Please adjust your set

You can find the Homeschool Encourager at www.homeschoolencourager.com

Living life fully alive...

“Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” (Howard Thurman).

This is a great quote to meditate on...I for one don't want to live life going through the motions! I want to be fully alive and engaged. I want my life to matter to more than just my family and for more than just one generation.

Whether I pass on my legacy through homeschooling or sowing into others every day that I'm here, I pray that my life inspires others for many years...into eternity.

Does that sound arrogant? I hope not. I think we all want to leave an impression, don't we? That can only happen when we refuse to live routine lives and insist on living inspired, spirit-led lives that make a difference.  Jesus promised a life that is fulfilling and impactful...that's what I want.

"I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows)."  (John 10:10)

2008 Movies

Wow, some great family movies coming out in 2008...I think Inkheart and Prince Caspian top my movies I want to see list!

Click here for 15 Movies to See in 2008

Something Only God Can Do

"The world doesn't need to see what we can do for God; the world needs to see something only God can do."    Donna Partow

I want my life to be something only God can do!  I've done some many things "for" God...I want to see God do something through me.  This means it will be something beyond my ability to manufacture or manipulate on my own. 

How often do I allow myself to be so stretched and out-of-control that God works entirely in spite of me?  What am I believing Him for that if He doesn't do it, it won't happen? I guess that's the kind of faith I want to have this year...

Tips for a Great Year

"The Lord has done great things for us! We are glad!"  (Psalms 126:3)

Seek God more than ever
Practice Galatians 5
Keep it SIMPLE
Don't major on the minors
MYOB
Let God be God
Exercise & eat right
Conquer the details
Seek wisdom
Pursue peace
Have fun
Love each other
Lighten up
Laugh more
Begin each day with prayer
End each day with prayer
Be flexible
Be forgiving
Have your own interests
Teach your children your passions
Read "for fun"
Set realistic goals
Keep a journal
Take pictures
'Be silly once in a while
Refuse to compare yourself to other moms
Choose a theme scripture for the year
Live with the end in mind
Don't despise small beginnings
Don't try to do it all.

The secret to their success

"Parents can only give good advice or put them on the right paths, but the final forming of a person's character is in their own hands."  Anne Frank

This quote sums up what I truly believe about parenting and homeschooling.  Homeschooling is about giving our kids the best opportunity to succeed, but the ultimate responsibility for that success will be on their shoulders.

I would add of course, that parents can do more than give good advice, we can pray for God's will in their lives and speak the Word over them--which does influence the outcome! But, even with our spiritual influence, they will choose their paths and be accountable to God for those choices.

A Great investment

When you boil it all down, everything we sow into our kids lives is sown through an investment of our time.

Homeschooling takes time, no question about it. This statement is a good reminder of how valuable our time is—when we are sowing it into our kids and into their futures. What greater goal could a parent have than to invest in their child’s future? But, we are talking about more than money here…something far more valuable. Your time.

Remember this the next time you begin to resent your kid’s demands, and the demands of homeschooling. Remember that you are investing into a priceless commodity! One that will have eternal rewards, both for them and for you!