OT-I find that I am needing a word of encouragement!

[striving2Bprov31]

I am really happy with our journey through HOD! HOD has really eliminated the struggle I was having with what school work to do, how much, etc. It has given us such a great balance, as I know you all agree. In fact, it really has made it so that my biggest challenge with homeschooling everyday is dealing with our sin natures that pop up, and subdueing my household for the glory of God.

The Lord through His power has helped me to be obedient to the calling of spending time alone with him everyday. I struggled in the past to be faithfully consistent in this area of my life. He has blessed me through this treasured time with Him!! It has become the "air I breathe" to make it through life's bumps and challenges!

Today I am needing to hear one person remind me that this calling to homeschool is not easy, smooth, or without sacrifice! I feel a little downtrodden today. I have found that the year that I have a two year old is always the most mentally exhausting. I just need a little bright word of wisdom to reinforce God's word! It seems like I am doing battle with our sin natures more than usual lately.

Thank you in advance, HOD friends, for the bright word of the Lord that you will give me on such a day as this!

[crlacey]

I just wanted you to know you are not alone in this battle. I too battle with my sin nature not just daily, but moment to moment.

My favorite reason for homeschooling from the Bible to remember is in Deuteronomy 6:5-9 (I've heard some call verse 7 the homeschoolers verse). The verses never tell us it's going to be easy to teach and train our children all day, every day. But it does say that God commands us to train our children all day, every day.

It also helps to remember Romans 8:28 "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." (KJV version) Again, it doesn't say it will be easy. In fact just a chapter before Paul writes a verse that describes me perfectly (the NIV has the best description to fit my battle): Romans 7: 18 "I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out." But if you read through the whole passage in these 2 chapters in Romans it reminds us that we can't do this in our power, but with God's power we are "more than conquerors" (Romans 8:37)

I don't know if this helps you at all, but these usually help me.

[erin.kate]

I just wanted you to know you are not alone in this battle. I too battle with my sin nature not just daily, but moment to moment.

My favorite reason for homeschooling from the Bible to remember is in Deuteronomy 6:5-9 (I've heard some call verse 7 the homeschoolers verse). The verses never tell us it's going to be easy to teach and train our children all day, every day. But it does say that God commands us to train our children all day, every day.

It also helps to remember Romans 8:28 "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." (KJV version) Again, it doesn't say it will be easy. In fact just a chapter before Paul writes a verse that describes me perfectly (the NIV has the best description to fit my battle): Romans 7: 18 "I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out." But if you read through the whole passage in these 2 chapters in Romans it reminds us that we can't do this in our power, but with God's power we are "more than conquerors" (Romans 8:37)

I don't know if this helps you at all, but these usually help me.

amen.

[psreit]

Liz,
Just before I read your post, I was going through a negative time with dd and I am right now feeling like a failure, because I know I should have handled the situation differently. I put her to bed and can't even do school with her now. I know there are those who would say she should be in school, but I know there would still be battles. I've tried that route and it didn't work. I have made up my mind that, no matter how rough it gets some days, I will not give up. God gave us our children to raise for His glory. Think about the hours they would be away from you if they were in school. Someone else would be training your children. It won't be easy, but don't give up.

Thank you for reminding me of my weakness in not spending more time alone with the Lord. Sometimes I try to do things on my own, and if I would just give it over to Him, I could have peace. I am struggling with a situation right now that is causing me to lose sleep because I can't get my mind off of it. The baby is getting me up at night again, so when I try to go back to sleep, I can't because I start thinking about it. When I get off here, I will go straight to the Word. You've been an encouragement to me.

As far as the sin nature, the Apostle Paul said in 1 Timothy 1:15, "...Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief." Paul referred to Himself as 'chief of sinners' and look how God used Him. When I feel like I am failing God miserably, I look at what He has done in the lives of our children and thank Him that, in spite of my mistakes and failures, He has blessed us and all 3 of our older children love Him and are serving Him. If you know God wants you to homeschool, keep serving Him this way, through the good and the bad days.

The Word is being instilled in our children through HOD. "So shall my Word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it." Isaiah 55:11. Keep on keeping on! God will bless!

[my3sons]

Liz - I do really think 2 yo's bring much stress to a day (though also much happiness as well). I remember well the stress of Emmett at 2 yo - it was not all that long ago, and I agree it is a more difficult age. I remember trying to tell myself "he'll never be 2 again, and then I'd feel sad at him growing older and I'd try to remind myself not to wish that stage away. Now we're past that, and while I'm glad for some reasons, I'm sad for others, so I know the mixed feelings those little ones give us moms.

I too am just one more saved sinner trying to make my way in this world. It is not easy, and some days are definitely harder than others. I have to go to the Word of God to be able to get through difficult times as well - He is my strong tower I run to. The verses you wise ladies shared here are ones I have written down too, and I come back to them time and time again. I also love this verse... John 16:33
"I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart, I have overcome the world!"

These words I come back to time and time again. I am slowly learning to try not to be surprised that troubles do indeed make their way into my life.

Trying to remind myself of the joy I have in Jesus saving one so undeserving as me helps me sometimes. I try to get back to that joy by doing some things to remind me of it. These things have changed, and come and gone over the years, but writing Bible verses that I can run to in times of need in a Common Place type book of my own, keeping a prayer journal with my dc, getting an Ipod and choosing uplifting Christian songs to put on it and start my day with or put on when I'm down, reading uplifting books, watching uplifting movies, surrounding myself with Christian ladies who are encouraging, cutting from my life those people that can lead me astray, decorating my home with Bible verses on the walls, taking time to laugh with my dc and my dh, and keeping a daily Bible quiet time are all things that have helped me through the years and continue to help me.

I know you are a strong Christian lady that already does many of these things. I just want you to know that you are NOT alone in this struggle for happiness and contentment, and yet as a Christian I know I have everything I need to choose joy. I hope something here helps, but yes, you are right this world will be full of trouble, but as a Christian, it is full of joy too, we just have to work to find it sometimes. I am praying for all of us to be filled with the Holy Spirit and be able to do this! This is one other passage I love and come to often...
1 Thessalonians 1:4-6...
For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.

In Christ,
Julie

[3sweeties]

Praying for you, Liz and (((HUGS))). We have all been where you are and will most likely be there again!

I do believe homeschooling is something God calls us to do or not do. The knowledge that I am doing what He desires for my family is all keeps me going some days. I have found time and time again that He gives us His strength and grace to accomplish His Will for our family!

I do think that we, as homeschool moms, face a spiritual battle each day because we are going against society's "norms" and the enemy does not like that! I think that the fact that you are in the Word each day is wonderful and is absolutely the best way to stand up against discouragement and doubt. In fact, I have found that my battles seem to intensify when I am more consistent with my time with God...I think it is b/c we are more of a threat! May you sense His arms around you today!!!

[Heidi in AK]

Liz, I'm going to add the following:

Galatians 6:9 "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. "

Beloved, you are doing good. You will be tempted to become weary and give up, but do not; take heart!

[tnahid]

Hi Liz,

Just want to encourage you today. I totally understand this feeling of discouragement. But, I want to encourage you that I am seeing fruit of the homeschooling venture, and I believe you will see that fruit too. It may look very small or insignificant at times, but I can assure you that it will grow as you continue to point your children to Jesus as their all-in-all. One thing I tell my children is that I love them and do the best I can, but I make mistakes. Yet, Jesus never will make a mistake in their life. He loves them beyond their comprehension!

Tonight, my oldest son came in my room with a little notebook/journal he had found from his first grade year when he was in Christian school. He showed me a page where he had drawn something and had written a sentence or two, like, "My favorite thing to do at school is go outside." Then, he showed me a tiny, little sentence scribbled at the bottom in small letters. It said, "I love you, Mommy." My son told me, "When I used to be at school, I would miss you so much, and I would wish I could be at home with you again. I would write things like this on my paper when I missed you." Then, he gave me a big hug and said, "I don't want to go back to school anymore, please Mom." My heart was being rent in two as he spoke. The thoughts of my precious son missing his mommy like that was so precious and so sad to me. I assured him that I didn't want him to go back, and that I hoped we could always homeschool. He gave me his signature smile and said, "You're the best Mom." (Mind you, this is a boy who had to get 2 spankings today, one for pure foolishness and one for attempting to cheat on his multiplication tables ) But you see, it is far more important what is going on in his heart and in our relationship that anything else.

So, be encouraged. We all feel like failures much of the time. I know I do. But our Father is SO gracious, and often pours out His grace on us even more through our children. Homeschooling is part of my process of sanctification, and it is painful at times, but I believe that it is conforming us more and more into the image of Jesus. And He is doing the same in our children's hearts as well. This is not an easy journey to travel, but neither is it easy when they are in an institutional school either. Life in general, no matter which path we chose, would not be easy. Following Christ is not easy, but there is great JOY in this journey with Him. He is worth it ALL. He is worth giving our very lives for.

Love and blessings to you in Jesus Name.

[striving2Bprov31]

Thank you for the great words of wisdom here! I just knew I would receive if I would ask!

The things that you all have shared are a great encouragement and reminder to me!

I will be coming back to this thread again today to reread this if I need encouragement.

Thanks again!

[striving2Bprov31]

Much, much better day today!! When my husband got home from the fire station this morning, I got a wonderful 45 second pep talk from him. As I have mentioned to him in the past, sometimes all I need is for him to look me in the eyes and tell me to keep going! It is amazing what those few words will do. Also, I rewrote my daily schedule to work with the flow of normal challenges that we are having with a two year old in the house. His needs are changing so fast, and I had not rewritten our schedule to accomodate those recent changes until now. Oh, boy...what a change for the better!!! It made all the difference today!

Thank you all for the kind words. I am so glad I have a place to come where I can receive wise and biblical counsel!

Have a great rest of the week!