A mom who has a blog and puts her self out there and knows she will get criticized. A mom who doesn't have the best writing skills but still chooses to share her heart. A mom that people watch closely and judge. A mom that knows not everyone agrees with her. A mom that gets emails about what she is doing wrong. A mom that has horrible spelling and admits it. A mom that is doing her best but often doubts about the quality of education her children are receiving. A mom that sometimes thinks she spends more time as a referee than a mom/teacher. A mom that has a lot going on and feels a bit over whelmed. A mom who remembers the school around the corner that is in a good district, it's free and it's convenient. A mom who lives in a world where temptations of satisfying self are everywhere and she is often tempted!
A mom that has a big fear.
A mom that also feels convicted in her own heart about sending them. A mom that knows it's more than just academic education. A mom that tries to take one day at a time. A mom who tries to just be one day smarter and one step ahead of her kids. A mom who tries to measure all her decisions with the Word of God. It is the truth and the standard on which she lives by.
A mom that really isn't even organized. A mom who doesn't have an extra dose of patience. A mom that makes mistakes. A mom that really has no special talents that equip her to be a good mom much less a supermom. A mom with no credentials or experience. (Heck, I didn't even know how to change a diaper before I had Aut , so really I didn't even qualify to be a mom, or a wife...I was lucky if I knew how to boil water when I got married at 19) A mom that all she has is God. A mom that knows God is enough!
A mom that knows God never promised us that homeschooling and nurturing the souls of our children would be easy. In fact, He never promised serving Him in any area of life would be easy.
A mom that knows everyone who has been given much, much will be required. A mom that wants to make sure her little "arrows" are finished. Arrows that are straight, sharp, and sure of their mark and make an impact.
A mom that knows that her child's very souls are at stake, and doesn't want to risk having them taught hours of contrary to God's truths. A mom that knows the school is an atmosphere that denies God's existence.
A mom that can take it lightly but chooses to take this season in her life very serious. A mom that has a goal in mind. A mom that is willing to die to herself daily to reach her goal with God's help.
A mom that tries to remember Gal. 6:10 "Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary"
and A mom that knows she can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens her, even when the world tells her she can't.
A mom that wants to encourage other moms to read "The Heart of Home Schooling by Christopher Klicka
also, Home Schooling: The Right Choice by Christopher Klicka (He's the attorney for the Home School Legal Defense Association HLDA)
A mom that really thinks you should read these books!!!!!
A mom who wants to know if anyone else has read these books???
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23 comments:
I was never the smartest kid in school.
As long as I passed, my parents were happy.
I never valued education.
I graduated but knew that I would never go to college.
It just wasn't me.
I was artsy, or crafty. You know, those people!
I got married when I was 19.
Full of love but knowing nothing about making a marraige work. All that we knew is that God had to be the center of us, as well as the head.
We went to church, out of church, continued this for 9 years...exhausting!
God changed our lives by providing a new job, in a new town, new friends, and a wonderful church family.
I started homeschooling.
You would have thought that I committed a crime!
Some of my family were furious!
Then all the doubt came flooding back again.
Can I do this?
Am I smart enough??
Do I value education???
But I jumped in. I don't always do my best everyday but I do try. If God wants me to homeschool my children then he will equip me to do it!
So we are on year 1 1/2 of homeschooling. (I took them out when they were in 2nd grade, now they are in 3rd.)
I'm in school for photography, mostly just online though.
I made the dean's list back in August.
Did you hear me...I made the dean's list. I made an A in English! An A. This is someone who is terrified of writing..terrified!
I haven't made the honor roll since the second grade!
I'm proud of myself.
But not because of making the dean's list.
I'm proud that I for once....did it.
I proved it to myself that I am not stupid.
That even though I struggled in high school, reflects nothing of me know.
God can do anything.
He will equip us!
He is the EQUIPTER! (I know that is not a word and yes, it is spelled wrong!)
I think people sometimes forget that HE is all wise.
That is hard to fathom sometimes, but it is true.
What I really meant to say was...
God gave you your children for a reason.
No one, not one, is more equipped to teach them than you are.
He will provide what is necessary.
God Bless you and keep looking UP!
Here is to spell check!
Tammy Kay
I also just realized how many grammatical errors are in that post..... of course it is before 7 am on the east coast. :)
Wow!! You were busy tonight. :) We are all works in progress. None of us are perfect. But God loves us no matter what.I think you are doing a fantastic job of teaching and raising your children. I hope I strive to be like that. I am a mess. But God has given me this desire, so I know that he'll help me acheive it.
Also, did you know that Mr. Klicka is stepping down for a while cuz of his health? He needs our prayers.
This makes me love you even more! Thanks for being willing to share your imperfections and your life with us. You encourage and inspire us!
(PS - I'm starting home PK next week with my oldest, who is basically like a loose ball in a racquetball court. LOL. )
I put myself out there everytime I post something.I know I'm judged on so many levels. I know that there are some folks that read my blog that are only doing so to keep a tally of all the things I buy my three daughters and what I do with my time now that my two older kids are in college. I have been a stay at home mom since I gave birth to my oldest (almost 20 years ago) and now that I only have one at home some think I should now no longer stay home for her. (HMMM how sad would that be?) I know my spelling is really bad. I guess I never paid attention during class! I always proofread but am totally embarrassed when I read back over something I've posted a few days later and find spelling and grammar mistakes. I am 44 and I woke up a year or so ago and couldn't read squat. My eyes "broke" over night. So most of the time I can't even see what I am posting.
My youngest is in a private christian school and we struggle daily with making the right decision for her and our family. Do we want to send her to a public high school like we did with our other two?
I don't know you except for over this blog but I just wanted you to know that I got you back.
I love this post!!
I think I may have commented to you once or twice before but I can't really remember, (that eventually goes too btw, haha) but I do read your blog pretty often. And I just want to encourage you to continue on with you are doing. I think you are doing a FANTASTIC job. I was a stay at home mom through all my child rearing years. We "somehow" managed to keep them all (I have 4 kids) in Christian school or I would have home schooled as well. In today's world and economy I would have had to home school for sure. And I will tell you very honestly, if I had it to do over again, I WOULD have home schooled. My kids (praise God) all ended up doing really well, but there were MANY struggles along the way we might have avoided. They all walk with the Lord today, (including one who is a youth pastor) but it was a LONG twisting road for sure. I can tell you know from the way you write, but you have been given a VERY important job here on this earth and I for one think you are doing a GREAT job and encourage you to press on to the mark. Blessings...Debbie
You still are NO ORDINARY MOM! You have a vision and your heart is turned towards the Lord!!! KEEP SHINNIG FOR THE LORD!!!!!
THANK YOU!! you have always been an inspiration, for the very reasons you think might make you less then super mom...you share the things we all go through, feel, and sometimes are afraid to admit :) keeping it all real with the Word!! Love the book and the man ;)
I have no doubt there are MANY people who could identify with many things you mentioned in this post, if not all. (I know I do!) Thank you for being so transparent.
And I am going to check right now to see if our library has either of those books!
Keep up the great work!
Thanks, sweet sister, for your kind encouragement and authenticity. It is good to have you on my team. :)
I'll look for the books ...
Everything you are feeling is natural because every mom feels that way, especially mom's that care, there are alot out there that don't. I second guess EVERYTHING everyday.....
God has belssed you with a special gift, you are doing great, your beautiful inside and out, your children are a reflection of you and our hubby.... don't worry about what others say, they are jealous, envyous....don't change a thing Bridget....
See you soon,
Marie
I think you are an amazing mom! Keep doing what you are doing! :)
Thank you!!! Your post and Tammy Kay's reply brought me to tears. I also was married at 19 and now have a 1 1/2 and 3 y/o whom I am contemplating homeschooling. It is heavy on my heart. I feel like when tears are shed God is speaking to me. Thank you Thank you Thank you! I am going to look into those books! You are an amazing inspiration!!!!!
You are doing a great job. I was never once spoken to about God as a child. When I was 24 and my husband was overseas in the military it was God that helped me through that time. I began reading the bible and now have a deep relationship with Jesus. Your children will be fine, even if they struggle when finding their path. I'm living proof that it is God and only God that leads us to Him. He invited me to love and be loved, even if it took 24 years for me to hear Him. So continue to do the wonderful job that you are doing and being he shining example of God's love that us women are born to be....but remember it's ultimately in His hands. No worry or fear necessary:)
I love that you are so candid on here. But, please don't ever think of yourself with the starting phrase "just a...." because you are an inspiration to many people.
I think it's great that you home school and I bet I will want to someday when I have kids, too. However, being a Republican school teacher makes me feel like my students need someone who isn't corrupted by today's society. I believe in God and hope that I am living my life as an example for those who need to be uplifted.
You are doing the best job you can and it definitely shows! Your children and husband are lucky, lucky, lucky!!!
Another Christian, Republican public school teacher here. Although I respect those who homeschool, I feel that my daughter takes God with her every day and sets a beautiful example at her public school. I feel that I do the same for my students (they all know that I am a Christian). My greatest fear is that we are missing so many of those examples and opportunities for children to do God's work when they are not at school. Just a thought...
Keep up the great work Bridget!
Bridget, wonderful post!! So nice to know that other moms out there have the same feelings and struggles. And I agree that you are NOT "just a" this or "just a" that. As we all pursue God's best for our families you are an encouragement and inspiration, perfection or not. And I just wanted to say to Adrienne, with the utmost respect and kindness.... first of all that I applaud you as a teacher and especially as one that stands her ground for Jesus, but the age old argument about our children bringing the light of Jesus to the schools doesn't wash with me or God's word. Children are not fully trained and should not be expected to be missionaries at such a young age. That's like sending a 5 year old to the mission field. They are just not fully prepped to defend their faith yet in that capacity. The school system is too much of a bombardment at a time of intense growth and molding. And unfortunately the chances that they will influence those around them in that environment is extremely slim. Chances are it will be the other way around. Our job as parents is to follow the Biblical mandate to disciple our children (Deut. 6) and prepare them for the day that God calls them to do something amazing. Jesus didn't even start His ministry until his 30's. Luke 6:40 says that, "Students are not greater than their teacher. But the student who is fully trained will become like the teacher." And the school system in general is the biggest teacher for many hours each day. Not just the handful of Christian teachers is there to shape them. The Godless curriculum is there, their peers are there, and those teachers who are not believers are there. And they are who/what is molding our children all day in a way that God commands against. For an average 14,000 hours of instruction vs. MUCH less from parents and church no less.) Now don't get me wrong, I have nothing against teachers at all. I think as teachers, you are adults. Adults who have had the chance to be discipled and trained to defend your faith. And the more teachers like that in the system the better. We need them for those children whose parents don't understand the benefits of homeschooling, and/or can't afford to send their children to a Christian school, or for those who are completely lost. We need teachers who lead Bible clubs, prayer meetings, etc. But that is different than sending a child. Too much scripture instructs that it's just not wise. I can provide a list if you would like, but I encourage you to dig in for yourself. I mean no disrespect, but I think that argument is simply not valid.
Bridget, keep the faith sister. Remember that it's okay if they hate you, they hated Jesus first. I know that doesn't always make you feel better when the evil comments/emails are coming to your inbox, but the enemy wouldn't be attacking you unless you were doing something to advance the kingdom of God.
((hugs))
God made you special, and he loves you very much -Bob The Tomato-.
He intrusted five beautiful children to you and your husband.
We teach them about Jesus and that is what matters by the end of the day.
Deut.6
Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God is one Lord [the only Lord].
And you shall love the Lord your God with all your [mind and] heart and with your entire being and with all your might.
And these words which I am commanding you this day shall be [first] in your [own] minds and hearts; [then]
You shall whet and sharpen them so as to make them penetrate, and teach and impress them diligently upon the [minds and] hearts of your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down and when you rise up.
And you shall bind them as a sign upon your hand, and they shall be as frontlets (forehead bands) between your eyes.
And you shall write them upon the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
OH! I am reading "Homeschooling the Right Choice" right now. My husband has already read most of it. I am having a hard time trying to sit down and read it since I am doing our lesson plans for school too! ugh.
Another, Christian, Republican, Public School Teacher. . .who also respects those who choose to homeschool! I love reading your blog. You are a very special Mom! I don't what criticism you have gotten, but keep doing what you are doing for your family.
Get over yourself!
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