We all have days when we feel like everything we do is for someone else. That may be because there are days when everything we do is for others. You know what I mean. There are things you want to do just for you, but it gets swallowed up by the needs of others (our families can be quite needy, but often those "needs" can wait) and the laundry mocking you from the couch.

I've had days when I desperately wanted to just soak in the tub with a good book, but ended up doing laundry or going through my endless piles of papers until I was too tired to do anything but go to bed.

A wise friend of mine, who I don't see nearly as often as I'd like to, told me that I need to put myself on the calendar. To make an appointment for me. But isn't that selfish?! Well, that's what's been ingrained into most of us over the years. We're supposed to put others first, and we mothers get the leftovers. But did you know that it's our families who are getting the leftovers if we're not being refreshed ourselves?

Think about it. How often do we nag, gripe, complain, or snap at our husbands and kids when a kind answer or admonition would have done the situation a world of good? We have, instead, created a situation in need of mending simply because we were feeling frazzled and undone. Overwhelmed. Just leave me alone.

Moms, put yourself on the calendar. Do what refreshes you. Take that bath, and use up the rest of the bubbles if you want to. I prefer an aromatherapy bath, but to each her own! This is about you! Go get your nails done, if you lean in that direction (this is something I will be doing soon -- I love a good manicure, but haven't gotten one in a few years). Go into your room, or your den, with a cup of tea (even if your "cup of tea" is a glass of chocolate milk), close the door, and read. Or just shut your eyes and get a nap. Get a babysitter for the little ones if necessary, and don't consider it frivolous. I have found this out to be true: you must take care of your soul.

Of course, the number one way to be refreshed is to spend some precious time with your Maker, the Lover of your soul. Give Him the first and best of you, even if you feel like you have none of that left. "Seek first the kingdom of God, then all these things will be added unto you." When we spend time with Jesus, our best Friend, in time it will show to all.

One thing I do to refresh my soul is by starting out at a great website called  OnePlace.com. Here you will find teachings and sermons from your favorite Bible teachers and pastors (such as Kay Arthur, Beth Moore, Ravi Zacharias, John MacArthur, David Jeremiah, Greg Laurie and many more), and you may even find some new favorites. Many of the teachings are MP3 downloadable (for free or a minimal charge), so I will periodically load some of these onto my MP3, stick my earbuds in my ears, and get recharged while making dinner. You can also listen online while reading the blogs right here at homeschoolblogger.com!

The best homeschool teachers are the ones who are filled up and ready to pour out richness into the lives of their wonderful students. You're worth it, because they are.

Are you ready? Got your daytimer or wall calendar? Put yourself on it. You are a very important appointment that absolutely cannot be rescheduled (because you know that may never happen). Remember: even Jesus took time to get away by Himself to pray to His Father. That's mentioned in the Bible, I believe, to be an example for us. Let's follow it!