Comments on: WFMW - Let’s Talk QT http://www.edgren.com/wordpress/2008/03/04/wfmw-lets-talk-qt/ The musings and ravings of a bloggart family Thu, 4 Dec 2008 20:06:08 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.3.2 By: Phyllis@Aimless Conversation http://www.edgren.com/wordpress/2008/03/04/wfmw-lets-talk-qt/#comment-7940 Phyllis@Aimless Conversation Tue, 11 Mar 2008 21:00:19 +0000 http://www.edgren.com/wordpress/2008/03/04/wfmw-lets-talk-qt/#comment-7940 I share your frustration and I am convicted. I am a homeschooling mom to 4 kids and a night owl as well. I use the evening and late nights to surf the web, blog, and sometimes (haha) prepare for the next days lessons with the kids. I do not get up early, neither do the children, so we are all very relaxed around here. Nothing gets really going until 10 am (school gets started). I do start with a short devotional over breakfast with all of us, but I sometimes feel as if I need MORE for me. I too am working through a fabulous Beth Moore study, but like you, I am trying to manage those thought provoking questions amid math and grammar and pb&j's. sigh I have found that afternoon quiet time is a great time to get some quality time in. Our 13 yr old is a reader and my 9 and 11 yr olds love stories on tape/cd. So when the 3yr old goes down for a nap, I send everyone to their rooms for quiet time as well. I wish I could say that this works wonderfully and we never miss, but sometimes, given our late start and somewhat pencil resistant boys, this time is devoted to "Get that done before your dad gets home or else!." Sadly, given their current pencil resistant state, I cannot slip away. If I am not lording over them with an evil glare, they will fritter their time away doing things not remotely related to the subject in front of them. (One has completely illustrated, in full color, his entire Math U See book) Those are probably the days I need the quiet time the MOST! LOL Anyway, I know tis was not an answer, but I hope it served as an encouragement that you are definitely not alone in your quest for more of Him. I know that He is honored by our hearts DESIRE to be with him and he is gracious to understand that in this season, we must steal moments when we can. Some wise women have posted before me (which is why I am convicted) with some practical advice. Maybe tomorrow will be better for both of us, eh? Found you through the blog party...I also read Rocks (Shannon is hilarious) and I have poked around here enough to know I will probably be back. We have a lot in common. =) I share your frustration and I am convicted. I am a homeschooling mom to 4 kids and a night owl as well. I use the evening and late nights to surf the web, blog, and sometimes (haha) prepare for the next days lessons with the kids. I do not get up early, neither do the children, so we are all very relaxed around here. Nothing gets really going until 10 am (school gets started). I do start with a short devotional over breakfast with all of us, but I sometimes feel as if I need MORE for me. I too am working through a fabulous Beth Moore study, but like you, I am trying to manage those thought provoking questions amid math and grammar and pb&j’s. sigh

I have found that afternoon quiet time is a great time to get some quality time in. Our 13 yr old is a reader and my 9 and 11 yr olds love stories on tape/cd. So when the 3yr old goes down for a nap, I send everyone to their rooms for quiet time as well. I wish I could say that this works wonderfully and we never miss, but sometimes, given our late start and somewhat pencil resistant boys, this time is devoted to “Get that done before your dad gets home or else!.” Sadly, given their current pencil resistant state, I cannot slip away. If I am not lording over them with an evil glare, they will fritter their time away doing things not remotely related to the subject in front of them. (One has completely illustrated, in full color, his entire Math U See book) Those are probably the days I need the quiet time the MOST! LOL

Anyway, I know tis was not an answer, but I hope it served as an encouragement that you are definitely not alone in your quest for more of Him. I know that He is honored by our hearts DESIRE to be with him and he is gracious to understand that in this season, we must steal moments when we can.

Some wise women have posted before me (which is why I am convicted) with some practical advice. Maybe tomorrow will be better for both of us, eh?

Found you through the blog party…I also read Rocks (Shannon is hilarious) and I have poked around here enough to know I will probably be back. We have a lot in common. =)

]]> By: Linda in FL http://www.edgren.com/wordpress/2008/03/04/wfmw-lets-talk-qt/#comment-7893 Linda in FL Mon, 10 Mar 2008 02:30:14 +0000 http://www.edgren.com/wordpress/2008/03/04/wfmw-lets-talk-qt/#comment-7893 I didn't read all the comments, so I may be repeating. Please forgive me, if so. I recently read a book called Scream-Free Parenting. I looked at this book several times, but didn't buy it because I'm not a screamer. I found a great deal on it, though, so I took the plunge. I LOVED this book. One of the main things it spoke to me about was taking time for myself. Sometimes in homeschool circles we find such a self-sacrificial attitude. And, I admit, we have to be self-sacrificial to homeschool! And sacrifice is a good thing. So, don't get me wrong, but how can we lead our children if we're not healthy ourselves. And if I never have anytime for myself (quiet time, exercise time, whatever...), I'm not going to be very healthy. I've been putting myself last for 15 years now, and with a 2 year old, I'm looking at 16 more years. No way can I do this! SO... all that is to say... take the time for yourself. I do mornings, 20-30 minutes. I'm reading through the Bible (sort of - NT, Psalm and Proverbs) this year. I also throw in a few pages of whatever "Bible" book is coming up in Landon's Sonlight (right now, that's The Bible Jesus Read by Philip Yancey). Then, I pray. I just started a week or so ago writing out my prayers after reading Jeannie Fulbright's blog on this. I am loving it. It is keeping my mind from wandering. I hope that answers your questions. But whatever time, method, etc., you find, Kathy, you must find time for yourself! I didn’t read all the comments, so I may be repeating. Please forgive me, if so. I recently read a book called Scream-Free Parenting. I looked at this book several times, but didn’t buy it because I’m not a screamer. I found a great deal on it, though, so I took the plunge. I LOVED this book. One of the main things it spoke to me about was taking time for myself. Sometimes in homeschool circles we find such a self-sacrificial attitude. And, I admit, we have to be self-sacrificial to homeschool! And sacrifice is a good thing. So, don’t get me wrong, but how can we lead our children if we’re not healthy ourselves. And if I never have anytime for myself (quiet time, exercise time, whatever…), I’m not going to be very healthy. I’ve been putting myself last for 15 years now, and with a 2 year old, I’m looking at 16 more years. No way can I do this! SO… all that is to say… take the time for yourself. I do mornings, 20-30 minutes. I’m reading through the Bible (sort of - NT, Psalm and Proverbs) this year. I also throw in a few pages of whatever “Bible” book is coming up in Landon’s Sonlight (right now, that’s The Bible Jesus Read by Philip Yancey). Then, I pray. I just started a week or so ago writing out my prayers after reading Jeannie Fulbright’s blog on this. I am loving it. It is keeping my mind from wandering. I hope that answers your questions. But whatever time, method, etc., you find, Kathy, you must find time for yourself!

]]> By: everychapter http://www.edgren.com/wordpress/2008/03/04/wfmw-lets-talk-qt/#comment-7854 everychapter Fri, 07 Mar 2008 06:29:01 +0000 http://www.edgren.com/wordpress/2008/03/04/wfmw-lets-talk-qt/#comment-7854 So, I am so sorry to be so long in answering you. You posted a question to me LAST week regarding homemade yogurt and if wheat germ in smoothies is noticeable- and I am just now getting back to you. Sorry about that. The answer is no- not very. It seems to grind up nicely and be about the consistency of the itty bitty ice chunks. Try it without saying anything and I bet no one will even notice. Thanks for visiting my blog! So, I am so sorry to be so long in answering you. You posted a question to me LAST week regarding homemade yogurt and if wheat germ in smoothies is noticeable- and I am just now getting back to you. Sorry about that. The answer is no- not very. It seems to grind up nicely and be about the consistency of the itty bitty ice chunks. Try it without saying anything and I bet no one will even notice. Thanks for visiting my blog!

]]> By: Carol ~ I Throw Like A Girl http://www.edgren.com/wordpress/2008/03/04/wfmw-lets-talk-qt/#comment-7834 Carol ~ I Throw Like A Girl Thu, 06 Mar 2008 02:28:59 +0000 http://www.edgren.com/wordpress/2008/03/04/wfmw-lets-talk-qt/#comment-7834 I just wanted to stop by and say thank you for visiting my blog! It looks like you've already gotten some great advice on this topic, but here's my 2 cents. I just bought a one-year Bible. It is printed with all the daily reading from the OT, NT, Psalms, and Proverbs all together. For example, March 5th's reading is printed all together, so I don't have to follow a chart, or flip around the Bible to get to all the passages. Somehow this just makes it seem easier to me. To do the daily reading takes about 15 minutes. Hope this helps a bit! ~Carol I just wanted to stop by and say thank you for visiting my blog! It looks like you’ve already gotten some great advice on this topic, but here’s my 2 cents. I just bought a one-year Bible. It is printed with all the daily reading from the OT, NT, Psalms, and Proverbs all together. For example, March 5th’s reading is printed all together, so I don’t have to follow a chart, or flip around the Bible to get to all the passages. Somehow this just makes it seem easier to me. To do the daily reading takes about 15 minutes. Hope this helps a bit! ~Carol

]]> By: Debbie http://www.edgren.com/wordpress/2008/03/04/wfmw-lets-talk-qt/#comment-7833 Debbie Thu, 06 Mar 2008 02:25:57 +0000 http://www.edgren.com/wordpress/2008/03/04/wfmw-lets-talk-qt/#comment-7833 Kathy, no great advice here, but this is what I have been managing these days. I also am a night owl and do some of my Bible reading at night, but often find I am not as "fresh" as other times of the day. I like to listen to sermons on the MP3 player and often do that while Gabe goes to sleep. (He likes me to stay with him until he goes to sleep.) I can listen to a great sermon and work on my stitching. I have been doing my Bible in a Year Reading from a book by D. A. Carson, called For The Love of God, while the kids are eating lunch. I like to journal on my laptop as it helps me to stay focused better and I can type faster than I can write. I don't do it everyday, but often. I usually have a good prayer time before I go to bed, but never quite long enough before I doze off. I would love to fit in a quality Bible study time, but that is just not working right now. I try and do what I can, when I can. I am enjoying reading the other posts. Kathy, no great advice here, but this is what I have been managing these days.

I also am a night owl and do some of my Bible reading at night, but often find I am not as “fresh” as other times of the day.

I like to listen to sermons on the MP3 player and often do that while Gabe goes to sleep. (He likes me to stay with him until he goes to sleep.) I can listen to a great sermon and work on my stitching.

I have been doing my Bible in a Year Reading from a book by D. A. Carson, called For The Love of God, while the kids are eating lunch.

I like to journal on my laptop as it helps me to stay focused better and I can type faster than I can write. I don’t do it everyday, but often.

I usually have a good prayer time before I go to bed, but never quite long enough before I doze off.

I would love to fit in a quality Bible study time, but that is just not working right now. I try and do what I can, when I can.

I am enjoying reading the other posts.

]]> By: Jessica http://www.edgren.com/wordpress/2008/03/04/wfmw-lets-talk-qt/#comment-7832 Jessica Thu, 06 Mar 2008 01:00:53 +0000 http://www.edgren.com/wordpress/2008/03/04/wfmw-lets-talk-qt/#comment-7832 These are great, great questions. Exactly what you have posted has been on my heart for some time now. I am not a morning person and I have tried to set my alarm but I just can't seem to get up. And I also can't get out of bed in fear of waking up my 3 and 1 year old. My husband works nights and sleeps during the day. And I, as you said of yourself, can focus on studying at night. I will be making time to read all your other commenters and gleaning from their wise advice. Great post!!! These are great, great questions. Exactly what you have posted has been on my heart for some time now. I am not a morning person and I have tried to set my alarm but I just can’t seem to get up. And I also can’t get out of bed in fear of waking up my 3 and 1 year old. My husband works nights and sleeps during the day. And I, as you said of yourself, can focus on studying at night.

I will be making time to read all your other commenters and gleaning from their wise advice.

Great post!!!

]]> By: Lisa in ME http://www.edgren.com/wordpress/2008/03/04/wfmw-lets-talk-qt/#comment-7831 Lisa in ME Thu, 06 Mar 2008 00:04:55 +0000 http://www.edgren.com/wordpress/2008/03/04/wfmw-lets-talk-qt/#comment-7831 Kathy, Every time you make mention on your blog about trying to become a reformed night owl, I'm totally agreeing with it all. For the last (I'm almost embarassed to say this) three years God has been working on me to change my dedicated night owl habits. I'm getting better but I'm not there yet. Typically I am now in bed by 10pm most nights instead of midnight or later. To get up before children (I have 3 boys), I would need to be up by 5am. I can count on one hand how many times that has happened. It's rough. I tried giving my kiddos (especially the two younger ones ages 4 & 6) a clock to show 7am so I could get up a bit later & now have them about. That didn't work really great although it's been over a year since I tried it. I'm eagerly reading all the responses & just wanted to say - I feel your pain. ;-) Kathy,
Every time you make mention on your blog about trying to become a reformed night owl, I’m totally agreeing with it all. For the last (I’m almost embarassed to say this) three years God has been working on me to change my dedicated night owl habits. I’m getting better but I’m not there yet. Typically I am now in bed by 10pm most nights instead of midnight or later. To get up before children (I have 3 boys), I would need to be up by 5am. I can count on one hand how many times that has happened. It’s rough. I tried giving my kiddos (especially the two younger ones ages 4 & 6) a clock to show 7am so I could get up a bit later & now have them about. That didn’t work really great although it’s been over a year since I tried it. I’m eagerly reading all the responses & just wanted to say - I feel your pain. ;-)

]]> By: Toby http://www.edgren.com/wordpress/2008/03/04/wfmw-lets-talk-qt/#comment-7830 Toby Wed, 05 Mar 2008 23:31:07 +0000 http://www.edgren.com/wordpress/2008/03/04/wfmw-lets-talk-qt/#comment-7830 Hi again Kathy~ OOOPS...I forgot to mention that the Above Rubies retreat with Nancy Campbell is coming right up! March 14 - 16. Gather a bunch of your friends and please do really try to come! You would surely be blessed with new insight and motivation! Hi again Kathy~

OOOPS…I forgot to mention that the Above Rubies retreat with Nancy Campbell is coming right up! March 14 - 16. Gather a bunch of your friends and please do really try to come! You would surely be blessed with new insight and motivation!

]]> By: Toby http://www.edgren.com/wordpress/2008/03/04/wfmw-lets-talk-qt/#comment-7829 Toby Wed, 05 Mar 2008 22:37:49 +0000 http://www.edgren.com/wordpress/2008/03/04/wfmw-lets-talk-qt/#comment-7829 Hi Kathy, I am Brooke Parsons' mother. Brooke just loves your family! She has your blog posts delivered to her email. Anyway, she reads aloud to me most of your posts. What a nice family you have! :) I felt compelled to respond to this post, since you are asking for comments. :) It seems to me that you are in a different season of life right now is all. A season filled with child rearing. You 'are' busy! Does God 'expect' you to spend x amount of time with Him daily, just you and Him? What about leaving several Bibles open in key areas of your home, snatching and meditating on key verses or passages that you have time to glimpse at? Read a 'Daily Light' in the mornings - they are super quick. Do 'your' daily Bible reading out loud with the kids. Maybe start their school day with 'your' daily Bible reading. You could all take turns reading out loud. Why fragment everyone's daily reading? God just wants you to spend time in relationship with Him as well. Set your timer every 1/2 hour, for a quick thank-you, praise to God. Have you read the book, "Passionate Housewives, Desperate for God" yet? It devotes the better part of a chapter to this very issue of Bible reading / study for mom's. You can buy it from my blog or my web-site, via my Christian Book Distributor links. Web-site addy is: http://www.abundantlivingandgift.com My blog addy is: http://www.merchantshipsblog.blogspot.com The next day really begins the night before. Go to bed at a decent hour, so you can get up on time. Do a little planning the evening before. Get your clothes laid out for the following day. In other words, 'prepare' for tomorrow the evening before. Are you familiar with Nancy Campbell & Above Rubies? What a treasure we have in her!!! She is coming from Tennessee to Olympia (Black Lake) for her annual retreat. It is to be held this month. It is only $37.50 for Saturday only (includes one meal - Add $10.00 for each additional meal). She will SHOW you for sure how to get it all together God's way. She will inspire and encourage you to return to the basics in a way that no one else I know seems to be able to accomplish. In short, she is amazing. If you can at all make this retreat, please do so! Brooke and I will be there Saturday morning and afternoon only. The information and registration addy is: http://www.aboverubiesretreats.com We hope to see you there!!! :) And finally, I think it is wonderful that you have many friends and blogging friends that you can ask for advice. Be sure to always ask your husband for 'his' advice in all areas first. And ultimately, listen to 'his' advice the most. :) God gave your husband to be 'your' leader. :) Many blessings & prayers! :) Toby Hi Kathy,

I am Brooke Parsons’ mother. Brooke just loves your family! She has your blog posts delivered to her email. Anyway, she reads aloud to me most of your posts. What a nice family you have! :)

I felt compelled to respond to this post, since you are asking for comments. :)

It seems to me that you are in a different season of life right now is all. A season filled with child rearing. You ‘are’ busy! Does God ‘expect’ you to spend x amount of time with Him daily, just you and Him? What about leaving several Bibles open in key areas of your home, snatching and meditating on key verses or passages that you have time to glimpse at? Read a ‘Daily Light’ in the mornings - they are super quick. Do ‘your’ daily Bible reading out loud with the kids. Maybe start their school day with ‘your’ daily Bible reading. You could all take turns reading out loud. Why fragment everyone’s daily reading? God just wants you to spend time in relationship with Him as well. Set your timer every 1/2 hour, for a quick thank-you, praise to God.

Have you read the book, “Passionate Housewives, Desperate for God” yet? It devotes the better part of a chapter to this very issue of Bible reading / study for mom’s. You can buy it from my blog or my web-site, via my Christian Book Distributor links. Web-site addy is: http://www.abundantlivingandgift.com My blog addy is: http://www.merchantshipsblog.blogspot.com

The next day really begins the night before. Go to bed at a decent hour, so you can get up on time. Do a little planning the evening before. Get your clothes laid out for the following day. In other words, ‘prepare’ for tomorrow the evening before.

Are you familiar with Nancy Campbell & Above Rubies? What a treasure we have in her!!! She is coming from Tennessee to Olympia (Black Lake) for her annual retreat. It is to be held this month. It is only $37.50 for Saturday only (includes one meal - Add $10.00 for each additional meal). She will SHOW you for sure how to get it all together God’s way. She will inspire and encourage you to return to the basics in a way that no one else I know seems to be able to accomplish. In short, she is amazing. If you can at all make this retreat, please do so! Brooke and I will be there Saturday morning and afternoon only. The information and registration addy is: http://www.aboverubiesretreats.com We hope to see you there!!! :)

And finally, I think it is wonderful that you have many friends and blogging friends that you can ask for advice. Be sure to always ask your husband for ‘his’ advice in all areas first. And ultimately, listen to ‘his’ advice the most. :) God gave your husband to be ‘your’ leader. :)

Many blessings & prayers! :)

Toby

]]> By: heather http://www.edgren.com/wordpress/2008/03/04/wfmw-lets-talk-qt/#comment-7828 heather Wed, 05 Mar 2008 21:47:54 +0000 http://www.edgren.com/wordpress/2008/03/04/wfmw-lets-talk-qt/#comment-7828 Kathy, I am having the same struggles right now! So I'll be spending some time reading everyone's answers. Oh, and silly me, I just committed to start teaching a Tuesday morning Bible study. Starting this next week. Like, 6 days from now. Not only do I need to prepare to teach, but I need to arrange child care!!! I don't know which I'm more nervous about! Kathy, I am having the same struggles right now! So I’ll be spending some time reading everyone’s answers.

Oh, and silly me, I just committed to start teaching a Tuesday morning Bible study. Starting this next week. Like, 6 days from now. Not only do I need to prepare to teach, but I need to arrange child care!!! I don’t know which I’m more nervous about!

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