This question really impacted me. It was one of those Ah ha moments.
I have been feeling very 'flat' of late and life was starting to become flatter by the day. I was generally living in survival mode. I should know better since I often ask my circle of homeschool mothers "What are you doing daily to recharge yourselves ?" Yet somehow in the busyness of life I had forgotten to apply to myself what I was encouraging my friends to do. Even my precious Mother had been asking me. "When are you going to slow down ???"
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Karen Andreola introduced me to: Mother Culture (Trade Marked and Registered to Karen Andreola) Mothers should cultivate their souls so that in turn they may cultivate the souls of their children.In Chapter 46 Karen expounds on the how's and why's of Mother Culture. Here is a snippet to whet your appetite for this wonderful resource.
"Is it a wonder she feels overspent? She wears herself out. In her efforts to be dietitian, laundress, nurse, hostess, teacher, taxi driver, wife, mother, and mistress, she forgets that she needs a little time for herself. And it is then that she stops growing spiritually and mentally, Physically she feels ragged and drags through the day until without being able to mark the hour it befan, she lives with depression. Her mind is in a drifting fog when she wants it to think clearly and efficiently. With the distractions of her multi-faceted duties she is unable to follow a train of thought. She considers herself hompelessly behind in everything. Her feet are in the quagmire. It takes an incredible amount of effort to keep up appearances, to wear a winsome countenance. The last straw is the guilt she feels that she is "lukewarm" in the Lord. If I hadn't experienced these symptoms myself I wouldn't be writing this chapter. Therefore I can validate the need for Mother Culture." - Karen Andreola
This was the third homeschool book I ever invested in. It is one of my favourite treasure troves. I often pick this book up. Whenever I need some clarification on how something works or the practicle application of a certain aspect of homeschooling such as the how and why of Narration this is the book I turn to. Karen has done such a wonderful job in opening her home and allowing us in to see how to do something and why she is doing it. The book is full of beautiful line drawings from a bygone era which evokes a feeling and appreciation for the wonderful opportunity I have as a Mother who has the awesome priviledge of staying home full time and educating my children.
You can read more about Mother Culture Here or if you would like to read Karen's blog you can go to http://momentswithmotherculture.blogspot.com/
A Charlotte Mason Companion is available from www.bookdepository.co.uk, www.fishpond.com.au , and for a look inside you can go to www.amazon.com
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A few years into my homeschool journey I met Diana Waring at a homeschool conference in Christchurch, New Zealand. Diana has written a wonderful book titled: Beyond Survival. As you can see from the state of the cover of my book it is a well loved book in my home.
This book contains many wondeful chapters to equip you on your homeschool journey. It is divided into three parts: The Preparation, The Journey and The Abundance. Within these you will find information on learning and teaching styles, Learning together, Creating an atmosphere, The tools, The Materials, to name but a few.
For a look at the table of Contents go Here
If you would like to read Cathy Duffy's foreword you can go Here
This book is available from www.dianawaring.com and www.bookdepository.co.uk .
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I have just received The Ministry of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson in the mail. What a wonderful book. I am really looking forward to reading this treasure.
Here is what it says on the back: Because Motherhood Isn't Just a Job. It's a Calling.
A mother's day is packed with a multitude of tasks that require energy and time: preparing meals, wahsing clothes, straightening and cleaning the house, and carinf for chidlren. These jobs all are necessary and crucially important. But in the dailyness of providing for a child's physical, emotional, and social needs, vital opportunities for spiritual nurturing and training can be overlooked.
Rather than letting the demands of life determine your parenting priorities, you can focus your energy on what matters most. In this encouraging and empowering book you'll learn how to .......
- make life's mundane and nitty-gritty moments work for you and not against you.
- incorporate character-building as a natual part of life
- teach your child in the same way Jesus taught the disciples
- pass on crucial fits that will serve your family for a lifetime.
For those of you wanting to read Sally's blog you can find her at I take Joy and on Facebook.
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I found a wonderful blog page at www.noordinarymomentsblog.com and for those of you who are keen to partake in a forum while reading the book you can find one at Homeschool Creations Community
I am looking forward to 'getting filled up' over the next few weeks. :) Till next time my friends take care
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Oh - I see a couple of books for my "to get list". :o)
ReplyDeleteAn enjoyable read today my child, and pleased that your time away was fruitful and can see your cup is overflowing with wonderful information of books to read and advice to those who wish to fertilize their young’s so they can flourish into wonderful blooms. It reminds me of that scripture from Isaiah 52:7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good tidings, who publishes peace, who brings good tidings of good, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, Your God reigns!
ReplyDeleteUntil next time continue to encourage those who surround you for the seeds you water will too become beautiful roses.