Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to your children as you teach them school subjects, but more importantly, how to love God and enjoy Him forever. Don’t be anxious about this, but in everything, (especially our schooling!) by prayer, and supplication, with thanksgiving, let our requests be made known to God, and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:4-7)

When you haven’t seen the sun in a while, read Philippians and let the Son warm your soul.

I wish I could say that during my fourteen years of homeschooling that I had done all things without complaining and disputing! (Philippians 2:14) You may want to keep this verse handy to assign for penmanship practice when quarrels break out. It might also serve as a reminder to you. (Especially if you get envious of friends who flutter to ladies’ Bible studies and shopping while you call out spelling words.) Remind yourself that you are pouring your life out before the Lord as a drink offering. This will make it easier to stay committed during a long winter. Just think, twelve of these winters make up one child’s season of homeschooling years. As they launch into the world and you see the fruit of your sacrifice, you will truly have cause to rejoice.

The beginning of a new school year is always exciting. We are excited about new books and curriculum, and the dreams of success that they bring. But it’s hard to stay excited once the new has worn off. In Philippians 3 Paul teaches us to press on. Forget that bad day yesterday and reach forward to those things which are ahead, the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

More Next time!  Hang on until summer moms!

Robin Khoury

www.help4homeschoolmoms

 

When skies are grey and cold winds whistle outside, even the cheeriest of homeschools can get a little gloomy. Cabin fever combined with too much togetherness causes crankiness. Children whine and fuss, and you wonder whether homeschooling was really such a great idea. Before winter casts a shadow on your school, consider spending some time in the book of Philippians.

Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6  God has begun His work in our lives and our children’s lives. He will complete it. We don’t have to carry the burden of making our children “turn out” a certain way. It’s His job. So there is no need to accept pressure to make our schools conform to a worldly idea of education. Relax and teach your children joyfully. Give yourself permission to plan something just for fun to break up long winter days. More on this theme next time.

I was watching TV the other night and there was a show on how they used chess in a maximum security prison to help rehabilitate prisoners. (NOT that your homeschool is a prison!  :) ) It did make me remember how much my boys enjoyed the game, and how good it was for them. Chess is an ideal wintertime activity for long, cold evenings by the fireplace. It teaches thinking skills, sequencing, and consequences. There is also a lot of history about the game that you could incorporate into school.

Chess originated in Asia. The term chess comes from the Persian word shah, meaning king. At the end of the game when one player has trapped the opposing king, the player announces, "Checkmate," (shah mat is Persian for “dead king”!) Arabs learned the game when they conquered Persia in the 600's and took it back to Europe with them. Benjamin Franklin popularized the game in America.

My  dad taught me the piece moves of chess as a child (and abstract  thinking does not come easily for me). I taught my older son when he was six, and my younger son learned by watching us play. Our neighbor boy learned in just a few after school games. These guys come up with some fantastic defense lines all by themselves!

Why should you bother with this archaic game? Chess is  In chess, you must think out your move before you touch the piece. Experienced players think ahead several moves, and even memorize famous games.

Chess fosters discipline as children sit quietly and adhere to rules.  Listen to them referee their own game: "You touched that piece so you have to move it.” “No, you can't take back your move.” “Sorry, you can't move into check.” “Checkmate! You have to lay down your king!"

After you learn the moves, start playing! Before you know it, you'll be castling and moving en passant!

Today I drove for the first time since my surgery.  Ureka!  I got tired this evening and didn't feel like making dinner.  I knew I could beg off since I'm still on the mend and all, but I actually ordered out pizza last night.  My boys needed a good meal. I just didn't want to fix it.  I felt totally drained.

I happened to remember a conversation that I had with a young man recently who was a former smoker.  We were discussing the nicotine patch, etc.  He said, "You know, it just makes me think about how many things like that we use instead of praying for help."

So I prayed for help today. And you know what? The Lord helped me. I got my second wind, fried my fish, made a nice salad and steamed some squash and asked ds#2 to set the table.  We gave thanks and ate. Then, I even went to Bible Study with ds#1.

I will lift up my eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.  Psalm 120:1