Thanks for reading this!
I wanted to share what I have learned in my walk with the Lord. Looking back to the time when I first became a Christian, I remember longing for an older Christian woman to mentor me. Now that I have that first grandchild, I am mentoring my own "married with children" daughter.
It's all coming back now and I'd better write it down for you! Hab 2:2 says, "And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it."
I will use the KJV for scripture because it is in the public domain.
Topics will include my favorites: Mothering Many, Homeschooling, and whatever the Lord lays on my heart.
Apr. 25, 2008 - More on Babies
Last fall a young mother asked if I could stay with her at the hospital after she had her baby. She is a family friend who used to babysit my children. We recently reconnected because our daughters for whom she babysat were now having babies when she was having hers.
When she heard that I stayed with my daughter at the hospital after she had her baby, she wanted me to stay with her. You see, ladies, sometimes husbands can only stay the first night; perhaps they need to stay with the other children; or maybe they are not gifted with mercy or serving. And her mother, who is lovely, also wasn't gifted that way. That's ok.
At this hospital, I was allowed to spend the night in her room. What did I do? I brought the baby to her, fanned her when she was hot, answered and handed the phone to her, went for more ice water or a drink, gave a bottle to the baby when she couldn't feed him (she had a C-section and wasn't able to the first 24 hours because of the anesthesia--not to worry, the baby is a great nurser now...) and whatever she needed for me to do to help her. Honestly, it helped the nursing staff to have someone there to do the little stuff.
She later told me that it really helped her to have that time to rest--unlike the other two times when no one stayed with her--and I had the most marvelous time.
For the next two weeks, she also arranged for two young ladies to stay with her during the day to watch her other children. It really does help to take it easy after you have a baby.
My prayer for you is that you will have support like this when you have your baby. For the "older women" and "young ladies", my prayer is that you will have opportunities to serve if you are gifted in these areas.
Blessings,
Harriet
Apr. 9, 2006 - New Babies
My thoughts are flying about new babies. Our new grandaughter arrived the other evening, faster than anyone expected with about 10 minutes of pushing. My daughter is blessed!
She wanted me to be there because, besides being her mom, I am a veteran at having babies--we have nine children. Guess that's enough qualification!
I have some suggestions--common sense, practical things--that I would like to share with you while it's fresh on my mind.
First, if you are having your baby at the hospital, please try to have someone stay in your room with you at all times. Most of the time it will be your husband, your mother and/or mother-in-law, sister, best friend, etc. Your support people should be encouraging and they shoud be willing to pray for you "in the midst."
When our granddaughter's head appeared, she started turning blue because she was a lot bigger than expected and might have been stuck before the shoulders delivered. Right then my daughter's mother-in-law and I started praying--it could have gone either way. With some work, the shoulders came right out and all is well. I know prayer works!
If you don't have a family support group, then please look for an "older woman" from you church or homeschool support group and ask her to be there for you. It is such a blessing to help new moms that way.
Your helper person will be there in case anything happens, will get more ice, help with the baby, help you with your needs, pray for you and the baby, screen calls and visitors when you are tired, etc. My husband did all those things for me--but not all husbands are gifted that way. For our later children, my older daughters (who were 12 or older) stayed with me so my husband could go home at night with the other children. We had to get special permission for this.
Whether you have someone with you or not, remember that God is with you. He'll send the nurses and midwives that you need!
If your baby has siblings, I suggest that you purchase or make some gifts to take to the hospital for the new baby to "give" to the siblings. It helps to foster a good relationship with the new baby and helps avoid those jealous feelings. "Wow, the new baby gave me a gift!"
I usually wrap the presents and put them in the bassinet for the sibs to find. Typically, for little girls, we found a cuddly baby type dolly and I made a dolly blanket and maybe a dolly diaper bag. For the "big sister" grandaughter, I found a cute red cloth purse on sale that could double for a dolly diaper bag so I didn't sew this time. Her parents gave her twin baby dolls with a doll stroller and typical dolly baby stuff. If you don't sew, fleece works and doesn't have to be sewn. Boys can have baby dolls, but they usually like guy toys better!
If you have young children at home, I suggest that you try to time your arrival home later in the evening after their bedtime. It took me a while to figure out that I got more rest when I came home from the hospital if I went straight to bed. They wake you up every hour or two and the hospital beds aren't usually very comfortable. The best thing you can do for yourself and your family is to get your rest those first weeks!
As the children wake up the next day, they'll make their way to your room one at a time and it will be a special moment with you and the new baby.
Take a week off and don't do anything except take care of yourself and the new baby. Sleep when the baby sleeps, etc.
I know it isn't always possible to have outside help, but if you can, take advantage of offers of help and don't be afraid to ask. Whether it's your church doing meals or friends coming to watch your children or help with housework, you'll be better off in the long run because you are giving your body time to heal.
You might also have a babysitter come to play with your children while you rest. Homeschool teens are usually good at that.
Don't forget to offer help to others in their times of need! Give and it shall be given unto you.
I hope this helps you! I pray that all goes well with each of you as your baby is born.
Blessings,
Harriet
Jan. 19, 2006 - Stand!
Another verse that helps when you struggle to maintain your Christian walk in the midst of adversity is:
Ephesians 6:13
13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
The next verse starts with stand therefore--meaning you get to stand some more!
Having done all to stand--stand! The Lord will fight for you!
Blessings,
Harriet
Jan. 18, 2006 - Struggling?
Do you ever have moments when you are struggling and feel like you are laboring in vain with your homeschooling? I know I had those moments when our children were younger—before we had homeschool graduates who went on to complete college. Even though I have a track record with some success, I still have moments of struggle with homeschooling. It is easier to handle now when the enemy comes in like a flood and wants me to “tizz out” over my inadequacies as a homeschool mother/teacher. My husband always encourages me and says, “the enemy doesn’t want us to teach our children, so of course he’s going to attack.” In general the attacks, those fiery darts of the wicked, aren’t going away. I think they are intensifying as the enemy realizes his end is near. Look around; it doesn’t take a nuclear physicist to see the signs of the time. If you are struggling with wondering if you are laboring in vain, look to the Word and ask yourself: · Am I doing what is right in God’s eyes? Did He call you to homeschool? I think He gave you scripture—review it and stand on it. · Where would your children be if they weren’t homeschooled? It is easier to see the difference, as they get older, say high school. If you have younger children, it’s harder to see what a difference homeschooling makes. Please take my word for it. If you are doing what God told you to do, you will see wonderful fruit because of your obedience to homeschool. · Where is grace and mercy? We’re living proof of God’s grace and mercy in homeschooling! I’m here to testify that: · I’m not the perfect homeschool mom and I haven't found one yet [1 John 1:8 "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us."]. · We had some rotten days where I’m glad we made it to bedtime without losing our marbles, and I thank God that we are still in the running. · The Lord will teach your children [Isaiah 54:13 All your children shall be taught by the Lord, And great shall be the peace of your children.] · Love covers a multitude of sins and mercy triumphs over judgment! · You may sow in tears, but you will reap in joy! · Better days are coming! Maybe your struggle isn't with homeschooling, but these principles still apply. Here’s a prayer for you: Father God, please hide me in the shelter of Your wings and comfort me in my struggle. Lord, please reveal the truth of my situation to me. I ask You to reveal Your wisdom and Your strategy for me at this time in my life. Please help me to see the big picture and to focus my thought life on what is true, honest and just and what is pure, lovely and of good report. Forgive me for despairing and strengthen me for what lies ahead. I ask this in the name of Jesus Christ and give You all the praise and the glory. Amen. Blessings, Harriet
Jul. 30, 2005 - Do Not Slay Them!
I've been reading in the Psalms for the past month--you know where you read 5 per day starting with day 1 where you read Psalm 1, 31, 61, 91, 121. Basically you add 30 to the day's date and so on.
It seemed like the Psalmist was talking a great deal about squashing his enemies who were doing despicable things--his country's enemies, his family's enemies, his own enemies. I can see his point. In flesh moments, I've wondered why God doesn't just zap some of the wicked people who do those really awful things. But I know that He is a God of grace and mercy and that He wants all men to come to Him. I just wasn't finding it in the Psalms--so I asked Him about that.
Lo and behold, I was reading the other day and found it. That is so like God to surprise me in the midst--where He always is.
Psalm 59:11, "Do not slay them, lest my people forget; scatter them by Your power and bring them down, O Lord our shield."
I think David was thinking of the enemies that were his people. I would call them temporary enemies--like Saul who became Paul. From now on when my flesh rises up and wants me to call for God to zap some wicked person, I will remember, "Do not slay them, lest my people forget." I know that God wants all men to be saved. He'll deal with them--either here to salvation or for all eternity to eternal death. Do not slay them--give them every last chance possible. Trust in God and bless your enemies! [Luke 6:27]
Blessings,
Homeschool Mother of Many
Jul. 21, 2005 - Right Heart
"Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit, then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners shall be converted to You." Psalm 51:12-13 NKJ
Oh, this brings home the fact that my heart needs to be right in order to reach others. In homeschooling, we are first trying to reach our children, and then, others! I know I definitely need the joy of His salvation. Psalm 51 speaks about getting "myself" right with God—the basis of revival.
Short and sweet—revival starts with me! I need to turn back to God when I stumble on the path. I need to be renewed when I grow weary and my walk with Him is in a holding pattern.
Then see what happens: I will teach transgressors (children and others) Your ways, and sinners (children and others) shall be converted to You. Amazing! And I will have the joy of His salvation and He will uphold me by His generous Spirit.
Blessings,
Harriet, Homeschool Mother of Many
Jul. 6, 2005 - Today's Pondering
Today I am pondering this verse from Nehemiah 1:6:
"Let thine ear now be attentive, and thine eyes open, that thou mayest hear the prayer of thy servant . . ." KJV
God hears and sees everything, but Nehemiah started this prayer asking God to hear his prayer. Recently I heard a lady speak about her prayer life and how she grew tired of having some prayers answered and some not--though she thought they were all good prayers. She felt like her answered prayers were "prayer accidents." Then she referred us to 1 John 5:14&15:
"And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him." KJV
She spoke about learning to pray the scripture--praying the Word--and about how her prayers became more effective.
Takes me a while to get it sometimes but then the Lord leads me to the Nehemiah verse. I'm planning to look at some of the other great prayers of the Bible next time I get a chance. (Daniel, for sure!)
In the meantime, if any of you have pondered this, please add comments!
Jul. 4, 2005 - A Case of Prolific Writings
In case you are wondering why I am such a prolific writer, I'll explain.
I just found out about the TOS blog and decided to transfer all my blogs from my blog at:
http://homeschoolmany.blogspot.com/
I like that blog place too but my heart is for homeschooling. I think there will be lots more homeschooling mothers reading blogs at homeschoolblogger.com.
Blessings, Harriet, Homeschool Mother of Many
PS: Thanks to the folks at The Old Schoolhouse Magazine
http://www.thehomeschoolmagazine.com
Jul. 4, 2005 - Revival Starts at Home!
My housekeeping has never been the greatest. In my family we say we are housekeeping challenged! When I was a new Christian I heard someone who suggested that if we thought about what Jesus would think if he walked into our home, it would motivate us to keep our house cleaner. That worked for about fifteen years! Then I finally learned that Jesus isn't looking at my house--He is looking at my heart.
Needless to say, we are busy with life, and the house has gradually accumulated excess stuff. It had come to the point that it was impossible to clean around the junk. I was frustrated with the whole situation and fussed about it. The children would clean their room, only to be junky within a week. We were walking around stuff in the halls. I prayed and asked God to have mercy and send a housecleaning miracle! I knew it was bigger than anything I could do in less than a year of intensive housecleaning.
Recently my daughter with the recessive clean genes decided to clean our bathroom in a major way. (I let her use my bathroom in return for cleaning it--it gets crowded in the girls' bathroom.) This time she scrubbed it from top to bottom, every nook and cranny. She even took down the curtains and dejunked the cabinets. With such a clean environment, I realized that it was time for a new paint job. Then we decided that we needed to get some cheap plastic containers to organize our make up and hair stuff and to get it off the counter. My bathroom now looks fabulous and is very easy to clean.
Inspired by one success, I started dejunking the kitchen--one cabinet at a time. It was very doable and fun because I wasn't doing the whole entire house. Everything about the house was getting better. At this point other family members took notice. Before I knew it, the girls were dejunking their own rooms and helping the boys (the three youngest) do theirs. The boys filled a giant trashbag with outgrown clothes that kept rotating around their room during various cleanups. Now we knew why they couldn't keep their room clean for more that a day or two.
Pondering the amazing "turnaround" in our home, God reminded me about the revival verse:
2 Chronicles 7:14
"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." KJV
As much as I hate to admit it, when I got rid of my bad attitude about the condition of my home and started to do something about my own part of it, a housekeeping revival started in my home! No amount of striving, cajoling, begging, or threatening produced any housekeeping miracles. It was humbling myself to admit that my housekeeping skills were wretched; seeking God for help (instead of man/children); and repenting of my own wickedness by cleaning up my areas of the house that caused God to hear from heaven, forgive my sin, and heal my "land".
It is so simple, but we keep making it so hard! I love this verse about striving:
Isaiah 30:15
"For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not."
Many times God told Israel to return to Him and rest in Him and to be quiet and confident in Him. Time and again, they did not. Take a moment to return to God and rest in Him. Be quiet and confident in Him--that He will take care of your situation. Put your trust in Him!
Blessings,
Harriet, Homeschool Mother of Many
Jul. 4, 2005 - It's Why I Homeschool--One Reason, Anyway!
It is humbling to realize that one of the reasons the Lord has parents teach their children at home is to teach the parents!
One can feel pride swelling up as we think about the supermom homeschooling thing. You know, I taught them how to walk, talk, and read! Fortunately, it is nipped in the bud by teenage daughters who gain a bit of wisdom along the way.
Case in point: I recently started wearing contacts. Not a big deal unless you are over fifty and extremely nearsighted with astigmatism and in need of reading glasses--which I am. After numerous trips to change out one lens or the other, I was expressing my frustration about "never being able to adjust to them and being ready to give up."
My homeschooled daughter (age 17) rightly pointed out that I was complaining and that my words were negative! She reminded me that I was the one who told everyone if you wake up with a scratchy throat and say you are getting sick, then you will get sick. Then she said I needed to decide that I can wear contacts and that they are wonderful. Helpfully she offered the advice that it took her a year before her contacts were really comfortable and that she took a day off every once in a while.
It was one of those moments where you realize God does have a plan and you'd better practice what you preach! Homeschooling is a two way street! Isn't that the way? God has you teaching but he feeds you at the same time.
Hope you are learning something wonderful today and enjoying your children!
Blessings,
Harriet
Jul. 4, 2005 - Feeling Outnumbered?
Today our newlywed nephew brought his bride to meet us. I was reminded that when he and two brothers were little I decided I wanted three boys because these nephews were so precious and all boy! I prayed and God answered with three boys and just about the same spacing as the nephews. The older one is about 2 1/2 years older than the next and the other two are about a year apart. Isn't God sweet?
The girls heard this story and gave a few groans. "You asked for this?" They love the boys--most of the time. Our six girls came first! My husband was so sure that number 7 was to be a girl, that he went and bought bunches of girl only diapers! The folks at Wal*Mart thought it was hilarious when he had to return them! When you have a large family in a small town, everyone knows you!
The point of this whole story is that when you are feeling overwhelmed with diapers and feeling outnumbered, remember that someday, these children will be on their honeymoon and having babies! We are sowing in tears but we will reap in joy!
There is a Texas twist on the saying, "To make a long story short." My Texas relatives like to say that we make a short story long!
I hope you feel better after you read this. I never believed it when people said that children grow up so quickly--but they do! About your times of too many diapers, too many fusses, too many messes: This too shall pass!
Blessings,
Homeschool Mother of Many
Jul. 4, 2005 - Homeschool Mothers Are Inspirational
Today I had the pleasure of attending a brunch for homeschool mothers (no children--just this once!). I'm not usually around so many veteran teachers at home. As my family grows older, I seem to be needed more around the home as they are the ones who are going places. I feel like the home plate in a baseball game--always here waiting for the runners to come in!
In the midst of the brunch we heard a testimony from a missionary about to return to the mission field after nine years of homeschooling her children and teaching other outgoing missionaries. Then there was a wonderful devotion by another homeschool vet. While both of these were very inspiring, I was amazed that what "got to me" was the "little" words of encouragement that came from the other guests. It was "Yes, the Lord has a plan for you." or "Isn't God good?" The little things were so uplifting--like the chorus of a great song.
I guess the point of this is that while it's the little foxes that spoil the vine, the reverse is also true: It's the little encouragements, the sweet inspiring comments from "everyhomeschoolmom" that make the day. Go inspire someone with a "little" encouragement. You are an inspirational encouraging homeschool mother!
Blessings,
Homeschool Mother of Many
Jul. 4, 2005 - Considering Homeschooling?
Would you like to be 98% sure that your child will be a believing Christian upon graduation from high school? Did you know that 98% of Christian homeschoolers keep their faith in Jesus Christ?
On the other hand, 89% of Christian children sent to public school drop out of church, and do not hold a Christian worldview by high school graduation.
That is pretty scary. Please prayerfully consider teaching your children at home!
You can find more information about Considering Homeschooling at:
http://thinkingofhomeschooling.org/
The statistics I quoted above can be found on the Center for Excellence in Education web site at:
http://nace-cee.org/ceehome.htm
Be a doer of the Word, not just a hearer.
Blessings,
Harriet, Homeschool Mother of Many
Jul. 4, 2005 - Welcome to My Blog!
Blessings,
Harriet, Homeschool Mother of Many
