Recently a friend shared some book titles with me. Somewhere along the way, I’d heard of the books, but hadn’t checked into them. This time I did and I’m looking forward to seeing how God will use these books in the lives of our children.

The titles are: The Princess and The Kiss and The Squire and the Scroll. Each book has a Life Lessons book (sold separately) and coloring book (also sold separately). I’m really excited about the Life Lessons books. For book, the authors have come up with lessons that correspond to the book. Each lesson contains a short devotional, prayer, “jewel of truth”–Scripture, creative focus, royal reminders and helpful hints for parents.

From the back of The Princess and The Kiss: “Picking up where the storybook left off, this easy-to-use devotional covers biblical teaching on purity, relationships, and God’s plans for marriage (or singleness) with your child in a non-threatening and age-appropriate way. These life lessons are packed with wisdom from God’s Word, truths that all young girls need to know as they guard their purity, whether they’re six or sixteen. You and your daughter can build a godly heritage with these short practical, life-changing studies and activities that can be personalized for any age. An optional Princess Purity Ceremony is also included as an exciting and memorable way to formally celebrate your daughter’s growth.”

The boy’s counterpart book is very similar, except with a “knightly” focus.

I hope you will check out these books, and if you do, leave a comment to let me know.

Growing up I attended a Christian school. As part of the discipline procedures, the teachers would give out “reminders”. After a certain number of reminders, some other unpleasant punishment would follow. They were trying to remind us to do good, as to avoid the unpleasant punishment.

I find that I often need reminders–why exercise? Why try to eat healthy? Why do I homeschool? Why continue to be diligent with training my children? Some days are just hard, frustrating and discouraging, and a homeschool mom needs someone to come along beside her and remind her of the bigger picture. Our Heavenly Father is the first One she needs to go to for help. The Lord also has provided her husband, and at times, a good friend to help encourage. My husband often comes to my rescue at the end of a hard day. In addition, I have a good friend that I’ve be known to call and ask, “Tell me why we homeschool again!”

If I fail to reach out for help and “reminders”, I can start down a slippery slope that leads to further discouragement, irritability and other certain unpleasant things.

A friend let me borrow Help! I’m Married to a Homeschooling Mom: Showing Dads How to Meet the Needs of Their Homeschooling Wives by Todd Wilson. On page 32 he says:

We knew very little about homeschooling, except our reasons for doing it:

1. To protect our children from ungodly, worldly influences.
2. To train our children to influence the world for Christ.
3. To teach our children to love God with all their hearts at all times.
   

Those reasons have been our solid ground because, like every other homeschooling mom, my wife has doubts.

Doubts assail us all. Having our reasons clearly identified serve as a foundational reminder of why we homeschool. Scripture verses written on note cards and taped around the house are also good.

Think about what encourages you and what reminds you to keep going because sometimes we all need a reminder.

Philippians 1:6 For I am confident of this very thing that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. (NAS)