All parents, well good parents at least, want their children to grow up to be responsible, respectable, productive adults. No parent is proud when their adult 'child' becomes a bum who squanders time, talent and money. I am simply amazed at the stupidity of this extended adolescence phenomena that
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Most of what I have to set our table with, everything from the linens, to the plates, to the serving items I have gotten from thrifts stores and yard sales. It's amazing what you can find at such a small cost but still make a big impact at meal time. We bought these beautiful salt and pepper s
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How often do you hear parents say that they want their children to have it better than they did? That they want to give them all they can? We love our children and we do want to and should give our kids good gifts, but that does not mean that we should make life too easy for them. Sometimes the be
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Everything is always changing, nothing stays the same. I love going to my grandmother's in Upstate New York, it is where I spent the most of my time growing up and many things there still 'look' the same, but things are different. This old apple tree is a special landmark on Grandma's farm.
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“The desire of the lazy man kills him, for his hands refuse to labor.” Proverbs 21:25 “The hand of the diligent will rule, but the lazy man will be put to forced labor.” Proverbs 12:24
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This is the first time I have ever heard of these little gems called cake pops! How genius!!! As soon as we get back from our road trip I want to make some sort of cake pop for all my little friends. Check out Bakerella's site and all of their cake pops....LOVE IT! I have to admit, if we h
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As I thought about writing this post to honor my husband on Father's Day I tried to think of one word to describe him and the word Grit came to mind. Grit – is the ability to stick with a task and persevere over a long period of time, even when the going gets tough, while keeping long-t
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Receive John Macarthur's book The Quest for Character FREE! Offer expires June 25, 2010. In a materialistic culture where prestige, prosperity, and popularity are valued more than genuine integrity, Christlike character shines like a light in a dark place. Cut against the cultural gra
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Well it is that time of year when the gardens are really taking off. Last weekend was the opening of our county's Farmer's Market, there is not a lot of variety yet... but there is LOTS OF YELLOW SQUASH! Olivia and Samantha have been reaping their harvest. So they ventured out to the market to
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We have a big campfire circle that my amazing husband built about 20 years ago. The circle has hosted many, many cookouts and birthday parties! I love our fall cookouts when we have to pull our chairs up close to get warm. Although hot dogs are really bad for you, is there anything better than
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Anyone who knows Olivia knows she has a passion for politics/government. Ever since she was little she has had this desire for justice and what was "right" and what was "wrong". I have always listened to conservative talk radio when I was driving, even when she was little, so current events and po
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A good work ethic consist of more than just putting forth a strong effort and positive attitude . It includes the characteristics of commitment dependability willingness to learn honesty patience generosity. Use everyday situations to teach these core character traits in your child
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Great clip from one of my favorite preachers, John Piper. What is Humility?
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Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife. Proverbs 17:1 As I think on this verse, I am reminded of days when we seem to be on the go non-stop. Household affairs are not taken care of as they should be, family members tend to be more tired and less pat
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I'm going to start a new series called, How to Work It Out. We all know that character and a good work ethic is important, but how to go about practically living that out is sometimes hard to figure out. With this series I'd like to spotlight some parents that are (or have finished) equipping their
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There is some updated information about The Plants and Pillars Film Festival, you can see them HERE! Check it out!!! This is a great opportunity for young people who love the camera, whether they are behind it or in front of it!
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Guest post from our daughter Olivia: "I just don't have a green thumb! I wish I did but I just kill everything!" The lady said flippantly as I stood in line. "It's not really that hard," I replied, "just follow the directions." "I just can't cook! I wish I could, but I ruin every
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Humility is recognizing that God and others are actually responsible for the achievements in your life. ~Character Journal Ask yourself or your children of what you are most proud of in your life. Whether it be possessions or achievements, you could not have obtained them without the aid of
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Am I raising my children to whine about some work load they have, or am I raising them to delight in being used up for Him? Am I teaching them that “to save your life you must lose it”? Am I reading about and pointing to the heroes of the faith for them to emulate? Am I te
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If you have a child that has a bend towards film making, here is a great opportunity to put their creativity into action! The Pritchett family are very dear friends of ours...and they have a house full of creative folks!!! Plants and Pillars Productions Get the video camera out, write a gre
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Here is a little twist on Kipling's poem If, written by Olivia: If you can never marry, see all your dreams rearranged, and still remain pure, If you can plan and plot and it all be overturned at a moments notice, and still submit joyfully, If you can slave over a dinner all day on
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Everything requires training which means that nothing is immediate or effort-free. In early America most people learned their family's trade or they participated in an apprenticeship. Boys would live and work with a master craftsman for at least four to five years. Once the appre
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The first time I heard this poem was when Charles Heston read it on the radio. His incredible manly voice drew me in; but even more so, the virtue of this poem goes to the core of what manhood is! IF If you can keep your head when all about you Are losing theirs and blaming it on you, If you
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Before you read any further I want to make clear this is just a list that we are aiming for, as is the list for our daughters. This list may change a little as time goes on. Our only true requirements for our children to receive our blessing on their marriage is that they and their spouse be C
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Good Character
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