Today was suppose to be the first day of our Joy and Cheerfulness unit study. While the boys were eating breakfast, they noticed the the poster board on the wall. I took that opportunity to go over our new unit and discuss JOY.

Let's review: The definition of joy is: Being happy inside and out. Sounds easy, right? The objectives are: to find ways to create a joyful environment for myself and others. And to learn how to be joyful even in adverse circumstances. Oh my, that last one -- adverse circumstances?? What are those? Could a homeschool mom that has a full-time job at home for an insurance company, find herself in "adverse circumstances"? Do you see where this is leading???

I've barely even touched the surface of Joy and Cheerfulness with the boys, and *I* have already failed. They boys, as usual lately, were fussing with each other and weren't demonstrating Joy or Cheerfulness. I found myself in an adverse circumstance of them not getting along and not helping to create a joyful environment. So what did I do? I went back to bed. Was I tired? Yes, because I stayed up way to late planning this unit on Joy. Um...so much for the unit study, right? Now that I've had more sleep, the boys moods aren't terribly improved, and I find myself not even wanting to do this unit study. Gasp, I almost find myself not wanting to homeschool. Oh my -- VERY ADVERSE CIRCUMSTANCE.  Where can I find my joy?

Where do you find your joy? Who is the author of Joy? Yes, Jesus Christ, Himself. The author and finisher of my faith. Do I feel alone today? Sure do, but I know that I am not.

The Homeschool eStore has as the free download this week "Secrets of Successful Homeschooling" by Paul & Gena Suarez. Um, sounds interesting and maybe this is just what I need to read. I've printed all 60+ pages and just started when I was stopped by a short paragraph. On page 8 is the following:

"For the Teacher -- what about you, the new teacher? What do you need personally? You need to soak yourself in the Word of God and keep feeding youself spiritually until you are overflowing with His joy and confidence. If He has called you to teach your children, His grace will be sufficient for any weakness you perceive in yourself. When you take those first steps down the homeschooling road, keep your eyes on the Author and Finisher of your children's education. The journey will be worth every effor as you see your children open up and flourish before you."

Now that I've been bopped over the head with what to do, let me go to the Word of God and be soaked in the true joy that only Jesus can give.

~~CheleLew~~