Melt My Heart

This was just a sweet moment that I want to have saved so that I don't forget.

One of the many reasons we wanted to home school this year is to be able to incorporate God in it. In every subject. It's very important to me that as a parent, I do all I can to lay down that solid foundation for them as they grow up. This last year I've worried that they aren't getting enough because since the move, we've struggled finding a church and getting connected. Even just in our home life, I feel like we've become distant. I want to be intentional about putting a stop to that now.

After a super long and busy day yesterday, on our drive home at 8-something at night, we were listening to a Christian radio station. A slow song came on and I changed it to a country station. Zeke was quick to request that we listen to Christian music on the way home. How can I say no? That alone brought so much joy to my heart.

Then the song "Speak Life" by TobyMac came on. Here is just a clip of it:

Though it's crazy, amazing

We can turn a heart with the words we say.

Mountains crumble with every syllable.

Hope can live or die

So speak Life, speak Life.

To the deadest darkest night.

Speak life, speak Life.

When the sun won't shine and you don't know why.

Look into the eyes of the brokenhearted;

Watch them come alive as soon as you speak hope,

You speak love, you speak...

You speak Life, (oh oh oh oh oh oh) You speak Life. (oh oh oh oh oh oh)

Some days the tongue gets twisted;

Other days my thoughts just fall apart.

I do, I don't, I will, I won't,

It's like I'm drowning in the deep.

As the song is playing, Asher starts asking questions about it. I have heard this song a billion times, yet have never really heard the song...the words. The Holy Spirit working through my 6-year-old son awakened me to the song I was humming to. He was talking about the power of our tongue, because it has the power of life and death (Proverbs 18:21). So that brought us into a conversation about our words and being careful with them because they are so powerful.
"Don't talk hate, talk love." is what my little man said.

Quite honestly, my memory has gotten so bad lately that I don't want to forget precious moments as these. After a long, tiring day, this just filled me with happiness and excitement that my kids are paying attention, listening, learning, that they are desiring to know Him more... <3

From The Inside Out (Everlasting)

A thousand times I've failed
Still your mercy remains
Should I stumble again
Still I'm caught in your grace
Everlasting, your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, your glory goes beyond all fame

Your will above all else
My purpose remains
The art of losing myself in bringing you praise
Everlasting, your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, your glory goes beyond all fame

In my heart, in my soul
I give you control
Consume me from the inside out
Let justice and praise
Become my embrace
To love you from the inside out

Everlasting, your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, your glory goes beyond all fame
And the cry of my heart is to bring you praise
From the inside out
Lord my soul cries out

by Hillsong.

The Zoo

Saturday September 13th, 2014

Dakota Zoo

Prairie dogs.

Monkeys.

Asher in way back there.

Field Trip

Friday September 12th, 2014

First Homeschool Field Trip

Hebron Brick

The kilm.

Afterwards, we went to the park.

Servants Heart

Tuesday September 2nd, 2014

Let me tell ya about my guys...

The other day as we were getting off the exit on our way to Macie's ballet, we passed two men on the side of the road holding a sign saying, "Montana". Asher and Zeke both chimed in that we should help them. What if their car broke down? We should give them money. I hate to admit it, but these kinds of situations kind of make me nervous - especially being alone with the kids. But they kept on and on, saying it would be the right thing to do. How can you say no to that? I took it as God speaking to the heart of my boys, and I had the choice to honor it. 

Once ballet was over, we went to the bank and withdrew some money. The verse written below came to me when I was thinking what we should say.

We went back to where the men were, but no longer were they there. Their sign was left on the ground. We discussed the possibility of them possibly getting a ride with someone else. We decided to leave this envelope in the car, that we would be on the look out for someone in need, and when we found such person, we would have this on hand to give to them.

Now, I know we aren't supposed to brag about good deeds, but this isn't my boys bragging about themselves, this is my observation of these two young fellas whom I am so proud of. I love their hearts. I love how it was such a burden on their hearts to do something to help those strangers out. I hope they never lose that quality. That they always stay in touch with what God speaks to them, and that they will be quick to respond. <3

Monday September 1st, 2014 

Labor Day

Lake Tschida, Elgin, North Dakota

We really enjoyed this day as a family. We did some school work this morning and after lunch went to the lake. I loved the trees, sky, and water. Kids enjoyed looking for fossils. :) The weather was nice and cool, there was a pleasant breeze. We had a great time as a family.