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Spring Brings A Fresh Perspective

Adams’ Acres Awakens to Spring

Spring is my favorite season, a reminder of God’s everlasting care for His creation (that includes you and me!)

“In the beginning, God created the heaven and earth. ” Genesis 1:1 Click here for more verses about God’s creation.

It’s a happy time. Birds appear from nowhere to build nests; butterflies search for the tiniest flowers. Animals attack new blades of tender grass as we would a plate of chocolates.

And yet, too often our present pain can overshadow the splendor of spring.

I recall a spring day when I unloaded my heavy heart. “Little Robin, I’m almost mad at you for being so happy! Can’t you see my heart is breaking as you strut proudly singing? Some would say you’re here to cheer me up. Well, sorry little birdie, it’s not working!”

Feeling overwhelmed as a woman, mother, caregiver, or friend, is inevitable.

As Mother lay in a hospital, I wondered if each day would be her last. Her window opened to beautiful, flower-laden lawns filled with cheerful little robins. My feelings stormed inside; I wanted to chase the birds away, to cry, to scream, to do something to let the world know my heart was breaking.

Yet it was that very image that gave me hope.

From childhood to now, my fondest memories of Mother included nature. Thoughts of our rejoicing in God’s creation refreshed my weary soul. As I pondered the joys we had on our many spring excursions, I felt a sense of peace. Mother relished every moment outside in the spring. “Smell the air” she would say. “Look at the colors! Susie, never lose sight of what God has given us!”

“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither has entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9

Bringing spring to those who cannot get outside.

Recently, it seemed I had walked into a spring garden instead of a care facility. Every room was filled with colorful flower cutouts. Bright ribbons adorned pictures and bows accented the lamps. I was told they celebrate each month with all the vigor they can muster. “Not one of us, after all, is promised a tomorrow! We simply must do all we can do today to celebrate the goodness of God.” Wow! That profound comment was food for thought!

I recall holidays when we were caring for Mother. We hurriedly put out an appropriate card and flower of some sort as holidays came and went and seasons changed. I may have even decorated a cupcake or two. But, to celebrate each day like this? No, not at all.

Who needs a touch of God’s goodness this spring?

We have much to celebrate, not the least of which is A Risen Savior! How better to spread the Good News of New Life than to splash color around in the room occupied by the home-bound? Give them and your family something new to gaze upon. Add life and interest to your home.

Celebrate family! Celebrate life! Make every day a holiday; celebrate the gift of life!

I pray for you, dear friend, that you find rest when you are weary. I pray you find resources to meet your needs and those in your care. I pray you find the courage and hope for the days ahead.

Most of all, I pray that you know the Savior that rose from the grave that day and offered His free gift of Eternal Life and Hope to all who would receive it. Blessings and hugs to each of you.

Thanks for your comments; and your prayers.

Praises and Comments for Patches

In California, 4-year-old Everlee is a young artist at work.

Praise for Overwhelming Reviews and Comments

I’m humbled by all the reviews, photos, and notes I’m receiving for Patches’ Biblical Coloring and Activity Books. Truly God is at work as Patches the Turtle shares Jesus with young and old.

When her grandmother’s Christmas gift included Patches’ Farmland Adventures, 4-year-old Everlee was ready to color! Beautiful job! Thank you, Grandmother, for sharing this picture with us.

Patches’ books are not Just for Children.

A woman in St. Louis writes: “I was given Patches’ Farmland Adventures and coloring pencils by a friend. She knew I needed some activity while being homebound all winter. In fact, the added Scriptures were just what the doctor ordered!”

WebMD lists some amazing reasons we should all color; click here.

Some time ago, I mailed a copy to an elderly friend who was losing a long battle with lung cancer. Her hobbies of crocheting, reading, and working in her church were now impossible tasks. I learned just today from her daughter how much the book meant. The large print and short stories encouraged her to read, and since she could hold colored pencils easily, working on the pictures was great therapy.

Nursing Homes and Extended Care Facilities

One person bought ten books to give to residents in a local nursing home. What joy to hear from some of them and to see their work. Many residents, men and women, are lonely and need something to occupy their minds.

Mayo Health Clinic agrees with Patches; we all should color! Click here

Please, please pray with me.

As books go out to individuals, children’s Bible classes and groups, and families across our land, I pray God will use each of them to touch hearts and change lives.

Lost and unchurched families and individuals can meet Jesus.

Only God can put together the words that touch hearts. On every page, Patches shares Scripture and encourages the reader/artist to think about God’s perfect design for them. Click here to see all of my books.

Thank you for allowing me to share my praises with you today.

Hugs,

Let me hear from you. Who do you know that could use some encouragement?

5 Advantages of Homeschooling

Teacher Kati and Boys in Class

“Train up a child in the way he should go ….” Proverbs 22:6

Vickie and I grabbed our favorite lattes and settled down for a monthly prayer and share time. Three young boys with heavy book bags caught my eye as they seated in a nearby booth with their mother.

Watching them enjoy their food and drinks, I wondered why they weren’t in school. Soon, the Mom/Teacher had them open their books and class began in the coffee shop. (Kodak moment!)

Reflecting on the seriousness of this ‘classroom’ activity spurred me to do a bit of research. There are many good reasons some choose to homeschool their children; here are the five most obvious.

THE CLASSROOM CAN BE ANYWHERE – Homeschooling means your classroom location can be changed at a moment’s notice. Today this family was not able to have class at home, so the classroom was conveniently moved to the coffee shop for breakfast and studies.

FLEXIBLE SCHEDULING – Some homeschoolers choose to have classes scheduled on the same days the public school does. Others fit the schedule into their home and work environments. Vacations are often planned with studies in mind.

PARENTS GET TO KNOW EACH CHILD’S CAPABILITIES AND PREFERENCES – Working in a classroom setting, the parent will discover the uniqueness of the learning styles, passions, abilities, and personalities of each child.

CHILDREN ARE GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO UNDERSTAND THEIR PARENTS. Time with children in a classroom enables the teacher (parent) to reveal his/her own personality and preferences. A parent may share life experiences relating to a subject that perhaps never would have been mentioned in another setting.

BECOME INVOLVED IN A HOMESCHOOL COMMUNITY. Often this can include field trips, social events, sports, music, and art. When you think about it, class is always in session as daily circumstances bring to mind questions about a topic studied “in class”.

Click here for an interesting article on the Biblical Perspective of Homeschooling.

Parents who can and will invest their time in homeschooling will be able to closely monitor the child’s learning style and needs. Homeschoolers are able to teach classes from a Biblical perspective without conflict.

Pray for homeschooled families. I have since met other members of this family and am honored to count them as friends.
As always, I am in awe of who God puts in my path. I personally challenge you to pray for God’s appointments every day. He wants to bless you and those you meet along life’s pathway.

Blessings and hugs,

Thank you once again for your faithful comments below and emails.