently washed 120 toes, caressing them with love, the one who fed the 5000 out of compassion because He did not want them to be hungry; the God who pointed out the lilies of the field.

Today I am also writing at: Thebettermom.com About cultivating Moral Purity in the LIves of Your Children

Savor the Seasons-a Kingdom Woman Giveaway with Chrystal Hurst!

Savor the Seasons

By Chrystal Evans Hurst

Today I took my three boys, ages 10, 8, and 4 to Target.  The oldest two had money from birthdays and grandma that was burning a hole in their pockets and I had promised them on a previous day when I was extremely tired that I would take them soon.  Today was that day.

I opened the door to my mini-van so the three boys could undo their seatbelts and exit the vehicle.  Gone are the days of unbuckling them from complicated car seats or placing infant carriers in the front section of the grocery cart.

We proceeded to walk into the store.  I pushed no strollers, I had no babies on my hip, and I carried no diaper bag.  My boys went up and down the aisles of the toy section.  I stayed in the main aisle so I could keep up with all three of them at a glance. I didn’t have to worry about keeping a hand on a toddler at all times.

When it came time to check out, my older boys went up to the counter, goods in hand, and proceeded to count out their money and pay the cashier.  After taking the four year old to get some water at the fountain, I turned and stood to wait for his brothers to finish their purchases.  Apparently, I’m also passed the time of having hollering babies in the cart while I struggle to pay at the register.

The time is gone.

But while I can still reminisce over their baby smells and their tiny toes, I’m not super sad about watching my boys grow up.  A wise “Kingdom woman” told me long ago to savor every season. And I did. Not perfectly of course, but I did make some memories cuddling, reading stories, and letting them soak in the tub until their fingers and toes were all wrinkled. And I look forward to savoring the season of watching these three boys turn into young men.

I’ve had other seasons too. Seasons of being single. Seasons of working crazy hours in the corporate world. Seasons of marriage with a traveling husband. Seasons of homeschooling. Seasons of sickness. Seasons of baking bread and seasons of eating out way too much.

And all of the seasons are good.

Each season in its own right can be enjoyed, can be valued, and can share a lesson to be learned and carried forward into the season that comes after. But it’s up to me to savor the season I’m in – while I’m walking through it.

One day I will look back on my three boys just like I look back on days gone by with my two daughters, now ages 21 and 17.  I’ve learned that every season is worth my presence and that every season doesn’t last forever. The days are long but the years are short. Make the most of today. Make the most of your season.

Can I encourage you today to savor your season? While you may adore your season, it will end.  You may abhor your season.  It will end too. However, the joys and pains will each make you a better person if you will allow them. The good and the bad can work together to make you a woman well-fitted for the King. Our God let’s nothing go to waste.  He uses everything for our good and for His glory.

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven. He has made everything beautiful in its time…. Ecclesiastes 3:1 & 11(ESV)

Kingdom Woman

By Tony Evans & Chrystal Evans Hurst

Tyndale House Publishers

http://kingdomwomanbook.com/

“While many women are enjoying this day and age when we have so many opportunities never before available to our gender, other women are crumbling under the pressure to do all and be all in the light of the options available to us. This book is about the wonderful possibilities that emerge when you align yourself with the dreams that God has in mind for you.

 —Chrystal Evans Hurst, on Kingdom Woman

 About “Kingdom Woman”:

Kingdom Man was such a success, that women were asking for “their” book--Kingdom Woman is a book of empowerment for women. Chrystal gives frank, authentic, real-life perspective to punctuate her father, Tony’s, biblically inspired teaching.

 In Kingdom Woman, Tony Evans and his daughter, Chrystal Evans Hurst, remind women of their calling from God to be free, delivered, healed, and to have hope. The authors bring insight that encourages women to correct distorted perceptions and understand who they really are—never settling for less when connected with the One who gives them hope. All believers are covered by God’s covenant with Abraham. Evans and Hurst want women to know these rights and confidently claim and live by them. The new covenant offer more than a life of mediocrity.

 Chrystal Evans Hurst:

@ChrystalHurst

 Chrystal Evans Hurst is a gifted writer, speaker, and worship leader. Being the eldest child of Dr. Tony and Lois Evans, the Word of God has surrounded and guided her for her entire life. As a member of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship, Chrystal assists her mom, Lois, in leading the women’s ministry and loves to encourage women toward a deeper relationship with the Lord. Her blog—Chrystal’s Chronicles—poignantly reflects her thoughts about her faith and day-to-day experiences. Most importantly, Chrystal is a dedicated wife and homeschooling mother of five.

Chrystal Hurst is writer, speaker, and worship leader in addition to serving as the chief executive operating officer in her home as a wife and mother of five. Chrystal is co-author of the recent release, Kingdom Woman and also blogs regularly at chrystalevanshurst.com.blog

***Check out the giveaway below for your chance to WIN a copy of Chrystal and Tony's book, "Kingdom Woman." a Rafflecopter giveaway

Mentoring Monday: Diligence--the golden key to life

Ernst William Christmas

Patience and Diligence, like faith, remove mountains.

William Penn

Quitting jobs, quitting school, quitting on marriage, quitting on friendship, quitting on God, just quitting is acceptable in every area of our lives. Often we use the word grace as an covering to all people in all circumstances who make wrong decisions, who fail to be wise, who prove to be lazy.

Just "quitting" has become an acceptable choice, an excusable choice. We blame others for our difficulties instead of choosing to be diligent to overcome our challenges. A lack of godly character is at the base of Christians having no impact on culture. Christians are as likely to except mediocrity as non-believers.

Yet, God gave us the capacity to "muscle-up" in life in order to be conquerers, to defeat the darkness, to work to completion. How many times have I been sorely tempted to give up on some of my ideals--my children have tested my patience and faith. Homeschooling challenged me to the core. Repetitive financial issues have tempted me to believe that God did not hear my prayers. People's negative voices in my life have caused me to second guess my ideals, and tempting me to think they did not matter.

Yet, God's word kept telling me to persevere, to be diligent, to overcome, to keep going. And by His grace, now I am so very thankful that He increased my capacity to work hard when I had grown up lazy. He stretched my faith so that I could live long enough to see His faithfulness. He kept me faithful through the hard times in marriage so that now I have a heritage of unconditional love.

We read that one of the fruits of the spirit is faithfulness--faithfulness is staying diligent to remain at the task or issue at hand. Paul, who suffered so much at the hands of persecutors, knew the importance of diligence.

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

1 Corinthians 15:58

Learning the importance of diligence in every endeavor of life is essential for fruitfulness in life. Though the world is in rebellion against God and His design, and thus our work is challenging, our relationships are fraught with pain, His spirit of redemption comes alive when we are diligent to complete the tasks we have been given to complete. Diligence is the energy, the inner will of determination to keep going, that provides the power to overcome in life.

When a mama trains her children, bit by bit, to work harder, to keep going, to develop an inner sense of integrity in work, faith, service, friendship and love, this child will become strong inside. To have a habit of diligence, to own the value of diligence in one's heart, provides the power, the strength to keep going--to move the mountains in his life.

Daily life is where diligence is trained and learned. As our children watch our diligence, and experience our love, they develop a heart to be diligent as we are. Giving children work to complete develops moral strength. Helping children to persevere in difficult relationships teaches them to be faithful in adult relationships.

If we do our children the disservice of taking them out of all difficult circumstances, then we are guilty of giving them a weak character. Diligence is a gold key to becoming productive and influential in life.

This week's way is crucial to the core of our children's character and will even help them to learn to stay faithful in times of doubt. When they learn to be diligent in one area, it spills into all areas of life. This is why it is crucial that we train this attribute into the very core of our children's values about themselves. We do it by gentle, daily, little by little, consistent training over a young lifetime at home.

But when it grows in the heart of the child, he will become the person who is reliable. This child will get the jobs he hopes for, work hard to reach ideals. If you love your child, you must patiently pursue this character quality in the life of your home and in your own life, and then you will see the ultimate reward of your own faith, as you learn to wait on God patiently and to work diligently in life to bring Him glory.

 We are diligent to complete a task promptly and thoroughly when asked. 

Way # 13

Memory verse:

"The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing. But the soul of the diligent is made fat."

May God find our hearts and works diligent as we see the blessing of His ways, in His time.

Hearts, books, shopping and sales--what could be more fun?

Look what's here! You can read Desperate, by Sarah Mae and me,  and have a mug of coffee all at the same time! I obviously love this set because the mug has an encouragement from the Psalms about Joy. A perfect combination from my heart to yours! :) And it is on a special sale for 15.99!

I wanted to be sure to share this pretty heart to heart necklace with all of you mom heart moms--a perfect necklace for my love of mom heart small groups!  It is so fun for me to have a place that provides beautiful faith-based gifts.  Each month, Dayspring offers sales on selected items and I am excited to share these with you! It is an easy place for me to order thoughtful gifts right from my home to store away for special occasions for my girls and friends.

During July, Dayspring is offering an incredible 25% off your entire order with coupon code SUMMER25 as well as FREE shipping on any order over $50!  What a great time to stock up for summer birthdays and hostess gifts.

The Urban Soul Collection will bring inspiration to your home, now 25% off with coupon SUMMER25.

A piece from the Lisa Leonard Jewelry Collection would be a gift to bless any woman!

Need a new journal?  Click here to see Dayspring’s wide variety.

Be sure to use coupon code SUMMER25.

Have fun shopping!

Moms: God's source of grace in young girl's lives!

In a culture where women are confronted every day with photographs in media that show perfect bodies, messages suggesting sexual innuendos and the need for young women to be attractive to the opposite sex, there is a perfect emotional storm for all young girls seeking to be liked and wanting to eventually be loved by the opposite sex.  The passage from childhood to adulthood is fraught with kids wanting to still be loved and approved by their parents, but also longing to strain toward adulthood and wanting to be affirmed by their peers. This is a normal passage for all young women.

However, the way this passage into adulthood is handled will greatly determine the relative health and confidence with which a girl merges into adulthood. And as a mom, you can truly be a voice of affirmation, encouragement and guidance for your girls if you can understand the pressure they feel to conform and to please their peers.

Now in my 20's,  I have experienced my fair share of growing up, stretching, hurting, and learning how to enjoy being a young woman. Even now, I remember my first day of high school , and the confusion and anxiety I felt, like it was yesterday. The majority of my peers were nervous, maybe even terrified, wondering how well they would be received by the population of teenagers.

I couldn't fall asleep the night before because I couldn't stop thinking about what I should wear. My mom had taken me to my favorite outlet mall over summer break to pick out some new clothes. The entire night, I tossed and turned wondering which t-shirt/blue jean combo I should choose. Finally, I decided on some faded blue jeans with the "totally not already made that way" holes in the knees. Being from Florida, I also went with a Kenny Chesney t-shirt and some flip flops to complete my perfect high school look.

I walked down the halls my first day trying not to smile too much, because I didn't want to draw attention to my metal mouth. After each class that day, I rushed to the bathroom to fix my Florida humidified hair. Why was I so concerned about what people thought of me? They were just teenagers. The point is, we all want so badly to be accepted. We want to be liked.

These are the feelings all young women feel during their teenage years.

Now, as 22 year old young woman living in Hollywood, I have come to realize that these insecurities with which we struggle, don't really fade away with age. Women were created to be clothed in strength, dignity, confidence and grace, but looking around at our culture today, I see so much brokenness. So much hurt. So much insecurity. So many emotional scars.

We are in a generation with a serious identity crisis. We desperately want to be able to define who we are. This is why tween & teen girls will spend hours getting ready to go anywhere.  They long for affirmation in a culture that is passive and disconnected from real love. Constantly seeking answers and trying to figure out our ideals, beliefs, and dreams creates emotional vulnerability. Girls compare themselves to photo-shopped magazines. We are told that our value is in our bodies. We sometimes let our own insecurities discourage us deep within.  But what if I told you that you, as a mom,  held power and God given authority, to positively determine the outcome of your daughter's life? What if I told you that God has entrusted you to steward and raise a woman of influence?

This is a time and a generation filled with young women who desperately need to know they are worthy, valuable, and strong. All we need to do is change our definitions of ourselves. As a mother, you are in charge of a very important job.

Instead of getting frustrated with your daughter, her hormonal ups and downs, times of irrational responses, try to remember how you felt at her age. Relate to her and remember that it is not easy trying to figure out a strong identity.

Remember, "A gentle answer turns away wrath." Proverbs 15:1 (or anger, frustration, insecurity!)

I challenge you this week to make intentional time with your daughter. Have a cup of tea or coffee, laugh, chat, and ask her what is on her heart. When moms make time to be casual and personal with their daughters, to value the things their children admire, then it opens up a girl's heart to share with her inner most feelings with her mom. Perhaps your daughter is feeling confident and joyful. That is absolutely amazing, and it is my wish for every young woman. However, most girls struggle with feelings of doubt, insecurity, and confusion, but they do not want to reveal it unless they feel they can trust someone with their insecurities. Take the time to allow your daughter know how important her concerns are to you.

If you are seeking a Bible study, devotional resource to assist you as you spend quality time with your daughter, you can click on the following link to get your very own copy of my book, "God's Girl."

Relate to your daughter this week, and remind her that she is marvelously made.

***For more on Rachael Lee, check out her blog for young women.

Rachael Lee, Ministry Leader for Tween Girls; author, actress, Bible study Leader

A Few Thoughts on Wholehearted Homeschooling

Homeschooling must include mocha frappicino's to be effective!

A pioneers in the homeschooling movement, Clay and I had to imagine and design what the effects of our teaching would have on the long term life of our children. Ideals shaped the habits, rhythms and training of our children. Diligence to follow our plan was a constant effort to be sure we were faithful to be attentive to our children.

Many of you have heard our kids speak, or have read their writing in their books or on blogs, and heard their compositions and performances in various music, speech and debate, ministry arenas and in our conferences.

"Were all of your children just naturally intelligent? How did you give them that vocabulary? Why have your children stayed faithful to our ideals and to their faith in God?"

My wonderful children were just normal fun, loud, spunky kids who loved life together in our home. So many questions and letters--and probably a desire for us to give a formula!

The foundation and strength of our homeschool, of course, was our dependence on God, His word and His spirit's work in the life of our family and children's hearts.  But I do believe that because each child was made in the image of God, he has a capacity to be morally excellent, mentally strong, and accomplished in life. It is parents who must "call out" the capacity and ability of each child for God's glory.

As I have pondered these questions, I realize that I have very strong convictions about what really cultivates a strong and faithful heart, a deep and engaged soul and an agile, intellectually capable mind.

Four Areas come to mind:

1. A strong sense of self is necessary for a child to grow into the calling of God on his life. Heritage, history, self-government, and habits of excellence give children a roadway on which to move forward in developing confidence as adults.

2. A strong sense of place creates home as a haven, a place to read and discuss, a sanctuary for outreach to others, the center for traditions, morality, education and life as an anchor to the life that proceeds from the home.

3. Mental muscles  and strength are developed by reading the best authors, finest stories, observing excellent art and understanding the best composers, as well as being aware of the world issues, places and cultures, and discussing real ideas as a way of life. Intellectual acuity is possible to all children with all personalities because each one was crafted in the image of God. How adults view children's capacity is foundational to requiring excellence of skill and attention.

4. Discipleship training and practice in ministry expands the soul familiarity of Jesus's call on the lives of our children. But this must be experienced as a routine part of the family life. Love for Christ and discussions on a daily basis about the Word, practicing prayer together, and obeying God as a community provides healthy spiritual formation.

This summer, I have been watching my children interact over music and wrangle over books and movies, giggle over stories of the year reviewed, speaking passionately about convictions and taking turns patting our ancient golden retriever is always such a joy to me. The mind, soul and spiritual strength arose from the life of these commitments within the walls of our home every day. We spent so many hours here, the six of us, doing just those very things day in and day out for so many years! While there are many reasons homeschooling was a perfect fit for our family, this together-ness was perhaps the greatest gift of all, and the one I miss most now that they've flown (though only intermittently, thankfully!)

So much has changed in the homeschool world since we began. Speaking at several homeschool conferences this year reminded me of how sheerly overwhelming and perhaps confusing current glut of information, advice, and direction must be--especially to new homeschoolers.

And so I'm planning to share some thoughts on educating children at home each week. These articles will be shaped to encourage vision and application of education principles.  We realize each family must figure out its own particular puzzle. After many years of discipling young, new believers both here and overseas, we knew that when we did have children, that same dedication to discipleship must continue to mark our lives. Homeschooling just seemed a natural outgrowth of the way we wanted to raise our children.

At the time we were quite free to do whatever we wanted in terms of curriculum, scheduling (or not!) etc. because there just weren't the proliferation of confusing voices defining all of the formulas of home education! We were intentionally let's-read-lots-of-exceptional-books-together sort, by having researched educational options and data that suggested how to cultivate academic excellence. Reading as a focus required copious amounts of time. Exposing our children to the greatest thinkers, artists, musicians, and all things beautiful was our general "plan." But we did feel pressure sometimes for our children to behave in a certain way or to respond in a particular way to our direction, because of the criticism and opinions of others. As we have written about it in Educating the WholeHearted Child ...

"In our early years of homeschooling, we tried to follow laws of behavior to be more acceptable to God and others; we tried to conform to laws of belief in order to fit into movements or groups. Rather than sensing a freedom in the Spirit, though, we would end up feeling, in Paul's words, "burdened again by a yoke of slavery" (Galatians 5:1). We wish we had discovered the biblical truth of our freedom in Christ earlier. Rather than depending on man-made Christian formulas and rules, we rediscovered the ministry of the Holy Spirit to guide us in our homeschooling days and decisions. We began teaching others to let the Holy Spirit be their confidence, and that teaching became this book."

Summer is a great time as you're having fun with your children rather than feeling the pressures of the typical homeschool year to think a bit about how the upcoming season of homeschooling might be different. Educating the WholeHearted Child is my favorite book on homeschooling ... I may be biased, as of course it was written by Clay and I, and we gathered just about every thought we've had on the topic over our 20-plus year journey! You can buy it here.

What pressures do you feel as a homeschooling mom? In what ways are you tempted to pass those pressures on to your children?

Be sure to let me know any specifics you want me to write about as I could write about ideas and books and creativity for eternity. Let me know what you think.

Keeping the magic and mystique in Marriage: 5 Ways to Date Your husband

32 Years Ago this August, we committed to "Till death do us part."

Marriage is the foundation for all families. Together, you and your husband are partners in writing your family story. Once the honeymoon is over and children become a part of our relationship, we need to be much more intentional about making time for our husbands. After being married for many years, I have learned that as a wife, I must always continue working at our marriage. There will never be a year when it is okay for me to become passive and settled. Whatever is watered will grow--and a marriage will always need to be a priority to keep growing.

As women, we often place very high and unrealistic expectations on our husbands when it comes to romance because of false expectations from movies, media and television. Many years of marriage are very demanding and depleting.  We just have to keep putting one foot in front of the other, between ear infections, miscarriages, sleepless nights for years on end, bills, moves, exhaustion, ......you know the routine.

Because women are often isolated in life--no friends as neighbors, no family close by, few kindred spirits--their personal needs build and build. When an exhausted husband walks in the door from work, it is a temptation to expect a husband to meet the needs that God intended a community of family and other women to fulfill. Women really do need the fellowship,compassion and sharing of life with other women in their same situation.

Often, we expect our husband them to be prince charming everyday on top of being a husband, a father, a friend, and a hard worker. While I wanted Clay to be the "leader of the pack,", I realized that it meant  so much to him when I would intentionally cultivate the companionship and close relationship we had before children. Clay so appreciated when I would  plan dates and intentional time. It took a huge weight off of his shoulders.

The tips below are some ideas from our life to give ideas for you to plan intentional time and dates with your husband. They are all budget friendly, and many are free and don't require a babysitter!

5 Ways To Date Your Husband:

1: Dine Al Fresco. It is summer time, and nothing is more romantic than a warm breeze. Save money by cooking something lovely and having a date night in the backyard. Set up the ambiance at your patio table, or lay out a picnic blanket. Light some candles, let the children and pets stay inside, (Winnie the Pooh saved me many a night!), and enjoy some quality time.

2: Get Out! It has been proven that couples who go for walks together have all around healthier relationships (physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally). Go on a walk at sunset with your husband. Hold hands, talk about your day, and enjoy the peace and quiet.

On occasion, even now most Sundays, we ride on a country road near our home in the quiet of the mountains with  our favorite music playing and just enjoy the calm of nature, mountains, meadows--greens and blues. When we lived in big cities, we would take a ride on the metro and just sit and talk!

3: Ask Questions.

In our busy lives with children, work, and a million tasks, we often forget to ask our husbands how they are doing. Set aside a few minutes of intentional time to chat with him. Men like to be strong, and not every guy has the personality to just ramble about everything that crosses their mind (like women do). Ask your husband how he is feeling, what he is excited about, what is overwhelming him, and how you could help.

Clay did not always tell me what was on his mind, but nonetheless he wanted me to care enough to ask and spend the time to open his own pressures and issues.

My mom taught me to wait until the time was right to talk about big issues that might create stress. So often, I would make a tasty meal, light candles and play calming music (most every night), and then after Clay had time to breathe off the stress of the day, I would bring him a cup of tea and just sit and visit. Then, when the atmosphere was clear, I would then bring up the stressful issues of the day. (Much like Esther waiting until after the King had been fed before she asked a request.)

4: Recreate Your First Date. This is such a wonderful way to remember falling in love with your husband. If your first date included dinner at an Italian restaurant and a movie to follow, you can recreate that timeless moment at home! Cook up the pasta dish you had on your first date (you could even go online and print out the menu from the restaurant you went to). Rent the movie that you watched, and play it at home after your romantic dinner. You could even include the children in this night as a way to show them your love, and you could tell them the story of how you first met. Involving your children in this memory is wonderful, because it is crucial that your little ones view your marriage as something that is healthy, flourishing, and full of love.

5: Wake Up Early. Sometimes, the only way we can find the time to be intentional is to wake up before all of the other tasks begin. Have a special, quiet, coffee time with your husband. You could even include a devotional in this time, or just take the time to pray together.

Clay does not like to compete with the demands of the kids. He would wait until the early mornings to have a cup of tea or to talk to me about things. Now we either have a short time before dinner where we focus on each other, or a cup of tea in the mornings.

Do life together and remember to honor your husband and take initiative when it comes to creating intentional time as a couple. It is a grace of a godly woman to cultivate an environment of peace and calm where her husband can feel confident and safe enough to share all the issues of his heart, both insecurities, failures, hopes, dreams and struggles. 

Still, after all these years, and even more, because of our trials we conquered together, my beloved Clay is still "my man." He has endured so much with me. Our story of survival and faith and unconditional love, makes our story all the more precious.

A Time to Buy Wonderful Gifts for Friends! {25% Off Dayspring Coupon Code}

Oh how I love Dayspring! Meeting the wonderful founders of (In)courage who write for  Dayspring and their great host of bloggers at Allume and Relevant gave me a new set of kindred spirits. Grouping women of like mind in small groups all over the World for encouragement is exactly what we have always been striving to reach. I was blessed enough to go to one of their lovely weekend conferences and won my lovely vase. I keep it in my office. Inscribed are the words, "Grateful for Simple Blessings!" I keep this in my little library/study to remind me to stay real and simple--and of course I love having the flowers, too.

I wanted you to have the opportunity to grab some of these lovely gifts for your friends and family, because of the wonderful sale that they are providing!

Dayspring is a company that cultivates beauty that we can easily bring into our homes, with the message of Christianity and hope to share to the lives of those we love. This summer breeze brought more than just warm weather...it also brought us 25% off our entire order from Dayspring! July is the perfect time to take advantage of these hot summer deals.

Because Dayspring loves their customers, this incredible company is offering 25% off of everything when you enter the coupon code SUMMER25. This amazing deal even applies to items that are already discounted!

One of the things I love most about this time of year is the gorgeous, lush flowers that bloom. I will be picking flowers from Joy's garden to place into my personal favorite summer item from Dayspring. This beautiful, vintage vase is not only a lovely home for your favorite flowers, but it displays two wonderful messages of encouragement. One side reads "redeemed", while the other side of this gorgeous vase gives us the beautiful reminder in Ecclesiastes, "He has made everything beautiful in it's time."

Don't miss your chance to encourage yourself and the other women in your life with this incredible message of inspiration that we all need. Click here to bring joy, inspiration, and love to your home for 25% off!

After the Last Tear Falls, There is Love

 

Breckenridge with Gwen, my old roomie in Poland, and Joy

Flowers, beauty, outdoors and Colorado cool days, fills me up. I adore flowers and mountains and so today was spent driving to our beloved town to show my sweet friend a good Sunday.

However, I am bejiggered, if indeed that is a word. Since May 18, I have only had 4 days when we did not have company staying at our house. It's just one of those summers--weddings, fires, ministry stuff, friends who needed a get away, friends of my children who wanted to come to California. And now I am enjoying a week with my sweet old roomie, Gwen, who has not been able to visit for some years. However, her mom passed away this spring and she is here for a family time of rest and fun.

Having so many in my home means more dishes, less sleep, more expenditure of my self and body. Yet, I have been so enjoying each person and feeling that I am so very blessed to have a home in which people can find sanctuary. It is something I have wanted to build my whole life--and now it is truly a retreat for my family, for Clay and me and for others.

But we shall be fasting for about the next 3 weeks, so that no more dishes have to be washed and no more food bought and prepared! :)

A habit of ours for all the years we travelled together, was to listen to our favorite music artists as we meandered the mountain twists and turns and marveled at the swaying aspens, dancing of the wind through the pines and the cotton ball clouds that tickle the mountain tops.

Hours of singing and quietly listening to the mellow tunes occupied much of our ride today.

Andrew Peterson, a friend of our family through the Rabbit Room and Sarah and Clay, writes such heart-felt messages into the poetry of his music. This song deeply ministered to my soul today as I leaned gently against the window, took in the beauty of the greens and blues and pondered how wonderful it will be when all tears have been cried, all sighs and weariness spent, and Jesus will be waiting, waiting with His overwhelming, generous love.

I hope as you ponder the lyrics, they will also touch your heart.

And how are you this summer? How is your heart? How is your soul? I would love to know.

After The Last Tear Falls by Andrew Peterson (on the album Love and Thunder)

After the last tear falls After the last secret's told After the last bullet tears through flesh and bone After the last child starves And the last girl walks the boulevard After the last year that's just too hard

There is love Love, love, love There is love Love, love, love There is love

After the last disgrace After the last lie to save some face After the last brutal jab from a poison tongue After the last dirty politician After the last meal down at the mission After the last lonely night in prison

There is love Love, love, love There is love Love, love, love There is love

And in the end, the end is Oceans and oceans Of love and love again We'll see how the tears that have fallen Were caught in the palms Of the Giver of love and the Lover of all And we'll look back on these tears as old tales

'Cause after the last plan fails After the last siren wails After the last young husband sails off to join the war After the last "this marriage is over" After the last young girl's innocence is stolen After the last years of silence that won't let a heart open

There is love Love, love, love There is love

And in the end, the end is Oceans and oceans Of love and love again We'll see how the tears that have fallen Were caught in the palms Of the Giver of love and the Lover of all And we'll look back on these tears as old tales

'Cause after the last tear falls There is love

PLEASE LISTEN AND ENJOY--AND MAY IT MINISTER SOOTHE YOUR HEART.