Sadly enough, we all too often fail to receive the gracious gifts of our Lord for various reasons.

•   We get into the habit of trying to meet our own needs, forgetting to turn to the Lord.

•   The physical world can seem more real to us than the unseen spiritual world.

We can correct this habit and misperception and find our Lord's aid and fellowship in the following ways:

Morning, noon, and night is not too much.

•   Morning - Have your private time with the Lord.

•   Noon - Read, study, or memorize Scripture in your school time or at the lunch table.

•   Evening - Have family Bible reading at the table or before bed with Dad.

It is in His written revelation to us that we meet the Lord and He speaks to us.

     The law of the Lord is perfect,
          Restoring the soul;
     The testimony of the Lord is sure,
          Making wise the simple.
     The precepts of the Lord are right,
          Rejoicing the heart
     Psalms 19:7-8a

Resource

The Teaching Home's online Bible Reading Schedule can be started at any time and is divided into three readings each day for six days per week.

Music is a powerful influence in our lives.  Both the words and the style of the old hymns of the faith carry a message that honors the Lord and reminds you of Him and His attributes.

Although constant background music can be distracting and lose its impact, there are many times during the day that listening to, or singing, Christian songs can turn your thoughts to the Lord.

You might want to lead your children in a chorus or hymn each time you read from God's Word.

     "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom;
          teaching and admonishing one another
          in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
     singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord."
          (Colossians 3:16)

Resource

Old Fashioned Christian Music Radio is a free online station with conservative (not "old fashioned") music played 24 hours a day.  You can also purchase the music you hear in their online store.

It might be hard to visualize the Lord beside you all day long, but if you engage in conversational prayer with Him throughout the day, you will be reminded of, and comforted by, His presence.

     Be anxious for nothing,
          but in everything by prayer and supplication
          with thanksgiving
     let your requests be made known to God.
          Philippians 4:6

Look for Support at Home
1.  Start with Yourself

Set Realistic Expectations
2.  Don't Overlook Your Spouse
3.  Look to Your Family

Your family comprises a support group for you, your husband, and your children.  Here is how you can give and receive support right at home.

God does not ask us to do more than we are able.  It is up to us to make sure we don't load ourselves down with extra projects of our own devising that he did not intend.

•   Don't get carried away with extra-curricular activities; you need to be home to home school!

•   If you are overwhelmed already, consider some of our suggestions for efficient school schedules in our Back-to-Home-School Checklist.

•   Cut back and slow down until you can manage your goals.  It is better to do a few subjects well (such as Bible and the academic basics of reading, writing, and math) and then add more subjects back into your schedule as you can.  It might also help you simplify your school schedule to study history one semester and science the next.

Maintain Your Health

We must also be good stewards of the resources He has given us, including our own health.  We are not free to indulge in excesses, but must eat, work, and rest in ways that preserve our ability to accomplish His purposes.

•   Eat healthily and maintain your ideal weight.

•   Drink enough water.

•   Exercise regularly, but reasonably.  A daily walk with your family promotes family unity as well as physical health.

•   Deal with stress and problems God's way, don't let them build up.

•   Take time to relax and enjoy your family.

•   Get your full amount of sleep every night.

You cannot get enough support from others to make up for a disregard of the laws of cause and effect that God has ordained.

Maintaining a loving relationship with your spouse will naturally be a great support to you.  And remember, you are his support system as well.

While your spouse is your closest human support and should be kept aware of your thoughts and feelings, problems and struggles, he should not feel that he is solely responsible to "fix" everything.  Let him know that you have other resources, and discuss options together with the confidence you gain from trusting the Lord.

Your spouse may need some practical suggestions for ways to support you.

•   Perhaps you only need 15 or 20 minutes at the end of each day to debrief each other and pray about any situations that have arisen.

•   Agree on standards for your children's behavior and a system for their consistent discipline.

•   Plan times to relax together.

Home schoolers recognize the value of the family unit.  Let it support you.  Enlist the help and support of your children. Grandparents or other relatives may offer support as well.

Your family will need help in knowing how to support you.

You may need to tell your children, "I really love you and love teaching you, but I need a little extra help in keeping up with the chores.  A word of encouragement or a hug would sure come in handy too!"

Be sure you model support and encouragement in the way you interact with your family at all times.

Family members can, and should, be each others' best friends and supporters.  Talk to your children about helping each other in this way.  A focus on the positive can replace problems.