It is humbling to realize that one of the reasons the Lord has parents teach their children at home is to teach the parents!
One can feel pride swelling up as we think about the supermom homeschooling thing. You know, I taught them how to walk, talk, and read! Fortunately, it is nipped in the bud by teenage daughters who gain a bit of wisdom along the way.
Case in point: I recently started wearing contacts. Not a big deal unless you are over fifty and extremely nearsighted with astigmatism and in need of reading glasses--which I am. After numerous trips to change out one lens or the other, I was expressing my frustration about "never being able to adjust to them and being ready to give up."
My homeschooled daughter (age 17) rightly pointed out that I was complaining and that my words were negative! She reminded me that I was the one who told everyone if you wake up with a scratchy throat and say you are getting sick, then you will get sick. Then she said I needed to decide that I can wear contacts and that they are wonderful. Helpfully she offered the advice that it took her a year before her contacts were really comfortable and that she took a day off every once in a while.
It was one of those moments where you realize God does have a plan and you'd better practice what you preach! Homeschooling is a two way street! Isn't that the way? God has you teaching but he feeds you at the same time.
Hope you are learning something wonderful today and enjoying your children!
Blessings,
Harriet
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
Feeling Outnumbered?
Today our newlywed nephew brought his bride to meet us. I was reminded that when he and two brothers were little I decided I wanted three boys because these nephews were so precious and all boy! I prayed and God answered with three boys and just about the same spacing as the nephews. The older one is about 2 1/2 years older than the next and the other two are about a year apart. Isn't God sweet?
The girls heard this story and gave a few groans. "You asked for this?" They love the boys--most of the time. Our six girls came first! My husband was so sure that number 7 was to be a girl, that he went and bought bunches of girl only diapers! The folks at Wal*Mart thought it was hilarious when he had to return them! When you have a large family in a small town, everyone knows you!
The point of this whole story is that when you are feeling overwhelmed with diapers and feeling outnumbered, remember that someday, these children will be on their honeymoon and having babies! We are sowing in tears but we will reap in joy!
There is a Texas twist on the saying, "To make a long story short." My Texas relatives like to say that we make a short story long!
I hope you feel better after you read this. I never believed it when people said that children grow up so quickly--but they do! About your times of too many diapers, too many fusses, too many messes: This too shall pass!
Blessings,
Homeschool Mother of Many
The girls heard this story and gave a few groans. "You asked for this?" They love the boys--most of the time. Our six girls came first! My husband was so sure that number 7 was to be a girl, that he went and bought bunches of girl only diapers! The folks at Wal*Mart thought it was hilarious when he had to return them! When you have a large family in a small town, everyone knows you!
The point of this whole story is that when you are feeling overwhelmed with diapers and feeling outnumbered, remember that someday, these children will be on their honeymoon and having babies! We are sowing in tears but we will reap in joy!
There is a Texas twist on the saying, "To make a long story short." My Texas relatives like to say that we make a short story long!
I hope you feel better after you read this. I never believed it when people said that children grow up so quickly--but they do! About your times of too many diapers, too many fusses, too many messes: This too shall pass!
Blessings,
Homeschool Mother of Many
Thursday, May 05, 2005
Homeschool Mothers are Inspirational!
Today I had the pleasure of attending a brunch for homeschool mothers (no children--just this once!). I'm not usually around so many veteran teachers at home. As my family grows older, I seem to be needed more around the home as they are the ones who are going places. I feel like the home plate in a baseball game--always here waiting for the runners to come in!
In the midst of the brunch we heard a testimony from a missionary about to return to the mission field after nine years of homeschooling her children and teaching other outgoing missionaries. Then there was a wonderful devotion by another homeschool vet. While both of these were very inspiring, I was amazed that what "got to me" was the "little" words of encouragement that came from the other guests. It was "Yes, the Lord has a plan for you." or "Isn't God good?" The little things were so uplifting--like the chorus of a great song.
I guess the point of this is that while it's the little foxes that spoil the vine, the reverse is also true: It's the little encouragements, the sweet inspiring comments from "everyhomeschoolmom" that make the day. Go inspire someone with a "little" encouragement. You are an inspirational encouraging homeschool mother!
Blessings,
Homeschool Mother of Many
In the midst of the brunch we heard a testimony from a missionary about to return to the mission field after nine years of homeschooling her children and teaching other outgoing missionaries. Then there was a wonderful devotion by another homeschool vet. While both of these were very inspiring, I was amazed that what "got to me" was the "little" words of encouragement that came from the other guests. It was "Yes, the Lord has a plan for you." or "Isn't God good?" The little things were so uplifting--like the chorus of a great song.
I guess the point of this is that while it's the little foxes that spoil the vine, the reverse is also true: It's the little encouragements, the sweet inspiring comments from "everyhomeschoolmom" that make the day. Go inspire someone with a "little" encouragement. You are an inspirational encouraging homeschool mother!
Blessings,
Homeschool Mother of Many
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