Half Mast

 

  Yesterday I was taking the kids to the park.  While in the car, Corban, who is 6, asked, “Mom, what’s going on with that flag?”  I looked out the passenger window and noticed a huge United States flag flying half mast.  I thought to myself- how am I going to explain this to him?  He is a very inquisitive little boy and a simple answer will not suffice.  So I replied, “When something bad happens in the world, people will fly their flags half way down the pole, which is called half-mast, to show respect and that they are thinking about what happened.”  

   Was he satisfied with that answer?  No.  “Mom, what happened in the world that was bad?”  Being very careful with my words, I said, “In a city really far away from here, across the ocean, some bad guys shot a bunch of people.”  Thinking I said too much for his little innocent heart to comprehend, he responds:

Corban- so there’s bad guys in the world

Me- yes

Corban- but there’s good guys too.  And when the bad guys started shooting, the good guys started shooting.  Then the bad guys started shooting some more.  But the good guys shot them and won.  

Me- you’re right Corban.  Good always wins.

   Seeing he was satisfied with his answer, I turned the radio up.  The first line we hear on the song from Blanca ‘greater is He, living in me, than he that is in the world’.  I said, “Did yall hear that?  In the bible there’s a scripture that says ‘greater is God in us, than the evil and fear that is in the world.’ (Paraphrased for their comprehension) There are bad people in this world.  But because God is inside of us, we don’t have to be afraid.  Because why?”

My older kids join in unison “because good ALWAYS wins”

   It’s extremely sad to me that I have to have these conversations with my first grader.  I’m pretty sure my mom never had to explain world tragedies to me at that age.  Which, I’m sure there were some pretty bad things that occurred during that time. I’m not here to bash social media.  It’s a great tool we have to keep in touch, but we do hear about such tragedies a lot fast than before.  Not only that, everyone we know has an opinion, me included, on the situation at hand. 

   Anyways, I want to encourage parents to not be afraid to tell your kids about world events.  Keep in mind their age and their innocence.  Their pure hearts can only handle so much. But, when your child does get older, share with them.  Ask them to share their feelings on it.  Let this be an opportunity to search the scriptures together, or as a family.  Build up their faith in God.  Let them know He is greater.  He has overcome the world (John 16:33). God always wins.  Teach them to still be bold in their faith and to share the love of Jesus with everyone.

Lonely season

Last night I was able to share with our church’s young married’s group.  Wes and I actually took over leadership of the group back in June of this year.  We have loved every minute of it and more so, love everyone involved.  We are truly blessed by our church family!  

Anyways, I figured I would share with the world what I shared last night….or tried to.  I always feel like I never really cover what I want to.  I guess we all feel like that at some point.  I left thinking- man, I forgot to say this, add that!  Lol!  

For the past couple of years I’ve been in a lonely/wilderness season.  What I mean by that is I’ve felt like certain situations seemed hopeless and bleak.  I’ve more often felt discouraged than encouraged.  The ironic thing to me being in the middle of a “lonely” season is 1) I have an amazing support system.  I have some pretty incredible friends in my life, 2) my husband comes home to me every night (there was a season for many years that I only saw him on the weekends), and 3) I have four kids.  I’m really never physically alone!  So why am I going through this?  Did I do something?  Not do something?  I honestly don’t know the answers to those questions of mine.  I don’t.  I’m not going to pretend that I do.  However, like all the seasons we walk through, God is there wanting to teach us.  Everything is meant for His glory, so I began to ask him what he wanted to show me during this time.  

About a year and a half ago, the Holy Spirit led me to Hosea 2:14-15; and over the course of this time, I have been studying and digesting what He’s been showing me.  I want to share with you what I’ve learned.  

Hosea 2:14-15

Therefore I am now going to ALLURE her;

I will LEAD her into the DESERT

And SPEAK TENDERLY to her.

There I will give her back her VINEYARDS, 

And will make the VALLEY of ACHOR a DOOR of HOPE.

Notice several words in this passage are capitalized.  These are words I looked up in the Strong’s concordance to find their original meaning.  Our bibles were translated into English for our use.  However the Old Testament was originally written in Hebrew so I wanted to see what the passage originally meant.

So let’s break this down.

Allure: to open

Lead: take away, go on a journey

Desert: to answer, destroy, declare, to commune and to teach

Speak tenderly: answer from the heart

Vineyards: to increase 

Valley: depression

Achor: trouble, a confused state

Door: opening

I’m going to rewrite the scripture using the translated words:

Therefore I am now going TO OPEN her up

I will TAKE HER AWAY ON A JOURNEY into the place of COMMUNION, a place to TEACH, a place to DESTROY, a place to ANSWER FROM THE HEART.

There I will give her back what she needs to INCREASE

And will make the DEPRESSION of TROUBLE an OPENING for hope.

I realize that the scripture is written in a feminine form.  It was shared with Israel who God saw as His bride.  We are now His bride, those who have accepted Jesus as Lord.  That means, you guys out there are his bride too.    

I find it interesting that God is telling His people this Valley of Achor, this place of trouble and confusion, will be a place that will usher them into hope.  If they stay on this path through the lonely/wilderness season, He will supply a door of hope for them.  The passage starts with opening ourselves up.  That’s what allure meant; to open up.  That’s a place of vulnerability with the Holy Spirit.  To expose some areas in our life so that while on the journey to becoming more like His son, we can increase in fruit.  In Jeremiah 4:26 it reads “I looked, and the fruitful land was a desert.”  Just as the passage begins by us becoming open, it also ends with God creating an opening.  When we respond first in our covenant with God by opening ourselves up, he then responds by giving us an opening through that season.  

The very place where God calls an area to destroy is also the same place Jeremiah was referring to as a place of much fruit.  I believe God will call us into this particular season, to bring us into a state to declare the word of the Lord over our lives, to destroy or prune away at ungodly characteristics so that we can become more fruitful.  (I looked and the fruitful land was a desert.)  There can be good that comes out of trouble.  There can be fruit that comes out of places that are meant to destroy us.  Believe it or not, sometimes the hard seasons are the best places to be.  God’s word tells us in Isaiah 65:10 “…Valley of Achor a resting place for herds, for my people who seek me.”  

We all will go through the “desert” experience at some point in our lives.  But what we do in it determines the outcome.  It says it’s a resting place for God’s people who seek him.  Are we seeking God and His will for our life?  Are we surrendering to the Holy Spirit’s work in our hearts to bear more fruit?  And also, do we have joy for the journey?  It says the joy of the Lord is our strength.  It’s His joy that will keep us going.  It’s His strength we need for the journey He’s called us on.  Makes sense to me.  We need HIS strength to go on a journey HE intended for us.  

At the end of Hosea the Lord says “…make the Valley of Achor a door of hope.”  What’s hope?  Better yet.  Who is hope?  Jesus!  He is our hope of glory.  It’s Jesus that gets us through.  His name is higher than “trouble”.  It’s higher than “confusion”.  

That’s what I wanted to share.  It may not make it necessarily easier, but sometimes all we need is a little encouragement to keep going.  One more step!  I hope it minister to you as it did me.  It gave me great courage to keep going.  I would love to hear your thoughts or experiences in this particular season.

Pumpkin Poppers Recipe

First off let me apologize. Many have asked for the pumpkin poppers recipe and I got so busy. So here I am, during nap time, writing. You should feel special. I don't give nap time up lightly!  Lol. 

Usually when I look up a recipe, there is a book you have to read before getting to the actual recipe. And I'm sure the writer is more than thrilled to explain why they decided to create or make a certain meal, but for me, I just want the recipe. So I'm going to spare you the details as to why I made Pumpkin Poppers and just go with-it's fall. I HAD to make something pumpkin. Oh, one more thing. Because you've waited so long I have a surprise for you. Not only am I posting one recipe, I'll post two!  So without further ado:

PUMPKIN POPPERS

Ingredients:

1 3/4 C all purpose flour

2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp nutmeg

1/2 tsp allspice

1/8 tsp ground cloves

1/3 C vegetable oil

1/2 C brown sugar

1 egg

1 tsp vanilla extract

3/4 C canned pumpkin

1/2 C milk

COATING:

1 stick butter, melted

2/3 C sugar

2 tsp cinnamon

• Preheat oven 350 and spray mini muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray

• combine flour, baking powder, salt, and spices, whisk until combined

• in another bowl mix together the oil, brown sugar, egg, vanilla, pumpkin and milk

• pour in flour mixture and mix till combined. 

• fill muffin pan

• bake 10-12 mins

* I added pecans to the batch 

Melt butter in a small bowl. Mix cinnamon and sugar in another small bowl. After poppers cool for a few minutes, lightly brush with butter then roll in cinnamon/ sugar mixture. 

My next recipe I want to share is my very own. I was tired of the same ole thing for lunch everyday so I took what I had on hand and made a quiche!  

I used a pastry pie shell; unrolled and placed in a pie dish. 

4 pieces of bacon, chopped and cooked on stove top

Mix together 4 eggs, 1 1/4 C milk, chopped fresh spinach, chopped ham, 1/2 C mozzarella cheese, 1/2 C cheddar cheese, salt and pepper and bacon. 

Pour into pie shell and bake 350 for 30-35 minutes or until center is set. 

I especially love the fact that my girls loved this recipe. Evangelina (5) says, "mom, can you make me a plate of quiche so we can sit down and have girl talk?"  How do you say no to that?!

It was so delicious if I say so myself!

Chocolate Coconut Bars

I've realized I have yet to post a recipe on my blog. It is after all a Campbell's kitchen and what is that without a recipe?  Lately I have been on a low carb...I'm not going to say the "D" word. I'm not dieting. Darn, I said it. What I like to call it is a temporary life style change or meal replacement!  Ha. However, with that being said, I have been craving all things sweet. And while I haven't cracked yet, I almost did as I watched my sweet and utterly naive husband indulge himself in a bowl of ice cream with hot fudge topping. I say naive because I don't think he knew how close to getting hurt he actually was. But I overlooked his offense and chose to see him challenge me and strengthen my resolve. I mean, what's a better thing for a spouse to do than help you become a stronger person?! Ok, so I guess he redeemed himself!  Lol. 

Back to my recipe. Like I said, I've been wanting something sweet so I took to my recipe binder. You heard right. I have a recipe binder; two in fact. One is filled with savory meals for dinner. Along with soups, salads, dressings, sides. The other binder is all my desserts and bread/muffin recipes. So yes, it takes two. Went straight to my desert divider. Not only do I have binders, I have each category separated with dividers!  What?  Don't judge me! Bet I'm not the only one who does that. (Now would be a good time to raise your hand and say "I do that too"). 

These are low carb and perhaps good for you. Depends on how you look at "healthy"!

This is the original recipe, however I doubled mine because I feed an entire clan and I'm not ashamed to admit, I did make more for me to enjoy! There, I said it!  Again, don't judge! Lol

Chocolate Coconut Bars

1/2 C Cocoa powder

1/2 C Coconut oil, melted

1/2 C Peanut butter

1/4 C Honey

1 tsp Vanilla

Mix all together 

Pour in mini muffin pan

Chill 30-45 minutes in the freezer

Pop out with butter knife and enjoy. 

*can freeze or refrigerate for up to 2 weeks

My kids did help but it was way too hard to capture photos while chocolate was out for the taking. 

Our somewhat normal look of our week

Another school year has come, and even though we started school a couple of weeks ago, I am just now posting this!  Life of a busy mom!  This year I have a first grader, 

(Last year vs this year) 

a kindergartener,

(Last year vs this year)

 a pre-k 3

(Isn't he cute?!)

and a young toddler!

(She's cute too!)

So what does a normal week in the life of a Campbell look like?  Crazy!! Well, at times!  I am a structured, organized person by nature and I've learned what has worked for my family!  These are not suggestions; every family thrives differently. Every family has their own strengths and weaknesses. You got to learn what works for you, and know your family's limits!

So, back to the Campbell weekly schedule. On Mondays we have coop in the early afternoon so we've set aside mornings to clean up. Vacuum, Polish, clean bathrooms. Bedrooms get cleaned thoroughly; the works. Everyone works. Corban, who is 6, will vacuum the entire house. Lina, 5, cleans bathrooms. I do not like her using chemical based products that can be harmful to her, so what I usually do is put lemon essential oil and water together in a spray bottle and let her go at it!  Colin, 3, his job is to make sure all toys and clothes are off the floor so Corban can vacuum. He is also my right hand man!  He's at my beck and call! "Colin do this, Colin do that!" And he absolutely loves it. 

Toddlers love to help. They love feeling important and involved, and I love having extra helping hands!  Davina kind of does her thing right now!  Occasionally, I'll give her small task to do. Throw something away, give a toy to her older siblings, etc.  

Tuesday through Friday is our school day. This is when after breakfast, we all pitch in, get the kitchen cleaned up and school books come out. When it comes to the younger 2, everyday is NOT THE SAME. Let me repeat: because of the younger 2, everyday is not the same. 

I'll be doing good if I can get 20 minutes of uninterrupted schooling in before Davina is into something or Colin needs to potty. No joke!  I wish I can sit and be seated but I bounce up and down more than a toddler jumping on their bed. I have found some practical alternatives to help with the "mommy, I need you" syndrome. When we first start school, the first subject we dive in to is bible/devotion. I will keep Davina in her booster seat and Colin will stay at the table too. I just give them paper and crayons and they usually sit there coloring. USUALLY!

Last year, we did school when Davina took her morning nap. So needless to say, we are learning how to adjust, take one day at a time and try to implement consistency with her.

(Didn't she do good coloring?  Haha)

Colin was 2 1/2 and I worked with him on blanket time. For those who don't know this method, I highly recommend it. It takes consistency and determination but it does pay off. At first when I was training him I would set the timer for a realistic amount of time for a toddler. I started with 5 minutes and worked our way up. I placed him on the blanket, told him he could not get off (we made sure he went potty first), and gave him intentional toys to play with. Blocks, puzzles, trains. Anything that would engage the mind and keep little fingers busy. 

I'm one to give my kids positive reinforcements and cannot tell you how many m&m's and gummy bears we went through in a year's time! Oh vey! 

But like I said, not everyday is the same. Sometimes, it's better to keep them in the living room and let them play while I can keep my eye on them!  

(What is normally looks like before our clean up at naptime!)

Now on to the curriculum:

Last year we did a hodgepodge of certain material that I came up with. This year, I decided My Father's World would be a good suite for my children. With this only our second year, I was unsure what exactly my kids needed to know and needed some guidance. 

This will be Evangelina's basic work for the next year. And here's Corban's

Along with math, science and bible. So, this is our basic view of our week!  What about you?  What does your "normal" week look like?

 

Mission Statement

We are about to start our second year homeschooling. Like I've previously wrote, I thoroughly enjoyed teaching my kids last year and look forward to this year with great expectancy.  I realize homeschooling is not for everyone and this post IS NOT meant to make you feel bad about the personal decisions your family has made. However, this post is to share my heart about homeschooling. 

I once heard someone say that if a business owner makes goals and mission statements, why not a mom who chooses to homeschool?  I thought that very practical advice. Even though last year was our first year, I had to pull out my little paper often and remind myself why I was doing this. With that being said, I want to share my homeschool goals. This is why I homeschool. This is my mission statement. After all, my family is my mission field right now. If the purpose of a missionary is to win souls, introduce people to Jesus or teach them more of God's love and who they are, then isn't that exactly what we as moms are doing for our family? I am the biggest influence in my kids lives at the moment.  That can sound burdensome to many, however, sometimes our burdens are our biggest blessings! I'll elaborate more for each goal following the picture.

1) I realize I cannot control my kids. And on top of that, I don't want to create robot children who make decisions out of fear of what may happen to them. I want them to desire to live a righteous life. I believe that begins at an early age!  I want to use these times at home to develop in them a passion for the Word of God. Let's face it, this world is a cruel place. Our children will become exposed to "worldly behavior"; it's just a matter of time.  My job and desire is to help my children become grounded in God's word. With them grounded in TRUTH, their identity becomes more clear for them.  

2) There's a lie floating around that homeschool kids are smarter than other children. I do not agree with it. Children are gifted and talented in many different ways. Some excel more than others in certain areas. What I want to do is have my children operate in what they are interested in.  I don't care about my kid or your kid excelling above all the rest. I care about helping my child excel beyond his own limitations.  I have always loved teaching my kids. When we accomplish things, I'm usually the one that sits back and thinks- I taught them such-n-such! Wow what an accomplishment!  

3) Motherhood is just a season. My kids will not be little forever. No, I don't see my season to homeschool to be the next 18 years. That's why I embrace it now. I know that this is what God called Wes and I to do for our family. Like I said before, you have to do what you feel is right for yours. I'm confident that this is my calling, my season, and when it's over, I want to have no regrets. I love having my kids around. Yes, there are days I've contemplated shipping them off.  Yes there are days I've sent them to their room because I had just about had enough. Everyone has those days!  But for the most part, I enjoy my children. *On a side note, I can't stand it when people say "oh I bet you're ready for them to go back to school?!"  Why?  Because I have 4 rambunctious kids?  Because that's what we are suppose to do?  Have children then send them off when they turn the magical number 5?!

Embrace each season with grace!  You may not homeschool but have you considered writing out your family's mission statement?  What are some things you want to see exhibited in your family?  What behavior? Goals? What do you want your family to be known as?  I will say, there are days where I don't see much fruit in the hard work I try to instill in my kids, but I know it's a process. 

   

Bully mom or honest mom?

Recently I was talking to my neighbor about school. She was telling me her 10 year old son has no interest in reading. She said his reading level was extremely low for his age. I asked if they had used any leverage on him. Every child has an Achilles heel and sometimes it can be used for leverage to motivate a child. She went on to tell me they tried everything. Tutors, taking games away, prizes and the list goes on. 

I told her that I was sorry I couldn't help her whether to give some advice or encouragement. However I did tell her to not give up on him and that one day he will get it. 

She said, "oh I know. I'm completely honest with my kids. I tell them the truth. I told him straight up to his face that he was stupid. Kids are mean and I would much rather him hear from me what they will say; which they already do."  Well no wonder your son has NO desire to learn. 

Do you hear yourself lady?  You're not being honest, you're being a bully to your son.  If kids already call him stupid and dumb, why are you?  No, you are no speaking truth. It says in the bible we are to speak the truth in love. How is telling your child he's stupid, loving?  Love should be edifying, exhorting and encouraging.  There's a line between truth telling and being mean. I'm sorry, but if my mom had told me I was stupid, there would be no desire to try anymore. What would be the point?  Sometimes, us as parents, need to draw a line in the sand when it comes to our children. 

I know I have failed miserably at times when trying to encourage my kids at stuff. Wes and I promised each other to always be honest with our kids, even when they ask a bazillion questions!  And they do, so pray for me. Their questions can be mind numbing at times. (You think I'm joking?  I'm not). But I would never put my child down for the sake of "truth telling". This world is a cruel place. Our home should be our sanctuary for our kids. This should be the place they are accepted, loved, encouraged to do better, and celebrated. The people closest to our children are their greatest influence in life. And that influence can be good or bad. 

Im thinking of writing her a letter (in love) to tell her what she is saying can be damaging to her child. What do you think?  What would you do?  Please share!