BACK TO SCHOOL FEVER

BACK TO SCHOOL FEVER

It is almost August and I have it. Back to school fever. Yep, the kids are groaning. They don’t want summer break to be over.

 But I am ready to get them back in a routine, ready to start new goals, ready to make a difference. That is my prayer, to make a difference. Not jut academically but spiritually, emotionally, physically and mentally.

Homeschooling is much more than teaching them the abc’s. We are preparing them for life, equipping them for the journey. I want to encourage you (and myself) to think about the journey. Don’t get so over whelmed in the lesson plans that you loose sight of what we are really trying to do (yes, I am speaking to myself here!)

 We are trying to raise children to be responsible adults. Adults that care about others and make a difference! Adults that give to society and make an impact for good and right. We want them to be hard workers, have moral characters, show love and kindness.

 As we get ready to continue our walk through what we call homeschooling lets try to remember that we are shaping lives. Lets remember to love and encourage each other along the way.

Sometimes it is better to be kind than to be right!

Sometimes it is better to be kind than to be right.

I read this quote last week and it really spoke to my heart. How many times do we have to have the last word? We want to prove that we were right. Yes, sir, I told you so! See, I was right!

Now I am not talking about life or death situations here. I am not talking about moral or spiritual choices. I am talking about the little things, the daily situations that arise between us and our spouse, or our children. We know we are right and we will go to great lengths and lectures to prove it.

Maybe instead we should just smile and go on. Maybe taking the opportunity to be kind is better. I know I get in lecture mode sometimes and does this really teach my children to think of others? Does this teach them to listen and really care?

I feel that the Lord used this quote to make me try to be a better, more humble person. This is a very short blog entry but I feel it is powerful. What are your thoughts?

Giggles

Giggles

In this day of terrorist attacks,destruction, and death, it is easy to get over whelmed. The news is almost all bad. I was reminded yesterday of simple pleasures.

As I sat out side watching the kids swim, I thought about what life is. My youngest granddaughter was in the pool giggling. For some reason this child’s giggles always make me smile. It blesses my heart to hear her simply enjoying life. Her giggles are light and bubbly and let me know that she is content and happy.

Life is what we make it. Yes, we have struggles and heartaches but we can always be thankful. Their are many problems in the world today and if I let myself think on them I would be an unsettled bundle of nerves all the time. But I remember that God is in control and I don’t have to solve the worlds problems. My job is to teach and watch these three young ones who are enjoying life with out a care.

I didn’t feel well as I sat watching them and would rather have been inside since the day was actually cool and damp and my throat was hurting. But I ended up with a blessing as they enjoyed their time in the pool.

Life is brief and all too soon they are grown. I am thankful to God for giving me the time to be an example to these three. As you go through your day, take pleasure in the little things. They are really what is important.

SMILES ARE CONTAGIOUS

SMILES ARE CONTAGIOUS

The most important things in life are not things. They are people. People matter,people hurt, people feel, people care, people need love. Unconditional love is what Jesus gave to us when he died on the cross for our sins. The closest I can come to understanding that fully is a mother’s love for a child. We love them when they cry, we love then when they are mean, we love them when they reject us and treat us unkind.Just as Christ’s love for us leads to our salvation, our love for a child can have long lasting effects that we may never see. 

As a mom with no sleep and piles of laundry and so many pulling at us for something, we often feel we have no more to give. But the kind word, a smile, a loving pat on the shoulder or a nice hug can mean so much. When the teacher’s lesson is not going as planned, when the church kids are dirty and smart mouthed, when everything seems wrong tell them you love them.

 I have had the privilege of working with children in the church setting for many years. I would often tell them I loved them and was glad they came. Sometimes they needed a hug and even though the church has a “no touch” policy, you hug them. Knowing that hug might be the only one they get this week or even this month.

 Keep on keeping on for the sake of the children. Whether in church, in your home school, or where ever, don’t let Satan drag you down. He will tell you you are defeated, the kids aren't listening and you're not good enough to be an influence. Those are lies. You may never know the impact you may have on a child until years later or never! 

Smiles are contagious.Sometimes it is all the encouragement that someone needs. Even the most unruly child or the grumpiest adult will respond positively to a genuine smile. Giving a smile costs us nothing but to someone it may be a great fortune. It shows you care!

ADHD part 2

ADHD part 2

How can a child who constantly makes noise and is told a hundred times a day to “use your INSIDE voice” be bothered by a tiny buzzing? I can’t understand the constant distractions that go on in a child’s mind with special needs. Their inability to focus one minute and the the next minute they are so focused on something that they don’t hear your voice. Truly they are wired different.

I can’t understand but I can be compassionate. I can make a choice to be aware of their needs and be kind. I can be my child’s advocate against a world that is cruel and wants to fit them in the mold. I get tired and frustrated many times dealing with my child’s needs. But they are his NEEDS. Just a s a diabetic cannot control the fact that he has diabetes, neither can a child with ADHD, Aspherges, Austism, etc. control their disability.

It is not their fault. It is not my fault as a parent. It is not a discipline issue! My advice is to research your child’s disability. Find a doctor you can trust to trust you as the caregiver. But most of all trust your gut. You are the child’s parent and you know how and when they learn best. You will find some friends and family members to help and encourage you but many of them will not understand! Your child does not have to fit the mold. They are fearfully and wonderfully made by God and He makes no mistakes!

I ask my son who is 11 to vacuum and he went and put on noise canceling head phones before he did. OK? The vacuum is not near as loud as he is? We have know idea of the simple things that bombard their brains. Little things that make them uncomfortable and scared.

This BBC video is so simple but speaks volumes. Please watch and be encouraged!

Richard and Jaco: Life with Autism

https://www.facebook.com/BBCStories/videos/10155005236515659/

ADHD

My youngest son has ADHD. At times this has been a struggle for our entire family. His unpredictable moods and struggles catch us all off guard at times and are frustrating. His constant motion and/or humming are often irritating. I have answered the question "why does he do that" many times. I have seen strangers and friends criticize our discipline or as they think our lack of it.

Children with special needs have to be dealt with in special ways. They don't always react or 

understand they same as other people. They need extra time to think and absorb a command or request.Change and interruptions can be devastating. Much love ,patience, and kindness is needed to help these children. But isn't that what we all need? Love,kindness and patience? The world would be a much better place if we stopped putting each other in a mold and realized that we are all different. 

We are all special to the Creator.Walk a mile in their shoes and then give me your advice.I am so touched and thankful when someone does understand and care. This poem was a post that my daughter put on face book this week. I cried as I read it because she gets it! She understands and cares what her brother goes through each day.Thank you Heather Spears!

 If you have or work with a special needs child, be encouraged! They are a GIFT from GOD!

ADHD

My brother, Daniel has ADHD. I love you kiddo. ❤

Take my hand and come with me,
I want to teach you about ADHD.
I need you to know, I want to explain,
I have a very different brain.
Sights, sounds, and thoughts collide.
What to do first? I can't decide.
Please understand I'm not to blame,
I just can't process things the same.
Take my hand and walk with me,
Let me show you about ADHD.
I try to behave, I want to be good,
But I sometimes forget to do as I should.
Walk with me and wear my shoes,
You'll see its not the way I'd choose.
I do know what I'm supposed to do,
But my brain is slow getting the message through.
Take my hand and talk with me,
I want to tell you about ADHD.
I rarely think before I talk,
I often run when I should walk.
It's hard to get my school work done,
My thoughts are outside having fun.
I never know just where to start,
I think with my feelings and see with my heart.
Take my hand and stand by me,
I need you to know about ADHD.
It's hard to explain but I want you to know,
I can't help letting my feelings show.
Sometimes I'm angry, jealous, or sad.
I feel overwhelmed, frustrated, and mad.
I can't concentrate and I lose all my stuff.
I try really hard but it's never enough.
Take my hand and learn with me,
We need to know more about ADHD.
I worry a lot about getting things wrong,
Everything I do takes twice as long.
Everyday is exhausting for me...
Looking through the fog of ADHD.
I'm often so misunderstood,
I would change in a heartbeat if I could.
Take my hand and listen to me,
I want to share a secret about ADHD.
I want you to know there is more to me.
I'm not defined by it, you see.
I'm sensitive, kind and lots of fun.
I'm blamed for things I haven't done.
I'm the loyalist friend you'll ever know,
I just need a chance to let it show.
Take my hand and look at me,
Just forget about the ADHD.
I have real feelings just like you.
The love in my heart is just as true.
I may have a brain that can never rest,
But please understand I'm trying my best.
I want you to know, I need you to see,
I'm more than the label, I am still me!!!!
~Author Unknown

The missing puzzle piece!

ARE YOU A PUZZLE PIECE?

I enjoy jigsaw puzzles once in a while. We spend hours looking for that one piece that is a perfect match. The piece has to fit on all sides, each angle and indent matching. If we try to fit another piece in that spot it doesn’t work. We can try pushing and turning the piece but it will not fit.

As Mothers ,homeschoolers, teachers etc. we often try to make our child “FIT”. Our children, as well as we ourselves, were made by God and have a unique purpose. We fit in a special place. I read a quote that talked about each of us fitting in someone else’s life. With out that puzzle piece (us) that person's life will not be complete.

This speaks to me in two ways, The first being that we need to teach and guide our children without trying to make them something they are not. They each have special and unique talents, attitudes, and abilities given them by God. We cannot and should not try to make them "fit".

I have been actively homeschooling for 25 years. My four children and 2 grandchildren are all different. They learn differently, they help in different ways, they have different character qualities, and respond differently. As their mother/teacher I need to teach and guide them in ways that they understand. This is not always easy! They are all different! It seems like just as we get comfortable with one teaching style we have to change things up! Be patient, (I am speaking to myself), be kind, let them be who they are.

 My homeschool day looks so different now with my youngest son(who has ADHD) and two granddaughters, than when I began teaching my oldest daughter 25 years ago! But that is okay!

Secondly, I realize that I too am a puzzle piece. God has placed me in peoples lives for a reason. I may not always know the reason. We may never know the impact we have on someone else. A smile,a pat on the back,or encouraging words may be just what the child in your church class, the young mother, or visitor at church  needs. Don’t underestimate the impact you can make in someone’s life. We here the phrase “Bloom where you are Planted”. Take time to be that mother, teacher, friend, neighbor or spouse that God has called you to be.

Phil. 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.