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As we begin another homeschool year, we have choices every day. Will we obey the Lord by His grace? Or will we walk after our flesh? Today I choose faithfulness in homeschooling.

A few days ago I came across this quote by Max Lucado:

“I choose faithfulness . . . today I will keep my promises. My debtors will not regret their trust. My associates will not question my word. My wife will not question my love. And my children will never fear that their father will not come home.”

Who do I choose to be faithful to today?

Like Lucado, I choose to be faithful to my husband, my children, my friends, and those I work with. I choose to be faithful to my extended family members, my readers, and my church body.

And as a homeschooling mom I can add:

I choose faithfulness in homeschooling: today I will keep my promise not to have unrealistic expectations; my children will not regret asking me to read another chapter; my family will not catch me stretching the truth or ignoring hard questions; my husband will feel respected, even though I’m busy; and my children will understand that who they are is more important than what they do.

I choose faithfulness in homeschooling- but remember, this is an action.

I choose by making daily decisions and following through, no matter how hard it is.

I choose through opening my arms and smiling. I choose by my honoring thoughts and words. I choose by putting others’ needs (especially my children’s needs) above my own. And it’s really, really hard!

But, the only way I can be faithful is to be filled with Christ. When I take time in the morning to pray, to listen, to worship, and to read God’s Word, then I get filled up. Christ’s faithfulness fills me and flows out.

I can choose faithfulness in homeschooling, but here’s the thing. If I try really, really hard, I can be faithful in my homeschooling day ten percent of the time (if I’m lucky). When I fill myself up with God, He works in ways that exhibit faithfulness in all areas of my life—even my homeschooling life. I am blessed as He works, and so are those who are in my little world.

I am faithful because He was faithful first. And when I choose Him, I choose faithfulness in homeschooling, in everyday life, in everyday learning.

~Tricia

You might also like The Power of a Woman’s Words.

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What do you think of when you hear the phrase, “free library resources?” Books? DVDs?

Today’s libraries offer so much more! With an internet-connected computer and a valid library card (and sometimes a pin number), 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.

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. The children’s or youth services librarian will be happy to make your visit 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 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. My librarian friend Judy Gann has a weekly children’s book group at her library. “Most of the attendees are homeschoolers,” says Judy. “This is a great way for homeschoolers to participate in a group activity. Most of these book clubs meet once a month, and the library staff will tell you the book for the next month ahead of time so you can determine if it is appropriate for your child.”

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 a book club with other students.

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. Looking at our local library’s schedule, these are some of the things they offer: Family Movie Night, Knitting Circle, Theatre Camp, Writer’s Workshop, Snack Attack (Cooking), Finger Knitting, Lego Block Parties, Puppet Shows, and Storytime. If you have an idea for an activity you’d like to coordinate, talk to your local librarian.

Training Programs

Some libraries will schedule computer classes for your children if you ask.

Shannon: “My library offers free classes of all kinds for kids: art, science, history, etc. They also have language programs I can access through them for free online that I will use to help teach Hebrew next year.”

Booklists

Libraries have a variety of booklists of suggested titles for different age groups and on many subjects.

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!

Ryan: “My daughter uses a program from the library for her to learn Chinese.”

Find out other free library resources and read the rest of this post at FreeHomeschoolDeals.com.

Do you homeschool? @TriciaGoyer shares 17 free library resources here:

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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.”

I Choose Faithfulness in Homeschooling