A couple of weeks ago I posted on how we either do, or don't redeem the time while doing mundane tasks......such as the dreaded dirty dishes.   I got a lot of wonderful ideas from my blogging friends on what they direct their thoughts towards, while their hands are working hard to bless their families while they scrub and scrape, rinse and stack. 

It's easy to get in a rut of complaining---think of those Israelites and all the murmuring they did!  All the while being led by the Lord with a cloud during the day to keep the heat off, and a fire by night to keep the chill off.  And they were still grumping, even to the very point of forgetting who God was, and what He had already done for them....AND was doing for them at that very moment! 

As homeschooling Mom's and Dad's we need to guard our tongues, and our minds---because as they say, little pitchers have big ears. You know it's true that most of what they learn from us is caught, not taught, even though we strive for that daily!  The lessons they learn are what they hear, and see.....us doing.....not necessarily while we are talking directly to them!  So are they seeing you complaining and grumbling while you go about your day? Or are you singing, praying, memorizing scripture, or even training them, gently, kindly, respectfully and patiently while you work together?  Now, please don't think I am coming down on you.....I am not perfect myself, and we all are works in progress no matter who we are or how old we may be.  Just take this little soap-box nudge from me with the spirit it is intended, and remember, a little Joy goes a long way at the kitchen sink, and just about everywhere else you are!

Don't forget to go read the comments on the original post.  And be sure to leave me some good ideas too, ok?

 From Philippians 4 (a little bit paraphrased by me)

 1 Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved.

2 I implore my blogging friends to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with homeschool mom's and dad's also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!
5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

Blessings!

Nancy