Talking with Author Carrie Daws about A NEW HOME FOR ALLIE and a Giveaway!

by Sally Matheny

A New Home for Allie by Carrie Daws

This month, Ambassador International releases a beautiful children’s picture book, A NEW HOME FOR ALLIE. Carrie Daws penned the sweet story about a giraffe named Allie. Joanie Bruce painted the charming illustrations.

The main character, Allie, lives with her parents in Kenya. Her dad serves in the Animal Jungle Patrol. Allie learns her dad received orders and her family must move to Somalia. As her new journey unfolds, so do her concerns about moving.

I caught up with the author of this book in between her writing, speaking, homeschooling, and serving our military community alongside her husband at Fort Bragg in North Carolina. She kindly agreed to share some of her own journey with us.

Besides Love, the Best Gift for Baby's First Christmas

by Sally Matheny

(The Best Gift for Baby's First Christmas)

If God has blessed you with a precious, new life this year, I’m sure your Christmas morning will be extra sweet! 

Your little one already may have a cute stocking hung, and brightly wrapped gifts under the tree. Or, perhaps due to his adventurous spirit, all the gifts are well out of reach!

No matter what gifts you’ve chosen, I hope you've considered one spectacular gift you can give your baby, especially for his first Christmas.

Are Children Missing Awesome Adventures Due to Our Fears?

by Sally Matheny

Climbing uphill in the mud is not easy.

“This may be too difficult for you.”

“You might get hurt.”

“Have you been training?”

“It costs too much.”

“It can’t be done.”

“You’ll never finish.”

Are our children missing awesome adventures because they listened to someone else's fears?

I’m not talking about discernment and godly wisdom. Those are good things. 

I’m talking about the nay-sayers who naturally gravitate toward negative comments about everything. If you want to donate blood, they say you’ll probably faint. Pet the horse? Bite your finger off. Get a BB gun—shoot your eye out. You get the idea.

In addition, there are those who fear trying anything new. They never take chances for fear of failure, and feel the need to “protect” everyone else from failing. 

This reminds me of the movie, “Finding Nemo,” where Nemo’s dad declares he won’t let anything happen to his son, Nemo. Dori, the ditsy, but wise, fish, tells him how odd it is not allowing things to happen to your child. She challenges him to think about how much his son will miss.

Several years ago, my husband, and our teen daughters, wanted to participate in a 5K Mud Run. Two trained for the event, but one had been unable to train due to sickness. On such a course, whether someone trains or not, anything could happen.

Every fifteen minutes, a new group began their timed race. While my crew were waiting for their event to begin, I made my way over to the First Aid tent. 

"What's the worse injury you've had today?" I asked.

"A broken arm," replied the paramedic.

"Was that the only broken bone today?"

"Oh, no. Several runners have been to the ER for casts. Although, a few only needed stitches."

Peering over the crowd, I noticed my family lining up for their race. My heart yearned to do the  Mama-thing and rapidly scoot over there to inform them of everything I'd just heard. 

I did scoot. However, I resisted sharing the negative news. I didn’t ask them to reconsider. I just told them to be careful and have fun. 

Why did I not tell them? Because every member of my family had researched this race. They wanted to try it, and I wanted to be their cheerleader.

Each prepared for the race differently. Even though they had read about the obstacles, they didn’t fully comprehend their difficulty until they were experiencing them firsthand. Certain parts of the race were not fun. Some of it was downright nasty, grueling, hard work.

Each team consisted of four members. To complete the course, they had to work together. My family split into two different teams. They knew some of their teammates well. Other team members they did not know as well, but learned quickly how to communicate and help one another.

Why did I send my babies out into this messy, muddy crazy adventure? What could they possibly benefit from climbing slippery, 8-foot walls and swimming in 5-foot mud trenches?

Following through on a dream

Working with others as a team

Developing good communication skills

Realizing you can do more than you think you can

Realizing you can do more than what other people think you can do

Understanding not everything has to be competitive

Learning how to tackle an obstacle in life

Understanding sometimes life is really hard, and you have to push through

Helping others along the way

Completing a difficult challenge makes you feel stronger and more confident for future challenges

Persevering brings rewards

A little dirt never hurt anyone

It feels great when you finish what you start. Especially without broken bones! 

Finishing a challenging task is exhilarating!

Nurturing Strong & Courageous Sons and Daughters

by Sally Matheny

Strong and Courageous
Photo by pixaby.com

Too often, we hear heartbreaking stories of youth, raised in Christian homes, choosing to walk away from the truth of Jesus Christ.

It’s frightening.

As Christian parents, we find it difficult to contemplate the possibility of our children living, and dying, without the hope, the peace, and the eternal joy that comes only through Christ.

What can parents do when the Enemy silently creeps into our children’s lives and captivates their attention with lies and deception? How can we help them?

Is It Important to Teach American History?

by Sally Matheny

Is It Important to Teach American History?

Not everyone loves history. I do--especially American history. When I encounter some interesting part of history I’ve never heard before, it's like a treasure hunt. I begin researching primary documents to see if it’s true. I usually end up finding a few more gems along the way.

So many fascinating facts never make the cut for school textbooks. Perhaps if it were possible to incorporate more of them, there would be a greater interest in American history. 

Apparently, there’s a debate on what children should learn about America's history.

First Lines Make Lasting Impressions

by Sally Matheny

    

“My name is Sally.” Remember that famous first line? No?

     “My name is Ishmael.” How about that one? Even if you’ve never read Moby Dick, you probably are familiar with that first sentence. 

        

       Over the next two months, a class of teens will have my full attention as we indulge in the delicacies of creative writing. Today, the teens discussed the importance of grabbing readers’ attention in the first line or shortly thereafter.

        I read the first lines from several books to them. First, they told me the book they thought the line came from and second, they told me if it intrigued them enough to keep reading.

        See if you recognize what books hold these first lines:

1.   “There is no lake at Camp Green Lake.”

2.   “When I was in elementary school, I packed my suitcase and told my mother I was going to run away from home.”

3.   “The sun did not shine. It was too wet to play. So we sat in the house. All that cold, cold wet day.”

4.   “Grandchildren, you asked me about this medal of mine. There is much to be said about it.”

5.   “That Sam-I-am! That Sam-I-am! I do not like that Sam-I-am!

        Did you guess correctly? 1. Holes  2. My Side of the Mountain 3. The Cat in the Hat 4. Code Talker 5. Green Eggs and Ham

Words quote by twowritingteachers

        

         This is a fun activity to do with children of any age. Just choose books of which they are familiar. I guarantee most teens will fondly remember those Dr. Seuss books even if it has been ten years since they last heard them read aloud.

        My son recently got into watching trivia game shows. He’s nine and almost all of the questions are out of his realm of comprehension. However, he loves the challenge aspect. Noticing this I now have greater results when I quiz him on school subjects if I do two things. I use my best game show announcer voice and use the words “challenge,” “advance to the next level,” and “you won!” If I cut out pictures of cars, dishwashers, and luggage to present as “prizes,” I wonder will he find that fun or cornball. It’s a fine line, you know.

     The first lines of a book can have a lasting impression. So too, adults have the potential to influence a young life, just by what they say to them:

first thing in the morning,

first thing after school,

first thing after not being successful.

     Make your first lines positive and they’ll definitely have a lasting effect.

Photo by JanusCastrane

(*And by the way, when I was a child, one of my favorite books is Try Again, Sally. I wonder why.)

       

        

Teaching Kids Life Lessons at the Circus: Thriftiness & Tightwadiness

by Sally Matheny

Balancing between thriftiness and
tightwadiness is a delicate act.

     Not long ago, we took our nine-year-old son to see his first Ringling Brothers Circus. The tickets were expensive, so I tried to think of ways we could save money during the event. Walking the tightrope of thriftiness is not easy, but it produced valuable life lessons at the circus.

     There’s a thin line between thriftiness and tightwadiness. Balancing between the two is a delicate act requiring great skill. Some may think it’s embarrassing to eat snacks out of a Ziploc bag at a public event. I do not. Our homemade goody bags are usually healthier than their offerings and definitely cheaper.

     Also, prior to our trip, we had several conversations with our son about souvenirs. Our gift to him was a night out to the circus. If he wanted a souvenir, he’d have to use his own money. He insisted circus souvenirs were not desired and his savings were allotted for Legos. I encouraged him to take some money, just in case he changed his mind.

     When the big night finally arrived, we got a late start, and barely had time to hit a drive-thru for dinner. Being the frugal mom, I offered desserts from the snack box we keep packed in the van. Not bothering to turn on the light, I fumbled around for the treats. After the distribution, I enjoyed one of the three chocolate peanut butter squares of my new, Skinny Cow candy and placed the rest in my purse for later.

Saving Money

     The late start also forced us to pay ten dollars for a nice uphill hike to the Civic Center. We didn’t mind. Our excitement and the chilly air brought us to the entrance quickly. I didn’t see a sign mentioning no outside food. The security officer checked my handbag and didn’t say a word about my bagged snacks. She’s probably a thrifty mom, too.

     Herded inside, we smelled buttered popcorn and pepperoni pizza. Thankfully, our bellies were full so we searched for our seats. Up, up, up we climbed. Shortly after locating our seats, the show began. Lively music came from the mini orchestra. The ringmaster’s enthusiasm ignited a rush of applause. After a parade of animals and clowns, various acts appeared in the arena. My husband asked for his snack bag but our son was too excited to eat. He dared not take his eyes off the roaring tigers and their tamer, or the eight dirt bikes zipping inside a metal sphere all at once.

     After an exciting first half, the ringmaster announced an intermission. The guys were quite thirsty by then so they set off to find a drink. Occasionally, a vendor meandered through the crowd shouting, ““Popcorn, popcorn! Who wants popcorn?” or "Get your snow cones, here!"

I bet those snow cones cost five dollars. I bet they’ll splurge on one. 

     Reaching in my purse for the rest of my chocolate candy, only one square emerged. After a thorough search for the other square, I determined it must have fallen on the van floor. Oh, what a waste, I thought, making a mental reminder to search for it later.

Free Flowing Water

     Meanwhile, the guys were weaving in and out of the crowd in search of liquid refreshment. Those tiny snow cones demanded eleven dollars! Our son deemed the red, white, and blue ice worthy of eleven dollars, but his dad did not. During their thirsty search, they found nothing less expensive. Finally, my husband said they would quench their thirst with the free flowing water fountain. A scowl darkened our son’s face. Dad declared the cool water delicious but the boy kept his distance, shaking his head no. Dad drank until content and then mentioned they better get back to their seats. Dryly, our son said, “Wait a minute,” and bent down to partake of the water.

     Zigzagging through the crowd again, this time the brilliant colors and buzzing sounds of circus trinkets beckoned the boy. They paused to look at a few of the overpriced plastics before moving on. Other kids’ holding their mementos made the boy consider using the cash in his pocket. He preferred using his dad’s cash but knew that was inconceivable. Suddenly, the ringmaster’s shout was heard and the band’s music blared. Pondering time ran out and they hurried back to their seats.

     Memory of the shiny trinkets faded as sequined gymnasts propelled high in the air, spiraling through hoops as they leapt. The tricks of the elephants, dogs, and even a pig captured our full attention. Then, to all the kids’ amazement, a wooly mammoth appeared. His long tusks and brown hair swayed above his familiar-looking feet. Funny how my son knew the real identity of the mammoth, but insisted I needed to take a photo of the “unicorn” and the “Pegasus.” I guess some of the high costs of circus attendance go toward intricate, believable costume designs.

Wooly Mammoth with Revealing Feet

    

     The finale showcased lots of beautiful costumes, talented animals, and hard-working entertainers. Then, the cheerful crowd bubbled out of their seats and made their way to their cars. The vendors made their last attempts to entice sales. However, our son had grown content with the experience and decided he didn’t need any of their gizmos.

     On our way home, we stopped at a QT gas station. My husband treated everyone to frozen ice drinks. The colorful QT cup was twice the size of the one at the circus and cost only sixty-nine cents!

     Whenever our son recounts his fun night at the circus, there is no mention of tightwadiness. He tells about all his favorite circus acts. And with equal enthusiasm, he always shares about how the circus drinks cost eleven dollars but he got one twice as big at QT for sixty-nine cents. He’s very proud of his QT cup!

     The circus tickets were well worth the money. The life lessons learned were priceless. My son learned the benefit of delayed gratification, the value of a dollar, and the sweet satisfaction of a fun, circus experience with his family.

     I learned a lesson as well. If you drop chocolate candy in a dark van, immediately find its whereabouts. Otherwise, you may give Candy Crush a whole new meaning. Apparently, my missing candy did accompany me to the circus.

Ahem. Sometimes, being frugal can have an embarrassing end.

 

 

 

Share ways you teach children to be frugal!



Adoption, and Tree-Climbing Contest Winner Announced

Consider Adoption

November is National Adoption Awareness Month. Today’s post tells how three couples grew their family trees through adoption. At the end of the post, we’ll also announce the winner of our Climb-a-Tree Contest!

Have you ever pondered about adoption? Maybe you’ve heard glorious adoption stories and heart-wrenching ones. Every child is a gift from God. Sometimes that gift comes in unexpected ways. Here are glimpses of three miraculous gifts.

One couple devoted several years to fertility doctors before they turned to foster parenting, with hopes of adopting. They were in a special foster-to-adopt program but there were no guarantees. Their minds understood, but their hearts did not.  Falling in love with the first child they fostered, their hearts were shattered when eventually a relative adopted the child. Bracing themselves they fostered two more. Those also later returned to their homes.

Wondering if they heard God’s call correctly, the couple again prayed for direction. A phone call came asking if they would care for the baby of a cocaine addict. There was only one thing they knew to do. They loved and nurtured the baby. For however long God placed this child in their care, they planned to give their best. Three years later, the couple ecstatically adopted this baby into their permanent family.   

A second couple had three biological teenagers. No more children were in the plan. When one of the husband’s relatives chose a lifestyle of drugs over parenting, she left a five-year-old child stranded without a parent. After much prayer, the couple stepped up and welcomed the child into their family through adoption.  Unexpected joys and adventures have filled their home.

A third couple had two young, biological children. Their hearts ached for one more baby but a serious health condition prevented further pregnancies. Thankful and blessed to have the two children, they tried to move forward but the tug on their hearts pulled stronger. One of the children began to pray for a baby through adoption. Then they all prayed and finally they began the process with an adoption agency. They struggled with guilt because so many couples wanted to adopt—couples who had no children. Who were they to ask for a child when they already had two? But sensing God’s will they moved forward.

After awhile, they received a call. A birthmother was
considering their family for her child. The family shouted with excitement!

Two weeks later another call came. Plans were underway for other relatives to adopt the child. Disappointments rippled over the next two years. The home study expired and so this family also prayed for God’s direction. They decided to renew their home study.

Two months later, a birthmother chose their family for her infant. She knew adoption was expensive and some people are only able to adopt once. She wanted to make sure her child had siblings as well as godly parents. She continues to say the family was an answer to her prayers. The family insists the birthmother was the answer to theirs. Blessings abound.

Three, true adoption stories—not one of them came without some heartache. All of them required prayer and perseverance. Many people shy away from adoption for fear of the unknown. Not one child, adopted or biological, comes into this world with any guarantees. In fact, we are all flawed. Aren’t you thankful God loves us as we are and is willing to adopt us into his forever family? I am!

Pray about it. If not adoption, perhaps there is a child who desperately needs you as a friend and mentor. Think about the adults who made a positive impact in your life. A child somewhere needs you to guide and nurture them. It could make a monumental difference in their lives.            

*                                                       *                                              *

And now to announce the winner of our Tree-Climbing Photo Contest!   Thanks to all those who entered! I received many wonderful photos. The name drawn was Jonathan W.! He received a Wilson soccer ball and orange cones. Congratulations and have fun Jonathan!

To see more of the tree-climbers' photos go to https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sally-Matheny-Encourager-Writer-Speaker/330720517002724

Pushing Children Out of Their Comfort Zones

by Sally Matheny

  

Pushing Children Out of
Their Comfort Zones

When I was growing up, I don’t remember getting out of something just because I was not “comfortable” with it. 

For example, at age nine, stacking firewood in the heat of August was not an enjoyable event for me. I didn’t like the yellow jackets, the heat, or the hard labor.

However, my daddy thought it would be good “character-building.” I was not given a say in the matter. When my father said, “Let’s go stack some wood,” I did it. I’m sure I suggested a wait on a cooler day or asked how we might avoid bee stings. 

However, on this, and other occasions, my parents ultimately deemed it important to push me out of my comfort zone.

The Seasons of Life Are About to Change

Spring prepares to hand over the change of the seasons to summer, which eagerly waits to splash upon us.

 

 “There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:

…a time to plant and a time to uproot,

…a time to weep and a time to laugh,
…a time to mourn and a time to dance…” (from Ecclesiastes 3)

Things are changing around my house. We’re preparing for our oldest daughter’s wedding and our middle child is making plans to head off to college. While we are excited for them, the transitioning is not always easy.

We’ve spent all these years loving and tending to our young “plants” and now it is time to uproot them. As they’re transplanted, hopefully some of the fertile home soil will cling to their roots, encouraging  a continuation of strong growth.

There’s been a little weeping but mostly laughing as we remember days gone by…chubby little hands painting my toenails, sometimes entire toes, a rainbow of colors…little girls covered in mud as they tried to build an adobe…and all the special concoctions they came up with using discarded refrigerated items.

Those precious hands will continue to create a unique place in the world. One daughter will teach pre-school music and art while she finishes her last year in college. She will also create a loving home with her new husband.

The other daughter will blaze her trail into pursuing God's plan for her life. Both girls are passionate about serving their Lord and Savior in the ways He creates for them.

While he hasn’t wept (yet), I guess Dad has done more mourning than anyone else. He’s happy for both of his daughters but he is a bit sad about his girls moving away from home. He’s going to miss their steady stream of smiles, hugs, and kisses. He has always been a good keeper of his daughters’ hearts—protecting them from day one.

When our girls wanted to share their hearts with someone special, Dad was always first in line to check the gentlemen out. Any young man who has called on one of our daughters can testify it is not a deed taken lightly.

We are blessed that one sweet, young man understood. Thankful for what God has brought together, we plan to celebrate and dance into the changing season.