Empowered Life:Charlene Smith.com

I found this video on Tangle (formerly GodTube) and it stopped me right in my tracks. It really got me thinking how easy it is to get sidetracked and distracted in these current days. Continue reading

Tags: busy, fear, God, pray, spending time with the Lord, worry

I found this really interesting site for online children's stories called Speakaboos.com.  The concept behind the site is to provide classic fairy tales, nursery rhymes, fables, folk tales and lullabies read by celebrities. I like that it has a teacher's resource section that provides story guides, worksheets, and arts & crafts activities to tie along with the stories.  I plan to use these to compliment my homeschool curriculum in… Continue reading

Tags: classic fairy tales, computer skills, fables, folk tales, homeschool curriculum, listening abilities, lullabies, nursery rhymes, online children's stories, reading, Speakaboos, speaking, writing

I started my son's Pre-K education this year. One of the most important subjects I wanted to concentrate on was reading/phonics. I was kind of nervous about teaching my child to read so I began looking for software or online programs to help me. I knew I wanted a program that had the following benefits: * Complete phonics instruction * Easy to use * Not too expensive *… Continue reading

Tags: click n read, homeschool reading, learn to read, phonics

This is my second year homeschooling. To say this has been an interesting challenge is an understatement. So many emotions, doubts and fears have accompanied this decision and many times I have wanted to quit. When I worked for a living, there was always an outward indication that I was doing my job well: raises, bonuses or promotions. Since I've… Continue reading

Tags: encouragement, homeschool, phonics, phonics program, reading

As believers of Christ, we are called to share the Gospel (the good news) with all whom we come in contact.  Lately, I have been thinking about that call and how I could be more effective. As a homeschooler, one of the challenges I have had during this process is explaining things to my children in ways that are… Continue reading

Tags: evangelism, sharing-the-gospel

I read an article recently that truly blessed me. It explained that the Hebrew word, Avodah (Ah'-voe-dah) actually has two meanings, to work and also to worship. It got me thinking about the limited understanding I had about work and worship. The two are not mutually exclusive.  It is possible for… Continue reading

Tags: attitude, work, worship

It's been a minute since my last post. The last couple of weeks have been interesting for me. I feel I am in the midst of a transition. Change is good but isn't always comfortable. I am uncomfortable because I know I need to shift from my own understanding, logic and ideas and allow the Lord to lead and guide me. I know there are things and people that I… Continue reading

Tags: abiding in Christ, prayer, transition

In my last post I mentioned some of the resources I've used in the past to help me identify my spiritual gifts.  Just recently, I found another excellent online assessment.  I particularly like this free spiritual gifts analysis because of the detailed explanations given about what the gifts are, how they can be effectively used and additional resources to further expand your knowledge about your newly discovered gifts. Why… Continue reading

Tags: spiritual gifts analysis

I have a strong desire to get in "my lane" with regards to what God has called me to do.  I know that I am called to be at home ministering to my husband and children.  I know that I am called to homeschool my children. But as I considered how the Lord would use me outside my household, I wasn't quite sure. Seek God As I began to ask… Continue reading

Tags: Discover Your Children's Gifts, Discover Your God Given Gifts, spiritual gifts, spiritual gifts test, strengths

Are there things in your life that are hindering you from living the peaceful life God provides for you? Peace doesn't just happen, we have to go after it. Really, we have to fight for it.  There are ways, however, that we can be proactive in protecting our peace.  Think of the times in the past when you  lacked peace.  What caused you to feel that way? Once you are… Continue reading

Tags: dread, fear, overcommitting, peace, peace stealers, people pleasing, worry