Two years of TOS for only $39, 19 FREE GIFTS and Teacher's Toolbox?!?

 Don't let this deal slip away.

Greetings!

Ever feel like there is not enough of you to go around? Or that if you are stretched any thinner, you will evaporate? Have you ever been here: So busy, there's not even time to eat? So many coming and going, so much schooling and diaper changing and laundry and wiping tears and training moments, that there's not even one minute to rest? I have-and for many years, it has been the daily picture of my life. These years can be overwhelming and drain every drop of energy we have. Discouragement begins to settle in, but before it does, let me say this: We were created to serve. And in this serving, we honor the One who created us to do so. So, take heart-you are only doing what you've been created to do. And, He says if we learn of Him, we will find rest for our souls. Our bodies may get tired, but our hearts don't have to fall apart. We can have inner peace in the midst of tired bodies.

However, our Creator also knows that we need physical rest, so He said, "Come with me to a deserted (or quiet) place and rest." That's actually in the Bible (Mark 6:31), and it's actually Jesus speaking to his disciples. The disciples had just come back from being sent out, and they were telling Jesus all that they had done and taught, and He said to them, "Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while. For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat." (NKJV) If you find yourself with not even enough time to eat, do what Jesus said and rest awhile.

Tell Jesus about your comings and goings and teachings and serving. He wants to minister to us so that we will be refreshed when we are sent out to serve our family and our world again and again. That means we ought to make it a habit to come to Him often in order to be often refreshed.

Jesus is that friend you can pour your heart out to any day, any time, any situation, without judgment. And, when we are sent out, He says He goes with us. He said He would be with us to the end. Talk about moral support! He's not only FOR us, He is WITH us. His power in us gives us His strength in our weak physical bodies. He knows our frame, that we are but dust, and He has provided rest for our souls.

Find a corner and pray. He will refresh you and strengthen you for the next step. Maybe you feel like you can only do one more thing and then need to come back to Him again-that's a good thing! Keep on coming, and soon your strength will return so you can gather all your loved ones and just be still together and relax together and share life and love and God with each other. Come home to Jesus where you belong.

Coming with you,

~Deborah

TOS Senior Editor 

 ____________________________________________

If you ever happen to have the pleasure of eating in the same restaurant as my family, you might see one of the saddest sights you've ever witnessed. It's typically at the end of the meal, but it doesn't happen all that often. Usually it begins with the question: "Will you be ordering any dessert tonight?"

Most of the time, we say, "No . . . not tonight."

But every once in a while, we'll "splurge" and say: "Yes, we'd like ONE cookie monster dessert . . . and TEN spoons."

In a world where everyone is supposed to get his own dessert, I'm sure ten Wilsons huddled around a single dessert looks pathetic to some, but to us . . . it's heaven. And you know what? There's always just enough to go around.

It's the same with moms and dads. You may not be able to give every child everything you'd like, but there's always enough to go around. And that tastes goooood.

Be real,

Todd

P.S. I'll be in Sussex, New Brunswick, this weekend. I'd love to meet you at the HENB conference. First person to come up and say, "Eh" gets a free audio CD.

A Fun New Game for Traveling Families

Gather 'Round Travel/Restaurant Game adds fun to car rides and speeds up restaurant waiting time. It's simple, compact, and easy to play.   

www.FTFGames.com 

Ruth Beechick, Curriculum Specialist 

and

Debbie Strayer, Homeschool Consultant 

I love old movies. I especially love old Westerns. Usually there was the lone sheriff who patrolled the town, making his presence known to keep the peace secure and to show the bad guys that he was watching. He may have had a deputy or two, but the demands of daily life were usually a one-man show. Everything changed when something bad happened. If the bank was robbed, or a gang of bad guys came to town, the sheriff would deputize as many as were willing and able to help him. The greater the need, the greater the group called upon to help the sheriff do his job.

Homeschooling is a lot like that Western scenario. We moms usually think of ourselves as a one-woman show, teaching our children on top of all of our other wife/mother jobs. Dad is usually busy with work but able to help with after-school events like sports and church, as well as to function as principal and counselor to mom. So where could we find a ready-made group of volunteers? Usually right in the living room!

Summer is a great time to organize your posse. Set aside time to meet with your children and tell them your need for support. Let them know that they are an important part of your survival and ask them to pray for you. Even fairly young children respond well to being included in these prayers and discussions. Especially talk with your children about outside-the-home activities that may be adding stress to your life. Park days and support groups that don't require preparation may be just the ticket for a little relief. Your children do not need constant interaction with others to enjoy the homeschool life, so consider taking a break from co-op, classes, lessons, and anything else robbing you of peace and downtime.

Let your survival and recovery be a group victory. Be quick to give God the glory for His sustaining grace and don't forget to give your posse their due. Anybody smelling barbecue?

~ Debbie

Read more from Debbie at www.debbiestrayer.com.

Explore ancient Egypt through the award-winning homeschool curriculum Tapestry of Grace™ ...and vice versa!

Dive into the history of ancient Egypt with a mini-unit for kids of all ages! Included are assignments, discussion outlines, and materials for studying history, geography, literature, writing, philosophy, hands-on and more!

Start exploring now!