I have heard Rachael Carman, from Apologia Ministries, speak three times in the past 6 months. She’s made me cry every time.
Well, I should say I have cried every time because of the power of the encouragement and conviction in her words. It happened again yesterday.
Heart of the Matter Online puts on a yearly homeschool web conference, and it started yesterday with Rachael being the first speaker. Her conference was entitled C.H.I.L.L. O.U.T! and was geared towards those who have obsessive, perfectionist, control freak tendencies. Hmmm…Anyway, I’d love to share some of my notes.
10. Learn to say the words, “It doesn’t matter.” When you feel those perfectionist, control freak tendencies rising up, make yourself say the words–out loud–to remind yourself that what you’re freaking out about most likely DOES NOT MATTER.
9. Change your thinking by viewing the everyday things you do for your family as an act of worship. (Rom. 12:1-2)
8. Acknowledge the need for, and give yourself permission to take a break and rest. Slow down and focus! (Mark 6:31)
7. Run your own race, not someone else’s. Do not give in to the temptation to compare yourself or your kids or your homeschool to others. (Heb. 12:1-3)
6. Learn how, and take the time, to listen to God so that His wisdom will set your course. (Prov. 3:5-6)
5. Learn how, and take the time, to listen to your kids. Know what makes them tick. Get into their world–don’t make them be in yours all the time. (Phil. 2:4)
4. Make knowledge and understanding of God the highest priority in your schooling. Academics are secondary. (Matt. 6:33)
3. Unleash your smile and laughter–don’t be so serious! (Ecc. 3:4)
2. Your kids are always watching your response to every situation! Do you respond with joy and grace?
1. Never take the credit–give the thanks to the One who truly works in and through your kids. (1Thess. 5:18)
I’m looking forward to what the rest of the conference speakers have to share!
Oh I love the HOTM online conferences! I’ve done 2 of them and still refer to notes and the audios from time to time. Rachel gives good advice! Wish I’d heard her. I didn’t register for it this time around. 🙁
This is my first one, and although I haven’t been able to listen to every session, I have been so encouraged by the ones I’ve been able to!
I usually register for that, but for some reason this year I missed it. Could be because at the beginning of the summer I didn’t know how my summer was going to shape up, with Belle having the struggles she was having. Would have been nice to chat with you there.