Have you ever wanted to go to a great national conference, but can't find the time? or the money?
Some of the most memorable moments for me have been listening to the great speakers and teachers of our day and age. They have changed my faith and my understanding of walking out the Christian life.
Well, thanks to the Internet, now you can go and enjoy the best speakers from the comfort of your own home.
No travel!
No hurry - listen as you can!
No cost!
Here are just a few of the great links out there! Many of these include audio and video for the main speakers and break-out seminars!
True Woman - Fort Worth 2010 featuring Nancy Leigh DeMoss, Crawford Lorritts, Kay Arthur, and Mary Kassian
True Woman - Chattanooga 2010 featuring Nancy Leigh DeMoss, Voddie Baucham, and Jennifer Rothschild
Desiring God National Conference 2010 featuring John Piper, Francis Chan, Tullian Tchividjian, and R.C. Sproul
In fact, here is the link for every single Desiring God conference (of any type) for the past 17 years right HERE.
Ready for a Mommy time out?
Monday, May 16, 2011
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Gratitude for Saturday, May 14th
#111: Growing Gerbers and geraniums
#112: Fresh Produce in the Kitchen (Thanks to Lee's Produce!)
#113: Everybody loves Asparagus!
#114: Time with our precious relatives
#115: Safe travels back and forth
#116: Time with young cousins
#117: Laundry done while on vacation
#118: Great memories of time together at the zoo
#119: Wonderful Mother/Daughter Tea with AHG
#120: Hopes for the summer
Read about the original One Thousand Gifts list from Ann Voskamp HERE.
#112: Fresh Produce in the Kitchen (Thanks to Lee's Produce!)
#113: Everybody loves Asparagus!
#114: Time with our precious relatives
#115: Safe travels back and forth
#116: Time with young cousins
#117: Laundry done while on vacation
#118: Great memories of time together at the zoo
#119: Wonderful Mother/Daughter Tea with AHG
#120: Hopes for the summer
Read about the original One Thousand Gifts list from Ann Voskamp HERE.
Monday, May 9, 2011
10 Daily Essentials from Dr.Oz
Still getting things back in order from our vacation ... but I wanted to share something helpful that I ran across. These steps from Dr.Oz are so simple that everyone can do it!
Here's the original link for the article from Dr.Oz's website.
To make life simpler, Dr. Oz has whittled down his top 10 daily essentials, starting at number 10 and building toward the single most important thing you need to do on a daily basis to achieve optimal health.
Dr. Oz’s Top 10 Daily Essentials
10. Eat a Hard-boiled Egg
Eggs are protein powerhouses that provide 13% of your daily protein and only 4% of your daily calories. These excellent, inexpensive protein sources fight frailty. Rich in choline, they also reduce inflammation in the brain, which has been linked to Alzheimer’s. Cook up a week’s worth in advance and take them with you on the go. If you’re not a fan of hard-boiled eggs, eat one a day scrambled, poached or any other way you like it.
9. Check Your Poop
First, your poop should never appear white. If this occurs, it could mean lack of bile, indicating a blockage or a problem with absorption. Second, keep in mind that the range for bowel movement occurrence is very broad – anywhere from 3 times a week to multiple times a day is considered normal.
8. Make Vegetables Half of Every Single Meal
Vegetables are chockfull of vital nutrients and most of us do not get enough of them. Make them half of every single meal. Get your veggies in the morning by tossing them into an omelet. At lunch and dinner, eat more veggie-based salads and soups; divide your plate into two halves with your main course, say chicken or fish, taking up one side and vegetables the other. Click here for more suggestions on getting more vegetables into each of your meals.
7. Take Half Multivitamin in the Morning and the Other Half at Night
A multivitamin serves as an insurance policy, guaranteeing your body gets everything it needs. However, your body can’t absorb all these nutrients at once, and you wind up eliminating a portion of them via your urine or bowel movements. To maximize absorption, split your multivitamin in two and take half in the morning and half in the evening. Better yet, try and purchase a brand that offers a daily dosage in various pills. Click here for Dr. Oz's Ultimate Supplement Checklist.
6: Supplement With a Bone-Boosting Cocktail
To protect your bones, a multivitamin is not enough. You need a bone-boosting cocktail comprised of:
5. Get at Least 7 Hours of Sleep
A brand new study shows that people who don’t get enough sleep are not as sharp the next day and most alarmingly, they don’t even realize it. Here are 4 ways to help you sleep better and get to sleeper faster:
4. Have Sex
You already know that a healthy sex life with your partner helps you stay bonded and also provides a good workout. Now a new study shows that sex is also good for your brain, leading to improved interconnections in the brain and stress reduction.
3.Breathe and Stretch for 5 Minutes
Five minutes of breathing and stretching each day creates a powerful stress buster that can add years to your life. When you wake up in the morning, try the “hippie” stretch: Reach down and try to touch your toes. Relax your hips and let your head go loose. Now alternate relaxing your left and right knees and walk around a bit. Close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Five minutes later, you’re loosened up and good to go. For Dr. Oz's 7-Minute Workout, click here.
2. Eliminate Simple Sugars
Simple sugars are the reason behind America’s obesity epidemic. If it’s white or processed, you need to eliminate it. In addition, practice reading labels and avoid products containing “hidden sugars” such as high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), evaporated cane juice and brown rice sugar. For a list of the other foods you should elimate, click here.
1. Sit Less, Move More
Groundbreaking research shows that for every hour a day you spend sitting, your risk of death increases by 11%. Even small movements throughout the day, such as fidgeting, can add up to major health benefits. Dr. Oz recommends getting 10,000 steps a day. To do this, invest in a pedometer so you can keep track of each step you make toward optimal health.
Which step do you want to work on?
Here's the original link for the article from Dr.Oz's website.
To make life simpler, Dr. Oz has whittled down his top 10 daily essentials, starting at number 10 and building toward the single most important thing you need to do on a daily basis to achieve optimal health.
Dr. Oz’s Top 10 Daily Essentials
10. Eat a Hard-boiled Egg
Eggs are protein powerhouses that provide 13% of your daily protein and only 4% of your daily calories. These excellent, inexpensive protein sources fight frailty. Rich in choline, they also reduce inflammation in the brain, which has been linked to Alzheimer’s. Cook up a week’s worth in advance and take them with you on the go. If you’re not a fan of hard-boiled eggs, eat one a day scrambled, poached or any other way you like it.
9. Check Your Poop
First, your poop should never appear white. If this occurs, it could mean lack of bile, indicating a blockage or a problem with absorption. Second, keep in mind that the range for bowel movement occurrence is very broad – anywhere from 3 times a week to multiple times a day is considered normal.
8. Make Vegetables Half of Every Single Meal
Vegetables are chockfull of vital nutrients and most of us do not get enough of them. Make them half of every single meal. Get your veggies in the morning by tossing them into an omelet. At lunch and dinner, eat more veggie-based salads and soups; divide your plate into two halves with your main course, say chicken or fish, taking up one side and vegetables the other. Click here for more suggestions on getting more vegetables into each of your meals.
7. Take Half Multivitamin in the Morning and the Other Half at Night
A multivitamin serves as an insurance policy, guaranteeing your body gets everything it needs. However, your body can’t absorb all these nutrients at once, and you wind up eliminating a portion of them via your urine or bowel movements. To maximize absorption, split your multivitamin in two and take half in the morning and half in the evening. Better yet, try and purchase a brand that offers a daily dosage in various pills. Click here for Dr. Oz's Ultimate Supplement Checklist.
6: Supplement With a Bone-Boosting Cocktail
To protect your bones, a multivitamin is not enough. You need a bone-boosting cocktail comprised of:
- Vitamin D3, 1000 IU
- Calcium, 600 mg
- Magnesium, 400 mg
5. Get at Least 7 Hours of Sleep
A brand new study shows that people who don’t get enough sleep are not as sharp the next day and most alarmingly, they don’t even realize it. Here are 4 ways to help you sleep better and get to sleeper faster:
- Read a book before bed. Reading acts as a soothing balm that helps you fall asleep.
- Instead of an overhead light, which stimulates the brain to wake up, use a reading light.
- Turn your alarm clock away from view so it won’t stimulate the brain’s pineal gland, which senses light.
- Use an eye mask to keep light out and increase sleep quality.
4. Have Sex
You already know that a healthy sex life with your partner helps you stay bonded and also provides a good workout. Now a new study shows that sex is also good for your brain, leading to improved interconnections in the brain and stress reduction.
3.Breathe and Stretch for 5 Minutes
Five minutes of breathing and stretching each day creates a powerful stress buster that can add years to your life. When you wake up in the morning, try the “hippie” stretch: Reach down and try to touch your toes. Relax your hips and let your head go loose. Now alternate relaxing your left and right knees and walk around a bit. Close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Five minutes later, you’re loosened up and good to go. For Dr. Oz's 7-Minute Workout, click here.
2. Eliminate Simple Sugars
Simple sugars are the reason behind America’s obesity epidemic. If it’s white or processed, you need to eliminate it. In addition, practice reading labels and avoid products containing “hidden sugars” such as high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), evaporated cane juice and brown rice sugar. For a list of the other foods you should elimate, click here.
1. Sit Less, Move More
Groundbreaking research shows that for every hour a day you spend sitting, your risk of death increases by 11%. Even small movements throughout the day, such as fidgeting, can add up to major health benefits. Dr. Oz recommends getting 10,000 steps a day. To do this, invest in a pedometer so you can keep track of each step you make toward optimal health.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
One Thousand Gifts for Sat, April 23rd, 2011
Gratitude this week ...
#101: encouraging words from my hubby
#102: Starbuck's - a never fail little pick me up
#103: new discoveries on the Internet
#104: mornings - they always remind me that there's new mercies, new starts to be had
#105: an avid reader in a daughter
#106: a super family picture to enjoy for years to come
#107: Easter
#108: Reese's eggs (YUM-O!)
#109: preparing for vacation
#110: safe travels for all family returning home
#101: encouraging words from my hubby
#102: Starbuck's - a never fail little pick me up
#103: new discoveries on the Internet
#104: mornings - they always remind me that there's new mercies, new starts to be had
#105: an avid reader in a daughter
#106: a super family picture to enjoy for years to come
#107: Easter
#108: Reese's eggs (YUM-O!)
#109: preparing for vacation
#110: safe travels for all family returning home
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
One Thousand Gifts for Sat, April 16th
This past Saturday, our area experienced 25 separate tornadoes. Our neighborhood was just out of the main line of destruction. Around us is severe damage and loss. There truly is much to be thankful for!
#101: Our family is safe
#102: We have power restored finally!
#103: Seeing friends jump in to serve in the aftermath
#104: There wasn't greater loss of life
#105: Family that was traveling to be with us was safe
#106: Beautiful, cool weather while the power was out
#107: Sunny, dry days for the clean up
#108: Tree shredders
#109: Fast roof repair companies
#110: Grace in the midst of hardship and loss. Easter week is especially meaningful in light of the fallenness around.
Read about the original One Thousand Gifts list from Ann Voskamp HERE.
#101: Our family is safe
#102: We have power restored finally!
#103: Seeing friends jump in to serve in the aftermath
#104: There wasn't greater loss of life
#105: Family that was traveling to be with us was safe
#106: Beautiful, cool weather while the power was out
#107: Sunny, dry days for the clean up
#108: Tree shredders
#109: Fast roof repair companies
#110: Grace in the midst of hardship and loss. Easter week is especially meaningful in light of the fallenness around.
Read about the original One Thousand Gifts list from Ann Voskamp HERE.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Homeschool Styles and our pick, Charlotte Mason
There are quite a few styles of homeschooling. I never knew there were so many until we actually started schooling. Here is a great quick link to give you an idea on the Styles of Homeschooling .
We follow the Charlotte Mason style of schooling in our house. Click HERE to learn more about Charlotte Mason, the teacher and writer.
Now, let me start write off by telling you that we haven't gotten this all down. We are still very early in our schooling journey and are trying to work out the day to day.
How did we pick CM?
When I read about the different styles of homeschooling and I read about Charlotte Mason I instantly "clicked" with it. I agreed with almost every facet completely. You will find one that fits you as well. It perfectly combines our reasons for homeschooling, along with my gifting and experience as a teacher. I know of families that "unschool" and that is perfectly right for them. Another family we know is using a more traditional approach. Each family has to find their way of doing school that works for them.
Some unique parts of the Charlotte Mason style that we focus on?
** Living Books: CM heavily prioritizes reading first hand books, even to young children, that make learning come alive. Biographies, First hand accounts, rich artwork.
** Character and Habit Training: I feel that this might be one of the most important parts of what we do at home.
** Nature Study: CM celebrates and honors God through learning about His creation first hand.
** Fine Arts: CM encourages regular study of artists, composers, poets, etc.
** Narration: Challenging our children to be able to remember and express their thoughts on what they learn will help them so much in life.
Why is style important to know?
Because at the end of each year, it helps to know what you are shooting for. It helps to remind yourself at the start of the year what kind of school you want to have. It helps you to find resources in line with what you have already decided is important.
Some my favorite CM websites:
Simply Charlotte Mason : Sonya Schafer, head of Simply Charlotte Mason, is usually at the NCHE Conference. Don't miss their talks, even if you don't CM.
Ambleside Online has so many resources, from a full curriculum to pages on artists, composers, poetry, etc.
Handbook of Nature Study Blog
Karen Andreola's Blog: Karen is one of the foremost CM writers.
 |
| Charlotte Mason (1842-1923) |
There are quite a few styles of homeschooling. I never knew there were so many until we actually started schooling. Here is a great quick link to give you an idea on the Styles of Homeschooling .
We follow the Charlotte Mason style of schooling in our house. Click HERE to learn more about Charlotte Mason, the teacher and writer.
Now, let me start write off by telling you that we haven't gotten this all down. We are still very early in our schooling journey and are trying to work out the day to day.
How did we pick CM?
When I read about the different styles of homeschooling and I read about Charlotte Mason I instantly "clicked" with it. I agreed with almost every facet completely. You will find one that fits you as well. It perfectly combines our reasons for homeschooling, along with my gifting and experience as a teacher. I know of families that "unschool" and that is perfectly right for them. Another family we know is using a more traditional approach. Each family has to find their way of doing school that works for them.
Some unique parts of the Charlotte Mason style that we focus on?
** Living Books: CM heavily prioritizes reading first hand books, even to young children, that make learning come alive. Biographies, First hand accounts, rich artwork.
** Character and Habit Training: I feel that this might be one of the most important parts of what we do at home.
** Nature Study: CM celebrates and honors God through learning about His creation first hand.
** Fine Arts: CM encourages regular study of artists, composers, poets, etc.
** Narration: Challenging our children to be able to remember and express their thoughts on what they learn will help them so much in life.
Why is style important to know?
Because at the end of each year, it helps to know what you are shooting for. It helps to remind yourself at the start of the year what kind of school you want to have. It helps you to find resources in line with what you have already decided is important.
Some my favorite CM websites:
Simply Charlotte Mason : Sonya Schafer, head of Simply Charlotte Mason, is usually at the NCHE Conference. Don't miss their talks, even if you don't CM.
Ambleside Online has so many resources, from a full curriculum to pages on artists, composers, poetry, etc.
Handbook of Nature Study Blog
Karen Andreola's Blog: Karen is one of the foremost CM writers.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
WFMW: Plan your Funeral
 |
| In memory of Juanita Arnold Albertson VanGorken Winegar |
The commercial says "Life comes at you fast!"
It does!
My mother and I talked in the car after my grandmother's recent funeral and she said,"When it comes to my funeral, just do whatever comforts you. I'll be gone!"
When my mother dies, I will feel profound grief and loss. There will be many details of funerals, arrangements, wills, etc. I gently encouraged my mother to go ahead ... now and write down the details of her funeral service. What a great blessing this will be when I can just pull out her notes and pass them on to the funeral home and church staff. That will be one detail taken care of.
Some of you may be thinking, as I do, sometimes, that I have plenty of time ahead for that. As David reminds us, we don't know how long we have and there are many who die unexpectedly.
Psalm 39
4 “Show me, LORD, my life’s end
and the number of my days;
let me know how fleeting my life is.
5 You have made my days a mere handbreadth;
the span of my years is as nothing before you.
Everyone is but a breath,
even those who seem secure.[b]
Even those of us who are younger would do well to jot down a few notes and bless our loved ones with some thought on their behalf. Even if you just take a few minutes to jot down your wishes and email them to a few family members or close friends, you will have helped.
Here are some great links to help you get started:
Funeral Planning Checklist
This Wall Street Journal article helps outline the important documents you need to have in order ... TODAY. (A Living Well, Healthcare Proxy, and Health-Care Power of Attorney).
This Mayo Clinic page guides you through those documents and why you need them. Very helpful!
Neptune Society : Helps provide reasonable cremation services around the country.
And if you want to get an interesting picture of the problem around the world, here is an article from USAToday about the burial crowding issue in China.
Bless your family today with thinking ahead!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
