SURVEY - What would you like to hear on the podcast this year? I would love to hear from you! Thank you for taking a few minutes to complete this quick survey. ---------- Welcome back, homeschool mommas! Once upon a time, the day after Labor Day was the first day of school. Not anymore. If you're like me, you have already been in school for weeks. Perhaps you're already weary and wondering how you will make it through the year. Even this early in the year, we know that we are not enough for our homeschools. We need help from someone greater than ourselves. We need Jesus. "From the end of the earth I call to You when my heart is faint; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I." - Psalm 61:2 (NASB) We need a Rock: a Rock of STABILITY, a Rock of REFUGE, a Rock of PERSPECTIVE. But what does this look like in the life of a homeschool mom? Before we get to that questions, I want to give you some updates. First, I'll share a personal update of our family life this summer, including several near-catastrophes during our trip to Yellowship. Then, I'll share an update on the podcast, including why I thought I might close it just a month ago. As we start Season 4 of the Rest in the Homeschool Trench podcast, I'm filled with more vision than ever. Let's start our homeschool year by crying out with King David, "Lead me to the Rock." 3:45 : Personal update - including a grizzly bear story 11:40 : Podcast update - and why the podcast is still here 17:20 : Lead me to the Rock - stability, refuge, and perspective TODAY'S ONE STEP: Which aspect of a Rock do you need in Jesus today? Take a moment to pray and ask God to lead you to the Rock. ----------- Scripture in today's episode: Psalm 61:2 Exodus 33:15 Isaiah 50:4 Matthew 7:24-25 II Samuel 22:2-3 ---------- Looking for more homeschool encouragement? Find my BOOK on Amazon: The Restful Homeschool Resolution: 21 Days to Transform Your Homeschool Follow me on INSTAGRAM: Aimee Smith - Rest in the Trench.

How will your family spend this summer? Maybe you're already on a break. Maybe you're pressing on a little bit longer. Maybe you school year-round. Today, I want to share a few ideas for a summer where you can truly rest, refresh, and replenish so you're ready for a strong start in fall.

At the end of April, homeschool life can be very busy. So I have a very simple reminder for us today.

Do your homeschool days end up being a constant tug-of-war to get your child to complete assignments? It's a common issue for homeschool families. Let's think about some ways to release the tension and approach lessons without so much struggle.

I don't usually like to say that you should do something. But today is my second recent episode that starts with "why you should do" something. It's not that you should do this particular thing, but I want to share an idea of something that I've been doing in my life that's brought a lot of rest to my life. So today, let's talk about why you should watch some birds.

If you're homeschooling with chronic illness, you probably have a long list of things you just can't do the way you want to, and you probably struggle with the effects your illness has on your family. Let's look at some practical strategies for homeschooling with chronic illness.

Gardening advice is not what you want from me; but today I want to suggest you should plant some daffodil bulbs. Why do you need some daffodils? It is not just about gardening. It's a reminder for your heart.

If you're homeschooling with chronic illness, you're probably struggling with a wide variety of issues. They tend to swirl in your mind. It's hard to discern what to do when you can't even figure out what is going on. So let's start unswirling those struggles so you can think of your next practical step to take.