Encouragement for Homeschooling Moms: a link up from the Teach Them Diligently Team

 

*affiliate links may be present in this post -see disclosure page

You've heard the expression "Parenting is the toughest job you'll ever love"
For homeschool moms, it can be the toughest of the tough.

I enjoy posting pictures and sharing our adventures. There are so many blessings that come with this homeschool life of ours. We travel, and explore. We investigate, grow and learn together. It's a wonderful thing. It's special to me and it is our true story. I love encouraging you with interesting ideas on getting out to explore God's creation, and sharing wonderful resources we've found.

Reality . . .
I don't stop and think to take pictures of the little boy of mine who's pitching a fit because he doesn't want to finish his chores or do his assignment. It doesn't often occur to me to grab the camera and photograph my little ones sitting in time out because they were scrapping and rolling in the floor fighting with each other. But, they do. (they aren't allowed to - but they do)

Our house gets messy. Laundry piles up. Laundry piles up. Laundry piles up. I sometimes feel like I am running about 3 months behind . . . on EVERYTHING! There isn't enough time in the day for all I want and need to do. Never mind enough energy.

When I'm overwhelmed by falling behind - I set a timer and jump in

Breaking these overwhelming projects into bite-size pieces makes a difference

You should know. . . 
Every homeschool mom I know struggles with finding time to get it all done. As a matter of fact - the real truth is - we can't get it all done. Being home with the kids doesn't mean that we have a luxurious day to ourselves or that our home is spotless. It means we are on duty, on call, working, around the clock. Whether we are feeding, teaching, washing, hugging or all of the above - our jobs are truly never done. We change hats off and on throughout the day faster than you can blink. Yet still, we drop the ball.

Be encouraged . . . 
Please know that if you are struggling with the homeschool lifestyle, or having a hard time getting through to your children, or having an especially hard time with one of them - you are not alone! Not only does God have you safely in the palm of His loving hand, but He is faithful.

I cannot tell you how many times I've looked up and cried, "Lord, I cannot do this!" Yet, He has decided I will. And, He is faithful. I told many people that although I enjoyed teaching, I knew I could not homeschool one of my boys. God had other plans. I am homeschooling all 3. And, He is faithful. 

Remember . . . 
When you see my pictures of fun adventures or all the wonderful creative homeschool blog posts out there- remember, they may have come on the tail of a fit pitching or a time out. Life isn't perfect, we take pictures of the fun cute stuff. You can have peace in your home, but there will be challenges along the way.

Practical solutions. . . 
I can tell you that I struggle, regularly to keep up, or catch up and to do it the way God wants me to. I want to share a few tips on what does work for me:

• Pray and then pray some more - out loud if the kids are really pushing it! (that always gets their attention - oh boy, Mom's praying out loud again) 
• Stay in the Word - fill up on it every day
• Share - don't be afraid to share your struggles. If you don't have local homeschool moms to talk to, find an online group to connect with. There are many different facebook groups for moms to connect and encourage each other. Talk to a friend! 
• Stop - take a break from your daily routine and go play outside. Spend a couple or few hours on the house or catching up on the thing you feel the most behind on -  then STOP & GO play! 
• Get to a Teach Them Diligently Convention or Marketplace - Yes, I'm an affiliate and I blog for them. But, for me, the encouragement came first. I believe in the mission. I was invited to attend their first ever convention last year and it changed me. I cannot find words to tell you what it meant to me to step into a place where the hearts of the people working, speaking, and participating were so full of love and passion for the homeschool family. God's Spirit in that place was palatable. It will encourage you and equip you to press on. 

These things have made a difference in my life and in my homeschool.
 I pray they are encouraging for you. You can do this Mama. God Himself has called you.

1 Corinthians 15:58 "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord."

Make your own "Homemaking binder" at: Where He Leads 

TTD location information:





I'm joining the Teach Them Diligently bloggers to encourage other homeschool moms. One of the main reasons I started this blog (other than to chronicle our adventures) was to reach out to other moms and encourage them. Being a stay at home mom comes with it's benefits, and challenges. Being a homeschool - stay at home mom comes with a whole other set of benefits and challenges. Frankly speaking, sometimes the BEST adventures can be the most difficult. 
Go here for the other posts

5 days of summer: Adventure for boys

I'm joining Sarah Robinson of  Sidetracked Sarah and the team of the "5 days of series" to talk about various topics under the heading 5daysof summer . . . The topics range from summer recipes, games, and crafts for the kids to 5 days of summer . . . for Mom (and everything fun in between). Beginning June 17 - 21 we will be blogging about all things summer.  My topic of choice is 5 days of summer . . . adventure for boys. The specific titles are listed below. I do hope you will follow along to be encouraged, inspired and to get ideas for a summer full of adventure! 

*affiliate links are present in this post - read full disclosure here

• Benefits of outdoor adventure  
• Getting out with little ones - where to start
• Exploring in style - outfitted for adventure 
• Boys and camping - printable camp checklist 
• Extreme sports - introducing your kids to  BIG Adventure (safely)

Did I mention the giveaway? We have an exciting giveaway for you that will be sure to add to your summer adventures. See you on June 17 - Go to any of the links above to enter!

Biblical Parenting Big Giveaway and Launch Week! ($400 of FREE loot - enter to win an ipad mini -and so much more)

*affiliate links contained in this post 

 Purchase The Christian Parenting Handbook here  this week and receive over $400 of parenting resources FREE!  Just for purchasing this fabulous book during launch week you get:  

 • The Christian Parenting Handbook electronic versions for iPad, Kindle, Nook or any mobile device ($29.97)

• Say Goodbye to Whining, Complaining, and Bad Attitudes, in You and Your Kids Lesson #1 Complete Package including Lesson 1 on Video, MP3, Study Guide, and Children's Lesson. ($59.95)

• Say Goodbye to Whining, Complaining, and Bad Attitudes, in You and Your Kids Lesson #2 Complete Package including Lesson 2 on Video, MP3, Study Guide, and Children's Lesson. ($59.95)

• Teach Kids to Listen and Follow Instructions on Video, Workbook, MP3, Study Guide, and Children's Lesson. ($59.95)

• Correction Ideas that Touch the Heart on Video, Workbook, MP3, Study Guide, and Children's Lesson. ($59.95)

• Addressing Bad Attitudes in Kids on Video, Workbook, MP3, Study Guide, and Children’s Lesson. ($59.95)

• Everyday Parents CAN Raise Extraordinary Kids Session #1 on Video, MP3, Study Guide, and Children's Lesson. ($59.95)

• How to Use The Christian Parenting Handbook 30-minute Video ($24.95)

You will need to purchase the physical copy of the book (not the Kindle or Nook eBook) in order to qualify for the $400 in free gifts. One of the gifts you'll receive is the eBook. 

Get your copy of  The Christian Parenting Handbook  here for just $11.35 

 The Christian Parenting Handbook:  
"Insightful, Practical, Encouraging and, as always, focused on reaching a child's heart rather than merely changing behavior. An "aha" book that provides real life help—help for everyday situations. Parents will keep this Handbook handy!" 

—Karl Bastian, the Kidologist, founder and president of Kidology.org

"A must read for all parents no matter what faith or stage of life. This book is chocked full of practical strategies you can implement today! Having four teenagers, our house can feel quite chaotic. We are starting with the golden nuggets in chapter 15 right away." 

—Eric and Jennifer Garcia, Association of Marriage & Family Ministries

Our testimony: 

We love the Lord and are seeking to instill, in our family, a foundation of faith based on godly principals. We are also a family with three little boys. There is a whole lotta testosterone in our family unit. Even in a home where love comes first and where they are taught about Jesus daily, there are many challenges in raising our boys to be strong men of courage and men of faith. 

Let me put it this way; boys fight. They aren't allowed to fight with each other, but even on our very best days - there comes a moment (at least one) where we have to go through the process of settling an issue between 2 or 3 of our boys. 

Certainly, we impose rules which include specific consequences for their choices. We try to be consistent with loving discipline - all the things that seem to make sense. Often times, we can deter an unpleasant situation with just a reminder of those consequences. 

In this fallen world, that is about the best we can hope for - right? 

Wrong. God is using The Christian Parenting Handbook to remind me, once again (sometimes I am a painfully slow learner) that their behavior isn't near as important as what is going on in their hearts. Although we start every day with the Lord, although they are learning the Word and hearing about what God wants from them - I negate the importance of that when I turn around and discipline based on a reward/punish type of mentality. If we can stick to the "heart of the matter", good behavior on their part will be an outcropping of that process. 

In our 12+ years of marriage, we have settled many an argument or decision, based on a "what does God want from me in this situation" approach. Why then is it so difficult to remember that this is the critical approach which needs to be taken with our brawling boys?

 I don't know. Human nature, I suppose. But truth is truth, and these principles are truth. They can change your life. They are changing ours (always a work in progress around here).

 I am honored to be a part of this launch team and excited to present you with this wonderful opportunity.

Get your free parenting resources package: 

The more than $400 of extras in parenting resources are yours, just for purchasing the book during launch week - between April 29 - May 5. Get your The Christian Parenting Handbook here. (only $11.35)   Then Email, fax, or mail your receipt to:  Gift@biblicalparenting.org      Fax: 609-771-8003 or

Mail: 76 Hopatcong Dr. Lawrenceville, NJ 08648 

Be sure to give your email address so you can receive your more than $400 in parenting resources. Why? The goal is to land this book on the New York Times Best Sellers List! 

There's more - so much more: 

                                       

Enter Here: 

Biblical Parenting: Multi-Media Giveaway: 5 winners!

Parenting . . . . . 

The toughest job you'll ever love! Right? Usually. But, we all have tough times. There are always challenges when you seek to bring up godly children in a fallen world. God wants us to have homes that glorify Him. He wants us to be successful as parents. He often offers us just the encouragement we need, right when we need it. His timing is perfect!

This collection of incredible books and multi-media package will go a long ways towards helping you learn the godly truths you need to transform your home. 

As part of the launch team for The Christian Parenting Handbook - The National Center of Biblical Parenting - I'll be doing a review and hosting, with the team - another HUGE - DON'T WANT TO MISS - Giveaway! 

Launch week for the book is (April 29-May 5) - there are HUGE rewards for waiting to purchase The Christian Parenting Handbook during the launch week. HUGE. 

This week: Enter to win . . . 

 

Sibling conflict, arguing, getting to the heart of the matter (helping your child change their heart) and being firm without being harsh are just a few topics covered!











Fun ways to teach godly principles, tools to develop integrity, and teaching your child to take the initiative. So much more on discipleship in this ebook.







Set of 5 ebooks:



The 5 books include: 

The Baby Adventure
Toddlers on the Move
Preschool Explorers
Elementary Foundations
Cultivating Responsibility









Choice of one Biblical Parenting University online course:

Course choices include: 

Helping Children Become Internally Motivated
Developing Responsibility and Cooperation in Children
                  Correction: Helping Children Have a Change of Heart
                  Honor: The Key to Successful Relationships

Honor Multimedia Package:

Say Goodbye to Whining, Complaining, and Bad Attitudes, in You and Your Kids Lesson 1 Complete Package: Includes Lesson 1 on Video, as an MP3, includes Study Guide pages, and the Kids Honor Club Children’s Program.

5 winners will be chosen on April 28 in preparation for Launch Week! 



a Rafflecopter giveaway



New giveaway for Launch week beginning April 29 - open now for entry: 



Visit these wonderful bloggers for more opportunities to win:

Real Refreshment - for moms

I'm still on the road from our weekend at the Real Refreshment Retreat in Atlanta. It was such a blessing to spend time with old friends, to meet new ones, and to connect with those we have met online. Being able to hug and sit with women I've prayed for and women who have prayed for me - it's just a special thing. It's a powerful experience. I'm blessed to have had the opportunity. 

I've taken a detour on the way home for an adventure with the kids - surprise! (shocked, I'm sure)

As I reflect on the amazing time we spent - there are a few particulars that come to mind: 

Heidi Saint John. Heidi Saint John. Heidi Saint John. 

Did I mention I thought Heidi Saint John is awesome? She is. Truly. And very sweet. And funny. 

Really funny. 

You can see her at TTD in May as well 
(I can't wait to hear her again in TN) 

She gave a heart felt talk that was down to earth and jam packed full of goodness that I needed to hear. 

I know others felt the same. She encouraged moms, homeschool moms in particular - to stick together, to give each other grace, and to encourage each other. She also had a lot to say about generational curses. If you aren't familiar with that - it's the notion of the "sins of the fathers" being passed down in families. Many times it's dealing with abusive kinds of traits and habits that end up getting passed down in families. 

I had a comment from an Instagram friend when I posted the above pic that she had once taken her son to a counselor (Christian counselor) who told them basically, that they were doomed to fail because of the generational curses being passed down. She now knows better as she has become a Christian and has studied her bible (thankfully) but I was so sad to hear of someone being irresponsible enough to discourage someone looking for help. Good grief! Our God is so much better than that! He is full of love for His children and He has wonderful plans for us. 

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD,

  "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give 

you hope and a future.               Jeremiah 29:11

Isn't that better news? The God of the universe loves us and has plans to prosper us with hope and a future. Heidi Saint John shared some of her personal story of how she overcame (through the power of God's love) an abusive past. She encouraged us that with the power of Christ - those bonds of sin are broken and we are FREE to walk in grace and love. Powerful stuff. 

Another great reminder for me this weekend: 

What an awesome reminder that He can take the character traits of our children (even the ones we find difficult - sometimes especially the ones we find to be difficult) and turn them into a powerhouse for the Lord? That's right. God of the universe. He can handle our children, and He can help us handle them - to train them for Him. It was a terrific reminder that the foundation we are laying in the lives of our little ones will go a long way in determining their future. It's important that they are grounded in truth, and grace, and love. 

The Apologia ladies were wonderful as always. Each speaker did a fantastic job and each were a blessing to me and the other women I spoke with. According to the web site, "The Real Refreshment Retreats are designed to recharge your spiritual batteries" and I must say - it did exactly that for me. 

On a final note - we were reminded to find joy in the "normal" things of life - Rachel Martin  

spoke about how when people go through tragedies in life - they would give anything to get back to the "normal drudgery" of every day life. Moms who have lost their children would give anything to hear them bickering with each other, or to step on their messy Lego's. It's a profound thought and a sobering one - also a true one. We are not promised tomorrow. We must live today, and live it well. 

With that - I am off to scratch the back of a little boy needing my attention, and to make plans for our day tomorrow. We will enjoy our adventure tomorrow - and every day thereafter, as I am determined to find joy in each one and to share that joy with my children. 

These are the real gifts in our lives. 

1000 Gifts and counting: 

Back scratching-  boy cuddles - little hands reaching to hold mine (even though they are getting bigger)- road trip adventurez - girlfriends - prayer warriors - family babies - new baby smell - time with extended family -  special  cousins and making memories - time to be refreshed and encouraged. 

Linking with: 

 Bigger Picture

Miscellany Monday  Better Mom  Modest Mom  God Bumps Welcome Home  The Wellspring

#ifellowship Seeds of Faith - Thought Provoking Thursday - Hear it on Sunday  Gratituesday   Soli Deo Gloria    From My Mountain View     Titus 2's Days  

Raising Mighty Arrows - Good Morning Girls - 1000Gifts   Thankful Thurs Kids in the Word  Thursday Quick Tip   What Works Wed   Works-4-Me  

Monday 4 Moms - Showing Compassion

When I need to brush my teeth - I walk on over to my sink, turn a knob and don't think twice as the basin begins to fill with water. I don't even consider it as I splash water on my face - or sink down into a tub of hot water for yet another bath. 

The dangers of drinking dirty water are many, and are serious - yet I don't give it the time of day. Do you? 

It isn't that way for everyone. According to Compassion: 

It’s hard to imagine water being dangerous. But for thousands of children in the community of Gomoa Kweikrom, drinking contaminated water from open wells caused illness, disease and often death. And that’s when there was water. During droughts, the wells and nearby ponds would dry up, taking away even unclean water.

The child development centers in Gomoa Kweikrom applied for a grant from Compassion to provide filters to 2,320 families. In addition to the filters, the centers sought to educate families on hygiene—through a series of classes and workshops they taught families personal hygiene, cholera prevention, water pollution and proper use of their new filters.

Just two months after families began using the Compassion Water of Life filters, centers were already reporting amazing results. Water-borne diseases, including diarrhea and scabies, were nearly eradicated. Families no longer had to buy clean water and could afford food for their families. At one center, 85% of children were now able to bring fresh water to school instead of drinking the polluted water offered there.

Today, 2,320 families in Ghana benefit from renewed health because of Compassion Water of Life. Children who have never known clean water, water without risk of illness, can finally have fresh, pure, life-giving refreshment.

I don't know about you, but that kind of information has a tendency to put a different spin on things for me. It reminds me to stop and appreciate the fact that I have clean water. It helps me remember to be content and to be grateful for the blessings I have in my home and family. 

Psalm 82:3 

"Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed."

If you have been blessed recently and want to reach out to make a difference in the world, you can find immediate satisfaction by donating to Compassion International's Meeting Critical Needs program here. 

      

Meet needs from the Gift Catalog for as little as $4 

Or Sponsor a Child today and begin to transform their life! 

I'm thankful for the opportunity to take part in supporting such a wonderful cause. I'm grateful for the clean water that comes out of the faucet when I turn it on each day. 

Compassion provides information, in the form of a study guide, to aid you in teaching the ideal of caring for others around the globe to your children here: 

#1000 Gifts and counting: 

clean water, hot water, teaching these things to my boys, seeing their compassion grow, opportunity to serve

If you need encouragement in your marriage this week - see this new series:

Linking with all or some of these blogs: Miscellany Monday  Better Mom  Modest Mom   Welcome Home The Wellspring #ifellowship Seeds of Faith - Thought Provoking Thursday - Hear it on Sunday  Gratituesday   Soli Deo Gloria    From My Mountain View     Titus 2's Days  Raising Mighty Arrows - Good Morning Girls - 1000Gifts   Thankful Thurs Kids in the Word

The Henry Morris Study Bible

The Henry Morris Study Bible is a welcome addition to any Christian library. 

It's a Bible the whole family can benefit from, as it provides valuable insight that will grow in you, a deeper understanding and strengthen your foundation in the Word. It's a fantastic aid to assist you in teaching your family or other groups.

It's a resource I will return to again and again as I seek a deeper walk, to study and understand the root words, and original meaning. I love to study from various bibles and study guides to get an overview on any particular topic. This one is my new favorite! 

With over 10,000 study notes, no other resource offers the comprehensive analysis of biblical creation and authority of Scripture as this one presents. 

The written Word of God is under attack in our culture like never before. The annotations of this King James Version of the Bible will:

• explain the Bible’s difficult passages
• resolve its alleged contradictions
• point out the evidences of its divine origin
• confirm its historical accuracy
• note its remarkable anticipations of modern science
• remove any doubts about its inerrancy, authority and ability to meet every human need.

Dr. Henry Morris is known as the father of modern Creation science, the founder of

 Institute for Creation Research (ICR) and the author of many well known apologetic

 books. His thriving legacy continues to equip Christians to be able to defend the 

accuracy and authority of Scripture today~ New Leaf Publishing

Dr. Morris was the founder and leader of the Institute for Christian Research (ICR) where he was known as a man of science, and a man of God. He fought hard in the debate against evolution and published over 60 books on the topic. 

There is much to be gleaned from his valuable insight. I love studying in this precise format- reading God's Word, and then a clear cut breakdown and definitions laid out by Dr. Morris. The way the text is written, you find a definition of what, a passage means, and why, it's put that way with references for you to see for yourself where he has gathered the information. (Much better than just taking someone's opinion on the matter - don't you think?) 

I love that he shares other scripture references on the topic to look up and dig in even deeper. 
Each page in this beautiful bible could be used for an in-depth study of the Word by an individual or a group. It's a perfect family bible. 

I was given a copy of the Henry Morris Study Bible - as part of the review team by Master Books

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Linking with some or all of these find blogs: Miscellany Monday  Better Mom  Modest Mom  God Bumps Welcome Home  The Wellspring#ifellowship Seeds of Faith - Thought Provoking Thursday - Hear it on Sunday  Gratituesday   Soli Deo Gloria    From My Mountain View     Titus 2's Days  Raising Mighty Arrows 
- Good Morning Girls - 1000Gifts   Thankful Thurs Kids in the Word  What Works Wed   Works-4-Me