May 8, 2024 – Homeschool Moms For the Win! Let’s Celebrate!

Mercy Every Minute

Deborah Wuehler, TOS Senior Editor

Turning Expectations into Traditions

God’s design for motherhood is perfect and beautiful. When we are doing what we were created to do, we are fulfilled. This is the idea we want to pass on to our children: it is a beautiful gift and there is great fulfillment and great purpose in what God created us to be and to do.

Mothers intentionally or inadvertently leave a legacy for their children, the foundation of which is of utmost importance. We may inadvertently pass on ideas, attitudes, and lifestyle choices, but we intentionally pass on our God-given baton of faith through the every day interactions and Divine interruptions we are gifted with.

Motherhood is not only the day-to-day training and nurturing of our children, but doing that with a long view of the next generation and leaving an eternal legacy.

Let’s celebrate motherhood through the window of Proverbs 31. In the very first verse we find out that this proverb was written out of the wisdom given to the king by his own mother. “The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.”

From verses 25 through 28 we celebrate a mother’s strength to keep going, and the fact that mothers keep a hopeful outlook for the future. “Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.”

We celebrate a mother’s wisdom and kind words. “She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.”

We celebrate the fact that moms take care of things and sacrifice their time for others.“She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.”

Those disrespectful and hard to handle little ones, those husbands who don’t always understand . . . hang in there–stay faithful–keep loving. They will grow up to bless and honor you, dear mom.

“Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her” (Proverbs 31:28).

Tune into this week’s podcast to hear more on this topic, plus hear about how I turned my expectations for celebrations into traditions. If you want to take the stress and discouragement out of celebration expectations, try turning them into yearly traditions that everyone knows about and loves to participate in. It’s a win-win!

I am praying for you, homeschool mom! I know what it takes to stay strong when we feel weak, to keep from giving up when it is hard, and to look up to the Lord when we are down. You are doing great! One day at a time, and you will one day look back at all the blessings you raised up for God’s glory.

~Deborah

 Join moms and daughters from across the country for the Seeking Christ Conference at the Ark Encounter, September 20-21, 2024! Taught by Sarah Hancock.
https://tomorrowsforefathers.com/seeking-christ-conference

Todd Wilson

Familyman Ministries

Mom Cares More

Can I brag on you for a minute? You’re the most special person in the world to your kids. My son said as much just the other day.

He was telling the story of how an adult asked him about something and then didn’t even listen to his answer. And how most people really don’t care to get to know you; they really just want to talk about themselves.

Then my son exclaimed, “I realized that, really, the only person who truly cares about you is  . . . your mom.” He was right. My wife truly cares about her children . . . about what they think, they feel, and what is happening in their lives. Others may give lip service . . . but she really, really cares.

The same can be said of you, Mom. Your kids may not verbalize it or tell you how much they appreciate you . . . but they know the truth—that you care more than anyone else in their lives. That should feel good to you.

So keep caring, listening, and loving . . . because they feel safe in it . . . and all the more in this uncaring, unlistening, unloving world they live in.

Be real,
Todd

P.S. To celebrate homeschooling moms, motherhood, and Mother’s Day, we’ve created a shirt proclaiming, “Made to Mama.”  You can get yours here.

About the author

Todd Wilson is a husband, dad, grandpa, writer, homeschool conference speaker, and former pastor. Todd’s humor and down to earth realness have made him a favorite speaker all across the country and a guest on Focus on the Family. As founder of The Familyman and The Smiling Homeschooler, his passion and mission are to remind moms and dads of what’s most important through weekly emails, podcasts, seminars, and books that encourage parents. Todd, and his wife Debbie, homeschool four of their eight children (the other four are homeschool graduates) in northern Indiana and travel America in the Familyman Mobile. You can read more at www.familymanweb.com.

Sherri Seligson

Let’s Celebrate What We Accomplished This Year!

Now that spring break is over for most of us who school similar to a traditional school calendar, we see the light at the end of the tunnel. School is almost over, and not only do our kids get a summer break, Mom and Dad do, too! But our minds start to think about next year: what curriculum to get, signing up for co-ops, how to address character or educational struggles, and more. Plus, there always seems to be one subject we are falling behind in (I’m talking about you, math!), and our excitement about wrapping up the school year is practically gone. How can we rest with all that on our minds?

Let me encourage you by saying that you are doing great! If you have continued to move forward this year, building relationships with your children, reading to them, exploring subjects together, it doesn’t matter if you have reached the “end of the curriculum” or completed the long checklist you had at the beginning of the school year. Think about what got you interested in homeschooling in the first place. Yes, stronger opportunity to learn academics is one reason, but the bigger and better reason is to grow in your relationship with your children and guide them to grow spiritually closer to God as they mature into adults. You’re building character and teaching them to think and to be self-learners. You’re modeling for them a wonder of our God and His creation. And you’re doing it in the best way you can–yes, imperfectly–but using the gifts God gave you.

So, let’s celebrate our wins. Instead of focusing on what we didn’t accomplish, look for things you have done. And rest in the knowledge that God is doing a good work in your children and in you!

About the author

Sherri Seligson, M.Ed. is a 21-year homeschool mom, marine biologist. Authoring Apologia’s science courses, instructional videos, and more, Sherri loves encouraging moms and teaching families the wonders of God’s creation. www.facebook.com/SherriSeligsonAuthor

Pillar of Knowledge

Roger Smith

The Reading Mother

This week I’d like to share with you my favorite poem about reading mothers:

“The Reading Mother” by Strickland Gillilan (1869-1954)

I had a mother who read to me
Sagas of pirates who scoured the sea,
Cutlasses clenched in their yellow teeth,
“Blackbirds” stowed in the hold beneath.

I had a Mother who read me lays
Of ancient and gallant and golden days;
Stories of Marmion and Ivanhoe,
Which every boy has a right to know.

I had a Mother who read me tales
Of Gelert the hound of the hills of Wales,
True to his trust till his tragic death,
Faithfulness blent with his final breath.

I had a Mother who read me the things
That wholesome life to the boy heart brings—
Stories that stir with an upward touch,
Oh, that each mother of boys were such!

You may have tangible wealth untold;
Caskets of jewels and coffers of gold.
Richer than I you can never be—
I had a Mother who read to me.

About the author

Dr. Roger Smith is a family doctor in rural Louisiana, where he and his wife, Jan, raised four adventurous children who are all grown, making their own mark in the world. He speaks and writes on parenting issues and produces brief videos that can be found on Facebook @ParentingMattersNow.

Navigating homeschooling can bring challenges. The Help Me Stay the Course resource offers uplifting messages and practical tips tailored to homeschool moms, serving as a source of inspiration and guidance throughout the often-demanding homeschooling journey. You’ll find this and other resources just for parents at SchoolhouseTeachers.com.