Robyn, Stef, Sue, and Susan started The Homeschool Village with a desire to provide a place of connection and encouragement for homeschool moms. Each week, they have a link up party at Layton Family Joy, focusing on a new topic of discussion that is applicable to the homeschooling mom. During the rest of the week, they share encouragements (and Starbucks) through their facebook page and tweets! If you are a homeschooler, I know that you will be glad to hang out at the Village! This weeks link up party is to share a favorite book you have found in your homeschooling journey.
I have been homeschooling for almost 6 years. Yes, that sounds like an eternity to me, too. But really, it has flown by. For me, it is not so much about teaching my girls. It is about being with them and discipling them. I do teach math, language, history, science and the like, but our focus is doing life together. I have never been one to read a lot of “how to books” on the subject of homeschooling. So the book I am going to share with you is really a heart book. My pick is:
The Ministry of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson:
One of my favorite parts of the book is when she describes the ministry of Christ:
“The night before Jesus was to be crucified, his heart and mind must have been filled with weariness and exhaustion at the thought of what he would soon endure…But instead of just telling them (the disciples) what to do, harshly commanding their allegiance with orders and threats or guilt and manipulative statements, he chose to tie the cords of his heart to theirs with the strong and unbreakable bond of a loving, serving relationship. Jesus spent his last night on earth with his disciples in service to them.” Pages 34,35 (excerpts)
When I first read these words I thought, “Jesus understands me. The disciples really were like little children. My mothering is a ministry.” I can’t tell you what a difference this has made in my life as a mom who also happens to homeschool. Every day I have a choice to tie the cords of my heart to theirs. Some days I do better at this than others. But it is always my goal. I pray that they remember, not just the lessons at the table, but the relationships we built around it.
Looking Forward,
P.S. Sally has a beautiful blog called I Take Joy that you really should visit! I know her words will encourage you!
I have been homeschooling for 8 years and it seems like we just started yesterday. Especially since I have 2 little ones just beginning. I will be sure to check out the book you mentioned. It sounds great!
this is new to me, thanks! (I was wondering about where the title of your blog came from, now I know 🙂 )
Stacey, how I share the sentiment of your post! I turn back to both the Ministry and the Mission of Motherhood periodically… reminding myself that THIS is my mission… my true ministry… to be handled with heart work more than hard work. Sally is a treasure… and so are you! So glad to share a bit of our journey together. ~Suz
Oh, that book sounds so wonderful! Mothering truly is a ministry connected to God's heart.Blessings to you,Sue 🙂
I love what you've said here! So true, motherhood is a ministry.
I’m going to check out this book. I need it! 🙂 Thank you for sharing it.