This is the audio from the “More Than a Homeschool Mom” talk that I was honored to share at the MHEA conference in Starkville earlier this month. May God receive all the glory. You are welcome to share as you’re led, but please link back here.
TWIG
Over the weekend I had the incredible opportunity to share a full-length message based on my “Dear Younger Me” series at the MHEA Conference in Starkville MS. I pray that others will be encouraged by both my successes and failures as a mom and for God to be glorified over all.
You are welcome to share this link and list of “nuggets” with others, but please do link it back here.
Ten Plus One Nuggets for My Younger Self
By Kim Endraske www.TeachWhatIsGood.com
Nugget #1: “Trust the Lord”
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” (Prov 3:5-6)
Nugget #2: “Don’t Be Anxious”
“Let your reasonableness (NASB= gentle spirit) be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (Philippians 4:5-6)
Nugget #3: “Hide God’s Word in Your Heart”
“I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” (Ps 119:11)
Nugget #4: “Respect Your Husband”
“Let the wife see that she respects her husband.” (Ephesians 5:33)
Nugget #5: “Number Your Days”
“So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12)
Nugget #6: “Discipline Yourself”
“Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness, for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” (1 Timothy 4:7b-8 NASB)
Nugget #7: “Brothers and Sisters Really Can be Best Friends”
“A brother is born for adversity.” (Proverbs 17:17)
Nugget #8: “They’re Imitating You”
“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.” (Ephesians 4:31-5:1)
Nugget #9: “Don’t Give Up”
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9)
Nugget #10: “Refuse to Discipline in Anger”
“Do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?” (Romans 2:4)
Nugget #11: “Grace and More Grace”
“And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience– among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.
But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses made us alive together with Christ–by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages He might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:1-10)
God “saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began,” (2 Timothy 1:9)
This series is in response to the question:So if you met yourself when your kids were as young as mine (4 and 1), what would you tell her?
If you haven’t read Part One in this series, click here.
Dear Kim,
Take a minute and read this passage out loud. Savor it. I hope this one puts a smile on your face and the joy of the Lord in your heart.
“And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.
But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ–by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:1-10
I want so much for you to be walking daily with Jesus, that I’m afraid I’m pushing you too hard. And when things are hard, you’re be tempted to do it in your own strength. And the thing is, Kim, it is too hard for you to do it in your own strength. You’ll only be able to walk this narrow road of faith as you trust in Him and believe in the mercy of God who loves you and gave His own Son for you.
Remind yourself daily that you were saved by grace, through faith, and that none of this is your own doing. It is not the result of works. You can’t earn God’s favor. You will never deserve His love.
It’s the other way around, Kim. While you were dead in all your sins, while you were a child of wrath, while you were the chief of sinners, God demonstrated His love for us, the immeasurable riches of His grace in kindness toward us, sending His own Son, to die for us that we could be forgiven. Wow! This is the good news of the gospel.
It’s so easy to get this mixed up.
Remember that God created you. Not the other way around. You are HIS workmanship. He created you in Jesus for good works, not because of them. As Paul wrote to Timothy, God “saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began.” (2 Timothy 1:9 ESV)
Before the ages began, Kim. Before you’d taken one single breath. Before you’d had the opportunity to do even one good deed, He saved you and called you. Because of His own purpose and grace.
Now, walk in that grace, by that grace. Give that grace to others. Pour out on others the grace and love that has been poured out on you. Trust Him with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. He’s got the whole world (that includes you) in His hands.
By His grace,
TWIG
This series is in response to the question:
So if you met yourself when your kids were as young as mine (4 and 1), what would you tell her?
If you haven’t read Part One in this series, click here.
Dear Kim,
This is going to be another tough one. Not so much a tough one to hear, but a tough one to follow.
Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness, for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. (1 Timothy 4:7b-8 NASB)
You’re reading the books and listening to the speakers about how to discipline your kiddos, but how about how to discipline YOU? And not just disciplining yourself to wake up early to go to the gym, or disciplining yourself not to eat that third cookie of the day, but disciplining yourself for the purpose of godliness.
OK. I hear you, older Kim, but what does that look like?
There are two places I want you to focus: (1) be diligent to study His Word and to pray faithfully each and every day and (2) keep a watch over your mouth. I’ll save that second one for my next post, so for today, let’s look at how to be faithful in your relationship with your Heavenly Father.
Kim, I know that you’re worn out, that you don’t want me to add one more thing to your “to do” list. But, Kim, it’s just not like that. This is going to be time that fills you up, that gives you more energy. It will give you the direction that you need, so you can spend the time you have investing in worthwhile pursuits.
Check out Terri Maxwell’s book “Sweet Journey” and go through it with a friend or a sister, or by yourself if you can’t find anyone and make a daily commitment to start your day with Jesus. She’ll help you get started in how to spend time with the Lord every day.
It will be good for your children to be trained to wait for Mommy while you read and pray. It will be time well spent. Trust me. Go to bed a little earlier and get up a little earlier. Just like your children will be trained a little bit at a time, so will you, and you need to start now. Don’t wait until they’re older to invest in your own time with the Lord. Trust me. (Why do I keep saying that? I think it’s because I know how prideful I am and what a hard time I have taking direction from someone else. Ouch.)
After you finish Mrs. Maxwell’s book, join a Bible study. A real one. Find a Precepts study (one day I know you’ll love them) or look up Community Bible Study. Don’t be afraid. I know some of those other ladies know more than you do, but you know what: That’s good! You can learn from them. Be transparent with them and tell them your needs. Do the best you can on the homework and just keep going.
No one becomes an Olympic athlete over night and no one expects you to know the full counsel of God in a day, but you’ve got to start somewhere. So, put aside your pride and all those time wasters and begin today to have a consistent time with your Savior, Redeemer, Father and Friend. Trust me. You won’t regret it.
TWIG
This series is in response to the question:
So if you met yourself when your kids were as young as mine (4 and 1), what would you tell her?
If you haven’t read Part One in this series, click here.
Dear Kim,
I know you’re coming to me looking for any nuggets of wisdom that I might be able to share with you, so here’s the next one. It comes from Psalm 90:12.
So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.
Your days are numbered by the very God who created you. You cannot add to them. You cannot subtract from them. You do not know what tomorrow holds, but He does.
So, enjoy this moment. Enjoy these moments.
Spend time with your children, Kim. Make memories with them. Smile. Laugh. Recognize that these days when they are young truly are fleeting.
Pour into them. Disciple them. Read with them. Pray with them.
Don’t be jealous of those other moms whose kids are older or whose kids are in day care or school. Don’t be jealous of your husband for the time he gets to get out of the house. Be grateful for the influence you’re able to have over your children’s lives.
Teach them what you want them to learn, even a little bit at a time. You didn’t get where you are today overnight, don’t expect them to. Remember, they’re children.
Don’t wait until they’re older to start training them. You’ll be amazed at their capacity to learn – not necessarily to learn to read or multiply, but to learn. They’re learning from you every single day.
They’re learning to be patient. To be kind. To listen. To think of others more highly than themselves. To have self-control. To value God’s Word and prayer.
They’re also learning to be impatient. To respond in anger. To pretend not to hear when you’re talking to them. To be selfish. To be foolish. To value man’s wisdom.
What kind of model do you want to be for them?
Beware of the amount of time you’re spending on social media, on making chore charts, on researching just the right Christmas gift on Amazon and just the right curriculum at Rainbow Resource. Consider spending that time in prayer and with some godly older women. That is where you will find the real wisdom and refreshment that you’re seeking.
Number your days and enjoy every single one of them. Fill them with the fruit of the Spirit who lives in you: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. I’m praying for you.
TWIG
This series is in response to the question:
So if you met yourself when your kids were as young as mine (4 and 1), what would you tell her?
If you haven’t read Part One in this series, click here.
So, here comes my second nugget for myself:
Dear Kim,
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (Philippians 4:6)
As you trust the Lord with all your heart, the next step is going to be doing battle against fear and anxiety. This must begin by taking captive those fearful, anxious thoughts that run through your mind. Those angry thoughts about what the future holds if you don’t “get this child under control,” were not given to you by your good, loving Father. Those thoughts come from the pit of hell.
When those ideas first come into your mind, you are going to need to choose to pray. Remember, Worry NONE, Pray ALWAYS. You are going to have to choose to cast all of your anxieties onto God, trusting that He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7). Throw those fears onto Him. Cast them off your back and out of your mind, and give them over to God, who knows is sovereign over all things. Make your requests known to Him with a thankful heart filled with trust.
Remember, Kim, all His works are right and all His ways are just and those who walk in pride, He is able to humble (Daniel 4:37). When you start to worry, you are taking on burdens that you were never meant to carry. Your fears are rooted in pride, thinking too highly of yourself, and not highly enough of our all-powerful, all-knowing, all-loving God. Don’t forget that He loves you and will supply your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). Believe that “He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:32)
I look at this picture of you in the pumpkin patch with the big smile on your face and I think of all the worries that are hidden behind there. The search for the perfect pumpkins and the perfect pictures, and what people think of your screaming toddler, and I just want to encourage you. One day you will look back at all those wasted moments that could have been filled with joy and laughter and think, “What was I worrying about?”
Worry NONE. Pray ALWAYS.
TWIG
I have recently begun a friendship with a younger mom on Facebook. She is just beginning the homeschooling journey and is eager to learn all she can from any of us more experienced moms. Bless her for that. Two days ago, she messaged me this question:
So if you met yourself when your kids were as young as mine (4 and 1), what would you tell her?
Wow! What a question! What do I wish that I’d heard (heard = heard & listened to, believed, obeyed) from a more experienced mom 15 years ago? What would I like to go back in time and tell myself? Wow! I can’t get the question off my mind, and thus begins this series that I pray will be a blessing to my dear, humble friend.
First off, I must confess that some of these statements will be things that I believe I have done well. But others, probably most of them, I fear I have not. I include both for the benefit of my younger self, that I may learn both from my successes and my failures. And I share this counsel, both to my younger self, and the younger moms out there, as well as to my now older self.
In Titus 2:4-5, older women are instructed to teach what is good and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind and submissive to their own husbands, with the ultimate goal that God’s word would not be reviled (or in other translations: blasphemed, slandered, or dishonored). Whether I’m an older woman yet or not, my goal in training the younger women to live an honorable life before God and man, is that God would be honored rather than dishonored. That, indeed, is my desire as I write these for Ashley, myself and anyone else who might stumble upon them. May God, my Father, Jesus Christ, my Savior, and the Holy Spirit, my Counselor, be glorified in all I say and do.
So, here we go. My first nugget of wisdom is this:
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
In the original Hebrew of Proverbs 3:6, that word translated “acknowledge” is yada, to know. According to dictionary.com, “acknowledge” means (1) to admit to be real or true; recognize the existence, truth, or fact of: (2) to show or express recognition or realization of: (3) to recognize the authority, validity, or claims of.
As I meditate on this most important verse, I say, Kim (that’s me), trust in the Lord. Trust Him. Believe in Him. Don’t trust your emotions, your human understandings of this. Know the Lord. Seek Him. Moment by moment and step by step and day by day, seek Him first, and He will make your way straight and right. He will direct your steps as you know and trust Him as Lord with your whole heart.
It is good to seek counsel from other people. Keep listening to those talks and reading those books, but your trust has to be in God alone. He alone is God. He is the creator of all things and He is the author of all wisdom. Beware of thinking that if you follow somebody’s “Ten Steps to a Perfect Child who Loves God,” that you’re guaranteed something. This is a lie. It is as you TRUST the Lord, Kim, as you follow Him fully, that your path will be made straight.
This word “straight,” in the Hebrew is yashar which according to Blue Letter Bible means to be right, straight, level, upright, just, lawful, smooth. This is not the same as painless, carefree or easy. Beware. God is interested in refining you and your children into His vessels, directing you as you live out the purposes for which He has created you, whatever it takes. Trust Him, when your path is hard, and trust Him when your path is easy. Trust Him with all your heart.
Meditate on that today.
TWIG
Our family is enjoying watching the Winter Olympic Games. In fact, since we are studying the ancient cultures during our homeschool history time and since Noelle is really enjoying figure skating (even taking weekly lessons), we are doing a “unit study” on the Olympics this week and next. During our unit study, we are doing all kinds of reading, writing, art, geography and math related things in addition to learning about the sports themselves.
I wanted to share here, though, some verses from the scriptures that have been coming to my mind as we’ve been watching the athletes compete. Keep in mind that the Olympics are believed to have begun in Greece approximately 776 years before the New Testament was written. Think about that as you read things about “perishable wreaths” and races.
I am specifically praying for the gospel to go forth at this gathering of nations. Join me in praying for the Christian athletes and spectators to be bold to share the good news of the gospel with those of other tribes and tongues.
I am also praying for each one of us to fight the good fight, to keep the faith, to run the race not for a perishable wreath but an imperishable one. I pray that we would press on and endure, looking to Jesus. I pray that we would discipline ourselves for the purpose of godliness which is profitable for all things since it holds promise both for our present life and for our eternal one. I pray that we would work heartily for the Lord Jesus and not for men, as He is truly the giver of our eternal reward. He is our perfectly just and righteous judge in whom we place our hope and trust. He never makes a mistake. He knows my name and He knows my heart. Praise God.
SELF-DISCIPLINE & PRIZES
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.” 1 Corinthians 9:24-25
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2
“Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” 1 Timothy 4:7b-8
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:23-24
NATIONS
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” Romans 1:16
“And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”” Matthew 28:18-20a
“”Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”” Psalms 46:10
“Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!” Psalms 96:3
Today we started “back to school.”
This, then, entails the ever important trip to Sam’s Donut shop for FIRST DAY DONUTS. In St Louis, it was Krispy Kreme, but here it’s Sam’s on Byhalia Rd in Collierville. Thanks, guys, for making our first day back to the grindstone a little more fun!
Teach What is Good 
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