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The Danger of Being “Just Fine”
The comment was sweet and welcomed as it reached my tired ears. Yes, even my ears were tired. “I’d love to help you,” she offered again. “Just let me know how I can help you. I’m available.” In that brief moment, I felt weak, helpless. “Okay, thanks,” I managed. “I think I’m just fine.” I quickly smiled and headed for the door before she had a chance to offer again. Ugh. I was not “just fine.” I was drowning in all forms of work which resulted in snapping at my kids, husband, mother, and people who weren’t even there (yes, tired mothers can snap at ghosts). Someone had offered help,…
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5 Books That Encourage Calmness In Motherhood
I recently enjoyed talking about Cultivating Calmness in Motherhood in a 4 part video series on Facebook Live. We explored several ways mothers can create more calmness in their spirits and homes and why it’s so important. Sometimes, the idea is simple in our heads but we have no idea how to practically carry it out. There are several excellent books that I’ve enjoyed that give practical ways we can do this. 5 Books That Cultivate Calmness In Motherhood Cultivate by Lara Casey This was one of the first books I read when I chose to stay home with my children. Emotions ran high each day and visions I had…
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Do You Struggle With Calmness In Motherhood?
Do you struggle with calmness in motherhood? It’s difficult for mothers in today’s society as we deal with comparing one another. This leaves us feeling inadequate, anxious, and depressed. We’re in week four of social quarantine and we’re all feeling “it.” As a mom, I’m feeling slightly anxious. Regardless of the walks we take, the cakes we bake, or naps we indulge in, our home feels small. Emotions are high. But if I’m honest, those feelings were there weeks ago. I lack calmness and I long for peace. So, that leaves us with 2 important questions, “Can we cultivate calmness in motherhood,” and “How is that possible?” Finding Clarity In…
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3 Things I’ve Realized In A Week Of Quarantine
We’re living in uncertain times. I scroll through social media and every other post is about uncertainty in some form. If it’s not about the quarantine, it’s about the fear of the people. Fear in all forms. Honestly, I’ve been wrestling with some emotions just like everyone in the world right now. Here’s a twist, however. We’re all practicing social distancing and because of that, I’m forced to take some time and contemplate my thoughts and feelings. Here’s what I’ve realized in a week of quarantine. 1. Dealing With Desperate Times Are we living in desperate times? Yes, we are. If you walk into any grocery or convenience store, you’ll…
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My Favorite Books That Promote Rest
Now that everyone is home, I realize more than ever how important it is to rest. Sometimes circumstances (like recent world events) even dictate that time of rest. Depending on your season of life, rest will look different than it did, say, a year or so ago. I’ve come to embrace my changing seasons of life and cultivate a habit of rest in each one. Here are a few of my favorite books that promote restful habits. Books For Rest The ESV Illuminated Bible The ESV Illuminated Bible: Art Journaling Edition is one of my favorite Bibles to use. We love using it during Morning Time in our homeschool each…
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Top Ways to Banish Homeschool Burnout
Are you experiencing homeschool burnout? Perhaps you’re feeling the fatigue of long math lessons and endless toddler chasing. All. Day. Long. I completely understand that ! Regardless of how long you’ve been homeschooling, there’s always a chance you’ll feel burnout. Honestly friends, this can happen any time of year. Perhaps you’re in a tough season of life with endless demands. Take heart! Here are a few things I’ve tried to help banish homeschool burnout and reclaim your joy of homeschooling again. You can read this post that I wrote for the Old Schoolhouse blog here:
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Corrie Ten Boom: Christian Hero
Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this products through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. I love adding Christian biographies to our studies so I was excited to review Corrie Ten Boom, one of the books in the Christian Heroes: Then & Now from YWAM Publishing. Corrie Ten Boom: Keeper of the Angels’ Den by Janet and Geoff Benge was just one of the many Christian biographies offered in this series. How We Used the Book Corrie Ten Boom is my favorite Christian hero to read and study…
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Trusting In the Unknown
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope”. – Jeremiah 29:11-13 (ESV) The shrill sound jolted my tired body as I awkwardly punched the snooze button and sank back into the mattress. My eyes were barely open and I already felt the weight of the day. Tragic events of the previous months clung to my soul like weeds in a garden. I was mourning a loss and hope of mending the broken pieces of my heart seemed so far out of reach. Although birds announced the arrival of spring outside, winter…
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Top Ways to Use Fairy Tales In Your Homeschool
Fairy tales are not only enjoyable to read, but they’re also a great way to teach virtue within your homeschool. We read them frequently around our home and over the years they’ve become an organic part of our lives. I was thrilled to write a post for the Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Review Crew blog on using fairy tales in your homeschool. Whether you plan unit studies or simply read them aloud, these stories are a great addition to your homeschool curriculum. If you’re wondering how to begin with fairy tales in your home, you can check out this post on reading them to your children. There are some wonderful resources…
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The Beauty Of Morning Time
Do you have a morning routine? Starting your day off on “the right foot” helps create calmness in your day. When I started homeschooling, I read about something called “Morning Time.” I was encouraged to start my days this way. A few months ago, I was thrilled to write on this topic for The Old Schoolhouse blog – Homeschooling With Heart. In this post, I talk about what led me to Morning Time and what it looks like in our house. You can read all about it here in this post and try it in your home too! -Danielle
