Like I said in my last post, I am joining in The Nester's challenge and writing a post every day for the month of October. I'm focusing on balance--balancing life as a homeschool mom and all it entails.
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Let me invite you into my home on an average weekday around 6:30AM...
Graham leading the girls in a Bible study while they enjoy their breakfast
Where am I? (Yes, I'm taking the picture on this particular day, but pretend I'm not there at all) I'm either still in bed sound asleep or back in my bathroom slowly getting ready. You heard that right! One of the ways I have found balance is to let my husband (the earlier bird) handle breakfast. And by "let" I mean, give him this wonderful privilege! :)
On weekday mornings, he prepares breakfast and leads the girls in a Bible study while they eat their breakfast. It has proven to be much better for our girls to have their Bible study before starting the day as opposed to having it right before bed. Isn't that true for us grown-ups, too!?!
Since Graham is at work for most of the day, the little bit of time he has with the girls each morning is so beneficial--for him, the girls, and me.
Now don't let me paint this magical picture that everyone runs to the table all smiles and rainbows each and every morning! No siree! There are mornings I hear fighting, arguing, and grumbling echoing from the kitchen. We all have our grumpy, 'wake up on the wrong side of the bed' mornings, but we are making an effort and most days are really routine and enjoyable for all!
Check out Westminster Bookstore for great suggestions on children's Bible studies/books. Here are a few of the Bibles and books we use with our girls:
Big Truths for Little Kids by Susan Hunt and Richie Hunt
Some of my readers have asked about the Q&A Christianity (Catechisms) we practice with our girls. A lot of those questions/answers can be found in this book.
by (our good friend and previous pastor) Chris Moore
We used this Bible with the girls when they were a little bit younger.
The Church History ABCs by Stephen J. Nichols and Ned Bustard
The thing we love about all of these books/Bibles is that they don't water-down the scriptures and paint happy faces on all of the people. These books are written in a kid-friendly language, but God's Word is not changed or sugar-coated.
Bible Study with Breakfast is a wonderful routine that we have developed over the last six months or so. It is SO important for our girls' spiritual health and it gets their day started off right! It also provides me time to start my mornings off alone and quiet--something that I need!
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4
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Up next: Schoolroom: A Place to Get Balanced
For more posts in this series, 31 Days of Balance as a Homeschool Mom, click HERE.
*Love*
ReplyDeleteThis also allows your girls to bond with their daddy. Very very awesome.
You are exactly right! I am so thankful my girls have a daddy that sees them as his biggest ministry!
DeleteBig Truths for Little Kids is one of my favorite resources. Our church uses it in the nurseries:)
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by Andrea! Yes, that's such a good book.
DeleteI am loving these posts! I always love to see people's "daily" routines. I've often thought of posting ours even though there's nothing to 'em! But it's just interesting!! I am so excited you posted the book about the ABC's of Church History. I can't wait to get that one!! Love me some church history. Didn't know of this book.
ReplyDeleteWhew! Posting everyday is tough, but I'll manage. :) Post your daily routines. I'd love to see what y'all got going on and I'd probably learn a little in the process and be able to monitor and adjust our own days. That Church History book is great!
Deletei adore everything about this! yes, yes, yes!!! love. can't wait to bible study with my own kiddos one day :)
ReplyDeleteIt's a special time, Elise...and what we are called to do as parents to these little ones!
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