Are you planning to attend a Real Refreshment Retreat this year in Baltimore (March 8-9) or Atlanta (March 22-23)?

Then you'll definitely what to check out what our friends say about what NOT to pack!

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Are you ready for the Facebook party tonight?  We are gearing up and we are SUPER excited!!   We are hosting a Facebook party with Homeschool Mosaics, the Homeschool Scientist and the 2 to 1 Conference!  (more info here: http://www.facebook.com/events/375170569216851/ )

Would you like to enter to win a copy of Debra Bell's "Ultimate Homeschool Planner"? Would you like to be part of the anticipation and excitement for tonight's party?

YES!!  (that's what I said too!)

I have a way that you can both of these things, TODAY!  That's right! No waiting. 

Here are the rules:

- Tweet from your Twitter account using the #RefreshMom hashtag

- Tweet needs to be about the Pamper and Plan FB party - http://www.facebook.com/events/375170569216851/

Here are other necessary pieces of information:

- Apologia will randomly select one tweeter from these to win a copy of Debra Bell's "Ultimate Homeschool Planner"

- Contest is open to US residents 18 and older, and no purchase is necessary.

- The winner will be announced tomorrow, Friday, August 3 

If you have questions, shoot me a tweet at @RealRefreshment

ENJOY and we'll see you tonight!!

~ Liz

Teach Them Truth by Rachael Carman

So here it is, at the end of the day, the most important thing you can teach your kids about is: God. Learning about God comes from studying and knowing His word. Through study of His word your family will come to know what real Truth is and who Truth is. This knowledge of God will draw them to Him and grow within them a desire to glorify Him in all things.

One of the huge advantages of homeschooling is that we can make being out in God’s creation a priority as we educate our children. We can take the time to make a plan or change our expectations for the day when we intentionally seek an opportunity to admire and explore the wonder of God’s handiwork. In our home school we have had many circumstances which have presented themselves wherein we have been able to see God’s creations up close and personal.

Here are just a few examples:

-When my boys found fresh frog eggs in the creek out back, we paused to make a habitat for these little creatures.

-When the black birds came by the thousands through our back yard with all of their loud talking as they eat the early berries and bugs. They were in our woods for over 30 minutes chatting among themselves, and then they were gone.

-When a hummingbird got trapped in our garage, we took about an hour to get a ladder, find some gloves, mix some sugar water and rescue it. I was praying a bunch too. We were able to get the bird’s wings free then after it drank a little sugar water, he flew off, apparently uninjured.

*image by WonderKris

HEART, Chapter 4 by Rachael Carman

This aspect of having a heart for my kids has been the scariest and the most rewarding. Having been under the impression for so long that I was in control, the idea of letting go was terrifying. I was really convinced that I knew what was best. I was so wrong.

Space does not allow for the whole story, but as you read the book you have come to know Charles and Anderson — my two oldest sons. Well, they have both graduated now. Our journey together has substantially changed; they are young adults. Both of their lives have taken turns that I could not have predicted. Both of them have gone in directions that I would have made me anxious years ago. But I am confident that both of them are seeking God and His direction. That knowledge gives this mom the peace she needs to let them go.

You see, Charles has moved in a direction that has taken him to college in New York City. Yes, he goes to school in the city — actually on the island of Manhattan. And yes, he rides the subway. And yes, he has encountered some hurting, angry, suspicious people. I know, I know, New York City is a dangerous place. I get it — we’ve visited. Mothers whom I do not even know have questioned the wisdom of allowing Charles to go off to NYC. “What are you thinking?” they ask. Well, I’m thinking that Charles is where God wants him and that is all of the safety assurance I need.

I could choose to let the fact that Charles is living in the city keep me up at night, depriving me of sleep and subsequently sanity. But that is not of God. God desires that I would not only let Charles go, but that I would trust Him with Charles. God is really growing Charles through this experience. I have commented several times that he is getting a multi-dimensional educational experience via navigating his studies, the subway, and the culture. He just smiles. God is preparing Charles for something big to bring Himself glory.

As a side note, my second son, Anderson, is studying animation through an online school. God has gifted him with some incredible talent. Talk about a questionable industry in which to send your kid. But his desire is to glorify God through animation. His dream is in Los Angles or San Francisco, California. Yeah, the exact opposite side of the country — I’m just saying.

If you are reading my book and you are a mother to little ones during this season, then take advantage of this time — snuggle long, smile often, and sing loud. If your children are in the pre-teen stage, start dreaming with God. Look for opportunities where you can begin to let them go in little ways. Let them go and watch them shine. If you are the mom of the high school students, then seek God with them, and embrace letting them go wherever God needs them to be. They are safe with Him!

Don’t delay, pray about this today!