An Extra Dose of Encouragement

The stacks of books, folders, and papers was endless.
Our bookshelves and my energy reserves emptied.
The room was in shambles.
We were suppose to be starting school in a couple of weeks,
and I couldn't see table tops or the floor.

It was a mess.
Would I ever get this room organized and ready for our first day?
Would I ever be ready?

The schedule still needed tweaked.  The hours and days seemingly not enough time.  The doubts crept into my mind stealing my peace and confidence.  Could I really teach four children at four different levels most, if not all their subjects?  Who was I trying to kid?  Was this, our family homeschooling, really possible?

Then, I did what I do every year: cry on my husband's shoulder, pray, and seek encouragement.  Every year, God grants me peace about our decision.  And, every year, I find an extra dose of encouragement. 

This year, I found encouragement and humor in Todd Wilson's Lies Homeschooling Moms Believe, a quick read that bolstered my flailing courage.  Mixing humor with common sense, Wilson tackles the lies we homeschooling moms believe from time to time.  Some of these lies include "Everyone else's kids are better," "Everyone else can do it all," and "Everyone else is more capable."  I think I have believed every one at some point on this homeschooling journey.  In a separate section, Wilson offers sensible solutions and truths based on God's Word to renew our minds and rejuvenate our confidence.

Some of the other books that have encouraged me on our homeschool journey are:

When You Rise Up, by R.C. Sproul Jr.
Beyond Survival, by Diana Waring
Help for the Harried Homeschooler, by Christine Field
Home Sweet Homeschool, by Sue Maakestad
Homeschooling at the Speed of Life, by Marilyn Rockett

Two encouraging books for homeschoolers that my husband has are:
Help! I'm Married to a Homeschooling Mom, by Todd Wilson
The Homeschooling Father, by Michael P. Farris


We have now completed our fourth week of school this year, and I am pleased with our progress.  The new schedule and new organization of our school room have made a huge difference in our days.  They were truly worth the time, effort, and perseverance it took to put into place.