So a few weeks ago I announce that I am changing a couple of things about my blogging.
First of all, in order to better manage my time I am going to release myself from so much commenting. Okay...got that done. Have you even noticed?;)
Secondly, I am going to increase my frequency of posts about homeschooling. What? You haven't seen any of those?
Yep, you're right. You haven't seen any of those. I have written a bunch of things in my head. Our own homeschooling year has begun. My thoughts have been swirling 'round and 'round. And I have a whole list of topics in a draft. Then why haven't I started?
I think it's the whole announcement thing. I intimidated myself by doing that. Now it feels like my First Official Homeschooling Expert Post must be something Very Wise and Wonderful. And where do I start? Shouldn't I start with the most important thing? Well, then what is the most important thing? Should I give this series a title? Should I make a button or a graphic?
Oh, for heaven's sake.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~
After much ado, and a gazillion chalkboard graphics, and after tormenting my poor daughter by showing her all gazillion of them and asking her opinion (until she was afraid to walk in the room when I was on my laptop for fear of being asked to look at another one), I think I am ready to jump in.
I did make a graphic and I did settle on a title for my series. Homeschooling: Finding Joy in the Journey. Because I think that too many parents homeschool out of obligation or out of desperation, and I want to encourage you that you CAN find joy in the journey!
And, actually, I will begin with something Wise and Wonderful because it is straight out of the Book of books, the Word of God. Many years ago when we were beginning our homeschool journey, this verse encouraged me.
I realize that this passage of Scripture is not about phonics and art and biology. This admonition was regarding something far more important: the Words of the Lord.
As I consider the frequency, the intensity, of this kind of teaching, it is framed in a lifestyle of walking alongside my children.
Although I concede that you certainly can teach your children the Word of the Lord without homeschooling them, it seems to me that a homeschooling lifestyle provides the best opportunity to obey this command. Teaching them His Words as we share our days here at home. Talking about His precepts as we walk (or drive?) along the way. Sharing His goodness around the dinner table. Taking advantage of teachable moments. Being available to answer questions. Searching together for answers in His Word. Learning together. As we go to bed and when we arise the next morning.
Not from a place of perfection, but from a place of wanting to know the Lord and wanting to bring our children along too.
I did make a graphic and I did settle on a title for my series. Homeschooling: Finding Joy in the Journey. Because I think that too many parents homeschool out of obligation or out of desperation, and I want to encourage you that you CAN find joy in the journey!
And, actually, I will begin with something Wise and Wonderful because it is straight out of the Book of books, the Word of God. Many years ago when we were beginning our homeschool journey, this verse encouraged me.
"You shall teach them to your children, speaking of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up." (Deuteronomy 11:19)
I realize that this passage of Scripture is not about phonics and art and biology. This admonition was regarding something far more important: the Words of the Lord.
As I consider the frequency, the intensity, of this kind of teaching, it is framed in a lifestyle of walking alongside my children.
Although I concede that you certainly can teach your children the Word of the Lord without homeschooling them, it seems to me that a homeschooling lifestyle provides the best opportunity to obey this command. Teaching them His Words as we share our days here at home. Talking about His precepts as we walk (or drive?) along the way. Sharing His goodness around the dinner table. Taking advantage of teachable moments. Being available to answer questions. Searching together for answers in His Word. Learning together. As we go to bed and when we arise the next morning.
Not from a place of perfection, but from a place of wanting to know the Lord and wanting to bring our children along too.
Yes! I've long said that parents miss out on the 'discipleship' aspect of homeschooling, which to me is the most important part.
ReplyDeleteDeanna
You are intimidated by your own announcements, too? I thought I was the only one.
ReplyDeleteI had to laugh at the graphics thing... I could just see Amelia saying "I don't really care! Just choose one, woman!" when I was changing my header. (She calls me woman when she is insignificantly frustrated with me.)
This is wonderful! We homeschooled for 21 years and loved every minute of it! Nice title. :-)
ReplyDeleteI've noticed that comments are generally down. But that's okay. I'm not commenting as much either. There's too much real life to be lived. Wishing you much joy on the journey.
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to reading about the Joy you experience in homeschooling. It is something that I might have done years ago.
ReplyDeleteWe don't expect a button or even a title...just little bits of your experiences as you homeschool.
Balisha
Good for you!! It's your blog - and you can certainly add much encouragement to the homescooling world. I homeschooled my youngest two (Amber and Benjamin) until they started college at 15 years old. I found joy in homescooling and would do it again!! Amber is homescooling her little 2 year old quadruplets without even realizing it! Due to having FOUR children the same age - preschool is out of the question - it cost SO much $$$$$$$! Who knows, she may continue to educate them at home! I will certainly be there to help!!
ReplyDeleteYou are doing a wonderful job with your blog and I enjoy your every post!
Thank you for doin this Cheryl. We have homeschooled 20yrs now ,and i still crave the encouragement!! The title of you encouragments is lovely as we all need to find joy in our journeys homeschool or otherwise :-). Thanks again and Lord Bless you!!
ReplyDeleteI miss my homeschooling days! I finished up in 2010, with my youngest child's completion of high school.
ReplyDeleteWishing you all a wonderful new year of learning at home!
Love,
Patti
You have the joy of spreading out your homeschooling years so that you can learn from yourself. Our boys are only two years apart. I love your chalkboard and title but go easy on yourself and enjoy blogging! And you are right, homeschooling allows much more time to really talk about the Important things in life with your kids.
ReplyDeleteYour words are wise, indeed. And wonderful! I think you found the perfect way to 'begin' and I'm looking forward to your new series. I know you'll be sharing from your heart, and your experience and knowledge will encourage us all.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean, about getting stalled out trying to get it all in order and finding the perfect whatever before you begin a project like this - I have a few projects on hold for the same reasons. I suppose the best thing is to jump in and move forward and pray God blesses our efforts, trusting Him to work through it however He can.