Children require guidance and sympathy
far more than instruction.
– Anne Sullivan
This morning, while I sit here drinking my coffee, scared out of my mind waiting for the kids to get up, I started thinking about the above quote and what it means to my family.
My children have been through so much. First with Emma Grace and her transplant, and then with my cancer. Homeschooling them isn’t just about “teaching them at home” for me, it is about cherishing every waking moment with them, the good and the bad. The bickering, the fighting and every moment in between. It is about teaching them morals and instilling character with every opportunity. It is about leaving them with a legacy after I am gone, whether that be tomorrow or 80 years from now.
Its about Easton, who has such a unique personality. She is capable of doing anything, yet not confident enough yet to try. Sunday morning she played a full praise and worship song on the guitar (Holiness) for the worship team and was so uber proud of herself after wards! (Her father and I sang while she played… it was a great memory!) She loves to read, and write songs, and she so loves the Lord.
Its about Elijah, who is growing into such a strong young man. He is so eager to learn. I want to teach him so much this year about all the things that he is interested in! I want to dig around in the dirt with him and research worms. I want to do “boy things” that I wouldn’t normally do. I want him to remember this year with a smile.
So, homeschooling for me is not just about teaching reading writing and arithmetic. Its about digging deep into my childrens soul and planting seeds that will someday blossom into something so lovely and incredible. Its about showing them the love of God each and every day… even when I feel like I am on my last straw… then it is about showing Gods grace in those moments.
So as we start this new year, I am reminded of the blessings of my past, and the promises of my future. I am reminded of my children’s hearts, souls and minds. I am reminded that I have a unique and awesome calling to mother them and teach them, but more than anything….
To love them.
This is beautiful, Heather. You are definitely passing the torch. I’m including your post in my PTT links this week. God bless.
Kelly @ Pass the Torchs last blog post..Small Gifts
Wonderful post. It spoke volumes to me as I start my 18th year of homeschooling.
Powerful words!
I am having a hard time saying what I really want to say. Thanks from the bottom of my heart.
k-
kates last blog post..Audiology Test
I have three children, but I am down to teaching just one this year! That will be strange. (the other two are now graduated)
Where have the years gone? Enjoy each day and each moment. We have had so many good times. There are hard days too, but knowing that this is what we are to be doing and seeing the relationships we have with our kids and the relationships they have with the Lord, makes it all worth it. These are precious times, aren’t they?
I pray you have a wonderful year teaching your children.
Blessings,
Gina
Gina Dunns last blog post..Vacation-Pt 2- Horse Cave Ky
Heather,
You are such a beautiful writer and I loved this post. Thanks again for sharing your wisdom and faith!
I would love to see a video of Easton playing the guitar and hearing you and Mark singing with her! I bet all the angels in heaven were singing along with you, too!
Laurie in TN
Laurie in TNs last blog post..A Letter From My Father
Heather,
You are such a beautiful writer and I loved this post. Thanks again for sharing your wisdom and faith!
I would love to see and hear a video of Easton playing the guitar and hearing you and Mark singing with her! I bet all the angels in heaven were singing along with you, too!
Laurie in TN
Laurie in TNs last blog post..A Letter From My Father
Well written, well said!
Cheris last blog post..happy happy happyt
Thanks, Heather. Last school year was tough for us. 4 kids ages 10-12 (2 just learning English), plus a kindergartener plus a preschooler plus 3 teens. My summer away from school has roared past, and I have very honestly been dreading jumping back into school. Thanks for encouraging me!
Mary, mom to 10
owlhavens last blog post..10 ways to use up all that zucchini
Heather
Remember the words you have written each day of “schooling” I have homeschooled since 1982. I am homeschooling the last of my 9 children. It is not always (hardly ever) easy. The times it was hardest was when I tried to make it regimented and textbook oriented just like “real” school. I believe the Lord gave me those rough days to wake me up, sit my exhausted body down and tell me to embrace the time with my children and to teach them to rejoice in the magnificence of His creation. There have been glorious days too. My kids have grown to be wonderful teens and adults. Some have graduated college, others chose not to attend college. It all works out.
You continue to be in my prayers. Bless you. I am sure you will be one awesome homeschool Mama!
~ Robyn
You are so amazing Heather.
This brought tears to my eyes…your love for your children and your ability to put into words what so many of us think.
Thank you for reminding me of the important lessons in life.
Beverlys last blog post..Wishes from the Trenches
Hugs and prayers for your family as you embark on your year of learning together.
JanMary, N Irelands last blog post..School Is (Still) Out
Heather-
Thank you so much for blogging about your life. You are truly a witness for so many of us. This post spoke to my heart. I have been homeschooling for going on 5 years and this year will be the toughest. We are going to have to move twice in one year (unexpected job transfer/then a new job for hubby) to two different states then we found out that I am pregant (have had many miscarriages). All these things are blessings but I am so tired and overwhelmed. I let myself get bogged down in the “have to’s” and the “what-if’s” and the “how am I ever going to get all of this done?!”. You calmly have spoke to my heart to keep my eyes on the Lord for He has great plans for me and my family. Thanks for telling me something that I already knew but still needed to hear.
Your sister in Christ~ Jennifer
Homeschooling Heather :wub: with this aMazing love and rationale will be a blessing for ALL of YOU! Listen to what others are saying with the experience of years in HS…and with this as your motivation and the appreciation you have of each of your kids :angel: and their uniqueness…you will achieve great strides.
Your lessons go far beyond the assignment for the day…you may find that after the routine is established that they can learn much on their own…or complete the work while you spend time doing just what you say..appreciating digging in with them and letting Easton or Elijah explore their interests! Devote a special time with each one apart and then together as a family.
No more reason to be scared just relax and enjoy one day at a time, one step at a time…with this beautiful attitude and HOPE in Christ, the legacy and the torch, just like the Olympics…is being passed with JOY, LOVE, GENTLENESS, KINDNESS, FAITH
FULNESS, PATIENCE, GOODNESS, SELF CONTROL & PEACE
for each of YOU to know God is with YOU & goes before you, start each day with a prayer and commit it all to Him!
Blessings…with love…if they learn to express themselves like you do with us…they will have learned MUCH! Maybe you can allow them a day on your blog to share what they’re learning and means the most to them for that week…or as others do
create their own blog for homeschooling. There’s alot of HS blogs out there…be blessed as you bless. :heart: Peggy
Beautiful, Heather, and a timely reminder. Navigating these girl “tween” years is proving difficult–but if I remember my role as mother and teacher is to guide, and if I remember to pray for guidance for myself, all will be well.
Debs last blog post..Cooking Together
Enjoy every minute with your kiddos as you homeschool this year. I loved this post and I enjoy your blog!
Hopefulmoms last blog post..Wouldn’t you like a blog makeover? I would!
And that sweet Heather is exactly the definition of successful homeschooling. You are successful and you haven’t yet begun your school. Yes you were meant for a time such as this for children such as these to give Glory to a God such as ours!
Be blessed as you teach your children (and they teach you ) what is most important! Love the Lord with all your heart with all your strength , with all your soul….
Because of Jesus, Bobbie
Bobbies last blog post..In honor of the Olympic Spirit
Such beautiful post! Have a wonderful homeschooling year.
Renee’s last blog post..I’m in awe …
:tongue: The word of the day seems to be “beautiful”–and I wholeheartedly agree!!
Simple and beautiful!
dawns last blog post..The More Things Change . . .
Thank you for your words. I am a 29-year-old mother of four, just starting to homeschool my oldest later this month. I also have cancer – thyroid cancer, which is supposed to be a “good” cancer – but in my case, it is more aggressive than usual. I am still in the midst of the diagnosis and treatment phase. A friend from Arizona referred me to your blog back when I just knew I had a lump, and I wasn’t ready to read it then. But as I have come to terms with my diagnosis and my mortality, I am now ready to read the words of someone with more experience and wisdom than myself. Thank you for “shining the light” for others through your written words.
Another daughter of the King.
Genevieves last blog post..Swinging
That is the heart of homeschooling, cherishing the time with our children- they grow too fast, why would we want to miss out on any of it? Wonderful post!
my son used to build (impromptu ) tree houses, many years ago. Now we are building one together, a big one, and we are both loving it. we home schooled for several years, there is nothing like it. it builds family.
david in the mountainss last blog post..
Praying for you, friend! Praying for every details, every situation and for God to come and bless this schooling time with fullness of love and joy. You ARE such a wonderful mother.
Love,
Holly
holly smiths last blog post..You Can Take the Girl Outta the South
That was beautifully said! Thanks for the words, fellow homeschooler. May God bless your efforts.
HEATHER :wub: I have never seen you do this but perhaps you have them hidden somewhere. I’ve wanted to do this many times…:whistle:
Stop by and visit with me soon… there will be something special waiting for you. It’s in Tuesday the 12th of August post!:angel:
I already commented on this GREAT reflective post! I know God will BLESS you in your HOMESCHOOLING and with this special time with Easton and Elijah and being there for Emma.
Peggy@Mazes, Messes, & Miracles….s last blog post..Tuesday of TRIBUTES Galore: BLOG AWARDS!
HI Heather..
((( Hugz Sistah)) What a beautiful post, it’s so good to see you posting. You are such am awesome Mom, I could feel the love you have for your children as I read each word. You have been through so much and the hands of the Lord continues to carry you through each day. I will continue to keep you in prayer, Heather you are going to do just fine. You continue to inspire me!!
Hugz Lorie
I have tears in my eyes.
Your children are so blessed to have you as their mother.
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful.
Barbs last blog post..Thank you, thank you Theresa
Wow. You are just amazing.
HennHouse (Karin)s last blog post..For Sam
What an inspiration this is for me. Thank you Heather. You are a light reflecting the SON.
I’ve home schooled for 5 years. I’ve loved it even on the toughest days and esp. on the some of the most spontaneous days that the boys interest changed the course of study–like the worm, bugs, and other creatures of God’s creation. One of my boys just graduated high school and now I have one. I want to treasure the time I’m alloted with him.
Engrafted by His Grace-
Shonda
Shondas last blog post..Email Outage
Heather,
So good to see you at brunch today. Emma has beautiful eyes, much like yours. I like the way she says Bob. =0) You and Mark have done an impressive job of raising your children. Easton is so mature; she must be at least 16! And Eli is such a loving young guy! We admire your strength and courage. You are in our prayers every day. God bless you all.
Much love,
Bob & Betty
Heather,
So good to see you at brunch today. Emma has beautiful eyes, much like yours. I like the way she says Bob. =0) You and Mark have done an impressive job of raising your children. Easton is so mature; she must be at least 16! And Eli is such a loving young guy! We admire your strength and courage. You are in our prayers every day. God bless you all.
Much love,
Bob & Betty
Just stopping by to check on you. I hope that all is going well for you and that you are enjoying many precious moments with your loved ones!