encouragement

November 8, 2023 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

Living a Grateful Life

It’s hard to believe it’s been over six years since we started living a grateful life with The Grumble Free Year. We started August 2017 and that Thanksgiving Grandma broke her back. We went on the cruise August 2018, and (after writing about it all) The Grumble Free Year released November 2019.

One of the questions I’ve been asked the most is, “Have you kept going?” Yes! In fact, being interviewed about this book has helped to put this message at the forefront of my mind.

Today, I’m sharing ways to turn “less grumbling” into a lifestyle change.

Living a Grateful Life

Here are ways you can incorporate “grumble free” into daily living!

1. Read God’s Word and apply it. This includes capturing grumbling thoughts. 2 Corinthians 10:5 says, “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (NIV).

Paul, through the leading of the Holy Spirit, wrote this because he knew it was a problem then, just as it is now. We are human and our minds are made to look for problems to keep us safe. Yet, when we see problems (with ourselves, our kids, our work, our home) the grumbling starts.

The sooner I capture my thoughts, the better I do about controlling my tongue.

For example, when I notice one of the kids has just made a huge mess I do three things:

1. Pray and ask Jesus to help my thoughts be obedient to Him

2. Find a solution

3. Turn my mind to gratitude.

A solution would be to ask the child to clean up the mess. Gratitude can focus on God’s love, having a home, and having healthy kids. The more often we take our thoughts captive, the easier it becomes.

Also, when I do mess up and grumble, I’m learning to give myself grace. I’ve discovered when I give myself grace I’m more likely to extend grace to others.

2. Spend time with someone you love. When your “love tank” is full, love and gratitude can more easily pour out to others.

3. Plan an adventure. Just the planning can bring happiness and excitement!

4. Pray for a friend. When we pray for another person’s needs it reminds us how much we have to be grateful for.

5. Seek 5 minutes of peace. Each of us needs time to breathe and relax.

6. Spend time in nature. Enjoying God’s creation reminds us that we have a Creator who cares.

7. Thank your kids for a job well done. The best way to be grateful is just to be grateful. When I ask a child to do something, and they do, I thank him or her for it. When my husband pays the bills, I thank him for that.

8. Praise God for all His good gifts. Hebrews 13:15 says, “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name” (NIV). I love that it’s called a “sacrifice” of praise. Sacrifice is a noun. According to Vocabulary.com, “A sacrifice is a loss or something you give up, usually for the sake of a better cause.” What do we lose when we praise? Time, attention on ourselves, ownership of our attitudes, and our grumbling. And when we give praise to God remember that He is worthy.

Living a Grateful Life

I love printables. They help me keep visual reminders of important or inspiring quotes or ideas in places that I can focus on during my day. That’s why I made you this PDF graphic! Click here to HERE to print.

How many can you do TODAY?

Here’s more inspiration–I recently chatted with Yvette Hampton about how to have a Grumble Free Homeschool … but the tips will work for ANY home! Listen HERE while you fold a load of laundry, wait in the carpool lane, or take the dog for a walk.

With a full heart,

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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.” Read full privacy policy here.

October 26, 2023 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

Chapter Books that Teach Kids Not to Grumble and Complain

As a homeschooling, Sonlight mom, I love the joy of reading books together. I also love that books allow me to talk to my children about important character traits, such as not grumbling.

As we read about a character’s challenges, my kids and I also talk about how blessed we are in our lives. This became important to our family as we decided to strive for a “Grumble Free Year.” All eleven of our family members (including my grandma), tried to go a year without grumbling. It wasn’t easy, but we did focus on changing from the inside out … and these novels that we read aloud helped us do that. During our year, we had many great conversations about the little things we often complain about compared to the big challenges the characters in the books faced.

Books can be a great launching point for teaching gratitude for your family, too! Here are some of our favorite Sonlight books that have really grown our gratitude:

Mary Jones & Her Bible This is an incredible true story of a girl so inspired by the Bible that she determines to get a copy—whatever it takes! This book made us grateful that we have Bibles that we can read at any time. More than once my kids told me, “I can’t imagine not having a Bible of my own to read.”

The Great Trouble As a “mudlark,” the orphan, Eel, spends his days in the River Thames, searching for odds and ends to sell. Not only does Eel have a secret, but there is also an outbreak of the “blue death.” This book captivated all my children. We talked a lot about how grateful we were for our living conditions and for our health care.

Only the Names Remain: The Cherokees and the Trail of Tears From 1837 to 1838, thousands of Cherokee Indians were forced to march from their homelands in Georgia to live in exile in Arkansas. Fighting bitter cold and blazing heat with little food or water, one out of every four died. This sad, but moving, account of the Trail of Tears made us thankful for the stability of our lives. Yet it also made us aware of the pain so many endured.

These two middle graders of mine love to read. With Sonlight we always have great choices that encourage and inspire them.

There are many afternoons they’ll sneak off with a book and get lost in new worlds. This is such a blessing to me as a mom who loves reading. I hope you catch your kiddos sneaking a book off the shelf, cuddled away in their favorite reading fort, or tucked in bed asking for just one more chapter. Cherish these precious moments and don’t forget to take some time out to get caught up in the pages of a book yourself!

Chapter Books that Teach Kids Not to Grumble and Complain

Books can be a great launching point for teaching gratitude for your family, too! Here are three questions to ask:

1. What makes you grateful for your life after reading this book?

2. What character traits do you appreciate?

3. What did we learn about being grateful?

Unexpected Blessings

Life never goes as we expect. Homeschool days never turn out as perfect as we’d planned, yet we can either grumble about those things, or we can shift our perspective. We can focus on the good blessings of having a home and a family—and a chance to grow to love Jesus and others better. It’s then we lift our eyes to God. When we remember all He’s done for us, our troubled hearts can become grateful hearts. The more we do this, the more we hard-wire our grateful response, even in the middle of our homeschooling day.

When I first started homeschooling, I believed my job was to get the schoolwork done. Yes, that is part of my job, but with each year that passes, I know that growing my children’s hearts for loving Jesus and others is truly the most important part. These are lessons our kids can learn through the stories in Sonlight’s curriculum. That’s something this homeschooling mom is thankful for and why I’ve come to depend on Sonlight.

Sonlight has helped us create a family culture around great literature. The quality, depth, and worldview help mold my children into lifelong learners and fully devoted followers of Christ. The number one goal of Sonlight is to teach my child to seek God’s kingdom above everything else. Their attention to high-quality, engaging content does just that. I know when I choose Sonlight, I’m choosing a curriculum that enhances and enforces the worldview and qualities I hold dear as a parent.

I want my children to “sense the excitement and challenge of following Jesus in big and little things – not only at home and at church but also in their work and culture.” That’s why I trust Sonlight!

For more information about homeschooling excellence with Sonlight curriculum visit https://www.sonlight.com/

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.

October 24, 2023 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

Teaching the Strong-Willed Child at Home

I used to laugh when my mother-in-law, Darlyne, told me how my husband was a strong-willed child. That was until our daughter turned out to be exactly like her dad.

A scrawny high schooler, John was told he’d never make it in the Marines. So he joined. He not only made it, but he graduated top of his class. In the military, he stayed true to God, even when alcohol and women were readily available to him. All through life, he has lived as a man of honor and excels in his work. His strong will has taken him far.

This, of course, wasn’t comforting as I dealt with my own strong-willed child. Leslie was a sweet baby doll her first year of life, but things changed once she turned 2. She’d have tantrums if she didn’t get her way. She would hide behind me and refuse to talk when people approached her. If I gave her a blue cup, she wanted the red one. If I offered a cookie, she’d want a cracker, and vice versa. Each day was a battle—my will against hers. There were days I loved my child but didn’t like her that much.

Leslie is witty, intelligent, and extremely strong-willed. This meant when she was growing up we would often find ourselves at odds when it came to homeschooling. Getting her to focus on schoolwork was a daily fight. I had to apply the same principles to home school that I had used to raise as a busy, obstinate toddler.

Maybe you have one (or more) kids like this. Here’s what I’ve found helpful when teaching a strong-willed child.

Narrow The Choices

Offer two choices, and make it clear that your child must pick between the two choices. This helps them have some level of control while establishing healthy authority as a parent. Of course, there are subjects that must be covered and your child needs to learn the topics that are required. But could they paint their own map of the world instead of coloring a prepared one? Could they jump rope while reciting times tables instead of sitting at the table? Choices can include the method of learning as well as the delivery of the answers.

Stand By Your Word

If your child disagrees, don’t give in. Once they realize that bad behavior won’t get them what they want, they will back down.

With my child, Leslie, instead of offering a blue cup and her demanding a green one, I’d offer both colors and let her pick from those two. Of course, she’d then want the red cup, but I didn’t give in. She had to pick between the two. This worked for clothes, snacks, and other things. I’d still give my daughter a choice, but I’d limit those choices. After a while, the battles stopped. She soon understood that I wouldn’t give in to her whines.

Focus Their Strong-will On Positive Things

Help her channel her energy into positive activities at home, like exercise, musical instruments, or writing. Strong-willed kids often battle with having excess energy. Help them focus on that by giving them extra breaks or activities that give them opportunities to expel that pent-up bounce. If your family schedule permits, consider allowing your child to play in a recreation sports league such as basketball or soccer. The extra running and interaction with others can give them an outlet for their busy mind and body.

Fill Their Love Tank

Even while at home, take steps to speak your child’s love language. Make their favorite breakfast, make a special dessert or coffee drink, and sit with them on the couch, or take a walk just the two of you. As you build that relationship, they will start to open up and trust you more.

My daughter is a quality time and gifts person. She gets excited when I bring her a pack of gum or her favorite lip gloss from the store. She loves it when I take her to coffee or when we go to lunch. As we spent time face-to-face, my daughter opened up about everything she was dealing with. She even confessed to some areas that she struggled with. I discovered that she wasn’t as strong as she liked everyone to believe. When I filled her love tank, her will weakened, and we built a bond that has remained for years.

Although you might be facing fear and anxiety about schooling your strong-willed child at home, don’t dwell on those feelings. The most important thing to remember is that what your children need most is your love and support. Learning can take place in many ways. But if our kids feel loved and safe, they will continue to excel through any situation that comes along. Remember, you are your child’s biggest fan–show them you believe in them and that you’re there to help them through this.

Together, we will succeed!

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!

October 12, 2023 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

Balancing Working From Home With School At Home

Are you trying to balance working from home with homeschooling kids? It’s hard, right? Here are some things that I hope can help!

Know It’s Possible

First of all, know that working from home and schooling at home are both possible. It’s true! In the almost three decades that I’ve been homeschooling my ten (yes, 10!) kids, I’ve written over 70 books. I’ve also learned a lot along the way.

When I first started homeschooling, I had an idea of what it would look like. But I still had questions. What were the homeschool basics I’d need to know? With no one to guide me, I did what I assumed was the norm—I ordered a huge box of curriculum, bought old school desks, and prepared to do school in my home. That started out alright, but I’ve learned so many things along the way that have made our journey more successful.

Now, I teach my children at the kitchen table, and I think they’re getting a great education. We don’t have a dedicated school room, and, yes, there is a multiple-student-to-teacher ratio, but those things don’t seem to matter. Those things don’t impact how well my children learn. My kids live in a learning environment, which means their education continues long after we clock out of our school hours.

So, what’s the key to balancing working from home and helping your kids with school? Let me share what I’ve learned through many years of trial and error.

Intentional Windows of Time

Schedule windows of time that keep things moving. I wake up before my kids just so I can have an hour (sometimes more) of uninterrupted work before they get up. During this time I might sit outside on my porch and drink a cup of tea while I pray or read my devotional for the day. On some days I know I have to start with a writing project I need to finish. Just having this first time of the day set aside for me gives me the peace to move forward as a work-at-home and school-at-home mom.

When they get up, I help my kids get ready and give them individualized attention for about three hours. After that, they can usually work independently, and I do my work as they continue working on their own. It’s impossible to do both at once so don’t set yourself up for frustration or failure. It’s okay to exclude one or the other at certain times.

3 Ways to Help Kids Stay Motivated To Do School Work

One question that seems to be repeated is how do I keep kids motivated to do their school work day in and day out? Here are some things I’ve found to help keep kids moving in the right direction and getting things accomplished.

1. Create Incentives

Everyone likes to look forward to a special treat. Tell your child that if they can do 45 minutes of work, they can help you bake cookies or some other activity they will look forward to. If kids know something fun is coming, they are more likely to do the work you’re asking them to do. My children enjoy playing board games with me. If I want to motivate them through a particularly difficult section of study sometimes I will let them choose a game in advance. When they get discouraged or distracted I can remind them that I’m looking forward to playing the game with them. Building excitement helps keep them focused on the task at hand.

2. Approach Work Creatively

For assignments that don’t involve written work that has to be turned in, don’t be afraid to let them do the work differently. For instance, if your daughter has to answer a set of questions but doesn’t have to turn in the written work, sit down with her and ask her the questions out loud, and ask her to just speak her answers back to you. Not everything has to be written down for your child to learn. This is especially helpful for auditory learners.

For children with extra energy, let them stand, jump, or walk through the house while reciting the answers or subjects they’re studying. Can you take a walk around the block and identify colors, numbers, or plants that might apply to their school work? Don’t be afraid to think outside the box when it comes to learning. The more ways you can integrate the topic into their lives, the more chance that the information will embed itself deeply into their brains. That’s a well-rounded education!

3. Take A Break

You, and your child, both need breaks! For younger children, don’t try to work for longer than 25-30 minutes without giving them a break. Even traditional school days are broken up into “chunks” of learning and breaks. The older the child, the longer the chunks of learning can be. No one expects you or your child to sit eight hours a day in strict reading, writing, or arithmetic lessons. That would be mind-numbing.

Even parents need a break during the day. Can you have older kids step in to supervise younger kids during art, music, or reading? Break up subjects with educational videos on the topic to give everyone a mental break. Could your child call a grandparent or family friend who might be able to talk with them about a subject while you load the dishwasher or have an afternoon cup of tea?

Even a five-minute walk around the yard, or ten minutes to check Instagram, can give you a mental reset you both need to start again fresh and ready to tackle the next subject. Never underestimate the power of closing the door to your bedroom for five minutes to pray.

Although you might be facing fear and anxiety about schooling at home, don’t dwell on those feelings. The most important thing to remember during this time is that what your children need most is your love and support. Learning can take place in many ways. But if our kids feel loved and safe, they will continue to excel during this (and any other) situation that comes along. Remember, you are your child’s biggest fan–show them you believe in them and that you’re there to help them through this. Together, we will succeed!

Here are more resources I think will help you as you work at home and school at home:

My Stay Home Journals Help Kids Focus on Good Things

During 2020, my kids needed a place to think, write, or draw what is going on in their hearts and minds so I created these journals to provide them a special place to record their experiences. I like the sound of “stay home.” It’s a way to focus on the good during a hard time. It’s a great way to help your kids think about what good things may be happening during this time and what they are looking forward to when it’s “safe” for us to return to normal life.

The pages are set up so older kids can write their thoughts (writing practice!) and younger kids can draw their thoughts or have a parent write for them. Need inspiration? Check your Facebook or personal calendar to help think about what your family was doing at certain points on the timeline. I made the insides colored as well so these can be special keepsakes of this great pause in our history.

I’ve designed several styles so every child can have a journal that makes them feel special.

You can find all the journals I’ve created here: Stay Home Journals. I even created a FREE printable version. Feel free to share it with a teacher or someone who might need it. Free Stay Home Journal: https://bit.ly/freejournalforkids

Free Resources (Not just for kids!)

My team has put together a list of over 200 amazing resources and courses for you. This is a load of great education for all ages. From the tiny tots to the parents, there are some wonderful sites on this PDF. Yes, you can go to the Smithsonian, tour Yellowstone, or travel to Paris without leaving home!

I’m especially looking forward to every Wednesday, where there will be free, online, worship-painting classes with Blossoming Hearts Studio on Facebook. And don’t forget about the free Lamplighter audiobook too!

The list also has sites for every homeschooling subject you can imagine. Pass this on and share it with your friends: Free Resources for The Whole Family.pdf

For even more tips, here’s a PDF with more Work-at-Home Tips!

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.

September 28, 2023 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

How to have TRUE Homeschool Success

Are you ready to learn how to have True Homeschool Success? Let me show you what has worked for our family for over two and a half decades. I want to share what’s given us the power so you too can lead your family through home education.

How to Have TRUE Homeschool Success

Home + school. It’s a decision we made years ago. But, to be honest, when we made that decision little did we know how it would affect generations to come of our little family. We didn’t know *for sure* that homeschooling would give us the chance to teach our kids to trust God in all things. We didn’t know *for sure* that reading missionary stories and talking about service to others would sink in. And, we didn’t know *for sure* that our kids would develop strong relationships with God that would make them bold for Christ—willing to lead and follow Him wherever He called…

But we truly hoped and prayed that it would.

Now, we have three grown adults who not only survived homeschooling but THRIVED! Our son Cory leads his lovely family to follow the Lord, our daughter Leslie is a missionary in the Czech Republic, and our son Nathan is a godly man pursuing Christ as He finds his career path. Now, I get the amazing gift of homeschooling our seven adopted children as well! And I get the amazing gift of seeing my grandchildren grow to be fully devoted followers of Christ too.

I have to tell you, this makes my heart burst.

Would this have happened if we had chosen a public school for our kids? Possibly. But the truth is, I KNOW that my time and efforts schooling our kids at home gave them a foundation of faith that has stood the test of time and now feeds into the faith of future generations of our family. That is a gift that keeps on giving.

When I see my beautiful grandchildren walking in the Lord I am overcome with gratitude that God called us to homeschool education. And I’m SO glad we took Him at His word when He said:

“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6

And:

“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:4

Also:

“Only be on your guard and diligently watch yourselves, so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen, and so that they do not slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and grandchildren.” Deuteronomy 4:9

As well as:

“Teach them to your children, speaking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” Deuteronomy 11:19

These Scriptures say to me that we as parents are called to be teachers. Not just some of the time, but in all things. We are to lead the children God blessed us with. And what an honor and blessing it is to do that.

If you want to know more about how YOU can give the gift of a homeschool education to your family join me here: www.homeschoolsuccesscourse.com

Let me share all the practical tips and tricks I’ve learned to:

—Homeschool multiple levels in four hours a day.

—Create a positive learning environment where your children will thrive.

—Invite your kids to join you on the journey of education.

—Understand the basics of homeschool laws and what your kids need to graduate and go to college.

—Discover your gifts as a homeschool teacher.

—Finding extra help for special needs kids.

…and so much more!

Here is my welcome module to give you a glimpse of this course!

YOU can give the gift of a homeschool education to your family by joining me here: www.homeschoolsuccesscourse.com

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!

August 23, 2023 by Pamela Black Leave a Comment

6 Ways to Effectively Lead Young Children

What does it mean for a parent of a family to effectively lead young children?

The answer to that question has come to me through years of trial and error (mostly error). As a young mom, I didn’t give leadership much thought — I was just trying to get through the day. But as my kids grew beyond the toddler years, I realized something important: Kids do what they see. They believe in what is prioritized at home. That meant I was a leader. I had to lead young children whether I liked it or not.

My leadership grew right along with our three kids. Then, when those kids became teens and young adults, my husband, John, and I adopted seven children and started all over again. Seeing what worked — and what didn’t — the first time around made me more confident as a leader the second time. Also, seeing my older kids as adults confirmed what we did right.

6 Ways to Effectively Lead Young Children

Setting Family Priorities

The values and priorities you model in good times and bad are likely to become the values and priorities your kids adopt as adults. These are the things they will pass down to their kids, too. So we want to make sure they pick up the right things! Here are six ways I have found to effectively lead little ones:

1. Trust

Yes, it really does matter if you go out for ice cream after naptime if that’s what you promised. It’s easy to follow a leader we trust. Kids are quick to follow when they know you care about them, consistently meet their needs and keep your promises. The more instances where we do what we say, the more our children become willing to follow. Also, trust built in the early years forms a strong connection that will help kids to turn to you in the tumultuous teen years.

2. Belonging

What is your family all about? What makes you a special group of people? Let your kids know they are an important part of your family. Be sure to point out their best qualities, and let them see how you need them and they need you. Of course, words are not enough. Make your child a part of the team by giving them simple chores, such as setting the table, sorting the laundry, or pulling weeds in the yard. Point out how their small efforts benefit the family as a whole.

3. Focus

Where you place your focus will direct how your family spends their days. John and I worked together to determine what things were important for our children’s futures. Then we decided how to make those things important now. Because we want our children to have a relationship with God as teens and adults, we have a time of daily Bible reading and prayer with our kids now. We attend church and serve other Christians by volunteering in children’s church. We collect baby items for our local teen-mom support group to model helping those in need. These small but consistent acts demonstrate that we put God first as a family and build a strong foundation for our children’s future faith.

4. Flexibility

As children grow, priorities change. It’s important to set routines, but it’s also important to be flexible. Nobody enjoys being around a rigid leader. If something you did last year doesn’t work this year, be willing to try something new. Different strategies may work with different personalities of children, so be prepared to change things up.

5. Boundaries

Leadership isn’t just about where you go, but also what you protect. I’ve learned to say no to a lot of good things to protect the best things. For us, we value family dinners, evening togetherness, and reading together. To do these things, we’ve had to say no to a lot of outside activities. We believe that, at some point in the future, it will be more important for us to have a family bond than for each of our kids to be part of a different activity that fills up our evenings. There is plenty of time in our children’s future for them to pursue leisure activities, but these childhood years — with everyone together — are fleeting.

6. Perspective

Finally, as parents, it’s up to us to create a vision for the type of family we want to be. That’s why my husband and I explain to our kids that the things our family focuses on may look different from what other families are emphasizing. This also provides us with opportunities to talk to them about how the priorities of those who follow God should look different from those of people who don’t.

Maybe your focus is on debt-free living rather than extravagant vacations. Perhaps you choose to give to your church instead of buying brand-name clothes. Use these practices to talk to your children about the charge to believers found in Romans 12:2: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Ask your children to join you in making these decisions, teaching them what God’s Word says.

Start Strong!

Being a family leader means choosing where you want to lead; once you make good choices, you’ve already done half the work. There are so many decisions we have to make on a daily basis as parents, but when you make solid decisions based on God’s Word while your children are young, it will be easier to lead well in the seasons to come.

2 Parents + 8 Kids + 1 Grandma = A house full of chaos, mess, and noise!

And between homeschooling, writing, and leading a Teen MOPS group — I definitely get frustrated and cranky at times.

But you know what bothered me the most? Hearing my kids complaining. It drove me crazy until I realized I could teach them something better.

I could teach them gratitude. We could learn to be a family that’s grateful and thankful. Together we could become Grumble Free.

Would a year be enough to teach us all to focus on God’s goodness through every opportunity?

We found out in our Grumble Free Year and now you can read about how we faced whining and complaining head-on and became a stronger family because of it!

www.thegrumblefreeyear.com

Download your free GFY Scripture Color Sheets!

August 16, 2023 by Tricia Goyer 1 Comment

The Importance of a Simple Homeschool Schedule

Never underestimate the importance of a simple homeschool schedule. Does making a school-at-home schedule intimidate you? Do you resist the idea of a schedule “tying you down?” Or maybe you love the idea but you just aren’t sure where to begin. A simple homeschool schedule can guide your day and help parents and kids focus on what’s most important. But before I share my top tips, remember that no schedule is set in stone… simplicity also means flexibility!

The Importance of a Simple Homeschool Schedule

As a homeschool mom of twenty-seven years (with a large family!), I’ve had numerous schedules over the years. Because our family dynamics have differed from year to year, our days and our seasons also fluctuate. One year we had a new baby, and the following year my grandma needed extra care in our home. A few years after that, I had three children to teach, and the next year, we added four more children through adoption.

The important thing is to evaluate your current season and figure out what works well now.

Things can and will change. If something doesn’t work, try a different way. Remember, you are in control. Here are several things to remember when you go to create your simple homeschool schedule.

1. A simple homeschool schedule helps kids know what to expect.

This is true for virtual or hybrid schools as well. When kids know what to expect – and what’s expected of them – there is less anxiety and far less fighting. By knowing what comes next, kids can naturally prepare and adjust.

2. A simple homeschool schedule helps you develop daily routines and turn chaos into calm.

If you’re struggling with feeling like your life is chaotic, a routine can transform the craziness into a much calmer existence. Best of all, by creating a simple school schedule, your home and life will be more orderly. On top of that, you’ll also get more done.

3. A simple homeschool schedule will help you be more disciplined.

If you’re going to be successful as a school-at-home mom, you’ve got to be disciplined. No, you don’t need to run such a tight ship that every fifteen minutes is scheduled, but you do need to set up and follow a routine. Nothing good ever happens by accident. If you want something good to happen, put some structure around it.

4. **To create a schedule that fits your needs, start by asking questions:**

What would a great school-at-home day look like?
A year from now, what would I consider a ‘success’?
What values do I want my children to have when they complete their schooling?

5. Next, start to ‘form up’ your day:

With answers to these questions in mind, write down a list of everything you’d like to complete in a day. Put in even those little things that you always wished you had time for. (Maybe you have a book you’ve wanted to read for a long time – put a few minutes of reading in your schedule!) Based on your family’s priorities, add in or take out what will make your days run more smoothly.

Ask:

What works in my schedule?
Is there something I need to cut?
What do I need to add?

6. Have a start time to shoot for.

In my house, we prioritize sleep, so I don’t have an early start time for my kids. But it helps many homeschool parents to have a start time to shoot for.

7. Don’t try to make your day look like a public school day.

Your kids aren’t going to do well if you try to make them sit at desks from 8 am to 3 pm. That’s not necessary! Instead, set blocks of time for reading, math, science, history, Bible, and art. For example: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday can be your times to focus on reading, history, and Bible. Tuesday and Thursday can be for math, science, and art. Or, if you’d rather do each subject each day, ask your children what they’d like to do first.

Check out my book Homeschool Basics!

Let me show you what has worked for my family for over two and a half decades. I want to help you take unnecessary pressure off yourself so you can focus on what is truly important in your homeschooling journey. Get your copy here!

August 14, 2023 by Tricia Goyer 1 Comment

Homeschooling Success Can Be Yours Today!

Believe me when I tell you – homeschooling success can be yours. Let me tell you how I made it work for our family and how you can, too!

Homeschooling Success Can Be Yours

18 (short!) years. That’s all I had. And with some of my adopted kids joining our family late in life, I knew I had even less than that with them. I wanted to pack my children’s lives with meaning. I wanted to give them the best life I could. Because someday, I want to stand before God and be able to say I had done all I could to raise my children to love and follow Him.

But something was holding me back. As I lay awake at night, it was like a weight sitting on my chest… the possibility of homeschooling.

I realize now, that weight was fear. I was scared that homeschooling would require me to kiss my dreams goodbye. That if I homeschooled, my kids would emerge into adulthood as weird, socially awkward creatures that people would roll their eyes at and say, ” Oh, they must have been homeschooled.” Most of all, I was afraid homeschooling would turn my life upside down.

In many ways, it did.

My dining room table was suddenly taken over by books and papers, and my thoughts became consumed with worries about curriculum, homeschool co-ops, and conferences. I worried, “Am I even qualified to do this?” My school-aged kids were home all the time, so I had no time for myself.

But as the days passed into months, and months to years, I started to notice a few things:

My kids were playing outside when other kids were stuck at their desks all day.

My kids truly loved learning and viewed the world as their classroom. They loved the Lord and were excited to serve Him.

These kids raised at home weren’t socially awkward – in fact, they loved talking to adults and could strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere.

I felt like I knew my kids – really KNEW them.

I was confident I could give them each the individual attention they needed to be successful. Homeschooling had made it possible for me to reach them despite their different levels, abilities, and challenges.

Not only that, but I found I did have time for myself – time to write and publish books, serve moms in my community, and host a podcast.

So, I guess you could say that homeschooling did turn our lives upside down. But, 10 kids and many years later, I realized the truth:

Homeschooling didn’t turn our lives upside down. It turned our upside-down lives right-side-up.

Now, I want to offer the same gifts to YOUR family: the rich gifts of home education.

Homeschooling Success Can Be Yours!

They say bravery isn’t the absence of fear, it’s moving towards the thing you fear anyway. Maybe you’ve got fears, concerns, and questions. I’m here to tell you that’s OK. In fact, it’s actually very normal.

“For which one of you, when he wants to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he has enough to complete it?”

Luke 14:28

You are right to consider the cost, and that’s exactly why I designed the Homeschool Success Course with you in mind. I know the cost and I know that the gift of a homeschool education to your children and your family is worth it. And I’m here to help you!

I’ve put my heart and soul into developing a course for you that outlines the most important aspects of homeschooling:

Creating a positive home environment where your children will thrive and learn.
Inviting your kids to join you on their education journey.
Understanding the basics of homeschooling laws and what it really takes for your kids to graduate and go on to college.
Discovering your gifts as a homeschooling teacher.
Finding extra help for special-needs kids.
… and more!

Homeschooling Success Can Be Yours

You can bypass the stress, confusion, and exhaustion I experienced in the early years. You can skip straight to the meaningful, fun adventure that comes with schooling your kids at home! Because I care, I’ve compiled my best tips and tricks, making it easy for you to give your family the rich gift of homeschooling.

Don’t Wait!

You can proceed confidently and wisely. You can start your homeschooling journey with an entire toolbox of knowledge and inspiration.

Can you imagine what life will be like when you create a positive homeschooling environment where your children thrive and learn? And where you feel peace as a homeschooling mom?

Let me show you how! Learn more about The Homeschool Success Course now!

August 9, 2023 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

When is the Homeschool Day Over?

When is the Homeschool Day Over? Out of all the questions that people have about homeschooling, this one tops the list. As a new homeschooling mom, I wondered this myself. With all the wonderful plans we have for giving our kids the best education ever, we can sometimes lose track of time. Don’t let the day go on too long and face burnout. Learn from my veteran advice.

While the answer varies with each family, here are a few things to consider when it comes to setting a homeschool schedule, keeping on track, and knowing when the homeschool day is over.

1. Homeschooling doesn’t take as long as you think.

Unlike public schools, homeschool subjects take less time to teach. Instead of a teacher teaching and overseeing twenty-five or more students, you have far less. Even if you’re teaching multiple grades at once, you won’t spend time controlling a crowd, making sure everyone understands, and moving from room to room. For early elementary grades, homeschool lessons can be completed in 2-3 hours. Older kids take more time, but an added benefit is that when the homework is done, it’s done. Since schoolwork is done during the day, you don’t have to spend time on added homework in the evenings.

2. When setting your homeschool schedule, remember you can shorten your homeschool day by teaching kids together.

Homeschool would take more time if you were teaching complete sets of curriculum for all of the first grade, third grade, and fifth grade (or whatever ages your kids are). I’m currently homeschooling ages 12, 13, and 15. We do Bible Study together, and I read aloud missionary stories and historical novels to all my kids. This not only builds family bonds and saves money … it saves time too. I’ve learned to teach to the older kids and then add fun activities for the younger kids to help them understand the concepts at their level.

3. Start with the difficult and demanding subjects when setting your homeschool schedule.

If you do the fun subjects first, then the day can drag after you finally get to the hard stuff. Yet if you start with the hard stuff, then the day seems to go quickly once that’s done.

4. Don’t forget breaks!

Breaks are important, both for you and your children! Give your kids time to play outside, do crafts, or read on their own. So while officially you haven’t called the homeschool day over yet, you can schedule in time for yourself.

5. Don’t fill your day with so much that your schedule doesn’t end.

The curriculum is your guide, not your boss. The purpose of the curriculum is to provide structure and direction. Teacher lesson plans are lists of ideas. No one is expected to do it all! Not even private or public school teachers finish every lesson. (It’s true, they’ve told me!)

6. Know that even if your homeschooling day is officially over, every part of life can be considered “schooling.”

The way you shop, spend time with friends, and work, will change because you’re giving a large part of your day to your kids. That being said, there are so many aspects of everyday life that you can choose to be teaching times if you’re creative. Grocery shopping and running to the bank can be great lessons. You simply have to be imaginative and realize your lifestyle won’t look like those of most folks around you.

7. Capture the teachable moments.

I was leaving the doctor’s office with my three, young kids when a homeless man approached us. He was in a wheelchair, and he was missing a leg. I’d just gotten the kids buckled into their car seats when he approached asking for food. I “just so happened” to have a packed lunch that my Bible Study leader gave to us. I also had recently been to the bakery, and I’d picked up some donuts for my grandma for a treat.

I gave the man lunch and offered him the biggest donut. His eyes grew wide. “Is this cream-filled?” It turned out it was and the man’s face filled with joy. He ate it with pleasure.

It was only as I backed away that I realized my kids had been watching the exchange. Even though I never intended it to be, that was a teachable moment.

On the drive home, we talked about homelessness. We talked about caring for those who God brings in our path. We talked about sharing what we had. We talked about kindness. And that night—as the kids shared our experience with their dad—we talked about it again. And the next day we decided to pack up care packages with water bottles, snacks, and spare change to keep in the car. We also started reading a book for homeschool, Tales of the Not Forgotten by Beth Guckenberger.

Offering what we had to a homeless man, talking about homelessness as we drove home and later at dinner, creating care packages was schooling. Reading a book about needs around the world and those who are helping them helped us understand it even better, too.

8. Your kids learn just as much from real-life conversations as anything else.

I talk about real-life stuff during fun times, like when we’re enjoying popcorn or picking flowers outside. It’s then that kids are more likely to listen.

Ron Rose, author of Seven Things Kids Never Forget says, “Learn the art of meandering conversation. When you’re working a puzzle with your kids or riding in the car together, talk about worries or other crisis times. As a way to get started, use something you heard about, something you saw on TV, or something that happened to you as a child.” I especially love the idea of sharing stories from my own childhood. There are lessons each of us have learned that can be passed on to our kids.

9. And even when the official schooling day is over, be present.

Any time of the day, when my children ask me a question, I either answer it or let them know when I can answer it. Eye contact with my children makes a big difference. When I take time to focus on their faces and make an effort to smile, a connection is made. My children know I’m available and I care.

While a school-at-home day is done when the basic subjects are covered, schooling together also creates times for more connections and interactions during the day. Your daily school schedule will be different than anyone else’s, and that’s okay. Focus on helping your kids love to learn and enjoy time together, and you’ll go a long way!

Additional Resources

Have you checked out my Homeschool Success Course yet?

Let me share all the practical tips and tricks I’ve learned to:

—Homeschool multiple levels in four hours a day.

—Understand the basics of homeschool laws and what your kids need to graduate and go to college.

—Discover your gifts as a homeschool teacher.

—Finding extra help for special needs kids.

…and so much more!

Here is my welcome module to give you a glimpse of this course!

YOU can give the gift of a homeschool education to your family by joining me here: www.homeschoolsuccesscourse.com

July 19, 2023 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

How to Walk Out Your Healing

The way you walk out your healing can affect not just your own life, but also the lives of your children. Facing our past mistakes and finding forgiveness and healing in Christ is so important. Today, I share I found healing through walking out my faith and how that affected our family.

Walk Out Your Healing

When my daughter was 13, I called her “mini-me.” When she answered the phone, people often thought it was me. Leslie has the same tone as me, and her voice carries the same inflections. Even though she had her own collection of CDs, she would often rifle through mine because she liked that music, too. She learned to put on makeup by watching me, and when she would see me engrossed in a good book, she would naturally want to read it. Even now that she is a grown adult, I see so much of myself in my daughter. She has many of my same convictions… And also some of my hang-ups.

When our kids are toddlers, we think it’s so sweet when they pick up a block and place it to their ear like a cell phone. But the older they get, the more they’re mimicking matters, and if they aren’t dealt with, the rock-solid bad habits in your life will most likely be theirs, too.

Walk Out Your Healing

In those days when you were slaves of sin, you weren’t concerned with doing what was right. And what was the result? It was not good, since now you’re ashamed of the things you used to do, things that end in eternal doom. But now you are free from the power of sin and have become slaves of God. Now you do those things that lead to holiness and result in eternal life.

Romans 6:20-22 NLT

What I love about that scripture is the fact that Paul isn’t trying to play down the past. Instead, he reminds fellow believers that what matters is what we are now free from the power of sin and slaves of God.

The word free here means “to liberate,” and this word has special meaning to me personally. Several years ago I wrote my first novel, From Dust and Ashes. It’s about liberation from a Nazi concentration camp from the points of view of both an American G.I. who opens the camp gates and a prisoner inside. To write the book, I interviewed both veterans and survivors alike. I also attended a ceremony in Austria organized by the survivors to celebrate their liberation 60 years after the fact!

Walking In Freedom

These men and women — prisoners of the Nazis – had been near death, oppressed, and hopeless. Yet their victors came to open the gates and offered them not only hope but a future too. Once they walked from those gates, they were prisoners no more. They were liberated. They might revisit those times of bondage in their mind, but they no longer had to live behind the barbed wire. They did, however, have to realize their freedom and live in it, no longer behaving as if they were still in bondage. Likewise, if we don’t know the joy of true freedom in our hearts, how do we expect to lead our kids in the same freedom?

Kids go where we take them, they have no choice. How sad it would be if our own inner struggles pulled our kids back to our own past issues… Merely because we ourselves have not yet fully realized our freedom in Christ.

Walk Out Your Healing

It’s taken me years to deal with some of the issues from my past. I’ve attended Bible studies for women who’ve had abortions. I helped start a crisis pregnancy center in our community. I’ve spoken at purity retreats for young women. And I’ve mentored teen moms. For me, healing from my past involves helping others who face the same struggles. My heart is renewed when I help others find hope.

The additional benefit is that my children now have a mother who has wholeness in Christ. They’ve heard about my mistakes, and they’ve seen me reaching out. They’ve also gained conviction in these areas, following what I say . . . and what I do.

Now, it’s your turn. How have you walked out healing in your life? What has God done to liberate you from your past? Share your testimony with me in the comments!

Walk It Out

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!

July 29, 2022 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

When the Story That Brought You Shame Becomes Your Life-Impacting Testimony

Have you ever wanted to have a life-impacting testimony as a Christian? But maybe you felt that your story was only one full of guilt, shame, and mistakes? Today I want to tell you about how my story, which brought me great shame, actually became my life-impacting testimony.

When the Story That Brought You Shame Becomes Your Life-Impacting Testimony

It was a simple, Thursday Bible Study, in a small California town. I sat there with six young moms from my church. At the time John and I had been married three years, and we were the parents of a preschooler and a toddler. I’d dedicated my life to God when I was pregnant with Cory at age seventeen, and I prayed for a future husband. God had brought me John, who loved Cory as his own. And now we had a baby together.

Yet while everything looked happy on the inside, I carried within a deep chasm filled with pain, shame, and regret.

As I sat in that Bible Study, the other women talked about abortion. My chest grew tight, my heart pounded, and a large border grew in the pit of my stomach. I was certain they’d hate me if they knew that I’d had an abortion at age fifteen. Even though I looked as if I fit in with these church women, everything within me told me I didn’t. I mean, what about my testimony?

I certainly didn’t have a life-impacting testimony, in fact, I didn’t feel like I had a testimony at all!

Many years prior, I’d prayed and asked God to forgive me for my abortion, but I couldn’t forget … and I couldn’t forgive myself. I was acting the part, but I felt like a traitor. Looking back, I can easily spot the accusations and the lies. The enemy of my soul hissed that I didn’t belong–with God or these women. It didn’t take much to convince me that it was true. And so I sat silent as they talked, sitting face-to-face but feeling a sea of pain-blocking my friends from getting close. I had made bad decisions, and I’d carry the pain forever … or so I thought.

My life remodeled into a Life-Impacting Testimony

Just a few years later, I sat in another Bible Study. We were in Montana then, and I had three kids, all six and under. Tears streamed down my face, and lightness and joy flooded my heart. I had shared about my past and my sinful decisions, and these women embraced me. They cried with me. It wasn’t a different state or church that had changed things. It wasn’t different women that had made the difference … it was me. I finally had shared the truth of what I’d done, as painful as it was. They understood my pain because each of them had also made the decision to have an abortion. Confessing to each other, and seeking to accept God’s forgiveness, was something we were doing together. When I shared my story the chains of darkness that had held me captive released, giving me freedom. The story that had brought me shame had become my life-impacting testimony.

Each of us carries pain. Sometimes it’s due to our bad decisions. Sometimes it’d due to others’ bad decisions, And sometimes the pain is there because we live in a broken world and bad things happen to good people.

How the pain got there isn’t as important as what we choose to do with it. We can either live under pain, shame, and regret. Or we can choose to lift up our dilapidated hearts to Jesus and ask Him to do some remodeling work within our souls.

When we choose to seek healing, we’re not only doing it only for ourselves. Our families and friends benefit too. When we seek healing we’re choosing to offer our whole selves to God and to others.

What we can learn from Paul and Bathsheba

There are many examples of those in the Bible who allowed their lives to be remodeled by God. Paul was one of them. A former persecutor of Christians, he became a disciple and an evangelist. His “after” looked nothing like his “before.” Paul acknowledged his sin, but he also embraced his forgiveness. He didn’t carry his burden of shame. Instead, he used his story to remind others that God can forgive anyone and remodel anyone. Paul set himself up as proof.

Another person in the Bible that tugs at my heart is Bathsheba.

While many preachers have accused her of being a harlot, there is no evidence in God’s Word to that fact. What we do see is someone who was abused by a man in power, and who lost a husband and a child. None of this was in her control. If anyone had the right to live bitter and angry, it would have been her, yet when we see her years later Bathsheba is bold. She reminds her husband King David that he promised that their son Solomon would be king. And her son Solomon not only took the throne, but he was also the wisest king who ever lived. Bathsheba could have hidden herself away and got stuck her pain, who wouldn’t do that? Yet somewhere in the arch of her story, she began to see a new picture of what her future could be.

This wasn’t the life she’d chosen, but she trusted that God could bring good out of pain.

Walk it Out Podcast

Last week I released a podcast with Natalie Chambers Snapp, and we talked about Bathseba’s story … and how her story can apply to ours. Natalie’s book, The Bathsheba Battle, sheds new light on this familiar story, by telling it from this woman’s point of view.

The Bathsheba Battle- for your life-impacting tesimony

And, as she walks you through Bathsheba’s story, Natalie addresses some of the common responses to life’s disappointments, offering encouragement and practical help for sorting through suffering as well as moving forward on the healing journey.

I love this quote from Natalie’s book,

“When we keep our pain in the dark, we give the enemy the reigns. But when we surrender that pain in the light, we give the reigns to God.”

Sometimes the pain comes from our choices. Sometimes the pain comes from the choices of others or because this world is just stinking hard.

And this quote from Strong, Brave, Loved by Holley Gerth speaks directly to this too. (See, I told you I was reading this book during my morning quiet time!)

“And the enemy is not ourselves. There’s a reason we use the phrase “beating ourselves up.” When we think the problem is us, we become harsh toward our own hearts. But our primary battle isn’t against any person–including ourselves. And the lies we hear have the same sources as the first lie spoken to Eve in the Garden. If you are a woman in this world, you are at war. It is not optional. And while you may not go roaring into battle, at the very least you need to know basic spiritual self-defense.” –Holley Gerth

To have our life remodeled, we need to start by having our thoughts remodeled, remodeled with a foundation of God’s forgiveness, and remodeled with a shield of faith that combats the enemy’s lies. Is it time to allow God to remodel your heart and life? The answer to that question is … yes! You will never regret opening up your heart to Him.

But this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before. Philippians 3:13

If you’re ready for some reconstruction, and to turn your shame into a life-impacting testimony, here are some of my posts to get you started.

To Read:

Part 1 and 2 of my abortion story:

How To Be Transparent

Learning To Face The Truth

If you question if God can still use you, and truly give you a life-impacting testimony I promise He can.

To Listen To:

Writers Wednesday

You can also read about how one of my friendships led me to become a writer. Yes, it is worth opening our hearts! If you haven’t seen it yet, Cindy’s Writer’s Desk post is not one to miss!

Most of all, I want to encourage you to share your truth. Feel free to reply to this email and write a note to me. I promise I’m the only one who reads it. Don’t let the enemy hold you in chains any longer.

Has this encouraged you in any way? I would love to hear your story.

~Tricia

These are some books I have written that might bless you as well:

My Life Unscripted

Young people (and old) learn the importance of “scripting” their own responses BEFORE challenging life-situations arise so they are able to think about, pray about, and consider how to face these situations before the scene begins. By contrasting real-life with TV or movies, teens will understand they don’t have to get caught up in the drama. My Life Unscripted

Praying For Your Future Husband

From when we were small girls, most of us dream of “The One,” our future husband. We think about what it would be like to be a bride. We wonder who that special guy is and when we’ll find him. The great news is that what you do now can make a difference in your life and the life of your future husband! Praying For Your Future Husband

Walk It Out

Women often pack their lives with family, friends, and faithful service, yet still end up feeling empty and unfulfilled. In Walk It Out, Tricia Goyer demonstrates to women that walking out the mandates of Scripture allows God to spark passion and mission within them. Walk It Out

Sewn With Joy

Can I work in a woman finding forgiveness into an Amish novel? Oh yes, I can. 😂Joy Miller wanted nothing more than to be a wife and mother—especially now that her relationship with Matthew Slagel, the bishop’s son, was deepening. But when a television crew rolls into Pinecraft, Florida, to film a new show about the Amish, tension threatens to rip apart their relationship…and the entire Amish community. Sewn With Joy

encouragement

The sooner I capture my thoughts, the better I do about controlling my tongue.

Living a Grateful Life

Chapter Books that Teach Kids Not to Grumble and Complain

Books can be a great launching point for teaching gratitude for your family, too! Here are some of our favorite Sonlight books that have really grown our gratitude:

More Great Reads For Growing Readers

The Monk Who Shook the World The Story of Martin Luther held us spellbound. We could not believe all the rules and relics that past church officials used to control people. It made us grateful that we can go to church and serve God, knowing we have direct access to Him.

Chapter Books that Teach Kids Not to Grumble and Complain

Unexpected Blessings

Homeschool Success Course

With Homeschool Success, you’ll discover how to:

Homeschool Success Course only $9 Purchase the course here.

Purchase the course here.

Teaching the Strong-Willed Child at Home

Narrow The Choices

Stand By Your Word

Focus Their Strong-will On Positive Things

Fill Their Love Tank

Hope and Refreshment for Homeschooling Parents

Know It’s Possible

Intentional Windows of Time

3 Ways to Help Kids Stay Motivated To Do School Work

1. Create Incentives

2. Approach Work Creatively

3. Take A Break

Here are more resources I think will help you as you work at home and school at home:

My Stay Home Journals Help Kids Focus on Good Things

Free Resources (Not just for kids!)

Homeschool Success Course

With Homeschool Success, you’ll discover how to:

Homeschool Success Course only $9 Purchase the course here.

Purchase the course here.

How to Have TRUE Homeschool Success

Hope and Refreshment for Homeschooling Parents

6 Ways to Effectively Lead Young Children

Setting Family Priorities

1. Trust

2. Belonging

3. Focus

4. Flexibility

5. Boundaries

6. Perspective

Start Strong!

2 Parents + 8 Kids + 1 Grandma = A house full of chaos, mess, and noise!

The Importance of a Simple Homeschool Schedule

The important thing is to evaluate your current season and figure out what works well now.

1. A simple homeschool schedule helps kids know what to expect.

2. A simple homeschool schedule helps you develop daily routines and turn chaos into calm.

3. A simple homeschool schedule will help you be more disciplined.

4. To create a schedule that fits your needs, start by asking questions:

5. Next, start to ‘form up’ your day:

Ask:

6. Have a start time to shoot for.

7. Don’t try to make your day look like a public school day.

Check out my book Homeschool Basics!

Homeschooling Success Can Be Yours

In many ways, it did.

I felt like I knew my kids – really KNEW them.

“For which one of you, when he wants to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he has enough to complete it?”

Luke 14:28

I’ve put my heart and soul into developing a course for you that outlines the most important aspects of homeschooling:

Homeschooling Success Can Be Yours

Don’t Wait!

Let me show you how! Learn more about The Homeschool Success Course now!

When is the Homeschool Day Over?

1. Homeschooling doesn’t take as long as you think.

2. When setting your homeschool schedule, remember you can shorten your homeschool day by teaching kids together.

3. Start with the difficult and demanding subjects when setting your homeschool schedule.

4. Don’t forget breaks!

5. Don’t fill your day with so much that your schedule doesn’t end.

6. Know that even if your homeschooling day is officially over, every part of life can be considered “schooling.”

7. Capture the teachable moments.

It was only as I backed away that I realized my kids had been watching the exchange. Even though I never intended it to be, that was a teachable moment.

8. Your kids learn just as much from real-life conversations as anything else.

9. And even when the official schooling day is over, be present.

Additional Resources

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4. **To create a schedule that fits your needs, start by asking questions:**