Totally Discouraged

"And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed" (Deuteronomy 31:8).

Homeschooling can bring out the worst and best in you. As I sat on the kitchen floor crying, I knew that today was one of the worst. I had put the children to bed early, and my husband was working late. I was hoping a good cry would relieve my stress from the week of teaching, responsibilities, and housework. My inabilities to be supermom seemed immensely larger than the homeschooling blessings, and I felt like I was constantly disappointing my husband, my children, my extended family, and myself. Failure waved its ugly banner over me, and I was tempted to cut my losses and give up entirely. God seemed far away, and I felt alone.

Just when my pity party peaked, I felt a pair of little hands touching my face. Looking up, I saw my youngest daughter looking at me with deep blue eyes and concern on her face. "Mommy," she said. "Don't cry. I love you." In that moment, I sensed the Lord encouraging me through my little daughter's love. Homeschooling was for her and my other children. God would strengthen me to teach them.

Is today one of your bad homeschooling days? Have the failures seemed greater than the successes? Don't lose sight of the reason for homeschooling. God has called you to teach your children, and He has promised, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" (Hebrews 13:5b).

Lord, help me to remember You are everything I need. Show me again how to claim Your strength to homeschool and sense Your encouragement every day. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

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Comments(54 comments)

KATE N 03/08/2009 05:37:13

My eyes were crying those same tears last night and I wake up to do my devotions and this is what the Lord put in front of me... Thank you for being such an encouragement. The Lord speaks very plainly to me through these devotions and I am so blessed by the way he uses you. Thank you!

ROBIN B 03/08/2009 06:04:11

this is exactly what I needed! It seems like this one was just for me. Thank you!

PRISCILLA B 03/08/2009 20:43:06

I really enjoy these devotionals. They give me spiritual encouragement on a Home Schooling level. Some times I do feel as if I'm letting some one down by Home Schooling and wonder if I can do it all. The Bible tells us that we can do all things through him who strengthens us - I'm relying on Christ through faith that his word will not return void.

STEVE E 03/09/2009 14:36:43

I feel so discouraged and depressed alot of the time and can't help but think that the children would be better of at school I feel so under pressure and have a hard time enjoying the journey. It is good to know that other moms are struggling too and when we look to Jesus for help and strength He is always there! thanks for being transparent with me.

DOROTHY W 03/09/2009 18:01:39

homeschooling is a lifestyle, it is everyday, even on supposively no school days or wknds, it can get the best of you and that is what brings you down and overwelhms you (SP). I get alot of days, when my work outside of home takes my time away from learning time one on one with my 9 year old, so my older child helps me there, there is so many times you want to take the easy way out and that is to hand them over to the public school system and get to spend lesser time with them...it's an adventure and a journey to graduation , look up and know that you are loved by a God that can get you through anything that you ask Him for...just look UP!

DENISE W 03/11/2009 14:57:32

I see others discouraged. I'm discouraged everyday. I have hired a homeschool teacher to help me for the past 3 years and next year I will be totally on my own again. Please PRAY!

CHRISTINA L 03/08/2010 06:56:59

I'm praying for the parents who are working with children who have trouble grasping their schoolwork. I'm so lucky to teach children who are able to grasp the concept only after a few times of explaining.

My challenges come from children who've had broken homes. Please pray for them and me as I teach them life lessons, as that is their hardest challenge.

BEVERLEY G 03/08/2010 08:48:39

I know the Lord sometimes allows stresses and seemingly "failures" to overwhelm us. But it is only because he want us to cry out to Him "I CAN'T"! Then is when His sweet Spirit whispers to our souls, "I know, but I CAN". When we truly turn to Him and seek His face, He walks with us and provides in ways we could never imagine. I've been there many times. I'm so thankful for a loving and gentle Father who longs for me to cast my cares on Him.

SHAWN D 03/08/2010 15:19:25

this hit right at the heart of things for me...I just finish reading this book of the bible last week and I shared this verse with my son for a different reason never looked at it for myself and homeschooling I looked at it for him and not to be discouraged in his learning journey...wow thanks for that one...

ELIZABETH J 03/09/2010 00:49:43

WOW! Thats all I can say right now. I felt the very same way last night as I sent my children to bed 'early'. I had recieved a 'just because' gift from my husband and while I was sifting through our family photo's to find the ones with just the right amount of personality to be honored with a spot in my new family photo frame my oldest son leaned back and broke the glass right out of it!!! I just covered my eyes (so they wouldn't see me cry) and said "won't you guys go lay down I'll be in to pray with you in a bit". The truth is my day had been ...crazy...of course it was Sunday so we didn't school, but we have been fight a stomach virus this week so none of us went to church either! While cleaning our mess, medicating our pain, and trying to feed simple soups and Gatorade to my children, I was also dealing with my own cramping stomach. I had thought maybe tackling that frame was the right medicine for me! The kids left the room my son apolagizing every step of the way! It really was a simple accident he didn't mean to do that. But none the less I cried! I was tired, depressed, sick, and I felt alone! That was untill my oldest daughter came in and hugged me. She kinda giggled and told me that I handled that situation a whole lot better than she thought I would. Thank You For Reminding Me That God Knows Aout These Days, And He Remembers Our Needs!

KAREN E 03/08/2011 03:40:30

I feel this right now. My oldest dd is so Oppositional-it's disheartening. I feel like giving up and just send her to school! I feel like I need someone else to do MY JOB for me and raise her. One of my main reasons for HS her was to help our relationship and to get her more one-on-one so she isn't picking up negative feedback from other kids but I just feel she is sooo dominate (even with her younger sister) that I am fighting with her (and they are fighting with each other) more than we are enjoying this process.

I'm handling her 'pushing my buttons' wrong and I need help.

Please LORD, give me strength-more strength than you give HER. ;) lol

I know-I'm being funny but what do you expect at 2:30 a.m.!

KELLY J 03/08/2011 05:39:35

From figuring out homeschool materials and our budget for them for next school year, housework, dealing with attitudes towards school, fighting, competing with cartoons and school, handling the various ages in our home, fixing meals, to just plain having time for myself it is no wonder I have the feelings of just giving up. I have been reminded over and over about the purpose of homeschooling. I have wanted to throw my hands up and give up many times in the past 3 months. But I just can't. Why? Because the Lord has a greater purpose for my boys and our family for His Kingdom. When I birthed each child, I expressed my gratitude for a healthy son and I quietly said "I give this child to you Lord" and he has continued to bless me and give me encouragement through all my disappointments and trials with being a mom of all boys. Thank you God for holding me up when I cannot stand anymore, when I feel discouraged and when the banner of failure waves over my head. AMEN!!

JANET L 03/08/2011 05:42:15

I feel this way too, just feel like putting my son back in school as he's so unwilling to co-operate at times. The housework and everything else, cleaning up after the youngest is driving me up the wall. Feel like sending her to kindy. I feel so tired. However I feel so encouraged that you are able to bless us with these devotionals. Thank you so much. God is the strength of our hearts!

HOLLIE H 03/08/2011 05:44:53

It is so amazing that you sent this devotional today. Sad to admit I cried myself to sleep last night for this very reason. Thank you - all of you Moms for being brave and open enough to share your comments on this subject. How a mom can feel so alone at times even though the house is full of children is a sad wonder to me. It really helps to read these wonderful devotionals and your comments to put it all back into the right perspective. I praise God for the blessings of your wisdom and encouragement.

EDWIDGE S 03/08/2011 06:29:42

Wow ... seems like there was a sisterhood of tears last night. I too cried. I am still only considering homeschooling, and part of the reason for my apprehension is that I know it will not be a team venture/effort (as far as my husband's involvement goes); and I feel overwhelmed"just CONSIDERING homeschooling"that I'll not be able to withstand the pressures of it without his support. But any attempts on my part to convey to him that I'll need him"that I need him (now) more"must come out terribly wrong because they only need to arguments and nights like last night. Early this morning, unable to sleep, I went to the Word when Scriptures like "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstance." (Phil 4:11) and "I will lift up my eyes to the hills from whence cometh my help ... my help comes from the LORD ..." (Ps 121:1-2) stirred in my spirit. I was reminded and comforted by the fact that even in my darkest, saddest, loneliest and discouraging moments, if I can just shift my focus, I will find there's MUCH to be thankful for: a magnificent, excellent, all-loving and powerful God who is DEEPLY INTERESTED in knowing and having a relationship with me; His Holy Word; the gift and sacrifice of Christ; the LORD's daily mercies and provision; my health; the blessing of conceiving and having wonderful children who bring me immense joy (when they're not driving me nutty" ); and a husband who"however unsupportive and absent"is blessed by God to allow for me to stay home full time to care for the family He has entrusted to my care and love. Moreover, I realized that, first, foremost and ultimately, I must seek ALL that I NEED from the LORD. Where my husband is "not there" for me, my LORD God is ever-faithful, providing I trust, ask and abide in Him. I don't know how anyone endures this life without Him. Thank you, thank you so much for this divinely on-time devotional.

HEATHER N 03/08/2011 07:20:36

My Dear Sisters,

My heart goes out to all of you who are feeling overwhelmed, tired, and sometimes even questioning the wisdom of homeschooling at all. Please don't assume that I feel like I have it all together, for I have these days too. But I do know that we do undertake this challenge to homeschool our children because of a conviction God placed within us. He has entrusted our children...His children to us to raise, love and educate in a fallen world.

Our Father knows these challenges...and our weaknesses. He will not withhold blessings of patience, wisdom, and guidance from us...if we remember to seek Him. That is something I have to remind myself to do everyday as my looming To-Do list demands attention. For those who are feeling overwhelmed today please know three things.....you are giving your children a wonderful gift (even if they don't understand that right now).......God will honor your desire to do what HE has called you to do PLUS HE loves you!!..........and finally I will pray today for you and all of our Sisters who are trying so hard to be so much to so many people. God bless!! :-)

VANESSA P 03/08/2011 07:55:09

This is totally describing lots of days for me this year. This is our first year homeschooling and it has been so hard for me. My dh is active duty and he gets home late on the nights he gets to come home. So, I am doing this basically solo. And with 6 years age difference between my son and daughter is has been so overwhelming most days that I feel like setting my hair on fire and running away screaming. I still have a "supermom" complex too. I see other moms who are doing homeschool and running farms and coaching multiple sports teams and also doing pampered chef, tupperware, avon, etc... And I think wow, they are awesome and I want to be that awesome too. I have still not figured out how to homeschool and run my house effectively. I NEVER get the down time they say you need because I am doing something till bedtime. I have had to pray a lot to ask God to help me realize how to overcome wanting to be a "supermom" and asking him to make a real super mom instead!

LENA G 03/08/2011 08:56:10

thank you all i needed this

LORI L 03/08/2011 09:17:08

God knows exactly what we need to hear and when we need to hear it. Thanks for that post. I too have been feeling really discouraged, unappreciated, like all this was a waste of time because my girls (esp. middle schooler) have fallen into this pattern of doing the least amount of work possible and complaining, waking up later for school, etc. And when I told may oldest daughter that if she didn't shape up, I'd have to enroll her in school again, she didn't get upset but looked like she got a glimmer in her eye. I think she wants to be with all her friends and she thinks school is one big party but I've been homeschooling her since she was in fifth grade. SHe's in 7th now and I feel academically, she just isn't trying anymore, and taking her sister with her. On top of it all, my husband works all day and doesn't see what I deal with all day so I am always the one over-reacting. I have so much to do on a daily basis and "Supermom" is really the word to describe homeschool moms. I feel discouraged and depressed and the thought of sending my daughter back to school makes me so sad and angry at her for not even recognizing the blessing God gave her in homeschooling,. All her friends ask their moms to homeschool them all the time and so many flat out say NO WAY and others are so reluctant or can't. She has no idea how good she has it and is willing to throw it all away. Makes me feel she is trying to get away from me. So I pray God will help me through that discouragement. Thanks for this. I will try to remember that God led me to homeschool in the first place. If he is now leading me to stop, I pray for His wisdom to know that too. God bless.

LISA P 03/08/2011 09:20:52

I was so depressed yesterday and was leaning towards that attitude today but NOW I feel encouraged! Thanks! And thank you, Lord, for directing me to read this!

HOLLY T 03/08/2011 12:15:04

All I have to say is timely! Thanks!

KARA Y 03/08/2011 18:39:49

Kara Y

I really needed this. So many times I feel discouraged. I feel like I am a failure to my children and my husband. My husband is a truck driver and is gone most of the time and I want him home at night. However, if he was home we couldn't afford for me to stay home and homeschool our children.

My daughter is 7(miss attitude) and my son is 5. They both fight over my attention when I'm trying to work with one of them one on one. So many days I have felt like just putting them in public school and then I remember why i took them out in the first place and my good friend reminds me that one of these days they will realize all the sacrifices I made to stay home with them.

LAURA M 03/08/2011 18:42:16

WOW! How perfect that I got this today. I have been feeling like a complete failure and it really came to a head this morning. Thank you!

BARBARA S 03/08/2011 19:24:24

Yup. I told my daughter today..."If you don't do your school work, I am sending you to public school." She danced around joyously thinking I was really going to do it because, of course, she did not do her school work. I then explained that I don't homeschool cause I want to it is because God just won't let me go on this. Thanks for reminding us we are not alone and we do this for God and for our kids.

JEANETTE A 03/08/2011 19:31:22

I have my moments of discouragement, Honestly I must say that at the beginning of homeschool I had the idea that I was homeschooling just for my kids to know the Lord and grow with him but in all reality homeschooling my children has taught me soo much about my relationship with Christ. He uses them to give me patient and understanding, he uses them to reminded me of my own disobedience, he uses my children to show me a mirror image of my own heart and greed at times.. I find myself saying don't do this or no do this.. And the Holy Spirit is nudging me saying are you following your own do's and don'ts? God has also reminded me that unless I abide in HIS strength I can't do it.. I must daily ask him to fill me with the strength to do another day.. I have learned to teach others about Christ because I myself taught my own children, I am very blessed to be a homeschooling mother and at the end of the day my motives are to raise children who are aware of the loving God that I serve..

ELAINE P 03/09/2011 06:29:23

AMAZING..Having a day like that yesterday! Things were humming along and our family learns my husbands employer is relocating us to another state. Now we are all turned upside down! It is not easy juggling home schooling, and housekeeping, and child rearing. But the lord encouraged me to home school last year, after too many bad experiences with the public school system. Our family was miserable. Even with all my self doubt, my family is happier. It is a huge calling and a full-time job! Devotionals like this and lots of prayer, and web support groups give me the encouragement to keep it all together. And most importantly my children's constant encouragement.

BRENNA H 03/09/2011 10:07:02

Amen, Dear sisters and brothers in Christ. If i didn't know better, I would think you were reading my mind and looking into our classroom. Keep on holding on to Jesus. My favorite quote for my journey is " Homeschooling keeps you at the foot of the cross." Lay your burdens down for Jesus to pick up. We serve an Awesome God. Peace and prayers, Brenna

DEB H 03/09/2011 10:32:07

Oh my!!! As I read the comments, I realize that none of us are out here alone! The devil makes it seem that way though. I heard something a long time ago at a home school meeting and I have thought about it often.

"Life is NOT about homeschooling~ Homeschooling is about life".

We are to teach out children how to glorify God in this life by teaching them about Him and His will for their lives.

I know for myself, I can get soo caught up in X,Y,Z being done- just like school. I fail to remember that the Lord could be teaching them in other ways.

About the walking- I miss my treadmill!!! I had some of the best times with the Lord, as I got up and walked, prayed, sang..... Many a tear fell on those treads!!! Thanks for reminding me what a precious time it is and that I need to incorporate that routine back (after I get my treadmill back).

May God bless all of us who desired to do His will in keeping and schooling our children at home. May we make the Main thing- the Main thing!!!

LISSA Y 03/10/2011 04:55:50

Isn't it funny how God speaks through others to tell us what we need to hear!!! God is good, and I have been proclaiming that! It is easy for satan to get in our heads, and he plants that little seed of doubt. Thank you Lord for others homeschool moms and dads that are there to add support and encouragement when and where we need it. May God's blessing continue to pour out over all of us! Have a wonderful day in the Lord!

LAURA W 03/10/2011 10:42:19

This year I have had doubts as to my ability to continue homeschooling, especially since one of our children was diagnosed with a special needs issue. I even visited a private school to see what it would be like if we put the kids in school. That visit was all I needed to reassure me that homeschooling is the best thing. Homeschooling is tough, but ladies, we are in the last days, and this is a spiritual battle we are facing, for the hearts and minds of our kids. Let's not loose heart (Ephesians 6)!!!

CRYSTAL M 03/12/2011 19:16:05

I burst out in tears on this one. I too have been crying in my room. My temper making it all worse. I couldn't even talk to my husband the other night, just cried. It seems so much more than one person can be responsible for. I needed to hear that I am not alone. I needed to be reminded that I too am so far from supermom. This is the hand on my shoulder I needed. I will sit with a good cup of tea and light some candles. And pray.

MURIEL C 03/08/2012 03:28:02

Thanks for the timely devotional. We're making changes to our homeschooling, and I'm finding the change harder for me than for my girls. Definitely have felt very unsuccessful, overwhelmed and discouraged this week. It's good to know it's not just me that has these types of days, but also better to have a devotional that reminds us to hope in the Lord.

JOELLE J 03/08/2012 06:54:14

Thank you for this. It's nice to know that we all have these pity parties at times.

BRIAR F 03/08/2012 07:04:41

It has been so helpful to read the devotional and the posts! I had a whole week like that last week!! Sobbing at some point almost every day! Seems like we have not accomplished much in months. Dealing with a lot of strife in the home, mostly hinging on my oppositional 9 yr old. I'm not sure the path God has for us next yr,but I am so thankful to read that so many others deal with and feel the same things as I am.

KATHY S 03/08/2012 07:55:23

Monday I had my hands full, purse, bags for the store, Post office, I went ahead of my son towards the car, he had one more thing to bring from the house, so I said I\'d go start the car and await his arrival for our day out.

I put my left foot down off the curb onto the street, instead of my foot touching the street, it hit the sewer grate, left foot twisted, and in a second, I was laying in the street, my left ankle from what I could see was increasing in size, about 3-4 times the size of normal.

I had just gotten the news from the Orthapedic last week that my right leg was no longer broken, it had finally healed after 3 months.

now I could feel horrible pain in that leg again too.

I called for my son, he came running out and asked who he should call. I said I don\'t know, I wasn\'t thinking clearly, the pain was overwelhming.

I started to ask God out loud \"why\" \"why God had this happened again?\"

As I cried out, my neighbors daughter and her husband pulled up the car and asked what could they do? I just wanted to get up, andf both legs/feet were immobile.

God sent them at the right time, they got me up and I don\'t know how, put me in my car and I drove to the E.R in tears.

At the same time during our drive I was explaining to my son,that I wasn\'t blaming God when I asked him \"why?\", I just wanted to know why, but really, it was not for me to question God.

He let me know it was o.k., and he was sure God understood too.

We spent hours at the E.R. my son patient, loving, and caring, never complained, just kept telling me he loved me.

They sent me home and now, I can\'t figure as to why they did that. They wheeled me to the car and lifted me in, but sent crutches for me to use at home.

When we arrived at our house, as my son was helping me out of the car, I looked at the long path from the street to our apartment, I looked at the stairs and asked God in my for help. About 2 feet into my travel towrads the house, I knew I wouldn\'t make it in.

my son kept saying \"just go slow Mom, and repeatedly asked God to help me get into the house.

A my son watching me scoot, then pull, then when we finally got to the top of the stairs, I was on my stomach doing an \"Army Crawl\" into the house across the floor and then as I looked at the chair, I gave up and just stopped and took a little rest.

Now laying there, I thoughgt in my head, my son must think how weak and accident prone I was.

I started the tears again, He looked at me and said, first to just rest until I had the strength to try and get into the chair again, then he said, \"You are the strongest person I know Mom, you never give up\" \"I love you\"

still In tears I thanked him, told him how much\" I loved him too.\"

After I finally got up into the chair and knew Icould just be stable for a while

I thought about the days coming up and said,\" isn\'t it a good thing that we started homeschooling?\" Knowing I wouldn\'t be leaving the house for a while. He agreed, and suggested maybe I just take the next day off and make up our work on Saturday. How full of wisdom my son is, how full of Jesus my son is.

I don\'t know why this happened, but I know I saw my son\'s love for me and for our Lord Jesus just shine through.

I am now in a wheel chair for the time being, I feel awful physically, but my heart is o.k. God will bring us through this, it\'s just another bump in our travels. And I really am glad I\'m homeschooling, I can teach from right where I am.

God Bless !

DANA N 03/08/2012 08:09:49

My Sisters,

Oh, the tears I have she\'d through the years, and the doubt I have had at times! Satan would love it if we would all give up and put our kids back out into the world where he could more easily reach them! I have three boys through homeschool as of May, and I. Have two more girls in early grades. I have a little while longer to do this. \"I can do all things through God Who strengtheneth me.\" Don\'t ever give up! Even if you don\'t achieve every goal for your child educationally that you would like to, he/she will be spiritually stronger in the longrun for time spent in the home, free from bullying, humanism, and the influence of less-than-godly teachers, some of whom prey on children rather than protecting them! Always remember that a bad day in homeschool is far better than any day in schools out in the world! \"What doth it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his own soul?\" If homeschool is overwhelming you, try a different approach--a different curriculum. It doesn\'t have to be costly or fancy! There are so many people willing to offer advice and help, from the good people at Alpha Omega to Internet forums and local support groups! Pray for guidance, and listen to your heart; you know what\'s best for YOUR child! On bad days, you can turn lemons into lemonade! Stay in your jammies and conduct home school from bed! Throw out the \"curriculum\" for the day and read a book together! Have a picnic on the lawn and do an impromptu science study on ants, and weave in there what wisdom the Bible offers about ants! When your kids turn 18 and graduate and leave you with their souls intact, right with God, you\'ll not regret these tears you\'ve shed and the sacrifices you made to homeschool them!

SARAH H 03/08/2012 09:13:50

Sarah H

I just buried my 13 yr old daughter on Sat. Mar 3. She is the youngest of 7 children. I just want to remind you all that it\'s not about the books. It is about having a relationship with your children. Don\'t let the devil take you down. When life gets tough play a game, watch a movie, go swimming, go for a walk another words do something fun. I am not the perfect mother but in remembering Lavina during her funeral services WE HAD FUN -WE LIVED LIFE TO THE FULLEST AND I HAVE NO REGRETS. Don\'t despair HAVE FUN!!!!!!!

KATHY S 03/08/2012 09:18:19

SARAH H.

I am so sorry. I cannot imagine your suffering.

May God be with you and your family.

03/08/2012 09:42:31

Dear Kathy S,

Your story really touched me. I was in a similar situation when my youngest was born. I had a 2 year old, my husband was working 70+ hrs a week, I had a c-section that I was recovering from, my baby was 6 wks old, and as I put her in the car to go for my postpartum checkup, my foot twisted on the edge of the driveway. I felt it break. I laid in the grass crying but realized I had to have the strength to get up. We have so much more strength through God than we realize. I cried and prayed and managed to drag myself to the car and drive myself to the doctor. Through the next few months I cried out to God more than I ever had and He gave me strength every day.

Your son is wise. He saw your strength and perseverance. He also saw you reach out to God. You may have been asking why, but you were reaching out to Him.

These are the REAL lessons our children are getting. Part of what I have realized on my bad days in homeschooling is that my children are learning so much more than academics. They are learning to cry out to our God when they don\'t have the strength or even the wisdom for the situation. They see my weaknesses, there is no doubt, but they see me admit them and ask for forgiveness and strength. I certainly have my days when I feel like sending them to school but I know in my heart that what they see every day and are learning is SO much more.

My favorite verse for the hard times is Romans 8:18 - For I consider that the sufferings of the present time are not worthy to be compared to the glory which shall be revealed in us.

I will be praying for you. I pray you will recover quickly and not be in pain.

God Bless!

DANA N 03/08/2012 10:03:23

Sarah H,

You are so right! Man\'s \"wisdom\" does not compare with the wisdom of God, and the spiritual is SO much more important than the temporal! I hope that you can find comfort and peace in knowing that your daughter is safe in the loving arms of our Lord who said \"Suffer the little children to come unto me, for of such is the kingdom of heaven!\" I will pray for you today that you may be comforted!

TABITHA J 03/08/2012 10:09:01

I have not started homeschool yet, but I feel overwhelm when I think about it because right now, my husband is being irresponsible (mostly sleeping and playing video games all day) while I work full time and try to get stuff done at home. We are talking about starting a family and I hope that this will kick his responsibility switch in his brain on, for him to understand that I am his WIFE not his mom. In case anyone was wondering, he was in foster care for years until his adoption, even spent time in residential treatment after his adoption, which I think is partly why I think why he acts like that, combined with his age (he\'s 24, will be 25 in November). Please pray for him to be a good husband to me and a good father to our future babies.

STELLA S 03/08/2012 11:59:00

I didn\'t cry last night, but I have shed many tears in the past! Even as I read this right now, I have a 7 year old whining about doing this work. It is a huge comfort knowing I am not the only mother struggling with homeschooling, daily duties, and I work part time. I never feel like I have enough time, and get so discouraged at times that I too, think of just sending my children to public school. I wonder at times am I really doing good for my children or worse when I find myself yelling at them so much. Thank you so much for this devotional and every one you send. It does send me hope and encouragement to keep going. Thanks to all of the mothers out there for sharing your testimonial to help me be less hard on myself! God bless us all for following God\'s will!

BARBARA S 03/08/2012 12:11:14

Ok, so here\'s the thing. I have five kids. I\'ve been homeschooling since my oldest daughter was 13, she is 33 next month. Our last one is adopted, she is 10 years old, and it seems that her sole goal in life is to ruin me. I have never wanted to drive to the school and drop my child off like i do now. I told my husband, I\'m not doing this one more year with her. I can\'t take it. She lies, cheats, and does everything she can to tear down the structure of our home. The thing is after reading this devotional, which I am sure I have read before, You have encouraged me and maybe, just maybe I can get through another year. Thanks and blessings.

LYNN S 03/08/2012 12:23:35

I am amazed today at the number of posts and the length of posts here. Truly discouragement is one of many tools Satan orchestrates against all Moms and Dads period, much less Home Educators...

With that said, I am so thankful for all of the encouragement provided today as well as all of the discouragement and trials shared.

Sarah H, the loss of your daughter is a shocking reminder of how menial our struggles can really be. They seem large and overwhelming but truly all of them surrendered to Christ can minimize them and surely death can put them in prospective.

My prayers go out for each parent. Prayers for peace, restored Joy in the process, the correction of the futility of gazing too much on others, the deception of the belief that we need to follow the pattern of the School system and even the well-meaning advice of others.

May we all learn to value these children through the eyes of Jesus and

not give up and send them back into the fire.

It seems to me that distractions and expectations need to be evaluated and pondered and prayed about.

I know for a fact that process was for our family what brought us to a more peaceful place as we Home Educate our two girls.

I too have had physical struggles and been glad I can recover as our girls continue their lessons and studies. A lot of the urgency was eliminated because we Home Educate. My husband could be transfered also but the process of Home Educating will allow us to be avaliable to do that. No pulling our girls out of school. Work goes with them. To all of the Moms who have children who \'\' want to go back to school\", please stop threatening them and be real and share that you struggle to be a good role model and tell them you are not sure how to do this. May we all remember the effects of our own brainwashing and how we struggle to let go of those activities and lifestyles that hinder and distract and impede what Jesus wants to do in us and through us and all around us!

May we all take the time to reflect and meditate on the promises of our Creator and Savior that are ours to use and live out.

May I please share that I do not believe in the concept of the \" Supermom\".

No one but Jesus can see all, do all and know all. This is dissillusionment at it\'s finest.

I believe that mindset is designed to lead Women away from the needs of our children. I am still struggling on a clouded day to remember that there is no activity, desire, dream or request from others, no responsibility (including church activities) that are more important than listening to my girls and being available to work with them through the intercession of Jesus, to deal with daily struggles, challenges and trials.

They are learning how to conduct themselves as Godly people as we do, They are learning what Spiritual integrity is as they see us meet every challenge with grace, patience and faith. They are learning the value of prayer and submission to our Creators plan for us daily.

They are being prepared for Kingdom living here and in the future. They are being groomed for ministry and missionary and outreach as we live that way. What better or more important education do we need to impart to these precious people Jesus blessed us with, not solely belonging to us,

(how ignorant and arrogant to believe that) but because we have been called to take part in the process.

In light of sharing those thoughts and beliefs (what I have learned after many hours of prayer) May we all take a moment to thank Jesus for the good, the bad, the sad and the challenging, remembering his promise to work out all things, including evil, for our good.

May we freshly consider his death on the cross, to conquer the power of darkness, and his ressurection, to assure us of his ability to keep a promise. His presence at the right hand of his father, to insure his intercession on our behalf as we work out our Salvation.

Please have a great day despite the issues.....

LAURA S 03/08/2012 12:27:28

Ohhh how I know what you are going through right now. I have four boys, our eight year old I fight everyday of homeschooling. He is ADHD and the only one in the bunch to fight me everystep of the way. WE began homeschooling because we knew at an early age, he couldn\'t sit down. (amoungst everything else) We also saw first hand the bullying and confusion about creation that was created by public school in our oldest son. (which we pulled out to homeschool) The thing that has kept me going is our 8 year old has a strong heart for God. We are thinking about putting him into public school next year as I am stressed daily and feel like I am failing everyone in the household becuase of all the attention he requires. Now after reading this I feel guilty for the thought of sending him. The other issue we have is the boys have NO friends to play with. We where involved with two homeschool groups, one of which feel apart and the other has no children that are any where close to his age. We live atleast an hour and a half drive from the nearest homeschool group. Ahhh the frusterations today. Just needed to release this and let God have it all!

Prayers for decisions and peace!

Blessings.

TERESA S 03/08/2012 18:55:19

I started home schooling 3 weeks ago. Primarily I made the decsion to hs to remove my 12 year old from negative peer influences and to increase her learning ( she has wonderful social skills- too wonderful- needed to apply herself to academics). I hoped to improve our relationship, but I decided I would not be discouraged if this did not occur. After all, she is at the age when often peers are more important than parents. It is normal (although very annoying) for many girls to want to disagree, question authority, and think peers know more than parents.

She is applying herself well to her studies. I am thrilled to see her reading more. The greatest suprise was the change in our family atmosphere. I am too tired to do any house work or school work after supper, so I sit down with my kids/spouse to watch TV. My 12 year old curls my hair, talks to me, and I am noticing how much fun she can be.

Since we work so hard during the day, there is no homework or reading to do after school hours. School starts by 730 AM to allow for mandatory reading time (to eliminate the after hour reading that was such a source of tension with public school).

This is not to day all is blessful. She certainly can be difficult. I am constantly monitoring my tone of voice (do I sound critical and/or angry) and auditing my criticism. Am I nagging too much ( I have become a dreadful nag). I try correct only what I consider the most significant issues. i want my daughter to see me as more than a \"a voice that constantly directs, informs, and admonishes\". Today, instead of watching her video in her room, she came into the front room to watch it. I prefer peace and quiet, but I interpreted this behavior as a desire to be near me. So I just smiled at her and started washing dishes.

A week after I started homeshooling my 12 yr old, I started homeschooling my 10 year old daughter. That certainly has made things more challenging. My younger one takes more intruction time. But things are falling into place. We try to do all the regular classes by 12 noon, break for an hour, then read/do Bible study in the afternoon. Changing the routine has made a world of difference in the peace factor. They are just too wound up after lunch to focus on the formal academic subjects.

As for house cleaning, I ask myseff \"does my family prefer a clean home or a well rested wife/mother?\" My mother would never leave her dishes unwashed, but if I am too tired to do them, I rest. Because if I do not rest I get whiny and grouchy. And not even I like myself like this.

RHONDA F 03/08/2012 21:14:00

Like most of you, I could not have asked for a more timely message. I wish that I could take every comment posted here, and put it in a folder on my desk for those days when I need to be reminded of all these things. Our God is truly an AWESOME God! Thank you all for sharing your heart and your life with us.

May God grant you peace, grace, strength, wisdom, patience, comfort, courage and a holy determination to finish what you\'ve started in Jesus name!

DANELLE I 03/10/2012 00:27:05

I can exactly feel the same way somedays. I feel the pressure to make sure my two kids are doing well. Sickness hit my house right after Valentines day and I feel the pressure of trying to get my kids caught up. This is my first year as a homeschool mom and some days I feel like a nag. But reading these has helped me alot and I will make a few slight changes in my attitude. Thank you all for sharing your stories.

DENEEN ROBERTS 03/08/2013 12:07:56

Thank you for this timely devotional. I too can see that I am not alone. Each of you have encouraged me today as I prepare for prayer, worship, bible study, and homeschooling. Specifically, I would like to encourage EDWIDGE S...I am a divorced mom of two children. My son, although in college, had to study from home this semester because of an unprovoked death threat against him. In an attempt to avoid what could have been another Virginia Tech incident, I made the decision to bring him home until the preliminary hearing of the other student. At the same time, my former husband from whom I am divorced, decided that late child support and alimony were not enough to cripple me financially; he decided he was no longer going to pay alimony and was only going to pay child support for one child because his six figure salary was being "taken" by me. In the midst of homeschooling, and without money to retain an attorney, I have to prepare legal documents to prepare "support contempt" paperwork. Two days ago, I had my "pity party"; the weight of my struggles, the reality that we could be evicted at any time, the reality that the electric company could come and cut off the power at any time, and the fact that I would have yet "another" court battle, overwhelmed me but both of my kids were so sweet. My daughter insisted that I lay down and that she would adhere to the schedule and complete schooling in my stead; she laid beside me, kissed my forehead, held my hand and encouraged me. My son completed his college work and cleaned and cooked dinner. That day, they cared for me in the manner that I care (and have cared) for them. Through tears I assured them that I was not giving up, just tired and needed to "press in" to Abba. My daughter encouraged me with this, "Mom, remember, God gives his hardest battles to his toughest soldiers."

I thank Abba that He led me to homeschool.While each day has its own struggles and my daughter is not always agreeable, I am thankful that we had the opportunity to grow and learn as a family. EDWIDGE S, I encourage you today to not be overwhelmed at the thought of homeschooling for you are never alone. The Lord our God is right beside you, aiding you through every struggle, every moment of indecision, and every victory. You, and your family, will be victorious in Christ Jesus because you will be putting Him first in your homeschooling. He never leaves the righteous forsaken. After you have prayed and felt peace with your decision to homeschool, trust that God will guide you...put your hand to the plow and don't look back.

KATHY SPIELER 03/08/2013 14:12:13

Wow! I am re-reading all these posts a year later, including my own and it is amazing how they still touch my heart, and give me strength.

In my own personal world, After that fall, I had a "Heart attack," then 11 more trips to the hopsital, the last one being March 2, 2013. Today I go for an MRI of my brain.

Homeschool is wonderful, although days like yesterday make me a little discouraged. My son just hates Math, frankley, I don't like it either, I don't care to share that as I would then be encouraging him to hate it more!

It took us nearly 2 hours and a dry erase board to complete one (1) page of Math.

At that point I just decided that it's going to be our pace in the math world I guess, and I'm accepting it.

My son has Aspergers and ADD, so, this must be one of his area's of difficulty, so we will accept it, preservere,and do the best we can, that's all God asks of us.

I never threaten to send him back to Public or Private school. I pulled him out almost 2 years ago due to "bullying", I would never put him back in that situation, no matter how discouraged I was.

And, he knows it, so it's not even a "threat" option.

Instead I say, "Remember how bad things were in regular school? Let's thank Jesus that we are able to homeschool". Does it work? Sometimes. He is so good, I have to accept the struggles with the good things, and just keep asking Jesus for help and in particular "Health" for myself so I can continue the journey of homeschooling and raising my son.

Thank you Jesus for each and every day that you give me here on earth with my child, may you bless me with a long life for his sake. Amen.

Christa Upton 03/08/2013 19:33:31

Christina L., I don't know if you will see this, but you must be praying for me & our daughter today! :) Yes, it is hard when she can't grasp it, especially after trying and trying different ideas, techniques, again and again. I will pray for you and yours and the life lessons!!

ARMY GIRL 03/08/2013 21:23:41

I love reading the posts. Everyone is so encouraging and offers so much wisdom. There is so much stress in this world these days and there is a heaviness that many people are feeling. I know I am. But, I thank God everyday that I can teach my children in a Godly, peaceful and loving environment. Sometimes it is chaotic but we always keep God in the center. After the storm, the tides always return.

Melinda Stalcup 03/09/2013 17:45:31

I have a question for anyone who can help. My oldest son is in the 11th grade. My husband and I pulled him out of public school in the middle of 9th grade due to some problems. I have been struggling ever year with his work because high school work is just overwhelming. I struggled when I was in high school, so trying to help him is like he says, "the blind leading the blind!" This year we tried the SOS curriculum because I was told it had videos on it. But in math which this year is algebra 2 doesn't have enough explanation. Is there anything out there that does ALL the teaching to him since I just seem to not be able to? Anything that is not TOO costly? He is getting very far behind and just wants to give up including me. Our Internet is also poorly due to being out in the country. It takes an hour or so just to download a small video. I would greatly appreciate any help, advice, or input. Thanks ahead of time and God bless.

Melinda S.

Julie LaQuey 03/24/2013 09:29:32

Sarah H, Thank you for leaving your comment. What a wonderful reminder. I pray you will be comforted in the loss of your daughter, and I am thankful that you have so many great memories of the time God gave you with her.

Melinda S, Have you looked at Chalk Dust for Algebra 2? It is perhaps a little expensive, but it does give full explanation. Our son is at the same level and does well with that curriculum.

I was just reminded of this verse: "For God does not give us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of sound mind." If God has convicted you that homeschooling is best for your child(ren), then He will give all that you need to do it. We have fear of nothing else when we fear God alone. Just take the next step in obedience to what He has called you to do. Sometimes just one tiny step in the right direction is all we can do, but it keeps us going and we will gain strength through Him to do more. Trust His promises. He cares for you.


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