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WINTER 2018
HOMESCHOOL IOWA 17
D
o you ever wonder if you’re really accomplishing any-
thing with your busy days?
Do the hours, days, and years just seem to be slipping
by with nothing to show for them?
How do we slow down long enough to ensure that our lives
will make a difference?
It’s so easy to just go about our daily lives checking the block
and doing whatever comes next. One day runs into the next with
no time to evaluate and recognize our own personal change and
growth. Without a concerted effort to stop, look back, and ac-
knowledge the positive changes we have developed in our lives,
we run the risk of discouragement and hopelessness.
The start of a New Year provides a great opportunity to take
the time for some self-evaluation. Learning to ask ourselves
good questions, such as, “What new things have I learned this
year?” and “How have I proven myself as a friend and family
member?”or “How has God worked in my life this year?”will help
us to find satisfaction in our past, as well as providing impetus
for future growth and change.
While NewYear’s resolutions too often set us up for failure and
guilt, a pro-active plan to grow and learn new life-stretching les-
sons will enable us to see real and tangible change.
Take a few minutes, or an hour, or a whole day, if necessary,
and make a list of the things you would like to learn this year.
Make another list of areas of personal growth you would like to
establish. Your list might include such things as: more time in the
Word, memorizing scripture, volunteering more often, building
new friendships, or developing a new skill or talent.
The lists aren’t a written-in-stone law to enslave you, but, rather,
helpful tools to encourage positive change.
Growth and change are always more fun with friends!
Invite some friends over for cookies, hot chocolate, and goal-
setting. Encourage them to come prepared to share what they
have learned in the previous year and how they hope to grow in
the upcoming year. Choose partners and commit that you will
encourage and pray for one another as you diligently pursue
your plans for positive and pro-active change. There is strength
in numbers. And knowing that you’re not alone in your pursuit
of growth will make change an easier proposition.
As a follow-up, perhaps you could host a “halfway” summer
barbecue. Providing your friends with an opportunity to share
the growth they’ve experienced“so far,”will strengthen all of you
to push through until the end of the year. Besides, it’s a great
excuse for another get-together with friends!
Change is an inevitable part of life. However, change with no
forethought too often becomes change for the worse. Take the
time to look ahead, pursue your dreams, and pray for change
that is spiritually positive and growth oriented.
Nomore guilty NewYear’s Resolutions…Let’s plan for success!
Megan Scheibner, is wife to her college sweetheart, Steve, and mom to eight awe-
some kids. Megan loves writing, cooking, reading, running, tennis, and feeding teenagers.
Megan’s personal goal is to continually bring glory to God through Christ-like, character
healthy decision-making. That’s her goal for her kids as well. Sometimes they succeed, but
sometimes, not so much. We are looking forward to having Megan join us as a speaker at
our 2019 Homeschool Iowa Conference.
NewYear’s Resolution or Life-Changing Revolution?
BY MEGAN SCHEIBNER, 2019 HOMESCHOOL IOWA CONFERENCE KEYNOTE SPEAKER