Homeschool Campfire

I just had the strangest thing happen with my daughter tonight.  But at the same time, it was extremely insightful!  She placed two drawings she had made earlier that night onto our pillows.  She chuckled as I walked into my bedroom and found the pictures.

As I read the inscriptions, I was immediately intrigued.  She had written good-bye on both of them.  When I asked her about them, she remarked, “That’s in case you die tonight.  I wanted to make sure I said good-bye.”  After I got over my laugh and saw her tears, I realized she was being serious.  We have told our children often that we are not promised tomorrow.  She really wanted to make sure we knew she loved us.  It really meant a lot to her.  Out of the mouth of babes!!!  Have you told all your loved ones how you feel?  You are not promised tomorrow.  Do not wait!  If you can’t speak the words, take a lesson from my daughter and make a card.  May God Bless you All!

My husband shared a truly, uplifting story at lunch today. I pray I do it justice as I tell the story. He met a lady today whose husband went home to be with the Lord recently. He left behind an incredible wife, a very young child and a new infant. He spent only 6 hours with his infant child before he went home and passed away. My husband was impressed by this young mother’s strength and courage. She spoke so warmly of her husband. She told of the day he went home to be with the Lord. The very day their infant was born. She was happy her husband had gotten to meet his new child and called it a good day. This was the Lord’s plan and she knew her husband was with the Lord. So, I ask you, “Will it be a good day the day you die?” “Will people be able to say that you have gone home to be with the Lord?” I pray for each of you that it will be a good day! “Will others see God’s strength in you if you were in this young mother’s shoes?”

This poem was sent to me in an email and I thought it had a great message and wanted to pass it along. It is so hard when you are homeschooling to keep things in perspective and to keep your eyes on the bigger picture. The mundane tasks we do everyday can get to us if we let them. Plus, when you are having a power struggle with your child, the days seem endless with struggles! Print this little poem out and stick it on your refrigerator. It is a good one to keep on the top of your head! God Bless You All!

Happiness Keeps You Sweet,

Trials Keep You Strong,

Sorrows Keep You Human,

Failures Keep You Humble,

Success Keeps You Glowing,

But Only God Keeps You Going!

Hey! I decided to just make this entry personal. We all have different reasons for homeschooling. We believe it truly is the best thing for our children. But how do we know when we are reaching our children? I do not believe that standardized tests reflect anything accurate in our children. So, how do you know? Do you ever feel like you are just like a rat stuck in its wheel, going nowhere? I have recently had feelings like that and I tend to get very anxious over them. I have been praying to God to help me overcome my anxieties in homeschooling my children. Well, last night he sent me two angels that made me feel so good about what I am doing. We housed two of our church visitors last night. They came into town for a vacation only to have to put their mom into the hospital for a bleeding ulcer. Their prayers were answered in better health for their mom, but their timeshare ran out and they needed a place to stay for one more night. We opened our home to them and they gave back to us so much more. This couple, who are grandparents, took such an interest in my children. They sat down with them and asked them all about their schooling. They loved our little classroom and really took the time to engage both of my children. As I stood in the corner sipping on my hot chocolate, tears stung my eyes as I heard my children explain what they were currently learning. It was incredible!! This couple later took me aside and told me just what a delight my children were and it was obvious they had a true love for the Lord. How often do we get to hear these words. We work so hard with our children! It was a blessing and in my eyes, an answered prayer! So, to all you homeschooling mommas, keep up the good work. Don’t give up!