Don’t let anyone cause you to doubt your value!

It’s been quiet around here. Cue the crickets, right? I know, it’ crazy. I have missed chatting with you all. Do you even know how much you have blessed me by reaching out to check on us? You truly have!

Mostly it’s been quiet around here because the priority has been on getting the house ready for the settlement. As you’d imagine, or as you already know from your own experience, there are a ton of tiny details that need our attention and are consuming our energy. Selling a house is not for sissies!

But that isn’t really what has been weighing on me.

I’ve allowed small voices to let doubt and fear creep into my head and my heart.

Has that ever happened to you?

I’ve hinted in past posts and on Periscope that I’ve long held back on sharing and teaching because of my own lack of self-confidence. A few of weeks ago, those small doubts were exploited and the result was a loss of my voice and a questioning of my place in the big scheme of things. Where and how to tell my story, and whether it matters to anyone but me.

It’s time to get out of the funk!

Easier said than done sometimes, isn’t it? I won’t tell you that you can or should snap right out of it, because I don’t know that to be true. Getting back up after stumbling takes effort and intention. I will share with you what I am learning on this journey.

Know who your cheerleaders are.

The first person I turn to is my husband. He’s my biggest supporter and encourager. He knows my daily struggles and frustrations as well as my big and small dreams. When I get quiet, he’s the first person who will notice.

My sisters and girlfriends. I didn’t grow up with many girl friends because I had my sisters, but now as an adult living far from immediate family, I also lean on good girlfriends who are sisters in Christ. They can ground me in truth and sit in the muddy puddle with me. Voxer definitely keeps me connected to those whose voices I need to hear, especially when I need to drown out the doubts and doubters.

Community! I would love to say that I have great local community that I turn to, but that wouldn’t be the complete truth. I have very few close friends whom I trust completely and depend on dearly to speak life and point to truth. However, where local community is lacking, God has blessed me with an amazing community of like-minded women connected through the internet. Some mock that, they are part of the small doubting voices, because those of us blessed by this fellowship know that it continues far beyond our computer screens. We are invested in each other’s lives and well-being. I won’t make that smaller than the huge impact that it is.

I count myself blessed to hear encouragement from women like Amy(who is brilliant at walking beside me even when she doesn’t realize it), Tabitha(who is not only a friend but a mentor for using my blog smartly to the glory of God), Amy(who keeps me laughing and knows how important it is to keep it REAL), MacKenzie(who in the midst of the REAL is great at centering me back at God’s word), and Crystal(whose motivation gets me more excited than overwhelmed, which says A LOT) and artists like Joey(who knows the value of grace and kindness) and Erika(who shares in my fight against creative second-guessing). These ladies have used their platforms to allow us to connect with each other. When I’m watching their scopes, I have so much fun chatting with you all! You’ve all become part of my story.

Get grounded in His truth about your worth!

When we listen to the doubts and ‘haters’ it’s easy to think that we are not enough. That to have worth we must do, accomplish, strive, and achieve. We start to feel that our story isn’t big enough, our ideas aren’t unique enough, our talents aren’t polished enough.

God’s word says we are enough because we are His.

³⁰ But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. ³¹ Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. ³² So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven. Matthew 10:30-32 ESV

He values us.

I truly believe that God has given each of us a beautiful (and messy) life to live, and that the trials that we walk through can be used to help edify someone who needs to hear, see, read the story of someone a few steps further down that road. That is why our story matters! 

Each and every one of us needs to speak our story, because while some parts may seem the same, we have a unique perspective that someone else out there is searching for… to help them learn how to tell their own story.

Do you feel a longing to share your story?

Maybe it’s a blog you’ve been wanting to start, or a journal you’d like to keep, or a friend you’ve been wanting to reach out to and confide in.

Do you know what holds you back?

I want to tell you that your story matters!

How can I help?

Download a copy of the printable quote and coloring page in this post, with a popular quote from Crystal of MoneySavingMom.com and my doodles and lettering. There is a black and white page for you to color, and a colored copy ready to frame or laminate. I’m adding the colored version to a dashboard for my traveler’s notebook.

[wp_eStore_free_download_squeeze_form id=11]

Entering your email allows me to send the download via encrypted link for your personal printing and use. Links expire after 3 days/4 downloads (whichever comes first). You will be subscribed to a newsletter list that keeps you informed of any new downloadable pages and products (not a weekly mailing). You may unsubscribe at any time this information no longer interests you.

The post Your Story Matters appeared first on CreativLEI.

I’m not talking about just changing our homeschool approach, or ‘quitting’ the school model.

There are valid reasons to quit homeschooling and seek out the right alternative for your family.

I’m talking about putting some of our children into public school after homeschooling.

Those of you following me on Facebook, Instagram, and Periscope, know that this year is a year of transition for our family. This year three of our children are entering/returning to public school, with only two (and the toddler) continuing with home instruction.

It wasn’t an overnight decision, and it wasn’t made lightly. We’re pressing forward into this new season through much reflection and prayer, and the wise counsel of those who love us. I want to share how we decided to approach this adventure with you, as a means to encourage you in doing what is right for your household. I recognize that there isn’t one perfect way to approach the schooling decision.

When we brought our children home for school we made a promise to stay alert and flexible.

We understood that we could not make a decision in one season that would be appropriate for every season and every child. Entering that first year at home we agreed we should evaluate each year and each child separately.

I’ve never hidden the fact that homeschooling has been a struggle for us from the very beginning. Each year brought new challenges, and none of them were coupled with simple fixes. Many of our months at home looked like survival mode. That was something I became very aware of over the last three years.

I’ve searched hard for new solutions, for creative changes to breathe life into our homeschool.

Somewhere along the way I got caught up in ‘doing the next thing’ and forgot to step back and reevaluate.

I remember waving a white flag on numerous occasions, asking for a lifeline. I knew what some of our biggest struggles were and I wanted someone to walk with me and discuss practical ways to overcome. But honestly, more often than not I found homeschool mom after homeschool mom fighting the same feelings and problems and no one had the answer. The over all discussion was to “just keep at it, in the end it will work out.” They were young and we had time.

I was encouraged to think less about the academics and focus on character, after all that was the greater goal.

That just didn’t sit right with me for a few reasons.

First: While academics may not be the primary goal, they could not be minimized. Many of my children have expressed desire for vocations that require higher education. If I don’t prepare them for collegiate work, how can they succeed? Was I really okay with a GED for my children (MD will not endorse homeschool diplomas)?

Second: If I’m being completely honest, when we were in the survival-mode trenches there was little if any GOOD character training taking place. What my children saw was a mom who could teach them about virtues, but could crumple into a puddle of tears from frustration and exaustion. I could lead them through chapters of the bible, but scream because they’d been working on the same math problem for 45 minutes. Or the writing… why were they all allergic to pencils? Why were there tears for every dang sentence I asked them to write?!?!?

So, you get the picture, we were NOT a picture perfect, Pinterest-y, one-room, kitchen-table homeschool family. We were kind of falling apart at the seams and living day to day in a very unglorifying manner.

It was time for REAL change.

Open the discussion with the children.

Last spring we sat with each child individually and asked them what they needed to succeed. We didn’t give them answers, we gave them an opportunity to speak their heart. It wasn’t just about them saying ‘home’ or ‘public school’, it was about finding out what they believed was lacking for their success.

Almost all of the children asked for more structure.

Ouch!

In truth, I’ve known this all along. I’m not making excuses. I’ve always known one of the biggest challenges to home educating would be my ability to make and keep a consistent schedule.

I’m an artist. I’m a mix of Type A and Type B, it’s a terrible combination! I like organization, but I sorely lack follow through. I love rabbit trails through interest led studies, but I don’t have the fortitude to bring us back to center.

Some of the children asked to enter public school and some desired to stay at home.

It was clear that BIG changes were coming! We had the whole summer to continue our decision making.

But what about Deuteronomy 6 and our command to teach our children?

Not all will agree, but I’ve prayed over that very passage (Deut. 6:7) many, many times over the past few years. I was seeking God’s direction on how He expected me to accomplish that call. I’ve felt Him nudging for me to look at that verse from outside of the limitations of my horizontal-focused belief. Could I meet this command if I choose not to homeschool my children?

Have you come to a point in your homeschooling that has you asking if it’s time to quit?

Of course, you already know what we chose, I’ll be discussing how we made those decisions in the next two posts. I hope to see you there.

I hope what I’m sharing gives you encouragement in finding the right path for your family. None of our households are identical and the answers are different for us all.

If you want to chat with me and ask some direct questions you can leave a comment here or come join us on the FB page. I’d love to continue the discussion.

The post When is it Time to Quit Homeschooling? appeared first on CreativLEI.

Since we’re two years down the road and I thought it was a good time to update you on how I’m doing maintaining my health. I’m going to share what has worked and what needs more work. Where I mention books and products I’ve used, those links are affiliate or referral links. If you make a purchase from those links, I receive a small commission directly from that company.

Does Trim Healthy Mama Still Work, Two Years Later?

One of the first questions most people ask is if I’m still following Trim Healthy Mama.

In a nutshell, YES! I’ve found that the principles that I gleaned from reading Trim Healthy Mama have stayed with me. Even when I eat off-plan, I am conscious of the choices I’m making and I know exactly how my body will react to those choices. I recognize which foods will trigger more bad choices. I know which foods satisfy me and nourish me. I know which choices will eliminate the bloat and blah feelings. I still do not use sugar to sweeten my coffee. I often limit grains, specifically refined grains. I still separate my fats (S) and carbs (E) during most meals. I’ve maintained a 23lb loss.

These were my pictures from my first 6 months following Trim Healthy Mama:

Have I Gained Back Weight?

I have gained ten pounds back in the past year from the total that I lost. However, it didn’t surprise me because I understood the cause. It happened very gradually. I gained some weight leading up to our Peru trip as I liberally added carbs back into my diet in preparation for our time in the mountains (rice and potatoes were the center of most meals). Once we returned home I didn’t focus on losing that weight, we headed straight into the school year and I got lost in the days.

This past season of holidays I didn’t make any THM-friendly treats, and I had far less self-control over the baked goodies. My meals were still THM, but I was working against my better intentions by making a habit of indulging off-plan. Slowly, over the past 14 months, 10lbs of the 34 I had lost found their way back to me. But to be honest with you, I have not put forth the intentional effort to lose them. My jeans still fit, my shirts still fit, and I am still wearing a swimsuit comfortably. However, I’ve regained 2 inches in all the places I had lost and I want to change that.

Is Exercise Necessary with Trim Healthy Mama?

If your health is decided in the kitchen, do you really need to exercise?

I started my fitness journey with exercise using the MuTu System, but decided to concentrate on my eating habits for a season because I realized that I was sabotaging my physical milestones with my food decisions. For the initial weight-loss that was fine. However, two years later, putting off the exercise is no longer okay.

I began training for the Color Run this past spring, but because I have ignored my core strengthening for too long, I injured my back while running. Not good! I did participate in May, but was walking, dancing, and skipping instead of running. I would like to accomplish running a 5K by the end of the year.

What Happens When You Eat Off-Plan?

Falling off the wagon? Goofing up? Cheating?

Call it whatever you want, there are just times when you intentions and your actions just aren’t matching up. Sometimes it is your poor planning, sometimes it is beyond your control. The ‘old’ me would sink into stinking thinking that called myself a failure or a quitter who would just need to start over the following week, or month, or year. However, since finding THM I don’t spiral down that path anymore. I know another opportunity to choose smartly is never more than three hours away. One poor meal doesn’t destroy all the work I’ve done, but I do need to recognize and correct old patterns before I reinforce bad habits. I find that one off-plan meal doesn’t effect me if I’m indulging briefly, with moderation, and eating smartly before and after. However, if I start stacking bad choices, I start to feel like the old me. The tired, sluggish, bloated, and achy old me.

My Biggest Struggle in Maintaining Health.

Old habits die hard.

Yes, even two years into the #fitmom journey, I’m still battling old habits. By far my greatest struggle is keeping myself well-nourished. In this busy season of motherhood I continue to get caught up in our daily to-do and inevitably miss meals. I’m not skipping meals to fast. I DO NOT believe that skipping a meal is the proper penance for poor meal choices. For me, I get busy, time runs away, and I’ve forgotten to get a good healthy meal in. My busy weeks often mean I’m meal-planning on the fly instead of sitting down each week or month to lay out a good plan.

Another struggle I’ve been experiencing is PMS cravings. Yes, I’m going there. My first year on THM I was still experiencing lactation amenorrhea (the longest I’ve ever experienced it), and now that menstruation has returned I can say that my cycle is as regular and predictable as it was before I started having children. That is good news. I was worried that being a grand multiparous mom meant that I would experience irregular cycles for the rest of this stage of life. Thankfully, I’ve found it to be the opposite. However, I have very predictable BAD cravings. Eek! Yes, I could make skinny chocolate, or something else on-plan, but that isn’t what I crave. I’m actively trying to find good alternatives that adequately satisfy those crazy cravings. Thankfully, I know when it’s coming and it doesn’t last long.

How Do You Start Again?

Here’s my challenge for you all!

Are you fighting old habits? Struggling to grasp the Trim Healthy Mama plan? Finding it hard to exercise regularly? Just starting Phase 1 of MuTu System? I want to band together to encourage one another! When my friend Jamerrill linked to my THM posts, it added some needed accountability for my own follow-through. I’ve created a closed group of FB for us to get to know each other a little better on this journey. If you’d like to join us for this and future challenges be sure to request join the group, Looking at life CreativLEI | Challenge and Encouragement (yes, I know that’s a very long name). This month my focus is regular exercise and tracking my meals and water for accountability.

Will you join us? What challenge would you like to see?

The post My Health and Fitness: 2 Year Trim Healthy Mama Check-In and Challenge appeared first on CreativLEI.

Review and Giveaway of Journal and Doodle Through the Bible: Galatians

It’s no secret that I really enjoy the Journal and Doodle method of inductive bible study. When Kari of Stone Soup for Five announced that she was finishing up her Galatians bible study and looking for launch team partners, I jumped at the opportunity to help. I received a copy of the Galatians study for free in exchange for an interview and honest feedback. Some of the resource links may be affiliate links, my full disclosure policy can be read here.

I’m still working through the study, but I wanted to put up a quick peek and review post because Kari offered me a copy of Galatians to give away to one of my readers!

Learning to find answers, more than bible highlighting.

There was a season in my life that I enjoyed sitting in the women’s bible studies hosted through church. You know the kind: watch a video, fill in the blanks, and then do 5-6 days worth of lengthy homework assignments in order to be ready for the following week. As our family grew I could not keep up with it.

Bible study to strengthen your personal understanding of scripture.

I started craving a different way to study. I wanted to dig deep, verse by verse, but I needed gentle guidance.

Finding Kari’s Legacy Bible Journals on Pinterest opened up a new door of bible study for me. I joined along as she shared her tips during the Bold Year Challenge and created her first few Journal and Doodle studies.

Digging through Galatians with the Journal and Doodle guide has been awesome.

Deep study without the worry of falling behind.

The new layout of Kari’s bible study is really easy to follow. She has broken the process into steps. If you don’t have hours to spend studying, you won’t be missing out, or fall behind. Work at your own pace to systematically dig through the Word.

Only have time to read? That’s okay! Kari has instructions for reading the chapters and making small notations right in your bible margins. You can go over the chapter as many times as you desire, as you unpack the meatiness of the verses.

Study scriptures in their context.

Too often we’re fed verses that are pulled from their passages and we can easily miss key points that are found in the surrounding passages. The bible is a complete book, a seamless story of redemption. Isolating verses is frustrating and doesn’t help to build a fuller understanding of God’s Word.

The Journal and Doodle bible study guides bring you through a complete book of the bible at a time, no hunting for proof texting. Kari does help guide your attention to related passages that help you see verses in their proper timeline and location.

Go visit Kari’s blog Stone Soup for Five and get a free study when you subscribe to her email list.

Print your copy and turn it into a booklet.

I currently use a traveler’s notebook system for my bible study and sermon notes. After downloading the Journal and Doodle guide I printed it out to add to my traveler’s notebook, which is similar to the Moleskine cahier size (which I use for my journaling). For my printer (it’s an HP C7200) I choose the option to print on both sides and flip on the short side. You may need to check your printer’s duplex printing options. After printing I just folded each sheet, stacked them in order, and creased the edge. I pierced two holes to run embroidery thread through and knotted the string. No fancy stitching. I trimmed the long and short edge to fit in my notebook. I used the EK tools 1/2″ corner rounder to finish the edges.

Are you ready to give bible journaling a try? What questions do you have?

The post Journal and Doodle: Galatians Bible Study appeared first on CreativLEI.