"Cookie Cutter Prayers"

~How we can cultivate a heart of prayer in the hearts of our children through everyday things~
One thing my kids love to play with is cookie cutters. We tend to have gathered quite a collection. (one that actually fits into a old wooden barrel to be exact!) I personally love the metal cookie cutters. They tend to bring me back to a simpler time in life when children were encouraged to stand by mom all day as she cooked or cleaned. When boys would find contentment and adventure in a pile of sticks and stones, and the occasional tree in the backyard.

Cookie cutters will always find themselves somehow on our table during the week. Whether we are making cookies by scratch, practicing our alphabet, or trying to draw towns made out of shapes....our cookie cutters are much loved.

Cookie Cutters to most are just a simple everyday thing. Something that comes in many shapes and sizes and can give children of any age hours of fun. Did you know cookie cutters can also be a tool to teach those young hearts the importance of prayer? Since many of my cookies cutters are different colors and so often my kids are sharing or digging in the barrel for their next favorite one...I have a little game we play...it goes soemthing like this.

You will need:

~A timer of some sort

~Pieces of cardstock cut into squares or index cards cut in half

~Markers

~A list of prayer requests (or topical prayers)

Directions:

~On each piece of paper write down a specific prayer request or topical prayer

(ex: Missionaries, Daddy's cold, Self-Control with my hands)

~Before children play with cookie cutters explain when the timer beeps they will draw a new card of prayer from the "prayer pile" and pray (outloud or quietly) about those requests untill the timer stops

~You can also say whenever you touch a "yellow" cookie cutter, or a "round" cookie cutter you have to pray about ________(prayer card)

It's a fun way to make a simple moment into something so precious-listening to your family talk to their Saviour!

As with any memory there is usually a mess not to far behind. And with children messes are not that hard to make. But on the other hand picking up messes usually is no fun at all. So how can we take a pile of toys and teach our children that when we put our toys away we can spend time talking to God?

Here is another great idea....

You will need:

~A piece of paper to hang in the bedroom or playroom

~Markers or caryons (because every list seems to be a little more exciting to read when done with lots of color!)

Directions:

~Write down the top 10 toys or everything your children will be picking up in one column

~Draw a arrow to the second column and write down what they can pray for when they pick up that item and put it away

~Hang in a place where the kids can see this on a daily basis and encourage them, even walk them through it a few times. Afterall messes become more important as you pray your way through them with your children by your side!

(Example:

1. LEGOS (which are in the millions in my boys' room)------------>pray for missionaries who are building churches

2. SHIRTS-------------------->thank God for daddy and all the hardwork he does providing for us

3. MATCHBOX CARS----------------->Pray for God to provide the momey to our friends so they can go to the Mission field soon

4. DOLLS--------------->Pray for the girl orphans. And that God will give them a loving family

5. DRESS UP CLOTHES------------------>Pray for anyone who is sick. That God will heal them

You see its more than just, another pile. And as a mom you can say more than just simply, "Go clean your room." .....Its a oppurtunity to teach them the importance of prayer!

As a mom I see that I am constantly training their hearts to think biblically, quick to disciple them onward towards Christ, and always find a to-do list much too long for the hours I am awake. But as a mom I can find peace and joy in the everyday things as I look forward to those moments as a way to share God with my kids. Today I would like to enocurage you to start a passion in the young hearts of your children in praying throughout their day. It is a wonderful thing to join in Family Worship at the end of each day praying for the burdens of those close to you...and it is important to thank the Lord for each meal He has provided. But it can be a glorious thing when we see our everyday chores as stepping stones to a more personal, intimate relationship with Jesus.

I hope you are encouraged....and never look at a stray toy or a cookie cutter and a container of play dough the same again :)

Prayers of Blessings from my heart to yours!

Dawn

My Mountain of Prayer

This week I had a mountain in my way...one that seems to sneak in every so often. (Mostly when I'm not looking!) I wonder if they seem to visit you too?


This is a picture of my mountain...its here....its real....and I found myself having a hard time motivating myself to conquer it. So what do you do when you have a mountian of laundry that seems to get higher and higher each day? Well, if you're like me you find a way to blog about it :) So today I would like to share with you a new way you can move those mountains!!!
( And the beginning to my new series: "Household Prayers"!)

Pray your way through them, literally! As I sat down I decided for every item I picked up I would say a quick prayer...a short one. Some were a full sentence others were a few words. I was excited...motivated...and full of joy...to fold laundry!!!

Lord, Thank you for always providing food for us. Help me to be a better steward of our meals, and as I dry all those dishes and wipe up spilled messes help me to see it as a blessing...your provision.

As I hung up clothes I noticed a few tattered shirts. And I am convicted...reminded on how much my heart is tattered.... with selfishness. Lord forgive me on focusing on myself and help me to serve the ones in my family with diligence and joy.

My youngest sons red tie. (He loves to wear this to church, next to his Larry boy one of course!) I prayed that the Lord will teach him self-control as he sits in the pew with us during family worship.

I thank God for wonderful blankets that my kids love to use when reading. I prayed over a dear friend of ours, Mrs. P who made the bear blanket for our first child when she was born (11 years ago). I prayed for God to bless her and fill her with joy. I prayed for the missionaries on our fridge as I folded the map blanket.

I prayed for my daughters desire to wear more skirts and dresses. That she will have a heart of modesty all her life. Honoring her king...with her clothes. I prayed that we would be able to start sewing some skirts patterns she so desperately wants.

I prayed for my sweet girl as she slept that night. Give her peace, and dreams full of your glory Lord.

I found a belt, those occasionaly find themselves in the washer. I prayed for my boys that they will have a hunger for God's word, girding themselves with strength.

I prayed for everyone who brushes their teeth that we will remember to speak with gentleness and kindness throughout our day. (As I layed out the bathroom rug under the sink)

I prayed for my daughter. That God will give me the key to her heart. That she will strive for holiness and learn how to be a wise woman. I also prayed that if it's God's will another little girl will twirl around in the ruffles of this dress as we begin our adoption process. I prayed that I will reflect "holiness" as I go about my day. Showing my husband and my kids Gods mercy, forgiveness, grace, and love as I serve them.

" Lord please help me as we adjust to a diray allergy. Give our bones strength and give me wisdom as I start this adventure. "

"Lord please help us to be a witness to others around us. Telling others about the purity you offer through your blood. Afterall you are "One size fits all"

I prayed over my husbands uniform. His shirts and pants. Telling the Lord how greatful I was for his hard work. Asking him to give him strength as he goes about his day. I asked God to help me to be a better helpmate, and that I will create a home full of joy when he returns.

I was reminded of all the "stains" we have in our life,

and as I put our "rags" in the rag bucket I knew God has a plan for each of us....

Romans 8:28 "And we know that all things (even the scraps of our life) work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose."

I prayed that our kids will find contentment in the car as we go throughout town, and I thanked God for the noise of them all singing bible songs as we headed to the bank.
I washed and dryed all of our winter glooves, and hats. Its Indiana and we have been blessed with a very very mild winter.So I kept the bag close to the garage door just in case it gets really cold again. And I prayed for the "seasons" ahead. I surrendered my will to his. I am nervous, and unsure of what will happen in my life untill I pull these out agian. But I know He is in control!
I folded the last scarf and prayed for my sons throat. It was red and a little sore tonight. I prayed for God's healing stripes to comfort him.

Prayer. Its such a simple task. Something we can do so often and yet forget to do most of the time. It took me three hours to get to the otherside of my mountain. Three hours into the wee hours of the morning. Three. hours. of. prayer. My heart rejoiced and I was humbled! That was the longest I prayed in my whole life. Short, simple prayers. Laundry Prayers! Prayers that covered everyone in my home. Prayers of thankfullness, and prayers of conviction. A intimate conversation with my first love. My Lord.

***I would love to invite you to my next series: "Household Prayers". This week I will be sharing how we can turn our home, our to-do lists, and tidying up into a divine appointment. A holy conversation. One full of prayer!

By His Grace,

Dawn

His Mercies are New!

Its the beginning of a new day...the sun hasn't awoke from its depth and the kids are still warm under their blankets. I find myself refreshed and full of Joy today. No particular reason really, just knowing my God is faithful and He is here.

~He is here beside me as I fold my mini mountian of laundry...(all it took was a little faith...you know... the kind found in a mustrad seed?)

~He is here when the dishes say good morning and I say, Oh yeah I forgot about you last night. ~He is here when my floors seem to never stay clean and I hope no one sees the evidence of our very much lived in living room carpet.

~ He is here when I find my heart burden for the path of my children as I teach them God's way, and yet so often than not I feel like I am not doing it right.

~He is here....

As I sip my tea and look down at my two Ginger snaps (not a very healthy breakfest but a sweet one nonetheless) I am greatful that He is here. I know I can't go about my day without Him. Without His grace, His mercy, His wisdom, and His forgiveness. Its a new day one that I want to give Him fully. Its all His afterall.

~My gentle, loving husband is His

~My daughter full of beauty with a heart so fragile as she discovers who God wants her to be is His

~My sons who love adventure and thrive on learning new things are His

~This home and all within are His

My family, all unworthy of my love...all saved by grace and all given to me as gifts. All whom I can't love without Him!

The sun is lifting, and the birds a waking...my children are stirring and... I pray....

Dear Father,

I need you today. I need your love so I can love them. I need your grace so I can pass it on. I need your forgiveness when I fail in my fallen skin. I need your spirit to guide me and give me wisdom when all else is gone. Be my hands, as I prepare meals. Be my feet as I go from room to room to tidy. Fill my voice with gentleness and grace as I speak loving, encouraging words of Hope.

Father thank you for your love. For the cross. And for your word. Thank you for giving me soo much I don't deserve. Thank you for another day to wake up early and spend this time with you.

Please Father give everyone who comes here... Joy.. For no reason really, but just because you are with them. You are there beside them no matter what season they are in. You are with them no matter what comes their way today. You are with them wherever they go. You are there. They are not alone.

"O Lord you are my God, and I rise early to seek you."
~Psalms 63:1

The Blessing of a Toddler

He grabs the yellow school bus and squeals.......
He smiles with a heart full of joy

His hands are small...

But he is Oh so eager to help smash the strawberries for Jam

He wants to race, to play alongside the others......

and to eat more grapes.

His adventures of the day consisted of chasing the cat....

giggling when the dog gives him kisses.........

and playing in the bowls of water.

He is a little guy who can barely see over our farmhouse table,

he has won the heart of my daughter (and mine) and he loves it here!

"Above all, think beauty in the ordinary..."

~Emilie Barnes

He is a friends little guy and when we are blessed to watch him my home rings with the sounds of a toddler again....something I have missed!

My children are growing so fast...for my daughters 11th birthday she asked for her first pair of high heels and has been wearing them everyday since. My boys are big enough to climb trees and make their own tents in the backyard.

I will always keep the memory of my childrens tiny hands in mine and belly giggles tighlty in my heart....but when I can have a little one curl up in my lap again (my youngest is getting so big he can't do that anymore *sigh!*) I rejoice!!!

Many Blessings to you my blogging friends...and if you still have a toddler in your home I challenge you to find the beauty in the ordinary throughout your day and lock those memories up tight in your heart-for one day those toddlers will be much much bigger!
Love,

Dawn

Simple Italian Chicken

"In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust:
let me never be put to confusion."
Psalm 71:1
~As I seek the Lord for wisdom on what to feed my family, and as we discover some allergies that have been hindering our health our recipes have become an adventure of sorts for me. I have had to put my trust in the Lord and know he will give me wisdom. So today begins the first "food blog" post. As I "try" many recipes or adjust the ones my family has come to share and love I would like to share them with you and hope you will enjoy them also!


"Simple Italian Chicken"

You wil need:
~Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 per person)
(I use a bag of frozen ones I buy at our local Aldi store)
~1 whole tomato sliced
~a good melting cheese (we found a wonderful white Farmers
cheese at our local Amish market...it tastes almost like
mozzeralla but with a more buttery taste)
~1 TB of Basil


~I find pouring out some basil onto a (pretty)
little dish makes it easier to pinch

~Place your chicken in the oven at 350

for about 20 minutes then I pull it out and place the toppings on

~Lay a slice of tomato on top each chicken breast

(or you can leave one off for that little 5 year old who thinks

tomoatoes are too mushy)

~Then place a thick piece of sliced cheese over each tomato and sprinkle

a little basil on top

~I then sprinkle each chicken with a dash of Olive Oil

~Place back in oven and cook for another 20-30 minutes untill juice

is clear and chicken is done ~And there you have a healthy, wonderful Italian chicken dish!

~Now its time for its close up!

~We served ours with frozen green beans and mashed potatoes

(when we mashed our potatoes we replace the milk with Almond milk

since we have noticed some diary allergies. NO ONE seemed to notice a difference!)

~The cheese was perfectly melted..the tomato was rich and juicy,

and the basil gave it a wonderful earthy taste!

One of the highlights of dinner for me, while we sit around the table eating,

is to listen to my husband read from God's Word.

Food for Thought:

The best dessert any wife can ask for is a good dose of God's word

read from the man she loves and adores!

From my kitchen to yours,

Dawn

"What I Hunger for..."

"I just love the way fresh dough feels under my fingers," my daughter says as she helps me roll out some pie dough. She loves to help me in the kitchen-when the cat doesn't need some cuddles-and she is able to set down her latest Elsie Dinsmore book. Its in that moment when I can almost taste the flaky crust. I am anxious and excited to fill the pie pan and get it in the oven. (I believe there is a pie gene in my soul, because...well...pies are my favorite!) I don't mind the hard work it takes to make a fresh crust or the time I use peeling two bags of apples-----its worth it!

As the pie cooks (Carmel Flat Apple Pie) I busy myself with a task at hand...making our meal list and thinking about what I would like to purchase from a local Amish market. I prayed for wisdom... I asked the Lord to show me what meals would be healthy and in our budget. I hungered to feed my family healthy meals. I desired to keep within our food budget. To me this was hard work---a task I have been struggling at. It was very relaxing to roll out pie dough and peel apples for a hour...I knew the smell of the pie baking and the taste of the flaky crust and juicy filling will be all worth it. But for this I needed strength, motivation, and confidence.

The Lord soon brought a verse to mind....

"and let us not be weary in well doing

for in due season we shall reap if we faint not."

Galatians 6:9

I meditated on those words for a while...this is well doing...this is what I hungered for. I begin to search my heart for other things I hungered for as a mom.

I hungered to spend more time with my kids playing games...

I hungered for patience at bedtime-when my nightly list is calling. To just sit and be still... listening to the hearts of my children.

I hungered for grace. Grace found in a gentle voice as I train my children. Grace to give when they fall, remembering we are all sinners.

The pie is done, it smells amazing.

The meal list is wrote.

...my mind is eternaly focused

...and my heart is ready for the hardwork that lies ahead

...it will be all worth it

To all my blog friends remember:

"and let us not be weary in well doing,

for in due season we will reap if we faint not."

Galatians 6:9

Pressing On,

Dawn

*I am honored to have this post featured today over at my dear friends blog....feel free to take a moment and visit http://www.noblewomen4christ.org and check her her wonderful yogurt recipe!

"Our Workbox system...."
A few years back a sweet friend of mine Ami (over at:
http://www.walkingbytheway.com/) introduced me to the Sue Patricks workbox
system....(http://www.workboxsystem.com/ )knowing that I was a very relaxed homeschool mom and not much into textbook teaching I was intrigued! This system consisted of a cart and boxes for each child...which were filled with their to-do's and subjects for the day. Having the freedom to fill those with many things pertaining to our school days and embrace the gifts God has given in my style of teaching
was enough to win me over.

Over the last three years the workbox system has taken many forms...(see I am a what-can-I-use-that-I-already-have-so-I-can-save-money type of gal) we have used a giant bookshelf and the plastic shoe boxes (which I seemed to have in abundance for the kids toys, and school supplies and usually found them at dollar sotre), then we converted to three old wooden bookcases so they each would have their own space, and now we use three tall plastic dressers that can be used for crafts or closet organization. I have to confess I did splurge on these but considering I tend to homeschool my children for almost free I considered it a huge investment! .....And it did take me two years to convince myself I should by them :) This seems to be the best system for us.

With the workbox system I found many ideas and ended up creating ours from what I already had. (I even have a friend that uses large manilia envelopes in a file box!) we found a place to keep them for each child. A way to number them so they know what order to go in and a endless list of what to put in the boxes on what days. You can even make a place where the kids take their number off when finished with the box and place it on a done sheet. (A Special Note: Any child from a toddler can have their own workboxes. It is OK to fill them with learning toys and books to read!! A great tip to help you track their learning!)

(Here is what ours looks like)


Each child only has seven boxes and that seems to be plenty for us.

I have numbered each one (which is taped on...I used to have them velcroed and it seemed I would find them in odd places ...My youngest even made up a matching game with them one day on the floor. So for my sanity I decided to use tape!)

There are many possibilities that you could use for your tags. You can find some printables and wonderful ideas over at http://www.homeschoolshare.com/.

Here is a break down of what my kids' drawers look like:

Workbox #1: Bible Box *clip art of a bible

(includes their prayer journal and bible verse card)

Workbox #2: Missions Moment *Clip art of a globe

(includes the picture card of the missionary we are praying for and encouarging. A notebook to write letters to them. And a lapbook based on the country/culture/and people the missionaries are living with.)

Workbox #3: Delight-Directed subject box *Clip art of their interest ex: knitting, art, boats, etc

(includes info on what they are interested in learning about. Whether books, lapbooks, or a hands-on activity. )

Workbox #4: History/Geography *clip art of globe

(includes our family study...which is the Priarie Primer about Little House books. We have a lapbook, activities, and such to go with our lesson plans in the primer. This is one of the only 'textbooks' we follow but love that its mostly hands-on.

Workbox #5 & #6: Math and English *These are what we call "Mailbox Time" boxes. Where mommy works with them one on one. There is a clip art of mommy and a girl or boy plus the math or english clip art.

Workbox#7: Is our fun family unit study box. We love to find fun things to study as a family. We recently did a chocolate study (which was mommy's favorite school day!) Right now the boys are working on "The Year of the Pizza" and my daughter is working on "The year of the Pie" a geography based unit study I made up which consists of studying the different ingredients used, the history of certian Pies and pizzas and each week they make a different pie or pizza recipe. This will be an on-going study. As a new shcool year begins I am trying to add "weekend" unit studies where we pick a unit study/ lapbook and work on it solely on fridays and saturdays.

*I also use clip art tags (with the hope of upgrading to personal photos of the kids) of them paired off because for some boxes we have "Buddy-up" time. Where they work together on what is in that box. This is fun for both me and the kids. It creates in them a chance to make memories together and gives me time to take good pictures....of them working together :)

On top of their workboxes are their reading baskets.

Books they are enjoying reading and can easily grab during

"Quiet Hour"

One of my sons' Delight-Directed box. He wants to learn about Mexico!

My daughters Delight-Directed box...canvas sewing

My youngest sons' Mailbox Time Box...we do phonics together.

And he loves earning a M&M for attentiveness!!

Workboxing can be a wonderful way to bring more joy back into your school days. Feel free to check out the following blogs that I have found encouarging as I skip along my workbox journey!

*And join me tomorrow when I post about our "Schedule"*

http://www.walkingbytheway.com/

(wonderful workbox ideas for preschoolers!)

http://www.homeschoolshare.com/

(LOTS of FREE Lapbooks, Unit studies and WORKBOX ideas and printables!

http://www.amothersjournal.com/

(I just love her ideas!)

http://www.heatherpreckel.blogspot.com/

(don't you just love her pop of color!!)

I hope no matter how you homeschool or where your childs to-do's for the day are placed that you will never grow weary in teaching them new things!

Many Blessings,

Dawn