keepcalm

I’ve seen this statement all over lately, and at this point, I’m taking it as a sign and adopting it as my 2012 motto!  It was either this one, or the “Keep calm and eat cupcakes” poster. And that just wouldn’t jive with my weight watchers plan.

Did you know the poster was first created back in 1939 by the British government at the beginning of WWII to raise the morale of the British public in the event of an invasion?  In light of the chaos a homeschooling family can face, I thought it was a perfect motto for the year!

I love the crown on this one as well because it reminds me to keep my focus on my King and that if I’m walking in the Spirit I can remain calm! It’s when I start walking in my flesh that sparks start to fly. Awhile back I memorized James 1:20

“for the wrath of man [mom] does not produce the righteousness of God”.

(If you haven’t memorized this verse yet, I challenge you to try it! I think  you’ll find that God is good to pop this verse into your head at the most opportune times!)

Speaking of yearly mottos…

I really desire to live my life purposefully. To be deliberate in my parenting, teaching, and care for our home. It’s so easy to get caught up in the daily grind, and to view our homemaking as a chore instead of a blessing. I really don’t  want my children to remember their mama as being tired, crabby and dissatisfied with all the blessings that God has given her.

So this year, I’m resolving to be deliberate in my actions! To live life in a purposeful manner, to be present and thankful in each day!

That means prayerfully considering commitments, and even having the courage to say no to some things.

I’m not sure if I’ve told you or not, but I’m a “yes” person. It kills me to say no to people, and with the increase in my blog traffic, it’s been something that I’ve had to start doing. I’d love to make everything for everyone, but it’s just not possible. Not without sacrificing something else. Namely my time with my family.

So this year I’m focusing on priorities, I’m keeping God first, and family close behind.

With that said, I thought it would be a great idea to come up with a plan for our whole family! I’m sure they’re thrilled that I pull them into all my crazy notions. Since I’m not one to re-create the wheel, I found something that really spoke to my heart at Hither to and Hence Forth. So with a little modifications, I present to you…

The Confessions Family Mission Statement:

Being blessed ourselves, we will pray for those who do not have a Bible to read, food to eat, clothes to wear, or toys to play with.

We will encourage, respect, and honor one another by speaking in a gentle and kind manner.

We will practice gratitude by taking care of our belongings and being thankful in all circumstances.

We will strive to be peacemakers in all situations and be quick to apologize and forgive one another.

And finally, we commit to replacing the toilet paper roll if found empty.

Our family verse:

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Colossians 3:12-14

Just because I like to have visible reminders…

2012Mission

I created this printable of our family mission statement. In the event you’d like to share this with your family, I’ve made it available as a free download for you!

(Don’t worry, the toilet paper bit isn’t on the printable version, that probably just happens at our house.)

Click here to download

(Download trouble? Try to RIGHT click on the download link and select “SAVE LINK AS”. You will be prompted to save the file to your computer!)

33 Comments

  1. I just came across your blog from a link from Money Saving Mom and I absolutely love it! I have two kids, ages 4 and 2. My oldest goes to preschool at our church and we have chosen to send her to public school this coming fall. Obviously we haven’t chosen the same educational path for our kids as you have but I can admire and respect what you have chosen to do. My husband and I have always said that if we felt that we needed to take our kids out of public school we wouldn’t hesitate to homeschool them. I love all of the resources and spiritual encouragement throughout your blog. So glad to have found it!

  2. Hello,
    I fell upon your blog by accident. It has been in my heart for a long time to homeschool my children (I was a homeschooled child) and I have been searching and planning for months now for what to do and ways to get started this fall with out 3 year old.
    I was praying and asking the Lord to show me to a place where it would help me get a clearer vision and comfort for the journey that we are about to begin, and by accident I found you!! What an awesome blessing you have been to me the last few days, and an abundance of comfort and peace. Thank you for all that you have done to lay out the path for my homeschooling journey.
    My mother did an awesome job homeschooling us, but I am a little bit more OCD than she is, and her plans were not organized enough for my liking, LOL. But, I want my children to have a memorable, knowledgable, and fun journey in school that I did. With your helpful tips and links I am now confident that it will be!!
    Anyway, I just wanted to say thank you, and I look forward to getting my journey going!! Blessings to you and in all that you do, Mainda

    Malinda
  3. I just love your blog! I have been printing some fun activities for my 4 year old all evening! I laughed when I read your mission statement b/c right on top of my computer is the same poster of “keep calm and carry on” when I first saw the poster, life was a bit crazy and I just thought it fit w/ having 3 kids under 4. I also found a great mug that reads keep calm and keep cooking. Anyways, I have shared your blog with my other great homeschooling friend who has 5 kids that she is currently teaching. Your activities are so much fun!! I don’t know how you do it all! I am looking forward to checking out more of your blog. Thank you, you have made me relax so much about homeschooling! Also I love your homeschooling room!!! I wasn’t quite sure how I wanted to do school…either at a table, or hanging out on the couch or getting fun desks, but i love your idea!! Thanks so much!!!

    Elizabeth
  4. I am newly married to a wonderful father to a very sweet and bright 9 year old and we hope to have babies of our own someday soon. I’ve considered homeschooling one day but it seemed overwhelming and I’m sure at times it is, but I am glad I’ve found your blog. It’s great to encourage one another and I appreciate you sharing your experiences! Blessings to your family and thank you for your words and verses!

  5. Simply wish to say your article is as astounding.
    The clearness in your put up is simply cool and that i can think you’re a professional in this subject. Well with your permission let me to snatch your RSS feed to stay updated with coming near near post. Thanks one million and please carry on the gratifying work.

  6. I love you website! I have click the contact me on your page, but it will do nothing. My computer crashed last night, and the letter of the week curriculum was on it . I was wondering if there is anyway possible if I could download the letter of the week curriculum, with out paying for it again?

    Kristin
  7. Dear Erica!
    I, too, like you, have four beautiful kids, daughter 8, son,6, son 3, and daughter 1 and a half. Guess i’m just at the beginning of the journey which you are well on your way in. Stumbled onto your website by accident and love the way you have put your heart into what you do. May God bless you for the encouragement your efforts have given me. I am at the crucial stage where I have realized public schooling is not for my kids, at least in the country and location where im at right now. Im currently living in a small town in Saudi Arabia where there is just one international school, and that too, absolutely not up to the mark.Probably homeschooling is just the right ticket for a doctor’s family (that is, me and my kids) coz we hav ended up moving around, not just cities but three countries till now to be exact 🙂 God, please guide me to the path that is the best choice for my family, that helps make them into what you meant for them to become. And for me and my husband the best investment of our lives in this world and the next, Amen!

    Maleeha
  8. I’m also homeschooling a few kids during this pandemic too. I was searching for some lessons and just came across your blog. I was filled with joy to see your motto and your faith in Christ. I just want to confess that someone from a very far country, Myanmar, was delighted and filled with hope to continue helping his students with the lessons. This was all because of the living testimony I have witnessed from this blog. I just want to assure that I’m praying for this mission. May God Bless you and your family. Keep up the good fight!

    Andrew

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