The Many Lessons of Our Journey

     I look back on my family's homeschooling journey and am amazed at what the Lord has done. Although, our voyage is far from over, I have seen God's hand and work in our lives each day. It has been so rich in many aspects, educational and spiritual. Yet, I never would have foreseen what our journey has entailed. There has been a learning curve, steep at points and ever-surprising. I have learned a lot about God, myself, my children and our family. There are some lessons I wish I had been prepared for in advance. Whether, you are beginning your journey or are well-versed in homeschooling curricula and vocabulary, I do hope you draw encouragement.
     First of all, I made a mistake of not listening to God. Not that I was in direct disobedience, more of a sin of omission here, I simply did not seek Him for guidance when we first began to plan for the journey. We heeded His voice to begin, yet forgot He wanted to be a part of it all. John 4:23 reads,"The time is coming when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, and that time is here already. You see, the Father too is actively seeking such people to worship him." If everything we do when done in honor of the Father, including teaching our children, then we would be wise to take the time to discipline ourselves to have such a mindset, to keep Him in focus. The excitement and uncertainty of homeschooling took precedence of my thought process. Subsequently, I believe various aspects could have been a little smoother for God will never lead us astray.

      It is amazing and overwhelming to see the wide array of curricula offered for every possible subject. I chose our first year's curriculum out of sheer exhaustion. This is where His guidance was needed in our planning. By the sixth month, I realized the package I selected was not for us. My son was bored, I was panicking and supplementing for every subject. For this to-do-list-checking gal that simply led me to doubt. my choices and eventually, homeschooling. Finally, I woke up to my slumber and looked to God for more direction. It was one spiritual lesson that was humbling and freeing at the same time.

      Please, if you are the list-maker, box-checker, put down your pencils. Every box does not need to be marked. I learned that checking off lists isn't even close to being important. Expose your kids to as much as you feel they need. Sure it is great to have idea of the direction you want to head, but honestly, if you don't get there right when you want, or even if you never arrive to your anticipated destination, it is OKAY. I promise. God has something in store for you that is beyond your imagination and expectations.( Jeremiah 29:11) When we let go of those expectations it frees us to listen and discern His voice more clearly. Why fight the Expert?

      Let go of your expectations. It will be different than you plan, but God will fill in the gaps you find. 2 Corinthians 12:9 reminds us, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”  I found that we weren't early-risers, still aren't and have found that mid-morning beginnings are perfect for our family. I wanted homeschooling to look a certain way, not because I wanted those things, but because I thought that was the normal homeschooling thing to do. Little did I realize how much better things are when we work with our own dispositions and leanings. It really was trying to jam a square box into a very small circle. It simply didn't work!

      Flexibility. I can say without a doubt I am a lot more flexible now than I was a few years ago. As much as I want to influence my children for the Lord every day, He has that exact same thought for us parents. God will use every circumstance to shape us into the men and women we were created to be. One way or another God will find a way to sanctify us. By the way, flexibility here is vital. The learning curve isn't as steep if you are willing to bend.

     Keep your focus on Him. Don't look over your shoulder at other moms and their kids. It is not about trying to make your child a prodigy. It is about honoring God and showing our children His way. (Prov. 22:6) Exposing them at an early age to the world around them is one of the greatest gifts and learning tools we can show them. Life is not lived in a text book, but by the Book. The world is our greatest classroom. (Ps. 19:1) You may find your child thrives in some environments and not others. As we teach our children, we must study our children. What are their strengths? Hone in on those. What are their weaknesses? Acknowledge those, work with them, but never dwell on the negative.
     Leave some wiggle room in there. Even when having margin doesn't suffice, grace can be a welcomed gift. Grace is necessary every step of the way. God provides us with grace, which happens daily. It is a wonderful lesson to allow your child to see you live by His grace, in need of His grace. Equally important, our children need grace. Every day can be a divinely-appointed lesson in grace and love.

      The great illumination came when God showed us that our journey was going to be as different and unique as we are as a family. My journey is not your journey. Your journey is not mine. And that is glorious. Wherever God leads us is where we are meant to be. Sometimes doubt may creep in, questions will linger as the trials come, but God is working in your life perfectly. (Rom. 8:28) Trust in the Almighty. Homeschooling is a process. It's organic in nature and is never pre-packaged.  Philippians 1:6 encourages, "...being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ." Each child is different, as is each mother and family and ultimately, your homeschooling journey. Remember most of all to enjoy your travels. The memories made and lessons learned will be priceless.

Banishing the Summer Boredom Blues

     “Mooooommm, I’m bored.”

     “There’s nothing to do.”

     I am sure you get the idea. We all at one time or another have been serenaded by the ear-piercing sopranos of complaint or the nothing’-to-do summer blues. Maybe, your family has just finished their school year. The novelty of a break will wear off before you know it and Mom may end up finding herself at a loss for ideas after the regular suggestions. And yet, summer is almost here!

      Of course, there is the option of schooling year-round. We are that family, but I still find there are days I am scratching my head without having that a-ha moment. There are times when the creativity flows. However, more often than not, I have to search for ideas. So, here are a few suggestions I have found helpful to cure the children’s boredom.

     First and foremost, when I feel closer to our Creator, ideas seem to come out of nowhere. It is all about being in tune with God and understanding how He does work through you. I begin to see things from a different perspective and think outside the box. Coinciding with that idea is to realize if you are in a creative rut, do not dwell on it. Be prepared for those ruts with the following possibilities.

      Keep an idea journal. Whether it is a hard-bound notebook or a folder in your computer, jot down ideas from activities to crafts. That way if creativity is being elusive you have an idea book to assist you in that department. There are plenty of ideas in magazines and the internet. You can tweak them to your child’s age and ability level to make the activity fitting.

      Create a boredom-busting box of potential craft items: oatmeal containers, cereal boxes, construction paper, empty milk jugs, toilet paper rolls, buttons, etc. When your child comes to you wanting to do something, anything at all, hand them the box and let their creativity flow. Plus, at the end of the day you can go to bed knowing you fostered your child’s creativity. Don’t forget the scissors, glue, tape and newspaper to layout to make for easy clean up. This is an instant here-is-something-to-do-for-the-moment in a box.

      In the coolness of the morning send them outside. Get out there with them and go on a nature treasure hunt. Observe God’s goodness up close. David reminds us, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands,” in Psalm 19:1. Grab some art supplies before you head out the door and journal bits of Creation. Through out the summer the kids can observe changes in plants and flowers and changes in animal patterns as the weather fluctuates.

      One of my favorite ideas is to have a jar of activities the kids can do alone or together. If I hear, “I’m bored,” I reply, “Grab the jar.” The boredom-buster jar that is. They grab one folded piece of paper out and open to see what activity they can go do. This is a great one to begin as a family. Everyone can contribute a few ideas and write them down- reading, volunteering, help a neighbor, draw, play a board game, walk the dog. Decorate the jar or canister to allow the kids to bring a sense of ownership to the project. Add the ideas and you will have another weapon in your boredom-fighting arsenal.

      Although, these can help combat those moments, there is an issue much deeper that needs to be addressed. In every circumstance one can find a lesson to be learned. When we are not on guard we call allow our feelings to dictate our perspective of the circumstances that are surrounding us. This is a good time to explain why we cannot let our feelings run our lives. God has given us each day as a gift to be opened with anticipation and surprise. We never know what the day will behold. If we allow emotions to get in the way, we have made an obstacle and block what God has planned for us.

     When there is nothing to do, as older, wiser people, we realize there is no truth to that thought. There is always something to do. We must remember to take the time to love our children with grace and patience pointing out to them the error of their fallacious statement and more importantly, guiding them to the Truth.

      Proverbs 15:19-20, “The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway. A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother.”

Traversing the Uncharted

     Choppy seas and high tide cam make for some interesting, possibly scary journeys. We never know when a storm is going to come toting dark clouds that loom menacingly overhead. All it takes for those torrents to burst forth is one drop, or stressor, too many.

     Homeschooling brings with it various periods of weather to the voyage. We do not know what the forecast is calling for. Storms can sneak up on us. A family’s journey is not mapped out. We may know where we want to go, but we cannot be certain that we will hit our target. We are on course for the unknown.
     Some days are light and airy, smooth sailing, so to speak. Those are the days we can sit with our children remembering how blessed we are. Of course, every day is a blessing, some days feeling blessed seems a little easier. I sit pondering, why would God choose to bless me as He has. Sunny days are always a welcomed presence.
     Nevertheless, there are moments that I find my family is indeed traversing choppy waters. If the storm is severe enough, I may have a hard time discerning sea from sky, land from water and weakness from strength. My navigational bearings are sent asunder leaving this captain at the helm of her ship, wondering if we will make landfall by sunset. If I cannot grasp the direction I need to head, my map is of little use. Instead of relying on the North Star, I search hopelessly and mistakenly for islands or any other external tool I can come across. I am grasping at air. All that is needed is Him. (Luke 10: 41-42)
     Listen and take note of Paul’s encouragement. “and He said to me, `Sufficient for thee is My grace, for My power in infirmity is perfected;' most gladly, therefore, will I rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of the Christ may rest on me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9) We are not fit to battle the storm or sail through. Only He holds the power to overcome.
     Every storm holds potential in the clouds. It is when we allow ourselves to engage with the storm, rather than against, as the cold front blows in, we will grow. We can grow in love, compassion and strength to name a few areas. There are certainly times little storms can train us to be better captains in more abrasive, painful storms. On the other hand, if we are not careful we may lead our crews to a barren island that cannot sustain life. In our own strength we will find ourselves shipwrecked at some point. We can create disasters from little storms. What was meant to be a shower becomes a deluge of our own creation.
     What direction does our scope point? We need to keep our scopes focused upon true North, our Captain Jesus Christ. When our scope goes awry, what are we to do? What are we to do when we are hanging on by a thread searching for a dinghy? Look up and out at the horizon. I guarantee you will see our Rescuer. He is more than a raft, buoy or tugboat. He is our Life Saver!
     Jesus can calm the waters and still the storms. Luke 8:24 reminds us, “The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm.” May we never let our faith waver as Peter, when we reach out for His hand. God will not let us sink or leave us gasping for fresh air. He is our Life! Grab hold and rejoice when a storm blows into port or out at sea. Those are the times God shows us how far we have come in our journey with Him and how much closer we are to our destination.
     The skies will clear. The waves will cease. And our hearts will find their Captain. There are days we would be wise to remember to ask Jesus to come aboard, take the wheel and steer. Waves are not ours to fight alone, nor should we try. If you find yourself in the midst of a storm or trudging through a flood, look up! Turn over the wheel. Maybe you are basking in the Son today, may you soak in the warmth. Just remember, whenever we find our schooling off -course there is no need to fret. Our journey with Jesus will never cease. You may have to delve into the deep and unknown, but the destination will be worth it. Praise God we are being guided by the perfect Captain, no matter the forecast!

Stepping from Failure

     Failure. It is no doubt a word that sends chills and darkness into souls, so mean and menacing, cold and pervading. There is no other word that deflates a child more. As parents we hopefully are not the ones to utter such despicable syllables. Much to our dismay, the world will whisper them for us. Children will see they “need” those items being peddled on television to become “successful.” Homeschooled children are fortunate that as their teachers we can help them master a skill without marking their papers with those forbidden, humiliating, red-inked ‘F’s.’ What can failure teach? Where can failure lead?
     Below are some basic points. These are not meant to be new epiphanies, but rather time-honored practices. Busy moms and dads have a tendency to need a reminder. An idea we have utilized before gets lost in the hustle and bustle of life. It’s when our memories are stoked, the fire burns brightly again.

Failure is a time for learning. Parents can re-label those into learning opportunities. In fact, it is when we have to practice a skill or rework a paper we learn the most. Instead of “Look what you did,” it’s, “Let’s take a look how we can improve this assignment.” I am quite sure the Apostle Paul became better at preaching as time went on. His first oration may very well have been something quite less.

Failure can lead to a different avenue or mode of operation. Moses had to ask for help knowing he wasn’t a natural-born orator. God has not gifted us equally. After a few tries at a new pursuit, it is perfectly okay to ask for assistance. God gave us families to help us along in life. No one was created to go at it alone. The world may try to create super-boy or super-girl that wants to conquer all, but those are the people that grow up to find they are alone. Teamwork is a blessing. Think outside the box if the task must be accomplished. One way is not always the only way.

Failure can build up perseverance. Are you going to quit after a failed attempt or keep trying to master that skill? Sir Winston Churchill, voted Greatest Briton in 2002, overcame a terrible lisp and clinical depression. Besides being remembered as a former prime minister leading during World War II and author, he is recounted as a great orator. Certainly, he persevered. As he claimed and as I second his statement, “Never, never, never, never–in nothing, great or small, large or petty–never give in, except to convictions of honor and good sense. Never yield to force. Never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.” It’s up to our children how far they reach and whether they get there. Aim for perseverance.

Failure can be encouraged away. We have a responsibility to build our children up. Encourage their hearts and souls to pursue God’s will for their lives. If the child wants to try again at whatever task is at hand we can encourage them to do so. Sometimes, all it takes a little more love and encouragement to give them the necessary boost in confidence.

Failure doesn’t stand up to the positive. If they choose not to continue the attempt or are simply unable to complete it, encourage a new pursuit. Let them move on and reiterate what was learned. When the positive is pointed out to them, children will carry that throughout their lives. On the other hand, failure remembered in a negative light can be crippling.

Failure reminds us to look back at whence we came. Deuteronomy 1:31 reminds us, “and in the wilderness, where you have seen how the Lord your God carried you, as a man carries his son, all the way that you went until you came to this place.” God has done so much for us all. In a desert period it is beneficial and heart-warming to ponder where He has led us from and where He has led us to. Failures are small in comparison to the bigger picture.

Failure allows us to realign our vision. It is time to sit down and figure out what you want to accomplish. What’s the big picture? Were expectations set too high? Once that big picture is in focus it is time to set up snapshots or smaller goals. Break down the picture into small pieces. Often, failure is a result of taking on too much at once or having unrealistic aims. Anyway, if you don’t get to the end, at the very least you have accomplished small goals. Confidence is boosted, as well as courage.

     Lastly, failure is about perspective as I hope to have pointed out by now. Our children are primed to learn how to handle failure. May we lead them biblically and uplift their souls. All throughout the Bible God shows us how our plans are not always His plans. Our days are ordained, which consequently, so are our failures. Each one is a stepping stone to our sanctification for the glory of our Lord. Keep on!

We're Never Finished

      Though we have homeschooled for three years, I still find myself comparing. I wonder if my children are competent and if I am as well. Then I hear families saying they are finished ahead of schedule for their school year. Congrats to them, but we are not that family. We school year-round, so I truly feel we are never finished with school.
      In those moments of questioning myself and my family I have to remind myself that we are on God's schedule. We have found what works for us. Given this year has been particularly hard with my husband's firefighter schedule and babysitting my nephew anywhere from one to four days a week. Maybe my children aren't light years ahead of their peers, but I have seen them grow as nurturers and witnessed a deepening of  their dependence on one another in the greatest way possible. They have witnessed us living out a family-first philosophy that I hope will last them a lifetime.
      When we weren't able to do paperwork everyday I noticed we engaged in more diverse discussions about life, God, history and beyond. It seems we have lived out the un-schooling method rather well. The hardest part is to not compare. I don't know how many times while questioning God that I received a reassuring peace in my heart letting me know we are the family He created us to be. At the very least, we are becoming the family we are meant to be.

Renewing the Rainbow

    I'm guessing that if you have kids you have some little bits of crayons that get thrown away periodically. Have you pondered about the sheer amount of crayons that are wasted at restaurants. I have three kids and we receive a minimum of two crayons per kid. In two to four dinners out we have accumulated a box of crayons! My husband thinks I am a little crazy for taking the crayons, but why waste?! What to do? Well, you make new crayons with them. It's a bit time-consuming, yet worth the time to see your children's amazed faces. It can be a great time to chat with your kids as you  peel the paper of the crayons. Or it could be an educational art project. The kids can see how a solid becomes a liquid when placed in heat and back to a solid as the wax cools. Just think you are teaching your children how to reuse their things and this a $0 project, which always make it better.

     First, gather all your crayons. Now it's time to start peeling the paper off. Try to get under the seam of the paper if you can with your nail. Some are stubborn and that is when you can decide if every crayon in that barrel is worth your time.

      A few minustes before you're done peeling, pause and preheat the oven to 250 degrees. Start layering the crayons in a muffin pan or mini-loaf pan as we used. Even better would be a shaped muffin pan. We did some crazy crayons, aka mixed up leftover crayons, and some in the same color range.
      Heat in the oven for 7-8 minutes and begin checking the crayons every minute or so until they look like rainbow soup.

     Remove and cool on the counter until hardened. We chose to speed up the process and stuck the pan in the freezer after they started cooling on the counter. Once the crayon begins pulling away from the pan you can take them out. I flipped my pan over and they popped out on their own.

     Here is our rainbow crayon which Mary was more than happy to display. This really is an easy, cheap and fun project. I hope you have fun and color up a rainbow!

Found a Kick Start

      This morning started off well enough. The kids were fed. I had my coffee and was feeling pretty good. In fact, I was looking forward to our school day.
      I actually was motivated to do some chores and furniture arranging before my energy dropped. Usually by noon, my energy is low and I am looking to find time for a nap. With the fibromyalgia a nap often is a necessity.
      The doctors recommend to get active which is the last thing on my mind these days. However, I decided to conquer the onsetting fatigue. I was having a hard time getting the kids involved with their work at this point anyway, so I sent us all outside. The kids were to pick up twigs and rocks and whatever other goodies they could find for a collage. I saw the sun and was instantly perked up (in actuality it was more like a few minutes). To me though it was a triumph.
     We came back into the house and made abstract faces with the art supplies we found. Art became a part of our lessons today and we enjoyed God's creation as well.  The kids were so happy to be outside after a week and a half illness that they spent some quality time on the swings. Thanks to their youthful energy, I went out again too and found some energy myself all in a homeschool day.