Yes -- it gets better, -- on some days it's downright WONDERFUL -- *but* setbacks, disappointments, frustrations and negative comments are part of the homeschool landscape. We always have a choice: whose approval counts?

Sometimes we have to walk alone for a season, until we are content to walk with Christ. He is always with you -- always. A living, breathing, loving, supportive, powerful companion who delights to do you good. Not even the best homeschool support group could come close to that. Hey, for that matter, neither can this wonderful site!

The world will never give approval to those who want to follow the Lord Jesus Christ -- NEVER. Their goal, whether conscious or unconscious, is to derail, discourage or even destroy -- for they are yoked to the Lord's enemy: Satan. So "suit" up!

One exercise that might help is to deliberately ignore your "feelings" and concentrate on remembering your commissioning: God called you to teach your children, right?

Also, if you and your husband have prayed about what you are doing and are submitting yourselves daily to HIS care, and if you have taken the "comments" to HIM, letting HIM sort through the criticisms -- TURN A DEAF EAR! Look for HIS approval!

Here some "goodies" to enjoy with your morning coffee:

"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth." (2 Tim 2:15)

"Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which {the Lord} has promised to those who love Him." (James 1:12)

And here's a hug and my prayer for your perseverance. NOBODY will love your kids like you do -- nobody -- SO: scoop 'em up hug'em and enjoy this day with them -- for it is your FATHER's gift to you.

BWSmith

© Barbara W. Smith 1998, all rights reserved
Permission is given to reprint any of Barbara's articles in non-profit publications as long as the article is reprinted in full and contains the copyright information and Web site address.

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We hope our thoughts encourage you in the Lord Jesus Christ who has enabled us to do exceedingly abundantly more than we could have asked or imagined -- please let us know what YOU think. E-mail us at workbook@toad.net. (Please don't forget to include your e-mail address with in the body of the message--we've had some of our responses returned due to insufficient e-mail addresses.)