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Encouragement for Moms

Let’s face it, homeschooling can be tough. By now you are likely near the end of your school year and perhaps are even more eager than your children for summer vacation to begin because you need a break. Maybe you feel like it’s been a long year.

During our 16+ years of homeschooling our two sons, I tried to have each school year end before my husband and I attended our state homeschool fair that was always held Mother’s Day weekend. We used the time as a chance to get away from the kids for a brief respite. My mom would stay with our two boys at our home, and we would spend the night in her home since it was near the conference.

We enjoyed time alone together. We’d be rejuvenated as we shopped for curriculum, supplies, and ideas for the next school year and also participated in attending workshops that encouraged us in the homeschooling journey. Those workshops were actually the best part of the conference.

Here’s a few things I learned over the years.

  1. Do Your Best

My husband’s favorite Bible verse, Colossians 3:23 (HCSB), addresses this:

“Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men.”

For me, homeschooling was something that God called me to do. It was a ministry to my children, and I don’t regret that time I poured into the lives of my sons. Don’t get me wrong; there were many times I questioned whether I wanted to continue or if I was making a difference. I had to often remind myself that God called me to do the best I could.

  1. Trust God with the Results

Sometimes as a homeschooling mom, it’s easy to compare our children to others. Maybe Johnny is eight and he’s still struggling to learn to read. Your friend’s child or another sibling has been reading since they were three, so what are you doing wrong? Perhaps you need to change to a different curriculum or method. Or maybe if you purchase those flash cards it will help to get your child on track. I’m here to tell you to relax. 🙂

Don’t stress over what happens if your child falls behind. In most cases, they will excel when they are ready. Trust God to take care of the results. Ask Him to work in the life of your child, not just in their schooling.

Keep in mind this verse from Philippians 1:6 (HCSB):

“I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Aren’t you thankful that we can trust God to be working in our lives, and the lives of our children even when we can’t yet see results?

  1. Take Time for You

I’ve always been intrigued by the story of Elijah and what happened right after God showed up and defeated the Baal prophets at Mount Carmel. Do you remember the story? You can read more about it in 1 Kings 18. It’s a wonderful example of how God’s presence descended in a much unexpected way. You’d think Elijah would have been pumped up after this great event.

But instead, he allowed a threat from Jezebel to send him off, running for his life. He sprinted into the wilderness and pretty much said, “Kill me now, Lord.” An angel came and ministered to him before he walked for forty more days until he reached the mountain of God. He went into a cave and the Lord asked him why he was there.

Elijah replied that he was the only one left who hadn’t abandoned God’s covenant. The Lord commanded Elijah to go out and stand in His presence. A mighty wind tore at the mountain and then an earthquake and a fire. And finally a soft whisper.

“And after the fire there was a voice, a soft whisper. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave.” (1 Kings 19:12-13 HCSB)

Just like Elijah, you need time away. Time to recharge your battery, to dig in deep, closer to the Lord so you can hear His still, small voice ministering to you.

I remember many times escaping to take a hot bath and read a good book. Sometimes I got away with friends for the evening. Try to find time that helps to re-energize you so are able to give to your family without getting grumpy in the process. Most importantly, take time in your Heavenly Father’s presence. Only He can truly recharge us in a way nothing else can.

I hope you have a blessed Mother’s Day.

JodieWolfe

 

 

 

 

Jodie Wolfe creates novels where hope and quirky meet. She’s been a semi-finalist and finalist in various writing contests and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and Romance Writers of America (RWA). When not writing she enjoys spending time with her husband in Pennsylvania, reading, walking, and being a Grammie. Learn more at www.jodiewolfe.com.

About Jodie Wolfe

Jodie Wolfe creates novels where hope and quirky meet. She's been a semi-finalist and finalist in various writing contests and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and Romance Writers of America (RWA). When not writing she enjoys spending time with her husband in Pennsylvania, reading, walking, and being a Grammie. Learn more at www.jodiewolfe.com.

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