The Hope Filled Homeschooler

       I am sure many of you have seen the article published by  Harvard Magazine  that outlines risks of homeschooling. I admit that I am annoyed by the article, but not surprised. As a homeschool mom of almost 9 years I have heard/read all of it before. Of course, since an elitist college writes it, the whole world listens.      So, I wanted to share my own personal risks that I have encountered during our time of homeschooling. ✱ ✱ Please note, this is NOT an exhaustive list nor is it any specific order. Also, my words will not be as eloquently written, so…good luck 🤣 ✱ ✱ Risk #1 : You might find that you actually like your kids ❗ Risk #2 : You might find that your kids actually like you 🤯 Risk #3 : You might find that your kids  actually want to talk to you, even when they are teenagers ❗❗ Risk #4 : You, the parent, might learn a little something too 🤔 Risk #5 : You might get to witness "ah-ha" moments when a child finally understands a conce

Happy Holy Week!  I wanted to take some time to share with you an exciting Jewish celebration coming up :  PASSOVER!    The feast of Passover is one of the most important Jewish festivals & it starts tomorrow (4/8/2020)! It is k nown as Pesach in Hebrew. You can find the original Passover story in  Exodus 12 . It is an intriguing story about how God freed the Israelites from slavery. Traditionally it lasts 7-8 days. As a family, we generally only take part in the Seder meal, which has specific rituals and names.  In the past, I have added it to our homeschool week and celebrated it in our home in some form. This year we have added the  Days United Passover Box , which I am super excited about! Have you ever celebrated with you family? I was blessed to be able to share with my Bible study group a few years ago. Last year, we had member of  Jews For Jesus  visit our church to illustrate the beautiful Seder meal. They have a FREE Livestream experience that you ca

  "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith"  Heb 12:3  Happy Sunday!  I don't know about you, but the days have all blended together. We had church service from our couch, again. I really am not sure what/how I feel about it. My soul longs for fellowship! I truly look forward to the day when my church family can be together again 💖     When all is so scary in our world, it can be hard to look past the bleak & dreary. I don't want to lose sight of the season we are quickly approaching. 2 weeks away til Passion Week , then Resurrection (Easter) Sunday ❗❗ With all kiddos @ home, I think it's perfect to take advantage of this time to disciple them. I wanted to use this time to give you some ideas that we have done or plan to do as a family.   It's a short list so as to not inundate you with even more info. Take a look & let me know what you think 😊    ❋S

"And who knows but that you have come to your...position for such a time as this?"  Esther 4:14 I know many are feeling overwhelmed right now...I totally get that❗ 9 yrs ago, when we chose to homeschool, it wasn't a decision that we took lightly. We prayerfully considered it, as a family. We knew it was God's calling on our lives & what was best for our family. I can't imagine how your lives have turned upside down...especially during an already fearful time ❗ My heart 💓 is burdened right now, for you❗ In such a short time our world 🌎 has completely changed. Don't forget, our kiddos feel it too...the fear, uncertainty, the change is unsettling for all...Yes, even this seasoned homeschool momma feels it. I know I have been "quiet" on this blog lately. Last month's surgery really threw me for a loop. Recovery took much longer than anticipated & I feel like I have been playing "catch-up" ever since,

Happy  ＬOＶE  month!  "...God is LOVE!" 1 John 4:8 So, I guess I am back! Although, I couldn't tell you where I went 🤔 I have heard a lot of people say that January (2020) has been the longest " year" so far...for me, January FLEW by. I was barely able to catch my breath❗❕❗ After the holidays, we settled back into our normal routine, homeschool, work (for me & my teenagers), gymnastics, soccer, etc. My youngest had her 1st gymnastics meet...Now, somehow, we are 34 days into 2020 & I am still writing '19 when I sign documents 😳 Actually, Jan was a trying month. One of my favorite cousins, Ricky, passed away VERY suddenly. 😭 My heart still can't understand that. 💔Sadly, I wasn't able to attend his funeral.  ... I have also been in a lot of physical pain, which after a visit to the ER, found out it was from gallstones 👎I am scheduled for gallbladder removal surgery Feb 11. 😞  I press on ... I have been ba

"The hope of the righteous brings joy" Prov 10:28      It's December 15th! Wow, only 10 days til Christmas! I hope that doesn't make you anxious! I don't know why but I feel like this time of year sneaks up on me, EVERY YEAR! 😕       Thankfully, as a family, we are prepared, for the most part. Most (def not ALL!) of the gifts are purchased & plans are made.  Calendar filled  with activities & various parties.  Cards are addressed and ready to send out. Now to get to the post office!       Fortunately, I have been able to sneak in moments of joy where I truly feel like "it's the most wonderful time of year"! The first two weeks of Dec, my family was quite busy being active in Christmas activities with my church. My soul was nourished as my church was able to pour into our community. Last Friday, we (homeschool group) went Christmas caroling @ a nursing home. My heart burst as I saw all their smiling faces. This week isn't quite