encouragement

It’s that time of year for homeschoolers. We long to be done with school just as much as our kids. The sun is shining, the weather is warmer (finally) and we are yearning for a completely different, more relaxed schedule. 

So how do you close out your school year?  When your last day of school arrives, is your primary motive to get all the books and records out of sight? Enough, already - let’s relax and have fun?

Here are some of my thoughts and suggestions for finishing your school year: 

Mediocrity. Apathy. Disengaged.

How often do we really think about what we speak? Are we careful with our words or do we speak without really realizing what is coming out of our mouths?

Does it matter?

Proverbs 18:21 says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” Our words do matter. A lot.

One of the lifesavers of a homeschooling mom during the winter months is snow.  When the days get long and the kids (and mom) get edgy, one of the most helpful solutions is fresh air -- a snowman or snow fort to build, snowball fights or sledding is just the thing. 

What to do, then, when the weather doesn't cooperate?  This year in our neck of the woods, the snow has been slow in coming.  The winter temps have made it more desirable (and wise) to stay inside.  Before you know it, attitudes (yours and theirs) have gone amuck, and tension reigns. 

Proverbs 11:25, 30  A generous man will prosper, he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. . . The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise.

I’ve been reading the Proverbs lately, and these verses struck me. I had to stop and ponder them for a while. I, all too often, worry about getting enough sleep, having time for me, reserving my energy for the things I have to do in a day. But if I really want to have enough energy and strength for the tasks before me, my mind needs to be set on refreshing others.