A great article with a challenge for homeschooling parents

A very good article leading to some major self-examination. I think I am guilty of pride and arrogance in my homeschooling. I need to learn to be more humble to others' suggestions and criticisms. On the other hand, I am also pressurized by a controlling partner and one who is prone to measure our parenting success by the success of our children.

A must read...

http://www.familyministries.com/HS_Crisis.htm

Dear Father, please help me love my children as they are, and not for what they can do FOR me. Please help me be more supportive to my children in whatever they do, as well as develop a strong relationship with them. Help me to remember that You have loved me unconditionally, and you have not depended on my 'performance' to bring You glory. May I reflect Your love in my relationship with my children as well. In Jesus' precious name, AMEN.

A medal

On a happier note, Sarah did well at the Singapore Gymnastics Nationals 2011 held on Sept 11. She passed her grading for Level 1, was placed 8th in a field of 15, and won a silver on the uneven bars. A nice surprise for all of us.

Next week, we have a one week term break for gym. So we'll take a homeschool break as well so we can do things that take all day :).

Oh, and we have not been late for gym for the past 4 weeks. Hurray! The kids have gotten into the groove of things. We have not been late for Chinese class either. Thank God that we've become more motivated to do things on time.

Personal Struggle

My boys are so ill-disciplined, and I blame myself for being too lax. I also see myself as being very conceited, and not considering others before myself. Why? I believe I've been too influenced by my own thoughts and distractions. Perhaps a bit of a proud, complaining person has rubbed off on me too, such that I also think that the world must revolve around me.

Well, I've sought the Lord's forgiveness for this, and I'm now working on these sins, by God's grace.

The boys kept running onto the gym mat at the end of Sarah's gym session, until the coach had to tell them off. They did not obey me. They got a caning from me. I forgot to apologize to the coach. Must remember this next time. Thank others for helping me with my kids. Apologize on their behalf, and get them to apologize too. Then, they noisily interrupted her discussion with another parent. Over, and over again. Dealt with the kids at home. Need to apologize again next time. Hope it doesn't happen again.

I need to learn to respect other people and consider them better than myself. Lord please teach me this lesson and help me to learn well.

Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Philippians 2:3-4

Gym again

Sarah's floor routine is finally coming together. Although she hopes for a medal, realistically, she is still not up to the standard for one. Perhaps in bars, if she doesn't foul that up, there might be some hope. Sunday's the competition, not ideal, and I wish it were not on Sunday. She's got balance issues on the beam, I have no way of helping her practise this, and her arms and legs are like a hula dancer's.

I've been so tired lately. But homeschooling has still been going on. Just barely. I need sleep without the children bothering me half the time.

I want to spend more time reading books, but again, my eyes can't stay open and my mind goes to sleep anyway. I practically fell asleep teaching Phonics to Ben the other day.

Dear Lord, please give me strength and energy for all that I need to accomplish today.