Sadness, forgiveness, then happiness and joy

 It's no fun when we've wronged another.  Even accidentally.  Such is the case when Mary accidentally dropped our new puppy.  She was absolutely heartbroken and sad.  Try as we might to help her feel better and assure her the puppy was fine (he only fell from her lap to the floor!) was not enough to put a smile back on her face.  Interestingly, what DID bring a smile to her face was when she was 'forgiven' by the puppy.

No words were spoken, none needed to be.  Only the little puppy eager to climb back up on her lap for more snuggles.  Sometimes that all it takes to show another they've been forgiven.  I can see the happiness Mary has from the pleasant smile and shine of her eyes.  It's a feeling I am sure we can all relate to from time to time as we too forgive others and feel the healing power of our loving Heavenly Father.  It's like a "hug from heaven" just like what Mary is experiencing.

Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.  Colossians 3:13

A generational vision

Grandpa Vance & Elaine

May ever soul that touches mine---

Be it the slightest contact---Get there from some good,

Some little grace, some kindly thought,

One inspiration yet unfelt, one bit of courage

For the darkening sky, the gleam of faith

To brave the thickening ills of life,

One glimpse of brighter skies beyond the gathering mists

To make this life worth while and heaven a surer heritage.

This does not mean that we should be officious and obtrusive in pressing our help upon those we meet. There is a story of one whose prayer was that he might be permitted to do a great deal of good without even knowing it. That is the best helpfulness which flows out of the heart and life as light from a star, as fragrance from a flower. Love works most effectively when it works unconsciously, almost instinctively, inspired from within. Then it bestows its blessing or does its good obtrusively."

J. R. Miller

On this Father's Day I honor those around me whom I see blessing the lives of others as stated above. My own father who left this life several years ago quietly, gently, and unobtrusively blessed my life. (pictured on left) My son in law and my son are doing the same for their little families. But I think I haven't come to appreciate the fruits of their labors until recent years when maturity sets in my spirit and I can see with my eyes and hearts the blessings passed down from one

generation to another. My own husband is a piece of work from what I call a 'generational vision.' I am reaping the blessings of generations of Godly husbands and fathers. While I didn't know my husband's grandfathers I do know his father. (pictured right with his family) The words spoken above from J. R. Miller quite explains my thoughts when it comes to the influence my husband has been under all his life. I thank my father-in-law (and of course his lovely wife) for bringing up such a fine man as my husband. It is my prayer that this vision will continue to be passed down from generation to generation in the future. Happy Father's Day to the father's I love and to all fathers!

Daddy Vance, Vance Jr. and son-in-law Kelly

101 Reasons as to why I homeschool

Reason 80

"He was not a perfect child, by any means, but, his faults were of the better sort; and being early taught the secret of self-control, he was not left at the mercy of appetites and passions, as some poor little mortals are, and then punished for yielding to the temptations against which they have no armour." Little Men by Louisa M. Alcott

Sharing poetry with children

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things.~Phillipians 4:8

"A man should hear a little music, read a little poetry, and see a fine picture everyday of his life; in order that world cares may not obliterate the sense of the beautiful which God has implanted in the human soul."~J.W. von Goethe

So many times these areas of education (or training) get slid to the back burner. Keeping my current poetry book with my scriptures is the best way I have found to see to the reading of poetry everyday. Right after our devotionals I am then prepared to read a few selections. I agree completely with Charlotte Mason when she says: "We can hardly do better than to lead children to reflect on some high poetic teaching, for it is here that the young and aged mind continue to feast, providing food for moral understanding, reverence, imagination, and true loveliness." She maintained that this sort of teaching so be given on a daily basis. Memorizing, copywork, and recitation are all ways in which we can incorporate poetry into the daily lives of our children.

We are currently reading A Child's Treasury of Poems. It is perfectly fit for the ages of my younger ones. It is loaded with gorgeous pictures and the kids love to imitate them in their drawings. My older children are reading selections from The Oxford Book of Children's Verse by Iona & Peter Opie. I believe this is out of print right now. We found an old library copy that we are using.

Picture

Our Little Boys

That Little Chap That Follows Me

A careful man I want to be.

A little fellow follows me.

I do not dare to go astray.

For fear he'll go the self same way.

I cannot once escape his eyes.

Whate're he sees me do he tries.

Like me he says he wants to be.

That little chap who follows me.

He thinks that I am big and fine.

He trusts in every word of mine.

The sin in me he does not see.

That little chap who follows me.

Lord, let my that little chap to see.

A follower leaning hard on Thee;

That as he grows he'll be inspired.

To seek the one whom I desire.