Linda Needs

I got the idea for this one from firefly's blog:

"Here's the drill: You google '[your name] needs', except of course that you replace [your name] with, well, your name. Then you look at the search results, and you laugh. (You might want to turn on the 'Family filter' or whatever it is that Google calls that. Because there are apparently some people out there who think you need stuff that, uh, you don't need. Or at least, you probably don't want to read about needing it on the Internet.)"

If you need a chuckle today, you've got to try this. Very interesting what gets googled. Here are my results:

1. To really thrive, Linda needs to be a part of a loving, committed marriage.
Yes, I do. I wouldn't go back to the dating jungle for anything. Nothing but monkeys and tigers in that world. Isn't my cuddly teddy-bear just so much better?!

2. Linda needs a new best friend.
You know I really could use a new gal pal. Someone to talk things over with, the stuff dh is tired of hearing about. Someone to shop with (when I want to buy something just for me). Problem is, who has time for that?!

3. Linda needs some help with her appearance.
Okay, that was a catty comment. True, I'm afraid, but not nice.

4. Linda needs some encouragement.
Yeaaaah, quite telling me how bad I look, go shopping with me, and help me pull together some kind of coordinated look.

5. Linda needs as much free space at the front of the platform as possible
And, so you're saying I need to lose weight, too? Or, are you saying I have a large ego? Not sure I like where this is headed. [hehehehehe]

6. Linda needs a home that offers consistency, routine, firm limits, and sensitivity.
Boy, do I ever. And, if you fine one that offers all that, let me know. I'm moving there with you.

7. Linda needs to stand up and be a real player.
Okay, for a serious comment on this. I really am trying to be more authentic in every area of my life. To be a real player in my online business, to be a real player in my faith, to be a real player as a mom, and to be a real player as a wife. Those are my goals.

8. Linda needs to change her oil more regularly.
Dh takes care of this for me. I'm not the crawl-under-the-car-mechanic-type. Not that there is anything wrong with girls who do that.

9. Linda needs as much free space as possible.
That's true. Never could stand clingy-vine guys when I was dating. But, now that I'm part of a loving, committed marriage. . .I don't need as much space as I used to. I kinda enjoy "close" now.

10. Linda needs sleep.
Yes, I do. A good 10 hours for about a month straight ought to do it. Yeah, like that's gonna happen.

11. Linda needs to make the most out of life.
Yep, and I'm living it to the fullest. Trying to enjoy every moment I'm with family. Trying to get closer to God. Trying to be less self-conscious and more other-oriented. And, trying to grow up.

How about you? What do you need? Take this little quiz and find out. If you do, post in the comments and let me know where I can read your answers.

Until we meet in the teachers' lounge again,

Linda W. Kelley

www.Christian-Parenting-Source.com

Attitude of Gratitude

Salvation (1 Tim 1:13-16)

God’s Strength (1 Tim 4:13,Phil 1:12)

God Enabling us for Service (1 Tim 1:12)

hot coffee on a chilly morning

the purring of my cat curled at my feet

the sharp tang of fall in the air

clean water and a good roof over my head

the ease of conversation with my best friend

good health

Christian children

winding country roads in the fall

a lazy river

the love of family

freedom in America

another day of life

sinking into a down pillow and quilt

a roaring fire

warm butterscotch pudding over vanilla ice cream

hugs

laughter


Post your own gratitude list in the comments.

Until we meet in the teachers' lounge again,

Linda W. Kelley

www.Christian-Parenting-Source.com

Wed/Thur Memes

I thought this Wednesday Meme was interesting and fun. I found this one over at John Scalzi's aol journal. I wrote this last night, but didn't quite get it posted then. Can't let it go to waste.

10 Things I've Done You Probably Haven't

1. I was a passenger on a sailboat with three others and we sailed from Oahu to Kauai and back.

2. I shook Tom Selleck’s hand (of Magnum P.I. fame).

3. I broke some teeth when the trapeze I was swinging on detached from the ceiling and my face smacked the cement basement floor chipping my two front teeth.

4. I had my teeth checked on a job interview. The job was to be a receptionist (in a dentist’s office). I guess he wanted all his workers to have nice teeth. Too weird for me.

5. I’ve had my picture taken with Jars of Clay (a Christian band that’s had quite a bit of mainstream play as well). I’ve also met Michael W. Smith (and have a pic to prove it).

6. I’ve taken a ride in a glider plane (no engine).

7. I have a picture of Prince Phillip snapped at a festival in Wales when he addressed the people in Welsh.

8. I climbed Diamond Head (volcanic crater in Honolulu) at night.

9. I bought a MGB convertible with a stick shift before I’d learned how to drive a car with manual transmission.

10. I drove over the mountain road from Denver to Salt Lake City in that little MGB in the middle of a horrible snowstorm – and survived.


And, here's my entry for the

(all entries are pictures and this weeks theme is food):






My picture is of one of the HUGE meals we enjoyed at Lambert's Cafe near Branson, Missouri. Lambert's is famous for their throwed rolls and pass arounds. The waiters toss rolls across the room to patrons. My children loved catching those. They also come around with serving bowls filled with various side dishes. The meals are already humongous. Toss in a few sides, several rolls, dessert. Whew! We've never eaten so much. The food is good, too!

Until we meet in the teachers' lounge again,

Linda W. Kelley

www.Christian-Parenting-Source.com

Thursday Challenge

Sprittibee posted about a new photo meme she'd found last Thursday called "The Thursday Challenge."



I thought it was a cool idea so checked it out. This weeks theme is glass.

I'm posting a picture of a glass goblet a friend of mine brought back from her trip to Israel several years ago. It's beautiful, isn't it?



Let me know if you post a picture to the meme.

Until we meet in the teachers' lounge again,

Linda W. Kelley

www.Christian-Parenting-Source.com

Memes as Journal Prompts

Journals are a great way to get a child interested in writing. Sometimes I have my children write about the book they've chosen for their morning devotional time. Sometimes we pick a passage of scripture to reflect upon. Sometimes I tell them to choose a prompt from a jar that has many writing prompts written on slips of paper (ones I've collected over the years). But, how about this for a new journal prompt idea?

Why not have your child complete a KidTastic Meme? I just discovered this site for kids only. It doesn't look like they have added memes daily, but it certainly is an option once in a while. My children really enjoy seeing their writing published online, too. Here are my eleven-year-old's contributions. She picked two memes:

Share your favorite joke

What do you get when you mix a man with a lightbulb?
An idea

What is Bam Bam's favorite state?
Alabambam

Knock Knock
Who's there?
Lois
Lois who?
Lois the opposite of high.


Do you go to church? Yes

What do you like most about going to church?
I like seeing my friends at church. They're really nice and funny. I also enjoy my teachers. They inspire me.

If you know of other kid-friendly writing prompt or meme sites, please let me know. Or, maybe this will prompt (pun intended) you to start one.

In the meantime, enjoy these.


Until we meet in the teachers' lounge again,

Linda W. Kelley

www.Christian-Parenting-Source.com

Monday Meme

I found a new web site that offers a Monday Meme. Check it out. Leave your answers in the comments section if you want to participate.

Monday Meme 22 : 2005-10-17 : Make it Count 2

1. What was the last song you sang out loud?

Lord, I Lift Your Name On High by Petra

2. What were the last 2 items of clothing you bought?

for my son--

shirt, pants, tie, shoes for my son to wear to Homecoming.

3. What were the last 3 items of clothing you bought?

brown pants, pumpkin-colored shirt, fall sweater vest.

4. What are the last 4 places you drove/rode to?

My son's diving practice.

Church.

My daughter's dance practice.

My son's school

5. What are the last 5 web sites you visited?

http://www.hbwm.com

http://pottersschool.org

http://www.apologiascience.com/

http://best-organizing-products-superstore.com

http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/TOSPUBLISHER/

I was the 49th person to take this week's Monday Meme!

Until we meet in the teachers' lounge again,

Linda W. Kelley

www.Christian-Parenting-Source.com

Financing Your Home School

Have you ever wondered what you can do to help finance your home school? The summer edition of The Old Schoolhouse magazine had an article entitled "Homeschooling Entrepreneurs." One of the points that is made is "homeschooling families by nature desire to make a difference in the world." The way many of them go about that is to start a home-based business. They see a need for a particular curriculum or reference that isn't currently available perhaps. They then develop and market the product. This helps bring in some income while allowing them to still homeschool. This is in fact what I have done with my website. I've created a new page that describes the process. Check it out sometime.

Also, the 2005 Junior Achievement poll surveyed children aged 13-18 and discovered which careers they'd most like to pursue. Two-thirds said they'd like to have their own business. You can start training your homeschoolers in business management by actually operating a business together. My web site page BizyU explains how to launch a business enterprise with your children.

Until we meet in the teachers' lounge again,

Linda W. Kelley


www.Christian-Parenting-Source.com

Jesus Freaks

I blog for the persecuted church. I agreed to tackle the task of writing at least twice a month about the topic because I felt it was important to remind myself (and my children) regularly about how lucky we are to live in a free country. Yes, Christians are sometimes mocked in the movies or the political world. But, our life isn't on the line the way it is in other countries. We remain free to practice our religion of choice in America. When you look at the horrible crimes taking place against Christians in other parts of the world, it makes one ponder, Would I be able to be so courageous if I was asked to denounce Jesus or die?

Since last January (approximately) the children and I have been reading Jesus Freaks by dc Talk and The Voice of the Martyrs as part of our morning devotional. The book is filled with personal stories of Christian martyrs who have stood up for Jesus and faced death and persecution. The stories come from the Bible, 1500's Flanders, 1990's Indonesia, 1940's Romania, 1950's North Korea and on and on. They span all age groups, both genders, and all parts of the world. Yet, the martyrs have one very important commonality -- their total devotion to Christ. It's that aspect that fascinates my children most. We live in an age where faith is taken for granted, especially in America. Because we are so free to worship Jesus, we often don't.

Read more true martyrdom stories by visiting the persecution blog , a web site maintained by The Voice of the Martyrs. There is also information on this site for bloggers who would like to join the "Blogosphere" program.

Here are two more great books you might want to check out:

Jesus Freaks Volume 2: Stories of Revolutionaries Who Changed Their World Fearing God, Not Man (Jesus Freaks #2) and

Jesus Freaks: Revolutionaries.

Until we meet in the teachers' lounge again,

Linda W. Kelley

www.Christian-Parenting-Source.com

Home School Thoughts (Part 3)

Here is the latest in an installment of answers to a series of questions I received from a journalist. They're pretty typical and therefore I thought it would be a good idea to share them here. Review Part 1 and Part 2 to check out the entire list.

What do you think your kids are lacking (compared to public school)?

Honestly, I can’t think of a single area where my children have missed out on something that would be offered in a public school setting. They’re involved in athletics, have lots of friends, and are being challenged educationally every bit as much as their peers in public school are I believe.

How do you feel your kids are different than those who attend a public school?

My children are extremely well-behaved. I’m truly blessed in that area. But, I think much of it has to do with homeschooling. It’s given us a chance to reinforce on a daily basis our moral values and standards for behavior. My children are extremely respectful to us and other adults. I don’t see that typically in many of the public schooled children I meet.

What do you do different now in your homeschooling from a few years ago?

I am more willing to try a new curriculum or field of study. I’d say I’m more creative and adventuresome in seeking fun learning experiences for the children.

How often do you work with other Moms to resolve issues?

I belong to a lot of home school groups (one locally and several online). We e-mail each other and ask questions on a regular (daily) basis. This is a tremendous resource and blessing.

How much time does Dad have for the kids?

I’m responsible for the main task of homeschooling the children. I generally choose the curriculum and oversee our daily work. However, my husband helps quite a bit when he is off work. He is a wonderful cook so he prepares meals for a particular day as well as the week ahead. He also does household chores and runs errands. He helps the children with their school work (especially in the math and science fields of study)as well.

Until we meet in the teachers' lounge again,

Linda W. Kelley

www.Christian-Parenting-Source.com