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Homeschool Help from Proverbs

Homeschooling moms have the unique challenge of blending two roles into one: that of educator and parent. Some seem to do it seamlessly, while others among us draw distinct lines in the sand (teacher until 3pm - mom after 3pm). No matter how you go about the daily task of teaching while mothering, remember to put God's Word at the center of both roles and you'll be blessed.

Proverbs 16:1 in the New Living Translation reads, "We can gather our thoughts, but the LORD gives the right answer."

I find this verse enormously comforting as I embark upon our fourteenth year of home education. To be honest, I also find this verse enormously challenging. Sad as it is to admit, there are times when I don't even bother to gather my thoughts before I blurt out something to my children. Other times I do attempt to gather my thoughts in order to give a sound and wise answer, and once in a while the answer I provide is the one God would have me to give :)

But I need to always be willing to yield fully to the Lord, allowing His answer to be the one I convey. This short sentence made up of twelve words packs a powerful punch. If I will heed what the Lord says in these twelve little words, my roles as mom and teacher will be impacted positively. My children will learn more (because they will receive the right answer - no matter the question they're asking!) and my parenting will accomplish more (because I will receive the right answer - no matter the problem I'm facing!).

My prayer for you at the start of the 2011-2012 homeschool year is that you will yield to the Lord and allow His answer to be the only one you need in any and every situation.

Tomorrow morning, bright and early, we will leave Wichita, Kansas and head northeast to move our firstborn to Wheaton College in the Chicago area. Watch for a post with pictures following the big move; our son Gage is very excited to begin the next step on God's chosen path for his life!

Day 108 done :)

Jan L. Burt

www.HomeschoolingMothersBibleStudy.com

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