I love this! We are frugal with our own needs and God often uses that to allow us to give. I think that frugality should be more considered stewardship -- seeking God how best to use our resources and walking obediently.

I'm right there with you! Our 5 1/2 year old is fully capable of doing the 2nd grade work his big sister is ... but he's too young to spend that much time sitting. Many years ago, before I ever dreamed of being a mom, a homeschooling mom of 7 told me to spend their formative years (through age 8, she claimed!) just teaching them to love learning and love being with you and obeying you. That really stuck with me. I did that with my first one and can see the beauty of that time and effort. I got a little off track with #2, but God has gently been nudging me back. The worst investment we've ever made was in Leapsters and a television set. We have since cancelled cable and only allow movies for special occasions (like Saturday night family movie night ... which is getting edged out by games a little at a time). I am starting to read aloud more and more to them. That was hard at first, too, but a another momma shared with me that I should let my kiddos color or play with tanagrams while I read and that would make it more enjoyable. Much to my surprise, it worked -- and they can tell me MORE of what I read about than when they were just sitting and listening. You are truly blessed to have Sally to talk with; her books alone have impacted our home. Thanks for sharing this with all of us.

Love this!

Fun idea ... it's like adding to the gift itself :) I can see grandparents going ga ga over this!

I love this. Several years ago I had to study it to figure out what a quiet spirit looked like for someone like me because rumor has it that even as an infant that word could not be ascribed to my personality. I'm so glad you shared this truth!

Enjoying this series; thanks so much. Working hard to stay faithful instead of fearful!

I'm so excited to have stumbled across your blog and link up with your gratitude parade :) I'm excited about the 31 days!