So what exactly does "strive" mean? In Webster's 1828 dictionary, it says this: 

 STRIVE, n. [See Strive.] , v.i. pret. strove; pp. striven. [G. This word coincides in elements with drive,  (empahsis added by me) and the primary sense is nearly the same. See Rival.]

1. To make efforts; to use exertions; to endeavor with earnestness; to labor hard; applicable to exertions of body or mind. A workman strives to perform his task before another; a student strives to excel his fellows in improvement.

STRIFE

One thing I have always loved about the Webster dictionary was his use of scripture. There are many verses that talk about striving and I don't have room to list them all, but you might consider a word study if you are having problems with strife at home.   He also used phrases and sayings of his day to illustrate the word usage.  Sometimes they are downright tongue twisters, but nevertheless great examples for us!

At one time, I read a paraphrase of the following verse, Psalm 46:10, and it stuck in my head. "Cease striving, and know that I am God." You might recognize that as the "Be still and know that I am God" verse. Here is the verse in context: 

Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. 

He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two;
He burns the chariot in the fire.

Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!

The LORD of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah

How many times do we strive, instead of just being still and letting God do what He wills for us instead of what we will? I hope you and I both can consider that and put it to practice today.

Hopefully, I will get an entry up today on my "other" blog about "driving" and "being driven!" 

May the Lord bless your homeschooling and your life today, and that you will be able to "be still in Him!" 

Nancy