As you might be able to imagine after reading yesterday’s post, homeschooling has been a struggle this year. We began the year with me very pregnant, spending most of my time sitting, and of course then I had a baby. Under the best of circumstances, a homeschool year that welcomes a new baby isn’t going to be as “productive” in the traditional sense as other years might be. When you add depression to the mix, it’s easy for homeschooling to become a source of serious anxiety, and that is precisely what my year has been like.
When my friend, Sarah, sent me a copy of her new ebook, Teaching from Rest, I immediately uploaded it to my Kindle and then devoured it in a matter of days. This, this was exactly what I needed. Sarah also sent me a copy of her companion journal and an audio companion containing four podcasts that aim to encourage the weary homeschooling mama. So far I’ve been able to listen to two of the podcasts and can’t wait to listen to the others. With Sarah’s encouragement, I feel like I am starting to stand on more steady legs as we move toward another year, and I prepare to add one more “official” student (Beatrix!) to our little homeschool.
Sarah is here today (along with her beautiful photos!), offering a bit about herself and her book, along with a gift for one of you:
Well hi! I’m so grateful to Ginny for sharing her space with me today. I’m Sarah, a homeschooling mama to six and pretty much a lot like you. I’m here today to tell you about my new eBook and Companion, Teaching from Rest: A Homeschooler’s Guide to Unshakable Peace.
I did not see this book coming. The message within it came first as a blog series, and even then the words were given to me through my incessant pleading. I write as a mother of six, three of my children under two- the smallest of them identical twin boys. It seems almost paradoxical that right now- when I am more sleep deprived than I’ve ever been- I have written a whole book about rest.
I don’t mean rest as in “sleep,” not really. See, my days very likely look a lot like yours. I homeschool my kids, wash dishes and pile laundry, trip over toys, obsess over curriculum, think too much about which book we should read next, about whether I am doing enough or doing any of it well enough. I worry. I falter. I cave in to my fears and fret about what the neighbors think. I refuse to let God have His way with my kids, our family, and our homeschool, and I cling ever tightly to my illusions of control.
But we are not the kind of teachers we have been called to be when we worry and fret and compare. This work of homeschooling and raising hearts and souls and bodies is hard. It is more than we can do in our own strength
Teaching from Rest is about trusting in the God who so desperately wants to carry us and our children through our homeschooling journey. It’s about shucking our habit of plowing through the checklist and pushing through the lessons so that we can live the beautiful days we know deep down we are meant to live.
The eBook is available as a PDF or for Kindle. The Companion contains a printable journal as well as four hours of audio- conversations I’ve had about teaching from a state of rest with some of my favorite educator mentors.
Our hearts are restless, but He offers unshakable peace. I’d love to hook arms with you for the journey.
Julie says
I have been homeschooling for many years. I have been devouring the podcasts, blogs and webinars. This has been just the breath of air I needed as I start homeschooling my youngest ones. Thanks, Sarah!
Nichole says
I read this post in the middle of the night nursing my 7 month old. I had a heavy heart with burdens concerning extended family and as I was praying and reading, this post really spoke to me. I admire you and your family and it feels good to have others, albeit far, to relate to on daily struggles. Pat your self on the back mama. And I would Love to win a chance for Rest.
Blessings!
Amy says
Sounds like a book all homeschooling mothers should read.
Laura says
Oh my, I could certainly use this! I started homeschooling my children last spring when we moved to Japan. This last year was rough with a husband deployed, baby number five arriving, and a recent move back to DC. We’ve now been in hotels for two months (and have three more weeks) and have not schooled in that time. I could definitely use the encouragement!! Thanks for the chance to win!
Tara R. says
Hi Laura, my husbands family recently did the same thing! They were stationed in Misawa Japan for six years and moved back to the DC area a year and a half ago. They are a catholic homeschooling family and found a wonderful support system and community. If you are seeking some guidance or simply looking for some more homeschoolers please feel free to email me and I’ll see if I can put you in touch with them! 🙂
Sincerely, Tara
Email: blake.riordon@gmail.com
Vicki says
As a homeschooling mom with 9 children I would love to learn to teach from rest. Thanks for the chance to win.
Ruby says
Yes, please! Sounds like something desperately needed at my house…. 🙂
Kate N. says
I think almost any homeschool mama would benefit from this! I would love to read it and share it. Thank you for hosting such wonderful giveaways!
SarahD says
I would love this book to give to a friend. I own a copy, but have someone I would like to give it to.
Robin Mureiko says
I’d love to win! Can’t wait to read this!