BLOGIVERSARY and a FREE Giveway!!

I am supppppper excited to announce, today, February 8th, is the 8th anniversary of the Faith and Home blog!!!!  {insert happy dance!} Eight years on the eighth and I wanted to do something to celebrate, so I've been working on a compilation book I could gift to YOU for the month of February:

Click Me!

You can click on the image to be taken to a FREE downloadable PDF of this 168 page collection of some of the blog's top-viewed articles, and their full-color photos, from the past 8 years.  It is divided into themed sections, each of which is prefaced with reflections on how the blog has grown over the years and the Heart behind its transformation from Faithful Homeschool to Faith and Home.

For the book's readability I chose a format which would fit perfectly on reading devices and, after much prayer over which articles to include from the almost 700 compiled in the site's database over the years, I believe the resulting content will encourage and inspire you in all aspects of Faith and Home... and Homeschool!

What's next?  Well, I don't sneeze at the idea of an 8-year blog and a continued call to write.  I believe this blogiversary should set the course for something more, fresh or new.  

Last week I discussed the seasons of life, writing, and (essentially) these epochs which transform.  I believe the next step for Faith and Home is to revive my weekly content after the recent hiatus AND to begin writing books expanding on some of the content here.  This is a hope and a dream I have had for many years which I have recently begun to pray more fervently over.  All my kiddos are getting older, needing me less, and mostly opening up my time for those all-consuming pursuits.  (mostly!)

One new item you will notice on the side-bar is a sign-up for a monthly newsletter.  I'm still working on the outline and will share more details as I have them.  My goal is to launch this feature in the spring.  I'm thinking it will reference popular posts on the blog from the month, some fresh content, perhaps a recipe or two and... well... I'm open to input!  Let me know what you would like to see from a Faith and Home monthly newsletter!

I'm also thinking of retooling Menu Monday to also encompass the Keepers at Home concept I was working on last year.  Our menu itself has been rather redundant lately, unfortunately!  I thought the meme could use some sprucing up.

Walking in the Word and biblical studies are working their way back as well with an upcoming book of devotions at the top of my to-do list!

Additionally, I will be reviving periodic Homeschool Mother's Journal entries to round out some weeks.  The nervousness which sprouts in many moms as they consider homeschooling through high school begs to be addressed.  I've been quiet so long because I'm trying to figure it out as I go!!  After graduating Ashley, though, I realized how NOT impossible the trek on into the upper grades is and am reminded that I still have much to say on the topic of homeschool even if my kids aren't in that constantly revolving exploratory stage of elementary ed. High school has it's own stories and encouragement to share!

Speaking of homeschool things begging to be addressed; Early Childhood Education (ECE) remains in the forefront of my thought-base. I've had a few moms requesting help and encouragement with this stage of teaching.  It is, after all, what I went to college for... the dream that I might one day write curriculum for homeschool ECE.  I keep playing at and researching for re-starting a monthly ECE newsletter or maybe even just the book I always dreamt about.  With the increased requests (and knowing these ladies kiddos won't be ECE age forever) I know I need to move on something.  I appreciate your prayers to this end... and let me know if you are interested as well!!

These are just some of the various behind-the scenes meanderings.  I know the blog gets quiet sometimes... usually because I am swamped with life outside of the keyboard... but life never feels right when I am away too long.  I love talking with, and especially hearing from YOU, and the rest of the bloggy family out there!!  {Hi bloggy family!}  In my 8 years on this bloggy spot I have seen many women come-and-go.  They each have their own personal reasons for turning off the 1's and 0's and I respect them for that.  Others have transformed to bigger names and bigger Spaces (I remember just Ann with no fancy "e" before her book deal was cut and she inspired me to be an upside-down blogger!)  My aspirations aren't necessarily that of Ann's, though books and speaking retreats and seminars are something I feel God has given me a passion to pursue! Whatever lies ahead, I am here to stay even if others go.  

I thank YOU, my blessed readers, for coming back each time, saying "hi" and reading on through my ramblings... like today!  I pray for many more years of bloggy interactions (hopefully not so rambly... like today!) and, most of all, I pray that God would speak in mighty ways through this platform so you might be encouraged in your journey through this thing called LIFE!

Blessings,

**I WOULD LOVE TO HAVE YOUR INPUT!  
 ⇒ Is there a meme theme (a weekly thread) you miss seeing on this blog?
 ⇒ Are there topics you would love to read about in a monthly newsletter from Faith and Home?
 ⇒ Are you interested in receiving a regular newsletter -or-
     an annual book on Early Childhood Education how-tos and activities?
 ⇒ Would you like to be notified when new books come out?
 ⇒ Are there any content themes on this website you would enjoy having compiled
     (and expanded on) all in one place (like a book!!)?

If any of these is you, please leave a comment below or email me at titus2@gmx.com. I welcome your input! 

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