Sunday, July 27, 2008

The Blog

I have struggled with having a blog and am finally beginning to feel comfortable with it.
My good, sweet, beautiful and dear friend Fee originally introduced me to the blogging world. I would read hers which is always so interesting and fun...then I began to "shop around" and noticed quite a few other bloggers that were fun reads. Now, almost a year later, I can't believe how much it has affected my life! I don't spend much time blogging per say, however, those blogs that I do read have had such a major influence on me. I just don't understand how to juggle the time in order to make my blog what I want it to be. So, it's really just a hodge podge of different things I feel like writing about. But, I don't know if it really represents who I am...

However, blogging is a great way for family and friends to keep updated--especially those in South Africa! My sister down South. Or even ones right around the corner who I don't even get to spend as much time as I'd like with!
It certainly put the homeschooling bug back in us! It's one of those things that you don't realize--your environment truly does affect you. God began to stir in us a heart toward homeschooling. Yes, we homeschooled two years ago, but I was very naive about it. Now, I feel as though I am equipped and prepared. The resources I have gained through blogging, well, they are priceless.
I've been able to find lesson plans through Trivium Academy. Yes, lesson plans. For science. For real. From the Well Trained Mind. Yes, for real.
Smooth Stones Academy. Awesome.
Sara's Art House. Artilicious. She's so talented. Check out her house. It's like Candy Land, except with paint!
A new blog I've discovered, Beth from Pages of Our Life. I have been able to get many ideas from her and she even shared a fabulous morning routine chart that she uses in her homeschool.
Kelly from Embracing the Journey inspires me every time I read her blog. She is truly one of the most devoted Christian woman I have come across and probably too humble to hear that. Her blog is so focused on Christ--I love it!
Then, there's my dear Mrs. Manz. This woman has been tested and tested and is passing with flying colors. I have cried a small pond while reading through her testimony of a life sold out for Christ.
Elinor from Barton College...I spent about an hour reading through her posts about homeschooling and couldn't believe how inspired I was. What a gem.
These are just a few of the amazing people I have come across.
I feel guilty not mentioning everyone that I like in bloggyland. But, I just wanted to share a few who have really inspired me. I hope one day, when I grow up, that I can sort this blog out, find a focus and perhaps I can be a blessing to others like they are to me.

7 comments:

sara said...

Thank you so much for the encouraging words!!! I am so honored that I am an inspiration to you! It is such a blessing to get encouragement and help this way (from blogs), and we don't even have to leave our houses! Great for a stay at home mom!!!

Thanks for the good links! I will enjoy looking though the blogs that you have mentioned.

Jennefer said...

Hi! Thank you for the nod. What a beautiful family you have and such a precious blog.

The fact that you met your husband on-line...wow! What a great love story. Have you ever blogged that story? I bet it is amazing!!!

Blessings

Beth@Pages of Our Life said...

Thank you so much for leaving a comment this morning. Little things mean so much right now.

I am honored that you would even mention me in your blog.

Sincerely,
Beth

JavaMama said...

Wow, what kind undeserved words!! I praise God that He has used my heart's reflections to encourage you, that has been my prayer for my blog, to be a source of encouragement for women who love the Lord and those who may come to know Him. I thank you for encouraging me. There are days that I wonder why I blog and then I remember... the same reason I live and breathe... to glorify. Thank you for honoring me in your post today :0).

Let me encourage you, that you/your blog are an encouragement and blessing to many who visit and call you a friend. I am blessed to know you!! I wish I had more time to spend some time regularly with you here.

JOYfully in Him,
Kelli

Kim said...

Hey girl, thanks for the very sweet comments on your blog about my blog. Your words meant a lot. It's nice to know that I can be an encouragement to other homeschoolers! I posted about our curriculum last night - it only took me 2 hours! ha ha

You (like Fee) have me down as Barton College. It's Barton Cottage. I'm beginning to think I am smarter than I actually am, thanks to you and Fee. = ) Like I told her, it's no biggie, but I thought I'd mention it.

Have a super day my friend!
Elinor

McNeill Family said...

Thank you for taking the time to ask!!! I love this blog world for that very reason too. It feel kind of funny when it is a perfect stranger but you really can tell quite a bit about people from their blog!! I want to peruse yours some more...of course when I have time...it sounds like you have figured a bunch out. I am pretty much set on keeping my eclectic jumbled approach for the moment but would definitely be interested in finding out more since I can change things if they don't work out! What a beautiful thing!!! I look forward to hearing more about your home school journey and beautiful family!!! -Denise

Fifi said...

Hellooo!
Thank you for being so kind! You and your blog ARE such a blessing to me. Your heart always shines through every post!

I can't wait to pick up MrGee at the airport today.....I've missed him teribly. He mentioned you gave him info on the different curriculums. Thanks!!