What I’m Reading and Will Be Reading

Thank you for the responses to my questions about motivation. If you haven’t already, please join the conversation. We haven’t solved the issue yet, although I’m not sure we can. I’m realizing motivation is a heart issue not changed with dollars, games, or sticker charts.

I will write more on the topic after I review the series at Principled Discovery, beginning with Motivation Defined. Dana discusses a helpful article by Carole Adams entitled The Christian Idea of the Child. (pdf) My copy will have marginalia after an exciting event.

I’m hosting my first Carnival of Homeschooling on Tuesday! Please consider submitting a post. You may do so by emailing CarnivalOfHomeschooling@gmail.com by Monday night at 6 p.m. with the following:

• Title of Post
• URL of Post
• Name of Blog
• URL of Blog
• Brief summary of the post
• (Write “carnival” or “submission” in the subject field of the email.)

Or use the form at Blog Carnival here.

If you haven’t participated in a blog carnival before, Henry Cate has a good introduction. Also, be sure to visit this week’s Carnival of Homeschooling at Janice Campbell’s blog.

I look forward to reading your entries!

New Post at Heart of the Matter

My recent contribution to Heart of the Matter is from the archives. I hope you are encouraged by my response to Beth Moore’s Daniel study.

In our society, it is sometimes hard to silence the noise. We are surrounded on every side by images and expectations. There are pictures from idol makers, who say what we should look like, on television, the internet, and even the check out aisle at the grocery store. If you are not young, beautiful, and smart your value diminishes…

Read the rest at Heart of the Matter Online.

*Updated* I cannot find the article listed above. Here is the original: Idols and Effigies.

Don’t Miss Heart of the Matter’s Virtual Homeschool Conference

This weekend, July 30th-August 3rd, is your opportunity to join the first annual Heart of the Matter Virtual Homeschool Conference.

Listen to motivational speakers, enjoy video tutorials, gather free products, and ask questions, all ONLINE! You don’t have to dress up, get a sitter, or rent a hotel room. You can listen live or log in at your convenience to be refreshed by the recorded sessions.

The topics are relevant for beginning homeschoolers and veterans. For example, Andrew Pudewa of Institute for Excellence in Writing will be discussing “Teaching Boys and Other Children Who Would Rather be Making Forts All Day.” I’m ready for that session!

Come find encouragement as you begin a new school year.

For a complete list of speakers and topics, visit the Homeschool Conference website. If you decide to join us, please put my name, Renae Deckard, in the comments section. And please let me know you’ll be there, so I can look for you in the chat rooms.

New Look, New Writing Gig, and a Dash of Perspective

• A few of my observant readers already noticed, but my blog has a new look. If you read through a reader or by email, please come over and let me know what you think. I changed it on a whim, but I think I like it.

• I added a new button to my sidebar. I am honored to be a new writer for the of Heart of the Matter Online. My articles will appear once or twice a month, and I’ll let you know when they publish. I am excited to be part of such an amazing group of ladies.

• Emily of Remodeling This Life published an article from my archives this week. It is entitled, I Quit Reading Better Homes and Gardens. If you like to save money and live simply, you will want to check out Emily’s blog. She enjoys the mundane and finds beauty in the simple things. I appreciate her perspective, because it encourages me to adjust mine.

Speaking of perspective reminds me of my grandmother’s trivet displayed by my kitchen sink. The faded paint says,

Thank God for dirty dishes they have a tale to tell. While others may go hungry we’re eating very well.

So it’s back to the dishes for me. I hope you have some to wash, too.

Homeschool Freebie of the Day

I was pleasantly surprised to see Being a Good Friend by Miiko Gibson listed as the Homeschool Freebie of the Day.

This gentle ebook illustrated with vintage drawings of children introduces biblical principles of friendship. Make this book into a journal or simply use as a basis of discussion with your young daughter.

Miiko is a thoughtful mother and it is such a blessing she shares her heart with us.

The offer is for today only, so hurry over and enjoy!