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November 30, 2023 by Tricia Goyer 54 Comments

Care Package Ideas for a Homeschooling Mom

Homeschooling moms, sometimes we just need a little pick-me-up. I’ve been homeschooling for more than thirty years and still have more years to go! I love being there for my kids and facilitating their learning process, but sometimes I can get a bit frazzled.

If you know a homeschooling mom, here’s one thing you can do to make her week … send her a care package! I asked on Facebook what would you include in a gift basket for a homeschooling mom, and here are some of your great ideas.

List of my favorite homeschooling blogs, and a cute devotional journal. —Jennie

I would put in a gift card for a coffee shop. —Jackie

A book of encouraging quotes or scriptures; a gift card to her favorite coffee shop; some chocolate; my phone number and/or email address so she could contact me with questions, concerns, or to pray; possibly a small plaque for her wall or desk with words of encouragement about this calling to homeschool. —Wendy

Cartoons. Kleenex. Fancy colored pens. Coffee. —Jennifer

A voucher for a 90-minute weekly break…..time to get the groceries done and sit and think somewhere peaceful and inspirational… —Cath

Moms’ Night Out DVD, fun socks or fuzzy socks, a jar of encouraging advice verses, and quotes with instructions to pull out one card as needed. —Tamara

When my friend homeschooled her kiddos, I sent small gifts to her every week or so with an uplifting quote or Bible verse. —Rhinda

I had a friend give me dry-erase markers thick and thin in several colors and a pack of Sharpie markers. Loved that. —Angie

Children’s recipe book so they can cook together, and a list of helpful websites. —Rebbie

Amazon gift card, Earl Grey tea or chamomile tea, a warm blanket to cuddle on the couch with while reading aloud, chocolate or candy that she likes… —Martha

A personal laminator —Carly

A haircut and color gift certificate – or mani/pedi or facial….how about the works? —Natalie

The key for me is a few hours without kids. Love them. Need a break sometimes. —Cara

The Organized Homeschooler by Vicki Caruana, sticky flags for marking pages in multiple colors, bookmark, Mabel’s Labels Skinny Mini labels, Anthropologie coffee mug or glass, Tropical Traditions coconut oil and lavender lotion, ticket to THSC conference, personalized book stamp (these are a few of my favorite things) —Spritti

Gift card for Starbucks and mug, devotional and or journal, candy, teacher/mom bookmark or card, a list of books recommended for her kids. —Carrie

A framed print with this quote: “Your best is always good enough.” Also, a letter from me (or another grownup homeschooled kid) assuring her that in a few (maybe 10-20!) years her kids will look back and appreciate everything she poured into their lives. I know I do, thanks to my own amazing homeschooling mom! —Crystal Rae Nelson Morrissey

A Homeschool Lesson Planner, a supply of stickers and stars, red pens, Earplugs, and chocolate (the last two to be used in conjunction in times of desperation). —Judy

Coffee/tea, gift cards for school supplies, Amazon gift cards, offer an evening of childcare, journals/devotionals. —Sally

Excedrin for headaches, tea for calming, and prayers for patience. —Norma

A mug and teabags, a CD with relaxing music, a gift certificate for books for her, pencils and erasers, scissors and paint and clay, tablets and construction paper, books for the kids, a gift certificate to a teachers’ store, and a gift certificate to a Christian bookstore. —Rhonda

A homemade coupon book with coupons for a home-cooked meal for her family, a week’s worth of baked goods, a day of laundry service by me, and a day of subbing by me so she can go out alone for the day. —Debbie

What would you include in a care package (or want to be included)?

Hope and Refreshment for Homeschooling Parents

Need more ideas and advice on homeschooling? Pick up a copy of Homeschool Basics. Receive tried-and-true homeschool advice from veteran homeschooling moms Tricia Goyer and Kristi Clover. We dish out practical help on getting started and staying the course. Homeschool Basics will remind you that the best homeschooling starts with the heart. Packed with ideas to help you push aside your fears and raise kids who will grow to be life-long learners.

Kristi and I believe that homeschooling can transform your life, your home, and your family. Mostly, we believe homeschooling can truly prepare your children for the life God’s called them to live.

Don’t let doubts hold you back any longer.

Get Homeschool Basics on Amazon Now!

November 29, 2023 by Tricia Goyer 3 Comments

The Desire to Be Seen

Years ago, I attended a national mothering conference. A lot of women had gathered together to have fun, bond with friends, and learn how to be better mothers. Unfortunately, I didn’t attend with other women.

The truth was I’ve never felt so alone in my life.

I had a hotel room to myself. I sat alone during the speakers’ presentations among 5,000 other women. I remember looking around and thinking, “Nobody knows me. Nobody understands.” They didn’t know who I was. They didn’t know about my life or about my children or my ministry.

It made me think about our desire to be known. We want to feel appreciated. If we’re attending a Bible Study or we’re taking our child to a new school, we don’t want to be the one that nobody knows.

It made me think of a woman in the Bible who thought she was alone. Abraham’s concubine, Hagar, had a son named Ismael; when she was sent into the desert with her son, she had no one who cared for her–at least that’s what she thought. She carried a heavy burden when she left Abraham’s tent. She carried the harsh words of her mistress, weighing deep in her heart. She also was weighed down with worries about her son. How would she find food and water? How would they survive?

Yet God saw her.

He reached out to Hagar and showed her His love. She cried to Him with thanksgiving.

“You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me” (Genesis 16:13).

I don’t know about your life today. I don’t know if you are alone, or if you feel alone even as you’re surrounded by people. Maybe you woke up today without having anyone you looked forward to seeing. But God sees you, even though you may feel like you’re alone, like I did in that crowd of women. God is there. God cares, and He sees you.

Prayer Request…

Please join me in praying for the children around the world, especially in Africa. Please pray for the provision of the children affiliated with Awana Clubs International. Pray that their needs (emotional, physical, financial, and spiritual) be met, and especially pray their desire to be seen will be satisfied by knowing that God is there.

If you feel led to donate to Awana efforts in Kenya, please visit www.awana.org/donate

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November 28, 2023 by Tricia Goyer 2 Comments

The Most Important Part about Homeschooling

I started homeschooling in 1994. At the time there were no homeschooling blogs, very few curriculum choices, and not very many people to talk with about homeschooling questions.

I remember one gathering of homeschool moms that I went to. We sat in Linda’s living room and just talked about homeschooling. Some moms had been doing it for a while, and they provided tips. In the midst of their tips, there were about 71.3 kids running around, and no one was an expert. We all had very real, very noisy kids. And when I went home, I felt like I had the same joys and struggles as the rest of the moms.

Fast forward twenty years, and I was right back where I started. I had three little ones again and looked forward to digging into full-time homeschooling.

I have to admit it’s easy to get overwhelmed. There is so much curriculum. There are so many blogs, pins, experts, and ideas. Now I have an instant connection with other homeschooling moms that I didn’t have when I first started. I can private message, tweet, or text dozens of homeschool moms at a moment’s notice. I can look on Facebook and see just what they’re doing. And then come the worries about comparing and keeping up.

After thirty years, homeschooling has gained popularity. There are tons more resources, but at the end of the day, it comes down to one thing: you, your child/children, and passing on a love for learning. It’s sitting side-by-side on the couch reading Bible stories. It’s counting M & Ms. It’s going on walks and kicking up fall leaves or finding animal tracks in the snow.

Whether you’re part of a homeschool co-op or not. Whether you have a group of women to gather with or not. Whether you pick this curriculum or that–or not, that’s not what homeschooling is about.

Whenever you get overwhelmed it’s time to ignore the pins, turn off the blogs for a time, and stop those texts. Instead, flip through the books, find something fun, and focus on your kids. Make learning fun, find the most interesting facts, and usher your child into a part of the world he’s never experienced before.

The most important part of homeschooling isn’t what everyone else is doing … it’s that moment when you peer into your child’s life, see the joy of learning, and cherish the moment that God gave you.

Times have changed but one thing hasn’t … those moments with you and your child are the memories that will last more than twenty-five years. They’ll last a lifetime.

Homeschool Success Course

Are you feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about your homeschooling journey? Do you wish you had a roadmap to help you navigate the challenges and achieve success? Look no further than Tricia Goyer’s Homeschool Success video course!

Tricia Goyer is a homeschooling expert with over 20 years of experience, and she has poured all of her knowledge and wisdom into this comprehensive course. In each video, Tricia shares practical tips and strategies for homeschooling, from choosing a curriculum to managing your time effectively.

With Homeschool Success, you’ll discover how to:

Create a customized curriculum that meets your family’s unique needs
Develop a daily routine that maximizes your time and energy
Cultivate a love of learning in your children and inspire them to reach their full potential
Foster a positive homeschooling environment that nurtures relationships and builds character
Navigate the challenges of homeschooling with confidence and grace

Tricia’s warm and engaging teaching style will leave you feeling empowered and equipped to tackle any homeschooling challenge that comes your way. You’ll also receive a workbook with actionable steps and reflection questions to help you apply your learning to your homeschooling journey.

Take advantage of this opportunity to learn from one of the most respected homeschooling experts in the industry. Enroll in Tricia Goyer’s Homeschool Success video course today and start your journey to homeschooling success!

Homeschool Success Course only $9
Purchase the course here.

Homeschool Success Course only $9

Purchase the course here.

November 27, 2023 by Tricia Goyer

6 Quotes to Bring You Peace

I’m sharing these 6 quotes to bring you peace as well as a free printable!

6 Quotes to Bring You Peace

When All You Want to Do is Escape from Life

Yesterday, I was a bit overwhelmed (and that might be the understatement of a lifetime!).

I work from home as a writer, and I have a book deadline that is looming. When my husband is traveling for work, my kids are extra needy. (Insert LOTS of testing mom.)

Did I mention I’m also homeschooling? And I won’t dwell too long on my elderly grandmother who lives with our family and needs constant care, or our puppies who are still in the chewing phase. (I wish I were joking!)

When I sat down with my Bible, devotional book, and journal yesterday morning I was empty. If anyone wanted to escape from “life” at that moment, it was me. But as I began to dwell on God’s truths, everything began to change. I was reminded that Jesus never intended for me to carry my burdens alone.

Instead, this is what He had to say:

6 Quotes to Bring You Peace:

1. Come to me.

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” —Matthew 11:28 NIV

2. Cast ALL your anxiety.

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. —1 Peter 5:7 NIV

3. Do not worry.

Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear.” —Luke 12:22 NIV

4. Do not be afraid.

Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you. —Deuteronomy 31:8

5. Do not be anxious about anything.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. —Philippians 4:6

I’m not sure when I got the idea that I had to handle everything myself. I’m pretty certain God didn’t set up “the perfect storm” and then sit back to watch, thinking, “Well, let’s see how she gets out of this one.”

Instead, God allows the hard stuff of life to happen in order for us to discover Him and lean into Him in the middle of our overwhelmed state.

This poem (written many years ago!) explains it perfectly.

Child of My love, lean hard,

And let Me feel the pressure of thy care;

I know thy burden, child, I shaped it;

Poised it in My own hand, made no proportion

in its weight to thine unaided strength;

For even as I laid it on, I said

I shall be near, and while he leans on Me,

This burden shall be Mine, not his;

So shall I keep My child within the circling

arms of My own love.

Here lay it down, nor fear to impose it on a

shoulder which upholds the government of

worlds.

Yet closer come; thou art not near enough;

I would embrace thy care so I might feel

My child reposing on My breast.

Thou lovest Me? I know it. Doubt not then;

But, loving Me, Lean Hard.

—May Prentiss Smith “Streams in the Desert”, September 12 Devotion

Today, print up this free printable and dwell on these Scriptures. Cast your cares on Him. Lean hard, and wait for peace to come!

As Robert J. Morgan writes in his devotional book All to Jesus:

“No problem is too small for His notice, none too large for His power. He’s concerned about each and every problem I have or would ever have, public or personal, large or little. He can handle them, and I should give them all to Him in total trust.”

Friend, will you give all your cares to Jesus in total trust? He’s waiting for that very thing. Lean in!

For you today,

Tricia Goyer

Journal Through the Bible Next Year!

Have you ever wanted to read through the Bible but found yourself giving up? Or even worse, you read the chapters and at the end question how they apply to your life. Tricia Goyer understands. For years she felt frustrated that she couldn’t stick to her commitment to reading God’s Word all the way through. Things changed when she found a doable plan and wrote out a daily prayer. Tricia’s heart changed. Her life did, too.

God can bring real transformation into your heart and life when you daily commit to reading your Bible and praying through God’s Word. Praying through the Bible in One Year offers a guided reading plan and a daily prayer starter to help you make God’s Word applicable to your life. Discover the inspiration for real-life transformation.

Purchase a copy of Praying Through the Bible in One Year HERE.

November 24, 2023 by Tricia Goyer 2 Comments

Writer’s Desk: Mary Lou Cheatham

Writer’s Desk with Mary Lou Cheatham

Mary Lou Cheatham, a native of Hot Coffee, Mississippi, crafts spirited novels delving into rural life during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Her narratives include moral dilemmas in which daily routines often take a turn with unexpected dangers that offer a glimpse into a more primitive world. She also explores contemporary life in her literary works as she focuses on inspirational tales centered around families navigating life’s trials. Romance is a common thread throughout all her stories.

Mary’s daily life encompasses walking her Morkie along with her daughter and German shepherd. Their adventures take them through the edge of a picturesque canyon in west Texas. The unlikely duo provides hours of entertainment in their adventures. Mary also enjoys fishing in the small canyon lake with her daughter and son-in-law. She gardens in containers in her backyard. Throughout the week she goes to church activities, which she calls parties.

Mary’s late husband, Robert Cheatham, was a skilled musician who taught at Louisiana Tech. Their daughter has a PhD from LSU and works as a dairy nutrition consultant. Her son-in-law is an agronomist with the federal government. Mary is married to John Cooke, a retired petroleum landman. She has enjoyed careers as an English teacher and a registered nurse.

Connect with Mary Lou on her website, her blog, Instagram, and Facebook. Email, Mary Lou here to get on her newsletter list!

More about All Her Dreams of Love

What if your husband doesn’t come home after work…or the next day…or the next?

In rural post-Civil War Mississippi, the virgin woods offer cover for bands of outlaws. Underdeveloped roads provided limited transportation for the settlers. Most farmhouses stand miles apart. All Her Dreams of Love weaves tension into an inspirational romance set in a harrowing struggle to survive.

When Nancy O’Reilly lies in bed at night, the cries of bobcats, panthers, and owls in the nearby Cohay Swamp remind her how lonely her life is. She doesn’t know how she can manage their remote farm while she takes care of her little son. Because she has a baby on the way, she experiences tender feelings, and she needs the gentle touch that her husband has provided.

Without the man she loves, Nancy doesn’t know how she can carry on. Where will she find the strength?

Purchase a copy of All Her Dreams of Love.

Want a free audiobook of All Her Dreams? Email Mary Lou here and request the audiobook*!

*while supplies last. First come first serve.

Don’t Miss the Live with Mary Lou Cheatham on the Avid Readers of Christian Fiction Facebook Group

Q&A with Mary Lou Cheatham

TG: Everyone always asks for an interesting fact, we’re going to flip the question. What is one boring fact about yourself?

MLC: It is boring that I have rheumatoid arthritis. Some days it tries to control me, but I refuse to let it. Every day on this earth is a great blessing, and I refuse to give in to the pain that tries to take away my joy sometimes. I’m excited about my life with all the important things I need to do. I cannot spare the time to coddle myself. I ask the Lord to help me, and I keep moving.

TG: Where did you get the inspiration for All Her Dreams of Love?

MLC: (1) The inspiration for All Her Dreams of Love comes from stories my mother told me about my great-grandmother. Grandma Nancy Catherine was a wise and happy woman despite the great misfortune she endured. If I tell you too much about her, I’ll spoil the book. Let me just say she adored her husband, who farmed part of the time and walked miles to work in a sawmill. The time came when he didn’t come home.

I always knew I’d have to write her story someday. I wanted to catch her beautiful spirit that my mother told me about. I couldn’t write it until I gave myself the freedom to tell a feel-good, happy tale about her life.

What really happened to her is touching, but it’s different from what happens to Nancy in All Her Dreams of Love. This is not a biography.

(2) I grew up in rural Mississippi. In the country, our nearest neighbors were African-American sharecroppers. The Black people’s lives didn’t change much in the first century after they gained their freedom from slavery. In my mind, I have a wealth of events I could tell about our neighbors as they struggled to become part of the American dream.

My Black neighbors were a part of life in the South, and they found their way into my stories.

TG: Do you have any habits or rituals as a writer?

MLC: My brain comes alive about thirty minutes after I start my day. If I seriously want to accomplish something, I start early. If it’s going well, I don’t want to stop.

TG: What habits would you encourage others to take up to be a more productive writer?

MLC: Let your love shine. I’d tell others to show what they feel inside…without preaching unless their characters preach. Writers need to show what is in their hearts by revealing who their characters are.

Whenever I write, the disadvantaged in our society claim a prominent place in my novels. Freed slaves, Italian immigrants, Travelers commonly known as Gypsies, and women denied an education—all such individuals find their way into my stories.

If a story is based on true emotions and convictions, it’s impossible to stop writing once a plot takes shape. For me, it becomes an obsession.

TG: What do you snack on or drink while writing?

MLC: Water, tea, Cokes, coffee—anything to drink.

TG: How do you overcome writer’s block?

MLC: I don’t know about writer’s block. Once my characters come to life and find themselves in a challenging situation, I can’t stop writing.

TG: Are you an “edit-as-you-go” writer or do you wait until the very end before you do any editing?

MLC: I always line edit. It’s the teacher within. I cannot leave glaring mistakes on the page without taking the time to fix them.

TG: What would you say is the most common mistake new writers make?

MLC: Failure to accept other writers’ opinions without allowing personal feelings to be involved.

TG: What is the best piece of writing advice you’ve ever received?

MLC: Lenora Worth told me, “When it comes to writing, don’t ever throw away anything.” Even though I haven’t been good about preserving unfinished manuscripts, I’ve kept them in my head.

Another piece of writing advice that I practice is from you, Tricia. I attended an ACFW workshop in which you illustrated the value of leaving white space on the page to make the reading more inviting. In our modern times, we read the way a toddler eats lunch. If we serve up long, involved chunks of manuscript, we overwhelm our audience.

TG: What is coming up next for you?

MLC: Right now, I’m having a problem. I’ve written some books, but along the way, I’ve failed to market them. For the moment, I’ve forced myself to stop writing fiction until I spend some time telling readers what I’ve written. I’m a hybrid writer, which means some of my books are self-published and some of them have been released through a small publisher.

Tricia, you amaze me because you can keep so many aspects of your life together and still write so many books.

My daughter Christie and I have written three children’s books. We talk about writing some more. Also, it would be fun to write a light and comical romance staged here in Ransom Canyon. She would like to help me with that.

I’m having thoughts about making All Her Dreams of Love into part of a series. The early twentieth century was a comfortable time, and I could write about the lives of Nancy’s children. Or maybe it would be intriguing to write a prequel to All Her Dreams of Love.

Don’t miss part 2 of the Q&A with Mary Lou Cheatham (and a chance to win a paperback copy of All Her Dreams of Love!) Make sure you are subscribed to the Avid Readers of Christian Fiction Newsletter here!

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November 23, 2023 by Tricia Goyer 2 Comments

How to Homeschool Multiple Ages

Q: My kids are ages four-and-a-half years old, two-and-a-half years, and ten-and-a-half months old. I am intimidated to homeschool them for some reason! You’ve been home-educating for a while now, I would love to glean from your knowledge and experience! Are there any tips or advice that you can offer me as I begin to teach multiple ages?

A: When I first started homeschooling, my children were the same ages as your kids! I’ve been a homeschooling mom for more than 30 years. After graduating three, we adopted seven(!) children, so I’m starting over in many ways.

When I homeschooled my oldest, I let my second oldest sit in. She liked being a part, and she learned to read before she was four because of it! I also put the baby in the high chair and gave him things to play with that he only got to play with during that time. That only worked for so long, but he learned to play at the table (or under the table) while we worked.

Boys are naturally slower at school stuff, so when my older boys were younger I’d incorporate learning into games. For example, we’d play cars and count them. We’d work with play dough and learn shapes. We’d read and watch education DVDs. We’d go on nature walks. We’d memorize things together in the car. (I had some great CDs with states and capitals, etc.) Sitting down and making my boys do worksheets did NOT work. Instead, pick a topic and focus on that, making it fun. (unitstudy.com is a great resource!)

You don’t need to be intimated. Think of it as making learning part of life. Don’t worry about finding the right curriculum or finishing books. Get them excited about learning things! The facts will stick in their brains for only so long, but the habit will last a lifetime!

Do you have a homeschool question? Drop us a line here and you could see your question answered in a future post!

Hope and Refreshment for Homeschooling Parents

Kristi and I believe that homeschooling can transform your life, your home, and your family. Mostly, we believe homeschooling can truly prepare your children for the life God’s called them to live.

Don’t let doubts hold you back any longer.

Get Homeschool Basics on Amazon Now!

November 22, 2023 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

Pro-life for Kids: Ideas for Teaching the Sanctity of Life

The little feet pin glinted on the woman’s lapel. The feet and toes were tiny. It was as if a fairy had landed upon her blouse, left gold footprints, and fluttered away. I pointed to the pin. “That’s so cute.”

The older woman smiled. “Those are the size of the feet of a 12-week-old fetus.”

A fist of pain hit my gut, and I looked away before she saw the agony in my face. Why hadn’t anyone told me?

I was 16 at the time, and a year prior I’d had an abortion. The lady at the clinic told me there was “just a blob of tissue” inside me.

Lies. All lies.

When I had my own children I wanted them to know the truth about the development and sanctity of unborn babies. I checked out books at the library on fetal development. I let my children hold a tiny model of a developing baby at a display at the fair. I wanted them to make better decisions than I had, to be a voice for life, and be able to counsel friends facing tough decisions—such as whether to carry a child when facing an unplanned pregnancy.

It’s never too early to teach our children.

Here are numerous ideas for parents on how to teach children at each stage of development about the sanctity of pre-born life.

Starting from infancy, build a foundation of truth.

Parents are a child’s first teachers, and the messages we share with them from an early age impacts how they see and experience life. My friend Wendy painted each of her children’s names on their bedroom walls, followed by, “Before you were born I knew you. Jeremiah 1:5.”

“This saying was the first thing my youngest daughter looked at as she lay on her changing table getting her diaper changed,” says Wendy. “Now she looks at this saying above her desk as she colors in her coloring books or practices writing her name. To help her, I point to her name on the wall, ‘Alexa, A-L-E-X-A, before you were born, God knew you.’”

Training toddlers opens up their eyes to God’s creation.

Parents guide toddlers in understanding the world. They are awed by nature, animals, and newborn babies. It’s our job to foster this awe, and teach that it is God who created everything.

Read a child’s Bible story of creation and teach your toddler that all life comes from God.
Sing, “He’s got the whole world in His hands,” and name people in your family from the youngest to the oldest. Describe how God cared for each of these people from the first moment in their mommy’s tummy.
Next time you are at a clothing store, show your toddler the different sizes of baby clothes. Teach how a baby starts so small that we can’t see it, to being big enough to fit into those clothes.
If you have a pregnant friend or family member, ask her to share a photo of an ultrasound. If you have an ultrasound photo of your child, share that and rejoice over the different parts they see.
Have your child draw a picture of their room and discuss that inside their mommy’s tummy was their first room. Have the toddler draw a picture of what he or she might have looked like inside mommy’s tummy.

Elementary school is an age of discovery.

In elementary school children begin to understand that the way they view the world is often different from how others view it. Teach your children that you follow what God says in the Bible, even when others don’t agree.

Read Before You Were Born, by Joan Lowery Nixon. The first line says, “Long before the rocks shook and pushed upward to become mountains, God dreamed of you.” Teach that even though others believe that man was formed from nothing, the truth is the we were first formed in God’s mind…even before our bodies were formed in our Mommy’s uterus.
Have a Korean birthday party. To believe in the sanctity of life is to affirm that life begins at conception, and many cultures (including Korea) celebrate this in a special way. “My daughter has a Korean boy in her class who just had a birthday,” says Loring, a missionary mom in Uganda. “She learned in Korea they count the nine months in utero as the beginning of their age. So her friend just turned nine years old and nine months.” Remind your child of their “true” age on their birthday … or acknowledge the special day nine months prior to their next birthday.
Work with your child to memorize Psalm 139:14: “Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.” Then discuss all the parts of our body and how they work. (Eat a cookie, listen to the noises outside the front door, touch various surfaces around your house.) Then look at The Human Body Book and DVD.) Fetal development is described in detail. Relate how the parts of our body were already being formed even before our mommies knew about us.
Write your a list of interesting facts about babies within the womb such as: By week eight every organ is in place and growing, and at week twelve an embryo has fingernails.
Read Horton Hears a Who, by Dr. Seuss. The story is about an elephant named Horton who hears a noise and discovers there’s a colony of “Who’s” living in a dust speck. He rescues them and receives mocking from a kangaroo who thinks Horton is a fool for trying to save something that doesn’t exist. One great line from this book says:

“Should I put this speck down? … If I do, these small persons may come to great harm. I can’t put it down. And I won’t! After all, A person’s a person. No matter how small.”

Have your child describe how this is true for unborn babies, too.
Buy a puzzle and begin putting it together. Discuss how even while the pieces are being put together, God sees the complete picture—body, soul and spirit. Even when a child is born we only see a glimpse of their personality. The changes and growth continue through adulthood.
Give your older child a note card with Jeremiah 1:5 – “I chose you before I gave you life.” In the card write a prayer of thanksgiving to God about his/her life—especially speaking of when that child was in the womb. Ask your child to write a similar note to someone who needs to hear that message.
Print up and read through the brochure “The First Nine Months”.
Discuss abortion. Compare abortion with adoption. For example: Unselfish love and sacrifice for child versus covering up sin and mistakes … Ending a life versus providing a gift to another.
Role-play with your child how to give advice to a friend who finds herself facing an unplanned pregnancy. What hope do you have to offer? What facts does your friend need to hear?

As you can see, a parent’s role transforms from introducing your children to their place in God’s creation, to helping them understand that what they believe can impact others. Pre-born life is important and it’s beautiful. Who better than children of all ages to acknowledge and proclaim that?

Download the printable and keep it handy for ideas how to teach your kids about the precious gift of life!

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Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

November 21, 2023 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

Your Local Library: The Frugal Homeschool Mom’s Best Friend

Your Local Library: The Frugal Homeschool Mom’s Best Friend

(from Homeschool Basics)

Regardless of whether you pick a traditional curriculum or take a non-curriculum approach (Kristi describes in the book) your local library is going to be your new BFF (Best Friend Forever!)You’ll be amazed at just how many free resources you have available to you at the library.

What do you think of when you hear the phrase, “free library resources?” Just books and DVDs? Today’s libraries offer so much more. With an internet-connected computer and a valid library card, thousands of free resources are available to you.

Interlibrary Loan System: Most libraries are connected with an interlibrary loan system, and you are able to check out books from libraries all over the country. Ask your branch about their system. Most of the time you can request books online and they’ll find them for you and have them ready for you to pick up when you get there. It’s such a time saver.

Online Databases: Libraries have a wealth of online resources (databases and e-sources) on their websites for students. What’s great about these? They’re “referred” sources — true, authoritative sources far better than Google. Search your library’s website for “e-sources” or homework resources.

Field and/or Resource Trips: Plan a field trip to the library with your kids or a group of friends. The children’s or youth services librarian will be happy to make your list so much more than just a tour of the library. One of the things the librarian can do is show your group how to use the online resources available to them. If you’re working on a specific unit study or project, she can also gather materials for you and/or help you and the children find materials.

Book Clubs for Children: Many libraries have book clubs for children. I was told by my librarian friend who hosts a weekly children’s book group at her library that most of the attendees of her club are homeschooled families. Check with your local library to see if they have any book clubs, and find out how often they meet. You can even find out what books they are going to be discussing ahead of time.

Book Club Kits: Some libraries offer book club kits for children. Most kits consist of twelve to fifteen copies of a title with discussion questions if you’d like to do your own book club with other families.

Programs: Most libraries have monthly school-age programs at the library during the school year. And don’t forget the summer reading program! Many libraries have special classes or programs. Look at our local library’s schedule. These are some of the things they offer at my library: Family Movie Night, Knitting Circle, Theatre Camp, Writer’s Workshop, Snack Attack (Cooking), Finger Knitting, Lego Block Parties, Puppet Shows, and Storytime. I bet you never realized how much fun your library could be.

Training Programs: Some libraries will schedule computer classes for your children if you ask. There are usually a wide variety of classes available.

Booklists: Libraries have a variety of booklists of suggested titles for different age groups and on many subjects. This is really handy when you are looking fora particular genre of books to use in your homeschool.

Homework Help: Many libraries provide a link to “Homework Help” on their website. Some libraries give you access to websites like Tutor.com for free!

Lesson Plans: Our local library system provides Arkansas history lesson plans. Some libraries also provide curricula support. Libraries can develop customized booklists, webliographies, and study guides tailored to the unique needs of students. Even if these services aren’t available on your library’s website, ask a local librarian if he or she can offer this service.

Art Galleries: One of our local libraries hosts an art gallery for students.

Museum Passes: In partnership with local museums, many libraries provide free passes to local art, history, and children’s museums. Warning: these are very popular and are often checked out. Check with your local library to see what’s available.

Computers: In addition to public computers and wireless access, some libraries have laptop checkouts. (Check the restrictions.)

Dial-a-Story: Our local library has a dial-a-story program. Every day the kids can call a special number and listen to a new story!

Free Media: Many libraries have a virtual branch where you can download audiobooks to your PC or Mac. You can then transfer this media to your iPad, Nook, or other devices. Our branch also has a virtual reference library with a digital movie catalog, digital music catalog, and digital magazine library. My library uses Hoopla for digital access, and once I log in via my library, it works like a Netflix account. There’s an app called Overdrive that also allows you to borrow electronic resources from the library.

Books by Mail: Some libraries mail books to patrons free of charge. In some cases, you must have a disability to qualify for these services, but that’s not always the case.

Did you know your library could offer all these amazing resources? Believe it or not, some loan out even more than books, like puzzles, museum passes, and toys. You can probably see why your local library could quickly become one of your new best friends.

Homeschool Success Course

With Homeschool Success, you’ll discover how to:

Create a customized curriculum that meets your family’s unique needs
Develop a daily routine that maximizes your time and energy
Cultivate a love of learning in your children and inspire them to reach their full potential
Foster a positive homeschooling environment that nurtures relationships and builds character
Navigate the challenges of homeschooling with confidence and grace

Homeschool Success Course only $9
Purchase the course here.

Homeschool Success Course only $9

Purchase the course here.

November 20, 2023 by Tricia Goyer 26 Comments

When You’re a Child of Divorce

I remember the first time I heard that a friend’s parents were getting a divorce.

I must have been 7 at the time, and I didn’t understand. Was that possible? People were allowed to do that? It didn’t seem right. More than that, it seemed wrong.

Growing up, I didn’t know my biological dad, and my mom married my stepdad when I was 4 so I remember little before him. They had a fine marriage, but there were always issues. Even as a kid I was aware of that. Money, church, friends, attitudes, other attractions, the chore of children… these things weighed on my parents. There were times I thought their marriage was over, but then they’d come back together again—until the time they didn’t.

I remember the moment my stepdad told me that he had filed divorce papers.

My parent’s divorce wasn’t unexpected, but my heart ached all the same. He’d been waiting to tell me because I was planning my own wedding. But the day he chose to tell me was my wedding day. Yes, my wedding day. He didn’t want me to be surprised, when I returned from my honeymoon, that he was living someplace else.

I can picture your dropped jaw; I felt the same shock and disbelief as I drove away later that day with my new husband. I was 18 years old and newly married, but something still felt wrong about my parents getting a divorce. I felt like a hurt kid inside.

For a child, things never seem “right” again after your parents divorce. It was weird to see my mom without my dad there. It seemed weird to have to go to two Christmas gatherings, two Thanksgivings. It’s the most unnatural thing in the world.

Another thing you can’t shake as a child of divorce is the feeling that it’s partly your fault.

I went through some very rocky years as a teenager, and I caused a lot of stress for my parents. During my junior year of high school, when my mom wondered if she should leave my stepdad and get her own apartment, I told her I thought she should. Even though my input had very little effect on their decision, I still feel guilty; It’ll always be there. There’s always a feeling that if I’d been a better kid it would have been easier for my parents to work it out.

The truth about being a child of divorce is that it hurts no matter how old you are. This is not how God created things. A commitment is a commitment, especially one made before God.

I’ve been thinking about this lately because if my generation has anything in common, it is our universal exposure to divorce—not only with our parents, but in our marriages. If you’re alive today, divorce has had a profound effect on you—financially, emotionally, morally, spiritually. Our lives are different because of what has happened in our country’s marriages.

And where does that leave us? As people who understand the pain and struggle, it’s our job to help strengthen marriages—those around us and our own. Sure, you might think your friend has a good excuse for divorce, but don’t encourage it.

Encourage forgiveness, grace, and reconciliation. Pray. Pray hard.

Pray for the couples out there, and pray for their children. We’ve seen enough hurting kids grow into hurting adults.

And if you’re considering a divorce yourself, I beg you to reconsider. The grass is not greener. Happiness is not found in someone else.

Love can be rekindled.

The best thing you can do for yourself and for your children is to give your marriage a second chance. Don’t think that walking away from your commitment will come without consequences. Don’t think you’re not going to break your children’s hearts.

If you don’t want to try again, take your hurt and pain to God. Tell Him that the love is gone and seek His help. Love can sprout where you think there is only dead, dry ground. God can do miracles, and He wants to start in your heart.

I promise.

God promises.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10

Steps You can Take

Strengthen the marriages around you.
Encourage forgiveness.
Pray for couples and their kids.
Reconsider your own divorce.

Daily Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for families and for marriage. Being married is a calling, and it’s hard work. Help my spouse and me to work through our differences and to show each other love and forgiveness. May our marriage encourage those around us who might be considering divorce.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

Resources You Might Like:

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November 16, 2023 by Tricia Goyer 2 Comments

3 Reasons Why Homeschooling Moms Crash (and how to make sure you don’t)

I’ve been a homeschooling mom for 25+ years, and I’ve had seasons of joy and seasons of struggle. And it’s in the season of struggle that I crash … big time. I feel overwhelmed and weary. I wonder why I’ve chosen to home-educate my kids. Looking back, I’ve discovered that the struggle usually stems from three areas. And thankfully I’ve also learned how to combat that.

Why moms crash …

1. We don’t fill up with Jesus and are running on empty. As homeschooling moms, we’re continually pouring out. We are the nurturers, teachers, disciplinarians, cooks, family organizers, shuttle drivers and so much more. There’s rarely a time we have a minute’s peace, and when we get to empty we usually just keep going. We forget that Jesus wants us to connect with him. We forget he wants to strengthen us.

2. We keep trying to get everything done even on days when that’s impossible. There are always unexpected challenges that come up, yet we don’t pause. We don’t give ourselves grace. We don’t give our kids grace when they’re having a hard day either. We don’t slow down.

3. We lose the fun in learning and become taskmasters instead of joyful learners alongside our kids. We look at the curriculum guides and feel we have to do it all. We think everything is up to us when it comes to educating our kids, and we forget one of the most important things we can do is help them grow to love learning.

What keeps moms strong ….

1. Spending time with God, reading his Word, and praying. I try to read through the Bible in a year. I don’t see it as yet another thing to do. Instead, I see it as a wonderful discipline that reminds me to be filled with Jesus. It’s God’s Word that fills me up and guides me in life. If you’d like to join me in reading through the Bible, you can go here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/walkitoutscripturejourney/

2. Giving grace. There are days when we start off strong, and I have the energy to work with each of my kids. Other days, when I don’t feel I have the capacity to do it all. On those days, I choose a few favorite things and focus on that. That’s why I love Sonlight curriculum. I purchase two complete sets that cover the same time in history, and I use the read-alouds for all my kids. On days that we have appointments that take up time, or when we don’t feel at the top of our game, I pull out some of these books and I just read. My kids play Legos or mold play dough, as I do. And we all get lost in the story. We pause and discuss what we’re reading … all of us. We laugh and cry together through the pages. From ages 7 to 17, my kids enjoy this time. We enjoy the slower pace. I enjoy it too.

3. Finding the joy in learning again. I invite my kids to think of creative ways to learn. Do we want to sit outside to do our work? Do we want to split up into teams and help each other? Do we want to skip ahead and do that science project we’ve been looking forward to? There is no reason we always have to do everything in the curriculum guide order or sit at the table to do our work. I also let my kids find supplements to what we’re learning. We check out library books or look up videos on YouTube on the subjects they’re most interested in. It helps to remember that even the best curriculum is simply a guide. We are the teachers and our kids are the eager learners.

If you feel as if you’re getting close to crashing, I hope you’ll try one of these things … especially the first one. As Isaiah 40:29 says, “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” God wants you to have the strength that comes from him. The difference will be seen and felt within you and in your homeschool.

Hope and Refreshment for Homeschooling Parents

Kristi and I believe that homeschooling can transform your life, your home, and your family. Mostly, we believe homeschooling can truly prepare your children for the life God’s called them to live.

Don’t let doubts hold you back any longer.

Get Homeschool Basics on Amazon Now!

November 15, 2023 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

5 Simple Ways to Love A Friend Who’s Grieving {by Rachel Wojo}

You wanted to say something. Do something. Help in some way. But you just weren’t sure what to do. So you said nothing. Did nothing. Helped no one.

People experiencing grief need understanding and compassion no matter the reason for their grief. Whether the loss of a loved one, loss of a pet, divorce, or the list could go on, grief is experienced in various stages and phases. There is no right or wrong way; grief is a process of losing someone or something you love mixed with the reality that things will never be the same again.

How can you help a friend through this valley?

Today I wanted to share 5 simple ways to love a friend who’s grieving.

1. Give your eyes.

Be watching for ways you can help or suggest to others to help. A grieving person may not even know what they need. Look for a meal plan in place. Watch for things that you know need to be accomplished—like grass that needs mowed, a car that needs washed, or a bathroom that needs cleaned. A few years ago, I was working on a church Helping Hands team and each week, I cleaned an elderly lady’s bathroom. Every week she told me it was the nicest thing anyone had done for her since her husband’s death. Her pain was eased tremendously all because one person gave with their eyes and saw her need.

2. Love with your heart.

Filter your conversation to allow everything to flow with love. Years ago, I was honest about something with a grieving friend. She didn’t need my honesty at that moment; only I didn’t know any better. I don’t feel that our friendship ever fully recovered, though I really had the best intentions with what I had to say. Love a grieving friend with a bigger love than you’ve ever shown before. Be the one willing to give more grace. Use your words sparingly and make sure they are saturated in love.

3. Offer your hands to love a friend that’s grieving

The first time they may say no. But don’t let that hinder you from setting a reminder on your phone to ask again a few days later or in one week. “Is there anything at all I can do for you?” “Could you use a gift card to bring dinner home one night after work?” “Could I stop by and clean your bathroom on Saturday?” The simple act of making the griever aware of your willingness is a wonderful way to help and love them, whether they choose to accept your offers or not.

4. Be their feet.

Errands do not stop for grief. There is still trash to be disposed of, mail to pick up, groceries to shop for, and meals to cook. Helping a friend through grief is an opportunity to be their feet—the doing mechanism for all things routine.

5. Lend an ear.

Some time may need to pass before your friend is ready for a listening ear, but when that time comes, be the one who will be there. Listening doesn’t always have to be directly with our ears. Modern communication affords the opportunity to text a short, but intentional message. “I’m sorry you are going through this. Please let me know if you need someone just to listen.”

Listening is an enormous gift to love a friend who’s grieving. I believe it is such a gift that I’ve deemed it “the permission to ache freely.”

Permission to ache freely is simply allowing someone to grieve by giving them as much time as they need.

A huge part of that is stating that you understand and giving them space to breathe, never rushing the process.

Isn’t this what Christ does for us as Christians? He loves us so much that he died for us. But even after we’ve accepted him as our Savior, he tells us to come. He calls us to bring our burdens to Him and leave them there. He gives us the opportunity to choose His will, yet always gently shows us the way.

Maybe your friend could use a tool to help her navigate the emotions of grief or hurt. She needs to find a source of strength and discover the assurance that she has the ability to keep going, even when everything just keeps going wrong.

Maybe this post wasn’t meant to share with a friend. Maybe this post was meant for you.

Enjoy the first chapter of my book, One More Step, for FREE, or download the FREE Stepping Stones resource as a tool to discover how to find strength when you feel like giving up.

How do you feel about the “permission to ache freely?

More About Rachel:

Rachel “Wojo” Wojnarowski is wife to Matt and mom to seven wonderful kids. Her greatest passion is inspiring others to welcome Jesus into their lives and enjoy the abundant life He offers. As a sought-after blogger and writer, she sees thousands of readers visit her blog daily. Rachel leads community ladies’ Bible studies in central Ohio and serves as a Bible study teacher, leader, and event speaker.

In her “free time,” she crochets, knits, and sews handmade clothing. Ok, not really. She enjoys running and she’s a tech geek at heart. Reader, writer, speaker, and dreamer, you can find Rachel on her website at

Rachel Wojo at RachelWojo.com.

Additional Resources

You’ve heard the phrase Trust God. It’s easy to say but can be hard to do. But what if you did it. What if you did the things that God asked you to do and solely relied on Him? Women often pack their lives with family, friends, and faithful service, yet still feel empty and unfilled. Bestselling author Tricia Goyer has been where you are. She gets it and knows that the only way to live a fulfilling life is to walk it out with God.

Walk It Out: The Radical Result of Living God’s Word One Step at a Time is a resource that teaches women how walking out the mandates of Scripture will allow God to spark passion and mission within them. Goyer teaches women, of all ages, how to:

1. Use your healed heart to love and serve
Create space and craft purpose
Give generously without question
Be vulnerable
Truly love your family
Do the work that God has given you to do

This book is for women:

struggling with anxiety or depression
feeling like they lost their way and are living by comparison
who feel like they’re never enough and always too much
searching for ways to develop a closer relationship with God
raising families while facing crossroads

Sometimes the steps we take in our faith are easy, but many times they require a move outside of what feels safe or secure. When women stop focusing on their own dreams and purposes, and instead focus on God’s dreams and purposes, everything changes. Get your copy of Walk It Out today!

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What would you include in a care package (or want to be included)?

Hope and Refreshment for Homeschooling Parents

The Desire to Be Seen

The truth was I’ve never felt so alone in my life.

Yet God saw her.

Prayer Request…

Homeschool Success Course

With Homeschool Success, you’ll discover how to:

Homeschool Success Course only $9 Purchase the course here.

Purchase the course here.

6 Quotes to Bring You Peace

When All You Want to Do is Escape from Life

6 Quotes to Bring You Peace:

2. Cast ALL your anxiety.

3. Do not worry.

4. Do not be afraid.

5. Do not be anxious about anything.

Instead, God allows the hard stuff of life to happen in order for us to discover Him and lean into Him in the middle of our overwhelmed state.

This poem (written many years ago!) explains it perfectly.

Here lay it down, nor fear to impose it on a

shoulder which upholds the government of

worlds.

Today, print up this free printable and dwell on these Scriptures. Cast your cares on Him. Lean hard, and wait for peace to come!

Journal Through the Bible Next Year!

Purchase a copy of Praying Through the Bible in One Year HERE.

Writer’s Desk with Mary Lou Cheatham

More about All Her Dreams of Love

Want a free audiobook of All Her Dreams? Email Mary Lou here and request the audiobook*!

*while supplies last. First come first serve.

Don’t Miss the Live with Mary Lou Cheatham on the Avid Readers of Christian Fiction Facebook Group

Q&A with Mary Lou Cheatham

Don’t miss part 2 of the Q&A with Mary Lou Cheatham (and a chance to win a paperback copy of All Her Dreams of Love!) Make sure you are subscribed to the Avid Readers of Christian Fiction Newsletter here!

Pin + Save + Share

Hope and Refreshment for Homeschooling Parents

Pro-life for Kids: Ideas for Teaching the Sanctity of Life

Lies. All lies.

It’s never too early to teach our children.

Starting from infancy, build a foundation of truth.

Training toddlers opens up their eyes to God’s creation.

Elementary school is an age of discovery.

Download the printable and keep it handy for ideas how to teach your kids about the precious gift of life!

Your Local Library: The Frugal Homeschool Mom’s Best Friend

Homeschool Success Course

With Homeschool Success, you’ll discover how to:

Homeschool Success Course only $9 Purchase the course here.

Purchase the course here.

I remember the first time I heard that a friend’s parents were getting a divorce.

I remember the moment my stepdad told me that he had filed divorce papers.

Another thing you can’t shake as a child of divorce is the feeling that it’s partly your fault.

Encourage forgiveness, grace, and reconciliation. Pray. Pray hard.

Love can be rekindled.

God promises.

Steps You can Take

Daily Prayer

Resources You Might Like:

Why moms crash …

What keeps moms strong ….

Hope and Refreshment for Homeschooling Parents

Today I wanted to share 5 simple ways to love a friend who’s grieving.

1. Give your eyes.

2. Love with your heart.

3. Offer your hands to love a friend that’s grieving

4. Be their feet.

5. Lend an ear.

Permission to ache freely is simply allowing someone to grieve by giving them as much time as they need.

Maybe this post wasn’t meant to share with a friend. Maybe this post was meant for you.

More About Rachel:

Additional Resources

Homeschool Success Course only $9
Purchase the course here.

Homeschool Success Course only $9
Purchase the course here.