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| This page is designed to provide you with Encouragement and Inspiration. Praying our way through our days is the best way to accomplish a life of homeschooling in obedience to God.
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6
 Are you weary and tired? |
Encouragement Today/ Sitting At Home, Alone/Proverbs 31 Devotion
This was
just too good to not share with you all as well. It was the devotion from
yesterday, but I missed it. Thinking God wanted me to see it today instead. It
was so good that I shared it with my Duck as well. I hope it touches your heart
as much as it did mine.
Devotions | Proverbs 31 Ministries
Daily Devotion for February 21, 2013 Sitting At Home, Alone
By Lysa TerKeurstAbout
LysaView Our
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Devotions | Proverbs 31 Ministries
Daily Devotion for February 21, 2013 Sitting At Home, Alone
By Lysa TerKeurstAbout
LysaView Our
ArchivesCategories:
Confidence, Identity in Christ
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"For
in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been
given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority."
Colossians 2:9-10 (NIV 1984)
They were laughing in their matching neon pink t-shirts with the words "Bethany's Birthday Girls" printed on the front. They were going bowling after school. Then to get pizza. Then a sleep over.
When Bethany passed out the shirts that morning I pretended to be too busy to notice. I stayed hyper focused on unpacking my book bag into my locker. And then I hurried off to my first class.
It was clear. Bethany had made a list of her friends and I hadn't been included. I thought I would be. We'd gotten together before. I'd invited her to my pool party.
"No big deal," I tried to tell myself all day. I had plans that night too.
To sit at home. Alone. And wonder why I hadn't been chosen.
It's been years since I watched those neon pink shirts all pile into a station wagon after school and drive away. But it hasn't been years since I've heard the negative inside chatter that ensued afterwards.
"You're not liked."
"You weren't invited."
"You weren't chosen."
Here's what I wish I could have told my little non-wearing pink t-shirt self back then ... and what I need to remember when those same feelings creep in today ...
Don't put the whole of your identity into the smallness of this situation.
Not getting a pink t-shirt that day felt like a defining moment. And maybe it was for that day. I wasn't invited to Bethany's party. And that stunk.
But it wasn't a defining moment of my identity.
It was a moment. And moments shift. People are fickle. People shift.
In the moment Bethany made the list of who to invite to her party, I wasn't on the top of her mind. Not because she didn't like me, but simply because she hadn't thought about it. It was a small situation.
And I can't put the whole of my identity into the smallness of this situation. Or any other for that matter.
My pastor used a verse in his sermon recently that echoes these same thoughts, "For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ" (Colossians 2:9-10).
I have been given fullness. I am filled up by Christ. With acceptance. With love. With all the fullness of an identity that can't be shaken.
I can place the wholeness of my identity in that reality ... and see everything else as small in comparison.
Dear Lord, I praise You for Your faithfulness to me in every situation. I don't want to get hung up on the small things of this world. Please help me to place the wholeness of my identity in who You are and the everlasting acceptance that You provide. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Lysa TerKeurst has a special gift that she's giving away on her blog today – personalized scriptures you can print out and use as daily reminders of your "fullness" in Christ. Click here for more information.
If you have a daughter or know another young woman who might need encouragement for her walk with the Lord, Lysa TerKeurst's book What Happens When Young Women Say Yes to God would be a perfect gift. Click here to purchase your copy.
Reflect and Respond:
What past hurt are you still processing that seemed like a defining moment in your life?
Reflect on our key verse and power verses. Write them down in a place where you'll see them every day. This will help you remember what God says we are to Him – His beloved children who have been saved through His grace.
Power Verses:
Ephesians 2:4-5, "But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved." (NIV)
John 1:12-13, Yet to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God — children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God." (NIV)
They were laughing in their matching neon pink t-shirts with the words "Bethany's Birthday Girls" printed on the front. They were going bowling after school. Then to get pizza. Then a sleep over.
When Bethany passed out the shirts that morning I pretended to be too busy to notice. I stayed hyper focused on unpacking my book bag into my locker. And then I hurried off to my first class.
It was clear. Bethany had made a list of her friends and I hadn't been included. I thought I would be. We'd gotten together before. I'd invited her to my pool party.
"No big deal," I tried to tell myself all day. I had plans that night too.
To sit at home. Alone. And wonder why I hadn't been chosen.
It's been years since I watched those neon pink shirts all pile into a station wagon after school and drive away. But it hasn't been years since I've heard the negative inside chatter that ensued afterwards.
"You're not liked."
"You weren't invited."
"You weren't chosen."
Here's what I wish I could have told my little non-wearing pink t-shirt self back then ... and what I need to remember when those same feelings creep in today ...
Don't put the whole of your identity into the smallness of this situation.
Not getting a pink t-shirt that day felt like a defining moment. And maybe it was for that day. I wasn't invited to Bethany's party. And that stunk.
But it wasn't a defining moment of my identity.
It was a moment. And moments shift. People are fickle. People shift.
In the moment Bethany made the list of who to invite to her party, I wasn't on the top of her mind. Not because she didn't like me, but simply because she hadn't thought about it. It was a small situation.
And I can't put the whole of my identity into the smallness of this situation. Or any other for that matter.
My pastor used a verse in his sermon recently that echoes these same thoughts, "For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ" (Colossians 2:9-10).
I have been given fullness. I am filled up by Christ. With acceptance. With love. With all the fullness of an identity that can't be shaken.
I can place the wholeness of my identity in that reality ... and see everything else as small in comparison.
Dear Lord, I praise You for Your faithfulness to me in every situation. I don't want to get hung up on the small things of this world. Please help me to place the wholeness of my identity in who You are and the everlasting acceptance that You provide. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Lysa TerKeurst has a special gift that she's giving away on her blog today – personalized scriptures you can print out and use as daily reminders of your "fullness" in Christ. Click here for more information.
If you have a daughter or know another young woman who might need encouragement for her walk with the Lord, Lysa TerKeurst's book What Happens When Young Women Say Yes to God would be a perfect gift. Click here to purchase your copy.
Reflect and Respond:
What past hurt are you still processing that seemed like a defining moment in your life?
Reflect on our key verse and power verses. Write them down in a place where you'll see them every day. This will help you remember what God says we are to Him – His beloved children who have been saved through His grace.
Power Verses:
Ephesians 2:4-5, "But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved." (NIV)
John 1:12-13, Yet to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God — children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God." (NIV)
Encouragement Today ~ Are you busy?
Life has us so busy now
that we all accept this as "normal", but
yet this normal has us stressed out, weary, and often times just tapped out of
the love and happiness we need to have for our spouses and our children.
While I am here on the topic of children, they are also maxed out on overload. Between co~ops, homework, school work, soccor
practices, gymnastics, piano lessons and church activities, we wonder why our
family has lost it's happiness, love, and patience for each other. How many of
you wonder why our kids are grouchy
disrespectful, uncooperative, and tired? This might be the answer. The
problem lies with how do we say no to some the activities above? The kids need
these activities because it is good for them, but I have to ask at what cost? What cost is all of this good for
them? Then how about you? Are you able to be
happy and show your children and spouse the love you have for them when you are so
busy because you have to run out the door several times in a given day to go
here and there and every where? By the time you get home you have just enough
time to throw the laundry in the washing machine or throw the frozen dinner into
the oven because you don't have the time to make a home made supper for them, or
is supper on a regular basis the stop at the local fast food chain? God doesn't want this "busy" for us. He wants us to
enjoy a slower life. He can't bless you or your family to His fullest if
we aren't willing to be obedient to Him by slowing down. As parents we need to
set the tone for our children. They learn from
us. What are we teaching them?
We found encouragement through Duck's bible lesson in
school today by finding out that it is okay to not be this "busy". The bible commands us to not be "busy" in 1 Thes
4:11 -12. God is trying to teach us, "to aspire to lead a quiet life...that we may lack for
nothing." Do you think God instructed us to do this
because He knew we weren't made to keep up with these busy lives? God created us to live life to the fullest, but this
isn't possible when our lives are so busy that we forget to lead them.
God wants us to slow down
in this crazy world we live in. As moms and teachers what are we teaching our
kids if we let busy run our lives? Let's take this week together and slow down long enough to "smell the roses" around us. Let's slow down
this week so we can fill our children's love
banks back up again with the love and happiness God created each of us to
have. In doing this we might find the happiness
in ourselves, our children and our spouses. When that happiness comes
back remember to thank God for His
command, "to aspire to lead a quiet life" and cherish His blessings for
it.
_____________________________________________________________________
This is an after thought for all of you. When I wrote
this post I wrote it from my God inspired heart. I wrote it from a weary and
worn out heart of living this very busy life I described above. I am writing
this as I am trying to recuperate from an insanely busy 4 month time period. I
know first hand how tiring this life style can be and it breaks my heart for
those of you who are still in this season.
I
completely understand that many of you may be here now with no way out due to
having small children, taking care of children and elderly parents, multiple
special needs children and so forth. Those are areas in life that make for a
busy schedule. The reason for this post are for those of us who have the means
to control this schedule even if it is difficult to start. This is difficult to
start because it is going to begin with setting some boundaries with every
member of your family. Boundaries aren't always pleasent, but is a necessity if
you are going to aquire a quieter life.
It is my
full intention to not hurt anyone who has a busy life. God inspired me to write
this to tell others what I am "learning" myself. I say learning because I
haven't completely figured out how to slow down to God's standard, but I am
working on it. It is my desire that God will touch your heart if this is meant
for you and that He will work with you as He is working with me. I am not sure
where this post came from honestly because I didn't set out to write anything
today, but God gave me the words for someone whom He is trying to reach. If
this is you, take this situation to God and allow Him to bless you with the life
He has for you.
Life has us so busy now that we all accept this as "normal", but yet this normal has us stressed out, weary, and often times just tapped out of the love and happiness we need to have for our spouses and our children.
While I am here on the topic of children, they are also maxed out on overload. Between co~ops, homework, school work, soccor practices, gymnastics, piano lessons and church activities, we wonder why our family has lost it's happiness, love, and patience for each other. How many of you wonder why our kids are grouchy disrespectful, uncooperative, and tired? This might be the answer. The problem lies with how do we say no to some the activities above? The kids need these activities because it is good for them, but I have to ask at what cost? What cost is all of this good for them? Then how about you? Are you able to be happy and show your children and spouse the love you have for them when you are so busy because you have to run out the door several times in a given day to go here and there and every where? By the time you get home you have just enough time to throw the laundry in the washing machine or throw the frozen dinner into the oven because you don't have the time to make a home made supper for them, or is supper on a regular basis the stop at the local fast food chain? God doesn't want this "busy" for us. He wants us to enjoy a slower life. He can't bless you or your family to His fullest if we aren't willing to be obedient to Him by slowing down. As parents we need to set the tone for our children. They learn from us. What are we teaching them?
We found encouragement through Duck's bible lesson in school today by finding out that it is okay to not be this "busy". The bible commands us to not be "busy" in 1 Thes 4:11 -12. God is trying to teach us, "to aspire to lead a quiet life...that we may lack for nothing." Do you think God instructed us to do this because He knew we weren't made to keep up with these busy lives? God created us to live life to the fullest, but this isn't possible when our lives are so busy that we forget to lead them.
God wants us to slow down in this crazy world we live in. As moms and teachers what are we teaching our kids if we let busy run our lives? Let's take this week together and slow down long enough to "smell the roses" around us. Let's slow down this week so we can fill our children's love banks back up again with the love and happiness God created each of us to have. In doing this we might find the happiness in ourselves, our children and our spouses. When that happiness comes back remember to thank God for His command, "to aspire to lead a quiet life" and cherish His blessings for it.
_____________________________________________________________________
This is an after thought for all of you. When I wrote this post I wrote it from my God inspired heart. I wrote it from a weary and worn out heart of living this very busy life I described above. I am writing this as I am trying to recuperate from an insanely busy 4 month time period. I know first hand how tiring this life style can be and it breaks my heart for those of you who are still in this season.
I completely understand that many of you may be here now with no way out due to having small children, taking care of children and elderly parents, multiple special needs children and so forth. Those are areas in life that make for a busy schedule. The reason for this post are for those of us who have the means to control this schedule even if it is difficult to start. This is difficult to start because it is going to begin with setting some boundaries with every member of your family. Boundaries aren't always pleasent, but is a necessity if you are going to aquire a quieter life.
It is my full intention to not hurt anyone who has a busy life. God inspired me to write this to tell others what I am "learning" myself. I say learning because I haven't completely figured out how to slow down to God's standard, but I am working on it. It is my desire that God will touch your heart if this is meant for you and that He will work with you as He is working with me. I am not sure where this post came from honestly because I didn't set out to write anything today, but God gave me the words for someone whom He is trying to reach. If this is you, take this situation to God and allow Him to bless you with the life He has for you.
Life has us so busy now that we all accept this as "normal", but yet this normal has us stressed out, weary, and often times just tapped out of the love and happiness we need to have for our spouses and our children.
While I am here on the topic of children, they are also maxed out on overload. Between co~ops, homework, school work, soccor practices, gymnastics, piano lessons and church activities, we wonder why our family has lost it's happiness, love, and patience for each other. How many of you wonder why our kids are grouchy disrespectful, uncooperative, and tired? This might be the answer. The problem lies with how do we say no to some the activities above? The kids need these activities because it is good for them, but I have to ask at what cost? What cost is all of this good for them? Then how about you? Are you able to be happy and show your children and spouse the love you have for them when you are so busy because you have to run out the door several times in a given day to go here and there and every where? By the time you get home you have just enough time to throw the laundry in the washing machine or throw the frozen dinner into the oven because you don't have the time to make a home made supper for them, or is supper on a regular basis the stop at the local fast food chain? God doesn't want this "busy" for us. He wants us to enjoy a slower life. He can't bless you or your family to His fullest if we aren't willing to be obedient to Him by slowing down. As parents we need to set the tone for our children. They learn from us. What are we teaching them?
We found encouragement through Duck's bible lesson in school today by finding out that it is okay to not be this "busy". The bible commands us to not be "busy" in 1 Thes 4:11 -12. God is trying to teach us, "to aspire to lead a quiet life...that we may lack for nothing." Do you think God instructed us to do this because He knew we weren't made to keep up with these busy lives? God created us to live life to the fullest, but this isn't possible when our lives are so busy that we forget to lead them.
God wants us to slow down in this crazy world we live in. As moms and teachers what are we teaching our kids if we let busy run our lives? Let's take this week together and slow down long enough to "smell the roses" around us. Let's slow down this week so we can fill our children's love banks back up again with the love and happiness God created each of us to have. In doing this we might find the happiness in ourselves, our children and our spouses. When that happiness comes back remember to thank God for His command, "to aspire to lead a quiet life" and cherish His blessings for it.
_____________________________________________________________________
This is an after thought for all of you. When I wrote this post I wrote it from my God inspired heart. I wrote it from a weary and worn out heart of living this very busy life I described above. I am writing this as I am trying to recuperate from an insanely busy 4 month time period. I know first hand how tiring this life style can be and it breaks my heart for those of you who are still in this season.
I completely understand that many of you may be here now with no way out due to having small children, taking care of children and elderly parents, multiple special needs children and so forth. Those are areas in life that make for a busy schedule. The reason for this post are for those of us who have the means to control this schedule even if it is difficult to start. This is difficult to start because it is going to begin with setting some boundaries with every member of your family. Boundaries aren't always pleasent, but is a necessity if you are going to aquire a quieter life.
It is my full intention to not hurt anyone who has a busy life. God inspired me to write this to tell others what I am "learning" myself. I say learning because I haven't completely figured out how to slow down to God's standard, but I am working on it. It is my desire that God will touch your heart if this is meant for you and that He will work with you as He is working with me. I am not sure where this post came from honestly because I didn't set out to write anything today, but God gave me the words for someone whom He is trying to reach. If this is you, take this situation to God and allow Him to bless you with the life He has for you.
Encouragement Today ~ Mothering
Good Morning Sweet
Friends,
A dear and wise friend of mine sent me an email yesterday and included this passage in it. I found such encouragement from it that I wanted to share it here as well. I sought her permission before reposting it and she graciously agreed with the hopes it encourages you as well.
Give because it is your role ~ we give the smile, the cheerful greeting, the hug, the compliment, the encouragement, the praise, the time, the listening.
I
just want to encourage each of you - that when mothering and all the tasks
involved seem to be just a check-list and you are feeling under appreciated,
run-downed and tired - to remember that God has called us to mother joyfully. We were given this special job
from our Father. Find your rest in Him and let Him restore your strength, your
fight, and your desire to meet your children's need with joy.
A dear and wise friend of mine sent me an email yesterday and included this passage in it. I found such encouragement from it that I wanted to share it here as well. I sought her permission before reposting it and she graciously agreed with the hopes it encourages you as well.
This excerpt came from a
mothering chapter in an Elizabeth George book.
1. A
heart that prays - begin each by praying for your children - it
benefits then in countless
ways
2.
A heart that provides - we provide
motherly affection, food, clean clothing, and a safe home
3.
A
heart that is happy - children need to know that you will be
happy. We need to be consistent with our moods.
Psalm 113:9 "He maketh the barren woman to keep house and
to be a JOYFUL mother of children."
Are
we "lighting up" when we see our
children?
4. A
heart that gives - do we give and serve with affection, warmth,
and energy?
Three
reasons to give:
Give because it is your role ~ we give the smile, the cheerful greeting, the hug, the compliment, the encouragement, the praise, the time, the listening.
Do
these things because you see your family as worth fighting for, you see
mothering worth calling a career, worth the hard work of training a child in
godliness, worth relentless tasks involved
in running a home. - Mrs. Schaeffer
Give
generously ~ "whatever a mother sows, that she will also reap."
Galations 6:7
Do
I sow patience or impatience, faith or lack of faith, kindness or
selfishness?
Give expecting nothing in return ~ we serve our children simply because God says to!
Give expecting nothing in return ~ we serve our children simply because God says to!
5.
A
heart of fun - if you lack this - develop
a sense of humor!
I
just want to encourage each of you - that when mothering and all the tasks
involved seem to be just a check-list and you are feeling under appreciated,
run-downed and tired - to remember that God has called us to mother joyfully. We were given this special job
from our Father. Find your rest in Him and let Him restore your strength, your
fight, and your desire to meet your children's need with joy.
Encouragement Through Hard Times and The Blessings of Friendships
A
heart of thankfulness is flowing through me for all the friends I have met over
the years. Friendship is one of those blessings from God that many people take
for granted, but I never have. I have many friends that are all over the world,
literally. I wouldn't trade those friendships or experiences for anything and I
have learned to hold them and treasure them close to my heart. 
I have a German
friend whom I don't get to talk to as often as I would like, but I know she is
just a thought away. I just made a breakfast yesterday that she taught me how to
make when we were in Germany together. I made it just because I wanted to be
close to her. I always think of her when I pop the hood of my car to check the
fluids or to inspect why it might be making a funny noise. We spent many hours
together when our husbands were deployed to Bosnia in the early 90's. I hadn't
been in Germany very long and didn't know my way around let alone the language
or culture. I remember sitting in her living room totally beside myself at how I
was going to do this for a year and she put her hand on my knee and said I will
teach you everything you need to know. Heike, I miss you so, but know I will
love you as a sister forever. You are just a thought away and so many memories
of our time together I will treasure. She is just one of my dear friends from that time in my life. I hold another dear friend close to my heart while I was in Germany only she was my American friend. Her and her husband arrived in Germany around the same time as we did and her husband was also deployed to Bosnia. We hung out alot as well. She was so dear to me that she was my lifesaver when my "Duck" was born. She was by my side and held my hand when I gave birth to Ducky. We hold alot of memories as well and I will cherish her for so many reasons.
Unfortunately, we all
went our different ways. Heike stayed in Germany and my other friend and I moved
back to the states. Although we don't talk as we would like to, time and
distance gets in the way, but I know that if we were blessed enough to have an
encounter on the street we would be able to sit on a park bench and talk for
hours with a feeling that we had never been split up by an ocean, states or
time. So many other people have come into my life whether it be in person or by the Internet that I have become close to and cherish the relationships we hold. As I sit here I am blessed to have so many homeschool friends via the Internet as well. I have come to know so many of you during a very dark time in my life. God works in mysterious ways and it took my husband being in Iraq for the 3rd time for me to realize friendships are what we make of them. If we are blessed enough to have them in person, that is absolutely wonderful, but if we have them via the Internet that works just as well. I met many of you because I hit my rock bottom at the end of my husbands last deployment. I spent many many hours being strong for everyone in my husbands Army unit that I exhausted myself in the process. In having to be so strong for them for so long, I wasn't able to experience my own emotional roller coaster that I too was traveling on.
I spent a very long and tiring journey of wearing a smile on my face and crying in my heart. You can't show your true emotions because the average person doesn't want to hear about it. You begin to program yourself for that person to person encounter that asks, "How are you doing?" You follow up with a smile on your face and say, "Good" then you both move on about your day. This happened to me so many times within my own church. No one wanted to really know how I was feeling that was why it was easy for them to just walk on. I would proceed to the church service followed by my children's ministry that I worked at every Sunday faithfully during this hard deployment. The only Sundays I missed were do to Yellow Ribbon Events I had to attend for the Army. They were mandatory for me because I was (and still am) the Family Readiness Group (FRG) Leader of our Reserve Unit. I had to help plan them and encourage as many family members to attend as I could (I mention this as it will come into play later). Well, my husband left in August and was boots on the ground in Iraq that October of 2009. I got through everyday by living hour by hour, as I tell people to do who are having a tough time in their life.
Some days I think I
lived minute by minute just to get through. I was just so busy during those
months that I became a robot. I was being a wife (trying to meet my husbands
needs from afar and being cheerful when I was lucky enough for him to skype
home), a mother (and replacement dad for the time), a teacher (during a
difficult season of homeschooling), a daughter from afar (which I wasn't very
good at because my time was stretched so thinly.) and a friend to some. I say a
friend to some because I had to go through a season in my life where when we
moved to where we are today I couldn't make any friends. I just couldn't
understand why this was happening because making friends is not difficult for me
to do usually. My husband and daughter joke about how I can get even a telephone
pole to talk to me, but not during these years of being here. No new friends for
the life of me, none. 
I finally made it through just
about the entire deployment. We were finally down to a 30 day countdown (I say
loosely as many of you know who have been through this that the Soldiers don't
come home on the day you think. No, they come home after many many changes). I
had planned my final Yellow Ribbon Event (which didn't go well in the planning
phase) and traveled out of town. I was sick and didn't want to go, but as I said
before I had to go by default. So off to Baltimore I drove. I got there and got
through the weekend and headed home, but on the way home, I just hit this wall.
I just couldn't do this anymore. How was I going to get through this next month?
How????? I was mentally, physical, and emotionally exhausted. I couldn't pick up
one more foot to move forward. I went into my dark hole and stayed there several
days. I did pick up my daughter from my in laws and we did school the next day,
but all I could see was darkness. I was a robot just going through the moves.
All I could do at that time was just function. Yes, legs and arms moved and we
did school, but how, I don't know. At this time I made some life altering
changes in my life. It was time to remove stuff from my plate. What could I get
rid off. Not homeschooling. Not FRG. Not being a wife and mother. I started
deleting Internet accounts that required my attention. I called and emailed my
children's ministry leader and quit my volunteer job with the kids and freed up
time I could free up. 
This was the time
that my life turned around. I remember one day sitting at my desk and asked God
out loud, what now? "God, if I am not to work with these kids and be a part of a
ministry in the church then what do you want me to do now?" God guided me to
this song, Our God is Greater by Chris Tomlin and I clung to it with
every ounce of strength I had. I would play and replay it over and over again. I
played it so much my daughter knew it by heart. I would play it loudly when I
would feel myself falling and would play it normally when I just needed a boost.
God gave me what I needed when I needed it. I cherish this song still to this
day. God will still bring it back to me when I need it. When I am at a
crossroads of a decision and just don't know what to do, this song will come on
the radio or my child will play it and I know it is God saying I have this,
follow me.Once I calmed down and was able to think again, God spoke to me and said, "I didn't need to be in a church building to be serving Him." He told me, "That even during this dark time in your life you can encourage others." This was when The Christian Homeschool Hub Group came into my life.
Encourager, that is what I became and consider myself still today. This is why I have this blog and my face book and I am still a member of my Hub Group. I feel that God wants me to share His light to you while you are in your dark hours.
This very long story has led me to my closing thoughts. In the time of my darkness I was alone, but once God opened my doors and windows my life brightened up. Eventually my husband did come home and reunited our family together again and my best friend came into my life. I had to wait for what seemed like a very long season of no new friendships, but God rewarded that quiet time with my best friend who is also a homeschooler. She lives locally and I cherish her dearly. I have become good friends with another dear and sweet friend who lives practically next door and all of you who are my Internet friends. I met so many of you on my Hub Group which has led to wonderful friendships both there and on face book. I cherish each and everyone one of you because I know what it is like to be in the darkness without you.
This is my final thought of encouragement for you today. Many of you I know are struggling in your personal lives and you may even feel you are in the darkness where I was, but know you aren't alone. God is still there in that darkness. He hasn't abandoned you just like He didn't me. Sometimes he wants us to see that our blessings may come through our raindrops and teardrops. This leads me to another encouraging song, Blessings by Laura Story. God never leaves us. It is us who walk away from Him. Let Him open your door and windows. Let Him pour His blessings on you like He did for me. Life isn't easy as I well know, but when God is by your side it is so much easier. Let Him open your door and allow the sunshine to come in. Once He does, the windows come next. Then you will be able to see the blessings on the other side. My blessings were my many friendships I so longed for. What will be yours?
Is There a Smile on Your Face While There are Tears in Your Heart?
How many of you are
like me? How many are about to scream as loud as you can because you just can't
get "it all done"? There isn't enough
time in the day to be the "perfect" wife, mother, teacher, daughter, sister, and
friend. There isn't enough time in the day to get all the school
lessons done, to get the house clean (or some days I would settle for tidied
up), to get the wonderful supper made for your family, and oh, I forgot, where
is the time for "me" to just sit back and breathe?
I love the saying
above because no matter how much the above is affecting me in a given day, I am
still able to put that smile on my face when asked how I am doing and pretend
"all" is going good. No one ever knows
the pain and tears that may be on the inside because I have figured out how to
wear the perfect mask. Are you like me or am I the only one who
has done this and figured it out?
I know there is a
hope to get through it, though. God
always shows me the light out of my dark tunnel. I know he will
show you as well. God has blessed me with a wonderfully wise friend, whom I
love dearly, but I always think of her words when I am in a dark cave. What is
God trying to teach me or show me as I weather this storm out? I know that
although I may feel like I am alone, I am
never alone. God is holding my hand every time. He is guiding my
path to the entrance of the tunnel to show me the way out.
I am just curious though, how many
of you are holding God's hand right now, but you aren't letting him guide you
out of your tunnel? How many of you are like me and we think we know our own
lives better than He does? We are at a fork in the tunnel road and we are
telling God that He is wrong, that we need to take this road instead of the one
He wants us to because we know better.
Dear Friend, you need to let go. We need to let go. Let
your Father guide you as He knows the way out better than you do. Remember one
important fact here. He created you. He
knows you better than you know you.
I praise you,
for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows
it very well. ~Ps 139:14 ESV
Friend, if this is a season of
struggle for you, hold this truth dear to your heart. God is holding your hand, walking beside you.
He is drying the tears that are running down your check. He is
talking softly to you as he has his arms wrapped around you. Stop telling Him
what you want and sit back and listen to what He is telling you. Just sit back
and breathe in and out and let let your Father be there for you.
It is my prayer that God will
lighten your load for the day and that you will experience a sense of peace that
you know can only come from your Heavenly Father.
Encouraging Women: Trust God
A sweet and
dear friend of mine encouraged me today and I wanted to share what she wrote
with you all as well. She is talking about being financially weary. We are to
trust God with our everything and He will provide "all" our needs, even when our
bank account reads "$0.00".
Check out her blog: Encouraging Women: Trust God: If you all are like the majority of us, then your budget is tight and spread supper thin. At least this is how it is for me, especially ...
Check out her blog: Encouraging Women: Trust God: If you all are like the majority of us, then your budget is tight and spread supper thin. At least this is how it is for me, especially ...
Let's Stand Together, Pray Together, and Protect Our Marriages...
 |
| Just as a side note, I 'm thinking that I'm not
meant to write this as my computer just went blank and then came back up again.
So here goes you evil devil. I will prevail and God will bless and
protect all of our marriages. Bible Verse came from: Time-Warp Wife... |
Lord, many of our marriages are under attack by the devil right now and I am praying that today you will put a hedge around all of our families and protect them.
Lord, you know that our marriages are suppose to be the strongest part of our family, but at this time it seems as though they are at their weakest. Lord, we pray so hard for each other in our homeschooling worlds. We pray for each other as teachers and mothers, and we pray for our kids and it appears we must be doing a good job because now it looks like the enemy is going to back off there and wage a battle over our marriages.
It seems to me that many of our homeschooling families are having similar problems within our homes and with our spouses. Our spouses seem to be under attack at their work by their employers, supervisors and fellow employees. They are getting beat up at work and then come home and they just don't know how to decompress. As wives we are left at not knowing what to say or how to say it, to help encourage them.
Lord, we need your guidance as wives to know how to be the proper help meets to them. We need wisdom to know what to say to be the encourager You want us to be and how to lift them back up when everyone around them tears them down.
Lord, You know my heart. You know I love my husband, but sometimes I wonder if "today" do I really like him. Lord, this isn't how a marriage is suppose to be. I know with Your healing hand that you can heal mine and so many other marriages from the strain that the enemy has imposed upon our relationship/s. Can you fight this battle for me and for us?
Lord, I come to you worn out from the trials of daily life. I come to you with an open and exhausted heart. It needs some healing as it is just too weak to find the words I am asking for. Please Lord, as only You can do, heal mine and our relationships. Make them whole and alive again. Bless our marriages with the love and laughter, joy, and mercy, grace and peace, communication and tenderness again that can only come from You!!!
Lord, it is my desire that you would take over this "battle" and fight it for me as I am just so tired and in need of rest from it. I know you have my back and that you are my Commander in this fight, but I need for you take the lead so I can just lay my head down and rest.
Lord, as I lay my heart out for you and others to see, I pray that whomever is to read this that You will provide them the comfort they may need in their lives. There is a reason why I am writing this very personal prayer out loud when You know I am such a private person. Touch the others who are meant for this as well. Mend our relationships and heal our families and if they are all homeschoolers like myself, bless and heal their schooling from all these struggles in our lives.
Thank You for being a Father the we can turn to and know You "will" make it all better. We know that you are stronger than any attack that can come our way. Protect us and heal us from all of this.
In Your Precious and Mighty Name, Amen!
The Struggles of Being a Good Wife and Mom
I remember once
hearing a sermon on how being a stay at home wife and mom is one of the leading
career paths that leads into depression. I can totally understand how this
happens. To do this job requires
an individual to be a self motivator, as there is no one
hovering over you making sure the job gets done and that it gets done
correctly.
I made this statement to say this. The
struggles of trying to be good wife; one who keeps the home tidy
both inside and outside, who keeps up with the dishes and the laundry. The one
who when there is a random moment somewhere, can vacuum the house and mop the
floors more than once every couple of weeks. The one who insures the kids are
taken care of in all areas including; physically, mentally, emotionally, and if
you home school like we do, educationally so that your husband doesn't have to
pick up the pieces that you forgot to do or didn't have time to do. The one who
stays up late with him even though you are totally exhausted and can't keep your
eyes open any more, because they are the night owl of the family. How to do all this and
stay sane in the process is something I haven't figured out yet. I don't know how to be
the ideal Proverbs 31 wife for my husband. I know for me, I consider myself a strong help meet to him as I try to do everything around the house so he only has to worry about going to work and working his really long hours, but to be joyful and enthusiastic, and even loving sometimes is the hard part. I began a Proverbs 31 Study just before our life took a whirlwind adventure and I got derailed from it due to this family crisis and I remember in the beginning of the study that the author had warned us to be wear, it would be a challenging study. Little did I know how challenging she meant. When you take on this study, it makes you examine some of the finer details in your life that you didn't know existed. This leads me back to my simple question of how to be that "Proverbs 31 wife" in a society that is so far from the values and principles that this scripture was founded upon.
I don't know how to stay up with my husband until late into the night so that I can keep him company whether I am awake or asleep, but still get up in the morning as the scripture says in verse 15:
"She gets up while it is still dark; ..."
I can do the get up early as I am the early bird of our relationship, but I also require a lot of sleep. To stay up late and get up early on a regular basis is just more than this body and mind can handle. I find that when I go to bed and I'm able to sleep through the night, then I have the energy it takes to be a good wife and home school mom. So here I am back at my same question, how? How do I do all of this and remain patient, loving, helpful and joyful?
For you, O God, tested us; you refined us like
silver. Psalm. 66:10
God allows us to experience these hardships in our
lives so that we will draw closer to Him.
These
have come so that your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even
though refined by fire--may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory
and honor when Jesus Christ is
revealed.
1 Peter 1:7
Through writing this I have been able to seek out
my own answer to my above question. I can't do "all" of this on my own
strength. I have to lean on
God to provide the physical, mental, and emotional strength
to be a great wife and mom. I have to remember to constantly turn to Him when I
am tired, weak, and frustrated, to give me the strength to keep moving forward.
I can do everything
through him who gives me strength.
Phil 4:13
I hope in writing this, you are able to find the strength and encouragement
to move forward through the struggles of you own life. It is a difficult journey
to travel in this day and age where the lives we are living
is consider "weird" or not "normal". We have to stand up together and know that
we aren't walking through this journey alone. We
have God holding our hands and holding the map for us. He is telling us how to
do it all. We have to remember to sit back and listen to what He is
telling us. We can do this, I can do this. With
God by my side I can be the wife and mom that He is molding me to
be.
Consistency is Vital to Successful
Homeschooling
A daily schedule is essential. Rather than including set time
limits for everything, a good schedule should focus on order of events. For
example:
Now that a workable schedule or routine has been determined, the school can begin at the top of the list and go down to the end.
Persistence in the routine is so important. The same thing happens every day. Then the child knows what is expected of him on any given day because he knows which subjects, what order, and how much of each one. If he's a self-motivated child, he can go through his lessons on his own and go in the right direction. If he's a child that is not self-motivated or doesn't especially like to do school work, there is a goal to work toward. He can have this much done before recess, and then get this much done before lunch. He knows he can't visit friends, play with toys, watch TV, or go anywhere or do anything else until school work is done. Best of all, he knows where the end of the list is.
Consistency in the daily routine of the homeschool will help the child perform better because he knows what to expect.
Lily Ann is a mother to six bright children. She has enjoyed great success in the area of homeschooling. She is always looking for ways to improve and loves to learn new things. Please visit her website.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Submitted: March 10, 2012 | Author: Lily Ann | Posted in: Getting Started
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- Opening exercises - song, prayer, calendar, Memory Gem, journal
- Lessons - Math, English, Grammar, Handwriting
- Break - snack, go outside
- More lessons - Spelling, Phonics, Reading, Science
Now that a workable schedule or routine has been determined, the school can begin at the top of the list and go down to the end.
Persistence in the routine is so important. The same thing happens every day. Then the child knows what is expected of him on any given day because he knows which subjects, what order, and how much of each one. If he's a self-motivated child, he can go through his lessons on his own and go in the right direction. If he's a child that is not self-motivated or doesn't especially like to do school work, there is a goal to work toward. He can have this much done before recess, and then get this much done before lunch. He knows he can't visit friends, play with toys, watch TV, or go anywhere or do anything else until school work is done. Best of all, he knows where the end of the list is.
Consistency in the daily routine of the homeschool will help the child perform better because he knows what to expect.
Lily Ann is a mother to six bright children. She has enjoyed great success in the area of homeschooling. She is always looking for ways to improve and loves to learn new things. Please visit her website.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Submitted: March 10, 2012 | Author: Lily Ann | Posted in: Getting Started
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Submitted: February 5, 2012 | Author: Lily Ann |
Posted in: Encourage & Inspire
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Why are you homeschooling? For most of us it is because we
love our children. We want the best for them. We want them to get a good
education so they can be successful. We are doing this for them because of our
love for them.
The power of positive thinking
in "I Love You" will get you through the worse days when everything goes wrong,
and it will make the best days perfect. When working with your child, keep these
positive thoughts in mind. "I love you if you make a mistake." "I love you if
you are not happy or cooperative today. I am here to help you find happiness."
"I love you when you stubbornly want your own way. I will help you see a better
way." "I love you when you are good." "I love you when you get to school on
time." "I love you. I want your success." Think up your own "I love you" phrases
and use them in your every day problem solving.
This positive thought pattern will help you come up with effective solutions to any problem, whether it be a bad behavior that your child has or just helping her to understand her school lessons. It is impossible to become angry or out of patience when you remember "I love you." You are here for the child. You are giving yourself for her success.
"I love you" does not mean "I let you do whatever you want." "I love you" means that you help the child make the right decisions. See to it that she obeys you and follows the rules of the home. This will help her to be a law-abiding citizen when she grows up. See that she treats others well and takes care of her responsibilities. In this way you can help her to have friends and to be a good friend to others. Show her the true path to happiness is through loving others.
"I love you," Let this positive mind frame be the motive for every action and you will have a far greater success in your homeschool than you ever thought possible. Think "I love you."
Lily Ann is a mother to six bright children. She has enjoyed great success in the area of homeschooling. She is always looking for ways to improve and loves to learn new things. Please visit her website.
Article Source
The power of positive thinking
in "I Love You" will get you through the worse days when everything goes wrong,
and it will make the best days perfect. When working with your child, keep these
positive thoughts in mind. "I love you if you make a mistake." "I love you if
you are not happy or cooperative today. I am here to help you find happiness."
"I love you when you stubbornly want your own way. I will help you see a better
way." "I love you when you are good." "I love you when you get to school on
time." "I love you. I want your success." Think up your own "I love you" phrases
and use them in your every day problem solving.This positive thought pattern will help you come up with effective solutions to any problem, whether it be a bad behavior that your child has or just helping her to understand her school lessons. It is impossible to become angry or out of patience when you remember "I love you." You are here for the child. You are giving yourself for her success.
"I love you" does not mean "I let you do whatever you want." "I love you" means that you help the child make the right decisions. See to it that she obeys you and follows the rules of the home. This will help her to be a law-abiding citizen when she grows up. See that she treats others well and takes care of her responsibilities. In this way you can help her to have friends and to be a good friend to others. Show her the true path to happiness is through loving others.
"I love you," Let this positive mind frame be the motive for every action and you will have a far greater success in your homeschool than you ever thought possible. Think "I love you."
Lily Ann is a mother to six bright children. She has enjoyed great success in the area of homeschooling. She is always looking for ways to improve and loves to learn new things. Please visit her website.
Natural Exploration
 |
| Give them resources and they
will explore their surroundings on their own...
I went on a cleaning spree yesterday of my extra bedroom,
otherwise knows as the "playroom" and made Duck's books accessible to her again.
I keep losing her today and have to keep asking where she is only for her to
come out with another book on earthquakes. Who knew I had so many science books
on that book shelf back there?
Can you say, music to this mom's ears that my child is back in
the "playroom" researching more about earthquakes because we are working with
them in science. We have to finish our chapter on them today and she knows that
she will have to write a paper on what she has learned. I decided to "test" her
on the material wasn't as important to me as her being able to put into words
what she learned. In our state, they don't test on science anyway, so I am not
overly concerned with her ability to test well in this subject area.
I just had to share this thought with you as it was on my mind.
So many times we as mom's/teachers think we have to be into every aspect of our
children's learning when in all actuality if we leave the materials out where
they have access to them, they will go inquiring all on their own. God made them
with inquisitive hearts and minds so they will go in search of things all on
their own. We just have to provide the resources to aid in this natural area of
exploration.
It is my prayer that God had a reason in putting this on my
heart to share with you here. If this helped you in any form of encouragement,
please feel free to leave a comment. It is always encouraging to see others
learn from some of our hardships. I didn't always feel this way. Only in the
past 2 years and with the help of my wonderful best friend and fellow
homeschooler am I here now. I hope this helps you today.
|
Gaining Dad’s Support In The Homeschool Classroom
Submitted: January 24, 2012 | Author: Christee
Brauckmann | Posted in: Homeschooling Dads Print This Article | Email This Article
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Hey, I’ve been doing this homeschooling gig a long time, and over the years
I’ve met homeschooling moms that have one of two kinds of husbands in regards to
homeschooling: (1) the kind of Dad that wants absolutely NOTHING to do with it
except maybe providing the dollars for the homeschool curriculum, and (2) the kind of Dad that
wants to offer help, whether just a little or a lot.
So, how do you transition the #1 kind of Dad into the #2 kind of Dad? First, you’ll need to take inventory and find out where Dad is spiritually, emotionally, physically, and mentally. A simple conversation with your husband will help you to quickly get on the road to understanding his point-of-view and thought process about his part in this homeschooling journey. If he is resistant in ANY way, shape, or form, then do NOT try to force anything on him. Dad is not going to respond positively to your nagging, pressuring, crying, or complaining. You want him on-board, and what you DON’T want is to have him defensive from the get-go!
If he does express reluctance for involvement, I suggest committing the issue to prayer, asking for his heart to be softened and his eyes to be opened to just how big this homeschool commitment actually is. Even if he doesn’t shoulder the teaching burden by taking on a class or two, if he at least gains an inkling of understanding of just how massive the burden is, then he can quickly become your cheerleader out of sheer appreciation towards you for taking ownership of the work load. And, trust me. You WILL need a cheerleader now and then.
Having Dad’s understanding will go a long way towards a positive attitude in your homeschool classroom. When Dad understands Mom’s heavy load, he can begin to show support with encouraging words and emotional support. Eventually, he may begin to jump into the practical side of things, as well. His attentiveness to Mom’s thoughts and feelings won’t go unnoticed by the little people in the household either. Soon, the children will follow suit and begin to pitch a lending hand now and then, too. With Dad leading the helm with a positive example, the entire ship will be sailing to success!
Christee Brauckmann is the Director of Supplier Services at Homeschool Buyers Co-op and a 12-year veteran homeschool mom. The Co-op provides free membership for homeschooling families and offers exclusive group discounts on homeschool curriculum, as well as free homeschooling resources.
Article
SourceSo, how do you transition the #1 kind of Dad into the #2 kind of Dad? First, you’ll need to take inventory and find out where Dad is spiritually, emotionally, physically, and mentally. A simple conversation with your husband will help you to quickly get on the road to understanding his point-of-view and thought process about his part in this homeschooling journey. If he is resistant in ANY way, shape, or form, then do NOT try to force anything on him. Dad is not going to respond positively to your nagging, pressuring, crying, or complaining. You want him on-board, and what you DON’T want is to have him defensive from the get-go!
If he does express reluctance for involvement, I suggest committing the issue to prayer, asking for his heart to be softened and his eyes to be opened to just how big this homeschool commitment actually is. Even if he doesn’t shoulder the teaching burden by taking on a class or two, if he at least gains an inkling of understanding of just how massive the burden is, then he can quickly become your cheerleader out of sheer appreciation towards you for taking ownership of the work load. And, trust me. You WILL need a cheerleader now and then.
Having Dad’s understanding will go a long way towards a positive attitude in your homeschool classroom. When Dad understands Mom’s heavy load, he can begin to show support with encouraging words and emotional support. Eventually, he may begin to jump into the practical side of things, as well. His attentiveness to Mom’s thoughts and feelings won’t go unnoticed by the little people in the household either. Soon, the children will follow suit and begin to pitch a lending hand now and then, too. With Dad leading the helm with a positive example, the entire ship will be sailing to success!
Christee Brauckmann is the Director of Supplier Services at Homeschool Buyers Co-op and a 12-year veteran homeschool mom. The Co-op provides free membership for homeschooling families and offers exclusive group discounts on homeschool curriculum, as well as free homeschooling resources.
If you are a parent to more than one child, then you will readily agree that each of our children is very different. They may have similar looks or traits, but in the end, each is unique and has different learning styles that they prefer. Homeschooling allows parents to intricately weave together these different styles and educate our children efficiently with a vested interested in having them reach their academic goals. However, we often spend days in frustration along the way as our children can lapse into grumbling and complaining about this or that task at hand. One little exercise can be an invaluable tool into transforming those little complaints and murmurs. It takes very little time each day, but when consistently done over time, this tool will actually change the way your children look at life, including their schooling.
This tool is called a “Gratitude Journal,” or you can create your own fun name for it, but the concept is fairly simple. Each child should have a notebook and before they go to bed every day, or perhaps before dinner, etc., they are to list five things that they are grateful for that happened or that they discovered that day. This can be a part of your homeschool schedule, so make sure that they have time to do this each day. They need to list different things each day, so the idea is not to repeat the items. If you do this before dinner, it can be a topic of conversation with your children about their day. Or, if you opt to do this at bedtime, it can be a source for bedtime prayers. Work it into your homeschool plan and emphasize writing if you wish, or make it an art project. Whatever works for your homeschool will be fine, but keep the items fresh and new every day.
Initially this will be a simple exercise and your child will find that they list items that are pretty obvious – their family members, their pets, etc. But fairly quickly, they will have “used up” these items and it will be a bit of a stretch to look for new things for which to be grateful. They will need to shift their attentions to deeper things. They will even find that they will begin to anticipate the “good things” in their day so that they will know what to write down at the appropriate time. It will actually cause them to look for the good things, not focus on the “grumbles.”
Changing our focus is not quickly done sometimes, but if a gratitude journal becomes a habit and part of every day, it can have this effect. Homeschooling is full of many joys, and your children will come to value your gift of time eventually, but sometimes we have to help them to seek the good things. Sometimes we have to lead them into gratitude because it doesn’t always come naturally to our children. You might even find that keeping a gratitude journal for yourself is a good idea. Model the act of giving thanks, and see if your children don’t begin to pick up on that, too!
Mrs. Camille Rodriquez is a wife and mother, with experience as a pastor’s wife for more than a decade and as a homeschool mom for almost 20 years. Visit her website at National Homeschool Academy.
If you are a parent to more than one child, then you will readily agree that each of our children is very different. They may have similar looks or traits, but in the end, each is unique and has different learning styles that they prefer. Homeschooling allows parents to intricately weave together these different styles and educate our children efficiently with a vested interested in having them reach their academic goals. However, we often spend days in frustration along the way as our children can lapse into grumbling and complaining about this or that task at hand. One little exercise can be an invaluable tool into transforming those little complaints and murmurs. It takes very little time each day, but when consistently done over time, this tool will actually change the way your children look at life, including their schooling.
This tool is called a “Gratitude Journal,” or you can create your own fun name for it, but the concept is fairly simple. Each child should have a notebook and before they go to bed every day, or perhaps before dinner, etc., they are to list five things that they are grateful for that happened or that they discovered that day. This can be a part of your homeschool schedule, so make sure that they have time to do this each day. They need to list different things each day, so the idea is not to repeat the items. If you do this before dinner, it can be a topic of conversation with your children about their day. Or, if you opt to do this at bedtime, it can be a source for bedtime prayers. Work it into your homeschool plan and emphasize writing if you wish, or make it an art project. Whatever works for your homeschool will be fine, but keep the items fresh and new every day.
Initially this will be a simple exercise and your child will find that they list items that are pretty obvious – their family members, their pets, etc. But fairly quickly, they will have “used up” these items and it will be a bit of a stretch to look for new things for which to be grateful. They will need to shift their attentions to deeper things. They will even find that they will begin to anticipate the “good things” in their day so that they will know what to write down at the appropriate time. It will actually cause them to look for the good things, not focus on the “grumbles.”
Changing our focus is not quickly done sometimes, but if a gratitude journal becomes a habit and part of every day, it can have this effect. Homeschooling is full of many joys, and your children will come to value your gift of time eventually, but sometimes we have to help them to seek the good things. Sometimes we have to lead them into gratitude because it doesn’t always come naturally to our children. You might even find that keeping a gratitude journal for yourself is a good idea. Model the act of giving thanks, and see if your children don’t begin to pick up on that, too!
Mrs. Camille Rodriquez is a wife and mother, with experience as a pastor’s wife for more than a decade and as a homeschool mom for almost 20 years. Visit her website at National Homeschool Academy.
This tool is called a “Gratitude Journal,” or you can create your own fun name for it, but the concept is fairly simple. Each child should have a notebook and before they go to bed every day, or perhaps before dinner, etc., they are to list five things that they are grateful for that happened or that they discovered that day. This can be a part of your homeschool schedule, so make sure that they have time to do this each day. They need to list different things each day, so the idea is not to repeat the items. If you do this before dinner, it can be a topic of conversation with your children about their day. Or, if you opt to do this at bedtime, it can be a source for bedtime prayers. Work it into your homeschool plan and emphasize writing if you wish, or make it an art project. Whatever works for your homeschool will be fine, but keep the items fresh and new every day.
Initially this will be a simple exercise and your child will find that they list items that are pretty obvious – their family members, their pets, etc. But fairly quickly, they will have “used up” these items and it will be a bit of a stretch to look for new things for which to be grateful. They will need to shift their attentions to deeper things. They will even find that they will begin to anticipate the “good things” in their day so that they will know what to write down at the appropriate time. It will actually cause them to look for the good things, not focus on the “grumbles.”
Changing our focus is not quickly done sometimes, but if a gratitude journal becomes a habit and part of every day, it can have this effect. Homeschooling is full of many joys, and your children will come to value your gift of time eventually, but sometimes we have to help them to seek the good things. Sometimes we have to lead them into gratitude because it doesn’t always come naturally to our children. You might even find that keeping a gratitude journal for yourself is a good idea. Model the act of giving thanks, and see if your children don’t begin to pick up on that, too!
Mrs. Camille Rodriquez is a wife and mother, with experience as a pastor’s wife for more than a decade and as a homeschool mom for almost 20 years. Visit her website at National Homeschool Academy.
Keepin’ It Real: Falling Behind
Submitted: November 15, 2011 | Author: Melanie Antonacci | Posted in: Encourage & Inspire
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It's the thing that no one likes to talk about, the dirty little secret that plagues a good number of us homeschoolers. We don't dare say it out loud to the "You're Not Qualified to Teach" crowd, in fact you've been avoiding those people for some time now.
I am talking about getting behind. I'm talking about that time in your life that finds you having to pick up and move, or maybe you've been through a divorce, a death, or illness, overcommitments, too many activities outside the home, a new baby, financial woes, or just simply good old fashion depression. Slowly but surely you're taking off days weeks or months longer than you ever planned. It happens. Maybe not to all of us, but it does happen. You scramble to catch up, finish that textbook, skipping lessons or even subjects that aren't as important, schooling year round to "catch up." Structure and discipline are important, but don't forget to allow imperfections and life interrupted.
Before I go any further, I should say that I live in a home school friendly state, meaning we are considered a private school, there are no tests we have to submit, no forms to turn in. We are pretty much left alone, free to teach our children at home. Many people gasp when I tell them that. How could the state of IL not hold us accountable? Well, people forget it should be the other way around. WE should hold the government accountable, but that's a whole other issue. My point is, these are MY God given children, and I have the right to decide what kind of education my child gets. They're my responsibility. Thank you IL for recognizing that.
So a group of "experts" got together and decided what children should know from age 7-17(compulsory attendance ages) but so what if they don't learn it exactly at the precise time the dictocrats have determined? Some babies learn to walk at 9 months, some at 12, and some not 'till 18 months even. Once they've learned to walk though, by age 2 does it even matter? We have our children at home so they can learn whatever we want them to, whenever we want them to.
So you're a little behind schedule, or even a lot behind schedule, don't beat yourself up. It is what it is. Just press on the best you can, but don't stress out about it. Some of my children would be considered behind in certain subjects, and ahead in others, and right where they should be in most. So what? How much did you benefit from learning some of the information you were taught? What sticks out in your mind? How much of it did you totally forget? Your children will learn what they need to know when they need to know it.
If you are in the middle of this occurrence, or if this has ever happened to you, I implore you, take a few deep breaths... no seriously, right now... in... out... in... out.
Now, relax. In the grand scheme of things how much does it matter? So what if people think <insert mindless seeds of doubt here> ? Those people will find fault with you just because you're not marching along with the piper, anyway. Your children are learning exactly what they need to know when they need to know it. Don't let the "world" set your standards. Yes, ours should be higher, but not in the way you might think.
“Therefore you shall lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall teach them to your children, speaking of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates, that your days and the days of your children may be multiplied in the land of which the LORD swore to your fathers to give them, like the days of the heavens above the earth." The most important things you could ever teach your children can not be found in any textbook, or any list of scope and sequence. ;-)
Change your perception of home"school" to home "education" and what that really means.
Here is an example; The moment I shed some of my "school" mode of thinking occurred when I was in first grade with my oldest, (I say that because I truly believe I am re-learning this material right along with my children) I had been teaching her from a textbook about weather. (and I must insert here, that I am NOT anti-textbooks) We had been talking about storms and the information was just not very interesting to her, but she learned it well enough to pass the chapter test, and then forgot all about it the next week. So, one night it stormed and she was afraid. I let her stay up late and I taught her all about thunderstorms right then and there with no book in hand, just the real deal. She will never forget that. THAT is homeschooling at it's finest! It's sharing moments, while learning and creating memories.
What's better? Drilling information into kids so they can pass a test and then out the window goes the information, or allowing them the opportunity to slow down a bit and experience the information through books, computer games, DVDs, crafts, or life experiences in such a way that they will never forget the memories built?
Sometimes it's just about thinking outside of the box. I will sometimes sing anything from math equations to Bible memory verses opera style or rap style because it cracks them up, and they are more likely to remember the info that way than if I'm sounding like Charlie Browns teacher.
So, if you are behind or going through a major life changing event, cut yourself some slack. Don't think of it as behind, it's just still on the list of things yet to learn. Discover new ways to teach what really matters most, and relax and enjoy having your children at home. So what if they don't learn those times tables 'till next year, they WILL learn, and it won't matter when, in the grand scheme of things. I've said it before, and I'll say it again, Your children will know exactly what they need to know exactly when they need to know it.
There, now don't you feel a little better? Whew, I sure do.
Melanie Antonacci has been homeschooling her five children for the past ten years. She works from home as an Independant Consultant for Usborne Books and enjoys teaching American Sign Language at a local Homeschool Co-op. Visit her website to learn more.
Article Source
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It's the thing that no one likes to talk about, the dirty little secret that plagues a good number of us homeschoolers. We don't dare say it out loud to the "You're Not Qualified to Teach" crowd, in fact you've been avoiding those people for some time now.
I am talking about getting behind. I'm talking about that time in your life that finds you having to pick up and move, or maybe you've been through a divorce, a death, or illness, overcommitments, too many activities outside the home, a new baby, financial woes, or just simply good old fashion depression. Slowly but surely you're taking off days weeks or months longer than you ever planned. It happens. Maybe not to all of us, but it does happen. You scramble to catch up, finish that textbook, skipping lessons or even subjects that aren't as important, schooling year round to "catch up." Structure and discipline are important, but don't forget to allow imperfections and life interrupted.
Before I go any further, I should say that I live in a home school friendly state, meaning we are considered a private school, there are no tests we have to submit, no forms to turn in. We are pretty much left alone, free to teach our children at home. Many people gasp when I tell them that. How could the state of IL not hold us accountable? Well, people forget it should be the other way around. WE should hold the government accountable, but that's a whole other issue. My point is, these are MY God given children, and I have the right to decide what kind of education my child gets. They're my responsibility. Thank you IL for recognizing that.
So a group of "experts" got together and decided what children should know from age 7-17(compulsory attendance ages) but so what if they don't learn it exactly at the precise time the dictocrats have determined? Some babies learn to walk at 9 months, some at 12, and some not 'till 18 months even. Once they've learned to walk though, by age 2 does it even matter? We have our children at home so they can learn whatever we want them to, whenever we want them to.
So you're a little behind schedule, or even a lot behind schedule, don't beat yourself up. It is what it is. Just press on the best you can, but don't stress out about it. Some of my children would be considered behind in certain subjects, and ahead in others, and right where they should be in most. So what? How much did you benefit from learning some of the information you were taught? What sticks out in your mind? How much of it did you totally forget? Your children will learn what they need to know when they need to know it.
If you are in the middle of this occurrence, or if this has ever happened to you, I implore you, take a few deep breaths... no seriously, right now... in... out... in... out.
Now, relax. In the grand scheme of things how much does it matter? So what if people think <insert mindless seeds of doubt here> ? Those people will find fault with you just because you're not marching along with the piper, anyway. Your children are learning exactly what they need to know when they need to know it. Don't let the "world" set your standards. Yes, ours should be higher, but not in the way you might think.
“Therefore you shall lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall teach them to your children, speaking of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates, that your days and the days of your children may be multiplied in the land of which the LORD swore to your fathers to give them, like the days of the heavens above the earth." The most important things you could ever teach your children can not be found in any textbook, or any list of scope and sequence. ;-)
Change your perception of home"school" to home "education" and what that really means.
Here is an example; The moment I shed some of my "school" mode of thinking occurred when I was in first grade with my oldest, (I say that because I truly believe I am re-learning this material right along with my children) I had been teaching her from a textbook about weather. (and I must insert here, that I am NOT anti-textbooks) We had been talking about storms and the information was just not very interesting to her, but she learned it well enough to pass the chapter test, and then forgot all about it the next week. So, one night it stormed and she was afraid. I let her stay up late and I taught her all about thunderstorms right then and there with no book in hand, just the real deal. She will never forget that. THAT is homeschooling at it's finest! It's sharing moments, while learning and creating memories.
What's better? Drilling information into kids so they can pass a test and then out the window goes the information, or allowing them the opportunity to slow down a bit and experience the information through books, computer games, DVDs, crafts, or life experiences in such a way that they will never forget the memories built?
Sometimes it's just about thinking outside of the box. I will sometimes sing anything from math equations to Bible memory verses opera style or rap style because it cracks them up, and they are more likely to remember the info that way than if I'm sounding like Charlie Browns teacher.
So, if you are behind or going through a major life changing event, cut yourself some slack. Don't think of it as behind, it's just still on the list of things yet to learn. Discover new ways to teach what really matters most, and relax and enjoy having your children at home. So what if they don't learn those times tables 'till next year, they WILL learn, and it won't matter when, in the grand scheme of things. I've said it before, and I'll say it again, Your children will know exactly what they need to know exactly when they need to know it.
There, now don't you feel a little better? Whew, I sure do.
Melanie Antonacci has been homeschooling her five children for the past ten years. She works from home as an Independant Consultant for Usborne Books and enjoys teaching American Sign Language at a local Homeschool Co-op. Visit her website to learn more.
Article SourceI am talking about getting behind. I'm talking about that time in your life that finds you having to pick up and move, or maybe you've been through a divorce, a death, or illness, overcommitments, too many activities outside the home, a new baby, financial woes, or just simply good old fashion depression. Slowly but surely you're taking off days weeks or months longer than you ever planned. It happens. Maybe not to all of us, but it does happen. You scramble to catch up, finish that textbook, skipping lessons or even subjects that aren't as important, schooling year round to "catch up." Structure and discipline are important, but don't forget to allow imperfections and life interrupted.
Before I go any further, I should say that I live in a home school friendly state, meaning we are considered a private school, there are no tests we have to submit, no forms to turn in. We are pretty much left alone, free to teach our children at home. Many people gasp when I tell them that. How could the state of IL not hold us accountable? Well, people forget it should be the other way around. WE should hold the government accountable, but that's a whole other issue. My point is, these are MY God given children, and I have the right to decide what kind of education my child gets. They're my responsibility. Thank you IL for recognizing that.
So a group of "experts" got together and decided what children should know from age 7-17(compulsory attendance ages) but so what if they don't learn it exactly at the precise time the dictocrats have determined? Some babies learn to walk at 9 months, some at 12, and some not 'till 18 months even. Once they've learned to walk though, by age 2 does it even matter? We have our children at home so they can learn whatever we want them to, whenever we want them to.
So you're a little behind schedule, or even a lot behind schedule, don't beat yourself up. It is what it is. Just press on the best you can, but don't stress out about it. Some of my children would be considered behind in certain subjects, and ahead in others, and right where they should be in most. So what? How much did you benefit from learning some of the information you were taught? What sticks out in your mind? How much of it did you totally forget? Your children will learn what they need to know when they need to know it.
If you are in the middle of this occurrence, or if this has ever happened to you, I implore you, take a few deep breaths... no seriously, right now... in... out... in... out.
Now, relax. In the grand scheme of things how much does it matter? So what if people think <insert mindless seeds of doubt here> ? Those people will find fault with you just because you're not marching along with the piper, anyway. Your children are learning exactly what they need to know when they need to know it. Don't let the "world" set your standards. Yes, ours should be higher, but not in the way you might think.
“Therefore you shall lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall teach them to your children, speaking of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates, that your days and the days of your children may be multiplied in the land of which the LORD swore to your fathers to give them, like the days of the heavens above the earth." The most important things you could ever teach your children can not be found in any textbook, or any list of scope and sequence. ;-)
Change your perception of home"school" to home "education" and what that really means.
Here is an example; The moment I shed some of my "school" mode of thinking occurred when I was in first grade with my oldest, (I say that because I truly believe I am re-learning this material right along with my children) I had been teaching her from a textbook about weather. (and I must insert here, that I am NOT anti-textbooks) We had been talking about storms and the information was just not very interesting to her, but she learned it well enough to pass the chapter test, and then forgot all about it the next week. So, one night it stormed and she was afraid. I let her stay up late and I taught her all about thunderstorms right then and there with no book in hand, just the real deal. She will never forget that. THAT is homeschooling at it's finest! It's sharing moments, while learning and creating memories.
What's better? Drilling information into kids so they can pass a test and then out the window goes the information, or allowing them the opportunity to slow down a bit and experience the information through books, computer games, DVDs, crafts, or life experiences in such a way that they will never forget the memories built?
Sometimes it's just about thinking outside of the box. I will sometimes sing anything from math equations to Bible memory verses opera style or rap style because it cracks them up, and they are more likely to remember the info that way than if I'm sounding like Charlie Browns teacher.
So, if you are behind or going through a major life changing event, cut yourself some slack. Don't think of it as behind, it's just still on the list of things yet to learn. Discover new ways to teach what really matters most, and relax and enjoy having your children at home. So what if they don't learn those times tables 'till next year, they WILL learn, and it won't matter when, in the grand scheme of things. I've said it before, and I'll say it again, Your children will know exactly what they need to know exactly when they need to know it.
There, now don't you feel a little better? Whew, I sure do.
Melanie Antonacci has been homeschooling her five children for the past ten years. She works from home as an Independant Consultant for Usborne Books and enjoys teaching American Sign Language at a local Homeschool Co-op. Visit her website to learn more.
Addressing Learning Styles
Submitted: December 5, 2011 | Author: Crystal Pratt | Posted in: Homeschooling: Doing It Well Print This Article | Email This Article
If you homeschool, you are probably already aware that there are many different learning styles. Everyone has their preferred method of learning.
The common school of thought recognizes three distinct learning styles. These are Visual Learners, Auditory Learners, and Kinesthetic Learners. They may sound like fancy labels, but they are simply different ways of learning. Most people work best with one learning style, but will find that they may overlap into the other areas. This makes it important to address all learning styles with every student, while focusing on the style that suits them best.
Visual Learners - These people learn through seeing. They learn through reading of text, use of pictures, graphs, diagrams, etc. If your child is a visual learner, you should provide reading material, use body language in your teaching, and instruct your child how to take notes. Use written instructions, rather than oral and keep background noise to a minimum. Remember that they memorize using visual cues, so they may prefer to write something down, even on an oral assignment. Visual learners tend to recall information better if they have read it to themselves silently before reading aloud or discussing the information. It may be beneficial to provide a visual learner a general outline of the material that will be covered in a discussion or reading. Using concept maps also helps to provide connections of the material.
Auditory Learners - These are the children who will benefit from reading the text aloud, listening to a story on a tape recorder, or participating in a discussion. For your auditory learner, you should consider using online stories with audio support, books on tape, or taking turns reading out loud. Auditory learners function well with wordless background music playing while they study. It may be beneficial for your auditory learner to use a finger or a pointer when reading to avoid skipping lines. The auditory learner also benefits from repeating the given directions, performing oral evaluations, and using word association to remember material.
Kinesthetic Learners - Kinesthetic learners learn best through a hands-on approach. They learn though moving, touching, and doing. If your child is a kinesthetic learner, you may want to consider field trips, laboratory experiments, and using memory techniques involving hand gestures. Kinesthetic learners need to work in shorter blocks of time and take frequent breaks while studying. They tend to need space to read or write, such as laying on the floor or bed as opposed to sitting at a table. Kinesthetic learners tend to favor action-oriented books. To encourage your kinesthetic learner, allow for the use of models, projects, or demonstrations as opposed to the traditional written report.
Discovering your child's learning style will not only benefit your child, but you, the homeschooling parent as well. Having this knowledge will help you determine what curriculum works best for you and will therefore save you time and money. Most importantly though, knowing how your child learns will foster confidence and encourage a lifelong love of learning in your child.
Crystal Pratt is a writer and content contributor for LessonPathways.com, an innovative new product that maps online educational resources into ready to teach units.
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If you homeschool, you are probably already aware that there are many different learning styles. Everyone has their preferred method of learning.
The common school of thought recognizes three distinct learning styles. These are Visual Learners, Auditory Learners, and Kinesthetic Learners. They may sound like fancy labels, but they are simply different ways of learning. Most people work best with one learning style, but will find that they may overlap into the other areas. This makes it important to address all learning styles with every student, while focusing on the style that suits them best.
Visual Learners - These people learn through seeing. They learn through reading of text, use of pictures, graphs, diagrams, etc. If your child is a visual learner, you should provide reading material, use body language in your teaching, and instruct your child how to take notes. Use written instructions, rather than oral and keep background noise to a minimum. Remember that they memorize using visual cues, so they may prefer to write something down, even on an oral assignment. Visual learners tend to recall information better if they have read it to themselves silently before reading aloud or discussing the information. It may be beneficial to provide a visual learner a general outline of the material that will be covered in a discussion or reading. Using concept maps also helps to provide connections of the material.
Auditory Learners - These are the children who will benefit from reading the text aloud, listening to a story on a tape recorder, or participating in a discussion. For your auditory learner, you should consider using online stories with audio support, books on tape, or taking turns reading out loud. Auditory learners function well with wordless background music playing while they study. It may be beneficial for your auditory learner to use a finger or a pointer when reading to avoid skipping lines. The auditory learner also benefits from repeating the given directions, performing oral evaluations, and using word association to remember material.
Kinesthetic Learners - Kinesthetic learners learn best through a hands-on approach. They learn though moving, touching, and doing. If your child is a kinesthetic learner, you may want to consider field trips, laboratory experiments, and using memory techniques involving hand gestures. Kinesthetic learners need to work in shorter blocks of time and take frequent breaks while studying. They tend to need space to read or write, such as laying on the floor or bed as opposed to sitting at a table. Kinesthetic learners tend to favor action-oriented books. To encourage your kinesthetic learner, allow for the use of models, projects, or demonstrations as opposed to the traditional written report.
Discovering your child's learning style will not only benefit your child, but you, the homeschooling parent as well. Having this knowledge will help you determine what curriculum works best for you and will therefore save you time and money. Most importantly though, knowing how your child learns will foster confidence and encourage a lifelong love of learning in your child.
Crystal Pratt is a writer and content contributor for LessonPathways.com, an innovative new product that maps online educational resources into ready to teach units.
ArticleThe common school of thought recognizes three distinct learning styles. These are Visual Learners, Auditory Learners, and Kinesthetic Learners. They may sound like fancy labels, but they are simply different ways of learning. Most people work best with one learning style, but will find that they may overlap into the other areas. This makes it important to address all learning styles with every student, while focusing on the style that suits them best.
Visual Learners - These people learn through seeing. They learn through reading of text, use of pictures, graphs, diagrams, etc. If your child is a visual learner, you should provide reading material, use body language in your teaching, and instruct your child how to take notes. Use written instructions, rather than oral and keep background noise to a minimum. Remember that they memorize using visual cues, so they may prefer to write something down, even on an oral assignment. Visual learners tend to recall information better if they have read it to themselves silently before reading aloud or discussing the information. It may be beneficial to provide a visual learner a general outline of the material that will be covered in a discussion or reading. Using concept maps also helps to provide connections of the material.
Auditory Learners - These are the children who will benefit from reading the text aloud, listening to a story on a tape recorder, or participating in a discussion. For your auditory learner, you should consider using online stories with audio support, books on tape, or taking turns reading out loud. Auditory learners function well with wordless background music playing while they study. It may be beneficial for your auditory learner to use a finger or a pointer when reading to avoid skipping lines. The auditory learner also benefits from repeating the given directions, performing oral evaluations, and using word association to remember material.
Kinesthetic Learners - Kinesthetic learners learn best through a hands-on approach. They learn though moving, touching, and doing. If your child is a kinesthetic learner, you may want to consider field trips, laboratory experiments, and using memory techniques involving hand gestures. Kinesthetic learners need to work in shorter blocks of time and take frequent breaks while studying. They tend to need space to read or write, such as laying on the floor or bed as opposed to sitting at a table. Kinesthetic learners tend to favor action-oriented books. To encourage your kinesthetic learner, allow for the use of models, projects, or demonstrations as opposed to the traditional written report.
Discovering your child's learning style will not only benefit your child, but you, the homeschooling parent as well. Having this knowledge will help you determine what curriculum works best for you and will therefore save you time and money. Most importantly though, knowing how your child learns will foster confidence and encourage a lifelong love of learning in your child.
Crystal Pratt is a writer and content contributor for LessonPathways.com, an innovative new product that maps online educational resources into ready to teach units.
The Rose
Submitted: December 1, 2011 | Author: Roma Cox | Posted in: Encourage & Inspire Print This Article | Email This Article
I lost my right eye as a child, and was teased unmercifully until I learned what I am about to share with you. You see children would ask me, "What is wrong with your eye?" Being stubborn and ashamed, I replied, "NOTHING". They knew that was a lie, and would attempt to force the truth out of me. Sometimes they joined forces with friends to bully me into telling the truth. I was very stubborn, and refused to tell. I was like a brick wall.
I learned, through a very loving and caring church, not to ignore or deny the fact that I am blind in one eye... to simply tell the truth. There is a law of Cause and Effect. So when asked, "What is wrong with your eye?", (no longer ashamed or frightened) I replied, "I am blind in one eye". It works like a psychological judo. I wonder if that is what Jesus meant when he said "turn the other cheek" because the children simply said "Oh". The fight was gone when I stopped being the brick wall, passive or submissive, but staying fluid, and capitalizing on opportunities... giving myself the time to see the doorway in the brick wall.
"Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass... it is about learning how to dance in the rain!"
It is true I am blind in one eye, but I have had the opportunity to give workships, and share my transformation, resulting from simple truths, to other young people, thus passing on the transformation others taught me. To me that is what the Bible means when the disciples asked Jesus, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" Jesus answered, "Neither he nor his parents sinned; it is so that the words of God might be made visible through him (John 9). Every challenge we undertake is an opportunity to dance in the rain.
I know of a lady who was given a seriously mentally challenged child to tutor. She was honest with him, and told him of his mental handicap. She said that he would have to work harder than other children, but that he also could accomplish what ever he put his mind to. Knowing the truth caused him to work extra hard. When he became of age he passed the college entrance exam with flying colors. After entering his college classes, the professors came to her saying, "He is mentally handicapped". She replied, "Yes?". The young man did just fine in college, and by over coming his challenge, inspired others.
"When we choose not to focus on what is missing from our lives but are grateful for the abundance that is present... we experience heaven on earth."
Many people take this to mean denial. I often hear, "If we think on the negative, we give it power". So, fearfully, they look the other way or refuse to acknowledge the obvious. When we are on a road trip, and pull out a map to find our way, we must first know our starting point before we can focus on a destination. If I call you for directions to your house, you need to know my location before you can give me proper directions. I do not deny that I am blind in one eye, and at times it does require my focus (driving and caring for it as examples). I just do not see it as a bad or shameful thing anymore. Used properly, it is a blessing.
By seeing beauty and opportunity in an apparent weakness, the tutor mentioned above helped the mentally challenged child go far beyond what others could have imagined. The alcoholic can not experience God's blessings if he is in denial either. However, if we get stuck in past pain or self pity, we can not experience the "Heaven On Earth" God has already created for us. Forgiving is not about forgetting, it is about letting go of the pain.
Sometimes each of us is like the rose: open and expressing the God given beauty within, and sometimes like the rose bud: closed, and not expressing that inner beauty. But it is always there.
What is happening today in your life, in this country, and around the world is an opportunity to "Glorify God". You are His Hands. So take up the challenge and dance in the rain.
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I lost my right eye as a child, and was teased unmercifully until I learned what I am about to share with you. You see children would ask me, "What is wrong with your eye?" Being stubborn and ashamed, I replied, "NOTHING". They knew that was a lie, and would attempt to force the truth out of me. Sometimes they joined forces with friends to bully me into telling the truth. I was very stubborn, and refused to tell. I was like a brick wall.
I learned, through a very loving and caring church, not to ignore or deny the fact that I am blind in one eye... to simply tell the truth. There is a law of Cause and Effect. So when asked, "What is wrong with your eye?", (no longer ashamed or frightened) I replied, "I am blind in one eye". It works like a psychological judo. I wonder if that is what Jesus meant when he said "turn the other cheek" because the children simply said "Oh". The fight was gone when I stopped being the brick wall, passive or submissive, but staying fluid, and capitalizing on opportunities... giving myself the time to see the doorway in the brick wall.
"Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass... it is about learning how to dance in the rain!"
It is true I am blind in one eye, but I have had the opportunity to give workships, and share my transformation, resulting from simple truths, to other young people, thus passing on the transformation others taught me. To me that is what the Bible means when the disciples asked Jesus, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" Jesus answered, "Neither he nor his parents sinned; it is so that the words of God might be made visible through him (John 9). Every challenge we undertake is an opportunity to dance in the rain.
I know of a lady who was given a seriously mentally challenged child to tutor. She was honest with him, and told him of his mental handicap. She said that he would have to work harder than other children, but that he also could accomplish what ever he put his mind to. Knowing the truth caused him to work extra hard. When he became of age he passed the college entrance exam with flying colors. After entering his college classes, the professors came to her saying, "He is mentally handicapped". She replied, "Yes?". The young man did just fine in college, and by over coming his challenge, inspired others.
"When we choose not to focus on what is missing from our lives but are grateful for the abundance that is present... we experience heaven on earth."
Many people take this to mean denial. I often hear, "If we think on the negative, we give it power". So, fearfully, they look the other way or refuse to acknowledge the obvious. When we are on a road trip, and pull out a map to find our way, we must first know our starting point before we can focus on a destination. If I call you for directions to your house, you need to know my location before you can give me proper directions. I do not deny that I am blind in one eye, and at times it does require my focus (driving and caring for it as examples). I just do not see it as a bad or shameful thing anymore. Used properly, it is a blessing.
By seeing beauty and opportunity in an apparent weakness, the tutor mentioned above helped the mentally challenged child go far beyond what others could have imagined. The alcoholic can not experience God's blessings if he is in denial either. However, if we get stuck in past pain or self pity, we can not experience the "Heaven On Earth" God has already created for us. Forgiving is not about forgetting, it is about letting go of the pain.
Sometimes each of us is like the rose: open and expressing the God given beauty within, and sometimes like the rose bud: closed, and not expressing that inner beauty. But it is always there.
What is happening today in your life, in this country, and around the world is an opportunity to "Glorify God". You are His Hands. So take up the challenge and dance in the rain.
Article SourceI learned, through a very loving and caring church, not to ignore or deny the fact that I am blind in one eye... to simply tell the truth. There is a law of Cause and Effect. So when asked, "What is wrong with your eye?", (no longer ashamed or frightened) I replied, "I am blind in one eye". It works like a psychological judo. I wonder if that is what Jesus meant when he said "turn the other cheek" because the children simply said "Oh". The fight was gone when I stopped being the brick wall, passive or submissive, but staying fluid, and capitalizing on opportunities... giving myself the time to see the doorway in the brick wall.
"Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass... it is about learning how to dance in the rain!"
It is true I am blind in one eye, but I have had the opportunity to give workships, and share my transformation, resulting from simple truths, to other young people, thus passing on the transformation others taught me. To me that is what the Bible means when the disciples asked Jesus, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" Jesus answered, "Neither he nor his parents sinned; it is so that the words of God might be made visible through him (John 9). Every challenge we undertake is an opportunity to dance in the rain.
I know of a lady who was given a seriously mentally challenged child to tutor. She was honest with him, and told him of his mental handicap. She said that he would have to work harder than other children, but that he also could accomplish what ever he put his mind to. Knowing the truth caused him to work extra hard. When he became of age he passed the college entrance exam with flying colors. After entering his college classes, the professors came to her saying, "He is mentally handicapped". She replied, "Yes?". The young man did just fine in college, and by over coming his challenge, inspired others.
"When we choose not to focus on what is missing from our lives but are grateful for the abundance that is present... we experience heaven on earth."
Many people take this to mean denial. I often hear, "If we think on the negative, we give it power". So, fearfully, they look the other way or refuse to acknowledge the obvious. When we are on a road trip, and pull out a map to find our way, we must first know our starting point before we can focus on a destination. If I call you for directions to your house, you need to know my location before you can give me proper directions. I do not deny that I am blind in one eye, and at times it does require my focus (driving and caring for it as examples). I just do not see it as a bad or shameful thing anymore. Used properly, it is a blessing.
By seeing beauty and opportunity in an apparent weakness, the tutor mentioned above helped the mentally challenged child go far beyond what others could have imagined. The alcoholic can not experience God's blessings if he is in denial either. However, if we get stuck in past pain or self pity, we can not experience the "Heaven On Earth" God has already created for us. Forgiving is not about forgetting, it is about letting go of the pain.
Sometimes each of us is like the rose: open and expressing the God given beauty within, and sometimes like the rose bud: closed, and not expressing that inner beauty. But it is always there.
What is happening today in your life, in this country, and around the world is an opportunity to "Glorify God". You are His Hands. So take up the challenge and dance in the rain.
A Tribute to Homeschooling Moms
Submitted: November 18, 2011 | Author: Charmaine Wistad | Posted in: Encourage & Inspire Print This Article | Email This Article
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It’s May – the month that we honor mothers. As I coach homeschooling moms all over the world, I’ve come to the conclusion that you are a breed apart. For Mother’s Day, I wanted to write an article honoring the homeschooling mom; but how do I do that without sounding trite or using all the common clichés? As I pondered this, what came to mind is the following. Here is why I respect and honor you, the homeschool mom, so very much:
Charmaine Wistad has successfully homeschooled her own two children from pre-school through high school. Now she is turning her attention toward helping other homeschool moms. Through personal coaching, Charmaine helps homeschooling moms thrive… not just survive! Visit her website to try a complimentary no-obligation telephone coaching session.
Article Source - You slug it out, year by year, in spite of the fact that there are many days you want to give up.
- You live with big messes in your home (which drives some of you nuts!) because kids and books and papers and pencils just don't want to fall neatly into place by themselves. But you put up with it because it's worth it to have the children learning at home.
- You spend countless hours in research and study, asking questions and going to conferences to find the best curriculum for your darlings.
- You give up the peace and quiet that could be yours if you sent the kiddos off on the bus every morning.
- You agonize over your choices; sometimes you know you must choose to send one or all back to school, at least for the time being. But homeschooling is still your heart.
- You give of yourself to your homeschooling community and help new homeschoolers get started.
- You cook, clean, do laundry, answer the phone, care for your husband, walk the dog, make a meal for a neighbor, drive the kids everywhere, nurse the sick, practice hospitality, watch other people's kids, change diapers - all while wearing the hat of primary teacher as well.
- You struggle with uncertainty, high expectations, exhaustion, fear and self doubt yet you press on toward the goal and the high calling.
- You lose your temper, yet you apologize. You get discouraged, yet you go on. You are disorganized, yet you make constant attempts at organization. You threaten to send them all to school, yet you love them too much to really do it.
- You do so much more than the 'average mom' yet you don't even realize it because it's all part of your lifestyle and normal routine.
- You love your children more than you love yourself; that's why you do all the things you do for them - day in and day out.
- You do all this (and much more) in spite of the fact that the world tells you you're crazy and that what you really need to do is serve yourself.
Charmaine Wistad has successfully homeschooled her own two children from pre-school through high school. Now she is turning her attention toward helping other homeschool moms. Through personal coaching, Charmaine helps homeschooling moms thrive… not just survive! Visit her website to try a complimentary no-obligation telephone coaching session.
Schedule in “Fun Fridays”
Submitted: November 19, 2011 | Author: Charmaine Wistad | Posted in: Teaching Ideas
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There are times when mom and the children all become a bit weary of “doing school”. If that is true for your family then it may be time to add a "Fun Friday" to your school schedule. For many of our homeschooling years we scheduled in some fun things on Fridays. We still worked on math or science in the morning; but every Friday afternoon we planned something educational, yet fun and different. This added a much needed break from the regular routine. It gave all of us something to look forward to and ended the week on a pleasant note.
The easiest "Fun Friday" thing to plan is an education board game (or card game). Once you’ve purchased or borrowed several games, all you need to do is haul one out and start playing. We’ve had some favorites over the years that I’d like to share with you. Because I know how busy you are, I will include links to websites where you can either purchase or read more about the games.
General Knowledge
BrainQuest Game For Grades 1 – 6 (all levels can play together) by University Games.
The object is to be the first player to finish a race around the game board, designed to mimic a school playground, by correctly answering questions from the Brain Quest cards. Each of the 256 cards contains questions and answers in categories such as math, science, social studies, English, and grab bag (a euphemism for cultural literacy). Brain Quest's folded cards prevent the I-saw-the-answer-on-the-back problem while allowing even the player asking the question to guess the answer. Website: BrainQuest.com
Vocabulary/Language
Rummy Roots - This is a go-fish type card game using Greek and Latin roots. The game can be played on several levels and provides a fun and easy way to learn 42 Greek and Latin roots, over 190 vocabulary words, and the ability to at least partially decipher over 2,000 words! Rummy Roots can be purchased online at Rainbow Resource Center.
Bethump’d With Words - This game will challenge your knowledge of everyday words and test your strategic skills. It is expressly designed for parents and children or teachers and students to play together. It enables teachers to stretch brain muscles while stimulating a fundamental interest in words, language, and, ultimately, reading. Bethump’d with Words board game comes in two editions: Discovery Edition and Senior Edition. There is also a book edition available. For 2-8 players. This game is discontinued by the manufacturer. Used versions can sometimes be found on Ebay.com or Amazon.com.
Link for many more grammar games
Literature/Shakespeare
The Play’s The Thing by Aristoplay - The game presents quotes, plots and characters from one Shakespeare play at a time in a fun way. (3 different plays included with the game but you can buy more later.) As players piece together sets and perform scenes, the play begins to make sense. Soon, players are ready to go on to the next Shakespeare play... and then the next. THis board game can be found online at Rock Solid Inc.
Math
Family Math (book); Author/Editor: V. Thompson - This is not a board game but a book that has many interesting math activities. Includes many games and reproducible charts. Comes in 3 versions: Family Math (grades 1-6) Family Math for Young Children PK-3, and Family Math: The Middle School Years Grades 5-8. Search for Family Math on Amazon.com
Find many more math games
Science
Somebody Game by Aristoplay - As a puzzle activity, players draw body part cards and place a body part on the body board. Level 2 teaches the locations and functions of major body parts. Learn the names, functions and locations of major body parts.
Mars 2020: A Space Exploration Game – The goal is to reach Mars by the year 2020. Along the way, players experience the science and logic of space travel, encountering challenges and malfunctions that can be handled by answering questions about space travel.
More Aristoplay Games
Geography
Where in the World by Aristoplay - Play as a card game to learn the countries on the continents. Play with the cards and boards to learn the location of the countries as well as the capital, population, flag, major religion, languages, currency, major imports and exports, literacy rate and seacoasts. This game can be purchased online at Rock Solid Inc.
GeoDerby/USA Board Game - Challenge your memory and learn new facts about our great country. An exciting way for the whole family to learn about the location of mountains, rivers, seaports, etc. A color-coded map is provided for players who need help in answering questions. You do NOT have to be an expert in geography to win this exceptional game. This game can be purchased online at Rock Solid Inc.
Music
Musopoly - This fun board game for all ages turns learning music theory and reading into a creative, fun time together. Students work together, not against each other, and everybody wins! The game comes with answers and ideas for beginning through advanced play. Includes more than a 175 cards, dictation slate & notes, dice, bright gold coins, and a very clear rule book. Use with 2 to 6 players, up to 12 in a group. This game can be purchased at MusicMotion.com.
Logic/Thinking Skills
Set Card Game - It sounds simple; players race to see which three cards (of the twelve showing) form a “set”. There are no turns, no waiting - the quickest to deduce a logical set wins the point. There is no age advantage; your children can beat you if their visual perception in sharper than yours. Even when played alone, the game is a mental challenge. MENSA chose this game as a top mind game in 1991 - chosen for originality, intellectual challenge, aesthetics, quality and longevity (you won’t quickly tire of this game!). Grade 1- Adult. Game can be purchased at SetGame.com.
For many more educational game ideas visit EducationalLearningGames.com.
In addition to games, you might use your "Fun Fridays" for any of the following:
Charmaine Wistad has successfully homeschooled her own two children from pre-school through high school. Now she is turning her attention toward helping other homeschool moms. Through personal coaching, Charmaine helps homeschooling moms thrive… not just survive! Visit her website to try a complimentary no-obligation telephone coaching session.
Article SourceThe easiest "Fun Friday" thing to plan is an education board game (or card game). Once you’ve purchased or borrowed several games, all you need to do is haul one out and start playing. We’ve had some favorites over the years that I’d like to share with you. Because I know how busy you are, I will include links to websites where you can either purchase or read more about the games.
General Knowledge
BrainQuest Game For Grades 1 – 6 (all levels can play together) by University Games.
The object is to be the first player to finish a race around the game board, designed to mimic a school playground, by correctly answering questions from the Brain Quest cards. Each of the 256 cards contains questions and answers in categories such as math, science, social studies, English, and grab bag (a euphemism for cultural literacy). Brain Quest's folded cards prevent the I-saw-the-answer-on-the-back problem while allowing even the player asking the question to guess the answer. Website: BrainQuest.com
Vocabulary/Language
Rummy Roots - This is a go-fish type card game using Greek and Latin roots. The game can be played on several levels and provides a fun and easy way to learn 42 Greek and Latin roots, over 190 vocabulary words, and the ability to at least partially decipher over 2,000 words! Rummy Roots can be purchased online at Rainbow Resource Center.
Bethump’d With Words - This game will challenge your knowledge of everyday words and test your strategic skills. It is expressly designed for parents and children or teachers and students to play together. It enables teachers to stretch brain muscles while stimulating a fundamental interest in words, language, and, ultimately, reading. Bethump’d with Words board game comes in two editions: Discovery Edition and Senior Edition. There is also a book edition available. For 2-8 players. This game is discontinued by the manufacturer. Used versions can sometimes be found on Ebay.com or Amazon.com.
Link for many more grammar games
Literature/Shakespeare
The Play’s The Thing by Aristoplay - The game presents quotes, plots and characters from one Shakespeare play at a time in a fun way. (3 different plays included with the game but you can buy more later.) As players piece together sets and perform scenes, the play begins to make sense. Soon, players are ready to go on to the next Shakespeare play... and then the next. THis board game can be found online at Rock Solid Inc.
Math
Family Math (book); Author/Editor: V. Thompson - This is not a board game but a book that has many interesting math activities. Includes many games and reproducible charts. Comes in 3 versions: Family Math (grades 1-6) Family Math for Young Children PK-3, and Family Math: The Middle School Years Grades 5-8. Search for Family Math on Amazon.com
Find many more math games
Science
Somebody Game by Aristoplay - As a puzzle activity, players draw body part cards and place a body part on the body board. Level 2 teaches the locations and functions of major body parts. Learn the names, functions and locations of major body parts.
Mars 2020: A Space Exploration Game – The goal is to reach Mars by the year 2020. Along the way, players experience the science and logic of space travel, encountering challenges and malfunctions that can be handled by answering questions about space travel.
More Aristoplay Games
Geography
Where in the World by Aristoplay - Play as a card game to learn the countries on the continents. Play with the cards and boards to learn the location of the countries as well as the capital, population, flag, major religion, languages, currency, major imports and exports, literacy rate and seacoasts. This game can be purchased online at Rock Solid Inc.
GeoDerby/USA Board Game - Challenge your memory and learn new facts about our great country. An exciting way for the whole family to learn about the location of mountains, rivers, seaports, etc. A color-coded map is provided for players who need help in answering questions. You do NOT have to be an expert in geography to win this exceptional game. This game can be purchased online at Rock Solid Inc.
Music
Musopoly - This fun board game for all ages turns learning music theory and reading into a creative, fun time together. Students work together, not against each other, and everybody wins! The game comes with answers and ideas for beginning through advanced play. Includes more than a 175 cards, dictation slate & notes, dice, bright gold coins, and a very clear rule book. Use with 2 to 6 players, up to 12 in a group. This game can be purchased at MusicMotion.com.
Logic/Thinking Skills
Set Card Game - It sounds simple; players race to see which three cards (of the twelve showing) form a “set”. There are no turns, no waiting - the quickest to deduce a logical set wins the point. There is no age advantage; your children can beat you if their visual perception in sharper than yours. Even when played alone, the game is a mental challenge. MENSA chose this game as a top mind game in 1991 - chosen for originality, intellectual challenge, aesthetics, quality and longevity (you won’t quickly tire of this game!). Grade 1- Adult. Game can be purchased at SetGame.com.
For many more educational game ideas visit EducationalLearningGames.com.
In addition to games, you might use your "Fun Fridays" for any of the following:
- Movies/videos (the ones you wish you had time to watch but never seem to get to)
- Field trips / nature walks
- Craft and art projects
- Music time… listening to a particular composer, playing music together, dancing.
Charmaine Wistad has successfully homeschooled her own two children from pre-school through high school. Now she is turning her attention toward helping other homeschool moms. Through personal coaching, Charmaine helps homeschooling moms thrive… not just survive! Visit her website to try a complimentary no-obligation telephone coaching session.
Teaching Children to Write Without Taking Over
Submitted: November 15, 2011 | Author: Dianne Dachyshyn | Posted in: English
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Teaching kids to write is one of the
biggest challenges that a homeschooler faces. Just how do we get those little
guys to wax eloquently on paper? Doesn't it make your hair bristle when they
groan, "Ah, Mom, I hate writing!"
We try everything to make it work. Don't we make them fill the page? Don't we circle every error, correct every misspelled word, harp about their grammar? What more can we do? Unfortunately, sometimes we do too much. Let's consider the following example to illustrate what I mean.
Yanking the garment from your hand, the toddler says, "Me do it! I do it myself." From a young age, children express independence by attempting grown-up tasks. They want to dress themselves, make a sandwich, set the table. We smile at their childish efforts. Colors don't match, the sandwich is sloppy and the table setting haphazard. A wise parent accepts the creation, resisting the urge to fix it. I confess that I wasn't always a wise parent.
How many times have I stepped in to help? "Here, Honey, let Mommy help." That statement is the kiss of death to the child's creativity and independence. When children complete a task with an adult-modified result, they know as well as everyone else that their creativity was lost in the shuffle. Grandma knows when the child carries that perfectly decorated angel food cake to the table while you gush ecstatically, "Just look what Zelda made, all by herself," that there's not a chance that she actually did. Everyone in the room, including Zelda, knows that there's a lot more Mommy in that cake than Zelda, but no one admits it.
Are you seeing the similarity? Now let's apply this principle to teaching children to write. How can we step back and allow them to write without over correcting, modifying, or rewriting--in other words, taking over?
But Dianne, I hear you thinking. How can I teach my children to improve their writing skills? I want them to do their best. Perhaps the child's best is far below your comfortable standard. Perhaps the standard that makes you comfortable is unrealistically high. The worst thing we can do is to do the work for the child.
When a child writes a story, a report or a math test, the end product should look as if a child wrote it. It should sound as if a child wrote it. A child's story with an adult voice begs the obvious question: "How did that happen?" It simply shouldn't sound that polished.
There should be mistakes because children have not yet mastered spelling, grammar, punctuation, word usage and style. If a story pops out of the printer perfectly formatted, paragraphs correct, punctuation flawless from commas to semi-colons, complicated sentence structure and figures of speech lined up like motor homes at a trade show, there's something wrong.
Like Grandma, we all know that there is no way the child produced that piece of work herself. The sad thing is that we broadcast our embarrassment of our children's imperfect work when we clean up all the errors in our desperate attempt to make the writing better. The truth is that it isn't better; it's just altered. By us. What's sadder is that we aren't even doing it to make the child look better. We are mostly concerned with how we look.
In a future article, I will share some more tips on how we can encourage our children to do their best at writing without taking over.
Dianne Dachyshyn is a freelance writer and a motivational speaker who lives in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. She works as a home education facilitator, helping homeschooling families plan their programs and deal with challenges. Dianne is passionate about teaching children to write. Visit her website at HomeschoolWell.com.
Article
SourceWe try everything to make it work. Don't we make them fill the page? Don't we circle every error, correct every misspelled word, harp about their grammar? What more can we do? Unfortunately, sometimes we do too much. Let's consider the following example to illustrate what I mean.
Yanking the garment from your hand, the toddler says, "Me do it! I do it myself." From a young age, children express independence by attempting grown-up tasks. They want to dress themselves, make a sandwich, set the table. We smile at their childish efforts. Colors don't match, the sandwich is sloppy and the table setting haphazard. A wise parent accepts the creation, resisting the urge to fix it. I confess that I wasn't always a wise parent.
How many times have I stepped in to help? "Here, Honey, let Mommy help." That statement is the kiss of death to the child's creativity and independence. When children complete a task with an adult-modified result, they know as well as everyone else that their creativity was lost in the shuffle. Grandma knows when the child carries that perfectly decorated angel food cake to the table while you gush ecstatically, "Just look what Zelda made, all by herself," that there's not a chance that she actually did. Everyone in the room, including Zelda, knows that there's a lot more Mommy in that cake than Zelda, but no one admits it.
Are you seeing the similarity? Now let's apply this principle to teaching children to write. How can we step back and allow them to write without over correcting, modifying, or rewriting--in other words, taking over?
But Dianne, I hear you thinking. How can I teach my children to improve their writing skills? I want them to do their best. Perhaps the child's best is far below your comfortable standard. Perhaps the standard that makes you comfortable is unrealistically high. The worst thing we can do is to do the work for the child.
When a child writes a story, a report or a math test, the end product should look as if a child wrote it. It should sound as if a child wrote it. A child's story with an adult voice begs the obvious question: "How did that happen?" It simply shouldn't sound that polished.
There should be mistakes because children have not yet mastered spelling, grammar, punctuation, word usage and style. If a story pops out of the printer perfectly formatted, paragraphs correct, punctuation flawless from commas to semi-colons, complicated sentence structure and figures of speech lined up like motor homes at a trade show, there's something wrong.
Like Grandma, we all know that there is no way the child produced that piece of work herself. The sad thing is that we broadcast our embarrassment of our children's imperfect work when we clean up all the errors in our desperate attempt to make the writing better. The truth is that it isn't better; it's just altered. By us. What's sadder is that we aren't even doing it to make the child look better. We are mostly concerned with how we look.
In a future article, I will share some more tips on how we can encourage our children to do their best at writing without taking over.
Dianne Dachyshyn is a freelance writer and a motivational speaker who lives in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. She works as a home education facilitator, helping homeschooling families plan their programs and deal with challenges. Dianne is passionate about teaching children to write. Visit her website at HomeschoolWell.com.
Looking Through The Window of Duck's House
Written by Homeschoolmom
 |
| "Seize the moment to grow in the love of your children. Love and education will be intertwined if you don't focus so much on the structure of your day. Enjoy your kids today and take the time to go outside and just have fun." |
Our school schedule has been the same for many years, but life's challenges got in the way and changed the traditional look of our school days. With some self evaluation I have come to terms with what our "new" school day looks like. As I am writing this, it is my prayer that God will use it to provide encouragement for you to gracefully accept the changes that arise in your school world as well.
After homeschooling for 10 years now, I have come to realized the importance of seeing that we are at home and homeschooling doesn't need to look like what traditional school looks like. Isn't that the very reason why we are homeschooling anyway? I know for my family I want my child to enjoy being at home and enjoy learning and putting the strain of this structure on her was really wearing her down.
Our past summer didn't look like a typical one to me. We had to work through some of life's struggles, which we did just fine, but then came the time to drag out the books for a new school year. With the family challenges in place I really had to examine what our school day was going to look like now. By God's amazing grace I was able to work through our situation and never one time got stressed out about what our new school day looked like. It wasn't until recently I realized that although as moms and teachers we think that every year will be the same structure of getting up, doing the chores, eating breakfast, and the starting school, that with every year our kids are another year older. It is important to re-evaluate our schedules and be ready to make the necessary changes as they are needed. Our kids will be so much happier in the end.
The time had come for us to see some change in how we are doing our daily routine. I have lightened up on the structured day of our schooling. I am not getting Duck up at 7:00 AM now. If I know she is tired, I let her sleep as I have come to realize the more sleep she has the better natured she is during the day. She still gets dressed and makes her bed, but the morning chores isn't as time structured as it was before. I have found that she willingly sits down and just picks a subject all by herself and does it without challenge. I haven't even been telling her it is time to start school she does it on her own. This is a huge blessing to me. This had been a struggle of ours for many years and I am thankful for this now.
I am still using the workbox system as this is working for Duck, but I am not such a stickler about her moving from box to box and your break will be here and your snack will be here and oh no... you mean there is an unexpected field trip or fun time thrown in the mix. But we didn't get our lessons done. Nope, none of that now. I have really just learned to let it all go. We still get the basics done. Math and grammar are important areas to me and in Ducks case, as you can all see who follow this blog, she is continuing to write all the time. When there is more time in our day then we work on the other subject areas that we are covering this school year.
With the wisdom of my best friend I have really seized the opportunity to see so many more lessons that can be learned through life than anything she could learn in a workbook. I am just really seeking the opportunity to let her learn at her own pace (per say) and give her more control over what she is reading and writing about. This time of our personal development and growth has allowed us as a family to get through some of life's difficulties and still succeed at homeschooling without the pressures we often place on ourselves as teachers. Some of those areas of pressure include; are our kids learning "enough" because we didn't get that spelling lesson done or that grammar lesson on adverbs or prepositions. We all know how important it is for our kids to be able to pull that dangling participle phrase out of the report they may have to write when they are grown up. I feel what we have gone through as a family is an important life skill learned and the fact we are still getting our work done in a less structured environment has been the best learning opportunity my child could have ever gained.
What I'm trying to express is to remember that although our kids may be playing, cooking or cleaning they are still learning. I have really had to come to grips with the fact that although structure is good and healthy, sometimes God places obstacles in our lives and in our families for us to grow together. I know for me, that sometimes our structured day was actually a hindrance and a pressure because I didn't get everything I felt needed to be done, done. Allow your structure to be tweaked and turned around. God will continue to bless you with His grace and mercy and your kids will continue to blossom and grow in the end. Take it from me, change isn't always a bad thing. Seize the moment to grow in the love of your children. Let the structured day go so you can see the "real" learning opportunities all around you. Those opportunities are so much more fun than that worksheet or text book sitting on the desk. Love and education will be intertwined if you don't focus so much on the structure of your day. I wish I had only learned this a few years ago. Enjoy your kids today and take the time to go outside and just have fun.
The Seasons of Homeschooling...
Written by Homeschoolmom
"To my teacher,I found this note the other day on my desk from my daughter. I felt a need to share it here as well. It is my hope and prayer that this serves as a source of encouragement for you today.
There's no one quite like a special teacher, and no teacher quite as special as you." ~ Love, your student
How many of you have experienced the tears during math or grammar, reading or writing? The books go on the floor (whether by accident or on purpose)? Please know it doesn't last forever. We too went through a season where we argued everyday. Tears from one or both of us everyday. For us, it was as a result of that math lesson that needed to be done (at least most of the time). There were so many times that I allowed the enemy to lie to me by telling me I was the worst "mom and teacher" in the world. How could I teach this precious child if she doesn't want to learn from me?
Please know that there is hope
for a brighter future. There is hope for everyone to enjoy a school day. There
is hope for those wonderful bonding moments with your children that we hear so
many homeschooling parents have. I often wondered why I didn't have what so many
others had? What was I doing wrong? Now I can answer it. It was a season in
our school world we had to go through. 
You can do this magnificant job of homeschooling.
Remember, there are others who know the pain and the joys of what you are going
through. Get your network of other homeschooling moms or dads in place and this
will help you get through that trying season you may be in. If you feel like you
are alone in either your family, because they don't support your idea to
homeschool or there isn't anyone in your neighborhood, community, or country
then reach out to the internet. There are so many places I have found that offer
wonderful resources for homeschooling parents. I wished I had found them while I
was struggling alone, but I have them now. We still have our struggles today and
those are the days I reach out to my great encouragers; aka ~ internet
homeschooling friends. They will pull you through and allow you to begin a new
day with a fresh and inspired heart of teaching your children again. Please
know, you can do this. There is a hope for a future with no tears, the
books to stay on the table and a joy for the very subject you are struggling
with today. Remember, God inspired you to homeschool, God will show you how to
do it. Turn to Him with your frustrations and tears. He will guide you through
your season. Likewise, when you have moved on to the joyous season, remember to
give thanks for the hard times as it was those times that allow you to truly
enjoy the great season you are in now. 
"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; ... " Ecclesiastes 3:1-22 ESV
What Is The Role Of “Unschooling” In Homeschooling?
Submitted: October 29, 2011 | Author: Melissa Murdoch | Posted in: Unschooling Print This Article | Email This Article
Print This Article | Email This Article
Unschooling is a method of learning and does not refer to the content being learnt. Unschooling refers to a process of ‘self-learning’. This is considered the process of knowing your own interests, your openness to learning about these interests, and pursuing them under your own steam. With unschooling, you create your own agenda and follow it up to learn the things that you think are integral to your interests.
Unschooling is considered a subset of Homeschooling. The ‘unschoolers’ vary from the ‘homeschoolers’ by the fact that they create and manage their own learning. With regards to the history and the origin of the idea of unschooling, John Holt almost certainly coined the term. He is considered the father of unschooling. He believed that modern concepts of a grading system, fixed curriculum, and the competition that is generated as a result is counterproductive to the learning process by a child. He believed that natural methods of learning by experience and from curiosity were more effective in helping the child develop a critical thought process. Activities like game play, household responsibilities and social interactions were the key areas that were identified to provide new life experiences conducive to the child’s ‘natural’ education, all the time guided by a responsible adult.
The main concept behind the unschooling philosophy of homeschooling is that children are natural learners. Children are known to learn things by their own innate curiosity, and need the freedom to explore their own areas of interest. If this is stifled, the child may lose the ability to nurture their own curiosity, and their performance in established grading systems may be poor. The idea of unschooling in this context believes modern education is inefficient because it requires every child to learn a specific subject matter in a particular manner, at a particular pace, and at a particular time regardless of that individual's present or future needs, interests, goals, or any pre-existing knowledge the child might have about the topic.
Another philosophy that is behind unschooling is that not all children learn the same way. The modern day concept of fixed methods of teaching with a “one-size-fits-all” attitude may not be effective to some children and in some cases may even be harmful. Some children may not find a subject or topic interesting until they find a hook for their own curiosity in the subject. If they are forced to study on regardless, they may get bored and eventually fail. Each child also has a different learning style. Some learn better by reading books while others learn better by listening to a lecture. A teacher is ideally supposed to individually cater to the best learning method of each student. This is best achieved by the ideologies of unschooling.
Parents play an important role in unschooling. Parents are, of course, more experienced within the world than their children, and hence have a better access to resources and learning materials. These resources not only mean books and study materials, but also include stories about their experiences, places of interest, activities that are useful, and other things based on their experience.
With the development of modern methods of homeschooling and unschooling, there are several organizations and gatherings that help unschooling children socialize. There are centers directed for the benefit of unschoolers as well as gatherings like “Not back to school camp” which is an annual gathering of over 100 children aged between 13 and 18.
Melissa Murdoch has a passion for life span development and education, and believes wholeheartedly that a healthy society begins at home. For further information on how to get started in homeschooling, please visit YourHomeschoolCommunity.com.
Article Source Unschooling is considered a subset of Homeschooling. The ‘unschoolers’ vary from the ‘homeschoolers’ by the fact that they create and manage their own learning. With regards to the history and the origin of the idea of unschooling, John Holt almost certainly coined the term. He is considered the father of unschooling. He believed that modern concepts of a grading system, fixed curriculum, and the competition that is generated as a result is counterproductive to the learning process by a child. He believed that natural methods of learning by experience and from curiosity were more effective in helping the child develop a critical thought process. Activities like game play, household responsibilities and social interactions were the key areas that were identified to provide new life experiences conducive to the child’s ‘natural’ education, all the time guided by a responsible adult.
The main concept behind the unschooling philosophy of homeschooling is that children are natural learners. Children are known to learn things by their own innate curiosity, and need the freedom to explore their own areas of interest. If this is stifled, the child may lose the ability to nurture their own curiosity, and their performance in established grading systems may be poor. The idea of unschooling in this context believes modern education is inefficient because it requires every child to learn a specific subject matter in a particular manner, at a particular pace, and at a particular time regardless of that individual's present or future needs, interests, goals, or any pre-existing knowledge the child might have about the topic.
Another philosophy that is behind unschooling is that not all children learn the same way. The modern day concept of fixed methods of teaching with a “one-size-fits-all” attitude may not be effective to some children and in some cases may even be harmful. Some children may not find a subject or topic interesting until they find a hook for their own curiosity in the subject. If they are forced to study on regardless, they may get bored and eventually fail. Each child also has a different learning style. Some learn better by reading books while others learn better by listening to a lecture. A teacher is ideally supposed to individually cater to the best learning method of each student. This is best achieved by the ideologies of unschooling.
Parents play an important role in unschooling. Parents are, of course, more experienced within the world than their children, and hence have a better access to resources and learning materials. These resources not only mean books and study materials, but also include stories about their experiences, places of interest, activities that are useful, and other things based on their experience.
With the development of modern methods of homeschooling and unschooling, there are several organizations and gatherings that help unschooling children socialize. There are centers directed for the benefit of unschoolers as well as gatherings like “Not back to school camp” which is an annual gathering of over 100 children aged between 13 and 18.
Melissa Murdoch has a passion for life span development and education, and believes wholeheartedly that a healthy society begins at home. For further information on how to get started in homeschooling, please visit YourHomeschoolCommunity.com.
Encouraging Good Attitudes in the Home and Homeschool (Reposted)
Posted By Cindy Carrier On October 15, 2011 @ 7:50 pm In Encourage & Inspire
Personally, I have found that within in the home, attitudes are insidious. When one person has a bad attitude, it negatively affects others and can create chaos. On the other hand, when everyone chooses to persevere with a right attitude, occasional grumbles and the like don’t really have much impact on the overall scheme of things.
Attitude is closely linked to the expression of negative emotions, like anger, which certainly can have a detrimental effect on the entire household if not handled properly.
Mom having a good attitude is key to maintaining a peaceful and joyful home atmosphere that is conducive to meeting family, home management, and homeschooling goals. There is a real “trickle down effect” that occurs in the home, so if Mom is responding in a positive manner, children are more likely to reciprocate. Of course, Mom having a great attitude doesn’t guarantee that the kids (or Dad!) will, too. So, as the “manager of the home,” part of your job is to encourage everyone to have a godly attitude on a consistent basis. How to accomplish this?
Well, our human nature wants things now. We want quick-fixes and would rather put a band-aid on a gunshot wound than do extensive and time-consuming surgery. Unfortunately, encouraging proper attitudes is a process that requires perseverance as well as understanding.
How to Encourage a Good Attitude in Children
Perhaps obviously, bad attitudes are usually just the evidence of a flesh versus Spirit battle, and the flesh is winning. Typically, an individual (whether Mom, Dad, or kids) wants to do one thing, and their authority (Mom, Dad, or God) in some way makes it clear that something else is more necessary. And the knee-jerk reaction is grumbling, complaining, arguing, anger, or a generally sour approach to the task at hand.
I have found that when dealing with attitudes in the children, a proactive approach is best. We teach and train twelve “core values” as part of our Biblical instruction. Three of those values are surrender, self-control, and praise, all of which come into play in the area of attitudes. We like to focus on these positive character traits at a time when there is no correction needed, but rather to teach the foundational Biblical principles, Scriptures, and ways of interacting before negative situations arise. Otherwise, if we wait until something happens and simply provide discipline, sometimes it is not well received because of the negative situation.
So, we pick out a time (usually daily) to have a “training time.” (We talk about this at length in our book, The Values-Driven Family, and also have a brief article available on our Web site called The Softer Side of Child Training here [3].) There are many ways to incorporate fun and memorable elements into a training time, but one thing we always do is share Scriptures about select values or Christlike character traits and discuss how these values and verses do (or should) play out in our everyday situations. Of course, we don’t always have lessons related to attitude, but when we do we might share some of the following verses and how to apply them in maintaining a godly attitude:
Surrender
“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.” (Romans 13:1)
Mom and Dad occasionally have a bad attitude when God (who has authority over them) wants them to do something contrary to their own will; and similarly the children can experience this rebellion when Mom or Dad make a request. This verse helps to remind everyone that it is God’s plans and purposes that should prevail, not our own. As we discuss this verse and others like it, we consider things like, What is the outcome of submitting to authorities? What happens when you rebel against the powers who are over you? What are our existing authorities and how do we show them subjection? We guide the discussion a bit to show the children that it is a blessing to be surrendered to those who have rule over you, and that this is God’s desire.
Self-Control
“He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity.” (Proverbs 21:23)
One of the side effects of both bad attitude and anger is running at the mouth and saying things you shouldn’t. We share verses like this in relation to self-control, and even though the reminder to keep a bridle on the tongue in spite of negative emotions may not help to change the attitude, it can keep the resulting damage to a minimum.
Praise
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” (Philippians 4:4-5)
Anger and bad attitudes can be the result of rebellion but it can also come from a spirit of discontent or unnecessary upset. The core value of praise reminds us that God wants us to rejoice in all circumstances. Having verses at the ready that talk about rejoicing, even in the midst of trials, can be an encouragement when someone in the household is struggling in this area.
Of course, there are more verses that speak to these particular subjects but hopefully this simple overview will show you how you can teach God’s Word and help everyone in the family to apply it to real-life situations, especially here in relation to attitude (but also, by extension, anger and other emotional outbursts). Through this consistent exercise, you can create a more joyful home atmosphere. Having covered applicable verses during family time, it becomes simply a reminder to the children when attitudes or anger flare, to share one of the applicable verses in an encouraging manner and say something like, “This is what we talked about the other day…this is one situation where you can choose to obey God’s Word and be blessed.”
The approach of meditating on God’s Word and using it during life’s “teachable moments” is not an instant-fix, but it gets to the heart and will prove more effective than other “band-aids” in the long run. The consistent teaching and application of the Scriptures has been the one thing that I would say has affected the most change in the atmosphere of our home. So I encourage you to turn to God’s Word to correct bad attitudes and other outbursts in your home; pray with and for your children as you minister the encouragement of the Word and trust God that His Word will not return void!
Cynthia Carrier is the homeschooling mom of seven children and author of The Growing Homeschool: Integrating Babies and Toddlers into Your Already Busy Schedule and the children’s character training coloring book, Growing to be Like JesusThe Values-Driven Family: A Proactive Plan for Successful Biblical Parenting and Values-Driven Discipleship: Biblical Instruction and Character Training Manual. She is also a popular speaker at homeschool conventions and events. Visit her website, ValuesDrivenFamily.com [4].
Article Source [5]Mom having a good attitude is key to maintaining a peaceful and joyful home atmosphere that is conducive to meeting family, home management, and homeschooling goals. There is a real “trickle down effect” that occurs in the home, so if Mom is responding in a positive manner, children are more likely to reciprocate. Of course, Mom having a great attitude doesn’t guarantee that the kids (or Dad!) will, too. So, as the “manager of the home,” part of your job is to encourage everyone to have a godly attitude on a consistent basis. How to accomplish this?
Well, our human nature wants things now. We want quick-fixes and would rather put a band-aid on a gunshot wound than do extensive and time-consuming surgery. Unfortunately, encouraging proper attitudes is a process that requires perseverance as well as understanding.
How to Encourage a Good Attitude in Children
Perhaps obviously, bad attitudes are usually just the evidence of a flesh versus Spirit battle, and the flesh is winning. Typically, an individual (whether Mom, Dad, or kids) wants to do one thing, and their authority (Mom, Dad, or God) in some way makes it clear that something else is more necessary. And the knee-jerk reaction is grumbling, complaining, arguing, anger, or a generally sour approach to the task at hand.
I have found that when dealing with attitudes in the children, a proactive approach is best. We teach and train twelve “core values” as part of our Biblical instruction. Three of those values are surrender, self-control, and praise, all of which come into play in the area of attitudes. We like to focus on these positive character traits at a time when there is no correction needed, but rather to teach the foundational Biblical principles, Scriptures, and ways of interacting before negative situations arise. Otherwise, if we wait until something happens and simply provide discipline, sometimes it is not well received because of the negative situation.
So, we pick out a time (usually daily) to have a “training time.” (We talk about this at length in our book, The Values-Driven Family, and also have a brief article available on our Web site called The Softer Side of Child Training here [3].) There are many ways to incorporate fun and memorable elements into a training time, but one thing we always do is share Scriptures about select values or Christlike character traits and discuss how these values and verses do (or should) play out in our everyday situations. Of course, we don’t always have lessons related to attitude, but when we do we might share some of the following verses and how to apply them in maintaining a godly attitude:
Surrender
“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.” (Romans 13:1)
Mom and Dad occasionally have a bad attitude when God (who has authority over them) wants them to do something contrary to their own will; and similarly the children can experience this rebellion when Mom or Dad make a request. This verse helps to remind everyone that it is God’s plans and purposes that should prevail, not our own. As we discuss this verse and others like it, we consider things like, What is the outcome of submitting to authorities? What happens when you rebel against the powers who are over you? What are our existing authorities and how do we show them subjection? We guide the discussion a bit to show the children that it is a blessing to be surrendered to those who have rule over you, and that this is God’s desire.
Self-Control
“He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity.” (Proverbs 21:23)
One of the side effects of both bad attitude and anger is running at the mouth and saying things you shouldn’t. We share verses like this in relation to self-control, and even though the reminder to keep a bridle on the tongue in spite of negative emotions may not help to change the attitude, it can keep the resulting damage to a minimum.
Praise
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” (Philippians 4:4-5)
Anger and bad attitudes can be the result of rebellion but it can also come from a spirit of discontent or unnecessary upset. The core value of praise reminds us that God wants us to rejoice in all circumstances. Having verses at the ready that talk about rejoicing, even in the midst of trials, can be an encouragement when someone in the household is struggling in this area.
Of course, there are more verses that speak to these particular subjects but hopefully this simple overview will show you how you can teach God’s Word and help everyone in the family to apply it to real-life situations, especially here in relation to attitude (but also, by extension, anger and other emotional outbursts). Through this consistent exercise, you can create a more joyful home atmosphere. Having covered applicable verses during family time, it becomes simply a reminder to the children when attitudes or anger flare, to share one of the applicable verses in an encouraging manner and say something like, “This is what we talked about the other day…this is one situation where you can choose to obey God’s Word and be blessed.”
The approach of meditating on God’s Word and using it during life’s “teachable moments” is not an instant-fix, but it gets to the heart and will prove more effective than other “band-aids” in the long run. The consistent teaching and application of the Scriptures has been the one thing that I would say has affected the most change in the atmosphere of our home. So I encourage you to turn to God’s Word to correct bad attitudes and other outbursts in your home; pray with and for your children as you minister the encouragement of the Word and trust God that His Word will not return void!
Cynthia Carrier is the homeschooling mom of seven children and author of The Growing Homeschool: Integrating Babies and Toddlers into Your Already Busy Schedule and the children’s character training coloring book, Growing to be Like JesusThe Values-Driven Family: A Proactive Plan for Successful Biblical Parenting and Values-Driven Discipleship: Biblical Instruction and Character Training Manual. She is also a popular speaker at homeschool conventions and events. Visit her website, ValuesDrivenFamily.com [4].
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PRAYING FOR THE FUTURE OF OUR CHILDREN
It is never to early to begin thinking of our kids futures.
I am not sure why I am thinking ahead for my Duck so much lately, but God has really placed it on my heart to be in prayer for her future.
I just dropped her off for a day of volunteer work at our local library. They are having their annual fall festival and I need to tell you it is an absolutely gorgeous day for it. Thank You God for this a true blessing.
While I was making our breakfast this morning we had a chat about the importance of going to work with a cheerful and joyful heart. It doesn't matter if you are getting paid for it or if it is volunteer work, we are to do a good job in "everything" we do. God tells us in 1 Cor. 14:40, Let all things be done decently and in order. I have told her in the past that in everything she does she is a reflection of God and of our family. I told her when her dad goes to work, he reflects our family and our values. When I volunteer for everything I do, I too am a reflection of God and our family, so now she is following suit. Amazingly, I saw a light bulb moment in her mind when I mentioned this so I know she was listening. Thank You, God for that moment.
I am unsure where she is going in her future, but just feel led to be in prayer for her to listen for God's direction. She has expressed ideas of veterinarian or something with animals for she has a true love for all of them, but then she mentions a possibility of following Mom and Dad's footsteps of a future in the military and/or college. I am certain no matter what path she chooses God will be holding her hand the whole way, but will she feel the need to listen to him is where my question lies.
I pray that God will bless her with a wonderful Best Friend as well. The poor kid has always had a hard time making that "perfect" hang out friend. I know the importance and need for this. Friendships have always been important to me. I cherish every friendship I have and am especially blessed to keep them even when we aren't living near each other any longer. A true test to a friendship is when you don't live next door, but you can pick up the phone or email each other and you feel that instant connection like you have never missed a beat.
I remember this became a real test for me when we moved back to America from living in Germany for 3 years. I was blessed to make 2 dear and sweet friends whom I am still in contact with when we lived there, but when we moved to where we live now, I found making new friends was not easy. I remember being discouraged when we first got here, but was always reassured to give it more time and I would make friends again. Well, more time past and still no friends. What was wrong? Was there something wrong with me? Why couldn't I make friends here? I just couldn't understand why for someone who can talk to anybody and as my dear husband put it one day; was convinced I could walk up to a telephone pole and it would talk to me, why I couldn't make friends? Well, it wasn't until a couple years ago when God finally blessed me with my best friend ever, that God showed me this was a season I had to go through. Just as I realized I wasn't going to make that "friend" was when God blessed me with my Buddy now. I Love you, "Snow white". I said all of this to say, my Duck is going through this same season now. It is my prayer that as she goes through her teen years that she will have that Godly/blessed best friend she will do everything with and make special memories that will last a life time.
Lastly, I am praying that God will prepare the heart and soul of her future soul mate/husband. It is my prayer that God will bless her with that Special Guy one day that has a deep love and relationship with God and thus is able to provide that special love for my Duck too. It is so weird as I watch her grow that somewhere out there in this big world is the guy one day who will grab my ducks heart and marry her and make a life together. As I see her love for God grow and her desire to draw closer to Him, it is my prayer that there is a special guy out there doing the same thing.
I am not really sure why I am putting all this in writing, but am trusting that God has a plan and a purpose for it. It is my prayer that it provides some encouragement to you as you raise your children. These are some of my thoughts and some of my personal prayers I am having for my child as I know she is getting older. I love her so dearly and want what God has in stored for her. We all know that she will be truly be blessed if she follows His will for her.
I Love You, Duck!!
I read the above blog post today and found so much encouragement from it that I asked the author's permission to post a link to her article here. If you have never heard of her blog, you really need to check her out. This is one 'Mama' who God has blessed with wisdom. I hope she provides you with the same encouragement she provided to me today.
"If I had just the right chore chart and planner, our days would be streamlined and productive. If I could just find the perfect curriculum, we’d be successful homeschoolers. If I just read the right parenting book..." ~ Half Dozen Mama blog...
Click on the above link to read more of her article.
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