This Weekend: Creative Healing Retreat – Tea Time, Gardening, Foraging, Pottery, Jewelry Making and More!

Saturday, July 8, from 10am-2pm I’m opening up Olive Branch Farm for a Creative Healing Retreat.
The Medical Tea Gardens and Permaculture Zones are their peak. Everything is a bit wild, but even the lush “weeds” have vast healing properties and are ready to process.

What is going to happen?
I’m going to have one on one time with each person who shows up to explore the specific benefits the plants and teas can have on your wellness, I’ll also spend time with you individually to brainstorm with you and answer questions about homeschooling or family issues that you may want to talk about.

While I’m having one on one time with each individual or couple or parent/child- the whole property and facilities will be set up for you to be creative, to serve, and to relax. Whatever brings you the most joy. What brings you peace and feels therapeutic? Find a couple hours here for that special time… from reading, swimming, painting pottery, helping with gardening and weeding, making jewelry or watercolors. Bring a camera and practice photography. Spend time with the horses…. Lunch will be provided.

The recommended contribution is $50 or 2 hours of volunteering at Olive Branch Farm.

This is for moms with babies, and for parents with children 9+ who can entertain themselves without getting into trouble. The day is not set up for ages 2.5-8.

All ages are welcome at 2:30pm to volunteer and at 4:30 to swim and relax, no more work!

If two parents come with the kids at 2:30-4:30 you may take turns volunteering and watching your kids swim and play.

Parents must watch their own kids in the pool area. Since we are trying to make this a productive day of cleaning and organizing the facilities it will not be helpful if a zillion kids are free-ranging like they do on co-op days.

All the details here: https://www.facebook.com/events/616371383379518/

Taco Bar at 5:30 (bring stuff to put in a tortilla)
Worship Night 6:30 all ages welcome. 

Summer Day Camp at Olive Branch Farm!

Do you have a child or teen ages 8+ interested art, music, dance, singing, voice, painting, improve, YouTubing, costumes, piano & acting?

Time: 11am-5pm

The Olive Branch Arts & Acting Camp would be Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays for four weeks in a row starting July 18th.

The cost will be $75 per week. If you sign up for all four weeks the final week is free.

Let me know if you have a child ages 8+ that will be joining us! If I get 10 “yes” responses in the next couple days we will launch the camp.

Dates:

July 18-20

July 25-27

August 1-3

August 8-10

Since the camp is organized around a three day project each week, we can only accept participants who can commit to a three day week. Your kids can come for one week or all four.

Join this group to learn more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/230250036494994/

Come Pray

My daughter Anna Miriam Brown is the Author of His Story the Musical. Opening Night was Thursday, May 18th! Though it’s a Broadway Team putting on this show, the message of truth is loud and clear. People are moved to tears and are gathering in the lobby and outside the tent after the shows for prayer and reflection. People are saying that they feel God’s Spirit moving in a powerful way.

Our producer felt inspired by these moments to offer a specific time for prayer and reflection after the shows this weekend.

I had a personal connection with leaders at Upperroom Church, near by, and shared the idea, they were so supportive and excited about the idea, after bringing their youth group last week. We felt moved to collaborate with their worship team to lead worship with my daughter Anna on Friday night until around midnight- we will see what God does!

We also have a very special connection with Gateway Church and Anchor Church, so they are collaborating with us to lead worship on Saturday and Sunday nights!!!! It doesn’t matter who you are, what church you are part of, or if you are still your journey of exploring your own path and just want to experience this moment with us. All are welcome!

People are feeling like revival is in the air, and we are praying for God to bring an outpouring of grace, holiness, healing, rescue, reconciliation and favor upon this movement!

Pray that this tent is filled with His glory, and the glory NEVER ceases!

Josh and I will be there! Eight of our older kids will be there too. We are willing to pray for those who come who need a touch from God. We especially need to come together to pray for favor for this musical and for wisdom and courage for all involved.

Register for the event here to get your free tickets (value $35 – $200+ on Ticket Master):

http://hisstorythemusical.com/pray

Budget Friendly Tips from Real Fun-Schooling Moms!

Recently in our main Fun-Schooling Mom Support Group we asked these questions:

How does your family Fun-School on a budget?

What are your favorite free and cheap resources to use with Fun-Schooling Journals?

Here are some great responses from our some of our Fun-Schooling Moms!

I have a few ideas on how to Fun-School on a budget.

Resources at the library free.

YouTube videos are free.

Streaming on most devices are free and you can get a lot of documentaries.

Having each child just pick out a core journal and using the free resources above would be very affordable.

A.M.B.

Library books, YouTube and streaming services for videos, “buy nothing” Facebook pages, public access parks/nature centers, Teachers Pay Teachers.

J.C.

Definitely the library is resource number one. Then “buy nothing” groups, yard sales, thrift stores, and eBay.

A.S.M.

Crash Courses on YouTube.

S.B.

We have 5 kiddos, and we love to visit our local library for free resources in the community! We love checking out documentaries, living books, handicraft themed magazines! We also love the Life Skills Fun-Schooling books to learn with what we have at home.

L.S.

Library and online resources: Britannica, BrainPOP, BrainPOP Jr, Trueflix

J.B.

We go to the civil war reinactments for history and also the cemetery, and for math we count train cars as they go by our house, and of course the library. Another great way learn is reading signs like historical landmark signs. We love our Fun-Schooling books. It’s not every day you get a kid who asks “Can we learn about something?” on a weekend, but we always try to say yes.

L.R.

Public library for switching out books as interests change. Thrift books for books they love or if you don’t have a library close. Jesse Robertson Keep it Colorful painting tutorials for the artists (2 free a week on her site). Pizazz Art tutorials with watercolors on You tube and other videos and documentaries on the topic of choice. Free printables from Teachers Pay Teachers or any google search of “free printables” including the topic in the search bar, buying when there is a sale to prepare for future studies. Also, The Good and the Beautiful has free Language Arts and Math curriculum for download on their website. Oklahoma School for the Deaf offers 2 free sign language courses(prerecorded at your own leisure). Sorry for the jumbled and unorganized thoughts, just typing as it comes to me. Hope this helps someone!!

K.A.

Epic book app for books on the go, this way I don’t have to run to the library to check out when we change it up last minute.

Pinterest for craft ideas. We tend to craft and art with every thing. So I keep cardboard tubes, egg cartons, pipe cleaners and so much more in bins and then when we do a new topic like different fish or animals we look up crafts for them and make them.

A.U.

Click here to read more great tips!

You’re Invited to Tea Time with Sarah

In previous blog posts, I’ve shared about how “Tea Therapy” has been healthy for me and our children. I’ve also written about our Poetry Tea Time together.

In February, we hosted our first Medicinal Tea Workshop at Olive Branch Farm. Click here if you’d like details about attending our upcoming event: Creative Retreat – Tea Time, Gardening, Foraging, Pottery, Jewelry Making and More! The date is June 3, at Olive Branch Farm.

Since then, I’ve started a new Facebook group entitled Tea Time with Sarah Janisse Brown. I’d love for you to come join me! I’ve just put together 19 tea boxes, and am in the process of compiling orders for 15 more. Come to the group for details, and click here to order your box!

Disclaimer: Although we are firm believers in the benefits of herbal teas and herbal products, we are not medical practitioners and cannot diagnose or treat any disease.

Statements made on this website regarding the herbal and natural products offered on this website have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration as the FDA does not evaluate or test herbs.

The information presented on this site is provided for informational purposes only, it is not meant to substitute for medical advice or diagnosis provided by your physician or other medical professionals. Do not use this information to diagnose, treat or cure any illness or health condition.

If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, consult with your physician for diagnosis or treatment. Use herbs as per instructions and always watch for any allergic reactions.

You should always carefully read all product packaging and labels. Always consult your physician or health care provider before using any herbal products, especially if you have a medical problem.

We assume no liability for any injury, illness, or adverse effects caused by the misuse and/or use of the information or products presented on this website.

Please visit this FDA website to clear any confusions you have about food and dietary products and their ingredients: https://www.fda.gov/Food/DietarySupplements/default.htm

UPDATE His Story: The Musical!

At the time of this writing, there are only 34 days until the opening of His Story: The Musical! Read here about the cast!

It’s pretty incredible to listen to Anna’s story about how she happened to write this musical…go here to see the tent raising!

Watch the video at the bottom!

Listen to the tracks, and get tickets and updates here!

Is His Story the Musical Biblical? The Perspective of a 72-year-old Grandmother!

Guest post by Georgia Weyant Janisse.

People are asking.

His Story the Musical is faithful to the Bible.  It begins with the words that begin the Gospel of John: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”  In the musical Jesus is born of a virgin, heals the sick, cleanses the leper, raises the dead, feeds the 5,000, walks on water; and He is crucified and dies – then raises from the dead! 

Yes, there are some added backstories.  The Bible doesn’t tell us that Mary had been praying for the coming of the Messiah; or if Matthew was feeling trapped by his own greed, in his life as a tax collector; and we don’t know if the leper who said to Jesus “If you are willing, You can make me clean” had a family that he was isolated from.  But the Bible is silent in many of the details of people’s lives – as John wrote in the very last verse of his gospel: “And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.” (John 21:25) In this way His Story is similar to how The Chosen adds backstories and personalities without interfering with the biblical doctrine.

This musical was created to reach nonbelievers and people who might never go to church or listen to a preacher, or even open a Bible – and show them who Jesus is, His love, His compassion, His sacrifice, His power, His ability to bring hope and new life.  It communicates to this generation the way the music of the Jesus Movement reached my generation.  

Fifty years ago, my life was totally and permanently transformed by the love and power of Jesus.  The new Christian music of the early 1970s – with electric guitars and drums had a beat and sound that had never before been used to bring glory to God.  His Story the Musical is unique and created for this time.  It’s true to the Bible and displays Jesus clearly to this generation – not aimed primarily at Christians, though it is a wonderful blessing to so many believers.   In these fifty years of living for Christ, I have always been reading through the Bible – most years I have read through the complete Bible – though some years I have slowed down a little and take a year and a half, or two. I love God’s Word and have a solid grasp on what is scriptural and what is not. I love listening to His Story and I can’t wait to see it on stage. (click here to continue reading)

Fun-Schooling Super Sale Extended through Sunday! New Books Added to the List!

Here are all the books currently on sale that are available (the books that never got discounted by Amazon have been swapped out for new sales), with Sarah’s affiliate links hyperlinked so she’ll get the most profit from each sale. Please be patient if you do not yet see the price change. We can request, but have to wait for Amazon to update. The entire sale will be live until midnight on Sunday, February 19th!

On the Fence About Fun-Schooling?

People are curious about this refreshing way to educate their children–a way that nurtures a love of learning, accommodates learning differences, and gives children the freedom to learn about what they love while developing their researching skills, independence, and critical thinking.

So many learning styles are addressed as students write, scrapbook, color, complete Art & Logic exercises, draw, research, do puzzles, try experiments…the entire approach is very creative!

This blog and and our online presence has exploded with activity just in the past week or so:

We’ve had numerous great giveaways recently (don’t miss this one right here at the blog!) and LOTS of journals are currently marked down significantly.

If you’ve been waiting to try Fun-Schooling, there has never been a better time to dip a toe in…or just JUMP IN feet first!

If you’ve already fully immersed your family, share this post with a curious friend!

Happy Anniversary (and a Giveaway to Celebrate!)

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. THE THREE WINNERS HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED IN THE COMMENTS, WITH INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO RECEIVE THEIR GIFTS. CONGRATULATIONS!

This week we celebrate one year since the launch of this new blog!

  • We’ve had over 26,000 visitors since our launch
  • There are currently over 170 posts to enjoy, in 30 different categories
  • Our blog has had almost 61,000 views
  • There has been over 9,000 shares of our content on various social media platforms–keep spreading the news!
  • On average, we have a little more than 150 folks coming to the site per day (this month our daily average rocketed to 689!)
  • Our most popular post of 2022 is “Discover Your Child’s Secret Learning Language with Legos”
  • So far, in 2023 our most popular post is this week’s “All the Sales and Discounts” with over 11,400 views in less than 2 days!

To celebrate, we’ll be having a very special giveaway! THREE WINNERS will each receive:

  • 3 Brain Games Books
  • Flip to Fun-Schooling
  • Praying for the World
  • Brain Booster Tea crafted by Sarah
  • A hand made pottery mug made by Sarah’s girls

To Enter:

  • Share this blog post
  • Comment below on this post on the blog, telling us what your favorite blog post has been this past year (be sure your email is provided in the comment)
  • Winners will be drawn on February 17th and given instructions via email on how to receive their prizes