God's Plan

In addition to feeling completely lost and defeated about homeschooling, I got sick this week. I just gave up on everything, wrapped myself in blankets, and got comfortable on the couch. After catching up on some rest, I pulled out a few copies of The Old Schoolhouse and started reviewing the articles. I was inspired (partially out of desperation) to give up struggling to appease the voices screaming inside my head. It is time to pray and actually trust my Lord, not just say I do. I read over and over that man put children in schools, but God put them in families. He will equip us to teach and guide our own children!

I am convinced that more committed prayer and Bible study will guide me on this journey. And one of the awesome resources that I was guided to tonight is a very simple guide for how to make your own lapbooks. Check it out:
http://www.squidoo.com/lapbook-planning

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you." Psalm 32:8

"But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31

Where to go from here?

After getting off track with our schooling, it's been such a struggle to get back on track. I'm so tired every day. I don't know how to motivate my kids to dive into their schoolwork and finish it without having to threaten some type of punishment. And follow through with it. The threats are not working. They ARE learning. They just don't seem interested in following the pattern set forth in "the books". And I'm exhausted trying to figure it all out and put it into practice. I'm tempted to just let go and see what happens.
Here's an interesting blog about someone who did just that:
http://heartofthematteronline.com/2008/11/04/the-best-reading-curriculum-ever/#comment-19463