Other
Homeschooling By Grace
It has been fourteen years since I began homeschooling, and in that time our lives have seen seasons of change, times of peace, and untold struggles and trials. At times I felt I had it all together, on top of all my subjects, lesson plans and chores. Other times I have been tempted to quit, and once I almost convinced myself my children would be better off in school.
But as I stand here looking back, and still with about ten more years ahead of me, I am humbled by the gracious hand of God sustaining us, making my feeble efforts into something beautiful and lasting. He has taken the seed of my oldest, my first student, and made a lovely bloom, fragrant with the grace of God. The others, too, are at various stages of blossoming, and I know at the end of it all they will be ''oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord.''
Even now our lives are unsettled, with my grandmother living with us, the distraction of construction, at times overwhelming illness, yet I enjoy the gracious peace of God that surpasses all understanding. He will cause all grace to abound to my children and lead them into the very calling he has for them.
My hope is for every frustrated mom to find this sustaining grace and fully entrust her children to this awesome God we serve. ''He who called you is faithful, and He also will bring it to pass.'' (1 Thess. 5:24) The only way to really believe these words, to grab hold of them and squeeze every drop of eternal joy from them, is to abide with the One who speaks them. Every day. Hide somewhere for a few moments of prayer if necessary, but go, run to the Shepherd, cast your cares upon Him, for He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7) There is no other who can give you the same hope and encouragement, for there is no other who is sovereign over all your circumstances.
''Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.'' Prov. 3:5-6 | | flfort |
| | Organization/time management
Schedules: Friend or Foe?
I used to think that schedules were the enemy. After all, isn't one of the benefits of homeschooling being free from all of that?
Over the years I have found that a schedule isn't something to be feared, but rather the opposite. Through much trial and error I have discovered that, for us, schedules make the day run much more smoothly. Everyone knows what to expect and therefore can plan and prepare accordingly. More things fit into the same amount of time because we have planned for it.
I tend to drift about when I don't have a schedule written down. I am still accomplishing things, but often times school time slides away while I tackle too many chores at once. Or I get caught on the computer because there is so much fun stuff to do, and I forget about the laundry piling up or the game I had planned for the children.
My children are this way as well. To my amazement they actually ENJOY having a schedule in place. They love to see what is coming up next and all that they have already accomplished. It is tricky getting all the schedules to flow together but as long as we are not a slave to it and stay flexible, it all gets done. Amazing!
One resource that has greatly helped me with this is ''Managers of Their Homes'' and ''Managers of Their Chores'' -- both excellent, down to earth books. I highly recommend them if you are needing help in this area. Remember, a schedule can quickly become your friend! It has for our family. | | daisymommy |
Ministry & missions
Patience!
I find myself praying for patience often. It seems when I do I get tested! I guess the way we learn patience is through experience -- be careful what you ask for!
Patience is so important for our kids. Love IS patient, and kind. If we love our kids, we will be patient & kind. If we do this, then they will know how to be patient & kind. Our world definitely needs more of that! | | dnabarlow |
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