Homeschooling Archives - Living Above the Noise

School’s Starting – Time To Get Organized!

August 19, 2018 By livingabovethenoise

It’s that time of year again! How did summer go by so fast? If you’re like me, you’re thinking it’s also time to get organized. I’ve decided — this is my year! This is my year to start REALLY using my planner, not just for recording lists and what I did for the day. But to REALLY plan my life, my year, my days! Want to join me?

My goal? To turn my journey into a Year-Long-Planner Challenge and to encourage you to share it with me. Just maybe, the accountability of going public could push me (and you) to succeed! If you’re up for a challenge this year — one to get your life in order and stop procrastinating on dreams, goals, and responsibilities — please join me!

Resources To Help You Get Organized

I’ve tried lots of planners over the years, and I’m finally narrowing down what actually works for me. Read this post to find out the benefits of using a planner — and this post to see several different planner styles and how they might fit your needs and personality. The key is finding what works for you! The sky’s the limit online — hundreds of creative ideas for organizing your dreams and goals. In future posts, I’ll highlight information from experts in goal setting and planning, so you can find what fits your personality.

Here are a few new ones since I did my research a few years ago….

The Big Happy Planner

A favorite with my daughters and me is the Big Happy Planner*. I especially prefer the long columns to plan out the day, along with sections for to-do lists, meal planning, etc. It has a monthly page for birthdays, goals, important dates, and a fun area to jot down activities you’re currently spending time on. The feature that makes it stand out from the rest — it’s disc binding which gives you the ability to move pages around or even add your own!

The Living Well Planner

A planner I’ve considered for a few years is Ruth Soukup’s Living Well Planner but hesitated due to the cost. Well, this year she’s giving a special price on the new design plus a few bonus planning sheets (but only until the end of August)! So, yup, I went for the sale. (I’m a sucker for a good deal!) I’m super excited to get my new planner and begin to take charge of my days. I like this planner so much, I’m willing to help promote it (thus my affiliate clause at the end of this post) because I know it will encourage busy women to get organized!

Another reason I love Ruth’s planner* is the multitude of detailed videos and guides she offers to anyone who wants to learn how to truly use a planner.

You’ll learn how to:

Brainstorm your responsibilities and to-do’s
Choose Big Goals
Develop an Action Plan by breaking those big goals into bite-sized steps
Plan each week and day to get MORE accomplished with less time WASTED

You can find Ruth’s planning posts here and detailed pics of each planner page here. I can’t recommend these posts enough for motivating you to take action!

So if you’re in, shoot me a message on Facebook or jot me an email. If you’re ready to take back your days and get that to-do list checked off, let’s get started. Together. That’s always the best way!

Start Here To Reach Your Goals

Planner Challenge To-Do List…

Research and decide which planner style you prefer. You can find my planner research in these posts: Goals of A Planner – A Necessary Part of Success here and Choosing A Planner – So Many Options here.
Listen to Ruth Soukup’s podcast on “How To Break Down Your Big Goals into a Plan That Works” here.
Read Ruth’s Goal Planning and The Magic of Thinking Big posts. They’re really helpful and I highly recommend them if you want to gain order in your life!

Here’s to taking control of our year and actually getting things done!

Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest. Proverbs 6:6-8

*This asteric indicates that I may earn some compensation for these items IF you purchase through my website. I only share products I love and use personally! Thanks!

Pixabay.com — If this post has helped you, please share on Pinterest!

Living Above the Noise – New Look, New Focus

November 13, 2015 By livingabovethenoise

I took a break from blogging this past six months. I needed to regroup and discover my focus. When I started blogging four years ago, I was still full swing into parenting and just getting my feet wet with grandparenting. This got me thinking. My old blog name and focus, A Mom’s Many Lessons, was feeling a bit boxed in. My life wasn’t just about the lessons learned from being a mom, but from all the avenues my life has taken.

I quickly discovered that planning a new blog layout is not for the faint of heart! I’ve put a lot of thought into my purpose for blogging and even into the details for my header design. I wanted my new design to reflect where God has me in life. I still have plenty of “lessons” to share about, but my heart is soaring like this bird in the header. I feel like weight has lifted off my heart and God has allowed me to see what life looks like without the noise and chatter of so many things around me.

So here I am, starting a new blog, with a new focus.

My new name was in the tagline of my old blog – “A Mom’s Many Lessons…in living above the noise and for the glory of God.” My focus for life is to seek to live above all the noise around us, that which vies for our attention and distracts us from our main goal, the one goal of glorifying God in and through all of life. This made it easy to choose my new name!

What’s this noise I speak of? Oh, there are too many to put into words, but here are a few:

Expectations – of myself and others, often unrealistic.
Perfectionism – seeking the “best” and what I think will make God and others happy.
Roles – being a “good” wife, a “good” mom, a “better” friend, etc., but by whose standards?
Church – trying to be and do what other Christians expect; pressure that comes from not believing in all that goes on in modern churches…
The World – balancing between being in the world but not of it.

My goal in life is be like David and Solomon, to have a heart of understanding and discernment, and to use my life to serve and follow God. I blog to encourage you to do the same. To live above the chatter beckoning us to veer from our main focus, to sidetrack us from following God’s best for us and our family. So please join me as I share ideas and lessons in my quest to stay focused.

If you follow me via email, my new blog will transfer over to your email. If you haven’t subscribed, please do, so you won’t miss a post! You can also follow me on Facebook and Pinterest.

Blessings as we share in this journey called life!

Solomon’s Prayer – “You have shown great lovingkindness to Your servant David, my father, according as he walked before You in truth and righteousness and uprightness of heart toward You…so give Your servant an understanding heart…to discern between good and evil.” 1 Kings 3:6-9

Inspiring Blogs – The Loft Link Up

August 13, 2014 By livingabovethenoise

I’m joining The Loft link-up, a group of women, seeking to build a community of bloggers who inspire, challenge, and simply share with others in a quest to grow into the women God intended us to be.

This week’s topic: Blogs That Inspire

Wow, did this topic really make me think! Although, I don’t have time to write an official post…okay, I lied…I made the time! This really made me consider what this post might say about me.

How do I spend my time on the internet?
Who do I read? And what personalities make me laugh, find joy in this journey, or find inspiration?
What websites get me frustrated, angry, or sad?
Which ones build me up in my calling as wife, mom, homeschool teacher, house organizer, etc.?
And what blogs would I really recommend?

I meander around the internet, gleaning from a variety of blogs. Some are meant to encourage and offer ideas as a home school mom and manager of my home. Others help in my sometimes difficult marriage (or in dealing with my often difficult me!). And still others inspire me to trust God alone for my needs.

But most of all, pondering this question – “What blogs inspire me?” – made me realize my real vision for why I write and for why I read. I write, I read, I communicate, I question, I think, and I pray ALL to grow in my ability to give glory of God.

Therefore, we must be careful in what we read and in what we write.

We need to lift up one another, not beat each other down.
We need to lead others to Christ, not to our specific way of following God.
We need to challenge one another to be the best women, wife, mother, home manager, and more – not look down on anyone for not doing things “just right” or for the same reasons we do them.

My Blog Recommendations

I cautiously list only a few of my favorite blogs. I don’t want anyone to get the idea they are missing out if they don’t read all the “good” ones! Honestly, none are necessary to becoming the women God wants of us, but, the counsel of other women can help us gain new perspective when we’re stuck or down. So, read, and write, and share, trusting God to show you how much time is best spent on the internet. Use caution in what you take in. Put it through the filter of God’s Word. Above all, be blessed!

Time Warp Wife – really good articles on marriage, meat to chew on…

For The Family – really good articles on raising a family for the glory of God, written for both men and women

Club 31 Women – easy to digest help for homemakers, wives, and moms

The Better Mom – Contributors share on growing together as women of God

Enjoy the journey!

Now I ask you, dear lady, not as though I were writing to you a new commandment, but the one which we have had from the beginning, that we love one another. And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, that you should walk in it. 2 John 1:5-6

#TheLoft

The Myth Of Getting It All Done!

September 13, 2013 By livingabovethenoise

As Christian, home-schooling moms, we take on so much, go against the flow, all while living in a crazy, busy culture. I hope I can help just a little as I give my answer to this reader’s question. (And check out other bloggers answers at the bottom of this page!)

How do I teach each child their lessons AND cook 3 nutritious meals a day AND nurse the baby AND keep everyone in clean clothes AND keep the dust bunnies at bay, all on very little sleep?! Did I mention that right now I’m only teaching 3 out of my 6 and we are focusing just on phonics and math?

So how do we get it all done? How do we answer these questions? What’s a mother to do? Oh, I’d love to offer you my perfect plan for the perfect day with a perfect outcome…..

….but the honest answer, and one that each of us mothers needs to accept, is that we won’t be able to get it all done!

We’ll each need to discover what “all done” means to us personally and corporately as a family. That term will mean something different for each of us. No two families will focus on exactly the same things to find their place of balance.

One mom’s focus may be on having a perfectly planned day and a super-clean, orderly home.
For another, a family business may keep their schedule hopping.
Yet another might study herbs, organic cooking, and natural medicine.
Some may have picnics and parties and homeschool gatherings weekly for friends and family.

And each one of these moms will have to serve meals, teach children, and wash clothes. Our goal is to find how we best function, based on how God designed us with our personalities and abilities, in just the place He has us. But, if we’re choosing another family’s lifestyle, trying to be the Joneses, we’ll only end up burnt out and disappointed.

Discovering The Key

So the real key to finding this answer is to discover what’s important to you and your husband.

What do you value?
What is it you find extremely important in order to feel like you’ve accomplished your goals?
What kind of relationship do you require to feel like you’re a part of your children’s lives?
What level of education do you deem necessary for your children?
How important is a clean and orderly environment for your peace and comfort?

Another factor is realizing each of your children’s bents. If one of them wants to be a doctor, your schedule for them will include calculus or trigonometry. For another, it might be farming, and so you may decide on a more hands-on approach to learning, right in your backyard. This will help determine what that elusive “all done” term means.

Discover What “All Done” Means To You & How To Get There!

1) Develop a routine. Think about how your family spends their days and weeks. Look for patterns. You’ll find them. Usually these routines come from what we find important and are comfortable with (unless we’ve gotten sidetracked by trying to live like someone else!). We really need to establish what works for us, while learning from those around us. Use this pattern to discover what, when, and how to order your day.

2) Pray for wisdom – then step back and observe your home, family, and routine. What do you like? What frustrates you? Right now I’m realizing that my meal planning and the disorder in my freezer/refrigerator is driving me crazy! I’m not okay with it. So that’s one thing I’ll be working on this month. Sometimes we need things to get out of control before we gain the perspective to fix them. So failure is actually a good thing as it reveals our weakness or blind spots!

3) Don’t sweat the small stuff. When things get busy with family, much of what we do or think we need is actually small stuff. When accidents happen, or trials come, we soon discover what is really important. I had a friend once offer a bit of advice. I was tired, pregnant, and sick. Oh, and did I mention I was also complaining?! During my bed-rest, I was disturbed by what I heard and saw going on in my family. It revealed some major issues in our home and relationships. And I didn’t like it!

So my friend offered me new perspective. She told me I could view this down-time negatively or as a gift from God. As time to watch and listen to the temperature of our family. You see, when we’re doing well, we often get so busy we don’t notice the idiosyncrasies and problem areas developing. But when we step back, or are forced to, we are able to see life for what it is and make better choices to solve them.

4) Don’t think you have to do everything everyone else is doing! Read that again – with emphasis! What is important for one family or what comes easily for them, may not be what’s best or good for yours. Our society and government may want us all to look the same and vote the same and behave the same, but that’s not Gods plan! Be unique!

It’s really important to remember that no one way is right. It’s great to read books and blogs, and talk to friends and other homeschooling moms for ideas. But – remember to make your schedule based on your personality and goals. It’s between God and you and your husband to discern what works for your family.

5) Raise your children to work hard. This is huge battle in our culture. Things come way too easy for us all, and we tend to baby and pamper our kids. They’re cute, I know! But they’re only a child once! Hah! I’m just kidding! But those sweeties have to grow up and become honest, diligent, and productive adults. Teach them well.

Find projects to work on together. Teach them to help around the house. Go against popular thought. Having them help the family with chores is not comparable to the plague! Your neighbors or church friends might tell you you’re too hard on them or that it’s your job. That you’re the one who chose to have so many kids! But please, oh please, don’t listen!

This is the first time in history when children don’t have to work hard to help their family. The lessons they learn by working hard will keep them afloat when life’s trials come. Believe it or not, it’s not wrong to let them know that life does get hard! Teach them to persevere and rely upon their heavenly Father, and they will prosper!

6) Stay tuned into God, read His word, listen to the Spirit, and be conformed to what He deems important. Ask for His grace. He will provide wisdom and discernment for the tasks and priorities for your home. He’ll also cover areas you’ll be surprised at. At first, you may not see how He protects and guides, but He will. Keep Him in His proper place, above all!

There will always be lessons. Just be open to them. God knows just what you need.

Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16

A Few Practical Tips That Worked For Us

Have a special place (we used a personal quilt) to keep your little ones happy. Give them toys and books to play with while you do school or work on a project. This quiet time only lasts so long, but it really helps! Our toddlers loved their little spot to call their own.
Assign chores so everyone has duties during certain hours of the day. Develop a chore system. You’ll know what everyone is doing and can manage the work and the workers. I manage a lot. They work. Things get done. What doesn’t get done, we leave for tomorrow or find it’s not really that important. And if something isn’t getting done, it may not be a necessity anyway! Really! We end up doing what is a priority. Remember to pray to keep your goals in sight.
Develop a meal plan and preparation chart. I had a great chart that recorded what was on the menu, who was the cook, and who was the “bottle washer”. Ever heard that ditty? “Chief cook and bottle washer.” My mom said it all the time! I digress….but having a plan really takes the pressure off when dinnertime comes. Plus it relieves the stress of hearing, “I did the dishes last night!”.
Cut down to two meals a day with a snack in between. It lightened our load from having three meals to plan, prepare, and clean up after. Plus it gave us more time out of the kitchen and doing what we enjoyed. You’d be amazed what you can get used to!

So, can you get it all done? Nah! You’d have to be Supermom to do it.

Can you find a happy place of peace in the middle of this chaos we call ‘family’? Certainly! But that’s super easy to forget in this crazy busy culture we live in!

No matter what, pull yourself back to the paramount goal. Raising children for the glory of God!