The Homeschool Mother's Journal - November 20, 2011

In my life this week... 
I haven't posted in the last couple of weeks as I've been busy helping a good friend who was thrown from a horse and broke her ankle.  Not only has it been a huge blessing to be able to help someone else, but I've become much more thankful for my lot in life right now.  I have several friends going through stressful moves (is there any such thing as a stress-free move?), challenging situations, physical problems, etc.  I am busy, I am challenged in my parenting, I have an ear infection...but, I have so much and am so grateful.

In our homeschool this week...
Though life has become a bit busier, we have been able to keep up with our school, for the most part.  While I've let up a little a couple of days, we have, indeed, done school every day.  This week coming up is the first week this year that I'm not making lesson plans as I will be at the hospital with my friend as she has surgery on Monday and I'll be babysitting and preparing for Thanksgiving on Wednesday.  The children will do as much school as they can Monday & Tuesday....

Helpful homeschool advice to share...
I've mentioned several times in this journal to keep on going, even when you don't feel like it.  I'm so glad I've kept my advice as I can now ease up a bit when I have a friend in need.  Helping others is a good reason to take a bit of a break from the school schedule.

I am inspired by....
My friend who was hurt is a single mom.  She keeps going through it all and leans on God and His strength.

Places we are going...
Not very many places other than my friend's house, the store, the doctor's, and church.

My favorite thing this week was...
Seeing my girls do their very best at their violin recital on Friday evening and seeing 2 of them given flowers by their teacher in recognition of the fact that they have used their gifts more for the edification of others throughout this past year.  Though ministry is not about public recognition, I think this act of kindness was a great encouragement to my girls.  We are blessed to have some of the best music teachers for our children and all of them love & serve the Lord - great examples for our kids!

What's working for us...
Focusing on someone else other than ourselves.  I have had to be away from my children more often these past 2 weeks, but they have ministered to our friend by behaving themselves in such a way that I can minister more efficiently without worry.

I'm reading...
Emma's Gift by Leisha Kelley.  This is the sequel to Julia's Hope.  I haven't had a lot of time to read, but will be catching up tomorrow as I wait for my friend to get through her surgery.

I'm cooking...
Potato soup for tomorrow night.  Meatball subs for Friday.  Breakfast for dinner on Wednesday.  I'm responsible for the breads and desserts on Thanksgiving, so Wednesday will be spent baking!

I'm praying for...
My friend, Lisa.  Missionary friends who have been dealing with illness and spider bites.

A video to share....
Two of my girls played a special in church a couple of weeks ago.  By God's grace, I pray they will continue to desire to serve God always.

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