Homeschooling a Houseful

Getting the home back in order

7:18 AM, Apr. 17, 2008 .. 2 comments .. Link

The past four months have had me busy with many things. It all began in December with my dad's failing health. My mom needed more help, I am so thankful that I was able to be there for the last two weeks of my dad's life. I would not have wanted it any other way. Then in January we were busy with the final wedding details for our oldest daughter's wedding, which was a wonderful and fun day. In the midst of all the joys of wedding preparations we also found ourselves dealing with a health issue for my husband. 10 days after the wedding, Dan had brain surgery. February found me trying to run a home and take care of my husband who was home recovering from surgery. Not an easy task and I still was not on top of some things that really were beginning to need some attention. In March I found myself busy with preparations for the Inland Northwest Homeschool Conference. What an amazing weekend this was. I had a great time being involved in the planning of this conference and we were thrilled when we realized that more that 1/3 of our attendees were dads. 351 people attended this conference and many people said it really changed their lives. I can't wait to begin work on next year's conference.

That brings me to the last three weeks. If you plant a garden, weeds will take over if you don't tend to it regularly. Well, like a garden, my family had become overgrown with weeds. The weeds I am referring to are SIN. I was reaping the results of my distractions. I wouldn't really say I blame myself. The situation was what it was and there was nothing I could do differently. Things were happening in our life that needed to be dealt with. The sin I was seeing wouldn't have gotten so out of hand had we not had so many things right after another, but we did and I now needed to deal with it.

So, I realized it was time to batten down the hatchets and get to work. It begins with a talk that lets the children know that things, they are a changin'. Momma is back and she is in charge and we are going to get things around here running so that the Lord is glorified in all we do. It really involves more change for me than anyone else. It means I remove all distractions. Ministry work, that will have to wait until all the chidren are in bed. Blogging, e-mailing, scrapbooking, TV, all things things will take a back seat. Doing this always help me to turn my heart back toward my children. Spending time with them and not allowing myself to be distracted allows me to catch sinful behavior immediately and correct it on the spot. It has been a few weeks and though I am tired, actually drained, I am seeing the benefits. I am seeing children with improved attitudes and an improved work ethic. We still have work to do, but that is true until we see Heaven.

So, if you have wondered where I have been, this is the explanation, my garden needed tending too and the weeds were thick.
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3:52 PM, May. 20, 2008 .. Posted by genamayo
What a great post! And very timely for me.
--Gena

thanks

3:20 PM, Jun. 8, 2008 .. Posted by Anonymous
I hope you actually get to read the comments. I have left one here and there throughout the school year, but didn't hear anything back, so I am just assuming that you have just read and not had time to jot anything back which is TOTALLY fine. I just wanted you to know I was here and thinking about you.
Loved this post. I am there right now and looking forward to pulling the frayed edges back together at home as well. These children are always growing and changing and sometimes keeping up with them and making all the adjustments along the way is exhausting! But I wouldn't have it any other way. I love my work and ministry at home, but couldn't do it without wisdom from HIM!
Every time I go to Him with my concerns, He is so faithful to bring the wisdom I need for that time. He is so good.
It is encouraging to hear someone else seeking the same for their family!
Miss seeing you guys. Will you be at Home Link next year???
Durenda