Homeschooling: Just keep practicing.

This is the time of year that I reflect on our home school journey... I evaluate, I ponder, and I make decisions.  I think it is better to do this now... at the end of the school year... rather than wait until fall when I will be hopelessly idealistic....right now I am a realist.  The end of a school year makes realists of most homeschool families.  This year we welcomed a new little fella into our lives, and man did I have a time trying to manage all of the schoolwork, housework, and activities with the joys and concerns of an infant. However, we did manage...we made it, and it was a great year! We are very blessed.

Homeschooling is a never-ending learning experience on so many levels.  It really is a lifestyle.  That is why home school articles are so peculiar.  Among articles detailing curriculum, schedules, and methods an inquirer will also find plenty of advice on relationships, homemaking, and spirituality.  And that really is the best home school advice..the kind that gets down to the reality of home life. I have often wanted to express to new homeschooling mothers the importance of getting the bones right, then worry about the books!  I am still working on the bones...it is my daily work.

One hard lesson I have learned this year is that juggling all the balls takes practice.  I keep dropping the balls... fumbling around with awkward hands. That means I have to stop, pick them up again, and keep practicing.

Do you ever feel like you drop the ball?

It is just part of the experience.  It takes humility to keep practicing...I pray for humility.

A friend once told me that four children were manageable by her own strength, but the fifth took God's strength.  This mom has since graduated from nursing school...while homeschooling and raising five kiddos.  I am learning this lesson as I stubbornly try to manage by my own strength.

How does a mom learn to lean on God's strength?  Isn't that just an overused cliche...some pat answer we spout when no meaningful solution presents itself?

 Maybe.

However, many times this year I have been at my rope's end. And in those moments, among the chaotic emotional noise, there is also peace...it's like a deep well that I must descend.  Go deeper..dig deeper..into the peace of God.  In those moments I have a choice. I can accept my imperfection, stand before God with an honest heart, and pray, "Lord, help me."  Leaning on God's strength does not mean that He rescues me from this life..this life I chose.  No, it means that He helps me.  He just helps me.  And this co-op...this cooperation... is what homeschooling is ALL about.

In the spirit of humility we take on the task of Raising Them Right...it is hard work.  It takes strength beyond ourselves.  As I make plans for next year I feel more than ever before that I will need help.  Join me here as I take you through my process...maybe we can inspire one another, pray for one another, and encourage one another to keep practicing.  Check back for a few inspiring topics!

Would the Perfect Mother Please Stand Up?

Getting the Bones Right

When to Call in Reinforcements

Is Technology My Friend?

Babies First

Homeschooling Tweens & Teens

Where is Sophie?  How not to forget the middle children.

The Domestic Church  

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