Say-Go-Be-Do's

Galileo - We've been planning on going to Cedar City to pick up 'Wilberforce' from school, but have had this nagging thought that I shouldn't take baby Enoch on the trip.  I attempted to discuss it with Aristotle last night but he didn't hear me.  Then this morning, he asked me if I thought it would be a good idea to go on the trip or if he should go alone.  That confirmed to me that I should probably stay home. 

Shakespeare - While driving to Idaho Falls, I repeatedly felt this strong voice in my head to stop while on the freeway.  Mommy was driving so I wasn't sure what to do.  We discussed it while driving and she wasn't sure how she could stop on the freeway.  So we quickly finished our business and headed back to the spot where the impression came.  Unfortunately, after about an hour of searching, we couldn't find anything but I was filled with a deep sense of peace.

Austen - One Monday, I was home alone after babysitting for a neighbor.  I had  a feeling that I should work on some of my homework, but I told myself that I would do it when my mommy got home.  Unfortunately, until that didn't happen until after 9:00 that night and so I didn't get anything done (and I'm still behind)

Washington - This morning while doing my chores, I had the thought to check the pigs water trough, even though it was filled last night.  I didn't want to but my papa told me to check it also.  It was full but at least I checked it. 

Tithing Epiphany

I've been trying to recall any experiences that I might have had that would illustrate the blessings received form paying a full tithe.  I'm teaching a lesson on tithing  and I know lessons are always more powerful if it is something that the teacher owns. 

I must have had some faith promoting experience somewhere along in my youth because I have always desired to pay my tithing and been successful at paying it first predominantly.  I can think of an instance where we discovered we were not as faithful at paying it first as we thought and when we discovered the sum of the missing amount due - It was a painful check to write.  I might add that it was not a good feeling to realize that we were in debt to the Lord and by so doing had denied ourselves blessings that could have been useful.  But even that situation was not the typical -"we don't have money to pay both tithing and another essential need and we chose to pay tithing and were blessed for it".  We just didn't have any money at all and had to earn more so that we could be straight with the Lord.

I've even been praying to help me remember a personal incident to reference to because my memory is - shall I say - less than efficient.  One day, while thinking along these lines, I got the impression that this is my personal experience.  It must have been the spirit because I wasn't sure what that meant and had to think about the significance of the thought for awhile.  I, of course, have been studying tithing in preparation for my lesson and become more aware that, even though we weren't without funds, my tithing checks had been accumulating for quite a while and I needed to hand them into the bishop this week.  (Actually, I've felt that impression for several weeks in a row - but seemed to forget it on Sundays while wrestling with all the kids). 

Then my daughter asked me - did we do something extraordinary to have Papa get all those amazing things happening all of a sudden.  He had been out of work for a couple of weeks and he got a call (before work would likely be available for the season) and was asked to work the next day.  Not five minutes later, while he was still doing the happy dance, a friend called and said that some grain had been spilled on the road and wanted to know if we wanted it for our pigs.  He dropped what he was doing and ran to fill up the back of his truck - free feed.  I'm sure there were other things all of a sudden going our way too, but that is primarily what she was refering to.  I thought about it and with the lesson fresh in my mind (the windows of heaven will open that there will not be room enough to receive it), I mentioned we did just hand in our tithing. 

Then it occurred to me - I've been having spiritual experiences regarding tithing and every other principle of the gospel all the time - but haven't recognized them as such because it happened in everyday life rather than a narrative of that principle.  It's up to me to recognize those principles-in-action and record them as a narrative so that I can see the Lord's hand in my life.  That's partly what our victory journal is for but I'd like to isolate each principle of truth and see it, record it, own it, snd share it.  Hopefully I'll get a collection of stories to not only strengthen my faith, but record my history and application of truth to share with my children. 

The Incubator

 An incubator is not that hard to make.  Now if you have a cardboard box, a heating pad, a couple dish towels, and a blanket, you could make one too.  Put fresh eggs in it and wait for the chicks in 21 days. 
And that's all - Thanks folks.

-Washington

Adventure Boxes - 4/15 - 4/29

Foundations:    Discussions - Tithing / Learning
                       Song - Choose the Right
                       Life Skills - Mending
                                       - Kitchen complete clean-up
                       Service - Pick-up college kids from school
                       Value - We are Honourable

Math/Science:  Mathematician - Descartes
                        Lab - Build and incubator and monitor for 21 days
                        Media - Nova or National Geographic
                        Math in action - Chart BG every 2 hours
                        Craft - Choose a craft card (princesses)
                        Continue Piano lesson - "Book of Mormon Stories"
                        Game - Times Square Game (Number Jugglers)

Language Arts:  Pedigree Chart / Family Stories
                         Phonics - My First Books
                         Self Studies
                         Blog - papers from books or journal prompts
                         Game -  Goofy Sentences
                         Marking scriptures
                         The Friend

History:             Passport
                         Timeline

Counting our Blessings

Galileo - I'm seeing inspiration and the bestowal of heavenly gifts all around me.  My children, my husband, my insight in study, my desires, my abilities, gifts of the spirit, increased faith, etc. etc. etc.

Austen - We have wool to learn how to card, spin, and weave from our sheep, Katherine.  Heavenly Father is providing a way for us to be self-reliant.

Washington - Jesus gave his life for me so that someday I can live with him again.  I am grateful that I am alive, have a body, and am on the path home. 

Hypatia - I have an amazing family.

Squanto

Squanto was kidnnapped but he was saved by two men, and they sent him to England.  Then he was helped by a man while in England. The man helped him for a long time. Then he went back to America, but his tribe was gone. He joined a different tribe, then he helped the pilgrims. 

--Washington

It's a Miracle!!!!!!

Galileo:  I'm in tune with a lot more promptings and inspiration.

Shakespeare:  Our first performance of Twelfth Night was an awesome success.

Austen:  I completed all the articles in my constitution journal.

Washington:  Papa has been here for an entire week - so far.  No work means we get our papa back. 

Hypatia:  My friend keeps calling and asking me to play - she must like me.