Deuteronomy 6:5-9

"You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as frontals on your forehead. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

Saturday, March 7, 2009

Weekend fun

It has been a FUN weekend so far. Friday, Taylor and I spent the day together. We went shopping. No, this is not something I enjoy. But, Taylor loves to shop, and I LOVE Taylor! (plus she needed some new spring clothes) We left around lunch time. We went to Kohls and Sears.

So, I have spent countless hours on the internet searching for conservative clothes. One friend recommended "Lands End". (they have a store in Sears) I would like a 'store' where I don't have to fish through and pray I find something. I know I will have to do that anywhere, but are there any stores out there with pretty conservative clothes? I really liked Lands End clothes, but I would prefer a little less expensive.

Another problem we have is size. Taylor is only 11, but she is larger than most 11 year olds. So that throws a whole other twist into the equation. I definitely could use fashion help. So any suggestions would be appreciated.

After going to Subway for dinner, we headed to Colonial Baptist Church. She had "Superfest" for Awana's, and I went to the WholeHearted Child Conference. We left the church a little after 10:00 pm. So, a FULL day of activities. She was so tired, but what a blessed time we had together.

I went back to the conference this morning. Before leaving home, Martie gave me a handout that is titled, "Ten Questions to Ask to Benefit from a Conference or Special Event". So I am going to attempt to answer these questions below.

1. What's the single most important truth I have learned at this conference?
Well this is a truth that I already believe strongly in, so it's not new, but that is we teach to reach the heart. It is my prayer that I (through Christ) reach my Children's heart, and train them up to love and serve Him.

2. What's the most important thing in my life that will be different or I will attempt to change as a result of attending this conference?
I will attempt to read more literature to our children. (classics) We read (a lot), especially history, but I want to expose them to more of the classics.

3. What's the next step I should take to incorporate this change into my life?
Allow more time before bed. Our day is already full of reading and disciplined studies. I have decided to read the 'fun' books at night. (don't get me wrong the history reads are fun, too) :)

4. What's the single most important resource I should acquire at or after this conference?
Definitely the book list that Sarah (Mrs. Clarkson's oldest daughter) recommended.

5. When will I begin to read/listen to utilize this resource?
TONIGHT!!! Martie is in the boys room reading to them now, as I write this. :) I bought them Tiger and Tom and Other Stories for Boys. I bought Taylor The King's Daughter and Other Stories for Girls.
6. Who is one person at this conference with whom I should discuss this conference?
Probably Debbie or Susan. They are the only ladies I see on a regular basis.

7. Who is one person after this conference with whom I should discuss something from this conference?
Again, Debbie. Debbie is a great friend, and I value her opinion about many things.

8. Who is the one person at this conference I most need to encourage?
I would like to encourage Kami. I love her and her family. I'm so excited to see her venture out as they start to educate their precious children.

9. Who is someone who has helped to organize or serve at this conference who deserves a word of gratitude and would be encouraged to know of the impact of this conference in my life?
Mrs. Clarkson's two daughters. They do amazing work for their families ministry. I'll probably stop by one of their blogs and tell them thanks.

10. What's one thing I should pray about for myself and for others as a result of this conference?
Hahaha, first thing that comes to my mind is the "irps" in our lives. For myself and others to not let the worry of the world weigh us down. That we would encourage each other and not compare or tear down.

I must say the conference was very good. I was encouraged and challenged. I walked away feeling really good about what we were already doing. I LOVE our curriculum (classical conversations) and our philosophy in educating our children. We already do a lot of what Mrs. Clarkson spoke about. We already have dinner together every night. We are fortunate to have 3 meals together. Martie is excellent about leading our "family times" and engaging our children in conversations. Our children are not aloud to get up from the table until we are all finished, and this is a time we have great conversations.

4 comments:

Kami said...

And I greatly appreciate your encouragement, Heather! You're the best. It was fun to spend the weekend with you. Sweet pictures of Martie and the boys reading together. Good job!

In Everything said...

Oh, I heard about the conference too... but with everyhitng going on at our house. I knew I couldn't have just "gotten away".

But I DO plan to read mrs Clarkson's Educationing the Whole Hearted Child! It's already on my book list... thinking maybe it would make a good MOther's Day gift...LOL

Glad you were encouraged! COntinue to share some of the wisdom you received!

In Everything said...

Does the classical book list have a link... on anyone's blog! I'd LOVE to see that list!! I think there is one on the Well-Trained Mind website?? maybe??

And I'd love to talk with you more about classical conversations. We aren't using one set currculum right now... still at the beginning of the journey....

I was enocuraged to read the Clarkson book before I started the currculum search:)

Heather said...

Sarah Clarkson (the oldest daughter) has a book list on her blog. It's really good. She also has some great reviews on her blog. She is an amazing young lady. She wrote her first book at 16. Here's the link to her blog.

http://readfortheheart.wordpress.com/

I would love to talk to you sometime about CC (classical conversations). It's great for large families, and families with children of all ages.