DISCLOSURE: I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY PRODUCT THROUGH THE HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW

As a parent I want my kids to be successful. I want them to have a good work ethic and to live a life of kindness. Their father and I pray they will find loving spouses and use their unique gifts to glorify God. We want them to live lives pleasing to God. What is the most important habit they can start now that can facilitate all those things we hope for them? A knowledge and understanding of the Bible. And since that is one of the most important things they can gain, it is pretty important to make sure they have a Bible that is accurate and understandable for their age. For this review, we get to talk about one of the most popular Bibles I have seen for kids, the NIrV Adventure Bible for Early Readers from Zondervan.

What We Received:

We received one paper back NIrV Adventure Bible for Early Readers from Zondervan that has a glossy cover and contains full color pages. Each book has an introduction page that includes information like who, what, when, where, and why, as well as some of the major stories of the book. Additionally, there is an index, subject index, dictionary, chart pages, map pages, and several history and fact images scattered throughout the book.

How It Works:

The NIrV Adventure Bible is a complete text of the New International Reader's Version (NIrV) of the Bible that is intended to be easy to read at a third-grade reading level. It is advertised as a text intended for children ages 6-10, especially those new to reading the Bible on their own. The NIrV is based on the New International Version (NIV), but simplified even further so that young readers could understand what they read as much as possible. With the added resources (maps, dictionary, etc.), this Bible provides the complete package most adults go for when purchasing their own, but for kids.

What We Thought:
My 8 year old daughter and my 11 year old son have both spent some time with the Adventure Bible and enjoyed it. Reading from it is both easy to do and interesting because of the added sections and pages that aren’t in the ‘normal’ Bibles. In our history and Bible studies this year, we have been reading through major sections of the Old Testament. Since receiving the Adventure Bible, we’ve read primarily from it and it has certainly made everything very clear. Bible translations are definitely something to be educated on as a Bible student and this one is no different. Like the NIV, the NIrV is very readable, but that might not make it the most technically accurate in some cases.. In our Bible study as adults we regularly consult other translations or even do word studies to ensure accurate understanding. That habit and approach is something that I feel is important to incorporate into their practice, especially as they grow stronger in their independent reading. As a gift for a newly reading Bible student, this is a great option!

Follow the Adventure Bible on Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NIVBible
https://www.facebook.com/AdventureBible
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NIVBible
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenivbible/
https://www.instagram.com/adventurebible/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/NIVBible

Wondering what other families thought about this Bible? Check out other families’ reviews through the link below.

My skincare routine!

DISCLOSURE: I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY PRODUCT THROUGH THE HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW

As overwhelming as determining a child’s educational content can be, getting to incorporate truly meaningful texts into my child’s curriculum is such a blessing! The Christian Heroes Then and Now series are popular books we have encountered in several homeschooling circles as supplemental materials or the focus of a unit study. Names like Corrie ten Boom, Elisabeth Elliot, and Dietrich Bonhoeffer are some of the books in this series. For today’s review, we are looking at C.S. Lewis: Master Storyteller from YWAM Publishing. As a family we have read The Chronicles of Narnia and watched the available movies, so convincing my 11 year old son to read a book about the author wasn’t hard at all. Who wouldn’t be curious about the man who created the world of Narnia and all its interesting characters?

What We Received:

We received a paperback book with a glossy cover, C.S. Lewis: Master Storyteller by Janet & Geoff, a digital copy of the C.S. Lewis Unit Study Curriculum Guide, and digitals copes of two slightly different Overview Guides.

How It Works:

The book C.S. Lewis: Master Storyteller is a biography from YWAM (Youth With a Mission) Publishing that is intended for readers approximately aged 10-15, whether individually or in small group/classroom settings. These chapter books fit easily into a family read aloud time as well, but depending on the book, there can be some themes (war, sickness, death, etc.) that parents might want to be prepared for. Overall, though, these biographies can stimulate great discussions about faith, geography, and lessons from history. The Unit Study Curriculum Guide is an optional supplement, but packs so many layers of educational content. The Guide lines out a variety of ways to learn with the chosen book at the center of it all including Key Bible Verses, a Display Corner, Chapter Questions, Social Studies, Student Exploration, Related Themes, etc. With C.S. Lewis being from Ireland and Britain, geography studies can focus on those areas, for example. Whether through the library or online searches, research about WWII, Cambridge, and even other authors like Tolkien can enhance students learning. Essay questions, hands-on projects, audio/video projects, a survey of all the books written by Lewis and so much more are at the students’ fingertips.

What We Thought:

I gave my 11 year old son the option of reading it on his own or reading it together as a family and he chose to read it on his own. After he finished it (because he couldn’t wait for me to go chapter by chapter) we sat down and discussed several questions from the study guide. Every time we sat down to discuss the book, I went away encouraged because of all the thoughts coming out of my son’s head. He had a ton of empathy for C.S. Lewis’s rough life and was fascinated that he was friends with Tolkien! We discussed God’s will in our lives specifically when He says no to our prayers, as was the case with Lewis’ mother.. We have read some of the other books from the Christian Heroes series as a part of our larger curriculum. When asked how this one compared to them, he felt this one was really interesting, where others had been a little less so. We determined that it was because he had a previous context for C.S. Lewis. He knew who he was BEFORE picking up the book. Whereas, the other biographies we read were about people he had never encountered before. From a parent/educator perspective, the books do not in any way require previous knowledge of the subject, but to captivate my 11 year old’s enthusiastic attention, previous knowledge certainly helped..

This book, as the rest of the series does as well, provides a strong jumping off point for so many educational discussions and projects. Regardless of your needs and circumstances, this book and complimentary resources are certainly something any family could utilize and benefit from.

Follow YWAM Publishing Online:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YWAM-Publishing-482973445102/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/YWAMpublishing
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/ywampublishing/
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/YWAMpublishing

The YWAM Publishing Blog: www.ywampublishingblog.com

The Crew reviewed several books in the Christian Heroes Then and Now series. If you would like to hear more about some of them, check out all the other reviews through the link below:

DISCLOSURE: I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY PRODUCT THROUGH THE HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW.

For the past 6 years, I have been reviewing all kinds of educational materials thanks to the Homeschool Review Crew. One of the many perks as a reviewer is my relationship with their parent company, The Old Schoolhouse® (aff link) and our sister division, SchoolhouseTeachers.com (aff link). Through these organizations, I receive all kinds of encouragement through The Old Schoolhouse Magazine and countless homeschooling resources and curriculum from SchoolhouseTeachers.com. Today, I get to talk about the Ultimate Membership from SchoolhouseTeachers.com, a division of The Old Schoolhouse® and all the different ways it can serve a homeschooling family.

What We Received:

We received the Ultimate Membership from SchoolhouseTeachers.com, a division of The Old Schoolhouse®. This is the most comprehensive membership they offer which covers all available classes Pre-K - 12th for the entire family, lesson plans, planners, parent courses, online electives, homeschool parent support, access to Rightnow Media, World Book and Applecore Silver Plan.

How It Works:

A membership to SchoolhouseTeachers.com gives you access to digital content. How you utilize and organize that content is entirely up to you. You can search their courses by grade or subject or simply browse. One of their latest offerings is grade level boxes. While not a physical box, it is selected courses and lesson plans for a particular grade. They have recently added the 9th-12th boxes, completing their K-12th commitment. Soon, they will be adding Pre-K and a Parent box as well! Whether you have one child or a household full of kids, you can provide them all with a unique, self-paced education for one price. Once a member you can access all courses, all the time. Since launching in 2012 with only 11 courses, SchoolhouseTeachers.com now provides full curriculum options for all, and has now grown into a community. There regular Zoom chats, online Members Lounge, and now online events like the Virtual Science Fair (coming March 25th), Art & Photography Fair, Story Time, Virtual Talent Show (Coming May 20th) and other seasonal events.

Who Should Use This Program?

Large families with a limited budget could benefit most from a membership like this. With over 400 courses, you really have a lot of options and opportunity to customize. One price for everyone makes a lot doable on little. A family in a remote location or a community that has limited extra-curriculars could really benefit from the online activities - for students and parents. We live in a thriving homeschool community, but that just isn’t possible for everyone. This community that SchoolhouseTeachers is building can fill in the gaps for isolated families. It also can be a great jack of all trades curriculum too. With different students who have different needs, many parents find themselves building a school year from scratch and then scratching the school year! When you need a supplement (or 5), this is a great resource to have all the time. Whenever something doesn’t work out, you can always find something else to try in its place from SchoolhouseTeachers.com.

Follow SchoolhouseTeachers.com on Social Media:

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/SchoolhouseTeachers/
Facebook Private Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SchoolhouseTeachers/

The Old Schoolhouse®: https://www.theoldschoolhouse.com/
Homeschooling with Heart Blog: https://www.theoldschoolhouse.com/blog/
Magazine Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/theoldschoolhouse/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TOSMag/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/tosmag/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheOldSchoolhouseMagazine
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tosmagazine/

There are so many different resources available from SchoolhouseTeachers.com. Check out other reviews to learn even more about the Ultimate Membership and its fit for your family through the link below.

DISCLOSURE: I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY PRODUCT THROUGH THE HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW.

One of my favorite things about the life we get to lead as homeschoolers is the constant overlap of information and learning. In one morning we can learn about who Shaq is, Joshua and the battle of Jericho, what a harlot is, does an octopus have a skeleton and then all the ‘usual’ stuff too. The world isn’t a perfect pantry where everything is sorted, labeled and never touches its neighbor. God’s big world is intricate, complicated and certainly overlapping. Today’s review is a beautiful marriage of spiritual devotions for your children with God-honoring science concepts and facts. We’re talking about The Wonder of Creation: 100 More Devotions About God and Science by Louie Giglio from the Indescribable Kids series and Tommy Nelson Books.

What We Received:

We received one hardbacked book, The Wonder of Creation: 100 More Devotions About God and Science by Louie Giglio with Tama Fortner, Illustrated by Nicola Anderson. The book contains over 200 pages, an attached ribbon for bookmarking, illustrations on almost every page, contents, index and an introduction that lists devotion pages by category - Space, Earth, Animals, and People.

How It Works:

In this devotional book, each devotion is numbered and 2 pages long. Each one can stand alone and there is no real need to go in order besides convenience. Each devotion uses at least one verse as a theme or context, though many times there are one or two other scripture references throughout the content. Throughout the text that scripture and a scientific concept or fact are joined in a discussion about life and God’s creation. At the end of the text there is a suggested prayer in the spirit of the devotion. On the second/final page of each devotion there is an “Explore the Wonder” section that highlights an interesting fact or aspect of the science topic brought up in the devotion, complete with a picture and extra graphics. The index makes this book a great complimentary resource for homeschoolers. Whatever you are studying that week, simply consult the index or category list in the introduction to line up something appropriate for the lesson!

What We Thought:

While science in general has always been a weak spot in my education, my children eat it up! The joining of science and God’s scriptural design has been a big hit with my kids, 4, 8 and 11 at minimum because it is interesting. Even if the topic (science or scripture) is familiar to them, there is usually some aspect that is new to them, which has led to some really great conversations in our family. I’m pretty sure all of them will forever remember that our small intestines are about 22 feet long! In devotion 2, A Plan and A Purpose, the author discusses how our organs work together toward the goal of digestion and then compares God’s detailed forethought in our gut to our purpose in the world. It’s a pretty great thought.

In a period of history where the truth is incredibly hard to find unless you are diligently looking for it, our families need books and curriculum like this that simply point us back to God. The infinite stars or the tiny bacteria in our gut, we need the wonder of creation at the forefront of our children’s minds to feed their spirits as we head into the fray of the future.

Follow Indescribable Kids, Tommy Nelson Book, and Louie Giglio on Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tommynelsonbooks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tommynelsonbooks/ https://www.instagram.com/indescribablekids https://www.instagram.com/louiegiglio

Wondering if other families had the same response as ours? Check out their reviews through the link below:

DISCLOSURE: I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY PRODUCT THROUGH THE HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW.

Here’s a riddle for you! How can you tell you have ADHD and have the genes of your father, an exceedingly logical engineer? You tend to do math in order to calm down your overstimulated brain! True story, on days my daughter isn’t coping well and overreacts to life, we’ve learned the most calming exercise for her is to do math. I blame her father! :) As much as we hear kids complain about math, when it is taught in a way that they understand, math is a source of many great things. The trick is finding the right program and curriculum for your family’s needs. That’s why reviews like this are here. I might not continue to use this product after I write the review (though many times I do), but I get to explore different approaches and companies so that homeschool families can know their options. So today we’re diving into homeschool math curriculum and talking about two products from Math Mammoth, Math Mammoth Skills Review Workbook Grade 3 and Math Mammoth Light Blue Series Grade 5.

What We Received:

We received 2 digital files, Math Mammoth Skills Review Workbook Grade 3 and Math Mammoth Light Blue Series Grade 5. The Skills Review Workbook file consisted of a 96 page Worksheet document with 90 Review sections, an Answer Key document, and a Spiraling Guide. The Light Blue Series file contained a full year’s curriculum including Student Worktexts, Tests, Answer Keys, Reviews, and Cutouts for both 5A (1st semester) and 5B (2nd semester).

How It Works:

The Skills Review Workbooks are designed to complement the full curriculum and function as a review of already learned skills. The worksheets are one page in length, intended to not be too tedious and incorporates interesting problems and graphics that require the student to reinforce skills from the main curriculum.

The Math Mammoth Light Blue Series is a complete math curriculum. At the beginning of the worktext is a Mental Math section that consists of several pages of web links to games and activities that reinforce math skills. In addition to the worktexts Math Mammoth provides teaching videos that correspond with particular lessons. Between videos, worktexts, reviews, tests and mental math activities, students are given all manner of opportunities to learn and reinforce learning throughout the year. All topics are clearly labelled and the index is thorough which could allow you to zero in on a particular skill out of sequence if needed.

What We Thought:

My 8 year old daughter used the Math Mammoth Skills Review Workbook Grade 3. We normally use another popular math curriculum so she had a few questions at first, but it was just her getting the feel for a different program. After the initial questions, this math loving girl did just fine.

My 11 year old son used Math Mammoth Light Blue Series Grade 5. Math is one of his more difficult subjects to sit down and do because he would rather be doing anything else. He’s proved he’s capable of it time and time again, he just doesn’t want to sit still that long. So, the novelty of a new program held his interest for a bit, but most days to him, math is math. The video element is a helpful tool both for understanding and engagement though.

I noticed that the number of interesting graphics went way down when you moved from 3rd grade to 5th grade. Of course, as the grade levels increase the need for cartoons, etc. goes down, but the decrease was a lot more drastic than we were used to. In many cases it may not matter. In our ADHD household, keeping things pretty and interesting is really helpful to sustain engagement.

Math Mammoth has proven to be thorough and complete for all manner of math education and it appears to be a relatively cheap option for most families. Based on our experience, I would feel confident that my kids could get a complete and effective math education from this program.

Follow Math Mammoth on Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MathMammoth/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/mathmammoth1

Are you curious about other grade levels? Check out all the other families’ experiences through the link below:

DISCLOSURE: I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY PRODUCT THROUGH THE HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW.

The more I tumble through the world of ADHD, especially with my unique and complex children, the more I understand how important and under-utilized are kinesthetic tools in learning. As Christians, we hear a lot of admonition about memorizing scriptures, but much less about HOW to accomplish it. The majority of scripture that I have memorized are either from songs or verses I’ve heard a bazillion times from the pulpit. The best trick I have is to just repeat it over and over to myself, which isn’t fun or effective. Today we’re going to walk through a very hands on tool to help memorize Bible verses, The Bible Memory App - Bible Memory PRO from BibleMemory.com.

What We Received:

We received a Pro License - The Bible Memory App - Bible Memory PRO from BibleMemory.com - that will never expire. This license allows for multiple family members to create personal accounts as long as they each have a unique email address. The program is accessible on computers, iPads, and Google Play for Android devices, as well as phones.

How It Works:

In each account, you are able to choose a verse or passage to memorize. When selecting passages, you are given the option to break them into individual verses for memorization purposes. For each verse or passage, there are 3 steps to memorization. Step 1 is to familiarize you with the verse by asking you to type the first letter of each word of the verse presented on the screen. Each accurate letter highlights the full word. Step 2 is the same setup except every other word is left out. Step 3 is the same setup but with no help at all, just a blank screen that fills in as you type the first letter. In each step, incorrect typing will show up in red words and upon completion, the app gives you an accuracy percentage. If your accuracy isn’t high enough, the program will require you to try again before heading to Step 3. Once you have mastered a verse, the app will encourage you to review that verse periodically to reinforce memorization.

In addition to the basic memorization process, there are game-like elements such as badges for varying successes, groups to join/create and your progress tracked through points and ranking. Different Bible translations are available and great search options make finding new verses to memorize easy. You can even download the entire Bible and see what you’ve mastered so far and what is left!

What We Thought:

When I sat down to try it out, I was really surprised! I’m not sure what I was expecting, but the method of only typing the first letter and the gradual progression of every other and then complete memorization is spot on from a learning perspective. The combination of physically typing, visually prompted and the verbal process the brain engages to not just remember the correct word but also not type the rest of the word is a wonderful concoction for memorization as well as retention.

After setting up my account, I set up 2 other ones for my son (11) and daughter (8). Anything to do with a phone or electronics is enticing to them from the start so it is never difficult to get them to try something out. This program was relatively easy for them to navigate. There was never any, “this is too hard” complaints. My daughter - who LOVES facts and figures and is really good at memorization anyway, has asked to use the program many times outside of assigned times. My son doesn’t mind it and will happily comply if asked, but hasn’t asked to do it on his own the way his sister does. Still, his personality would rather be outside moving or inside creating something new so t isn’t a surprise or a criticism of the program.

As an educational tool, it is PERFECT. In our regular Bible and History Curriculum, we are working through large parts of the old testament. Their handwriting is designed to support scripture memorization which is important and helpful but using this program ensures mastery when we utilize it! I would recommend this for any family, Bible study group or even a congregation to work on memorization together! It’s gradual so it isn’t terribly difficult for any aged reader and it is effective! At the end of the day, having scripture imprinted on your heart and running through your brain is the goal. This app is a great tool to get you there!

Follow BibleMemory.com on Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BibleMemoryApps/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/biblememoryapps/

If you’re interested in other families’ experiences, check out the other reviews through the link below.

We don’t miss a dose of Focus Attention, especially during school hours!

Whether you’ve been married 40 years or divorced 3 times or never dated once, it is really easy and common to bash on marriage these days. Some will argue that its an outdated and sexist institution. Others will complain that most men/women are worthless. Or for a lot of us, it’s just more work than we’re willing to give. I know there are stories upon stories we could all tell that might validate any one of these scenarios in our mind. Today, I just want to talk about how good marriage is. You might think, “Oh, here we go.” because I spend the next few paragraphs telling you how great Mr. Butler is and how everyone should be like him. Nah, not today. Marriage is good - not because I landed a perfect one - but because when you give it a chance, it makes you both better.

From a family photo session in 2017 when I was pregnant with the Racecar.

At 22 or 23, I was internally frantic that I wasn’t married yet. It sure would have helped to know that an ADHD brain can often speed through if/then scenarios and come to the farthest possible conclusion in a matter of seconds. It didn’t mean I was always likely to be right, it just meant my brain had too much time on it’s hands. Not being married, not being engaged, and not having a boyfriend would all combine with my multi-faceted anxiety about myself as anything positive and I naturally concluded that I was never going to be married and thus live a miserable existence. Another symptom of ADHD is exaggerated emotions, but I didn’t understand that then either. In the moments that I remember the many promises of God and I still thought it possible to find a spouse, I always imagined that he would be some diamond in the rough out of nowhere that only I discovered. What’s funny about that is that God answered that request in its entirety. Mr. Butler was so unlike anyone I had ever known, I really didn’t want to date him when the idea was first presented to me. Even now, 15 years later, I am always telling him there isn’t anyone quite like him. That can be a wonderful and sweet thing, but it’s also infuriating and exhausting.

Within the first year of our marriage, it became clear that my young husband had zero bedside manner, especially when you’re sick. Or was it just when I was sick? After a dinner at Chili’s one night, I got a severe case of food poisoning. I went to sleep sick at my stomach and woke around 2 or 3 telling him I thought I was going to throw up to which he laughed at me and said “No, you’re not. Quit being a baby.” I was vindicated when I threw up everything I had a few minutes later, but his measly apology didn’t really make me feel better about the heartlessness he had shown earlier! Fast forward 5-6 years and he laughs almost hysterically as I’m about to start pushing during labor with my daughter. Yep, there’s no one like him.

In one day early in our marriage, I dropped my laptop from a window sill (because we didn’t have internet yet, but our neighbors did) and couldn’t get it working again. Mr. Butler said the words, “Go take the dog for a walk. You can’t break anything out there.” Breaking his things makes him really cranky. So, I subsequently dropped and stepped on my phone, resulting in two pieces while on that walk. I also lost my beautiful, unique and not free engagement ring. Twice. The first time was on a campout and our entire party ended up looking and finding it. Whew! The second time, I have no idea how it made it off my finger or where it is to this day. The fact that he can still smile at me today or subsequently gave me 3 children AFTER I lost it, is a miracle all its own.

Neither one of us are a walk in the park, that’s for sure. But together, we are better. He’s not perfect still. And, I know you’re shocked, but neither am I. STILL! Maybe that’s where we’ve gotten the wrong idea. When we say “They’re perfect for each other!” many of us expect it to be a final state of completion upon marriage. In reality, marriage is a tool that can shape us, mature us and sanctify us when we allow it to. Though, if we head into it (like so many of us do) thinking this person will naturally agree with everything that makes sense to me, though we carry different DNA and grew up in different homes, it’s not a surprise that we hit irreconcilable differences in no time or grow in resentment and dysfunction. Marriage is so good, but maybe it’s hard to tell because we get in its way. Sometimes we get mad at the constant tug of war not realizing that the back and forth is shaping us into a more balanced version of ourselves.

While Mr. Butler and I share similar values in parenting, religion and approach to life (we’re both first born), we are polar opposites in many, many ways. When we got married, he was rigidly structured, financially focused, and logical for days, regardless of anyone’s feelings. If you knew me at all in college, you know that all things emotional, relational, and creative were where I wanted to live. He got up early, I wanted to sleep in. He wanted to save, I was ready to spend. He saw a deadline, I saw a relationship needing attention. We started out so different. Did I change him? Did he change me? Absolutely not. Marriage did though. This beautiful commitment that God holds together has given us something to hold on to when that other person is absolutely not worth it. We are flawed and broken and maddening. But God knew we would be and gave us marriage to help us grow.

Marriage isn’t for everyone. Marriage is hard. A lot of times, marriage is simply ridiculous. But don’t ever convince yourself that marriage isn’t good. Because it is. So so good.

Making Your Drinks More Productive

Energy. Cardio. Electrolytes. Hydration. Vitamins. Minerals.

These are great to have on hand for extra support in sickness, exercise, dehydration or an extra immune boost.Any purchase you make through the link in the image results in a small commission and supports my family directly, making writing like this possible. Thank you for your support!

Growing up, I loved Americana puzzles where little communities were pictured bustling about with horse and carriages and iconic purposes. No matter the weather or the theme, each one stirred up comfort and peaceful simplicity in my soul. It’s right next door in my mind to the song Sleigh Ride where a visit to the neighbors was a glorious treat on a snowy day. It’s true that our modern life hasn’t been much like that for decades now, but we still look for that collective nostalgia of what (we imagine) life used to be like and, in some ways, might be again. Even though life is a lot different, in some ways we look at images or icons as a sort of foundation that the modern world has been built on. The Disney movie Cars is a tribute to what used to be on Route 66. Maybe for you it’s a classic movie or vintage Coca Cola decorations. As Americans, we have a host of historic events and messages that have functioned as a security fence around us. Especially as Christian Americans, many of us have felt exceptionally blessed and protected by this country because of the freedom we exercise in worshiping God. As we should.

The unfortunate reality, though, is that our foundation in this life has become infested with weakness and disease, as it were. While there are many neutral or even good things our society has been built on over the years, there’s quite a bit that is clearly starting to crumble, thus letting the world wash us away.

Foundation defined: 1) the lowest load-bearing part of a building, typically below ground level.

2) an underlying basis or principle

By either definition, a foundation needs to be strong and permanent in order to support everything that comes after or is built upon it. I grew up in an age where it was socially common and acceptable to call your self a Christian. Which kind didn’t matter all that much and persecution didn’t exist beyond a funny look. Calling yourself a Christian was common, but was that the foundation for people’s lives? Is being a disciple of Christ the foundation of our lives today? I would be embarrassed to say no. Wouldn’t you? But as much of our society is shifting and falling to the wayside, have we started teetering? Has our foundation actually been things like American politics, social acceptance, sports, modern medicine, and Hollywood? I can tell you that our comfort as Americans has certainly hinged on these things, far more than we would like to admit.

I didn’t write a new year post (mostly because everybody in the world got sick), but this might be as close as I get. The past 2 years have been a mess, that we can agree on. What we likely won’t entirely agree on is who’s to blame, what needs fixing and where to go with this next year because for so many of us, our world has been flipped on its head and the weak and temporary foundations are crumbling on us. Our government/media/medical establishment is proving it has no business being a foundation for our lives. They are full of flawed humans that don’t get it right even half the time. Celebrities/athletes/influencers are still flawed humans who are likely to succumb to the world’s promises and reject God’s immovable truth. We have proven that the opinion of our peers holds a hefty amount of weight, often above the search for truth. Some of the realizations or public admissions that are starting to circle about the state of affairs we are in (masks, weakening viruses, natural immunity, general health principles) are showing the mistakes that were made. But did you know that there have been people all over the world arguing for these truths from the beginning? There was truth out there, but a good many of us weren’t really interested in truth as much as we wanted to be right in public opinion and sought protection in some other entity. And to be fair, all of this has been so heavy and so much that we’ve often just been walking around in shock over it all, haven’t we?

From the halls of education to the chaos of social media, our culture has handed the battle over to the devil. We just can’t assume that the doctor/teacher/politician - even mechanic! has our best interest and God’s truthful perspective anymore. I’m not saying there aren’t good people working for your good, I’m saying you cannot check your brain at the door and expect there to be no problems. If there is one thing I pray for all of us this year, it is this: I pray that we can muster the courage to clear away the rotting foundations that we’ve grown accustomed to and pour another pure one that is made of truth. Yes, that sounds like searching the scriptures daily, like the Bereans, but it also looks like taking concepts we hear and then investigating. Ask the doctor way more questions to see the limits of their understanding, invest time in that teacher to see if your worldviews match up, determine where the leaders biases are before accepting their premise. And when the truth doesn’t match the opinions of the host around us, I pray we have the courage to say so and make the changes necessary. Do what is best for your family, for your marriage, your health, for your child’s education, for your congregation’s spiritual growth, whatever it is, in light of God’s principles and truths. Build this life you have - this one life - on a foundation of truth instead of a foundation of cultural popularity, social tradition, or political bias.

As our family has stumbled into 2022, we’re seeing the good, but also taking stock of the neglected. Despite the disarray in our country, I’m excited about my marriage. We’re not perfect but we’re farther along than when we started! I’m excited about my kids education and the co-op they get to grow in. As we go into middle school years next year with my oldest, I am so thankful for positive peer pressure he’s already being exposed to. I turned 42 this month and I’m working on myself more than ever before. It’s hard, it’s not over, but its great at the same time. I’m excited about possibilities! But, if we were listening to the news, the mobs opinion, the social chatter, very little of this would be our life because they all scream against critical thinking and intentional living.

We were all caught sleeping with this shock of societal shifts when the virus came to town. But now that we’re awake, let’s reconsider what we should be putting our trust and faith in.

Looking for Homeschool Support?

Get fresh homeschool inspiration all year long with The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine. Subscribe and save during our presale at Homeschool-store.com and start with the Spring issue. It’s bursting with nature studies and topics like middle school math, becoming a fine writer, the Charlotte Mason method, wars of history, and raising a lawyer; PLUS a photo essay on how to create an inviting schoolroom!

Any purchase you make through the link in the image results in small commissions and supports my family directly, making writing like this possible. Thank you for your support!

As a culture, we talk about introverted verses extroverted a lot as it pertains to the way people interact with the world. Unfortunately, many people need to update their definitions or at least agree on terms before having a conversation some times. The common definitions look like this.

Introversion: the quality of being shy and reticent.

Extroversion: the quality of being energetic and not shy and enjoying being with other people.

From these two definitions, you could easily make all kinds of assumptions and stereotypes. “An introverted person doesn’t like people.” “An extroverted person is unselfish because they are always socializing.” I’ve even heard generalizations about introverted people where “they need to just get over themselves and care about other people.“ If these are the gold standard of definitions, I guess this might be true. However, from the moment I learned the concept of introversion/extroversion, it was explained by how a person receives their emotional and physical energy. Not a choice, but a biological state. Here’s the way I learned it:

Introversion: Recharges or gets energy from time alone.

Extroversion: Recharges or gets energy from time with others.

The dictionary definitions at the top is a way to describe how someone acts on the outside, but the second set describes a physical trait that happens internally and most argue it begins at birth. All the introverts I’ve ever talked to heavily identify with getting energy from being alone or one on one interactions. Rarely is a dislike for people center stage, but how much energy it takes from their body when they are around people. Extroverted people are naturally drawn to large crowds and lots of people time because on a very physical level it feeds them energy.

Why is this distinction important? Number one, I think a lot of times we say things that aren’t true about a concept we may not really understand. Any time I (as an introvert) have trouble talking to someone, especially in a crowd, it isn’t because I’m necessarily shy or don’t like people. The difficulty I have is managing the energy that gets sucked out of me just by walking through a crowd and mustering up the right words in a perpetual state of exhaustion. I’ve heard extroverted people characterized as more selfless and giving because they are so social. The thing is, how many times have you had a great chat at a gathering with someone who then never really showed up in your life when you needed them? This isn’t a one side is better than the other debate, but a reminder that everyone is uniquely and divinely made to fill different roles in life. Some circumstances in life need a quiet, one on one, heart to heart - and some people aren’t good at that. Some circumstances need a showman and ringleader in the midst of a big crowd - and some people aren’t good at that. Why should one be honored over the other, when both skills are important and necessary in life?

Another thing to remember is introverted/extroverted is actually a spectrum that all of us fall on and it rarely is set in stone. As we enter different seasons in life, our leaning towards one or the other can shift. That’s why listening to people and their current state of being, rather than assuming or bulldozing is something we have to get better at this year. Mental health is major problem EVERYWHERE right now. Social media and the powers that be typically paint a very specific picture of the people around us that is misguided at best and absolute false most of the time. The struggles and the successes that each of us are experiencing are rarely fully seen or understood. Even those that live in our own home may struggle to fully understand us. Ask questions and listen far more than making up your mind, for better or worse, about those people that aren’t like you. When we refuse to embrace differences, nobody wins. From evangelism to strong families, we have to understand others and be understood ourselves so that we can all fulfill our roles in the body.

New to Homeschooling?

This is our favorite magazine for encouragement, education and perspective. Any purchase you make through the link in this image results in small commissions and supports my family directly, making writing like this possible. Thank you for your support!

While discovering more about ADHD has taught me all kinds of things about myself, one of the biggest is recognizing when to ride the waves of creativity and when I’m truly wasting my time by forced attempts. It’s a maddening reality, but I’m trying to embrace it. As such, I haven’t written much the last few months. Oh, I’ve tried, but it just wouldn’t really flow. As the dopamine hit eventually returns to writing, here I am starting on a new wave. So, let’s talk about what’s been going on!

We are still so grateful to be homeschooling with an 11, 8 and 4 year old and just finished up another semester with Trailblazers Homeschool Association. I was asked to be on their leadership board last year, taught two classes this semester and have certainly been busier with co-op stuff. We’ve been navigating some behavioral issues at home - they all seem insistent on making it a game of whack-a-mole for us since they take turns losing their minds. After a few really rough weeks, we may be calming down for the moment, we’ll see. Mr. Butler is still working from home, which we LOVE, for the foreseeable future. He recently got himself a laser engraver and is currently learning how to make stuff in hopes of starting a little side business. Our dog, Lizzie, is 14 and still going strong. I’m honestly craving a replacement for my Grace, but Lizzie wouldn’t do well with another dog in the house at her age. Homegirl gets cranky with us sometimes so I’ll just have to wait.

Oh, and we had soccer September through November. Mr. Butler coached the 8 and 4 year old teams so we were running around with that too. By the end of the season, all three showed a lot of growth and I’m thankful for the opportunity they’ve had with the YMCA. In October, we took a trip to Disney World. It had been planned as a part of Mr. Butler’s work trip for several months, but, of course, was cancelled when it came down to it. Since we still had tickets and a (mostly) non-refundable condo, we ultimately took the plunge. My sister-in-law went with us which was perfect because she’s a Disney expert and I didn’t have to plan a thing! It was a great trip, but I always feel like I lose a week in life once I get home. Honestly, I still feel about a week behind, but it was a wonderful trip and worth all the effort.

My father-in-law, Mr. Butler’s dad passed away in October. His health hadn’t been great, but the timing was unexpected. The stress of the world on every level, personal to local to national to global has really been the unspoken stealer of the show in our lives, unfortunately. The big things are good right now - I love Mr. Butler more than ever and I love us together. The kids are growing and learning and make life fun. God has truly blessed us with providential care. We know that and are so grateful. And yet. The unspoken and hollering stress is still there constantly reminding you that whatever naivety you had about how life should go, well that’s over now. And to bring it full circle, stress is THE biggest factor in my body when it comes to health or weight-loss, for sure. I’m trying, doing all the things to lose some of this weight but as the stress has progressed, nothing I did seemed to make a difference. I probably eat better than you, I exercise more than most and I’ve been trying for a long while to very little lasting success. The only issue I’ve not successfully dealt with is my stress and how terribly hard I take it. So, I’ve dove back into the self-hypnosis I learned and successfully used for my 2nd pregnancy. It’s certainly making me feel better, but I’ll keep you posted on the weight-loss front.

And I guess that’s everything worth mentioning for the moment. The ADHD struggles are still alive and well, but if I didn’t have the understanding of what it looks like in my body, I would be so lost. If you truly wonder if you might have it yourself, please look into it. If you do, it could absolutely change your life. Hope you are doing well, friends.

This summer I started using this product line and have loved the improvements in my skin! Any purchase you make through the link above results in small commissions and supports my family directly, making writing and reviews like this possible. Thank you for your support!