CHRISTmas bells....

Some people hide their eyes and look down when they slip money in the red bucket, like they don't want to be noticed.
Some nod and tell you they will get you on the way out, and they do.
Some cheerfully smile and return your Merry Christmas with an even merrier one.
Some avoid eye contact all together and make a wide arc to get into the store's door.  These are the ones who seem sad to me.   It isn't that they don't give, it is their expressions.
We smile anyway.

The children have the most fun of all.

My girls have always loved to fold the money or plunk the coins one by one into the small hole in the red kettle.  Gabrielle tried to get her eyeball into the hole to see the money.

One year, it was freezing, we bought a hot chocolate for a bell ringer who shivered in front of a Wal-mart.  It was bitter cold meets icy wind.  We brought it back for him and he paid us with a big smile.

This year it was nearly 70 degrees! 

With no bells last year, we thought we had hit the jackpot! 
.... 3 bells and 2 aprons!  We even got the bells in rhythm. 
.....And shortly discovered that hand bell ringers, we are not.
But we sure can make some noise!
We had a blast.

 Consider the bell ringers this CHRISTmas!  Consider Salvation Army too :)

Psalm 41

To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.

 ¹ Blessed is he who considers the poor;
         The LORD will deliver him in time of trouble.
 ² The LORD will preserve him and keep him alive,
         And he will be blessed on the earth;
         You will not deliver him to the will of his enemies.

How a pair of shoes can change your life.

Field trip to Samaritan's Feet...

 We learned how one young man made a difference.   And that, being only one, we can make a difference too.

Manny never had a pair of shoes until he was 9 years old and never slept in a bed until he came to the U.S.  Samaritan's Feet began with an idea and shoes he collected in a garage.  Nearly 3 million children have been blessed with shoes and have heard the gospel because of him.  Nationally and internationally.

Ibrahim

Impoverished children have their feet washed before they are given their new shoes.  

 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.  John 13:3-5

And they hear the gospel.  

How beautiful upon the mountains
      Are the feet of him who brings good news,
      Who proclaims peace,
      Who brings glad tidings of good things,
      Who proclaims salvation,
      Who says to Zion,
   “ Your God reigns!” Isaiah 52:7

Hope from head to toe.

We unpacked boxes and processed shoes.  Our fingers touched a gazillion shoes today.  I thought of the men, women, and children whose lives would be affected by the shoes my hands held. 
It was an honor to participate.
I took for granted the shoes I carelessly pulled on this morning.  I didn't even 'see' the selection and choice I picked from.   I take for granted so many things.

Imagine not having a pair of shoes. 
I. mean. really. imagine.
Think barefoot.  Go barefoot.
It is good for the kids to imagine too.

 

 The Goal:
10 million pairs of shoes on the feet of 10 million children in the next 10 years -  

 "...nearly 1,000,000 die each year as a result of foot-borne illnesses that may be preventable by simple protection – shoes."

Get involved.  Start a shoe drive of your own.  Go barefoot and feel the difference.  Donate money required to ship shoes.  Buy a pair of shoes.  Go on a mission trip.  Volunteer.

How can we impact our community?

Pause music at top right.

Decorating with Joy and Goodness

 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.  Galatians 5:22,23

I am fortunate to review a product from DaySpring which is a Christian division of Hallmark.  Their products are inspiringly (is that a word?) awesome!   It was a pleasant surprise when this mango wood pedestal arrived in a huge box.  Pictures can be deceiving.  My children love it as much as I do. 

This has been an impactful year for thankfulness.  My  Gratitude journal has changed my perspective and opened my eyes wide.  I am more grateful for the ordinary.   The ordinary I never really noticed as a gift before.

I think that is why I liked this pedastal so much.    It is a simple reminder of thankful living. 

I love the quote:  "To live with joy is to see God's goodness."

Cause and effect.
As we put our focus on God's goodness, joy results. 

This pedastal would make an awesome serving piece for parties, Thanksgiving, Christmas, as a centerpiece for your table, or a gift.   It would look lovely with bath supplies, Easter eggs, fruit, a poinsettia, or ornaments in it as well.  With simple lines and the message, it really is an beautiful piece of art.

How do you decorate simply?

Check out Dayspring's on-line catalog yourself and see if you would be interested in the give-a-way below.

GIVEAWAY: One blessed reader of AKA Homeschool mom will win a $20 coupon code to Dayspring.  {Gift code does not apply to shipping charges, there is a $20 minimum purchase,  and code will expire May 31, 2012.}

Here’s how you can enter to win!
To Enter {Up to 4 Entries}:

{1} Leave a comment.
{2} Follow my blog and leave a comment telling me you did.
{3} Share a link to this post on Facebook, then come back and leave a comment.
{4} Sign Up for FREE email updates.  Leave a comment and let me know you are a subscriber.

*Leave a separate comment for each entry.  Also, be sure to leave a way for me to get a hold of you, either linking to your blog or with an email.  A winner will randomly be chosen on  November 18th at noon.

Details and Disclosure: Giveaway will end at 12pm EST on Friday November 18, 2011. Winner will be selected at random.

*I received a sample product  in exchange for honestly reviewing this product, however, all reviews and opinions are mine and are not influenced by receipt of product. Others may have a different experience. 

 Check out Inspired Deals this month over at (in)courage.) 

Love Notes.

I have been finding little love notes around my house recently.

A printed off  list of  Free Compliments  hangs on the door to our office/schoolroom.  My middle daughter gave me this one.

Who doesn't want to be like a big hug?

Here is a love note a beau sent to my maternal grandmother over 50 years ago.  I found it in a box of old postcards.  It struck me so, when I first read it, that I kept it and have it taped on the bottom of my computer screen. 

It reads:
"I think it is alarming
that a gal so charming
Doesn't get a flower every hour
It's appalling
I know I have fallen"
Love Ken

My oldest left this little note recently after I drove her to a pet sitting job for the week:

It reads: Love you Mom.  Thank you for taking me to do the cats.

It really meant a lot to me.  Sometimes I don't think she notices how I go out of my way...
Now, with another pet sitting job this week, I am more than willing to bless her again ♡

And then a note from my thoughtful husband.  He has been leaving me lots of little love notes around the house.  They are all appreciated.  This one is my absolute favorite.

We usually pray as a family every morning before he leaves for work and before we start school.  One morning I missed as we had an early orthodontist appointment.

To know he prayed for me when I wasn't there is worth more than silver and gold. ✞

And just to let you in on a little secret.... When he prays for me, I think he is hot!

"Affection is responsible for nine-tenths of whatever solid and durable happiness there is in our lives."  C.S. Lewis

I have noticed other love notes this year...

There are always some here, I just have to pause and notice. 
Love made tangible.  Permanently etched it my mind.
From a Heavenly Father who loves me more than I know.
It is a mystery to me.

Can you think of a love note you found recently? 

Here are some for YOU...

  Father's Love Letter:   My Child ~
You may not know me, but I know everything about you ~ Psalm 139:1
I know when you sit down and when you rise up ~ Psalm 139:2
I am familiar with all your ways ~ Psalm 139:3
Even the very hairs on your head are numbered ~ Matthew 10:29-31
For you were made in my image ~ Genesis 1:27
In me you live and move and have your being ~ Acts 17:28
For you are my offspring ~ Acts 17:28
I knew you even before you were conceived ~ Jeremiah 1:4-5
I chose you when I planned creation ~ Ephesians 1:11-12
You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book ~ Psalm 139:15-16
I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live ~ Acts 17:26
You are fearfully and wonderfully made ~ Psalm 139:14
I knit you together in your mother's womb ~ Psalm 139:13
And brought you forth on the day you were born ~ Psalm 71:6
I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me ~ John 8:41-44
I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love ~ 1 John 4:16
And it is my desire to lavish my love on you ~ 1 John 3:1
Simply because you are my child and I am your father ~ 1 John 3:1
I offer you more than your earthly father ever could ~ Matthew 7:11
For I am the perfect father ~ Matthew 5:48
Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand ~ James 1:17
For I am your provider and I meet all your needs ~ Matthew 6:31-33
My plan for your future has always been filled with hope ~ Jeremiah 29:11
Because I love you with an everlasting love ~ Jeremiah 31:3
My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore ~ Psalm 139:17-18
And I rejoice over you with singing ~ Zephaniah 3:17
I will never stop doing good to you ~ Jeremiah 32:40
For you are my treasured possession ~ Exodus 19:5
I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul ~ Jeremiah 32:41
And I want to show you great and marvelous things ~ Jeremiah 33:3
If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me ~ Deuteronomy 4:29
Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart ~ Psalm 37:4
For it is I who gave you those desires ~ Philippians 2:13
I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine ~ Ephesians 3:20
For I am your greatest encourager ~ 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles ~ 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you ~ Psalm 34:18
As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart ~ Isaiah 40:11
One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes ~ Revelation 21:3-4
And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth ~ Revelation 21:3-4
I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus ~ John 17:23
For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed ~ John 17:26
He is the exact representation of my being ~ Hebrews 1:3
He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you ~ Romans 8:31
And to tell you that I am not counting your sins ~ 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled ~ 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you ~ 1 John 4:10
I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love ~ Romans 8:31-32
If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me ~ 1 John 2:23
And nothing will ever separate you from my love again ~ Romans 8:38-39
I have always been Father, and will always be Father ~ Ephesians 3:14-15
My question is ~ Will you be my child? ~ John 1:12-13
I am waiting for you ~ Luke 15:11-32
                                                                                                   Love,  Your Heavenly Father

Phantom of The Organ

Adventure Group Field Trip: Phantom of The Organ-
Free!!!

It was a unique experience with music from two huge pipe organs, an mini orchestra, multimedia video & special effects, vocalists, a cello solo, saxophone instrumental, costumes and more.  Its purpose is to teach and rekindle the appeal of the 'King of Instruments', also known as the pipe organ.  This free showing was designed for children and youth.  There is also an evening show that is longer, benefits the Charlotte Concerts educational outreach, and is also free.

 Before the show started...

The music was powerful.   Composers included Andrew Lloyd Weber and John Williams, both of which we are studying this year.
We encountered featured selections from Star Wars, Lion King, Harry Potter, Pink Panther

 Wicked,

 and our favorite, Phantom of the Opera.

 
After the show, we met some of the performers, and Stephen Distad and Rob Frazier, both who played the two pipe organs.  Mr. Distad, who originated these concerts, started playing the pipe organ at age 13.  He spoke with our group,

 played for our group,














and even let some willing participants play on the pipe organ. 


Here Jessica is playing "Music of The Night, from Phantom of The Opera (that she taught herself). 
It was an awesome outstanding experience. 
(This isn't your grandma's piano!)

  Even Neecie took a turn.

There are approximately 6000 pipes in this church.  The smaller pipes produce the higher pitch tones and the larger pipes produce the lower, deeper, more powerful tones.  There were pipes in the back and front of the sanctuary.  Mr. Distad played both separately, so we could hear the difference.   

(You can just recognize the pipes on either side of this stained glass window, below.)

 

There are also numerous ways to play with 'keys' on the floor of the organ as well as all kinds of computer technology and memory functions.  He even showed us how he can play with his feet.


If you ever get the opportunity to go, I highly recommend it.

For more information: Click Phantom of The Organ

Adventure Group with Rob Frazier and Stephen Distad

Photo Credit: All photos taken by Neecie Herndon
Thank you, Lisa, for hosting!

Balloonfest Field-trip

Adventure Group field-trip...
The pictures do not do the day justice.  You just cannot see what we saw in our peripheral vision.   Think panoramic.  And, oh, the colors!!!

 

 We learned about balloon materials, lingo, competitions; how they are executed, and safety procedures.

 All balloon baskets are hand made wicker; lightweight and flexible.  They range from $15,000 (used) to about $50,000 or more.  The balloon material is extremely durable and is the same type  Harry uses in skydiving.  The skirt (at the bottom of the balloon) is flame retardant. 

At 14 years old, one can start flying in training.  At 15 years old you can be a solo pilot (once you obtain your balloon pilots license).  

Heat rises.

 In a matter of minutes, dozens and dozens of balloons went up, up and away.

 

Frequent indecision....  ("There he is, no wait, turn there, no left, no right......where did he go?")

Silly balloons.

 

We are grateful for the day and thankful for friends.  It was an awesome FREE event!

""May you fly so high and so well that God joins you in laughter and sets you gently back into the loving arms of mother earth."