The way to a man's heart . . .

Hallmark makes a fortune from Valentine's Day, I'm sure. So do local and Internet florists and candy makers. But it struck me this morning that Valentine's Day may be the perfect Thanksgiving Day. As I was chatting with the Lord this morning about all that this day might hold, I spent a few moments thanking him for the man he brought into my life some 28 years ago. I rehearsed before God the commitment to family, the tenderness and caring, and the spiritual headship that he cultivated in the life partner that he gave me. Was this something that I deserved or had earned in some way? Certainly not. I have many friends (sadly) whose marriage relationships are struggling or have ended. I am no better or worse than they ... simply a recipient of God's amazing grace in this area of my life.

So today I will strive to have an attitude of gratefulness to God ... all day ... for the husband He provided. I will pray that this attitude continues throughout the year. And I will keep in mind what Hallmark doesn't realize ... the *REAL* way to a man's heart on Valentine's Day is through chocolate chip cookies.

Sharing a passion

I've just spent an amazing week with a group of ladies who all share a similar passion ... helping parents determine the best approach for home educating their children. Staying in the shadow of the beautiful Rocky Mountains, each morning we headed into Sonlight's main office to learn about this year's new products, how to best reach out to folks who come to visit us on a convention floor, and the fun, yet sometimes frustrating, ins and outs of social media.

This morning we will head our various ways, back to our own families and responsibilities, but with a new excitement for meeting moms and dads on the convention floor this spring and summer. It's my love for my own children which drives my desire to touch the lives of other parents who love theirs.

Summer Jobs

Thankfully most kids aren't doing yard work with this type of mower anymore, but once upon a time we did. We *really* earned our money in those days! (Now I'm beginning to sound like my dad)

Summer jobs are another great resource for beating boredom. They are as wide and varied as your imagination. Cleaning brush, mowing lawns, weeding gardens, flipping burgers at the local hamburger joint, and the list goes on.

Summer jobs accomplish a whole list of things:

• the value of scheduling (have to be to work on time)
• the value of responsibility (most bosses won't step in and clean up your messes)
• the value of saving money
• the value of spending your money wisely
• the joy of cashing your first (and subsequent) paychecks
• the self-confidence related to a "good job" from your boss
• the experience demonstrated on a resume

Now tell me ... what curriculum is going to accomplish all this for the price of transportation? Even if there aren't any local summer jobs to be had, find projects around home that you're willing to pay to have done. Help your kids become resourceful ... perhaps they'll want to try their hand at a home business.

You never know what opportunities will open up as the result of a summer job!

Happy hunting!
~Judy

Special Offer from Sonlight . . .

Here's an opportunity to add a great worldview piece to your school year. Check out this fascinating new book that looks at the spiritual and moral themes found in Pixar movies. The Wisdom of Pixar is written by Robert Velarde, one of Sonlight's curriculum developers, a dad and a great writer. You can view his recent conversation with Sarita Holzmann as they discuss the virtues of movies like Toy Story and Cars.

Order yours by September 15, 2010 to get a copy signed by the author. Who knew that A Bug's Life portrays the virtue of justice!