encouraging reads

Successful Potty Training at 23 Months!

August 21, 2012 by Jill 3 Comments

Please welcome, guest post, Michy from Loving Our Journey today as she shares her unique approach to potty training!

Well, I choose to do things a little out of the norm, I have to admit.

(“Really, you are cloth diapering?” is a common phrase I’ve heard.)

When it comes to learning to use the potty for our 23 month old, I
wanted to foster an easy, natural experience. I wanted to avoid
traditional concepts like picking a week, trip training, reading potty
books, and training pants.

I like “child led” for pottying…it is his body, not mine!

After my lil’ guy’s first birthday, I discovered the concepts of
diaperless baby paired with elimination communication.

Say what? (Grandma is grossed out by, well, both terms.)

Before you stop reading, can I tell you that our 23 month old has been
successfully using the potty for both peeing and pooping…for over a
month?

That’s right!

No battles, no formal plan, no extra purchases other than potty seats.

“Mommy, pee, Daddy poop!” paired with little
feet scampering towards the potty seat or the woods when we are
outside.

Can I mention that he was able to poop on the seat during
our vacation for the first time?

I’m not sure whose smile is bigger…his or mine.

The Diaperfree Baby Book explains everything. There is also a great
support network online and on facebook.

Basically, to be a diaperfree toddler, we just started taking off J’s diaper periodically when we were home during the day. After a few times seeing his own pee, he would say “pee” and we’d hold hands together to walk to the potty.

I know you are curious…yes, there were a few yucky messes…but just a few.

This approach is very much child-led, rather than parent led
trips to potty. Needless to say, he’s comfortable in his own skin and
being “nakee”. He so loves his big boy underpants, and it was a great
money saver to skip out on training pants.

With a little guy already staying dry for short trips, we hope to loose the diaper for out the house times too soon–when he’s ready, when he shows and tells us.

It’s amazing!

Hooked??

Or at least considering this child led style?

Want to know more about the other 1/2–the most important half–of the puzzle?? Elimination communication is a HUGE factor….sounds gross, but would you come back to read more for this post??

It works!!!

Welcoming new visitors to Loving Our Journey (facebook), where I blog about faith,family, saving naturally, and host a Faitfhfully Parenting Fridays
linky party.

Sharing what’s worked for us in potty training…

Michy is a Christian Stay At Home mother as well as a past Special
Education teacher and Elementary Literacy Specialist. Michy loves to connect and support her readers!

Affiliate links may have been used in this post

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photo by: mjtmail (tiggy)

Filed Under: Family, parenting Tagged With: encouraging reads, parenting

Instilling Habits that Builds Biblical Character!

August 20, 2012 by Jill 43 Comments

“Write them upon the table of thine heart.” Proverbs 7:3

Character is not something that is just taught, but requires a change in the heart.

Keepers of the Faith offers an in depth character curriculum, Write Upon My Heart. The curriculum set includes books implementing one of the each 18 character traits.

Each individual character book includes:

Bible examples of the trait
How Jesus lived the trait in His earthly life
Practical lessons on the trait
Instructions in developing the trait
Stories centering on the trait
Poems involving the trait
Practical applications and more!
A thirty-day journal to schedule and record one’s progress

You can view sample pages.

The recommended ages for Write Upon My Heart Character Curriculum is 8 through 14, however, it can easily be adapted for younger children with parental guidance.

According to the Keeper of the Faith website:

The idea is not to “cover material,” but to change a life carefully and methodically, one obstacle at a time.

You may read the books front page to last page or start anywhere in between. It is suggested that you complete all pages before going on to the next character book. Working on a page or two a day will have you completing a book per month.

How It Works for Us

Each afternoon after lunch time, the children and I sit on my bed ready to read and discuss one of the character books. I like how there is virtually no prep time for the teacher. This month we are working through the book, Modesty.

Each child is required to bring their bible and bible notebook during our discussion time. Before we began the character, Modesty, we talked about what defines character. Good habits become good character, and bad habits become bad character.

First, we read a small section from the book and discuss the questions together orally each day. We look up the recommended scriptures that pertains to the character and how each verse applies to our lives.

The boys didn’t realize that modesty does not only refer to our dress, but also means to have a humble temper, free from vanity or conceit. Ouch!

Instead of maintaining the recommended journal entries for 30 days on modesty, we discussed the journal questions orally and held each another accountable. It takes 30 days to form a habit.

My Thoughts

I believe Write Upon My Heart Character Curriculum is an excellent investment and tool in training your children in biblical character for all families whether you are called to homeschool or send your children to public schools.

These character books are designed for individual use, but can easily be adapted to work orally for family or group use.

The curriculum stresses that we can not blame others for our behavior. Jesus was the example of perfect character. We must go to God’s Word to find the best essence of good character. I love the application and real life stories that are in each book.

The character curriculum would be perfect for a homeschool coop or group setting, too.

Buy It

Keepers of the Faith is offering a HUGE discount for Blessed Beyond a Doubt readers!

25 % off the entire Write Upon My Heart Character Curriculum Set or individual character books! Hurry, the offer is good through August 31!

Use Coupon Code: fbcharparty

Win It

Keepers of the Faith has generously offered one of my readers a Write Upon My Heart Character Curriculum Set valued at 92.42!

Please come back during the Mommy Time Facebook Party on Tuesday, August 21st at 8 PM Eastern to enter for your chance to win.

Also, do not forget that if you have questions regarding biblical character training, you can submit those questions on our RSVP form. By RSVPing, you are entering to win $50!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Keepers of the Faith provided complimentary product for review and giveaway. However, opinions are 100% my own and a favorable review was not required. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Open to residents of the USA (unless a digital product) only. The act of following a page on Facebook is not necessary to enter. Facebook is not affiliated with this giveaway and is held harmless of any fault should a complication arise. Winners will be selected by Rafflecopter (Random.org) on August 27th and will be notified by the email provided on their entry. If winners do not respond within 48 hours, new winners will be selected.

Filed Under: Family, Giveaways, homeschool, homeschool products, parenting, reviews Tagged With: encouraging reads, homeschool, parenting, reviews, spiritual

I Don’t Have Enough FAITH to be an Atheist!

August 15, 2012 by Jill Leave a Comment

Photobucket

I jumped at the chance to participate in the homeshcool product review, I Don’t Have Enought FAITH to Be an Atheist book and study guide(curriculum)

The title made me gasp!

Bible and character training takes priority in our home before academics.

This is an indepth study designed for the high schooler, however, an adult can be challenged with this book, too!

There is deep spiritual insight in this book and makes an excellent family discussion. My husband and I have made a date with our son every Sunday evening to discuss his lesson from the previous week. This is imperative in my opinion to get the most out of this book and study guide and to understand where your teen is spiritually. Be prepared to answer questions.

Since I am frugal, I will not let my son write in the study guide. He writes the key terms, questions in your mind, and facts in the chapter in his bible notebook. It would be nice if the study guide was available in PDF form, so my other children can engage in this study when they are age appropriate.

According to Apologia’s website:

I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist, this study will prepared teens and young adults to defend their Christian faith with boldness and effectiveness. During this course, your studentwill tackle the question of absolute truth, demolish the follies of postmodernism, debunk moral relativism, and march logically and surely toward the inescapable truths of the Christian faith.

To take a peek into the table of contents and sample of I Don’t Have Enough Faith to be an Atheist by Norman L. Geisler and Frank Turek.

View a sample of the study guide.

This book and study guide will equip your teen to know why they believe in Christianity. I want my children to be BOLD in Christ and be able to spread the Gospel with confidence.

The book initially explains to the reader the Three Major Religious Worldviews. My son and I had an interesting conversation after he read the introduction.

You can purchase I Don’t Have Enough Faith to be an Atheist and study guide at Apologia website.

I Don’t Have Enough Faith to be an Atheist – 16.00

Study Guide – 33.00

My teen is going to introduce our youth pastor to this study and believes it would be an excellent study for our church’s youth group.

Read my thoughts on other homeschool product reviews.

I received a copy the book and study guide, I Don’t Have Enough Faith to be an Atheist, in return for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

Filed Under: Family, homeschool products, parenting, reviews Tagged With: encouraging reads, homeschool, parenting, reviews, spiritual

Do You Want to Conquer the Viscious Cycle of Yelling at Your Kids?

July 22, 2012 by Jill Leave a Comment

I am so guilty of losing my temper and before I know it I am YELLING at my precious kids.

I do feel guilty and truly want to have a quiet and meek spirit, but I fail over and over again.

If you can not relate, Stop Reading Now!

______________________________________

So, I can only assume you often get sore throats, too!

Some yell at their children.

Some yell at their spouse.

Some yell at the Walmart checker.

My children suffer from my sinful habit: YELLING!

In the short read,Yelling: The Cause, The Casualty, The Cure, Mrs. Lorrie Flem, suggest 12 helpful steps and many scripture references to encourage you to overcome your bad habit, yelling.

She includes many quotes from sweet mothers like you and me who yell at their children and feel such guilt afterwards and she offers down to earth, genuine suggestions that have been tried and true for numerous women.

Lorrie Flem, author of the award winning magazine,Teach, goes in detail of her Yelling Plan in her book, Yelling: The Cause, The Casualty, The Cure.

12-Step Stop Yelling Plan

Cover yourself in prayer
Train your children
Identify the triggers
Plan, prepare, and prevent with trigger guards
Take care of yourself
Take care of your children
Be allergic to stress
Have a slumber party for one
Let go of anger
Slow down, don’t hurry
Choose not to
Motivate or reward yourself for success

You will be encouraged as you first seek the Lord and then be inspired with this helpful short read.

You can get this book FREE Tuesday, July 24th on your Kindle. Don’t have a Kindle, get the FREE Kindle app today.

Please join us for encouragement and fellowship in the promotion of this new ebook, at the Facebook Party on Tuesday, July 24th.

Part 1 2-4p (EST) and Part 2 8-10p (EST) *Come and go as you please!

RSVP today!

I want to change! And I realize that the result of yelling never achieves my desired result.

May we seek the alternative with His help and the love of one another.

Anyone want to be my accountability partner? I sure could use one.

Sharing with: The Better Mom,Create With Joy , Monday Musings,Mama Moments Monday, Teach Me Tuesday, Titus 2 Tuesday, Domestically Divine Tuesday,

Filed Under: Family, FREE Stuff, Kindle Books, parenting, parenting, reviews Tagged With: encouraging reads, FREE Kindle Books, FREE Stuff, parenting, reviews, spiritual

A Must for Every Child’s Bookshelf – About Child Protection!

July 15, 2012 by Jill 90 Comments

Many parents need teaching advice about child protection!

Did you know each day, four children in the United States die from some form of abuse?

1 out of 4 girls and 1 out of 6 boys will have been molested by the time they are 18 years of age.

Did you know that most of this abuse begins before the child is 4 years old?

My heart breaks literally from typing those heinous statistics.

We must diligently educate and protect our children.

It starts in the home!

Some Parts are Not for Sharing is a little book about child protection that I strongly believe needs to be on every child’s book shelf.

This book is an ideal introduction to the basic body safety rules for the young child. The author, Julie K. Federico, uses friendly fish to explain what the boundaries of appropriate touching are in a very non-threatening way.

I have read, Some Parts are Not for Sharing, to my younger children ages 7, 5, and 2. We gently discussed what was defined as private areas and what to do if someone touches them in the those specific areas. My children loved the characters and found the book quite amusing.

This is a book that needs to be read to your child over and over. It would make a perfect birthday gift for the little ones in your lives or a perfect unique shower gift to the expectant mother.

This little soft-bound book can be purchased for 6.99. It’s truly a gem that just might protect the little child you love.

Do you have any advice for parents about child protection?

Have you grabbed my FREE eBook, Instilling Biblical Character yet?

Subscribe today for other parenting tips!

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. No other compensation was given.

Filed Under: encouraging reads, Family, Giveaways, parenting, reviews Tagged With: encouraging reads, family, giveaways, parenting, reviews

FREE Christian Book – No Longer a SlumDog!

July 12, 2012 by Jill 1 Comment

Be among the first to read this gripping narrative that displays the redemptive power of God among the most fragile.

This next great wave of transformation is changing the lives of children, their families and entire communities.

Filled with riveting stories of God’s redeeming love

Your heart will rejoice as you share in their triumph. This dynamic book will open your eyes to an amazing move of God.

Click here to get your FREE book! FREE Shipping, too!

Read my thoughts on other encouraging reads!

Don’t want to miss any FREEbies, subscribe today!

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Secrets to a Happy Home!

June 9, 2012 by Jill 1 Comment

Being a Christian stay at home mom of 6 blessings, I am always looking to glean Godly wisdom from other women who have journeyed through motherhood. Most of what you read in the media today are suggestions from a secular worldview.

I stumbled across the site, Eternal Encouragement Magazine and More, and was immediately drawn to their tag line.

Living God’s Priorities
Laughing Along the Way
Loving Your Abundant Life

After browsing a bit, I received the FREE ebook, 4 Creative Secrets to a Happy Home by signing up for their FREE newsletter and was thrilled to curl up in my bed and get lost in finding out the secrets to a happy home. Having a happy home is utmost importance to me as a homemaker. I want our home to be the place that feels safe and filled with laughter, but completely led by the Holy Spirit.

I admit, it’s not always easy. I sometimes want to pull my hair out, but my duty at home is His calling for me, and with His spirit, I will continue to strive to maintain a happy home.

I will give Him all the glory!

The short ebook, 4 Creative Secrets to a Happy Home was such an inspiration to me as a homeschool mom. We have a lot of stuff and a lot people. Rooms get messy and disorganized quite frequently. I strongly believe organization is one of the biggest keys to a happy home, but sometimes just pondering the idea, overwhelms me.

We all are aware that God did numerous things in sevens from Genesis to Revelation.

The author, Mrs. Lorrie Flem, publisher of the best magazine for moms, Eternal Encouragement, shares her sevens with her readers. Inside the pages of this practical ebook you will find:

7 Tips to Clear the Clutter
7 Habits That Will Make You Happy
Using 7 Spiritual Weapons for Happiness
7 Quick Organizing Tricks

I gleaned suggestions from the author, Mrs. Lorrie Flem, that setting aside 5-10 minutes per day to work on a specific area/task is more beneficial for me rather than trying to conquer the overwhelming task in just one day. I often try to do do it all at once causing frustration. Slow and Steady should be the goal.

I was reminded of the 7 habits that I need to highlight in our home. Some habits require more improvement than others. The author confirmed that it is ok to say ‘No!” This is one area that needs addressing in my life, as well as, my perfection attitude.

This is a wonderful little ebook that will inspire and encourage you to strive for a happy home. I’m not saying our calling will be easy, but Mrs, Lorrie Flem will help you recognize where your improvements are needed and offer very practical suggestion for you. It was a blessing to me.

This ebook is usually priced at $5.97, but you can get it FREE today by clicking here and signing up for Eternal Encouragement monthly newsletter that will minister to your heart as a homemaker. Just enter your email on the right top corner of the home page.

The newsletter is something I look forward to in my inbox each month.

I love to share my faith with others!

Linking up with: WFMW, Encourage One Another,WLW,

*I received a FREE ebook copy of 4 Creative Secrets to a Happy Home in exchange for my honest review. No other compensation was given.

Filed Under: Family, FREE Stuff, Homemaking, homemaking, reviews Tagged With: encouraging reads, Free, parenting, simple ideas, spiritual

How to Grow Your Blog Review and Giveaway!

June 4, 2012 by Jill 28 Comments

Growing my blog while raising and homeschooling my 6 children is often a struggle for me.

I often find it difficult to find a happy balance that will allow me to do both successfully without compromising my first high calling as a homemaker.

I believe the Lord has prompted me to encourage other ladies who have opted to stay at home to train their children. Blogging has been a tremendous blessing and encouragement to me during this season of motherhood. I love to share my faith and struggles that I as a Christian woman face in this secular world today. I especially understand how difficult it is to live on a single income in a double income world. Also, I love to share products with my readers that have enhanced my motherhood journey. And the friendship I have discovered online is wonderful. I have laughed and cried with so many of you. Thank you for blessing me.

My blog, Blessed Beyond a Doubt is my ministry, but not my first calling.

God, Family, and next Blogging!

Jacinda shares her heart in her newest ebook, How to Grow Your Blog and Manage Your Home. This informative but rather short ebook, is the Christian Homemaker’s Guide to Successfully Blogging. Most of today’s social media literature omits the high calling of motherhood altogether. That is why I was so encouraged and excited to read, How to Grow Your Blog and Manage Your Home.

Yes, we can do both!

Jacinda explains how she manages a successfully profitable blog, Growing Home, while diligently pursuing her God given role as a helpmeet and mother. She has encouraged me tremendously on how to promote my blog to other women, but keep my priorities in line.

This ebook will explain in great detail the following topics:

Chapter 1 | Should you blog?

Chapter 2 | Good reasons to grow your blog

Income
Ministry
Community
Personal Growth

Chapter 3 | This is my schedule and I’m sticking to it

Chapter 4 | What NOT to do

Personal information
Plagiarism
Desperation
Giving Up

Chapter 5 | 11 Ways to better Content

Originality
Length of posts
Titles
Engaging your readers
Choosing fonts
Including hyperlinks
Photos
Kindness
Writing well
Staying inspired
Knowing your audience

Chapter 6 | Layout and Design

Keeping it simple
Header focus
Color conscious
Fancy font usage
White space
Centering gadgets
Placement and location
User-friendly commenting system
Effective images
Easy navigation
Call to action
Different browsers

Chapter 7 | Dynamic Strategies

Link Parties
Commenting
Following
Guest Posts
Facebook
Pinterest
Team up
Hosting Giveaways
Regular posting
Twitter
Advertising

Chapter 8 | How to make money blogging

How to get (and keep) advertisers
29 Successful Affiliate programs
eBooks

This ebook is perfect for the women who has been pondering the idea of blogging, but doesn’t know where to begin or a blogger who currently has a blog but wants to expand their name and take their blog to the next level.

Jacinda helped me set a blogging schedule while recognizing what is truly utmost importance to our Heavenly King!

She helped me gain a better understanding of social media, good content, and how to work successfully with advertisers and so much more. If you purchase the $4.99 ebook now, and win the giveaway, Jacinda will refund your refund you. What do you have to lose?

Now for the fun part!

Jacienda has graciously offered to give one of my readers a FREE copy of her newest ebook, How to Grow Your Blog and Manage Your Home.

A winner will be picked on June 11 and 12:00am.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Check out my other giveaways!

Linking up with WFMW.

*Affiliate links may be used in this post. One ebook will be given to one of my readers in exchange for my honest review. No other compensation was given.

Filed Under: Family, FREE Stuff, Giveaways, homemaking Tagged With: blogging info, encouraging reads, giveaways, reviews

FREE TOS Homeschool Magazine – June 2012!

June 2, 2012 by Jill Leave a Comment

One of the few magazines that I have always gleaned an enormous amount of useful information has been The Old Schoolhouse. I love the encouragement and all the fun and educational ideas that makes our homeschool a delight. If your pondering the idea of homeschooling, this is a wonderful resource to check out.

Digitally view June 2012 here.

For more FREE homeschooling resources, click here.

Filed Under: FREE Stuff, homeschool Tagged With: encouraging reads, FREE homeschooling

Teaching your Children Good Manners

May 25, 2012 by Jill Leave a Comment

“Where are your manners, Son?”

This little book is encouraging all my children with proper etiquette and manners that will benefit them in the real world.

We found this little gem of a book, Manners Made Easy For the Family,and read one little page each night along with our evening devotion. The book includes 365 Timeless etiquette and manners tips for every occasion.

Everyone is gleaning good manners and habits from just spending 5 minutes a day, including Mommy and Daddy! We read at during breakfast time.

I love the scripture reference at the end of each page, too.

How do you train and encourage manners in your children?

For More parenting tips, click here.

*affiliate link used in this post

Filed Under: encouraging reads, Family, homeschool, parenting Tagged With: encouraging reads, frugal, homeschool, parenting, spiritual