As the name of my blog indicates, I spend a lot of time thinking about home. Of course, my Heavenly Home is the one that is eternal, so that’s where I need to lay up my treasures, and that’s the one I’m striving for. But in the meantime, I have been given this tiny piece of the here-and-now—this home on the edge of town, this family, this neighborhood—in which to serve Him. And, though this is in the earthly realm, I want the things that happen here to be investments in the Heavenly realm.




Friday, January 13, 2012

Confessions Regarding Morning Time

Yesterday I promised to share some of the reality of our Morning Time, and here it is. 

Morning Time is one of  my favorite parts of our homeschool day.  Over time, I have seen encouraging results of our gathering these little grains of sand.  Life is breathed into our souls as we read His Word, sing the words of the hymns of the church, read beautiful poetry, and soak in the works of the masters of music and art. 

But as I have talked about our "Morning Time" so often here at Thinking About Home, I think it is only fair that I also share with you some of the nitty gritty details. 


Morning Time doesn't usually happen five days per week.
Our ideal is to have Morning Time five days per week.  But I am pleased when we accomplish four (or even three) days.  Every little bit feeds our souls.  Remember, "little grains of sand..."


Morning Time is sometimes abbreviated.

On days when our schedule is tight, we will omit elements of our Morning Time plans.  If we have sore throats, we don't sing.  If someone has finished her poetry memorization but hasn't chosen a new poem, then we'll leave out poetry for a few days.  (We always begin Morning Time with Bible reading though, as that is the most important.) 


Morning Time is sometimes in the afternoon.

Yes, it's true. I am not a morning person, so there are days when the girls (well, this year it is just the girl) begin their independent work before I am ready for Morning Time. So we get to it later in the morning, or even in the afternoon. (Morning Time in the afternoon displeases Bekah for whom names matter. "How can it be Morning Time when it is afternoon?, " she complains.)


Morning Time plans have been altered.

Sometimes, one of us will change a poem because the one we've chosen just doesn't click, or (dare I say?) we've become bored with it.  Or maybe we'll all decide that we have learned enough about a particular artist and move on to one who engages us.  Or we'll decide to hang out with a composer or poet beyond the end of our designated term (as we are currently remaining with Bach for another term).



Now you know the true story of our Morning Times. 

But just because we do not achieve perfection does not mean that the time is wasted!  As I have said many times, our lives are richer because we have made time for the good, the noble, the beautiful

Perfect or not, Morning Time is a valuable part of our little homeschool. 

6 comments:

  1. Cheryl, I particularly love the fact that your Morning Time is sometimes in the afternoon ... and I love that "names matter" to Bekah! I wonder what she would name it, if she was not allowed to name it "Afternoon Time." It's always fun to read your postings where you show "things as they really are." They're never really too far off your goal. (smile)

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  2. I certainly understand the challenges and compromises. As FlyLady says, "even a little bit blesses." She's talking about home organization and cleaning, but it's applicable here.

    (We usually sit down to morning devotions right after breakfast, but life happens sometimes and it all goes down the drain. And I miss mornings without devotions and am always eager to get back to them. We usually do double time the following day.)

    I've got to go back and get the url you gave me to look up the molasses cookies. I filmed my grandson munching one of my cookies this morning...what a crunch! I think that by evening, they'll be tea dunkers. Ha! He did wear a thoughtful expression throughout so that was good.

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  3. We love our morning time, too, even though it is quite different from your own.

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  4. Hello Cheryl,

    Stopping by to visit with you and enjoy your sweet blog here. Lovely family and beautiful photos on your side bar :)

    So nice to meet you!
    Kindly, Lorraine

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  5. I am just shocked and disillusioned, Cheryl! LOL!

    Sounds like life around here, too!

    I think your Bekah and my Sarah would be great pals. Things like that matter to Sarah too!

    Have a lovely weekend!

    Deanna

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  6. Yes, we are still friends! This is much more palatable. And again, I could have said this myself. I think that it's very important to be realistic about what we are accomplishing. Our schedule is important because without goals and some regularity we flail. But we personally have learned that it's o.k. to not let our schedule become such a burden that the joy of learning is lost. Sometimes it's simply the grouchies that keep us from enjoying the poem that we should be poring over. I'm still loving you Cheryl. You are a wonderful example of a God centered home school and I hope many are reading so they might be encouraged by your wisdom!

    I'm feeling so much better, thank you!!

    Blessings, Debbie

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