I'm no stranger to difficult conversations with my children. I've explained and over-explained so many things in the hope that some of what I said would ring true and speak louder to them than the world. To parody the insurance commercial tagline, I know a thing or two because I've seen a thing or two. But isn't there always something that crops up, trying to gain access to our children's hearts and minds? Isn't there always? Yes, indeed there is. And even though my children are all adults now, even though I am no longer actively homeschooling, I continue to speak at homeschool conferences and summits and to groups of moms and women in person and via my podcasts and social media platforms. I still very much want to encourage and support homeschoolers and Christian parents in any way possible. And today, my messages have been full of parents dealing with an unexpected source of frustration that involves the latest Taylor Swift album... Here's a quick rundow
Guard what goes in & your heart will be better off... Homeschooling mothers, as a whole, are really good at guarding what our children see and hear. The books they read, who they spend time with, the movies they watch - all this and more is carefully considered and managed. But do we manage our own hearts with the same caution and tenacity? There is just too much garbage that is too readily available at too many moments throughout the day. How often are we seeing things that we'd guard our children from seeing? Not every choice is made wisely... Glancing at your phone while your son completes his spelling list is, quite frankly, and unwise choice. I do not need to explain why it is unwise; you already know. Truth is truth. It does not shock you to read these words. The hard truth is that constant access to timewasters and pop-culture is of absolutely no eternal benefit - and even damages relationships and can harden the heart. Apply the same standards across the board in y