Holy sexuality and the Gospel {Review}

From the author of Out of a Far Country comes this timely discussion on faith, love and relationships.  Christopher Yuan writes from both his knowledge as a Biblical professor, and his personal experience as a former agnostic before his radical conversion.  Dr. Yuan explores what he calls "Holy Sexuality": chastity in singleness and faithfulness in marriage.  Thoroughly researched and supported, this book is written to help all of us see how grand God's story truly is and how to celebrate in the good news of His design.

I've wanted to get my hands on this book for awhile.  After reading Out of a Far Country, I was compelled by Dr. Yuan's story.  His thoroughness and personal experience combined made this book a treasure trove of information.  Holy Sexuality and the Gospel isn't just about what we believe, but also why we believe.   It's about first seeking who God is, discovering His compelling love, and then centering our lives around that reality.  Every page is dripping with research and Scripture.  But the book also very centered on coming alongside people... real people with real emotions, lives, and stories.  Whether you have a loved one who identifies as gay or you're questioning your own identity, this is a very clear and well-written resource.

*Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.  All opinions are my own.

Five Challenges To Take One With Your Kids

  *Originally posted on 5/1/17.  Enjoy!

Summer is just around the corner.  I'm planning the last of our lessons and dreaming of days by the pool, homemade ice cream, and sleeping in.  Since we only have a few weeks of school left, we've been talking about what we want to do over the summer.  And while we've been creating our bucket list (to come soon), I've been thinking about ways I can intentionally spend time with the kids.  So these are 5 Challenges You Can Take On With Your Kids:

1. Book Club-- This would be a fun challenge with an older elementary student on up through high school.  Pick a book that you're both interested in and just start reading.  Set a deadline for yourselves of when you want to get together to discuss it.  Once a week or after you've finished... it's up to you.  Make your meetings fun with book themed snacks and drinks.  Talk about the characters, the setting, and what your child would do in various situations.  And don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone with your book choice.  You may discover that your child has pretty good taste after all.

2. Fitness Challenge-- We all like to be active in our family.  Whether it's taking a bike ride, swimming, or jumping on the trampoline, we like to get our heart rate up.  So how fun would a summer fitness challenge be?  Maybe take a new class together, take on an abs & squats challenge, or sign up for a 5K together.  Or maybe yoga is your thing.  Try a kids' yoga challenge every morning.  Whatever it is, get up and get active with your kids.

3. Gratitude List-- The best thing for improving your outlook on life is being grateful.  We all have a tendency to loose sight of our blessings once in awhile.  So why not challenge yourself and your kids to be more grateful people.  How?  Pick up an inexpensive notebook and spend some time each day writing down your blessings.  Write about your thankful list at meals times or bed time.  Reflect back on your day and try to find a handful of things to be thankful for.  You'll be amazed at how quickly you can fill a notebook once you get started.

4. Kindness Challenge-- Trade names in your family and have secret friends.  Do something nice for your secret friend.  Do one of their chores, make their bed, or help them with their homework.  Try to do it secretly without being found out.  Or practice kindness in public.  Open a door for someone.  Give up your seat in church. Or encourage someone.  What can you do to practice random acts of kindness?  If you're doing this outside your family, share around the dinner table each evening.

5. Art Challenge-- Pinterest is full of art challenges.  How fun would it be to do a 30-Day art challenge with your kids?  Invest in some inexpensive sketch books, set the timer for 30 min, and just create away.  After 30 min, come back together and share your drawings.  If you want to, you can spend more time on the drawing later, but for now, just share what you have.  What a fun way to create together, encourage each other, and work on a new skill.

Whatever you decide to do with your kids this summer, be sure to do it together.  Stepping into a challenge together can be bonding, reassuring, and fun.  So embrace the lazy days of summer, and take on a challenge.

Which challenge most interests you?

Weekend Links ll July 3, 2026

 

25 Patriotic Themed Stem Activities for Kids

4th of July Worksheets

Statue of Liberty Unit Study

4th of July Printables

Fourth of July Word Search

What I Read and Our Homeschool Read Alouds ll June 2026

 Nonfiction:

Miracles in the Hallways by Irene T. Lopez

What do miracles look like in everyday situations?  Walking the halls of a public school in California, for example?  As a well respected administrator, Lopez has an incredible eye for seeing these miracles and encouraging those around her.  Miracles in the Hallway is a beautifully written account of some of the ways she's seen God move in her schools and students' lives.  It's an incredible reminder to invite the Holy Spirit into our every day situations and allow Him to guide us for His glory.  This beautifully written account of the way the Lord is working in the every day would make an encouraging gift for anyone serving in the classroom.

The School of Obedience by Andrew Murray

As we see from Scripture, Christ was our example of full obedience to God.  He followed God's plan of redemption even to death on the cross.  In The School of Obedience, Murray lays out Christ's total surrender and how we as Christians are to follow in His steps.  This book is small, but mighty.  It's dense, thorough, and thoughtful.  Rather than presenting obedience as legalism, Murray shows the true freedom that comes from obedience and how it draws us into the fullness of Christ.

Outdated by Jonathan Pokluda

Pokluda spends each chapter addressing a myth about dating and expounding on the truth of what makes a successful relationship.  Some of the myths touch on communication, breakups, staying together, living together, the relevance of marriage, etc.  Our current hookup culture tends to send mixed messages to our teens and young adults so I've been looking for a helpful resource in this direction.  Pokluda speaks with a lot of honesty and hope about what makes a healthy dating viewpoint, and I tended to agree with him on most everything.  This is a title that I'll be adding to our teens personal growth reading list.

Fiction:

Mansfield Park by Jane Austen

Fanny Price comes to Mansfield Park as a young girl.  There her Aunt and Uncle raise her as one of their own.  Well, not quite one of their own.  She must know her place.  Still they endeavor to give her advantages that she wouldn't otherwise know.  She develops a special bond with her cousin, Edmond, and the two grow to be the most sensible of the cousins.  Over time, Fanny is approached by a wealthy suitor.  However, his playboy reputation precedes him and common sense Fanny will have nothing to do with him.  At the same time, Edmond falls for the suitor's sister, who is just as fanciful and wrapped in the seductions of wealth and image.  Fanny and Edmond must navigate their emotions, wealth, and societal expectations to find where their hearts can truly be at rest.  This is the first time I've read Mansfield Park, but felt that it's quite possibly Jane Austen's finest.  Though one of her longer novels, she writes the characters and their struggles so accurately; I couldn't put it down.  It was a page turner from beginning to end.

A Whale of the Wild by Rosanne Parry

Part of the Voice of the Wilderness series, Vega must help her family find salmon in order to survive.  But when an earthquake and tsunami separate her and her brother from the rest of the family, they must do everything they can to be reunited.  I love the way these books are written.  Parry does an incredible job of weaving fact and fiction to create a compelling story.  And in the back of the book, the author includes a tremendous amount of non-fiction concerning the animals and environment that she writes about.  These books would make wonderful unit studies for any homeschooler and treasured read alouds for any family.

Till We Have Faces by C.S. Lewis

A fresh look at the classic myth of Cupid and Psyche, Till We Have Faces centers on Psyche's older sister, Orual, and her bond with her young sister.  When Psyche is sacrificed to appease the gods, Orual goes to the forest to gather her bones and return them home for burial. But there she find Psyche alive and married to a god.  However, as far as Orual can see Psyche is being held captive by delusions, and Orual sets out to free her.  This sets off a chain of events which will alter the girls' lives forever.  This is outside my usual genre, but I couldn't put it down.  C.S. Lewis did a masterful job of taking a classic myth and crafting a gripping tale.  This book reminds us that things aren't always as they appear and even the best of intentions sometimes aren't enough.

Read Aluds:

Jungle of Bones by Ben Mikaelsen

Dylan Barstow seems to always find himself in trouble.  Embittered by his father's untimely death, Dylan is determined to live life on his own terms.  But one day when he goes too far, he finds himself on a plan with his militant uncle traveling to a country that he's never even heard of.  Uncle Todd takes Dylan to Papua New Guinea in search of Dylan's grandfather's WWII fighter plane shot down by enemy fire.  Along the way, Dylan learns what true courage looks like and what it means to fight for a good cause.  There's a little bit of language in this one, but it was early edited out by reading aloud. What I really appreciated about this title was the redemption arc of Dylan's story.  Through the course of the book, he takes a hard look at how his choices are affecting his family, and determines to make a change for the better.

The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt

Meet Holling Hoodhood, seventh grader just trying to survive middle school.  But Wednesday afternoons with Mrs. Baker prove to be a roadblock.  While half the class goes to catechism and the other half goes to Hebrew school, Holling is stuck in Mrs. Baker's class reading Shakespeare.  Over the course of the school year 1967-68, he and Mrs. Baker form an unlikely friendship against the background of the Vietnam War.  Wednesday Wars beautifully combines the everyday adventures of middle school with the impact of war on a torn nation.  As the book goes on, Mrs. Baker herself is impacted by the disappearance of her husband.  Several of the characters go on a deep, personal journey throughout the year ... touching on themes of human nature through the characters of Shakespeare.  Wednesday Wars is a comedic look at middle school life, intergenerational friendships, and the lessons we learn about ourselves.

Free Passes to 30+ California State Parks

{Image Attribution} 

In honor of America's 250th birthday, California will be issuing a special edition parks pass to 30+ California State Parks.  Once downloaded these passes are good through 2026 for unlimited visits with up to four guests.  Participating parks span the state and cover a variety of topics and interests.  The pass requires an account through ReserveCalifornia.com to download.  Check out Historian Passport for free download to save.

Weekend Links ll June 26, 2026

Why You Need Nature Walks in Your Homeschool

Gardening Projects for Homeschoolers

Color by Number Summer Scenes

U.S. Symbols Book

Fourth of July Worksheets for Preschool

2 Ingredient Cloud Dough (Pinterest Inspired)

 

My kids love all kinds of play dough.  They could spend hours molding and playing with it.  Between our basic play dough recipe, this peppermint variation, and this pink lemonade variety, we are constantly making sensory doughs.  Especially now in the summer, we love having the time to experiment with play dough.

So when I came across this cloud dough recipe on pinterest, I knew we had to try it.  And what could be simpler than flour and baby oil?  

Basic Cloud Dough

8 c. flour

1 c. baby oil (we used lavender)

closable shoebox from Dollar Tree

Just mix it all together and store in an airtight container (we used a shoebox)!

Couldn't be any easier, could it?

The verdict?

The kids love it, especially my 8 and 4 year olds.  It's so soft and shapes well.  It really does live up to it's name; you feel like you're touching a cloud.  Plus the lavender scent is beautiful.  

So tell me...

Have you ever made cloud dough?

Summer Reading List ll 2026

 Fiction:

Emma by Jane Austen

The Melody of Love by Wanda E. Bunstetter & Lorine Bunstetter Van Corbach

Till We Have Faces by C.S. Lewis

Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

Non-Fiction:

Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus by Nabeel Qureshi

Holy Sexuality and the Gospel

by Christopher Yuan

Making Peace with What I Can't Control

by Lysa trekkers

Read Alouds:

The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt

The Mona Lisa Vanishes by Nicholas Day

The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer

What are you reading this summer?

Weekend Links ll June 19, 2026

Germ Worksheets for Kindergarten

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I Spy Road Trip Prinables

Coral Reef Unit Study

Free Summer Writing Prompts

Master Books America 250 Unit Study

Fourth of July Scavenger Hunt

Do-It-Yourself: Key Lime Ice Cream

  *This post was originally published on 7/25/12.  Enjoy!

At the beginning of the year, I set 12 DIY Project goals for 2012.  July's challenge was to try out this yummy looking Key Lime Ice Cream recipe that I've had bookmarked for over a year.  To say that it was fantastic would be an understatement.  Notice the lack of photo this month?  That's because my son and I ate it too fast.  I kept meaning to go back and take a photo, but we couldn't keep our spoons out of it.  

I made a few changes based on our own tastes.  I like mine a little more sour so that was the first change, but all in all, it was one of my favorite recipes I've tried in a long time.  After all, summer is the season for homemade ice cream.  Plus the original recipe includes a link for making ice cream without a machine.  Couldn't be simpler.  Here's the yumminess we came up with:

Key Lime Ice Cream

1 1/2 c. whole milk

1 c. bottled Key Lime juice (I may have even used 1 1/2 c.)

1 c. heavy cream

1 can sweetened condensed milk

Optional: Coursely crushed graham crackers, key lime wedges

Combine milk, Key Lime juice, cream and condensed milk.  

Freeze according to manufacturer's directions.

Crush 1/3 c. of graham crackers and mix into ice cream near the end of freezing.  Transfer to a freezer safe container and freeze for 1 hr or until set.  Serve with crushed graham cracker topping and key lime wedges.

Weekend Links ll June 12, 2026

 

Tips for Homeschooling While Traveling

Free Printable Travel Brochure Template

Healthy Eating on a Budget

Scavenger Hunt Printables for Teens & Tweens

Free Printable Summer Bingo

20 Ways to Raise A Baby On A Budget

 *This post was originally published on 3/30/15.  Enjoy! 

1. Breastfeed if you can-- Breastfeeding is the healthiest and most economical way to feed your baby in the first year.  While some mom's can't breastfeed, many can.  It's a great way to bond with your child and provide a free meal.  And if you're having trouble, contact your local hospital to find a nursing consult in your area.

2. Borrow a breast pump (or go in on one)-- If you need a breast pump, check with your friends to see if you can borrow one.  Even with replacing a few parts, borrowing will save you a ton of money. I also know a couple of sisters who chose to purchase a breast pump together, knowing that they were both at the beginning of their parenting journeys.

3. Get a breast pump for free-- Some insurance companies will cover the cost of a brand new breast pump.  Most require a prescription from your physician.  Some will even cover delivery.  Call the number on the back of your insurance card to find out what's covered.

4. Cloth diaper-- Cloth diapering can save you a load of money.  Buy used, on discount, or from a friend and save even more.  While the initial investment is a little steep, you'll save a a ton of money in the long run.

5. Borrow items-- Borrow a jumper, a bassinet, or a stroller... if your friend is willing to lend, be honest with your needs.  Just be sure to be considerate.  Try to return items in the same or better condition.

6. Buy used-- Not everything has to be new.  Kids grow so quickly, especially in the first year.  Most moms (and grandparents) are so excited when they find out about a pregnancy, they go out and over shop.  You'd be amazed at the quality, or even new, items you can find in second hand stores and at yard sales.

7. Shop discount-- Besides second hand store, you can also find quality items at discount stores.  Places like T.J. Maxx, Ross, outlets, and more regularly have nice baby items on their racks.

8. Invest in a quality items-- While it might seem contradictory, sometimes spending more upfront will actually save you in the long run.  Spend your money on quality furniture, car seats, and strollers to save money later on.

9. Buy items that convert--Cribs, strollers, and car seats can all be bought to convert.  The initial cost is higher, but it saves money in the long run.

10. Make your own baby food-- Invest in a Baby Bullet or an immersion wand, some fresh fruits and vegetables, and check out the ideas right here on Creative2xmom.  Making baby food is healthy and easy.  Make a big batch and freeze in individual servings.

11. Ask for freebies--Be sure to contact formula, diaper, and baby care companies with your due date.  Once you're a part of their mailing list, you'll start to receive freebies and samples that stretch your budget just that extra little bit.

12. Use coupons-- As a part of being on these company mailing lists, you'll also receive lots of coupons.  Besides that keep a look out for coupons on websites and in the paper and couple them with diaper sales and the Target cartwheel.

13. Register at Babies R Us--By registering with Babies R Us, you can receive a percentage off the unpurchased items after the baby arrives.  So put some nicer items on your list and receive a discount on items you'll already need to purchase.

14. Keep it simple--Simple is always inexpensive.  Do you need the sound machine that plays 10 sounds or the one that plays 3?  Do you need the full nursery set or a few piece to build at a time?

15. Learn the fine art of photography--Pictures are very expensive.  And if you're like me, you want to have pictures taken every time they breath.  So get your camera out, experiment with lighting and poses, and learn how to take them yourself.  You can do it!

16. Take advantage of tax deductions--Twenty to thirty-five percent of child care expenses can be deducted on your taxes, based on your income.  Talk to your tax preparer for more information.

17. Fight the culture--You don't need every gadget under the sun.  Purchase just a few simple items to get started and see what you need from you.  Babies grow slowly and there will be time to purchase more as you need.

18. Exchange items with a friend--Do you have a friend that's a step or two ahead of you?  Maybe she has some clothing or items you can borrow.  What about that friend that's newly pregnant?  Maybe she can use your maternity clothes before your next pregnancy.  Beware who you swap with, but with the right mix of friends, you can save a lot of money.

19. Buy ahead--For clothing, try to buy a size or season ahead.  Watch for end of the season sales and stock up on basic items for the next year.  Make sure you get on our favorite stores mailing lists for coupons and sales ads.  Skip trying this with shoes.  I've found my children's shoes sizes too hard to predict and I end up loosing money.

20. DIY--If you're the DIY type, why not repurpose old furniture for the nursery?  Older pieces tend to be more durable anyways and you can easy find a variety of ideas on pinterest.  This is also a great idea for room decor, storage ideas, bedding, etc.

21.  Get creative--Is there an item you just have to have?  Jot down the price and a quick sketch.  Then go home and think it over.  Do you already have something that you can use in place of this item?  Is there something that can multi-task or be used in place of something new?

How are you raising a baby on a budget?

2025-26 High School Homeschool Favorites

Read-Alouds:

Listening for Lions by Gloria Whalen

When the flu sweeps through her African village, Rachael Sheridan finds herself orphaned... and abducted by a couple trying to find their way back to England.  The Pritchards' try to use Rachael to get into favor with her "grandfather" so they can return home to the family fortune.  Posing as Valerie, she and the grandfather strike up a friendship.  But when the Pritchards return, Rachael finds that she can no longer keep up the facade.  But what will her confession do to Grandfather?  I wasn't sure what to expect from this book, but we really loved it.  The characters were so well written and the storyline kept us engaged from cover to cover. Listening for Lions is a beautiful story about love and loss, growing up, and finding home.  Really great work.

Turtles of the Midnight Moon by Maria Jose Fitzgerald

Twelve year old Barana is fascinated by the sea turtles that visit her coastal home in Honduras.   And she's equally as determined to preserve their nests for generations to come.

Aberdeen is struggling to fit into her life in the states, where she's never quite felt like the other kids.

When Abby gets the chance for a two week visit to Honduras with her father, the girls become unlikely allies in tracking down the poaches that are terrorizing the island.

This is an age appropriate mystery about friendship, preservation, and family, all themes appropriate for tweens and middle schoolers.  We loved reading this one and hope you will too!

PragerU Citizenship 101

I actually stumbled on these through their Youtube channel.  It was good timing as my daughter is taking Civics and Government this year.  I've always wondered at what questions are on the citizenship test, and this series gave us a really good idea.  Plus the site includes a citizenship quiz to access what you know.  Thorough and entertaining, it was a good crash course in the citizenship test. (FREE)

Facing the Facts

Health and Sexuality is just a hard topic to cover with middle school and young high schoolers.  We've tried a couple of different curriculums, and while they were decent, this book was the most thorough resource I've found for this age.  It's honest, accurate, and age appropriate.  It really took the mystery and fear about of approaching this topic with my son, and I wish I had found this book sooner.  I cannot recommend it highly enough.

Classics for Kids

Trying to incorporate more composer study in our homeschool has been a challenge.  I've loosely used Ambleside Online, but finding Classics for Kids has been a game changer.  I've followed the AO schedule of composers, and when I can, I look up the composer on Classics for Kids.  Each composers has around 4 episodes, each 6 min. long, the perfect length for listening and discussing during Morning Time.  It gives us a good taste of the composers style which we then transfer into listening to their compositions throughout the week. (FREE)

No Sweat Nature Study

I'm sneaking this one in from last year since I didn't do a favorites for 2024-25.  We had the year long subscription last year and loved it.  These bi-weekly live classes are taught by Cindy West who thoroughly researches and presents the information.  Each class is about a hour long and she gets so much information into that hour.  Besides teaching the information, she also leads students in drawing about what they're learning and answering questions live.  Plus if you can't make the live classes, they're recorded and available for later viewing.  The archives are extensive and we would often pair a nature study class with what we were learning in our every day curriculum.  This class is amazing!

World Watch News

World Watch News has been come a daily staple in our house.  As part of our Morning Time, WWN is just the right length to keep my high schoolers informed on major world events, without delaying their day too much.  We also enjoy the fact that news segments don't talk down to our students.  They are treated respectfully.  One of my favorite things about WWN is the Reality Check segment that airs once a week.  This short addition teaches kids to how to look at and think through societal issues using a Christian lens.  I have to confess that it's challenged me a time or two as well.  

Bible Recap

I've used this one in the past couple of years, but it would so be appropriate for high schoolers.  Each day I read 2-4 chapters in the Bible (presented chronologically) and then read the daily Bible recap.  This resource has been invaluable in helping me understand some of the harder parts of scripture.  And even more than that, it's helped me to see different aspects of the Lord that I hadn't previously noticed.  I love the resource and highly suggest it for anyone wanting to enrich their devotions.

All Creatures Great and Small

This one is just for fun.  I had heard good things about this series and convinced my husband to check it out with me.  It's based on the life of James Herriot, a vet in England, and the people and animals that he interacted with.  We've found the dialogue to be witty and playful, and the drama to be just enough to keep us interested, but a delightful escape from reality.  While it's primarily my husband and I that watch, the teenagers drift in and out, and seem to enjoy it as well.  Plus I never have to worry about inappropriate scenes appearing or suggestive dialogue.  Just clean, and family appropriate.

What were some of your favorites from this homeschool year?