Hi friends! I am so excited about the project I’m going to share with you today! This has been on my heart for over a year, but the timing wasn’t right.
But now it is!
Twice each year, June and December, my dear husband takes our children for 2-3 days and lets me have uninterrupted time to plan school for our next semester.
For this introverted soul that occasionally needs to be alone, oh be still my heart, it is a time I look forward to.
The opportunity to reflect on our previous homeschool semester, pray and dream about the next semester, and establish goals for myself and my children is a much needed time. Life with children at home is just a busy, loud life.
These few days of quiet are like salve to my soul, I kid you not.
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It took me several semester planning sessions to figure it out, but if I can start my planning session with the Lord, it goes tremendously better. Otherwise I’m just flailing around, jumping from topic to topic.
It’s so unproductive.
During the first night of my planning time, it has become a habit to read Seasons of a Mother’s Heart by Sally Clarkson. And I read almost the whole book that first planning night!
Maybe it’s just me, but I occasionally need a shot in the arm to keep on keepin’ on with this crazy homeschool life.
I need a seasoned homeschool mother to tell me that there is fruit – and lots of it – if I can just keep focused and be faithful in this calling to homeschool my children.
Probably like many of you, I don’t have that model in my life. I don’t have a mentor to give me that encouragement when I’m feeling overwhelmed in the day-to-day life of homeschooling.
And that’s where Seasons of a Mother’s Heart enters the picture.
Seasons of a Mother’s Heart Book Club
If you’ve been in the homeschooling game long at all, you’re probably familiar with Sally Clarkson. She has written book after book for mothers – not just homeschooling mothers, but several books for all mothers who want to live an intentional life with their children and point them to Christ.
However, Seasons of a Mother’s Heart does speak directly to the challenges of the homeschool mama. She addresses the myriad of heart issues that are particular to this life of schooling children at home.
For almost a year now, I’ve wanted to lead a Seasons Book Club in my home. However, I attend Bible study one night a week, and I didn’t feel comfortable with giving up another night of the week to be gone from my family.
Then God placed this idea in my heart: to have a Seasons Book Club on my blog.
What a grand idea!
And I would love for you to join me!
Regardless of how long you’ve been a homeschooling mom, you are sure to find much needed encouragement and wisdom from this study.
I can’t wait to get started with you!
Details and Reading Schedule for Seasons Book Club
This book study will run for 13 weeks. For the most part, we’re covering one chapter each week.
You are absolutely welcome to read and follow along (please do!), but you will need to buy the book to get the most out of the study. You can purchase it at your local Christian book store, LifeWay, or Amazon.
Each Wednesday, I will post my thoughts and what spoke to me the most from the chapter.
In the comments, I would love for you to do the same! If you have a blog and want to write a post about how God has spoken to you, please leave the link to that post in the comments. There will not be an official link-up for bloggers, but please feel free to leave your ideas and encouragement for others to read in the comment section here at Mama’s.
Here’s the reading and discussion schedule:
→ March 4, 2015: Let’s get started! Buy your book if you don’t already own it. Read the introduction, 10 Years Later Reflections on Spring, and Chapter 1: Celebrating Life. (This will be the largest section of reading during the study.)
→ March 11, 2015: Share thoughts about Chapter 1. Over the next week, read Chapter 2: Changing My Will.
→ March 18, 2015: Share thoughts about Chapter 2. Over the next week, read Chapter 3: Beside Still Waters.
→ March 25, 2015: Share thoughts about Chapter 3 and Spring. This next week, the season changes to summer. Read 10 Years Later Reflections on Summer and Chapter 4: Building Your House.
→ April 1, 2015: Share your thoughts on Chapter 4. Over the next week, read Chapter 5: Planning to Live.
→ April 8, 2015: Share your thoughts on Chapter 5. Over the next week, read Chapter 6: Surprised by Joy.
→ April 15, 2015: Share your thoughts on Chapter 6 and Summer. The season will change to Fall. Read 10 Years Later Reflections on Fall and Chapter 7: A Touch of Sympathy.
→ April 22, 2015: Share your thoughts on Chapter 7. Over the next week, read Chapter 8: Freedom from Guilt.
→ April 29, 2015: Share your thoughts on Chapter 8. Over the next week, read Chapter 9: Living with Discipleship
→ May 6, 2015: Share your thoughts on Chapter 9 and Fall. The season will change to Winter this week. Read 10 Years Later Reflections on Winter and Chapter 10: Prayers from Home.
→ May 13, 2015: Share your thoughts on Chapter 10. Over the next week, read Chapter 11: Light in the Darkness.
→ May 20, 2015: Share your thoughts on Chapter 11. Read our last chapter – Chapter 12: Enduring with Grace.
→ May 27, 2015: Share your thoughts on Chapter 12 and any other encouragement, wisdom, and grace you’ve received from the study. This will be our last, wrap-up day!
FAQ for Seasons of a Mother’s Heart Book Club
How much time does it take to go through one chapter?
I think that depends on several variables, but for me, it takes about 2 hours to really read and absorb and ponder as I want. You can probably read through the chapter in about 20-30 minutes, but to read the Scripture at the end, journal, and think on the ideas that Sally has presented, and pray over these things, I would set aside 2 hours.
No, it doesn’t have to be all at one time. You can certainly split it up into different days.
Do I have to be a homeschooling mom to read along with you?
Of course not! While this book is written for the homeschool mother, it certainly is applicable to any mother that wants to honor Christ in her mothering. I guarantee mothers of all different schooling situations will glean much wisdom from this study!
Do I have to be a Christian to participate in this book club?
No, you don’t. However, Seasons of a Mother’s Heart is written for the Christian mom, so please be aware of that.
This book is meant to grow us in our relationship with Christ. While the topic of the book is homeschooling, it consistently points to Jesus and how I can strengthen my faith in Him.
If you have questions about Jesus as your Savior, please feel free to contact me. I’d love to talk with you: mama (at) mamaslearningcorner (dot) com
Please join me!
So won’t you please join me next week as we go over Chapter 1? Please leave a comment and let me know you’ll be reading along with me!
I’d love to know more about you: Have you read the book before? Have you ever done an online book study? How can I pray for you? Leave all of those details (and more!) in your comment.
I can’t wait for next week as we dive in!
Cutting Practice Worksheets: Transportation!
It is such a coincidence that I just received this book in the mail last week. I look forward to joining the book club as I just started reading the book. I very much needed some inspiration recently!
Urmi, I’m so glad you’re going to join us! It’s such an encouraging book, I have no doubt it will give you much inspiration. 🙂
Yep! I’m in! I wanted to join a book club but can’t seem to get out of the house at this stage of life. After a one year hiatus from homeschooling, we are all going back for round 2! I am looking forward to being done with working full-time and being with my children full-time, but I still remember all the struggles we had with homeschooling the first 6 years. Thanks for your posts…they help a lot!
Michelle, I’m so tickled you’ll be reading along! Yes, there are many struggles for homeschool moms, but this book is always a big motivator to keep on keepin’ on for me.
Many blessings to you as you transition back to homeschool!
Would you happen to know if the newer copies are drastically different than the older ones? I had picked up an old copy of this at a used bookstore a few years back and would like to reread it alongside your study, but wasn’t sure if my copy would make that possible. Thanks!
Heather, I haven’t personally compared the two, but it’s my understanding there is minimal difference between the two EXCEPT for the ’10 Years Later’ reflections.
I totally think you can follow along with us with your copy – please do! The bulk of the message is in the version that you have.
I’m so glad you’ll read along with us!!
Hello, I am new to your site. I’m a homeschooling mama of 5 & I really would love to join. I just ordered the book, so it may be 2 weeks before I’ll receive it. Looking forward to joining. Thank you.
Hey Ruth! Welcome to Mama’s! I am so glad that you’re here to read with us.
I have no doubt that we we all be blessed and encouraged!
I’m in! I’m going online to order the book right now. As soon as it arrives I’ll start reading and catch up with the study as quickly as I can.
Amy – yay! You’ll be able to catch up quickly. 🙂
Thrilled you will read along with us!
This book looks great! I will be reading along! However, I just found out, and have to order my book, so I may be a bit behind. Wish it was on Kindle! Can’t wait to join!
Yes, Kindle would be great, wouldn’t it?!
It won’t take you long to catch up. Thanks for letting me know you’re reading along and I’m excited you’re here!
This is just what I need. I will get the book this weekend and dive right in!! My oldest is 4 and we are haphazardly working though Pre-K so to start K in the fall. So happy I found this blog.
Shannon, I am SO thrilled that you will join us. I was very fortunate to find this book early in my homeschooling life, just like you.
On those days (or weeks/months) that I feel overwhelmed, there is always encouragement here that I can turn to that points me back to the reason I’m doing this in the first place.
This will give you such a solid foundation in the heart issues that almost all homeschooling mamas face. 🙂
I am excited to join you in reading this book. My friend recommended it to me, and we had planned to read and discuss it together this summer, but when I saw your book club, I thought it would be fun to do it now. I’m a new homeschool mom of kids ages 6, 4, 2 and 6 months.
Hey Keri! I’m so glad you’re going to join me!! The ages of your children are very similar to mine. You are me almost 4 years ago. hee hee 🙂
I am eager to join in the discussion on this fabulous book. I am a mother of three, and I will be officially homeschooling starting in the fall with my 5 year old. I’m excited to join the homeschooling on-line community and learn from everyone!
Yay Mairee! Thanks for commenting, and I’m excited you’re here!
Is it too late to start? I am running out to get the book this weekend! I am so looking forward to this! I have one graduating this year and a 9th grader. How do I make sure that I get your comments on each chapter? Thank you so much for doing this! God Bless!
Oh no, it’s definitely not too late to start!
I’m posting my thoughts and comments each Wednesday, so just stop back by then.
Or you can subscribe to Mama’s via email up there in the top right-hand corner. 🙂
Educating the Whole- Hearted Child was one of the first home-Ed books I ever read. That was around fifteen years ago and it is tattered somewhere in my basement. Seeing this book study makes me want to dig it out and remind myself why I liked it so much. I’ve ordered the Seasons book and hope to read along with you. Thanks for hosting this!
Yes, come read again with us! It’s definitely one of those books that can be read and re-read and re-read again. 🙂
I’m in! I got this book awhile back but haven’t set aside time to read it. This really seems like Gods perfect timing as we are going through a really difficult season. The book I have is copyright 1998 and does not have the “10 years later part” though. Will that be an issue?
Jillian, I can’t imagine not having the 10 years later part will be an issue. And the frugal mama in me definitely thinks you should read the copy you have and not buy a new one. 🙂
I’m so tickled you’ll be joining me!
Just ordered the book and looking forward to reading it along with other moms 🙂 Thanks for reaching out and doing this!
Yay Veronica! Yes, I can’t wait to read this with other homeschool moms! What a sheer delight for me. 🙂
I’d love to join in. I just discovered your study so I’m a bit behind. I will get the book as quickly as possible and catch up 🙂 I’m a homeschooling mama to a 13 year old and 8 year old and have reached the point in the year that I could really use a boost of encouragement 🙂
Hi Renee! Oh no, you’re definitely not behind. 🙂 Just get the book when you can and join on in.
Yes, late October and March seem to be the times that I need a double shot of encouragement.
Hence this study – ha! 🙂 So glad to have you join us!
Great idea! I am looking forward to this. Thank you! I have the older version. I read it when raising my older two. I could use a refresher while raising the younger two.
I’m so glad you’ll be coming along with us, Tammi! Your older book version will be perfect.
Make sure you stop by and read through Chapter 1. We’ll be discussing Chapter 2 on 3/18/2015! 🙂
I am looking forward to getting my book & following along.
I’m so glad you’ll be reading with us, Deirdre! We’ll be discussing Chapter 2 on Wednesday, March 18, 2015. 🙂
Just found you through Free Homeschool Deals. com. I am a homeschooling mama of 2 girls (4 and 7) and am feeling the drag of the 2nd leg. I have read Season’s before and L.O.V.E.D. it! It has been about 1 1/2 years so it’s time to crack that baby open again. Although I am behind I will get caught up ASAP. I am so glad that you are doing this study here and not on FB as I don’t have a FB account and so many book studies are done through that and so many a time I can’t participate. So excited. Thank you for hosting.
Amanda, I’m so glad you’re here! Yes, I’m not the biggest Facebook fan and I know that many do not have accounts.
So here at Mama’s it is! Thanks for reading along with us. 🙂
Hi! I would love to join your study and will have to catch up quickly! It amazes me sometimes how God works in our lives because I have been really down lately about my homeschooling abilities, even though I have been homeschooling for 8 years now. My boys are getting into high school and it’s getting tough. So when I saw this study, I saw God helping me, giving me a way to gain some understanding and encouragement. I look forward to this and also, I would love to post about it on my blog if at some point I feel led to do so. Would that be okay?
Janeen, if you haven’t read Chapter 1 yet, you must read it ASAP! Your situation (being in a ‘Spring’ season of life) is exactly what it’s about!
I am in a similar season, only a few years behind. 🙂 I can certainly relate to feeling down about homeschool abilities. Thankfully, the Lord is there to equip is in every way we need.
Yes, please come along and read with us! We’ll be discussing Ch 2 on Wed, Mar. 18, 2015. Here’s the link to Chapter 1’s discussion: Chapter 1 Discussion.
And yes, feel free to blog about it! You are welcome to link to your post here in the comments or shoot me an email and I can pin and put on my FB account. 🙂
I am looking forward to this study! I have another year before my dear daughter graduates and my sweet son will have four more years after that! It is rushing by so VERY fast, I just want to ensure I savor these last few years with my precious blessings!!!
I have ordered the book, so will begin reading it right away. 🙂
Rebecca, I’m so glad to have you! Thank you for joining us!
I’ve had this book for a few months, but I haven’t gotten past the first few chapters. I’m looking forward to having some encouragement and motivation to make my way through the rest of the book.
Beth, I’m so glad you’ll be joining us! It’s so much easier to go through a book study with friends in the same place.
Or at least that’s been my experience. 🙂
Welcome!
I just got my book in the mail! I’m excited to join in…although I’ll have some catching up to do!
Oh great!! You’ll love it! Don’t worry – you’re not behind. If it’s too overwhelming to catch up, just jump in and start reading at Chapter 3 for this week. 🙂