So tomorrow marks the official start of our family's fourteenth year of homeschooling. Can I just say "WOW" about the fact that it's been that long and that we're still going strong?! Not that I actually have much to do with our successes (but I will take full credit for our many failures!). It's all God, all the time; I'm just along for the ride.
The girls have examined their planners to see what the first few days of school will bring - three of them are ready to go and one of them is, well, less enthusiastic about the resumption of her academic duties. This year is unique in that our homeschool is no longer co-ed, so to speak. My husband arrives home from work after the school day is done and our son is now at college. It's an all-girl homeschool, and I am sure that will bring some challenges right along with it's many blessings.
We plan on having home-ec classes that are lengthier (think high school classes organized in blocks - perhaps Tuesdays and Thursdays will be home ec days with 90 minutes for cooking). A primary focus this year will be for them to learn in great detail what Titus 2 and 1 Timothy living look like in the life of a wife and mother. I have a great opportunity to pour into my daughters things that will be of huge significance all the days of their lives. And I'll be doing it all at the Lord's leading, since my own leading tends to lead everyone following me right into a ditch.
Of course, we will still be doing all the traditional school subjects. There is no need to neglect one aspect of an education in order to achieve excellence in another area. It can all be taught with excellence, and the busy homeschool mom can become a wife who is happy to see her husband each evening. One thing I do to help ensure that my role as wife is not superseded by my role as a homeschooler is to NOT over plan/over schedule/over-anything. In order to teach my girls how to be content as "keepers at home" I need to be at home. We don't need to do every activity that presents itself - that is something of a lie that has been pawned off as a deserved part of the American dream. And what on earth ever made us think that our daughters would look forward to motherhood when they see us continually stressed and grumbling due to our jam-packed schedules and overwhelmed lifestyles?? Okay, I'll get off my soap box now...
And for those times when I feel ill-equipped for the task God has called me to, I rely on His Word. It never fails to return to Him void, but accomplishes all that He means for it to accomplish.
Isaiah 46:4 ~ "I will sustain you and I will rescue you."
Now that's a pretty terrific promise to lean on when I'm feeling inadequate!
Hebrews 13:8 ~ "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."
Whatever new challenges might arise on any given day, I can remember all the ways Jesus has cared for me through thick and thin. Knowing that He never changes reminds me that He will continue to care for me, come what may.
Proverbs 29:25 ~ "Whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe."
What a vivid reminder that He promises to keep me safe as I trust in Him!
So what verses are you studying as you begin a new year of homeschooling? What is the Lord God Almighty teaching you about Him even while you are teaching your children? Prepare yourself for good things this year, because He has good things in mind for you and has a great plan to fulfill His purposes for you!
Happy back-to-homeschool!
Day 109 done :)
Jan L. Burt
www.HomeschoolingMothersBibleStudy.com
The girls have examined their planners to see what the first few days of school will bring - three of them are ready to go and one of them is, well, less enthusiastic about the resumption of her academic duties. This year is unique in that our homeschool is no longer co-ed, so to speak. My husband arrives home from work after the school day is done and our son is now at college. It's an all-girl homeschool, and I am sure that will bring some challenges right along with it's many blessings.
We plan on having home-ec classes that are lengthier (think high school classes organized in blocks - perhaps Tuesdays and Thursdays will be home ec days with 90 minutes for cooking). A primary focus this year will be for them to learn in great detail what Titus 2 and 1 Timothy living look like in the life of a wife and mother. I have a great opportunity to pour into my daughters things that will be of huge significance all the days of their lives. And I'll be doing it all at the Lord's leading, since my own leading tends to lead everyone following me right into a ditch.
Of course, we will still be doing all the traditional school subjects. There is no need to neglect one aspect of an education in order to achieve excellence in another area. It can all be taught with excellence, and the busy homeschool mom can become a wife who is happy to see her husband each evening. One thing I do to help ensure that my role as wife is not superseded by my role as a homeschooler is to NOT over plan/over schedule/over-anything. In order to teach my girls how to be content as "keepers at home" I need to be at home. We don't need to do every activity that presents itself - that is something of a lie that has been pawned off as a deserved part of the American dream. And what on earth ever made us think that our daughters would look forward to motherhood when they see us continually stressed and grumbling due to our jam-packed schedules and overwhelmed lifestyles?? Okay, I'll get off my soap box now...
And for those times when I feel ill-equipped for the task God has called me to, I rely on His Word. It never fails to return to Him void, but accomplishes all that He means for it to accomplish.
Isaiah 46:4 ~ "I will sustain you and I will rescue you."
Now that's a pretty terrific promise to lean on when I'm feeling inadequate!
Hebrews 13:8 ~ "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."
Whatever new challenges might arise on any given day, I can remember all the ways Jesus has cared for me through thick and thin. Knowing that He never changes reminds me that He will continue to care for me, come what may.
Proverbs 29:25 ~ "Whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe."
What a vivid reminder that He promises to keep me safe as I trust in Him!
So what verses are you studying as you begin a new year of homeschooling? What is the Lord God Almighty teaching you about Him even while you are teaching your children? Prepare yourself for good things this year, because He has good things in mind for you and has a great plan to fulfill His purposes for you!
Happy back-to-homeschool!
Day 109 done :)
Jan L. Burt
www.HomeschoolingMothersBibleStudy.com
I've been learning that I often expect more of myself and children is areas that God does not care so much about. Who am I to require more than God?
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