Teaching From Rest: A Homeschooler’s Guide to Unshakeable Peace, by Sarah Mackenzie
Those who have made the decision to homeschool their children have done so out of great love for them and a desire to provide them an excellent education in the context of a warm, enriching home. Yet so many parents (mainly mothers) who have taken up this challenge find the enterprise often full of stress, worry, and anxiety. In this practical, faith-based, and inspirational book, Sarah Mackenzie addresses these questions directly, appealing to her own study of restful learning and her struggle to bring restful learning to her (six) children.
My Review:
Teaching From Rest was an unbelievable read! In this short-read, the author did an amazing job summing up lessons that every homeschool mom-teacher should know. After completing this book, I felt both convicted and inspired. As a perfectionist (or as some say, control freak), I was becoming anxious and burnt out when I first decided to homeschool my children. Can you believe that I had to take 2 weeks off after barely even starting? It was during that break when I came across this book from another homeschool mom.
Reaching the end, I was immediately encouraged to rest mentally, physically and emotionally — renewing my strength in God alone.
Remaining connected to Him always provides me with refreshing confidence, strength and endurance. Being a homeschool mom is not easy, but if I stay grounded in my faith, refresh my soul, let go of my own idols of homeschooling, and trust that God has placed me on this journey — I can be confident that God will be faithful every step of the way.
Teaching From Rest helped reveal so much to me and more! It showed me the importance of lending myself and my children grace, just as God grants us all daily. Now, when things don’t go according to my “master plan”, I’ve learned to panic less and embrace exactly where God has me. There’s always teachable moments that point back to Him.
This is now a book I’ve added to my reading list, twice a year! Check it out on Amazon here.
Man, if I’m honest, Devoted Dreamers didn’t pierce my heart instantly. To give a little backstory before getting into our 2020 vision for the foundation, I co-founded it with my husband with minimum interest. It was another task that required more work, resources and sacrifice that I didn’t feel like we were (really “I was”) in a space to give. I had a vision for it long-term and knew God wanted to use us in this space, but I just didn’t think He meant immediately (2013).
Being married to a professional athlete and sacrificing what I felt was my entire life, I was already working so hard to maintain countless other unforeseen things. Thankfully, God gave my husband a crystal clear vision and nudge — and when God gives that man something he moves rapidly, despite the discouragement from others, including me! (I’m learning from him.)
Since our launch a few years ago, I began to develop a genuine love for all the resources we provided to equip the next generation! The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few… and I’m grateful that God has granted me a laborer’s heart and a heart for my husband’s heart.
Fast forward to today, theDevoted Dreamers Foundation has a huge space in my heart! I finally stopped looking at it as another one of his things. It’s become our thing. It’s clear that God is using us to spearhead in order to impact lives, shape futures, and glorify His kingdom. To be able to witness firsthand the results of our programs, the lives that’ve been heavily impacted, and the ability we have for growth has impacted me significantly. Our vision is growing rapidly, and now God is granting me clear visions of how I’m supposed to navigate in this space, the value I have to give, and the many ways I can serve those around us.
My vision for 2020 is actually grand, and I’m excited to see God move in the lives of everyone who plays a part! In 2020, I pray that lives are transformed mentally, physically, emotionally, and most importantly, spiritually. I’m excited that we get the opportunity to equip staff, participants and volunteers to live a life in service to others and Christ. Additionally, we get to instill into our children the importance of giving back, serving others, maximizing opportunities, and what true partnership looks like as I co-labor alongside their father.
About Devoted Dreamers Foundation:
Founded in 2018 by New Orleans Saints Linebacker Demario Davis, Devoted Dreamers Foundation, Inc. was created to equip the Next Generation of Leaders (entertainers, athletes, politicians, doctors, lawyers, etc.) with the tools to be successful spiritually, mentally, and physically. We live in a nation where inner city kids are just as likely to end up in jail as they are college. The Devoted Dreamers Project has created a number of initiatives aimed at connecting the young men and women of the future to the resources needed to make their biggest dreams a reality.
Overall, 2019 was an amazing year! Although I hit a few bumps (which I’m sure I’m not alone in that), I learned a ton about my strengths and weaknesses; I learned what happens when you move ahead of God; I birthed a beautiful baby girl; and I fell more madly in love with Big Zaddy, lol!
Now that 2020 is here, I’ve forced myself to sit down and not just make a list of resolutions but also to write out strategies to help me meet those goals. Even further, I’ve solicited accountability partners that I trust and who have permission to speak into my life and call me out on my crap. I went as far as creating a few consequences and incentives to motivate me to stay on task!
I must admit…my list of goals for the new year is rather large and even a bit vulnerable. Nevertheless, here are 22 of my favorites:
Wake up before my kids to spend alone time with God and myself before the chaos.
Serve those around me more and intentionally make disciples.
Stop apologizing for my greatness, for pursuing dreams, having our platform or having boundaries!
No longer bend on my boundaries and accept that I’m not for everyone. ??♀️
Put an expiration date on some of my goals. (I’m setting alerts in my phone calendar to keep me on task.)
Be stressless, and try to control less.
Have a few adventures!
Take more alone time without guilt to become a better version of myself.
Build my social media presence so that I can impact the lives of others through transparency — pointing everything back to Christ.
Read 2 books a month.
Become better at time management.
Become more organized and productive.
Commit to our diet and exercise as a family.
Love Demario in his love language more!
Be more intentional with my kids and with shaping their futures.
Baby, maybe? ?
Speak life into myself.
Be more vulnerable with those who I know loves me unconditionally and don’t feel the pressure to ALWAYS be the strong friend!
Judge others less.
Reevaluate my heart more.
Work out the kinks in relationships with family and friends I’ve been stiff-arming because of pride!
Trust God’s timing, purpose, plan, and process!
It is my prayer that the year 2020 brings about holiness, boldness, self-love, and a servant’s heart for you all! I love ya!
Let’s check in on each other this year to make sure we’re making changes and fulfilling our purpose!
I have been free of red meat for 6.5 years! Between acid reflux and an unforgettable bad experience of eating an undercooked burger outside in the heat while pregnant — that day, I vowed to never touch beef again, and I’ve done just that!
Please note that turkey is leaner than beef. My Turkey Meatballs are extremely healthy and a good source of protein. They are packed with flavor and incredibly moist on the inside. Not to mention, the kids love them so that’s all I needed to keep these in weekly rotation.
For those who prefer red meat, as some of my family does, this turkey meatball recipe can still be made using beef. I’m happy to say that even with red-meat-lovers in the house, my ground turkey dishes are loved, finally!
The turkey meatballs can be made with a combination of fresh and dried herbs to balance the flavors. These meatballs also freeze beautifully, raw or cooked, and can be reheated in no time! They can be paired with several things to make them a complete meal. See what we usually pair them with below.
Disclaimer: My mouth just began to water thinking about them!
Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Brown meatballs in skillet with olive oil on medium heat. (You can add ¼ cup of water to help with moisture.)
Arrange meatballs on a baking sheet, brush with oil, and bake until no longer pink on the inside, for about 15 minutes. (An internal thermometer should read 155 degrees for 15 seconds.)
To fry the meatballs:
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Fry the meatballs in batches until browned on all sides and the meatballs are cooked, for about 5 to 7 minutes per batch. (An internal thermometer should read 155 degrees for 15 seconds.)
Add more oil between batches if the skillet looks dry.
And whatever you do, don’t forget to add the love! This is actually one of the most important ingredients in my dishes!
We like to serve our turkey meatballs with…
Pasta and spaghetti sauce
Green beans, quinoa (rice), and gravy
Broccoli and garlic mashed potatoes
BBQ sauce, as an appetizer
Rice and baked sweet potatoes
Storing Tip: Freezing the turkey meatballs
Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet, not touching.
Freeze until solid, about 1 hour, then transfer to a freezer-safe container and store up to 1 month.
There was once a time when I felt equipped to teach other people’s children but not equipped to teach my own. I guess there’s the pressure of being responsible for everything versus one subject. Also, there’s the “balancing mom and teacher” thing. I must say, God has been faithful. Almost every time I become so discouraged or overwhelmed with homeschooling, He provides grace, rest, conformation and reassurance that this is what He wants me to do during this season of life. I am fulfilling the vision in His will, not my will! And I’m grateful, to say the least. My heart is full even at the end of the most stressful days.
To get into more details, here are 5 specific reasons my husband and I felt lead to homeschool:
The Opportunity to Teach
We get the opportunity to shape and mold our kids full time at such an early, vulnerable age. While doing so, we have to opportunity to control their influence and focus on building their character, faith, and other skills morals & values that we have as a family. Character and Faith are extremely important to us. While you don’t have to homeschool to have these traits, for us I love that I GET to nurture and build my children up in these areas frequently.
Meeting Individual Needs
We get to cater to each kids’ learning style. Although my kids are all still very young, it’s extremely evident that each one of my kids have different learning styles and I get the opportunity to observe that regularly and make adjustments based on trial and error. Most schools have a one shoe fits all policy when it comes to learning and testing. In my opinion, that’s unfair and NOT true. During my brief experience in public schools, it was obvious to me why children were not making good grades or passing the state tests.
No Need to Rush
We get to go at our own pace. Sometimes it takes kids longer than a week to grasp/master new material. I honestly didn’t retain much of what I learned in school because I simply memorized the information for a test, then never saw it again. I desire for my children to learn the material not briefly memorize it. Therefore, if it takes us 2 weeks to learn to add vs subtraction, nouns vs pronouns, we get to take the time and focus on just that.
Flexibility
We’ve literally moved 10 times in 7 years. Therefore, my kids’ school would have changed just as much. Also, since our schedule is different than most–Homeschool provides us flexibility in school time, curriculums, locations, etc. We typically do school year-round to make up for the slow or missed weeks—and when we travel we can take our work with us or plan hands-on learning experiences for the kids in whatever city we’re visiting.
Quality Time
We get to spend a ton of time together as a family. It is my desire for us to be a close-knit family. Because we spend most of our time together, we get to love on each other constantly. Work out our issues in the moment, and do team-building exercises that will enhance our oneness.
If you’re considering homeschooling your children, I encourage you to do the following:
Seek God first. Pray with fellow believers.
Don’t be discouraged by what your friends and family members may think. They probably don’t have their life all together anyhow.
Establish your why! Have no fear of being exposed to the world.
Start. Just start. Give it a try and understand that public or private schools are still always an option in the future.
Know that there are extremely rough days and extremely amazing days — they can both be rewarding!
Know that you are not alone. There are endless amounts of curriculums, communities, and resources available to assist on the journey!
Stay connected with us at the F Word! I’ll be providing lots of resources along the way.
Enjoy a space to connect, be empowered and educated to seek Jesus wholeheartedly, identify blind spots, seek growth, learn to love, forgive, laugh, cook amazing food, and understand that living the in the spotlight is not always roses & candy.
