This weekend I found out I am carrying baby #5, an unexpected blessing. I am happy, but I know it is most likely a difficult journey ahead. I have hard pregnancies, with the first three months usually plagued by nausea, then around four months I often get preterm labor symptoms. Despite having had several children, I have always had long, drawn out, painful labors. Yesterday the intense morning sickness really kicked in (why do they call it morning sickness when it lasts all day and night?!), and I wound up spending most of the day in bed and throwing up. Thanks to my wonderful husband, who always rescues me at moments like this, I was able to get lots of needed rest.

Just like carrying a child, homeschooling for the long haul can be very hard work. It's easy to get discouraged when the skies get cloudy. Attitude is everything and a good attitude comes from knowing God has good fruit in store for your efforts. Imagine you are digging a hole. If the sun beats down on you and the mosquitoes bite, you might want to give up. But suppose you knew there was a treasure a few feet below and you would be very rich if you continue? That would really energize you despite the current obstacles. I pray everyone keeps their eyes on the prize of reaching your child’s heart for the Lord Jesus.