Category — Homeschooling

In some ways it seems like it was yesterday, and in other ways it seems like such a long time ago. In 1992 we began our homeschool journey with Julia. Now, 17 years later, we are graduating Lindsey. It has been awonderful time of learning for all of us, and we wouldn’t trade it for anything. But where has the time gone? Preschool papers are no longer strewn here and there, with wobbly attempts at ABC’s. No more dissections of frogs and cow eyeballs at the end of our dining room table. These memories and many more are forever part of our family. We have loved the journey with our children thus far, but our adventures are not over! Our children have been a joy in our lives, and they continue to be a delight to us.

Our special congratulations to Lindsey, who has put her nose to the grindstone, and is now finished with her high school course of studies. She plans to continue her volunteer work at the medical clinic, operated by the Smelsers, and will do some secretarial work for George at ACSOP, as well as continue work with the various mission activities in which we are involved.

Another homeschool resource that you might enjoy taking advantage of can be found at http://www.homeschoolfreebie.wholesomechildhood.com/  .  Every weekday there is a new item offered for you to download – FREE!   You can subscribe to an email list, so that you will receive a notice about the upcoming week’s free items.  Here is a sample of what has already been offered over the past few days:

• George Washington’s Rules of Civility
• Grammar Land
• Powerful Ways to Sharpen Your Memory

“Powwerful Ways to Sharpen Your Memory” is today’s freebie.  I’ve already downloaded it, and if I happen to remember that I now have it on my computer, maybe I can improve my memory!

Some of you may be interested in a site that is a great homeschool resource.  CurrClick offers a free product to download every week, as well as many other great deals.  All you have to do is create a free account, and then you will receive an email every week, informing you of the free product of the week.

I am currently reading a book entitled “Do Hard Things.” This is a book written by twin brothers, who were 18 years old at the time they wrote the book. They challenge young people to rethink the teen years. The majority of teens are satisfied with mediocre production, because that’s all that’s been required of them. Some teens have been made to think they are exceptional, because unlike their peers, they do NOT participate in some sinful behaviors. While that it is all well and good, simply the absence of evil does not make one exceptional. These young authors, Alex and Brett Harris, challenge teens to aim higher than that – get out of their comfort zone, do not be satisfied with meeting mediocre expectations, and make a determination to accomplish great things. The authors are not members of the church of Christ, and so please keep that it mind if you read the book.

Welcome to my new blog – Journey with Joy. It is my hope that this site will be an encouragement to women who are striving to become more Christlike. By necessity, this will be a slow-going process of building resources. Our family lives in Moshi, Tanzania, where we work as missionaries, and therefore, I do not have unlimited time to devote to this project. Regardless of where you or I live, we all have basic needs and responsibilities to fulfill our role as women. I plan to develop resources for a number of topics: Child Training, Courtship, Homeschooling, In the Kitchen, Marriage Enrichment, Sewing, and probably a few other topics, as well. Again, welcome to Journey with Joy. Let’s journey together and encourage one another in our walk with Christ. Don’t forget to bookmark this site, and check back frequently for updates.