Being Joyful

Be joyful always: pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Being joyful is something that I truly struggle with. It's not that I'm not a happy person, but I think that my mind is always focused on " the next thing to do." I am constantly preoccupied
and my expression shows it more than I'd like it to.

The Lord has really been dealing with me lately on this issue. My eleven year old, has recently asked me a few times "Mom what's wrong? Are you happy?" Of course, I tell her yes because there really isn't anything wrong. Her response "Then be joyful-smile!"

I'm not sure if my disposition has been like this, or if it has developed recently. It's hard to see yourself as other see you. I don't want to offend my family or anyone else, especially when there REALLY isn't anything wrong.

I'm working on not being so intense. It is so easy to get caught up in the things that really are not that important. (Like a spotlesss home..) I pray that the Lord will show me how I can change in this area and be ... a joyful mother of children ~Psalm 113:9

Scripture of the day: Do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. ~Hebrews 13:16

Seven years ago, I quit working full time. My daughter "graduated" from preschool, and I quit my full time job. My husband and I had felt it would be the best situation. I had been commuting 32 miles to work one way, and experienced all the traffic jams, frazzled evenings, and late nights that went along with it.

That first summer of being home with my daughter all day, every day was interesting. At first, it was exciting and I planned this and that. After a few weeks, I was irritated. I did not know what to do with my child. I did not know how to just be with her and enjoy her. I felt out of place. I remember praying about the fact that I wasn't suppose to feel that way. I was really exasperated and wondered how I was going to make it all summer with her. I was looking forward to her going back to school.

Fast forward seven years, and here I am homeschooling for the fifth year along with chasing an adorable toddler. I am truly enjoying watching my girls change and grow. It is so natural to have them with me all the time. This is how it should be. They are MY children. How did I ever feel that way?

It is so easy to get caught in the mentality of society that says indirectly that our children are a burden. Of course, people don't verbally say it, but the comments about children, and the lifestyles that are lived speak louder than any words.

Homeschooling is a huge sacrifice, but what better way to live than to impart into the lives of your children all day every day.

There are days that are long and frustrating, but they are not the majority. I thank God for His mercy and grace, and for the blessing of being home with my girls.

"But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing." ~2 Thess 3:13

Socialization 

The Socialization Question

so·cial·i·za·tion n. The process of learning interpersonal and interactional skills that are in conformity with the values of one's society.

The homeschooler's favorite question was posed to me today as I sat in the dentist's office waiting for my daughter. I had a brief conversation with a very friendly gentleman who was waiting for his two sons as well.
The conversation went something like this:

"...that's great that you home school, but are you planning to continue through high school?"

"...yes, we believe we can do it with all of the available resources and my daughter will probably complete some classes at a local community college while in high school.."

"....that's great but what about SOCIALIZATION?..."


duhhhhhhhhhhhh!

This is our fifth year of homeschooling and I can't believe that every time someone asks that question, I am momentarily speechless. I went on to say something like this:

"..We're really not that concerned with it......It's not as if we live in some remote area and don't interact with others..."

I really can't remember exactly what I said, but I'm so disappointed in myself for feeling........awkward. Why didn't I just say what I really believe in my heart?--

".....socialization?....socialize with who?.....tons of other kids who are grouped into cliques....socialize in an environment full of profanity and promiscuity......NO THANKS!..that's not what God has called our family to do..."

I am very aware that the things I just mentioned are not a part of every public or private school, but in our area the public schools are pretty bad.

My 7th grade daughter is not by any means lacking in the socialization area, just by the shear nature of her personality. But even if she wasn't as outgoing, would I thrust her into high school to socialize her?

Out of all of the facets of homeschooling, why is socialization the only facet that people question?

I must develop a way to respond to this question in which I can share our family's view without being offensive.

____________________________________________________________________
After the dentist, we went to the pediatrician's office for my toddlers check-up. While there the nurse asked my older daughter about school. She informed her that she is homeschooled. The nurse asked me---"What do you do about physical education?" Now that's a question that I can handle. (LOL)

Martha Stewart No project is simple for you,
everything is very involved; lace, ruffles, and
flowers make it a good thing. Your curriculum
is heavy on fine arts: art
appreciation/recognition, historical
architecture, music, creative writing, and
literary classics. If your students absorb a
little math and science along the way, so much
the better. Visit my blog:
http://www.GuiltFreeHomeschooling.blogspot.com


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Martha Stewart????

"Commit your works to the Lord, and your plans will be established" ~ Proverbs 16:3


This is our fifth year of homeschooling, and we are in the middle of the fourth week. Things are basically going well, but I'm finding that I must "tweak" our schedule. Teaching with a toddler at bay has given us extra excitement this year. :)

Through all of the pre-planning and "tweaking", one thing is for sure: without the Lord guiding me, I would not be able to teach my children. I have already experienced those days when my plans would not work. I have to seek the Lord daily so He can show me how I need to orchestrate our day. It never fails that when I seek Him, the day runs smoothly, and when I don't, frustration and chaos abound.

I am so glad that the Lord is leading my life and taking me along the path of this homeschool journey. Allow Him to lead yours.