The Character Corner

Purposeful Parenting. Building Godly Character.

Are You an Angry Parent?

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Are you an angry parent? How does an angry parent affect a child?  I mention the importance of not dealing with our children in anger at most of my workshops, and have had many parents come to me saying that they struggle with this. (especially those who have a difficult child!)

Many moms have come to me in tears admitting they are really having a hard time with their anger, and they feel guilty because no matter how many times they determine to not let it happen again, it does.

Are You an Angry Parent?

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Before I say anything else on this topic, let me clarify that I am not talking about the parent who gets mad every once in a while, and yells at their children. I think all of us would admit to having done that.

When I’ve lost my temper with my children, as soon as I realized it, I have gone back to them and asked their forgiveness. I’ve never had a child respond to my apology in a negative way. Kids are very forgiving, and mine would always throw their arms around my neck, and say “I forgive you Mommy!”, and “I love you.”

In this post, I’m talking about those who are angry more often than not, and those who don’t go back and apologize when they’ve responded in anger.

overcoming anger God's way

Why is it important to gain control over our anger?

1. Anger (in the parents) is one of the biggest causes of rebellion in our children.

2. When we repeatedly treat our kids harshly and don’t make it right, it will cause them to harbor hurt and bitterness, and that will in turn cause them to close their hearts to us.

3. When we lose their hearts, we no longer have the opportunity to influence them.

4. Anger doesn’t address the heart issue and confuses the learning process.

Instead of the child thinking about the fact that they did something wrong, they think they are in trouble for upsetting us. Their focus then changes from correcting what they did wrong to avoid your anger. The behavior may change temporarily, but it’s not going to be a lasting change because the heart issue wasn’t addressed.

5. When we appeal to our children on the basis of love, rather than relying upon fear of our authority, their response will be much different.

When we “intimidate them into subjection” (by our anger) we will only get outward compliance. Our goal should be to win their hearts into submission.

6. Anger is contagious! If one, or both, parents have an angry spirit, there’s a pretty good chance that your kids have a little bit of one too.

How can I be a less angry parent? As Christian parents who are striving hard to raise our children for God, anger can be the biggest obstacle that stands in our way. The Bible tells us “be ye angry and sin not,” so the anger itself isn’t the issue. It’s how we respond to that anger.

Staying close to God and keeping His Word in your heart and mind will help you if this an area where you struggle. 

Don’t try to win the battle in your own strength. Look to God’s Word for answers, and seek His help daily in prayer.

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20 Encouraging Bible Verses For Homeschooling Moms

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One of the great benefits of homeschooling is that it causes us to depend on the Lord! As we face difficult situations or discouragement, it causes us to go to Him to seek His wisdom. The best thing you can do is claim some Scripture to help you and encourage you. Here are 20 encouraging Bible verses for homeschooling moms. I compiled these from my favorite verses for strength and encouragement on my 31-year homeschool journey.

20 Encouraging Bible Verses For Homeschooling Moms

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1 Thessalonians 5:24 

Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

Isaiah 54:13  

And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children.

Proverbs 24:3-4

Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established:  And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.

Proverbs 16:3  

Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.

James 1:5  

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not:  and it shall be give him. 

What are good Bible verses for encouragement? These are some of my favorites from my journey!

Deuteronomy 6:6,7

And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down,and when thou risest up.

II Corinthians 3:5-6 

Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;

II Corinthians 12:9  

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

II Timothy 1:12  

For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

Psalm 121: 1-2  

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.  My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.

Isaiah 41:13  

For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.

Philippians 4:13  

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Colossians 3:23-24  

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;  Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

Bible Verses for the Homeschool Mom

Psalm 127:1

Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Psalm 32:8

 I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.

1 Corinthians 15:58

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

Matthew 11:28-29

 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

Galatians 6:9  

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

Isaiah 40:31  

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

TO KEEP THESE VERSES HANDY, I HAVE A FREE PRINTABLE WITH ALL 20 VERSES FOR YOU TO KEEP IN YOUR BIBLE!

 

encouraging Bible verses for Homeschooling moms

5 Things To Pray For the Prodigal

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Learn the parenting mistakes to avoid and what to do instead to prevent rebellion or pushing your kids away.

Are you dealing with a prodigal daughter or son? I’ve talked with so many Christian parents who are grieving over and praying for their prodigal children. We’ve talked about the undeniable power of  Scripture prayers for prodigals and offered them hope.  Today I’m going to share the notes from a sermon by my pastor, Steve Hobbins on this topic. Knowing how to pray for the prodigal child is so important, and he said it so well in this sermon!

In Hosea 2:1-8 is the prayer of Hosea for his prodigal wife, Gomer. These thoughts are great guidelines that we can apply to pray for a prodigal child.

When we pray for the prodigal, for what, specifically, do we ask God?

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Here are 5 Things To Pray For the Prodigal

1. “Father, please allow their path to be filled with misery, frustration and irritation.” (verse 6a)

This isn’t to be mean. We pray this because we love them. (Proverbs 19:11)

2. “Father, please make them unable to clearly see what to do; please cause confusion.” (verse 6b)

3. “Father, please keep them from finding the satisfaction for which they are searching.” (verse 7a)

4. “Father, please allow her to see herself as You see her and create a desire to come back.” (verse7b)

No prodigal will come back to God until they first come to themselves. This means that they recognize that they got themselves where they are, and it’s their responsibility to do what it takes to get out.

5. “Father, please bring to their mind the good and allow them to forget the bad, pain, hurt, etc.” ( verses 7c-8)

The reason Hosea didn’t give up on his wife when the pain was at its most intense is because His love was greater than his pain.

God gave us this story to illustrate to us the proper way to think toward a prodigal. We are to remember that spiritually, we are often the prodigal. God’s love toward us is the foundation of our love for the prodigal.

Praying Scripture for your prodigal is the most powerful way to pray, and to help you pray more powerfully  we are offering this free gift  for our subscribers:    

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6 Scriptures To Pray Over A Rebellious Child

10 Things Every Parent Should Stop Doing

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What are the dos and don’ts of parenting? As parents, we all want to do the best job we can in raising our kids. However, despite our best intentions, we often do things that we should stop doing. Today, I’m going to share 10  things every parent should stop doing.

The list includes things I struggled with from time to time while raising our eight kids. There were times that I would realize what I was doing and had to tell myself to just STOP.

10 Things Every Parent Should Stop Doing:

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1. Stop repeating instructions

If our kids have the ability to obey after we have told them something three or four times, they are capable of obeying the FIRST time!  Why not require it? When our kids are in the habit of not obeying till the 3rd time they have been told, they are doing so with our permission. We’ve unintentionally trained them that way by not requiring them to obey the first time. We need to stop being parents who make excuses for their children.

2. Stop giving warnings or idle threats

What parents should never say? Well, one thing is to stop saying things we don’t mean or won’t follow through on. We should stop saying things like: If you don’t do what you’re told, you’re going to be in big trouble! Repeating our commands or giving warnings to get them to listen, is training them to disobey. Children need to learn at a young age that they need to listen to the authority of their parent’s words. Tell them a few times that they must be obedient, then hold them accountable to listen and obey the first time.

3. As a parent stop being hypocritical

How should parents treat their children? Leading by example is a great place to start. It is wrong to hold your kids to a higher standard than you hold for yourself. If we don’t live it, we shouldn’t expect our kids to live it. They can see right through that and will lose respect for us.

5 pillars of Biblical Parenting

4. Stop being too proud to admit when you are wrong

As parents, we need to be willing to acknowledge and admit it when we have made a mistake, or we are wrong. Don’t excuse or justify your wrongs, but admit and ask forgiveness. They will learn to appreciate that and grow to respect you in the process. Plus we show them that we are all imperfect and need forgiveness at times.

5. Stop showing favoritism

  • Don’t respond harshly to one child and sweetly to another for the same infraction.
  • As a parent, don’t give unequal disciplines for similar violations.
  • Comparing them to their siblings is never a good idea.

6. Stop over-protecting your kids

When do you stop parenting? As our kids get older, we need to gradually increase their independence and we need to stop doing everything for our children. They may fail, but that’s how they learn. If we never step out of the way and let them try new things, they won’t learn. We also need to stop protecting them from the consequences of their wrong behavior. If they steal a pack of gum from the store, make them go back into the store, apologize, and give it back. Our kids need to learn that they have to answer for their actions.

7. Stop criticizing or lecturing them when they share their thoughts with you

When our kids open up their hearts to us, it is NOT the time to lecture or give them OUR thoughts on what they like, want to do, etc. That teaches them that you aren’t “safe”, and they will quit sharing their hearts with you. An example of this (from my own experience) was the time my teen son told me that he wanted to save his money and get some expensive sports car. My immediate (wrong) response was: `”Oh, that’s such a waste of money!”

To him, I was saying that his desire was stupid. Why would he want to tell me his thoughts and open his heart to me again?

Now I think that there are times when we should sit down and address concerns about things our kids have shared with us, but NOT when they have just told us. WAIT, and bring it up in conversation at a different time, and talk about different thoughts that relate in a non-critical way.

8. Stop scolding or punishing them for something they’ve done in an area where we haven’t trained them

We shouldn’t just expect our kids to know what behavior is acceptable or appropriate if we have never taken the time to sit down and train them in that area. For example, don’t get upset if you take your child to the store and they start running or touching everything if you never took the time to explain to them how they should behave. Before you go to the store, tell them what your expectations are and do some training to prepare them. 

9. Stop embarrassing them

We shouldn’t scold or correct our kids in front of others, or talk about their wrong behavior to others. We need to treat them with respect and discipline them in private. This isn’t just when they are with their friends, but in the home also. We should correct privately, rather than embarrass them in front of their siblings.

1o. Stop comparing yourself to other parents

It’s easy to fall into the comparison trap, and feel guilty because you don’t take your kids to the library once a week like other moms, you don’t read to them for 30 minutes before bed, etc. Stop comparing, and focus on being faithful to what God has called you to do in your family, not what someone else is doing in their family!

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things every parent should stop doing

 

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Super Simple Routines to Reduce Homeschool Mom Stress

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Managing your home, family, and homeschool is not easy! At times it can be stressful or even overwhelming. If we’re not careful, we can be facing homeschool mom burnout. However, with some thought and planning you will find there are some super simple routines to reduce homeschool Mom stress.

I’m going to share a few simple routines that helped me tremendously over the 31 years of juggling my family, home, and homeschooling. They may seem little, but often the little things are what wears us down. Little things easily become big things.

Super Simple Routines to Reduce Homeschool Mom Stress

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Make having an evening routine a priority

Doing these 3 simple routines each evening can reduce homeschool mom stress. They make for a much smoother start in the morning as preparation begins the night before!

1. Clean up the kitchen.

Make sure the sink is clean,  and the counters are clear. Nothing is more discouraging than coming into a dirty kitchen in the morning.

2. Have the kids do a quick pick-up before bed.

Set a timer for 10 minutes and have them grab all they can and put it in the proper spot. It’s amazing how much better you’ll feel after a quick clean-up!

3. Make your to-do list for the next day.

You will sleep better knowing you’ve written down the things you need to remember, and with a plan in place. It will also eliminate a frantic morning as you try to sort out where to start.

Commit to a Morning Routine

1. Set your alarm to play an uplifting song or hymn.  (or set it to a Christian radio station)

Music affects your spirit, and one of the best things you can do is wake up to good music. You’ll quickly find that it can change the whole trajectory of your day if you wake up tired and a bit grumpy.

family building a strong biblical foundation
2. Listen to the Bible while getting dressed and fixing hair.

I use the app on my phone called You Version. Again, this is a great way to prepare your spirit for the day. Also, if things get crazy, you will have gotten at least a few verses of Scripture into your heart and mind.

3. Pray that God will prepare your heart for the day, and fill you with His joy as you greet your kids.

If you have a difficult child, it’s extra important to ask God to help you be able to greet that child with a joyful, loving heart.

4. Before getting busy with school, think about supper!

Get something out of the freezer, or throw something in the crockpot. That gives you one less thing to worry about getting done later in the day. There’s nothing worse than dinner rolling around with hungry kids and you haven’t even had a chance to think about it!

5. Start the day for everyone with Scripture.

How you do this will vary based on the ages of your kids. When our kids were little, we sang a Scripture song before breakfast. Right after breakfast, those that were able to read spent a few minutes reading their Bible, while I got toddlers and babies cared for. Before academics, we then had a Bible/character lesson and worked on some Bible memory.
kids-devotional-prayer-journal

God’s Word should be the foundation on which everything we do rests, so it’s important to take time with His Word before beginning academics. We ended with a prayer for God’s blessing on our day, for good attitudes, for us to do our best, etc. None of these activities require huge amounts of time, but they will make a big difference in your outlook as you begin a new day.

What are some super simple routines you have for your family?
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Simple routines to reduce homeschool stress

 

Beware Of This Homeschool Destroyer

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30 Days of Homeschool Encouragement and Inspiration

As homeschooling parents who are striving hard to raise their children for God, anger can be the biggest obstacle that stands in our way.

I would go so far as to say that uncontrolled anger is a homeschool destroyer.

By the way, just to be clear on this, I am not talking about the parent who gets mad every once in a while and yells at their children. I think all of us would admit to having done that.

In this post, I’m talking about those who are angry more often than not, and those who don’t go back and apologize when they’ve responded in anger.

Beware Of This Homeschool Destroyer

Beware Of This Homeschool Destroyer

Why is anger so damaging?

1. Anger (in the parents) is one of the biggest causes of rebellion in our children.

2. When we repeatedly treat our kids harshly and don’t make it right, it will cause them to harbor hurt and bitterness, and that will, in turn, cause them to close their hearts to us.

3. When we lose their hearts, we no longer have the opportunity to influence them.

4. Anger doesn’t address the heart issue and confuses the learning process.

Instead of the child thinking about the fact that they did something wrong, they think they are in trouble for upsetting us. Their focus then changes from correcting what they did wrong to avoiding your anger.

The behavior may change temporarily, but it’s not going to be a lasting change because the heart issue wasn’t addressed.

5. When we appeal to our children on the basis of love, rather than relying upon fear of our authority, their response will be much different.

When we “intimidate them into subjection” (by our anger) we will only get outward compliance.

Our goal should be to win their hearts into submission.

6. Anger is contagious!

If one, or both, parents have an angry spirit, there’s a pretty good chance that your kids have a little bit of one too. This makes for an unhappy home, with lots of contention, rather than a peaceful home.

overcoming anger God's way
Remember, anger itself isn’t the problem. It’s how you respond to that anger that matters.

Recognize anger as a signal that there is a problem that needs to be solved or a situation that needs to be handled.

How to respond to your anger:

  • Ask what you can do to solve the problem that is causing anger. (find your triggers)
  • Take a few minutes to think and calm down before responding, to avoid reacting. (and then regretting it)
  • Don’t try to win the battle in your own strength. Ask God to help you gain control over your anger
  • Apologize to your kids whenever you do lose it and get angry. (See: 10 Ways To Restore Relationships Damaged By Anger)
  • Look to God’s Word for answers, and seek His help daily in prayer.

Beware of anger being a homeschool destroyer! Don’t let it ruin your homeschool. Instead let it serve as a trigger to help you be an even better parent.

Don’t miss the rest of the posts in the series!

 

Homeschool In the woods

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Anger destroys your homeschool

30 Encouraging Scriptures to Fight Depression {and Free Printable}

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Finding Scriptures to fight depression is the best way to defeat the negative thoughts, and the lies you may be believing. Scripture will encourage your heart, and enable you to speak truth to yourself in those hard times. 

I do understand that unfortunately, there seems to be a stigma about depression. Often we are ashamed to tell anyone about it or talk about it. However, there are different causes for depression, and it’s possible you may find yourself dealing with it at one time or another in your life.

That does not make you a bad Christian. Depression is not something to be ashamed of.

Please don’t just assume that you are a failure, or a bad person, or Christian because you get depressed.  Rather than dwelling on the feelings of depression, and giving in to them hopelessly, refer back to these encouraging Scriptures to fight back!

Here are  30 encouraging Scriptures to fight depression

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Deuteronomy 31:8  –  And the Lord, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.

Deuteronomy 33:27  –  The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.   

II Samuel 22:29  –  For thou art my lamp, O Lord: and the Lord will lighten my darkness.  

Psalm 31:24  –  Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.

Psalm 3:3  –  But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.  

Psalm 9:9  –  The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.

Psalm 27:14  –  Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.

Psalm 34:18  –  The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. 

Psalm 40:1-3  –  I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord.

Psalm 42:11  –  Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.

Psalm 55:22  –  Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

Help For Christians and Depression

Psalm 34:17  –  The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.

Psalm 61:2  –  From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

Psalm 62:8  –  Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.

Psalm 94:19  –  In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul.

Psalm 143:7-8  –  Hear me speedily, O Lord: my spirit faileth: hide not thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit. Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee. 

Psalm 145:14  –  The Lord upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down.

Psalm 147:3  –  He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.  

Isaiah  35:10  –  And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.  

Isaiah 41:10  –  Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Isaiah 41:13  –  For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.

 Matthew 6:34  –  Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is  the evil thereof. 

Christians Get Depressed Too: Here’s Help!

John 16:33  –  These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Romans 8:26  –  Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

Romans 12 :12  –  Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;  

Romans 15:13  –  Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

I Corinthians 10:13  –  There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

II Corinthians 1:3,4  –  Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

James 4:8  –  Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.  

I Peter 5:7  –  Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 

GRAB A BEAUTIFUL PRINTABLE OF THESE SCRIPTURES TO FIGHT DEPRESSION & KEEP IN YOUR BIBLE!

Scriptures to fight depression

10 Things To Pray About Daily In Your Homeschooling

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Do you struggle with discouragement or frustration in your homeschool? I think all parents have those times. I would even admit that sometimes homeschooling is just plain hard. That’s exactly why it is so important to bathe your homeschool in prayer. There are things to pray about daily in your homeschooling that will help you keep God at the center.

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Homeschooling is a lifestyle that involves so much more than academics. It is about relationships and discipling your kids. It only makes sense then that praying faithfully over your homeschool is even more important than choosing a curriculum, or coming up with the perfect schedule. However, you don’t have to do it in your own strength, or knowledge. Tap into God and the power of prayer. Prayer is vital to all areas of your homeschool so it’s a great idea to start your homeschool morning with prayer! 

God cares about your family and your homeschool and invites you to come to Him for wisdom and strength. Prayer is our most valuable resource as homeschooling parents, yet we often neglect this powerful tool. Below you’ll find what to pray as a homeschool mom.

Here are 10 Things To Daily Pray About In Your Homeschooling:

1,  That you will prepare your heart each day by spending time with God, and seeking His wisdom

2. That you will point your kids to God and His Word daily

3. That you will focus more on your relationship with your kids  than on academic accomplishments

4. That you will be intentional in character training that focuses on the heart

5. That you will win the hearts of your children

6. That you will teach and train with Scripture, rather than just scolding and correcting

praying-through-proverbs

7. That you will remember your homeschool goals and priorities, and not be distracted by academics

8. That you will affirm more than you correct

9. That you will apologize when you need to, and make things right

10. That your kids will grow in wisdom

I encourage you to make a commitment to pray daily for your homeschool and let God fill you with His power and wisdom.

If you want to be intentional in your prayers but need some more help, make sure to check out the PRAYING FOR MY HOMESCHOOL PRAYER JOURNAL! 

The most important thing you can do for your homeschool is to pray over it and pray over each of your children as well. Included in this journal are 10 specific things to pray about, 10 days of Scripture prayers for your children, and space to journal your own prayers from a list of 20 encouraging Scriptures for the homeschool mom. Grab your copy today for only $6.97 and start each day off right!

 

3 Tips For The Mom Who Has Nothing Left To Give

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As moms, it is easy to get to the point where our well is dry, and we have nothing left to give to our families. I’ve been there, and want to share some tips for the mom who is burnout and stressed.

There never seems to be enough time to do it all as a mom, so we push ourselves. We struggle to keep our priorities straight while trying to do all kinds of “good” things for our children and husband. Oftentimes we are also serving outside of the family or working from home. In the busyness of life, we fail to take responsibility for our own well-being. We can feel like self-care is selfish and we put it off. 

The truth is that when we give and give without taking time to renew our spirit, our well becomes empty and dry. At that point, we have nothing to draw from, and nothing to give.

When Mom Has Nothing Left To Give

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How do you know when you’re to that point?

Well, for me there were a couple of pretty obvious signs that I was running on empty. One was the audible sigh that came forth when my family asked me to do something for them. It could be the simplest request, but my fatigue made it seem big to me. The other sign was negative thinking.

I’m such a bad wife and mom.

My kids would have been better off in school.

And the list goes on. When those thoughts came I realized that I had to purposely choose to replace those lies from the devil with the truth of God’s Word. As I struggled with the fatigue and negative thoughts God kept reminding me, “Come to me, and I will give you rest. I will renew your mind, your body, and your spirit.”

He was offering rest to me, but I had to be willing to come to Him and take it. You are able to serve your family much more effectively (and without the sigh!), if your well isn’t totally dry.

Here are 3 tips for the mom who has nothing left to give:

1. Find a sanctuary

Find a place where you can go to clear your mind, and hear God’s voice daily. Even if you are in the busiest season of motherhood, and can only do this for a few minutes a day, find that place. (Often it’s the bathroom!)

2. Get spiritual food daily

Just like we need food daily for our physical strength, we need sustenance from God’s Word. Again, this doesn’t have to be an hour-long thing. It could be as simple as claiming a verse for the day and carrying that thought and truth with you.

Moms in the Word - Seeking Him

Also, using God’s Word as you teach and train your kids throughout the day helps you to keep His Word in your heart and mind. That often helped me keep my own spirit right on tough parenting days.

3. Slow down to avoid mom burnout

Clear your schedule of some of those extra things that aren’t priorities, and slow down. When you are busy rushing from one activity to another daily, it stresses you and wears you down.

I love the way Cary Schmidt explains it:

“We don’t realize we’re TOO busy until something starts to breakdown and even then, we don’t always connect the symptoms with the real cause. For instance, fractured and stressed relationships sometimes have nothing to do with the heart or intent of the individuals, and everything to do with their schedules or level of fatigue.

Bad stuff happens when we get too busy and over-extended:

  • Our Walk With God Diminishes
  • Our Physical Fatigue Increases
  • Our Relationships are Stretched
  • Our Health Suffers

Everybody pays when I’m too busy—especially those closest to me.”

Before you get to the point of burnout or let your well run dry, decide to make time for yourself. choose to go to God daily, and take the rest He offers.

Grab our free ebook!

burned out mom

My 7 Favorite Books For Christian Tweens And Teens

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Our tweens and teens face many challenges and temptations in today’s world. We need to give them good Biblical teaching to help them navigate the temptations that they will face, as well as prepare them to handle relationships in a way that is pleasing to God.

Sometimes a good, inspiring book for your Christian tween or teen helps reinforce the teaching you’ve been doing with them.  I want to share some excellent books we used with our kids during those years. If you’re wondering, my tweens/teens enjoyed these books and even shared some of them with friends. That’s what I consider a good book — good Biblical teaching that is appealing to their age group!

Here are My 7 Favorite Books For Christian Tweens And Teens

STack of books text on image reads my 7 favorite books for Christian Tweens and Teens

 The Purity Principle – God’s Safeguards for Life’s Dangerous Trails

Some people have given up on purity. Some have never tried.

Bestselling author Randy Alcorn shows us why, in this culture of impurity, the stakes are so high—and what we can do to experience the freedom of purity. Impurity will always destroy us; purity always leads to higher pleasures! Choose wisely. Let the insights of this amazing book—written for old and young, married and single—help you gain your footing on the path to truly lasting joy.

The Teenage Years of Jesus Christ (a favorite Christian book for middle schoolers)

This is a great book to have your Christian pre-teens or teens read to discover the priorities of Jesus Christ when He was a teenager here on earth. It will help them to see if they are focusing on the same things and if their priorities are right. Parents should read this book too! We all follow some pattern when rearing our children. What better master plan than the plan of the Master?

This life-transforming and thought-provoking 126-page book by Pastor Jerry Ross introduces six priorities of the teenage years of Jesus Christ found in Luke 2:52. It makes for some great discussions with your tweens or teens and gives them some Biblical goals for being like Jesus.

The Twenty One Tenets of Biblical Masculinity

Biblical masculinity has all but disappeared in our modern-day culture. Satan has systematically targeted the tenets of Biblical manhood, eliminating them one by one from our society. The void left has been filled with a carnal, corrupt, and confusing idea of what true masculinity really is. The 21 Tenets of Biblical Masculinity presented in this booklet brings scriptural clarity and sound conviction on a subject too long ignored. -Jerry L. Ross

The Twenty One Tenents of Biblical Feminity

Biblical femininity has all but disappeared in our modern-day culture. Satan has systematically targeted the tenets of Biblical womanhood, eliminating them one by one from our society. The void left has been filled with a carnal, corrupt and confusing idea of what true femininity really is. The 21 Tenets of Biblical femininity presented in this booklet brings scriptural clarity and sound conviction on a subject too long ignored. -Jerry L. Ross

Love, Honor, & Virtue – Gaining or Regaining a Biblical Attitude Toward Sexuality

Love, Honor, and Virtue: Gaining or Regaining A Biblical Attitude Toward Sexuality is written to and for teens and twenty-something guys. It’s short, concise, and very direct.

It gives a Biblical perspective to help:

  • Understand God’s design, from biology to morality
  • Prepare to fight temptation
  • Find hope for recovery if they stumble
  • Learn how to have healthy, Christ-honoring relationships with girls

In a world where sin comes looking for you, and the red light district rides in your shirt pocket, you need help engaging the fight as it actually is!

Just Friends: Guarding Your Heart for a Wonderful Someday

What is this thing between guys and girls? Do we call it Dating? Attraction? Interest? We all know it’s there, but no one really knows what to call it, and for some strange reason, everyone is afraid to talk about it! So what do you call it? You’ve probably said it. ‘We’re just friends!’ Sometimes you mean it; sometimes you mean something a little stronger, but a bit harder to define.

Whatever you call it, it’s time to understand a reasonable and biblical approach to guy/girl relationships. This book will help you protect your heart as you journey through the dangerous minefields of young emotions and early attractions. And it will help you understand the biblical principles that will ultimately lead you to true love and a ‘wonderful someday.

Stay in the Castle!

STAY IN THE CASTLE is the story of a young lady who finds herself at a crossroads. One road is marked, “My will”. The other, “God’s will”. An inspirational true story of one teenager’s struggle to wait for the one God had created for her. 

There you have it Mom! Whether you’re looking for “the best books for your 13 or 14-year-old” or “what a good Christian book is for your tween or teen” we’ve got you covered! The best part of this is your kids don’t have to take only your word on these subjects, they can learn to navigate this season well with a little backup from one of these books. I highly recommend getting them some help from any of these 7 Favorite Books For Christian Tweens And Teens!

GRAB THIS FREE ENCOURAGING EBOOK TO HELP YOU NAVIGATE THE TWEENS AND TEENS:

30 DAYS OF TWEEN PARENTING ENCOURAGEMENT

 

For such a time as this summit

happy teen girl looking off text on image reads 7 favorite books for Christian Tweens and Teens

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