--> Though our lifestyles and methods in which we raise our children may differ, there is one thing we can certainly agree on: we all want the best for our kids. We all want to raise successful children, and how we define that very word, [success], may vary as well. So how can we be certain that our children are headed down the right path, the path that will lead to a bright future?
--> Well, since I am not a perfect parent, I'm not going to pretend I have all the answers. There are days that I feel frustrated with my kids and frustrated with myself in how I had handled things. But ultimately, I carry-on confidently, because I trust and rely on these few truths:
1) These are not just MY (or OUR) kids. They belong to the Lord. They are His children. He loves them more than I do. I CANNOT raise these kids alone or alone with my spouse. I/we need the wisdom, guidance, and leading of the Holy Spirit. Several times daily, I need to ask God, "How do you want me to handle this situation?"
2) God has entrusted these children to me specifically, whether I gave birth to them, adopted them, or they are in my care for a shorter-term. He knew it all along and has placed them in my life for a period of time determined only by him. Not only has he placed them in my life, but he has equipped me to influence them, teach them, raise them, lead them, and love them in a way that is unique to who he created me to be! So I am not going to compare myself to the other moms, who seemingly have it more together/better/easier than me. I'm not going to compare my children to other kids. I'm not going to adopt a parenting-style that fits in a box defined by the latest parenting books, trends, or ideas. And lastly, I am not going to measure my kids' success by the world's standards, but by knowing and showing them that they have a greater purpose in this life. I love what Craig Groeschel says: "We are called by God to unleash single-minded, Christ-centered, biblically-anchored, world changers." This means that as I raise my kids (and live my own life) I know that we have a greater purpose than just getting a good education in school, getting a good-paying job, buying the perfect house, creating a name/reputation for ourselves, taking the best vacations, and so on. Not that those things don't have great value, but I believe that compared to knowing Christ and living a life FULLY in and for him, the rest is meaningless. That's right, meaningless. I believe it is so important that Christian parents know and exemplify this. Without Christ at the center of all we do and all we are, we fall short of the greatness and purpose that he has for each of us.
3) I am going to pray for these kids until I see my prayers answered. Also, I am going to pray for myself and my spouse. And when I pray, I am not going to pray for MY will to be done, but for GOD'S will to be done, in my life and in my kids' lives. I am going to pray for things that can't be answered or fulfilled by mom or dad, but prayers that really take an act of God to accomplish. I'm going to pray that He places in them a desire to know Jesus and to know the Word of God. I'm going to pray that they desire righteousness and honesty. I'm going to pray that they have kind, repentant, teachable hearts. I'm going to pray that they impact their friends and those around them in a way that pleases our heavenly Father. Those are just a few examples of things that I pray. And I don't pray them just once. I pray them OFTEN. I pray for them aloud for my kids to hear, and I pray for them privately and with more details.
4) I have to set the example. The thing I've been most moved by and challenged with, is BEING a parent who leads with integrity. I can't just talk about it--I have to do it. If I want my kids to develop good character, I have to be demonstrating that consistently--not just telling them how they should be and what they should/shouldn't do. Kids learn far more from whatever example we are putting on display, and it's important that a strong foundation is built in the early years, if possible, because the older our kids get, the greater the amount of people influencing them will be. They need to learn and see in us good ethics, righteousness, honesty, faithfulness, kindness, forgiveness, perseverance, acceptance, repentance, etc., because more often than not, good character & character-development isn't being taught or displayed in the entities around us as well as it ought. And these character attributes don't happen overnight, by the way. I am still a work-in-progress! Guess what, our behavior is a choice, but our motivation comes from our heart. Our intentions for behavior-modification will only come from a renewed Spirit. I have to surrender my own way to His way, every hour of every day. I don't have to, but it works out a LOT better when I do, so that's what I aim for. That's what we all should aim for.
--> Being a parent should be a huge wake-up call, because now, not only am I responsible for my own actions and life, but I have children in my life who I am responsible for and actually will be judged for. It can feel a little overwhelming. (Is that an oxymoron? Let's face it, there's nothing little about being overwhelmed!) It can look like a long road to the presumed light-at-the-end-of-the-tunnel. It can seem impossible to survive whatever parenting phase you or I are in. We can be stubborn and selfish and not even desire the things we should as Christian parents. But thankfully, God is an unrelenting, loving, forgiving God, ready to extend grace for the moment you or I are in. He is pursuing us, and bringing us back to him. And all it takes is a moment in which we pause, connect with Him, and surrender. Ask for his help, and then follow the lead. Successful parenting can be reduced to perpetual prayer, giving up, and allowing God to do His thing!
What do you find the hardest about parenting? What have been some of your parenting wins? We all want to successfully raise successful kids. So let's learn from the hard times and celebrate the good times! Here's to you, mama/papa!
Tuesday, April 9, 2019
Wednesday, April 3, 2019
Apple Cider Vinegar
I am not one to jump on the latest fad or trend. It took me so long to even try essential oils! But when I find something that works well, and when I'm passionate about it, I like to share it, because well, I want it to enrich your life like it has mine!
Apple Cider Vinegar. ACV.
It really is a staple in our home. With it I clean, cook, wash, ingest, and more! It is versatile, effective, and cheap. What more could you ask for?
This is how I use it:
*** Cleaning. I dilute regular apple cider vinegar with tap water. Sometimes half of each, sometimes 1/3 water, 2/3 vinegar. I keep it in a spray bottle.
... I use it to wash surfaces, clean up sticky spills, and I also use it in pans before I use soap/water.
... I use it with baking soda to clean stains and get rid of build-up. Pour it in a plastic baggie, stick your faucet right in, and put a rubber band around the faucet to uphold the bag.
... I use it when someone has a "potty" accident. I spray it directly on the "spill", dab it up with a rag, then pour baking soda over it to help remove the stench. After it's dried, I vacuum the soda up.
*** Hair/shampoo replacement. Honestly, I only shampoo & condition my hair once or twice a week. The other days, I either do nothing, or wash it with the ACV spray. This helps with a dry scalp/dandruff, as well as removes the build-up that shampoo leaves in your hair.
*** ACV Tea. I swear by this. It's an absolute favorite recipe of mine, and I share it with singer-friends and anyone suffering from a sore-throat. (Thanks BECKY for teaching me about this!)
First, it has to be Bragg ACV organic/raw/with the mother. You can't use the regular ACV for this. It won't be nearly as effective. I only use Bragg! Use that or similar.
RECIPE:
... make a cup of water or tea, hot or cold. I prefer hot tea, green/decaf.
... pour about a "shot" of ACV in.
... pour about a tsp-tbsp of honey in. Local honey is best. (Google how good honey is for you!)
Drink this up to a few times daily. Best if taken at onset of sore throat.
*** I've used it in recipes such as salad dressings & such, but haven't done so lately, so I have nothing good to pass on. ;) I just want you to know how versatile it is! It also decreases feeling hungry, kills bacteria, and apparently can even improve your gut health.
That, my friends, is how I use apple cider vinegar. Sometimes I take it with tea & honey even when I'm not sick. I usually buy the meijer or kroger brand, unless I'm drinking it, then it's 100% Bragg. Have you used it? Have you tried it? What do you use ACV for? I'd love to hear!
Now go do your own Google search on the benefits of apple cider vinegar. You may be surprised...
Here's to good health and living your best life. Cheers!
Tori
*Disclaimer: use at your own risk. I am not a healthcare professional. I only speak from personal experience and the information I've gathered from my own reading & research. It may not be healthy for all to ingest. Speak with your doctor/dietician before trying if you have concerns.
Apple Cider Vinegar. ACV.
It really is a staple in our home. With it I clean, cook, wash, ingest, and more! It is versatile, effective, and cheap. What more could you ask for?
This is how I use it:
*** Cleaning. I dilute regular apple cider vinegar with tap water. Sometimes half of each, sometimes 1/3 water, 2/3 vinegar. I keep it in a spray bottle.
... I use it to wash surfaces, clean up sticky spills, and I also use it in pans before I use soap/water.
... I use it with baking soda to clean stains and get rid of build-up. Pour it in a plastic baggie, stick your faucet right in, and put a rubber band around the faucet to uphold the bag.
... I use it when someone has a "potty" accident. I spray it directly on the "spill", dab it up with a rag, then pour baking soda over it to help remove the stench. After it's dried, I vacuum the soda up.
*** Hair/shampoo replacement. Honestly, I only shampoo & condition my hair once or twice a week. The other days, I either do nothing, or wash it with the ACV spray. This helps with a dry scalp/dandruff, as well as removes the build-up that shampoo leaves in your hair.
*** ACV Tea. I swear by this. It's an absolute favorite recipe of mine, and I share it with singer-friends and anyone suffering from a sore-throat. (Thanks BECKY for teaching me about this!)
First, it has to be Bragg ACV organic/raw/with the mother. You can't use the regular ACV for this. It won't be nearly as effective. I only use Bragg! Use that or similar.
RECIPE:
... make a cup of water or tea, hot or cold. I prefer hot tea, green/decaf.
... pour about a "shot" of ACV in.
... pour about a tsp-tbsp of honey in. Local honey is best. (Google how good honey is for you!)
Drink this up to a few times daily. Best if taken at onset of sore throat.
*** I've used it in recipes such as salad dressings & such, but haven't done so lately, so I have nothing good to pass on. ;) I just want you to know how versatile it is! It also decreases feeling hungry, kills bacteria, and apparently can even improve your gut health.
That, my friends, is how I use apple cider vinegar. Sometimes I take it with tea & honey even when I'm not sick. I usually buy the meijer or kroger brand, unless I'm drinking it, then it's 100% Bragg. Have you used it? Have you tried it? What do you use ACV for? I'd love to hear!
Now go do your own Google search on the benefits of apple cider vinegar. You may be surprised...
Here's to good health and living your best life. Cheers!
Tori
*Disclaimer: use at your own risk. I am not a healthcare professional. I only speak from personal experience and the information I've gathered from my own reading & research. It may not be healthy for all to ingest. Speak with your doctor/dietician before trying if you have concerns.
HE Will See You Through
(Written in January; accidentally not published until April)
Here we are, 2019! A new year is already upon us. It’s crazy to think that in just a few weeks, we will have been in Phoenix for a whole year. And what’s crazier than that, is to think that we also will have survived living in our RV for a whole year!
School at home is going well. Matt’s work is going well. In fact, the school district he works for hired another guy to do what he does (their plan was always to hire two), and the guy they hired lives on this side of town, so Matt and he are able to carpool! This gives the kids and I a chance to leave home base once in a while and participate in meet up groups. The kids are connecting with other kids and building friendships with kids from these groups, and in our community, an answer to prayer!
Arise Church continues to meet and build community with those around us. It’s such a sweet group of people. Each person is highly valued and deeply loved by God. Whether you go to a large, medium-sized, or small church, (or no church), it is good to remember that. People are not a number, nor are they a problem to be solved; they are people to be loved, as the Father loves them. Over the past few months, God has put it in my heart to be a hope-carrier—to remind people and tell them of the hope they have in Jesus. Darkness is all around us; hardship and struggles are a reality for so many people; but that is not where the story stops. God is the author and finisher of our faith. His plans are good. He is a restorer and redeemer, and no matter WHAT it is, he’s going to see you through. That’s the message I’ve been carrying with me lately, as I lead, as I meet, and as I share.
Matt and I are very hopeful this season. We are still falling short financially each month, and there are other struggles we have, but through it all, I have peace. I feel like we are right where God wants us to be. We trust in him. We are thankful for what he’s walked us through, we’re thankful right where we are, and we’re thankful for where he’s leading us.
Raising support is part of what we must do in this season, and so, although I’d rather not, I am asking for a few more families/people to partner with us for a little while. Or if you are able to give a one-time gift, we would appreciate that as well.
Checks can be sent to Arise Church with the memo “Walker Support” at the address listed below, or you can give electronically at www.arisechurchaz.org/give. Thank you so much for your help, your prayers, and your encouragement!
May you, too, be find peace from God in whatever season you are walking through. He is our hope!
Love,
The Walkers
PO Box 1292
Sun City, AZ 85372
Here we are, 2019! A new year is already upon us. It’s crazy to think that in just a few weeks, we will have been in Phoenix for a whole year. And what’s crazier than that, is to think that we also will have survived living in our RV for a whole year!
School at home is going well. Matt’s work is going well. In fact, the school district he works for hired another guy to do what he does (their plan was always to hire two), and the guy they hired lives on this side of town, so Matt and he are able to carpool! This gives the kids and I a chance to leave home base once in a while and participate in meet up groups. The kids are connecting with other kids and building friendships with kids from these groups, and in our community, an answer to prayer!
Arise Church continues to meet and build community with those around us. It’s such a sweet group of people. Each person is highly valued and deeply loved by God. Whether you go to a large, medium-sized, or small church, (or no church), it is good to remember that. People are not a number, nor are they a problem to be solved; they are people to be loved, as the Father loves them. Over the past few months, God has put it in my heart to be a hope-carrier—to remind people and tell them of the hope they have in Jesus. Darkness is all around us; hardship and struggles are a reality for so many people; but that is not where the story stops. God is the author and finisher of our faith. His plans are good. He is a restorer and redeemer, and no matter WHAT it is, he’s going to see you through. That’s the message I’ve been carrying with me lately, as I lead, as I meet, and as I share.
Matt and I are very hopeful this season. We are still falling short financially each month, and there are other struggles we have, but through it all, I have peace. I feel like we are right where God wants us to be. We trust in him. We are thankful for what he’s walked us through, we’re thankful right where we are, and we’re thankful for where he’s leading us.
Raising support is part of what we must do in this season, and so, although I’d rather not, I am asking for a few more families/people to partner with us for a little while. Or if you are able to give a one-time gift, we would appreciate that as well.
Checks can be sent to Arise Church with the memo “Walker Support” at the address listed below, or you can give electronically at www.arisechurchaz.org/give. Thank you so much for your help, your prayers, and your encouragement!
May you, too, be find peace from God in whatever season you are walking through. He is our hope!
Love,
The Walkers
PO Box 1292
Sun City, AZ 85372
Monday, March 25, 2019
American Living
I watched a video today that caused me to ponder the way we (Americans) live, and the expenses and incomes we have. This led me to create a mock-budget for the average American family, consisting of four people: 2 parents and 2 children.
As you will see below, the first results are for one parent working full-time, and the second totals are an example of one parent working full-time and the second parent working part-time. I’ve created these reports based on averages in my google search results, as well as assumptions about the basic things people live with.
Of course, totals will vary from family to family, and scenario to scenario. So keep in mind that this report was built on estimates and averages for the 2019 year.
See the reports, and then keep reading below to see the questions this data led me to ask.
BOTH SCENARIOS assume $150,00 house debt (or a similar monthly rent),$100,000 combined college debt, $45,000 car debt (for two vehicles), and $5,700 credit card debt, which is the national average.
SCENARIO 1
1 parent working full-time
$1,050.00 insurances (health, life, & car)
$2,550 debts (house, car, education, credit)
$500 utilities (water, electric, gas, trash)
$200 entertainment (internet, cable, Netflix, etc.)
$800 food & grocery
$200 gasoline
$400 savings (retirement, college, vacation, etc.)
$400 miscellaneous (school expenses, gifts, tithe, extras)
——————
$6,100 in monthly expenses
Scenario 1 has a yearly income of $55,000 and yearly expenses of $73,200, with a DEFICIT of $18,200.
SCENARIO 2
1 parent working full-time and the other parent working part-time
$1,050.00 insurances (health, life, & car)
$2,550 debts (house, car, education, credit)
$500 utilities (water, electric, gas, trash)
$200 entertainment (internet, cable, Netflix, etc.)
$800 food & grocery
$200 gasoline
$400 savings (retirement, college, vacation, etc.)
$400 miscellaneous (school expenses, gifts, tithe, extras)
$1,000 childcare services (daycare, before/after school care, etc.)
——————
$7,100.00/month expenses
Scenario 2 has a yearly combined income of $80,000 and yearly expenses of $85,200, with a DEFICIT of $5,200.
*Not included in either budget are renters/home-owners insurance, pet expenses, HOA fees, extra services utilized, uncovered medical expenses, etc.
QUESTIONS:
- Why, in both scenarios, is there a deficit?
- Are worker wages not high enough?
- Do Americans live beyond their means?
- Can we live our lives without these (or any) debts?
- Can you relate to either budget/scenario?
- By living according to a budget with an annual deficit, are we accruing more and more debt annually?
- Are some of the expenses we consider to be “needs” actually “luxuries”?
- Are we willing to change the way we live, either by changing our income or by reducing spending, to stop going into debt and start living within our means?
- If both spouses work full-time, this budget will work out, but as income increases, will expenses also grow?
- What are the biggest expenses and problems Americans face, and what can we, the people, do to help fix the broken systems and/or mindsets that exists?
- What questions or observations do you have pertaining to this?
I’m looking forward to reading your questions, answers, and thoughts on this subject! Thanks for reading and thanks in advance to those who contribute and respond!
Monday, November 19, 2018
partnering with us
For those of you who are just joining our story, I want to say welcome, and thank you for reading! My family and I moved from Michigan to Phoenix, Arizona, in February of 2018. It’s hard to believe that it has been 10 months—nearly a year—already! We moved down here to follow the Lord’s call to help plant a church. We joined together with Pastor Joe Soria (wife Joy, son Ethan), and a small team of hard-working former-midwesterners to launch Arise Church in April 2018. My husband, Matt, does a lot of behind-the-scenes work, including computer-based programs, sound & lighting education & formation, and sets our sound system up each week. He also plays the drums on our worship team. I lead the worship music ministry and meet weekly as a part of the leadership team to pray, plan, and help grow this church to be what God has uniquely called us to be in this community.
It is both a joy and a challenge to help build a church from the start. Anyone who’s helped with a church plant or portable church knows the wear that set-up & tear-down can be each week, as we have been renting space in an elementary school in a Peoria neighborhood. But, many hands make the work light. It’s amazing how strong our little church family (as I like to call it) has become. I am amazed at how God is working in the lives of people here, and it has been a privilege to be a part of that. The people of Arise Church have been a blessing to me as I can only hope and pray I have been and will continue to be to them.
Part of church planting involves raising funds. As missionaries in this city, we have had to raise money both for our church and for our family personally. My husband does work full-time outside of the church to help support us financially, but it’s not quite enough to cover our expenses. We live simply, and are still living out of our RV until we can afford to be in a house. We have a few people who generously give to us each month, and we are so grateful for that! Currently, we are looking for 6 more people who can give $100 a month for the next 6 months or so. We are hoping that in 6 months or so we will be able to be more self-sustaining (after we get on a cheaper insurance plan & redo some of our budgeting). The reality is, right now, we are behind on bills, have put all we can on credit, and are late in paying our rent. So your financial giving will truly make a difference. Just this week, we didn’t know how we would get groceries, and at just the right time, we received a check in the mail, which allowed us to buy groceries (thank you to that family-you know who you are)!
Please consider giving monthly for the next 6 months. It would bless us in a way that both lifts a burden and allows us to serve without restraint, knowing our basic needs are taken care of. By partnering with us, you are, in a way, helping be a missionary to those in this area as well.
Your prayers are important as well! We are so thankful for those who have committed to praying for us regularly. Thank you.
You can mail your check to us to the address below, or you can give online by going to arisechurchaz.org/give. After you put the dollar amount in, you can select “Matt and Tori Walker Support.” Or on a check, be sure to say “Walker Support.”
Thank you! May God bless you as you seek Him.
Tori Walker
Arise Church
In c/o Matt or Tori Walker
PO Box 1292
Sun City, AZ 85372
Matt & Tori Walker
2398 W Williams Dr
Phoenix, AZ 85027
It is both a joy and a challenge to help build a church from the start. Anyone who’s helped with a church plant or portable church knows the wear that set-up & tear-down can be each week, as we have been renting space in an elementary school in a Peoria neighborhood. But, many hands make the work light. It’s amazing how strong our little church family (as I like to call it) has become. I am amazed at how God is working in the lives of people here, and it has been a privilege to be a part of that. The people of Arise Church have been a blessing to me as I can only hope and pray I have been and will continue to be to them.
Part of church planting involves raising funds. As missionaries in this city, we have had to raise money both for our church and for our family personally. My husband does work full-time outside of the church to help support us financially, but it’s not quite enough to cover our expenses. We live simply, and are still living out of our RV until we can afford to be in a house. We have a few people who generously give to us each month, and we are so grateful for that! Currently, we are looking for 6 more people who can give $100 a month for the next 6 months or so. We are hoping that in 6 months or so we will be able to be more self-sustaining (after we get on a cheaper insurance plan & redo some of our budgeting). The reality is, right now, we are behind on bills, have put all we can on credit, and are late in paying our rent. So your financial giving will truly make a difference. Just this week, we didn’t know how we would get groceries, and at just the right time, we received a check in the mail, which allowed us to buy groceries (thank you to that family-you know who you are)!
Please consider giving monthly for the next 6 months. It would bless us in a way that both lifts a burden and allows us to serve without restraint, knowing our basic needs are taken care of. By partnering with us, you are, in a way, helping be a missionary to those in this area as well.
Your prayers are important as well! We are so thankful for those who have committed to praying for us regularly. Thank you.
You can mail your check to us to the address below, or you can give online by going to arisechurchaz.org/give. After you put the dollar amount in, you can select “Matt and Tori Walker Support.” Or on a check, be sure to say “Walker Support.”
Thank you! May God bless you as you seek Him.
Tori Walker
Arise Church
In c/o Matt or Tori Walker
PO Box 1292
Sun City, AZ 85372
Matt & Tori Walker
2398 W Williams Dr
Phoenix, AZ 85027
Saturday, November 17, 2018
faithful one
Have you ever had a season of your life where you felt there was a repetitious theme trying to infiltrate it’s way into your head? If you’re like me, there have been many over the span of a few decades. I can think of several words that have encapsulated the subject matter of each of those seasons, and the lessons that accompanied them.
I believe that recurring themes can be one way God reaches us & speaks to our heart. The lessons I have learned and the revelation imparted to me are not just for me, but for those around me as well. So I try to share as transparently as I can with others, in hopes that they will be inspired, encouraged, and ultimately be drawn into something more meaningful with God as well.
Faithfulness.
“Faithful” has been my word for several months now. (One theme, many lessons.)
And I believe it’s a word for those around me as well. Remember God’s promises; remember his goodness; see his faithfulness in all things, through all generations and continuing on. He is at work RIGHT NOW in your situation and mine, and he’s not going to quit. God never leaves us, gives up on us, or leaves us to figure “it” out on our own. That doesn’t mean we sit idly until something “magical” happens. No. We must pursue Him, be in His word, and worship him in all circumstances. We must be willing to allow his spirit to transform our hearts.
God is the same yesterday, today, and always. He is faithful and good. He loves you. He loves me. And greater things are yet to come. If you’re in a place where it’s hard to see that, hard to believe that, then rest in his promises, knowing that our faithful God will see it through just as he always does. He is faithful!
“Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV
“The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.”
1 Thessalonians 5:24 NIV
“Your love, LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies.”
Psalm 36:5 NIV
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV
Wednesday, November 14, 2018
Education at Home
Getting an education at home.
My husband and I have strived to make our daily experiences “teachable moments” for our kids, from the start. Teaching our kids good manners, including them in (some) budgeting and minor financial decisions, character-building, and other life-skills are all a part of everyday, ongoing, learning. Of course, taking on “homeschooling” has brought a much deeper expansion and commitment to educating our kids at home.
It’s not all glam. (Did anyone imagine it to be?)
Staying at & working from home is new to me.
It’s not always as organized as I’d like it to be.
It doesn’t always go how I plan.
Some days I feel like the kids are getting a better complete education at home.
Some days I feel like I am failing them.
Our small living quarters can get very messy, quickly.
I wish they had a similar friend group like they did before.
The balance of mom/teacher/chef/maid is a constant challenge.
This season has several new elements for us, hat are causing us to stretch, learn, and grow. Though it’s many hardships and challenges, we have realized that we have drawn closer together as a family. Our faith has been strengthened. Our relationships are being remolded into something new, stronger, healthier. I am so thankful for this season and for all that God has allowed me to experience. What a blessing it is to be able to be with my kids everyday! What a blessing it is to be able to manage their education! What a blessing (and responsibility) to be able to give them a healthy and solid foundation on which to build heir lives.
It may not be traditional, nor look like what others are doing, but we are “doing our thing,” educating our kids at home, and what a great privilege that has been!
Tori
My husband and I have strived to make our daily experiences “teachable moments” for our kids, from the start. Teaching our kids good manners, including them in (some) budgeting and minor financial decisions, character-building, and other life-skills are all a part of everyday, ongoing, learning. Of course, taking on “homeschooling” has brought a much deeper expansion and commitment to educating our kids at home.
It’s not all glam. (Did anyone imagine it to be?)
Staying at & working from home is new to me.
It’s not always as organized as I’d like it to be.
It doesn’t always go how I plan.
Some days I feel like the kids are getting a better complete education at home.
Some days I feel like I am failing them.
Our small living quarters can get very messy, quickly.
I wish they had a similar friend group like they did before.
The balance of mom/teacher/chef/maid is a constant challenge.
This season has several new elements for us, hat are causing us to stretch, learn, and grow. Though it’s many hardships and challenges, we have realized that we have drawn closer together as a family. Our faith has been strengthened. Our relationships are being remolded into something new, stronger, healthier. I am so thankful for this season and for all that God has allowed me to experience. What a blessing it is to be able to be with my kids everyday! What a blessing it is to be able to manage their education! What a blessing (and responsibility) to be able to give them a healthy and solid foundation on which to build heir lives.
It may not be traditional, nor look like what others are doing, but we are “doing our thing,” educating our kids at home, and what a great privilege that has been!
Tori
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