Family Archives - Page 15 of 26 - The Sparrow's Home

On the Road Again: Pigeon Forge, TN

May 1, 2017 by Susan 2 Comments

“You just take your time, sweetie, and your room will be here waiting for y’all when you get here.” I hung up the phone and said, “I love the South!” Just calling to confirm our reservation reminded me.

We spent last week in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. My husband and I were both invited to teach at a conference. We could not have asked for a lovelier environment.

The last time I was in Tennessee, it was an impromptu trip with a youth mission team. This time, we’ve been planning for months. Greg taught a workshop on Creation vs. Naturalism and I led one for homeschoolers. I also got to host a discussion for families considering homeschooling, and was invited to speak during one of the evening services.

Grace…Then What?

April 24, 2017 by Susan 4 Comments

After we’ve been shown grace, then what? We light the path for those behind us.

Do you watch the Amazing Race? My husband loves that show, and has recently been catching up on years of missed episodes. I don’t love it and here’s why: the bickering. If I want to hear people arguing, I’m perfectly capable of picking a fight myself (quite skilled, in fact. 😉 )

But watching other people argue? It stresses me out.

In one recent episode he was watching, I noticed that when groups found a clue, they would try to stealthily read and record information without other groups knowing. And that’s good strategy when you’re competing.

If they were all on one team, when they found the clue they’d call out, “Found it!” so everyone could run over and see the information.

And that’s exactly what I’ve been noticing that both King David, and the Apostle Paul did in Scripture…and what we, as believers, are supposed to be doing.

Sausage Bites: And a Lord of the Rings Marathon

April 19, 2017 by Susan 14 Comments

These sausage squares are savory and meaty and hearty….and ridiculously easy! They are equally delicious as an appetizer, or for a brunch menu.

Are you a Lord of the Rings fan? I’ll admit, I haven’t read the books. But I love the movie trilogy. They are so rich and full of wisdom and heart. I know, I know, I need to read the books. Right now I’m working my way through the Harry Potter series, and not very quickly, at that.

We love a party with a theme around here, so when my niece finished the book series, we had to get one on the calendar. What better way to spend a Saturday, than going on an epic adventure with tasty treats to fill your belly!

Mother’s Day Gift Basket Giveaway!

April 17, 2017 by Susan 12 Comments

Mom’s are where it’s at.

To celebrate this fact, we’re giving away a gift basket full of handmade goodies. You can sign up below for your chance to win. Not a mom? Sign up anyway. I’ll bet you know a mom you could share this with.

Online Shop Grand Opening!!

April 3, 2017 by Susan 7 Comments

We’re Open!!

What are all the words for excited? Giddy. Thrilled. Jazzed. Beside myself. Yeah, all of those! The day has finally arrived to unveil what I’ve been working on for months. Special goodies just for you!

Welcome to The Sparrow’s Home Shop

(cue sound of cheering crowds)

The shop is populated by three categories: Digital Products, Handmade Products, and Recommended Resources. And while we’re starting small, we’ll be adding products along the way.

Click here to go to the shop now.

**Update** The shop closed for a variety of reasons. Largest of which is that I realized that sales is not my bag. If you want to talk tea or salve or homeschooling through high school…please drop me a note and I’d love to chat. (Chatting is most definitely my bag!)

Is Your Church a Pew-Filled Adult Daycare or a Hardcore Training Facility?

March 27, 2017 by Susan 9 Comments

When we create a judgement free church, are we dooming members to failure? The Planet Fitness model will not result in changed lives, reconciled to God.

My eldest began working out a lot a couple of years ago, and as a birthday gift last year, we told him we’d get him a gym membership. He talked to a few friends about their experiences with nearby gyms. One guy told him stories about Planet Fitness that had us rolling on the floor laughing in disbelief.

They serve pizza? Candy? Flashing lights and alarms go off to shame people for working out “too hard.” Does this ‘gym’ even want its members to get healthy?!

I had forgotten all about it until recently, when a well-meaning Christian friend posted something about how we should “create churches that the un-churched love to attend”. For some reason, the descriptions we’d heard about Planet Fitness immediately came to mind.