Man of Sorrow's! What a Name

by Phillip Bliss



Man of Sorrows! what a name

For the Son of God, Who came
Ruined sinners to reclaim.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Bearing shame and scoffing rude,
In my place condemned He stood;
Sealed my pardon with His blood.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Guilty, vile, and helpless we;
Spotless Lamb of God was He;
Full atonement! can it be?
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Lifted up was He to die;
I is finished! was His cry;
Now in Heaven exalted high.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

When He comes, our glorious King,
All His ransomed home to bring,
Then anew His song we'll sing:
Hallelujah! What a Savior!



Just a reminder of what our Savior had done for us! It never ceases to amaze me, the great love that God had for us, while we were yet sinners, to sent His ONLY Son to die a painful death on that cross.  For me!  For all the wretched sins that I have committed.  What an amazing love!

If you watch the video of the song you will notice that it breaks into a part of a movie, that movie is Luther in case you were wondering.  A very good movie I might add.

2011-2012 Curriculum Choices Part 2 {LINKY}

As I said in my last post, I am really doing a mish mash of things this year.  Here is the complete run down:

Together as a Family:
Bible
My Father's World  (MFW) - We will be studying the Life of Christ and the New Testament.  Last year we used The Victor Journey Through the Bible and we have really come to LOVE it!  we read a chapter in the Bible and then we read the corresponding pages in The Victor, it is like a commentary of sorts plus it gives lots of history facts about the cities and time period - a must have in my opinion.

We will also pull from KONOS and I am sure we will continue with Keys for Kids, at least sometimes since the kids love to listen to them.

History
MFW - Rome to Reformation, the books that go along with it except we will use Mystery of History instead of Streams of Civilization.  KONOS - we will be pulling some fun activities from KONOS.  we plan on including lots and lots of living books.

Science/Health
MFW - Rome to Reformation which will include the study of the human body using The Body Book and planets using the Apologia book, Exploring Creation With Astronomy (Young Explorers). 
We are also going to pull in some fun projects from KONOS like dissecting a cow eye. Can I just tell you that I CAN'T HARDLY WAIT!!

Reading
We definitely read around here.   We do read alouds daily after Bible and then the kids have quiet time.  For at least a half hour I have the girls read and the boys look at books until they fall asleep for their naps.  We discuss our read a louds and I have the girls narrate their readings back to me. 

Art
My kids draw daily.  And craft almost daily.  I frequently have them color something to go along with what we are reading.  We also have several art idea books that we can pull from and the Abeka Art books that we complete projects from occasional.

Extra Curricular Activities I like to do stuff out side of the home but to many things can stress me.  I have been praying about speech, choir, soccer and piano lessons.  These are all things that I want to with me kids but I know that all those things would really be too much.  So, I have just been laying it before the Lord and asking Him what His will would be for us.   So far I think that all the kids will do choir, the girls will do speech and it looks as though the Lord is going to provide flute lessons for the girls.  I think for now soccer may be out. 

The Lil' Chef - 6th Grade
Bible
I am really excited to be adding Draw to Learn from Notgrass this year.  It is like a daily devotional that the children can use independently or together as a family.  Each lesson has a portion of scripture to read and then something for them to draw.  They have several of these to choose from, we are doing the Life of Jesus to coincide with our New Testament studies thru MFW Bible.  VERY EXCITED!!

Language Arts
The Lil' Chef is going to be using Easy Grammar & Daily Grams and Spelling Power. We are generally Abeka users but we are trying something new, I let ya'll know how they work out.  Lil' Chef is also going to continue with Institute of Excellence in Writing (IEW), which we reviewed last year.  IEW is a keeper by the way. 

Math
I am still on the fence about this one.  I really, REALLY, REALLY want to use Teaching Textbooks.  I really lack confidence in teaching math,  and it is not my favorite subject, so the idea of TT is very appealing to me.  After researching it, ALOT, and talking to a few homeschool mom's I decided that maybe it was not a good idea for us.  I have heard mixed reviews Teaching Textbooks, one of the not so great things I have heard is that many children do not test well in the upper grades which was a huge disappointment to me.  I had really hope to ride that little wave all the way thru high school but am now having second thoughts.  If anyone has had good experience with TT and would like to way in, please leave a comment.

As it stands right now she is going to use Abeka Math and continue doing Math Facts Now and Times Alive, which we LOVE!


Computer Girl - 3rd Grade
Bible
Computer girl is also going to include Draw to Learn - The Life of Jesus into her quite reading time.

Language Arts - She is also going to try Easy Grammar, Daily Grams and Spelling Workout this year.  I think I am also going to have her work from the IEW book at a very slow pace. 

Math
Computer Girl is using Mathematical Reasoning 3 from The critical Thinking Co. this year.  We reviewed another level of Mathematical Reasoning last year and LOVED IT!!  She will also be doing math drills using Math Facts Now and Times Alive.

Alpha Boy - Kindergarten
Phonics
Alpha Boy is going to continue using Sing, Spell, Read and Write, which  he really loves and BEGS ME TO!  I mean we aren't even doing school right now and it was a SATURDAY and he brings me his book to do.  I was thinking, REALLY!! 

I also decided, just last week actually, when visiting with some friends that I really wanted to incorporate MFW Kindergarten.  I really just wanted it to pull some of the hands on ideas into the letters that we are learning. 

Math
He is going to be using Arithmetic K from Abeka.  I am also adding in Mathtacular for some added hands on fun. 

Little Bits - Pre K
I don't do anything formal with this little guy.  We is more than welcome to hang with Alpha Boy and I when we do our Phonics and Math.  He is generally around for all our reading and I do read to him. 

I plan on setting up a workbox for him to have with lots of hands on goodies to play with.  I am going to include things like wooden puzzles, Play-Doh Cookie Monster Letter Lunch, Lauri Toys Number Puzzle Boards and Pegs and Lauri's Phonic Center

What is your family going to use this year??  Please link up and share with us.

Menu Plan - 7/25/11

I just got home yesterday afternoon from being away for the week.  I have not shopped yet and am kinda pulling from things I have on hand and a few recipes that I didn't get to make a few weeks ago.  Nothing fancy, just food....

Menu Plan

Monday
Breakfast – Eggs, Toast & Fruit
Lunch – Joe O's (Spaghetti O's) and Hot Dogs
Dinner- Taco Bake, Tortilla Chips and Corn

Tuesday
Breakfast- Waffles & Fruit
Lunch- PB&J's & Fruit
Dinner- Cube Steaks, Parsley Potatoes and Broccoli

Wednesday
Breakfast-Yogurt, Toast & Fruit
Lunch-Grapes, Cheese and Crackers (This is my new favorite lunch BTW, cause it really doesn't get any easier than this!)
Dinner- Tuna Stuffed Shells & Mixed Veggies/ Tilapia

Thursday
Breakfast-Pancakes & Fruit
Lunch-PB & Honey, Fruit & Yogurt
Dinner-Freezer Mexi Beef Casserole

Friday
Breakfast- Oatmeal & Fruit
Lunch- Dogs, Macaroni and Cheese and Oranges
Dinner- Homemade Pepperoni Pizza

Saturday
Breakfast- "Daddy's Cereal" - Allow me to explain, The Hubs and I differ on what kind of cereal to purchase, just so ya know I still love him though : ) I mostly buy Honey Nut O's, Raisin Bran and ggranola type cereal and The Hubs prefers things like Capt'n Crunch, Fruit Pebbles and Trix.  So to alleviate hearing "Mom, can we have daddy's cereal?" every day for the rest of my life I have designated Saturday morning breakfast to "Daddy's Cereal" Day.
Lunch-Ham & Cheese Sandwiches, Cucumber Slices and Apples
Dinner-Grilled Cheese, Tomato Soup and Broccoli
Sunday
Breakfast- Cereal
Lunch-PB&J’s, Fruit and Chips
Dinner- Ham & Broccoli Quiche & Salad

Gather the Family Giveaway Winner!

So sorry that I didn't do this Friday, but the kids and I had a chance to go away for the week and well, we took it : ) 

Without further ado (is that how you spell that??)  the WINNER of the Gather the Family video from Franklin Springs Family Media is....


danielle @ RLR said...                           9

I'm a follower!


She blogs over at Raising Little Rhodies and has quite a cute blog I might add.  Y'all should check her out!

Nearer My God, to Thee

by Sarah Flowers Adams
Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee!

E’en though it be a cross that raiseth me,
Still all my song shall be, nearer, my God, to Thee.

Refrain
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer to Thee!

Though like the wanderer, the sun gone down,
Darkness be over me, my rest a stone.
Yet in my dreams I’d be nearer, my God to Thee.

Refrain

There let the way appear, steps unto Heav’n;
All that Thou sendest me, in mercy given;
Angels to beckon me nearer, my God, to Thee.

Refrain

Then, with my waking thoughts bright with Thy praise,
Out of my stony griefs Bethel I’ll raise;
So by my woes to be nearer, my God, to Thee.

Refrain

Or, if on joyful wing cleaving the sky,
Sun, moon, and stars forgot, upward I’ll fly,
Still all my song shall be, nearer, my God, to Thee.

Refrain

There in my Father’s home, safe and at rest,
There in my Savior’s love, perfectly blest;
Age after age to be, nearer my God to Thee.

Refrain

 
This week the kids and I went to visit one of my bestest buddies, Marta, in Delaware.  Today we went to visit their church and Marta got up an sang this beautiful song.  The Lord has given her such a beautiful voice and it was such a blessing to hear her sing today. 
 
As I was looking for the lyrics to this song I was reminded that it is said that the band on the Titanic continued to play this song as the ship was sinking.  Makes me wonder how many people got on their knees and cried out to God while hearing it.

I Can Only Imagine

by Mercy Me

I can only imagine
What it will be like
When I walk
By your side

I can only imagine
What my eyes will see
When your face
Is before me
I can only imagine

[Chorus:]
Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel
Will I dance for you Jesus or in awe of you be still
Will I stand in your presence or to my knees will I fall
Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all
I can only imagine

I can only imagine
When that day comes
And I find myself
Standing in the Son

I can only imagine
When all I will do
Is forever
Forever worship You
I can only imagine

[Chorus]

I can only imagine [x2]
I can only imagine
When all I will do
Is forever, forever worship you


I really love this song for several reasons.  First, it makes me think of the throne and what it will be like to stand in awe before it one day.  It sets my eyes on heaven and that it will one day be my eternal home with the Lord.  That is just an absolute awesome thought to meditate on. 

The second thing this song does is remind me of my mom.  I had never heard this song until the week she died.  I do imaginie her there, with Jesus.  I can't help but wonder what she must be thinking, I imagine that even after being there for 5 years she is probably still overwhelmed by the beauty of heaven and God Almighty!  

You can listen to I Can Only Imagine, here.

Gather the Family Review & Giveaway!

We were recently sent a copy of the video Gather the Family, from Franklin Springs Family Media.  Gather the Family is a film about gathering your family to worship.  It is about making dads feel confident and not inadequate.  It is about reminding us that this world is full of things that use up our time and that we need to purpose to carve out a special time to worship the Lord in our homes with our family each day.

I have to tell you that this film was a huge encouragement to me.  I watched it with out The Hubs, but hope to watch it together soon.  This film was full of encouragement from several fathers, including R.C. Sproul Jr, mothers (even a single mother) and children to faithfully have a family worship time.  It was a great blessing to hear some of the older children talk about how the Lord has used family worship to grow them in the Lord and bring their family closer together. 

One of the best things about this film in my opinion, is that it made family worship a very simple thing to do.  These families encourage you to worship as a family even with very small children, even if you are a single mother and even if dad isn't a professional theologian.

I read Bible with my children during the day while dad is at work.  The Hubs and I have discussed reading the Bible together as a family, but we have yet to put this into practice.  I am so thankful that Franklin Springs allowed us to review Gather the Family and I am prayerful that the Lord will use it grow our family in this area to honor Him! 

I think that every home should have this video and WATCH it.  You can purchase your own copy directly through Franklin Springs Family Media for $18.95

If you have seen this film before please comment and let me know what you thought about it and how it impacted your family.  Thanks!

Franklin Springs Family Media has offered a copy of Gather the Family to one of Y O U ! ! The giveaway will end on July 22, 2011.  Here is how you can win....

Please leave a SEPARATE COMMENT for each way that you enter and YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS!

• You must be a Follower or Subscriber of LSG to Win! Please leave me a comment and let me know how you follow.
• If you have just become a new Follower or Subscriber please tell me how you heard about this giveaway.
• Spread the Word! If you have a blog and post about this contest please come back and leave me a link to your post.
• Please visit the Franklin Springs Family Media website, let me know which of their other family friendly videos you would be interested in.
• Facebook or Twitter about this giveaway and leave me a comment to let me know about it.
• Like Franklin Springs Family Media on Facebook.

Please note that Franklin Springs Family Media provided me with a free copy of the film Gather the Family for review purposes only.  I was not in any way compensated  for my review.

2011-2012 Curriculum Choices Part 1

After much prayer and consideration, and a nudge from a good friend, I think I've  f i n a l l y  got my curriculum for next year figured out.  I think. 

For those of you that don't know, we have been using My Father's World for the last 3 years.  For some reason I was not really crazy about Creation to Greeks.  I loved, loved, LOVED the Old Testament Bible studies but really got tired of studying Egypt.  I was telling a friend today that I felt like we studied Egypt for like 40 years : )

So when you home school and you are not happy with a curriculum you can either 1) suffer through it, 2) do a switch ola or 3) tweak it.  I am deciding to tweak it!

I really wanted to continue the chronological wheel of MFW but just felt l I really did ALOT of tweaking to our curriculum last year and need to change something.  I have been eyeballing KONOS for a long while now.  I just couldn't really seem to wrap my little finite mind around it, so I dug a bit and learned a little more about it.  The more that I learned the more that I liked it.  I was really drawn to the fact the the focus is character traits.  So, long story short I decided that I wanted to find KONOS used and do it along with MFW.  Crazy right??!!  I did indeed find it used, all 3 KONOS volumes as well as the timeline figures to go with it. 

After looking through the KONOS curriculum I began to reconsider doing MFW.  I decided to focus on just KONOS.  We tried a part of the Attentiveness unit at the end of our last school year and really enjoyed it.  We loved the read a louds, the discussion, the hands on projects and such.  BUT, I still didn't feel settled in my mind with it for some reason.  I had been asking the Lord to lead me to the right curriculum and give me a peace about it, but I just really didn't have it. 

Fast forward to last week, my friend Marta (remember the girl from the zoo) stopped by to see the KONOS books because I was trying to get her to co-op and do Konos with me (mind you I am the one that got her using MFW).  She is an hour and a half a way from me but I figured, hey we'd work that little detail out later : )   Once she looked at the MFW book I'd be using next year (Rome to Reformation) and Konos she said, hey why don't you tie them together.   The Lord reminded me that this was the original leading that I had.  But I really didn't think I could do it since there isn't a ton of Roman studies in Konos.  Marta encouraged me to just sit down and take a look at both curriculum's, and that is just what I did last Friday evening. 

What I figured out was, where I couldn't pull from Konos to match up with the MFW history I could match up the science.  So, some weeks we will pull in some science from Konos and some week history stuff.  Hope this makes sense outside of my brain.  I am really excited to finally feel at peace about it our curriculum for next year.  I don't know about you but I am a little bit stressed when my school plans are in limbo.  Ya know what I am sayin'!

I tell you what we are doing for the 3 R's in another post.

Summer Reading

Every summer I go back and forth about whether to continue some schooling in the summer.  We have been homeschooling for 6 years and so far that hasn't happened.  And yes, the kids are quite happy about this. 

One thing that I do carry on in the summer is reading.  If we are home we generally still carry on a nap/ quite time routine.  The way that this looks is after lunch we all go snuggle on the coaches in the family room and I read.  If we haven't already read Bible for the day then we start with Bible.  Right now we have been reading from Keys for Kids, The Pearables and from Hidden Treasures (Doorposts).  We read the scripture and story (if there is one) and discuss it.

After Bible we read a short book or a chapter from a book we are working on.  We recently read The Three Weavers ( this book is a must if you have daughters) and we are now working on The Hedge of Thorns, both from Lamplighter Publishers.  I have read both before on my own a few years ago and I am glad to be able to read them with my children.  I highly recommend both of them. 

I also like to include shorter picture books for the boys since they are younger.  Like today we read Bible, a chapter from The Hedge of Thorns and then we read a Christopher Churchmouse story. 

Reading with my kids is probably my favorite time of the day.  I enjoy reading and discussing the stories and scripture with them.   It is a real blessing to hear the things that the learn from our reading time. 

I also like to have the girls read at least a chapter from their book and the boys each get a pile of books to go through before their naps.

Since we are reading anyway I decided to do a few of the summer reading programs that are out there.  We are doing the reading programs through Borders and Barnes and Noble.  If you haven't started a reading program with your kids there is still plenty of time left. 

As far as what I am reading, I have been trying to be faithful with my daily Bible readings from the M'Cheyne Bible Plan.  I am also trying to get thru the Ministry of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson and For Women Only: What You Need to Know about the Inner Lives of Men by Shaunti Feldhahn.  I have been also reading alot of curriculum lately it seems. 

Do you have your children continue reading through the summer?

(I am an affiliate for Lamplighter Publishers because I absolutely love their books.  If you purchase a Lamplighter book from my affiliate link then I will receive a small commission and you will have a new book that you and your family will love! )

Menu Plan 7/10/11 - A Few New Recipes

I am trying out a few new recipes this week.  Hopefully they are good, my little crew can be not real easy to please in the food department.  Maybe we will find a few new family favorites. 

Here is what's cookin' this week....

Monday

Breakfast – Eggs, Toast & Fruit
Lunch – Cheese Quesadillas, Carrots Sticks and Oranges
Dinner- Caesar Chicken Pasta Salad w/ Squash & Zucchini

Tuesday
Breakfast- Waffles & Fruit
Lunch- Homemade Pizza & Fruit
Dinner- Ham & Broccoli Quiche & Salad  - I haven't made a quiche in a looong time!  I think the kids will really like this one.

Wednesday
Breakfast-Yogurt, Toast & Fruit
Lunch-Grapes, Cheese and Crackers
Dinner- Tuna Stuffed Shells & Mixed Veggies/  Tilapia for Me : )

Thursday
Breakfast-Pancakes & Fruit
Lunch-PB & Honey, Fruit & Yogurt
Dinner-Mexi Beef Casserole (I plan to make 2 of these - 1 to eat and 1 to freeze)

Friday
Breakfast- Oatmeal & Fruit
Lunch- Dogs, Macaroni and Cheese and Oranges
Dinner- Pizza

Saturday
Breakfast- Kids Choice
Lunch-Ham & Cheese Sandwiches, Cucumber Slices and Apples
Dinner-Grilled Cheese, Tomato Soup and Broccoli

Sunday
Breakfast- Cereal
Lunch-PB&J’s, Fruit and Chips
Dinner- Turkey & Cheese Quesadillas w/ Corn

Here I am to Worship

by Chris Tomlin

Light of the world
You stepped down into darkness.
Opened my eyes, let me see.
Beauty that made this heart adore You
Hope of a life spent with You

Here I am to worship,
Here I am to bow down,
Here I am to say that You're my God
You're altogether lovely
All together worthy,
All together wonderful to me

King of all days
oh, so highly exalted
Glorious in heaven above
Humbly You came
To the earth You created
All for love's sake became poor

Here I am to worship,
Here I am to bow down,
Here I am to say that You're my God
You're altogether lovely
All together worthy,
All together wonderful to me

I'll never know how much it cost
To see my sin upon that cross
I'll never know how much it cost
To see my sin upon that cross
I'll never know how much it cost
To see my sin upon that cross
I'll never know how much it cost

Here I am to worship,
Here I am to bow down,
Here I am to say that You're my God
You're altogether lovely
All together worthy,
All together wonderful to me

Here I am to worship,
Here I am to bow down,
Here I am to say that You're my God
You're altogether lovely
All together worthy,
All together wonderful to me

I'll never know how much it cost
to see my sins upon that cross--

As a Christian, I am so thankful that Jesus paid it all! I will NEVER know the suffering and pain for my sins. Jesus paid for my every sin when He died on the cross.  It just amazes me that He loved me, a sinner, so much that he would take my pain and suffering so that I wouldn't have to.
It also amazes and humbles me that everytime the Father looks upon me, He sees His Son, Christ Jesus!

You can listen to Here I am To Worship, here.

Menu Plan 7/5/11

This is what is cookin' at the LSG house this week....

Tuesday
Hamburger Stroganoff

Wednesday
Hot Ham & Cheese Sandwiches, Fruit and Chips

Thursday
Crock Pot Pizza Casserole

Friday
Sweet and Sour Chicken

Saturday
Shepherd's Pie

Sunday
BBQ Chicken, Sweet Potatoes and Corn

Monday
Angel Hair Pasta Chicken

What we've been up too...

I have taken a little bloggy leave of absence but I think I am back now : )

We finished up for the school year.  I am hopefully going to get my review done this coming week.  Every year I say, this is the year that we are going to do some schooling this summer but that has yet to happen.  My kids of course are thrilled about this.  The only thing that we continue is Bible (because this is not really school) and reading. 

We also had VBS.  Our church has a fabulous VBS every year!  This year it was called Sea Quest and it was about Jonah.  While they were in their classes I helped out with sorting and distributing the crafts for the younger kids.  My kids wish every week was VBS week! 

We've had company!  For the last week we have been blessed with my mom, dad and sister in laws.  My children have so enjoyed being with there grandpeeps!  They live in NC and we haven't seen them in a LOOOONGGG time.  Way too long!  We had a full house, but it was a huge blessing to have them here.  I am trying to come up with a plan to get them to move back to MD.  (Hey Mom if you are reading this, hint hint!)
The LSG house has celebrated 3 birthdays in the last month.  Yes, 3!  Little Bits, AlphaBoy and I all turned a year older.  We always let the kids choose the theme of their party, which has gotten simpler over the years.  The boys had KungFu Panda and Cars birthdays and I got a surprise party at Chevy's (my favorite Mexican restaurant)!  They even made me wear a ridiculous sombrero! 

This week we start swim lessons, another thing that my kids really look forward to! Along with our pool membership, the kids get 2 weeks of swim lessons and they L O V E it!  They are taught mostly be older teens from the swim team and they make it lots of fun for the little ones. 

So as you can see we've been pretty busy.

Happy Independence Day!

I hope that everyone has a wonderful and safe 4th of July!  Today we plan on relaxing as a family and then enjoying the fireworks this evening at a local pond. 

My kids are so excited about getting to watch fireworks and about wearing red, white and blue.  The girls already have their outfits picked out, of course : ) 

Today I want to remind my children what the 4th of July is really about, our independence as a nation.  I want to remind them to thank the Lord for our freedom and for the men and women that fought for us to have it. 




Happy Independence Day!

Lord, I Lift Your Name on High

by Donnie McClurkin

Chorus:
Lord I lift your name on high
Lord I love to sing your praises
I'm so glad you are in my life
I'm so glad you came to save us.

You came from heaven to earth, to show the way
From the earth to the cross, my debt to pay
From the cross to the grave, from the grave to the sky
Lord I lift your name on high.

Chorus.

You came from heaven to earth, to show the way
From the earth to the cross, my debt to pay
From the cross to the grave, from the grave to the sky
Lord I lift your name on high.

You came from heaven to earth, to show the way
From the earth to the cross, my debt to pay
From the cross to the grave, from the grave to the sky
Lord I lift your name on high.

Chorus.

You came from heaven to earth, to show the way
From the earth to the cross, my debt to pay
From the cross to the grave, from the grave to the sky
Lord I lift your name on high

Lord I lift your name on high
Lord I lift your name on high
Lord I lift your name on high
Lord I lift your name on high
Lord I lift your name on high.



This is a beautiful song.  You can listen to it here.