You Are of Value!

 

Remember…

He cares for you!

“Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?”

Matthew 6:26

Homeschool Curriculum Reviews

It’s April, and you know what that means!  Many homeschool conventions are under way, and homeschoolers everywhere are evaluating their curriculum for next year.

Last year I did a handful of reviews of the curriculum we use or have used, and wanted to share them with you again.

God’s Design for Science
from Answer in Genesis

Bob Jones English

Horizons Math

Math in Focus

Spelling Power and Spelling Workout

First Language Lessons

If I can answer any specific questions about these curriculums, please feel free to email me at thecozynookblog at gmail dot com.  I will do my best to help you!

The Difference a “Chic” Towel Makes

Before

 

After

Is there something small you could do to spruce up your surroundings?

How It All Turned Out– Our Resurrection Day Celebrations

For our first “feast”, I decided to serve steak.  We ended up having only my father-in-law over to represent my husband’s family since most of the rest of the crew was not in town.  I saw Delmonico steaks on sale at the fruit market I frequent, so I decided to go for it!

We enjoyed having some dear friends over on Sunday.  I served ham, brined/roasted chicken, “juiced up” baby carrots, strawberry salad with poppy seed dressing, cheesy potatoes (that my friend brought), banana split dessert, and cupcakes. We had a great time.

I was able to fit in the hot cross biscuits,

set my tables with beauty,

and enjoy a wonderful Resurrection Sunday celebration!

Now That’s Worth Celebrating!

 

Photo Credit

“It is finished!”

He is risen!

Easter–Food Talk

Easter is less than a week away now!  Today is the day for me to set my menu!  This year we are planning to have two celebrations (three, if you include the celebration we already had with my family this past weekend).  We are having some friends over on Sunday for a meal and entertaining my husband’s family on another day this weekend.

I glimpsed at the menu I served a couple years ago.  Some of those ideas remain or exist in a similar form.

Here are some of the ideas I am mulling over:

Ham
Brined, roaster chicken
Chicken piccata
Another creamy chicken breast recipe I just got from a friend with bacon and chipped beef
Lemon herb chicken ring
Strawberry salad with poppy seed dressing
Green Bean Casserole
Biscuits or Cornbread
Banana Split Dessert

My friend is bringing cheesy potatoes – made with potatoes, cheese, sour cream, and bacon!  I’m already looking forward to that!

Of course, I REALLY want to squeeze in the Hot Cross Biscuits (pictured above) some time that I made last year!  They were so good!

Have you decided on your Easter menu yet?

Serving Our Families, as “Bondservants”

It’s nearly 5 a.m., and I am wide awake.  Yes, I have had a splitting headache since before I went to bed hours ago.  However, it is not my own needs that has me up at this crazy hour of the day.  It is a need in my family, an illness to be exact.  My son has been tossing and turning (and me, likewise) since just after 3 a.m.  I finally realized I would need to move downstairs and nurse him better there.  Precious hours of sleep are slipping away from my hands.

I am reminded of Jesus.

Jesus did not come to earth because of His own needs.

He did not serve the human race because He was pompous and showy.

No, instead, He “humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” (Philippians 2:8)

“Jesus Christ who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God,  … made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant.” (Philippians 2:6-7)

Merriam Webster defines bondservant well – “one bound to service without wages”.

In our homes, we will oftentimes take the form of a bondservant.

We will be called to do many things without wages –
loving sacrificially without expecting in return.

We will be encouraged to make no reputation for ourselves.

We will be challenged to serve our family members and their needs, putting aside our own needs, wishes, and desires continually.

Oh, may we be like Jesus,
Who was humble, obedient, and faithful!