I’ve been reading on different blogs about the “one” word for 2015 that God had given and I didn’t really have one or really think I needed one (no offence to those who do).
But guess what – I had a revelation and I think God gave me a nudge and gave me a new phrase for 2015…
“NO EXCUSES”
I’ve been doing a lot of thinking lately about how to get my little ones, (9 and 7 years old) excited to sit and do school. Well guess what the revelation was – it’s my problem, not theirs.
I have been expecting them to work hard at their work, while I work hard at my work. We are not working together but we are working separately.
I am feeling pretty remorseful and guilty and somewhat shameful about sharing this.
I finally got it, the reason they aren’t excited is because I’m not excited to teach them.
Now I love having my children home, I always have and I always will, but I have gotten slack in the teaching stakes.
I’m pathetic really, so I believe the “no excuses” is God’s way of saying no more.
- I’m tired, I didn’t sleep well – NO EXCUSE
- I’ve got cooking to do – NO EXCUSE
- I need to clean up – NO EXCUSE
- I need to do the washing – NO EXCUSE
I’m sure if I think harder I could come up with heaps more, but these few are bad enough :-(.
So I’ve decided to get up earlier, spend time in God’s word, do some exercise, do some blogging and be ready to start the day when the children get up.
I’ve also decided to put aside the other things that I feel “NEED” doing and leave that till we’ve finished school.
It’s worked this past week and I pray that I can continue being excited to school my children and have that passion wear off on them.
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Do you have a passion to school your children??? What ways do you stay excited??? Any advice will be gratefully accepted.
This post is linked up at…
Homeschool burnout…yes…I think you have been a fly on the wall at my house at times, because I have in the past said, you need to work on that by yourself for a minute so I can do laundry or wash dishes. Those are my two biggest ones.
We do a four day week and try to keep our activities as varied as possible so we’re not all just sitting and doing book work all the time. And I purposefully lighten the load during planting and harvesting.
I know your new schedule and plan is going to help you. I’m cheering you on!
Blessings,
Thanks for the encouragement, I feel the plan is going well although it doesn’t hurt to take a break day. That’s a good idea too not just sitting around but getting some other activities happening to keep things interesting and moving. I can hear your cheers from here and I really appreciate your encouragement. Blessings
I’m not a homeschooling mama (mine are still itty bitty!) but I needed the encouragement to quit making excuses. Thank you thank you thank you. Lord bless you!
Thank you Rachel for your kind comment. May God bless you as you raise your little ones in His name. Blessings
I’m not a homeschooling mom, but I understand what you’re saying. I teach 7th grade language arts at public school, and I definitely know a thing or two about no excuses. You said it right: children pick up your attitude toward the material you’re teaching. So if you don’t seem enthused, they won’t either. They’ll see no point. So, whatever material it may be, I try to make sure that how I teach it is exciting for me and them as well. It helps the day and the activities go by so much quicker! Thanks for sharing and being so honest!
Thank you Maria for your comment and encouragment, Blessings to you as you teach your charges.
Oh friend, you’ve tugged my heart, even convicted me a little. I homeschool 4 at home and 2 are younger and need me to be the enthusiastic example. I can’t do that if I’m not disciplined with my work. No excuses. Amen.
Thank you Lisha for your lovely comment, you are so right, how can our children learn the disciplines needed for adult life if we don’t teach them, and a lot of that teaching is done through actions. Thanks so much for stopping by. Blessings to you and your family.
Indeed, NO EXCUSE! I’ve found when I have no excuse to make or admit I just didn’t want to do a task I feel better…I did not homeschool my children but know it must be a daunting task. My very best to you!!
Thank you Cathy for your kind words and encouragement. I agree about admitting to not wanting to do something makes you feel better. Thank you again and blessings
So funny, I am a teacher, I teach 41 3rd graders every day, but I don’t think I could home school!!
That is funny Tamar, I only have two to teach at the moment but I don’t think I could teach in a class room like yours. Thank you for stopping by and commenting. Blessings as you teach your little charges.
I can so relate. Winter is a time of real struggle with intentionality. We sleep later than we should and that makes everything else feel rushed. If I could just get up earlier, have a little quiet time, coffee, start a load of laundry, and spiff up, the days would go better.
I so agree with you Kim. I have been getting up at 5.15 am and doing my quiet time and some blogging and then I start on breakfast and the washing and boy does it make the day go better. I get tired mid morning and have to push through to lunch time when I might have a bit of a kip (snooze) before getting back into it. I have to go to bed early though otherwise I run out by the end of the week. I slept in this morning (my birthday) and I must admit I don’t feel quite right. Winter is hard though, we are in summer here so it is a bit easier. Winter the bed is so nice and warm and I like to cuddle in, it will be interesting to see how I go then. :-). May God bless you.
“I have been expecting them to work hard at their work, while I work hard at my work. We are not working together but we are working separately.”
Ah, this is such an important insight and children are so AWARE of the difference in the two postures. I’ve been thinking something similar regarding chores – that I need to use them as a tool rather than an “end.” Use them as opportunity, rather than just being relived something is getting done. Isn’t it good we get to start over every day?! Thanks for linking with #SmallWonder.
Thank you for taking the time to stop by Kelly and commenting. You are right on so much in what you just said – looking at chores as a tool and I also am so glad we get to start over every day. Blessings
I loved this! As a teacher in the public schools, I lose my excitement somedays over teaching too. I am reminded that starting my day focusing on God and leaving my “to do ” list at home while I teach should reap success. Blessed you joined The Weekend Brew.
Thanks Mary, it is hard sometimes to focus on God and what He wants for us. Blessings to you Mary as you teach your children.
Beautiful perspective. I will be homeschool a 7th grade boy next year, while working full time. It’s so important that I keep my heart and eyes fixed on Jesus.
Oh Barbie this sounds like a big job, may God bless you as you carry out all your duties. Keep your eyes focused on Him. Thank you for taking the time to comment. Blessings
You know, I just read another post written along similar lines~ we are not victims. There really are no excuses because we’ve been given everything we need to live godly in Christ Jesus- regardless. It sounds tough, but the truth is that His grace is sufficient. I think we have watered down grace to mean there are excuses for everything. Thinking out loud here, LOL! Your post got me going 🙂 Thanks for linking with Grace and Truth.
Thank you so much Arabah and you are so right His grace is sufficient, it is us who are insufficient. Thanks for hosting. Blessings
I homeschooled my daughters from 3rd grade through high school. Now they are 36 and 34 years old–grown women who are very grateful that they were homeschooled. The time rushes by, and you will look back when you’re my age and realize it was just a short season in your life. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but it should be done with “no excuses,” that’s for sure. I encourage you to keep on keeping on! Because this is God’s will for your family, He will provide all the time, energy, and enthusiasm that you need. How I wish I could re-visit just one hour of that time with my girls!
Thanks Rosemary for your thoughtful and encouraging comment. Our eldest daughter is 25 now and I know what you mean about it being a very short season, where does the time go. I appreciate your comment and appreciate your words of wisdom. Thank you for stopping by. Blessings to you and yours.
I love your honesty in this post! This was totally me last year! I shifted by making adjustments exactly as you’re planning! I get up earlier, exercise, eat breakfast, read my Bible, pray, get our lessons ready, and maybe do a little blog stuff before they get up.
It really helped my attitude (and my daughter’s) shift for the better.
Thanks for sharing and for linking up to the #SHINEbloghop.
Wishing you a lovely day.
xoxo
Thanks Jennifer for the encouragement to keep going and the evidence of how it works. I am finding the children’s attitude is better too in the morning because I am more organised and happy. Thanks for taking the time comment, I really appreciate it. Blessings
I am amazingly proficient at coming up with excuses!! I so relate to this post. Thank you for the reminder, friend. 🙂
Anne
Thanks Anne for stopping by and I am somewhat glad that I am not the only one who needs reminding :-). Blessings