| 
How well are you growing in relational wisdom? “What is that?” you might be asking. Before last week, I didn’t know what relational wisdom was either. As long as there is relational conflict, breakdown in communication, God’s call to grow in how we relate to one another in godly wisdom will be there for us as parents. The really good news is that He is there to give us grace and help in time of need in this area. Here are some helpful truths I gleaned from HSLDA’s national leaders’ conference last week in Orlando.
Everyday Homeschooling
Homeschooling would be easy if...
Paul Miller in his book, A Praying Life, from which I shared some quotes in an earlier post, talks about us coming to Him empty-handed, pouring out our hearts to Him like a little child. I came to know the Lord Jesus as my Savior in just this way. As a young person my life had been pretty messed up; there was brokenness everywhere. I don’t recall ever being able to run to my earthly father for comfort, a gentle word, or patient help. How incredibly alone and broken I felt!
I'll never forget being in Mrs. Clark's third grade class. I was in one of the lowest reading groups ---the Sparrows. Who were they trying to kid? All the students knew that the best readers were the Blue Jays and Cardinals! It was embarrassing seeing the other kids try to keep from giggling as I mispronounced words and got tongue- tied. I needed patience, time and encouragement -- something Mrs. Clark didn't provide -- but something we can give to our kids as homeschooling moms!
What mom doesn't love the versatility and ease of serving apples? Apples with peanut butter, apples in pies, crisps, sauces, cider and jellies. You name it -- there are a myriad of ways to use apples. 
Through my eleven years of home teaching, part of the way I kept my sanity was by walking -- No, seriously -- I always felt that I needed a good walk around the neighborhood to think, plan and unwind. Some days, walking was a way to have some quiet moments by myself to pray, get some fresh air and move around after some sedentary hours teaching. Sometimes on beautiful fall days when everyone was dreamily looking out the window, I'd say, "Guys, drop everything. We're going to the park!" 
I hope you are off to or are about to be off to a great start to a new year of homeschooling! We are doing a LOT of review this week, plus reading history just for fun. Next week, the rubber really hits the road!
Are you making preparations for the upcoming school year? Finding books, gathering supplies and getting organized can be exciting! I also realize that it can be rather daunting at the same time!.JPG)
We here at HSLDA are pleased to announce the birth of a new weekly column featured here on the HSLDA Blog. This column is your chance to ask any question you like of Jeane and Megan Hendrix, a mother-daughter duo who double as best friends. We are calling this column The Rearview Mirror, since this team will be sharing from their past family and homeschooling experiences. They welcome questions and comments at 
I'm here to encourage you as you take off to a whole new homeschooling year! Part of the fun of any journey is anticipating what's ahead -- what you will see, where you will go and what you will experience. It's the same with homeschooling. Think of all the new things your family will learn, places you will discover and the knowledge that will be gained in the upcoming days!
