Franklin Springs Family Media

Essay Contest Winners!

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

The winners of the December Essay contests are Sharri Borowski of Delaware and Emily J. of Texas! Sharri was referred by Marci Blubaugh at Amazing Grace Farm .  Emily found out through Jasmine Baucham’s blog. They will both receive the Ten-Pack collection.

Stay tuned for upcoming contests which include song writing, movie making, poetry, essays, and many other categories.  To be notified of new contests, send an email to contests@franklinsprings.com. 

DECEMBER ESSAY CONTEST WINNERS

Why I Homeschool . . .
By Sharri Borowski (Delaware)

Thirteen years ago the Lord laid it on our hearts to homeschool our children. At the time, we thought that it would be very beneficial academically for the children. Little did we know that God had a much bigger plan!

In time, we found that spiritually, this was the best, and biggest step (or should I say leap!) that we had ever taken. Not only did homeschooling our children protect them from ungodly influences and secular teachings, but it opened the door to a whole new world for us to grow! We were able to memorize Scripture, teach history from a godly worldview, and immerse ourselves in learning about heroes of the faith.

Homeschooling also served to draw and knit the hearts of our family together in such a wonderful way! All those afternoons of reading aloud together, working on projects together, and just spending huge amounts of time serving one another, changed us from separate individuals-into a real family. We know that this degree of closeness would not have developed without homeschooling.

What a rich experience this has been for us. Has it been hard? Yes, at times! But how many things with eternal value are easy? Has it been a sacrifice? Yes, at times! But don’t most things of value come through sacrifice? Has it been worth it! YES! Every minute of it has been worth it.  We wouldn’t change a thing. It has been a wonderful training ground, for parents and children alike. Priceless!

Blessings,
Sharri Borowski

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The Joys of Breadmaking
  Emily J.—Age 16 (Texas)

I love making bread for so many reasons: the aroma, the taste, the fact that making bread is less expensive than buying it, and simply for the joy of making something healthy and delicious for my family.

The wonderful, homey smell of bread is worth the few hours of enjoyable labor that it took to make. My Daddy loves smelling fresh-baked bread when he comes home from work. It is rewarding to be able to make something that so delights my family.

The taste of a tender and delicious loaf is most often irresistible, especially when it is hot out of the oven. I love making bread that delights the taste buds!

Saving money is a wonderful by-product of breadmaking. The cost of a few cups of flour, some yeast, salt, honey, water and oil is so minimal that it hardly compares to its store bought counterpart.

Making fresh bread is a way of supporting faithful stewardship of our temples by making a much healthier food than that which is in a grocery store. Being able to use whole grains, natural sweeteners, and pure ingredients to the benefit of my family is one aspect of breadmaking that is so enjoyable and worthwhile for me.

Above all, I want everything I do to bring glory to God, and that includes making bread for my family.

“Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might…”
Ecclesiastes 9:10

Boys Will Be Men

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

The young men of Vaughnshire Farm are a delight.  You can read about the Paul Vaughn family vision here:  www.vaughnshire.com

You can see the Vaughn family profiled in our Inherit the Land DVD here.

And you can hear about Paul’s vision for his five sons in an interview entitled “Boys Will Be Men:  Imparting Vision to Our Sons” on Moody Radio.

‘Tis the Season

Friday, December 12, 2008

Yes, the weather forecast is calling for 65 degrees and sunny on Monday in Nashville. 

But last night, we enjoyed a wintry surprise as the work day was winding down.  We hurriedly readied the Panasonic HPX500 and grabbed the following, which we share here with you (along with wishes for the same in your community at some point this holiday season)...

 

(To view this video clip, you must have QuickTime 7 installed.)

A Trip to Homestead Blessings

Thursday, December 11, 2008

An early Winter trip to Homestead Blessings is a rare treat. 

The West ladies’ creative and industrious ways are on display in their charming shop…

...where assorted crafts are enjoyed by young and old alike.

Of course, there’s usually music…

And hot cider…

And the requisite ride through the countryside…

Step into the world of Homestead Blessings here…

Click here to view the Homestead Blessings Series, Watch the trailer, and order.