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"Johnny, I will ask you AGAIN! What is four times nine?" we nearly shriek as our face turns a little red and our anger level rises as we go over the same problem with Johnny for the umpteenth time while Johnny chews the eraser off of the pencil. Sally is running around in circles in the kitchen knocking over the glass of milk on the counter while little Billy starts splashing in the puddle she made. You have just completely lost any meek and quiet spirit you may have had, and it's only 9:30 in the morning! Am I the only one who has replayed that scenario?

When I saw the title of this book, I laughed out loud. Why? Because I really felt that it would be impossible for me to homeschool with a meek and quiet spirit! Then, I laughed because I grabbed it quickly, knowing I desperately needed to read this book!

Teri Maxwell shares very practically regarding just how to get on the path towards a meek and quiet spirit. She includes chapters relating to what helps bring about that spirit and what robs us of that spirit. Will the perfect curriculum or delegation of chores bring you peace? Do hormones or depression rob you of it? Teri is very practical in her answers and very transparent in sharing her own failures and successes. She covers many topics in an easy to read format ranging from depression, to disorganization to anger management.

At the end of each chapter are "Application Projects" to help solidify what she has talked about and put it into practice. A few examples are: praying specific prayers, keeping a notebook or journal, practice smiling more, set up training times with your children, and de-cluttering your home. I have used many of her suggestions and have definitely found more peace.

Here is a quote from the preface of the book:

"The journey to a meek and quiet spirit is a life-long one. I am still on it. I can look at where I was - angry and yelling - to where I am - occasionally frustrated with irritated tones in my voice - to where I want to be - the fruit of the Spirit always evident. I don't want you to think I have totally arrived at a meek and quiet spirit. I haven't! I also don't want you to believe this book will change you overnight. It will not; only Jesus Christ works in hearts! I do want to offer you hope that the path to a meek and quiet spirit is a worthy one to travel."

If you would like to travel the path towards more peace in your heart and home, Homeschooling with a Meek and Quiet Spirit will guide you on the way.

Teri Maxwell is a homeschooling mother of eight and author of many books including, Managers of Their Homes, A Practical Guide to Daily Scheduling for Christian Homeschool Families. Teri's website is: www.Titus2.com.

--Product Review by: Deborah Wuehler, Devotional Editor, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC

And another perspective:

Based on Mrs. Maxwell's "Homeschooling with a Meek and Quiet Spirit" workshops, this book is a gentle reminder that many frazzled homeschool moms (myself included) often need. I definitely nodded my head in familiarity as Teri described her frustrations and exasperation with different teaching situations, and hung my head as she described her reactions in those situations. My reactions have been the same and I felt chastised...until I read further and received the suggestions and Biblical advice she so generously pours out in this book.

Individual chapters of the book focus on the various causes of such feelings in the homeschool and offer "Application Projects" and advice on how to handle the causes and the problems that will lead to burn-out and anger if left unchecked. Chapters on fear and worry, disorganization, anger, hard work and depression lead readers through the valley out to the other side with the strength and love only another homeschooling mom can offer. Teri's chapter about depression hit me especially hard due to my own experiences with such issues. I wish with all my heart I had this thoughtful offering years ago, but instead I simply recommend that any struggling mother, whether homeschooling or not, read this chapter and allow the anecdotes in it to sink into her heart.

Whether you seek to rebuild yourself to your once exuberant "new homeschooler" self, or are just starting out and want to prepare in advance for potential pitfalls, this book is one to have on the shelf for frequent reference.

--Product Review by: Melonie Murray, Advertising & Administration Manager, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC

Homeschooling with a Meek and Quiet Spirit should be on a must read list for homeschoolers. Whether you are just starting out or have years of experience, have read quite a few books, or have written several books on the subject, Teri Maxwell cuts right to the "heart" of the matter in dealing with our deepest desire as homeschool mothers.

Much more than anything else, I think all of us desire to demonstrate a "meek and quiet spirit." When our homeschooling days are finished, as we stand before our children, before our husbands, and before God, we want to hear "Well done, my good and faithful servant." We want our children to see "Jesus" in us. I, for one, will confess that I need to be reminded to have a meek and quiet spirit. For me, it remains a daily struggle.

As the chores mount, misunderstandings occur, my children need correction, and my husband adds to the demands of the day, I often find myself anxious. Instead of taking "time" with the children to enjoy them and my homeschooling lifestyle, I become "overwhelmed" by it. If this sounds like you, if you are weary, if you need an attitude adjustment, or if you just want to be more like the "master" then, Homeschooling with a Meek and Quiet Spirit is for you!

The book opens chapter 1 with a definition of a meek and quiet spirit. Chapter 2 deals with preparation-the need for spiritual under girding by spending time with God. Chapters 3 through 7 deal with the "thieves," those attitudes or mindsets that will rob you of your "joy," stealing away your meek and quiet spirit: Fear and Worry, Disorganization, Anger, Hard Work & Dying to Self, and Depression. I particularly liked the chapter on "Dying to Self" as it dealt with several areas where I often feel cheated, namely those of having my own little "plot of time" and my husband's use of his free time. Ouch! Finally, Mrs. Maxwell concludes the book with a look at "contentment" and the "power" found in doing things HIS way. Homeschooling with a Meek and Quiet Spirit is an honest look into the "spirit" of a woman.

It will challenge you. It will encourage you; yet, it will not leave you without "hope." This is a book that you will read again and again throughout your homeschooling journey. You can find this "rare gem" and a host of other good books at www.urbanhomemaker.com. While you are there, sign up for Marilyn Moll's newsletter (lots of tremendous tips), and look around.

There are bread baking supplies and equipment, recipes, herbal medicines, and lots more. This is one place where you not only can buy the herbal remedies, but the dosages for children are included as well. Marilyn Moll was a featured columnist in the Spring 2004 issue of TOS. Visit today and definitely pick up a copy of this book while you are there!



--Product Review by: Teri Lucas, Staff Writer, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine