Category: Encouragement

Stolen Joy

Ann3 Comments

You sit down at the computer for a few minutes of internet time, searching for homeschool inspiration and resources.  In the midst of finding some great printables you run across some amazing blogs and websites featuring equally amazing homeschool moms with a bevy of bright-eyed children living on expansive, working farms(my weakness) with spotless homes. Not only do the children have a list of accomplishments as long as your arm, the fit and trim mother is in the process of writing a book!

You log off the computer feeling a bit discouraged, wondering why you don’t seem to accomplish as much during the day, and why everyone else’s children are excelling at algebra while yours struggles with the 6 times tables.

It is easy to become distracted and discouraged by what we see around us.   It is so easy to let comparison steal our life’s joy.  What we forget is that we are comparing apples to oranges.   How can I compare myself to someone whose personal background and life challenges are not the same as mine?  Different circumstances = different lives.    We also forget that most people tend to put their best foot forward online, and we compare that to the mundane realities of our day-to-day lives.    This portion of  a verse from 1 Corinthians 7 :17  inspires me to be me:   “But as God has distributed to each one, as the Lord has called each one, so let him walk.”   These words remind me to stop trying to walk in another’s footsteps and walk in my own.

When the enemy tempts you to compare and threatens to steal your joy, stop and consider the “walk”  God has called you to and the blessings to be found on that walk.  Relish the special joy that God had apportioned just for you.

 

The Lesson of Work

RhondaLeave a comment

Have you ever wondered if teach children to work is really part of their education? Here is some profound admonition on the subject. (Notice the last quote in which work is referred to as school.)

“Parents should awaken to the fact that the most important lesson for their children to learn is that they must act their part in bearing the burdens of the home.” (Adventist Home, p. 285)

“Work is good for children; they are happier to be usefully employed a large share of the time; their innocent amusements are enjoyed with a keener zest after the successful completion of their tasks. Labor strengthens both the muscles and the mind. Mothers may make precious little helpers of their children; and, while teaching them to be useful, they may themselves gain knowledge of human nature and how to deal with these fresh, young beings and keep their hearts warm and youthful by contact with the little ones. And as their children look to them in confidence and love, so may they look to the dear Saviour for help and guidance. Children that are properly trained, as they advance in years, learn to love that labor which makes the burdens of their friends lighter.” (Adventist Home, p. 286)

“If children were taught to regard the humble round of everyday duties as the course marked out for them by the Lord, as a school in which they were to be trained to render faithful and efficient service, how much more pleasant and honorable would their work appear! To perform every duty as unto the Lord throws a charm around the humblest employment and links the workers on earth with the holy beings who do God’s will in heaven.”  (Adventist Home, p. 287)

Motivation Monday

Ann1 Comment

“That which children enjoy, they think mother can be pleased with, and it is perfectly natural for them to consult mother in little matters of perplexity. And the mother should not wound the heart of her sensitive child by treating the matter with indifference, or by refusing to be troubled with such small matters. That which may be small to the mother is large to them. And a word of direction, or caution, at the right time, will often prove of great value. An approving glance, a word of encouragement and praise from the mother, will often cast a sunbeam into their young hearts for a whole day.”

Selected Messages Bk 2, p 439

 

How to End Your Homeschool Year

AnnLeave a comment

 

Danielle at Domestic Serenity is a favorite blogger of mine.  Today’s post that she shared at Bright Ideas Press is especially uplifting; How to End Your Homeschool Year.  I invite you to click over and read her encouraging words.

Motivation Monday

AnnLeave a comment

“If any persons in the world need the strength and encouragement that religion gives, it is those who are responsible for the education and training of children. They cannot do their work in a manner acceptable to God while their daily example teaches those who look to them for guidance that they can live without God. If they educate their children to live for this life only, they will make no preparation for eternity. They will die as they have lived, without God, and parents will be called to account for the loss of their souls. Fathers, mothers, you need to seek God morning and evening at the family altar, that you may learn how to teach your children wisely, tenderly, lovingly.”

Child Guidance, 517

Motivation Monday

AnnLeave a comment

“Children are sometimes tempted to chafe under restraint; but in afterlife they will bless their parents for the faithful care and strict watchfulness that guarded and guided them in their years of inexperience.”

Ministry of Healing, 394

 

Motivation Monday

AnnLeave a comment

“Home should be a place where cheerfulness, courtesy, and love abide; and where these graces dwell, there will abide happiness and peace. Troubles may invade, but these are the lot of humanity. Let patience, gratitude, and love keep sunshine in the heart, though the day may be ever so cloudy. In such homes angels of God abide.”

Ministry of Healing, 393