“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16
Fear is running rampant right now. It’s understandable that people are facing anxiety as dire warnings are being broadcasted, schools are being closed, and activities are being cancelled. Nobody wants to see people sick or worry about their jobs and what all the closures mean. The more we find ourselves immersed in the focus of the unknown to come, the more out of control and scared we feel.
My family is trying to keep informed but carry on, and I’m trying to see the positive or humor in these situations. For example, we’ve only recently moved from several acres of woods to an area where we have no oak trees. People, pine needles will not do if we run out of toilet paper! It’s sad because when the boys have a few minutes during school to work independently, they automatically tell me that I have time for a quick potty break. Road trips are fun with me…I can’t help it! This lack could breed creativity.
Also, I figure we can go a while without running to the grocery store. We have fish and crabs right outside our door. Well, kind of. I’m sure they’re out there but they’ve yet to land on my table. That doesn’t mean it’s an impossibility. We were laughing the other night because my youngest got excited and bought a kayak before the rest of us did. We figure there’s that to help us get out and fish better. The funny part, we don’t have a paddle yet! Also, realized today that I don’t have very much hard butter left, but fear not, we have plenty of popcorn. Better for our health I suppose.
We’re still receiving deliveries, and I was trying to be considerate of the driver today. I heard the truck pull up, and my son headed out the door to meet him like normal. Oops, that was something we probably should’ve talked about earlier because it got a little interesting. I tore off running through the house as I heard them make their greetings. I love when we connect with people, but social distancing y’all! He was still by his truck, and I gave a yell for my son to come back in the house. He thought I lost my mind. The driver came to the bottom of the steps with a knowing look while I sheepishly shrug my shoulders as I explain how we want to keep it safe for them by not making them get too close to us. The driver grins and asks if I want him to just put it on the step. Yep, works for me! Interesting times.
As you can see, we aren’t dealing with some of the struggles that so many are going through. Our perspective on the situation might be unique because this isn’t all that different than what’s normal for us. My hubby works from home already; he just isn’t travelling. We homeschool so nothing changes with that, right? Maybe it does a little.
My boys are much older and hear their friends talking about being off school, and some of them aren’t continuing to learn at home. If they can get out of not having school, why would you choose to be in school? Simply because it’s a privilege to receive an education boys. You’ll be better prepared when you do what others are unwilling to. When you have every opportunity to learn, do it! This might not be a popular belief with teenagers, but as parents, it’s our duty to help them understand. If not understand, we need to be the enforcers! Can I get a cape…a badge?
I want to encourage parents who homeschool to keep on keeping on. Sure, if your spouse isn’t normally home, get creative while having some good quality time as a family to forward your children’s education. This encouragement doesn’t stop for those who’ve always homeschooled. If your children are now home, but have never homeschooled, don’t allow them to fall behind. I urge you to do what you can.
If teachers are now online, make this time a positive learning experience. If not, become the teacher. Make it clear they’re still going to get an education. Try to establish a schedule, take advantage of websites like Khan Academy (they can study for SAT tests there too), read, take the opportunity to teach life skills. Let those teenagers help with taxes and balance the checkbook. Have fun by planning trips! They can figure out budgets, food, lodging, directions, gas mileage. Also, be sure to look into the places you could visit that are historic. Those websites have many educational tools on them. Jamestown Settlement in Virginia is even having learning opportunities on top of their normal information.
What I want to make clear is, sometimes it’s necessary to be a lighthouse during the storm. Stand strong even when you don’t seem appreciated! When the complaining starts or the bad attitudes overwhelm, which is a good likelihood sometime along the way, stand firm while it blows all around you. That isn’t as easy as it sounds! We can’t get all dramatic on our end when they have their issues. We simply need to be stable even when we don’t feel appreciated or they don’t see things our way. I was just watching a movie that said, “Lighthouses aren’t there to draw attention to themselves, they’re just here to shine.” Start shining!
Shine through the storms. This isn’t just for parents either. Nope, I don’t care if you’re in third grade or a senior in high school. You might need to be the one standing like a lighthouse among your family, friends, or community.
How can you stand strong? Do your part to be better, rise higher, and shine like a lighthouse no matter your age. Be the difference. Be the calm in the storm. Stand tall! Find humor in difficult situations…find your oak tree or paddle. Give others six feet while sending out your light with a calm, confident, genuine smile. Don’t hide your light, even if you’re staying at home!
During times like this, this type of confident, inspiring writing is what this nation needs. This is an absolute blessing to the world. Thank you for sharing hope!
Hope, joy, kindness, fun…all are important parts of life, and This blog brings a light that is needed to be shown and sown in the world, it is time for us to come together as a nation, as a people, to shine!
Learning is a privilege, but teaching is too, the author reminds us that teaching the next generation is important for us to take seriously, even in these trying time! Her words make us want to fly higher than an eagle
Time for faith to take control and have us see the light that the Lord is shining before us. We need to see and realize that this challenge put ahead of us in this world is for us to grow as a people, time for us to rise and shine!
Light, brightness, in the mind and showing to the world as a whole, the author is a light that people need to listen to and follow as a lighthouse through this storm.
Amen, thank you for spreading hope when most are spreading fear or hate on the internet. You’re walk with God is apparent and shines as the lighthouse that you mentioned in this writing. I hope to see more glimpses of light from this blog, the world needs it!
Thank you for putting fears into perspective and making me smile. After reading this I want to go out and shine and help those in need. If we all shine like Kellygirlthinks writes, we will be collectively brighter! We are shaping the future!
Yes! Kindness and goodness is shining through during this time! This is an example of how we as a nation, no, we as a people, citizens of the world, need to push through the darkness and bring light to where there is none, light a fire of kindness to set a blaze of goodness for humanity!
Kellygirlthinks is back! I’ve waited months to see this, and my wait was not a disappointment! As usual, her kind and inspiring words put me at ease during difficult times! We need these words of encouragement, a confidence that is lacking in the world flows through her writing! Bravo
The power of the written word, shines in the darkness, cutting it as the sun rises in the morning. This work of art is nothing short of a masterpiece. Well done “lighthouse keeper”, keep shining this light through this stormy time!
Each blog I read from this writer makes me feel stronger, more confident, full of worth when I am felling scared and down, thank you for brightening my life in some if its darkest hours! God surely is working through you!
Right on Kellygirlthinks! You are the one to shine in this crazy world! Shine on like a diamond! You’re blogs are absolutely awesome! You are a great storyteller !
Now is the time we need encouragement. Thank you for helping me, as a mother contemplating homeschooling, your blogs comfort me and gives me confidence that homeschooling is the best for our family and it’s going to be an adventure! Thank you for building us soon to homeschool parents a foundation to see success!
We can shine by reading these blogs and building on the goodness and the positive energy being put out! The power to shape our present situation is now, with humble hearts and the Lord, we will prevail! Thank you Kellygirlthinks!
The light shines through the storm! Thank you Kellygirlthinks for this! Your blog is always a favorite for our family!
I’m going to shine and read my little brothers a book. I’m going to teach them to be good boys because your words you wrote me feel happy inside
There are not enough good things I can say about this issue of Kellygirlthinks! A true piece of art! Worthy of a book to share with the workd! Write a book Kellygirlthinks, you have a gift to share with the world!
Once again, a kind and optimistic view of life! The greatness shines through. Kellygirlthinks blogs are something that all need to read and listen to! You just can’t stop smiling after reading this!
The light is ignited! Burn bright!
The path to greatness isn’t easy, but these blogs light the path when it’s dark! Bravo and thanks!
You write like a champ! Keep ‘em coming!
This is what the world needs today! Yes
Kellygirlthinks blogs are a daily inspiration that gets me going in the morning. I read them and go back and read the old posts. These words are a gift to mankind. Thank you for sharing and I really hope you are able to write more, because we need to hear something that cuts through the darkness!
Please, please, please write more of these! We read them in my college inspiration club and love hearing about the stories and adventures you and your family go through, it reminds me of the books my mom read to me, The Boxcar Children. These adventures are what I hope to have when I start a family in the future!
I love reading these posts to my grandmother. She’s 85 years old and loves to hear about what’s going on with a homeschool family! We live in Alaska and these bring us joy in the village during the cold winter. My parents homeschool me and my two brothers and it is nice to see others doing what we do, and how great the experience is for you! Awesome writing
Wir lesen diese unserer Familie in Barvaria vor. Heimschulfamilien haben in unserer Nation nicht sehr viele Unterstützer. Danke, dass Sie so geschrieben haben, dass wir wachsen und sehen können, wie Gott Sie führt. Ich danke dir sehr! Wir übersetzen diese im Rahmen unseres Rundschreibens ins Deutsche. Du bist ein Segen und ein Leuchtturm von Gott!
Ich möchte Ihnen dafür danken, dass Sie die Welt zu einem besseren Ort gemacht haben. Die Homeschool-Bewegung ist in Deutschland illegal, daher müssen wir unsere Familie nach dem Besuch der öffentlichen Schule unterweisen. Hoffentlich können wir eines Tages frei sein und unseren Kindern beibringen, im Licht Gottes zu wandeln, wie Sie mit Ihren Kindern sind. Bitte halten Sie die Blogs auf dem Laufenden, wir nutzen sie als Inspiration, um in die Zukunft zu schauen!
Merci de faire une si grande chose pour les citoyens du monde! Notre inspection scolaire pense que vos blogs sont une inspiration pour ceux qui ont la chance de pouvoir scolariser leurs enfants à la maison. Nous vivons à Nice et utilisons votre blog pour voyager à travers le monde. Le blog est un moyen d’aller dans des endroits éloignés et de montrer aux enfants que les gens du monde entier ressentent les mêmes types de choses et que nous sommes tous les mêmes. Merci beaucoup d’avoir éclairé le chemin du Seigneur en ces temps sombres. Nous passerons à travers toutes ces choses, mais vous éclairez vraiment le chemin comme un phare!
Bravo! Ce blog est ma secousse quotidienne. Je les ai lus à mon grand-père alors que nous déambulons dans les rues de Paris autour de l’Arc de triomphe. Chaque jour, il demande “la fille américaine nous a-t-elle raconté une nouvelle histoire?” Ce matin, il était tellement ravi que vous en ayez écrit un, car nous ne pouvons pas marcher jusqu’à l’Arc aujourd’hui, pas de marche jusqu’à la tour Eiffle. Merci d’avoir fait sourire à nouveau mon grand-père. Il s’ennuie de son esprit assis dans sa chambre pendant que nous attendons la levée de la quarantaine. Que Dieu vous bénisse et votre merveilleuse famille.
Écrivez plus de génie. Vos écrits inspirent confiance aux jeunes femmes de mon village d’Evron. Evron est une petite ville de France très endormie et vos aventures nous emportent. Vous écrivez d’une manière que je sens que je marche avec votre famille dans chacune de ces aventures. Cela nous fait tous sourire en allant au monastère et en les lisant avec les religieuses et les frères. Nous faisons cela pour nous rassembler en tant que communauté. Merci d’être si attentionné et gentil avec les gens et d’écrire à nous tous. À votre santé!
Chaque jour, je lis une histoire de cet écrivain, c’est comme le soleil chaud qui frappe mon visage alors que je m’assois dans le champ pendant que les coquelicots fleurissent. La vie est si courte et cette gentillesse et ce précieux cadeau sont si importants pour ce monde cruel. Nous sommes vraiment bénis par le Seigneur d’avoir quelqu’un qui nous écrit dans la grandeur qu’elle fait. J’espère voir beaucoup plus d’histoires ou même un livre d’elle à partager avec le monde et pouvoir apporter de la lumière au monde. Vous êtes un phare pour ceux qui cherchent une direction dans l’obscurité du monde. Bravo et de nombreuses années à vous et à votre famille!
Esto es lo que he estado anhelando. Somos una familia pobre que trata de vivir una vida mejor y vivir limpiamente a través de las enseñanzas de Jesucristo. Sus palabras y amabilidad nos muestran que hay esperanza en este mundo. Gracias por ser alguien a quien mi familia puede admirar.
This is what my providence needs right now. Our prime minister has shut down the whole GTA and we cannot go anywhere other than for groceries. These stories are so relatable and my family is sitting in front of a crackling fire reading this blog and the past ones. There’s nothing on television that is inspiring right now, so thank you for making us want to smile!
Mijn leven is verrijkt door deze geschriften. Onze regering probeert de immuniteit van de kudde te krijgen voor dit gekke virus en het is een enge tijd. We proberen positief te zijn in de omgeving van Amsterdam, we doen goed werk en het lezen van deze blogs geeft ons iets om ons door te laten inspireren. Schrijf er alstublieft veel meer.
Watashitachiha okunai de otagai no kyori o tamotsu yō ni tsukura rete irunode, seito-tachi to tanoshī nanika o sagashiteimasu. Watashitachiha Tōkyō no kōgai ni sunde ite, seifu no kankoku o kiite ori, kore o norikoeru tsumoridesu. Kono kansen-shō ga sekai kara deta nochi, kodomo-tachi ga yori yoi jidai o yomi, yume o miru koto ga dekiru hanashi o kaite kurete arigatō.
Thank you for calming my children during these crazy times! We are now seriously going to be homeschooling our children after this has happened. The education of our children and the future of the country is paramount to anything else. The governors of so many states prematurely shutting down schools for the rest of the year is wrong and irresponsible. I hope that the voters remember the harsh and thoughtless decisions that the politicians have made during this time. We need to come together as a country and as a people and not politicize everything. Your blog helps us with that! Thank you so much
Déi erstaunlech Wierder geschriwwe vum Kellygirlthinks stellt eis als Vollek op der Welt zesummen. Natiounen mussen zesummekommen, awer si mussen och drun erënneren sech selwer an hire Grenzen ze këmmeren. Mir mussen géigesäiteg hëllefen, awer mir kënnen net géigesäiteg hëllefen wa mir eis net selwer hëllefe kënnen. Schreift w.e.g. méi vun dëse Blogs fir datt d’Welt d’Wichtegkeet vu Freed a Gléck gesinn a verstoe kann!
The blogs are great and we need more people to show the confidence that Kellygirlthinks writes. This is what the nation needs to heal! Awesome blog!
A felicidade exala desta escrita! Estou muito feliz por poder ver isso e estou pensando que nós, como sociedade, precisamos crescer como escreve Kellygirlthinks. Somos membros de uma família da qual Deus é o chefe. Kellygirlthinks muito bem escrito! Saudações e aplausos do Brasil!
Merci Seigneur de nous avoir donné la possibilité de lire quelque chose qui inspire le monde à voir! Merci que nous puissions être connectés à travers le monde! Cela me fait me sentir tellement bien de pouvoir grandir en tant que peuple!
Le monde peut briller dans la chaleur de l’amour et de la connaissance après avoir lu ceci! C’est une bouffée d’air frais au large de la Méditerranée!
Nous vivons à une époque où nous avons besoin de la lumière du Seigneur pour briller. Kellygirlthinks apporte sûrement cela aux terres de partout! Nous sommes tellement bénis d’avoir ce cadeau partagé avec nous tous. Le monde est meilleur grâce à toi!
I absolutely love this blog! I read it with my mum when the teli isn’t working. It amazes me how vivid the stories are! Thanks for sharing this for all to see a bit of your family’s life. G’day and best wishes!
This writing is much appreciated for grandfather and me. We live in Osaka Japan and much like your writings. We are honored to listen to your wise words. Your words are beautiful like the cherry blossoms in Kyoto in spring time.
Great stories and great fun! Each blog is a chance to live life in a joyous way. I love the descriptive nature of the stories and how you are able to tie everything together. Please write more blogs more often if you can, you are a force of good in this world today.
This is something I have been for! These blogs are amazing! Thank you for doing these! They make me feel excited about life. Thank you so very much.
Hope, this blog brings hope to all of us! Thank you for lighting the fire of faith in all of us!
More! We need more blogs like this blog in this world! These writings are true inspirations in uncertain times!
Thank you for saving joy from being decimated in the world. These blogs make me feel hope, something that is so important and so fragile. Please write more of these!
Why can’t more people have the kindness and the want to spread happiness in the world! Thank you for making everyone feel peace!
C’est quelque chose que je suis tellement excité de voir! Ce blog va rendre tant de gens heureux et inspirer les générations à venir! J’aurais aimé les lire enfant quand les Allemands occupaient notre village. Ce sont les espoirs dont nous avons besoin. Cela nous rend heureux partout dans le monde.
Ceci est incroyable! Un véritable chef-d’œuvre qui mérite une place au Louvre! C’est génial et montre la grandeur du Seigneur!
Dov’è stata tutta la mia vita! Ho trovato questo blog di ispirazione mentre cercavo Internet e questo è un vero gioiello! Grazie per aver reso la mia vita più soddisfatta dopo averlo trovato. I poteri del Signore sono visti di sicuro attraverso questo scrittore! È sicuramente un faro che il Signore sta usando come estensione da se stessa! Mentre mi siedo a Milano, sento speranza, vedo speranza, vedo questo come una luce per seguire Gesù!
Duh Gusti, hatur nuhun pikeun panulis anu éndah ieu! Ningali hal ieu ngajadikeun kuring bangga janten hirup dina waktos ieu! Gusti tangtosna damel sareng panulis karya seni anu luar biasa ieu. Kecap-kecap ngalir sapertos sajak, carita kuring ngajauhkeun ka tempat anu tebih.
Widzimy na świecie coś nowego, prawdziwą miłość do siebie i widzimy, jak możemy się spotkać, aby sobie pomóc! To jest coś, co zostało utracone w szybkich czasach, wszyscy młodzi, średni i starzy ludzie muszą teraz zebrać się razem i móc iść naprzód jako naród. Dziękujemy pisarzu za uczynienie świata lepszym miejscem!