You Forgave, But You Still Hurt

What happens if you found the strength through Christ to FORGIVE, but you are still experiencing HURT? I know that feeling. In fact, I experienced it again just this morning.

I don’t wish harm for that person, and I even pray for that person and want God’s best for them. But each time they are mentioned or I see their photo, I still feel the personal sting.

Hurt may be perceived as simply the aftermath of forgiveness and taken as an encouraging sign that we are moving forward. However, we do need to treat it very carefully, because if we nurture that hurt within our heart, it can damage the progress we have already made through the choice and process of forgiveness.

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No More Arguing

When Ava turned four years old, someone told her that she was now a big girl. Ava was pretty sure that being “a big girl” must also mean that she suddenly knew everything. And so it began… Every day that sweet girl and I had several unproductive conversations that left me aggravated and sighing, “Why am I arguing with a four year old? Why won’t she just accept what I say?”

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Seeking God During the Busy Seasons

Seeking God During the Busy Seasons

Are you feeling overwhelmed? Because life throws us surprises, opportunities, and hurdles (some desired, others unwanted), demanding circumstances can often catapult us into busy seasons in which we feel overwhelmed and unable to come up for air. If you love the Lord and enjoy studying the Bible, worshiping Him, and making time to dwell in His presence, as I trust that you do, then I believe I can also safely assume that you have experienced times of overwhelm – Times in your life when you didn’t have the time or the energy or the ability to give quiet, focused time to daily prayer and study. And you may be experiencing a time like that right now.

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Should We Switch Curriculum Now?

Should We Switch Curriculum Now?

Are you thinking about switching curriculum, but you know that it sounds crazy at this point in the school year? There are many reasons we may choose to switch curriculum. Perhaps our child isn’t understanding it, we don’t like implementing it, or it just isn’t what we hoped it would be. My friend, Margaret, recently made the decision to completely drop the acclaimed curriculum/program that they were using, and in which they were invested, to begin a different program mid-year. Her story is inspiring, because her decision to change at this point in the school year was a complicated but rewarding journey in which she had to rely on and trust the Lord in so many ways.
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Balancing School, Business, and Housework

This question gets asked a lot… How do you juggle homeschooling, housework, and a job? Well, the answer is different for everyone, but the struggle of finding a balance between educating my children, managing our house, and running a business from home is real and it’s continuous, because it requires self-discipline, adjustment, and consistency. Often, it’s sheer will-power that wins the day against an exhausting and never-ending to-do list or outside factors that just can’t be helped. Let me be clear – Every day is not glamorous, and I don’t have it all figured out, but I have learned a few things over the years that I am happy to share. I have found that when I’m on top of my game, my home becomes a haven, my head is cleared, and our days make sense, so it’s worth the effort.

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Sandpiper Creatives - Book Island

Book Island

Welcome to Book Island!… A destination island located conveniently behind our classroom door where reading doesn’t take any space but my kids feel like they are doing something fun during the school day! This is also a great way to motivate summer reading!

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How Do We Seek God?

This video from my back porch encourages teens, new Christians, and anyone who is hungry for more of God. Unpackage what it means to “seek the Lord with all your heart,” and also hear some stories and practical tips to demonstrate the importance of feeding yourself spiritual food.

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Bag Toppers

Over the years, we have made so many Bag Toppers that I can even remember them all. They are PERFECT for so many occasions and holidays when you or your kids want to give a sweet gift with a special touch. Toppers check off all the boxes for giving a great gift, because they are packaging and a card rolled into one. Just put your item in a plastic/ziploc bag and seal it. Then cut and fold cardstock, construction paper, a pretty magazine picture, map, music sheets, scrapbook paper (anything!) to fit the bag’s width and to give you enough height to write on or embellish. Then overlap the toppers edges with both sides of the top of the bag, and staple it! Ta-da!
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