Homeschooling While Grieving

Grief is a hard thing to struggle with daily but that is my current situation. Getting up each day to keep doing the things that need my attention are harder some days because of grief. Sometimes it is a fleeing thought or a portion of a book that brings fresh tears to my eyes. Since last summer, a family member has been dealing with some health issues and then my dad passed away unexpectedly earlier this year – and the grief has hit me hard.

It has been by the grace of God, which is my faith foundation, that I have been able to keep going. I am blessed to have a small but close support system of those that love me and help when the burden gets to be too much. I have wrestled with if I should even write about this on the blog, but if it could help even one person going through the same thing, then it will be worth it.

So how do I keep homeschooling while grieving? The short but powerful answer is prayer. Prayer has been my lifeline even more so during this time. When things get too much or when the tears will not stop, I have to find a quiet place to pray to God. According to 1 Peter 5:7 I can cast all of my cares upon Him, because He cares for me. Then He strengthens me to keep going a little more down the road. One of my favorite Bible verses is There are days where I alternate repeating that verse and John 3:16. By faith I know that eventually things will start to settle and life will begin a new normal for our family, but the grief is still fresh right now.

 “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” Psalm 34:18, NIV

On the days that business takes longer than usual, my husband steps in and helps with the homeschooling. My oldest two are able to do some of their learning independently, and the rhythm of our family studies is soothing because of the routine. There have been days where we just had to take off and reconnect as a family. We will go outside and enjoy the warmth of the sunshine or play a couple of rounds of the card game Uno. The last thing that I want is to feel like I am drowning in the grief, and distant myself from the ones that I love.

If you are in a time of grieving too, please know that you are not really alone. God in heaven loves you more than you can comprehend. All you and I have to do is turn to Him and call out to Him for help. Please know that you can email me to ask for prayer. Blessings to you!

GMG - Summer Bible Study

GMG - Summer Bible Study

Week 5 - Psalms

We are now half-way through our study of the book of Psalms! This week's chapters are some that I am more familiar with than some from the previous weeks. Today's reading is from chapter 23 which is probably one of the most often quoted passages of scripture. 

Psalm 23

1 The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
3 He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever.

GMG Summer Bible Study Week 3 & 4

Summer Bible Study

Psalm 3 & 4

I have been learning a lot from reading through Psalms this summer. I especially love it when it is one written by David. The life of David was not prefect at all yet he is considered "a man after God's own heart". There are verses that stick out as ones I memorized as a child or a song lyric. I normally read a chapter from Proverbs that corresponds to the day, and it has been enlightening to also read a Psalm.

What have you been reading for your Bible Study this summer? You can still join the Psalm Bible Study group on Facebook. I would love to have you join!!

GMG Summer Bible Study ~ Week 2

Welcome to Week 2 of Our Summer Bible study!!!

How did last week go for you? What did you glean from your Bible Study?

This week we will be continuing in the Book of Psalms, reading chapters 6 ~ 10. You can leave your observations here or click on last week's post for the link to join the FB group. 

Good Morning Girls Summer Bible Study

Good Morning Girls Summer Bible Study

        Today starts a 10-week study of the book of Psalms covering chapters 1-50. Each Monday and Friday we will be meeting here on the blog as well as in the FB group to talk about what we are learning. 

Link to request to join the FB group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1833088310334642/

Grab your favorite drink, Bible, pen, highlighter, and notebook. 

What God Is Doing: Old Testament Object Lessons for Kids - Book Review

What God Is Doing: Old Testament Object Lessons for Kids

by Anne Marie Gosnell

This post may contain affiliate links. Thank you for your support!

Title: What God Is Doing: Old Testament Object Lessons for Kids
Author: Anne Marie Gosnell
Publisher: FutureFlyingSaucers
Publication Date: November 13, 2017
Genre: Children's Books, Christian Books



Build family relationships as you discuss biblical history and truths with your kids. Teach your children the Old Testament by using critical thinking questions and hands-on lessons. I love the kinesthetic approach that is presented to help children grasp abstract concepts. The object lessons use easy to find items, easy to complete, as well as a great visual for children. This book is a great resource for anyone who teaches Bible to children.


One of my favorite lessons from this book is about the tower of Babel with the language cards. My children like to ask me to Google how to say different phrases in other languages. This lesson helps children to understand the importance of why we should learn other languages so that we can share the Gospel with others from around the world. I can't wait to share more of the lessons from this book with my children.


She has a BONUS available this week ONLY when you buy her new book! From November 27th through December 1st the book will be 25% off on Amazon. The bonus includes the eBook Walk This Way and digital downloads of color posters for both of her books. To get the bonuses, email your receipt from Amazon to the email address: wgid@futureflyingsaucers.com



About the Author:

Anne Marie Gosnell has a graduate degree in education with a focus on developing curriculum and instruction. Her life journey includes over 25 years (so far!) in Children’s Ministry: Sunday School, puppetry, Vacation Bible School, Children’s Church, and various outreach ministries.
She is  also the author of Walk This Way: Ethics and Sanctification Lessons for Kids.





You can checkout more information about her book and other resources by visiting her website:
https://www.futureflyingsaucers.com/what-god-is-doing/


Amazon Link
https://www.amazon.com/What-God-Doing-Testament-Lessons-ebook/dp/B077H51FN9/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1511903634&sr=8-1&keywords=what+God+is+Doing+Anne+MArie+Gosnell

I received a copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions are my own.  

Grace for the Overwhelming Days

Thoughts for the Overwhelmed Mom

Have you ever had one of those days where your toddler outlasted your last cup of coffee? Or you have so many things coming at you at once that vertigo has you feeling sick? Yeah, me too! Life can be overwhelming sometimes...enough said. Right?

I've had my share of those days. Days where I wished I could just hide under the covers. Would hiding solve any of the challenges for that day, week, month or even some times a year? No, not really. Awhile back I was having one of those days that turned into one of those weeks. I would cry during the day and fall asleep exhausted at night feeling like a failure. By the end of the week I had had enough of it. I was tired of being overwhelmed!!! 

See the problem came in when I kept trying to do everything in my own strength, knowledge, and routine. I kept thinking if this situation was different then maybe things would be better, or if  "this or that" could change then things would be better. I knew deep down in my heart what I should have done the first time those despairing thoughts entered my mind. But I didn't, and instead tried to deal with the feelings of inadequacies on my own. I don't know about you, but for me that is a lonely road to travel. 

Once I said "enough already" and turned to God, He was already there waiting on me to lean on Him.

One of my very favorite passage of verses talks about leaning on Him and not on my own understanding. 

Proverbs 3: 5-6 (NKJV)

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.

I have to trust Him, and know that He is working all things together for my good, (Romans 8:28) I have to lean on Him instead of trusting my own understanding. (Isaiah 55:8-9) When I acknowledge Him, then He will direct my steps. (Isaiah 30:21) So when those tough days come, and they will, I have to keep my thoughts on Him and offer up a prayer. Take heart, He is still there for you and me waiting for us to lean on Him. Blessings!

Prayers for a New School Year

Prayer is so important in the life of a believer! Prayer is our lifeline to the Lord. I know that I have to pray all of the time because I also know that I can't make it in this life without the help of Jesus. There is always someone or some situation that I am praying for and about to the Lord. 

August is the time when I start praying more intentionally for the beginning for our school year. I ask the Lord for His guiding hand, peace for our days, excitement for the opportunity to learn, and most importantly that we always make Him Lord of our school days. We wouldn't even be on this journey without His leading as well as His provision. 

In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NKJV), we read "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.". (Emphasis mine) We should always be rejoicing, giving thanks, and praying without ceasing.

I want to share three verses with you for this upcoming school year. Write the verses on index cards. Hang the verses somewhere so that you will see them and be reminded to pray daily.

The first verse is about God's PLAN.

Jeremiah 29:11  (NKJV)

" For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope."

The second verse is about God's PROTECTION.

Psalm 91:1-2 (NKJV)

"He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High
Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
² I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress;
My God, in Him I will trust.”

The third verse is about God's PEACE.

Philippians 4:7  (NKJV)

"and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."


Let's spend some time mediating on these verses this coming week and set a goal of starting the day with prayer. I pray that your children will have a great start to their new school years.



Scripture source: Bible Gateway

Learning Character Resources Review 2016-2017

Now for the next review post for our curriculum that we have used for the 2015-2016 school year. I have written a post in the past about the two different character resources that we were using together. After awhile we went back to our original program that we have been using since the first year of homeschooling back in 2011. There is nothing right or "less than" with the other program. I think that we were just use to the lay out of the first character program.

So the first program that we have been using for awhile now is from the company "The Learning Parent" by the Rick and Marilyn Boyer. I think they may have changed the name to "Character Concepts" now, but when we first used their materials it was called "The Learning Parent". We just love the ease of the program, and the fact that it can be used with a range of ages. By range of ages I mean that the preschool and early learner books would be usable for ages 3-9 years of age. I love products that I can cycle back through with my children. I don't expect them to remember every character trait learned. By going back and reviewing previous learned character traits it is helping to reinforce it each time. It is my hope that they will internalize each character trait as they get older. There are other programs available from the same company to use as your child gets older, but for us it works better if we are all in the same book.

We normally learn a new character trait or review one as apart of our morning time after we have read our Bible passage. In the book with the character traits there are Bible stories and verses, stories revolving around the Boyer cousins, and true stories about people from history who have displayed a particular character trait. There are also coloring pages that your child can color while listening to one of the stories. This really is a easy and fun program to implement. We will be cycling through both books again for the up-coming school year.


Again for the record all opinions are my own. I am not a paid representative for "The Learning Parent" or "Character Concepts" or the Boyers. I just love talking about homeschooling, curriculum, methods and styles. I would love to hear what your family uses for character training.

You can check out the materials by visiting "Character Concepts": http://www.characterconcepts.com/store/

This should take you to the Preschool Character Package: http://characterconcepts.com/store/product.php?id_product=1572

This should take you to the Early Learner Package:

http://characterconcepts.com/store/product.php?id_product=3260

Here's a Mini Update For Our School Year

We are currently on our fifth week in the new school year. This year is keeping me jumping with three children and an on-the-move baby. Things can get interesting real quick. It is becoming a lesson for me and the children to be more flexible and not to expect everything to be perfect. There's that word again - perfect. When it comes to my children I set the bar high in my ideals of how I envisioned our homeschooling journey to be. I tend to be an overwhelmed perfectionist, meaning that sometimes I will give up or give in because no matter how much I try it still will not be perfect. Everyday I have to ask God for the wisdom to teach my children and His love to pour out of me onto them. Homeschooling for us is more than just academic. It is just as much if not more about showing and introducing my children to my Savior.

Our character trait that we are currently working on is DILIGENCE. The definitions that we are using comes from two homeschooling moms. The first one is from Marilyn Boyer at The Learning Parent, and the second one is from Heather McMillan at We Choose Virtues. We have been using the Character Studies from The Learning Parent since the first year that we started homeschooling. I absolutely love her character trait curriculum. The other one from We Choose Virtues is new to us this year. I actually won a set of her character trait cards in a contest hosted by The Old Schoolhouse Magazine. So now for the definitions.... The first one defines diligence as "doing my very best at very task given to me". The second one defines being diligent as "I start fast, work hard and finish strong". Each one also has a memory verse to help your child to learn. We have focused on the character trait of OBEDIENCE for awhile and from time to time review it. 

If you would like to learn more about either of the above mentioned companies, then I have included links for you.
The Learning Parent - Marilyn Boyer
http://www.characterconcepts.com/store/
Ok. So apparently they have changed their name to Character Concepts. The reference made to their character curriculum can be found in their store. It should be apart of their Preschool Package.

We Choose Virtues - Heather McMillan
http://wechoosevirtues.com/

And of course here is the link to one of my favorite homeschooling magazines. You can also read the current issue for FREE.
The Old Schoolhouse Magazine
http://www.theoldschoolhouse.com/

Here is a picture from our first day of school.

Just FYI, I am not being compensated from either of the above companies. I am just sharing what we are learning. However, I love talking to other homeschool moms about what they are using in their homeschools. Have a blessed week!

Are You Considering Homeschooling?

I remember when I decided that one day I was going to homeschool my child(ren). I wasn't even married or had any children of my own, but I remember what impressed me so much that I started praying about it.

 As a teenager I worked in the children's department of my local library. I loved working there. When I was in high school I would get to work around 1:30 to 2:00 in the afternoon. Because I was there before 3:00 pm, I had the privilege of getting to know some of the homeschooling families in my area. I was intrigued by the family dynamics and the strong family ties, even amongst the children. The moms and older children would collect the books for the topics being studied while the smaller children played together with the puzzles and blocks available. I just remember being so impressed with what I saw every time one of the families would visit the library. They were planting seeds of homeschooling in my life without ever knowing it. I actually ended up homeschooling my last two years of high school and loved it.

Once I started college I was torn between a few different majors. I couldn't decide if I wanted to be a librarian, a teacher or a profession in the medical field. First I went to a local two-year college while continuing to work at the library and continuing to be around those wonderful homeschooling families. After those two years I transferred to a four year college to finish my studies. Eventually I decided to pursue a teaching degree because I thought that was what I needed to be a successful homeschool mama one day and because I liked knowing that teachers had the summer off. : )

Fast forward few years. I was now married, expecting my first child, just graduated from college with a Bachelors of Science in Childhood Education, moving from one city to another, and starting my first teaching job. I was stressed and excited all at the same time with all the new beginnings my husband and I were embarking on together. And still all I could think about was all the grand learning adventures I was going to have with my soon to be born baby, a.k.a "homeschooling".

After my first sweet baby was born I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that I was going to homeschool her. It was such a strong desire that it became my conviction. But looking back I think that part of it was because I was scared to let anyone else influence her or raise her. I wanted more than anything to be the one to teach her everything about God, the Bible and the world that He created. I started pouring over homeschool curriculum catalogs because I was fascinated by the choices available "to give your child the very best start". I lived, dreamed and breathed homeschooling. Scary, right? Yup!!! If I could go back in time to have a heart-to-heart conversation with my 23 year old self, I would tell myself to let it go and give it to God. I was so wrapped up in planning and finding all these cute ideas that I let some of the most precious time with my baby slip through my hands. I love planning things and finding ways to organize my planning, but I have had to learn (and still learning) to just enjoy my children and having the privilege to getting to know each of them.

So here is a list that I would have given myself if I could have that conversation:

    1. Pray!!! Surrender your desires and ideas about homeschooling to God. Let Him lead and guide you on the path that He has planned for you and your family. Pray with your spouse too!!
    2. Find a mentor homeschool mom. Just like my time around other homeschooling families at the library, spending time with a homeschooling mom is giving you an opportunity to see it in "real-life".
    3. Read a few books about starting homeschooling. Your local library should have a wealth of information about homeschooling and things to consider.
    4. Include your spouse. Do NOT however bombard him or her with everything that you are learning about homeschooling. Have open discussions. Listen to each other's concerns and then pray some more. This also includes looking at your financial situation.
    5. Enjoy each moment with your child(ren). Make memories. Go places. Do things. Take plenty of pictures. Read books and more books and more books.
    6. Having a degree is education is NOT necessary to be a successful homeschool parent. God equips those He calls.

Deciding on the best educational approach for your family is a very personal choice. Homeschooling is the path that God is leading my family on currently. I officially started homeschooling my oldest child when she was a little older than 3 years old and now homeschooling three of my children. Do I worry if I'm doing everything perfectly? Some days but I have learned to trust God on this journey. If you are considering homeschooling and would like to chat about it just leave me a comment.

Busy As Bees

When I was younger I could not wait until I was grown up and could do my own thing. I had all these big dreams and high ideals. I was going to travel all over the world, discover new things and learn all that I could. I am all grown up (well at least I think I am) and I do my own thing. I still have big dreams, and I am working on some of them now. I still have high ideals of what I would like to see happen, but I am also learning to accept that sometimes life just doesn't happen the way I had planned. I am learning that sometimes I have to just roll with the punches so to speak. I take one step at a time, one day at a time, and sometimes just one minute at a time.

Slowly, slowly we are making progress on our house. I will be so glad to just have it to the point to move in. It has been difficult to live in one house and have most of our stuff in the other house. If we could just stop finding leaks that would be great! It has been a long adventure that I will be glad to see finished! I need some peace and a place to call my own.

Schooling has been different, again, this year for us. We alternate working on a different subject each week. Sometimes we are all about math, all day, every day for a week. I am still learning how to organize my time so that I can offer individualized teaching to my two children who are on different levels for math and phonics instruction. It has been a learning curve for me to see just how different my children are when it comes to learning styles and preferences. What worked in the classroom of 15 students does not work at home with my two who are currently the only ones old enough to "do school". I have just started reading one of Diana Waring's book on homeschooling. I am excited to see what gems of wisdom I can learn from her.

And then spring has brought more than green grass, flowers blooming and birds singing. It has brought allergies and yucky colds. My little ones have been sick for at least a week and a half. I have been up most nights, and then had to turn around and be up early the next with either a sick kid or a teething baby. I am busy, but I am right where I need to be. I use to think that if I wasn't doing great and big things then I wasn't living my life to the fullest. I am living my life to the fullest! I am taking care of my family, homeschooling, working part-time, working on my house, cooking, cleaning, and the list keeps going on. Is this what I dreamed life would be like when I grew up? No. But it is what it is. I can't and don't want to waste my time on the what-ifs, could-have-been or any other distraction from what is before me. I want to run the race set before me! I am living my life everyday so that God gets the glory and recognition because without Him this life is not worth living.

So how have things been your way? I hope wonderful. I hope you find the good and the beautiful that this life has to offer and hold on to it. Hold on to Jesus. He is my hope and my anchor.

Hebrews 6:19a "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure."



From Diapers to Big Kid Underpants

I have been a mommy for seven years and counting. I always wanted to have children. In my "perfect" view of my future, I wanted three to four children evenly spaced about three to four years apart in age. In reality I have four children who range in age of seven years down to almost five months old. Am I disappointed that my plans went awry? Am I upset that I have both boys and a girl and not just one gender or the other? I can answer both questions with a resounding, "NO!". The reason is because years ago I asked God to show me His plan and purpose for my life.

 

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  

 

If I had done things my way, I would only have two children by this time in my life. I would have missed out on the joy of having my other two children. I would have missed out on part of my adventure that God has ever so loving been leading me.

 

Raising children has pushed me even more to be completely dependent of God. It has tested my faith to trust that He can meet not only all of my needs but the needs of my children as well. Our family has been drawn closer together as we pray for God's guidance, forgiveness, protection, wisdom and perseverance to keep going when the naysayers come with their negativity.

 

Proverbs 18:10 (NIV)
The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.

 

I have been changing diapers for the past seven years. Potty training less than that with two children still to train. Just like I have gone through stages spiritually myself I am still learning and growing everyday. I do not want to be the same person spiritually I was five years ago nor be the same five years into the future. I want to know and live by God's wisdom and not by my own wisdom. Only wisdom from God can help me to make the right choices. It is one  of my prayers to grow in wisdom and knowledge of the truth.

 

James 1:5 (NIV)
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.