Learning is a beautiful blessing, isn’t it? Even as a 42-year-old homeschooling mom of three boys, there are still so many things to learn in life. Each day, I start my morning reading from the best book that was ever written, the Holy Bible. The Word teaches me so much and helps me through my daily life – I don’t know what I’d do without It. 

I’ve been teaching the middle school kids at Joy Ranch, along with two of my sons, and I’m learning from them daily. One of the first things I learned is I have a bunch of kinesthetic learners on my hands – they love to move! The wonderful thing is that I don’t like sitting still myself, so God knew what He was doing when he put us all together. We are using ways to learn by movement and that seems to help ideas stick all the better. 

Spelling practice using a Scrabble-like board game.

The kids are opening to me (and each other), sharing their life stories and building relationships with one another. Honestly, this is one of my favorite aspects of homeschooling – learning to live successfully with one another. In this atmosphere of diverse backgrounds, family dynamics, past pains, and future hopes we truly learn what life is all about. Sure, we are learning the three Rs plus the other subjects, but so much more. 

Here are some specific learning experiences I’ve encountered recently: 

• Mia can solve a Rubik’s cube in about 90 seconds! It would take me years to do this, if I was ever able to do it all. 

• Junior loves to work with his hands, preferably outside. 

• Mia is a math whiz!  

• Junior works without complaining, even if it’s not his favorite subject. 
  
  
• They enjoyed setting up their own workspaces and working in the semi-darkness. (See pictures at the end.)

• They all love snacks to keep them focused. 😊 

• Most of the students had never done paper mâché, so we worked on creating masks with that slimy, yucky mixture of flour, water, and glue.  

• Outdoor nature walks are something we all enjoy. 

Mia searching for snakes in the middle of January.

I love my time with these kids. I don’t live on campus and my time with our residents in the past has been limited by my other part-time work at Joy Ranch (Media Specialist) as well as my own family responsibilities. When I leave campus to go home on school days, I miss these kids I’m teaching, and I think of them often. I find myself thinking about them and things that may interest them, plus I want to spend more time with them.  

I started thinking of how it is that way with God, too. When we spend time with Him, we love Him more and want to spend MORE time with Him. God created us for relationships, first with Him, then with others.  

I saw a quote on social media just today: “When it comes to our children, two things exist at the same time – Today is the biggest they’ve ever been. Today is the littlest they will ever be again. Pause a moment to take it all in.” It is all so true! 

So, I challenge you today, as a parent, teacher, or student – learn from those around you, build a relationship with Jesus, and then pour into the people in your life. There’s so much to learn from one another! 

Proverbs 1:5 – A wise man will hear and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: 
 
Proverbs 18:15 – The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge. 
 
Proverbs 9:9 – Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. 
 
Proverbs 1:7 – The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.