Well, life’s been a bit of a whirlwind, but I’ve finally found time to sit down with the Fall issue of Teach Magazine.  The theme of this issue is “The Taming of the Tongue”. Ouch.

“How wild is your tongue? When your kids do something that gets on your last nerve, how many seconds does it take for you to respond?” asks writer Jayna Petterson. Um, can I answer in nano seconds?

So, yes, this magazine has been a challenge for me to read, but it has also been encouraging.  Publisher Lorrie Flem has written and gathered several practical articles, dealing with issues like yelling, complaining, and bickering.

 “Soccer Lessons” written by Val Smith, challenged me to think “how life could be if we were as modest with our words as we are with our clothes”.  Mrs. Smith addresses a flaw I see first in my own heart, and also within the homeschool community. We are (I am) far too quick to judge and condemn others whose convictions and ideologies may not measure up to our self righteous standards. I understand completely that there are biblical, unchanging, scriptural principles to live by. But I think that our propensity to be contemporary Pharisees is most dangerous.

There are several helpful pieces on homemaking and hospitality, including a two page spread by “urban homemaker” Marilyn Moll (www.urbanhomemaker.com) titled “Accent on Apples”.  I’m inspired to bake (and eat!) a healthy, fragrant apple crisp.

To be fair and balanced in my review I’d have to say that I can’t wholeheartedly endorse or agree with Lorrie’s suggestions for handling bickering.  Having said that, let me point out that Lorrie has raised twice as many children as I have (she has 8), and is sharing what has worked for her household.

I enjoyed a feature that shared a day in the life of a homeschool family, highlighting unit studies. Also, a two page spread showcasing home-based entrepreneurs was an interesting and inspiring read.  Product reviews, inspirational quotes, short pieces and poems, as well as a FEW homeschooling related advertisements round out the magazine.  

I also LOVE the colorful front cover featuring beautiful fall leaves.  It’s interesting, now that I look at the cover again, I see that the subtitle says “To Encourage and Challenge Homemakers and Homeschoolers.” I hadn’t noticed that before, yet that is how I started my review! (3^rd paragraph).  Mrs. Flem, you have met your goal!

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Posted by TEACHmagazine

Hi Eleanor,

My friend sent me a link to your blog asking if I had seen it (thanks Nancy!). I so enjoyed reading your comments about TEACH.

As you saw, my heart's desire is to raise a family that loves the Lord, I work hard to do that. I also publish a magazine. Why? Because I was looking for one that would help me as a homemaker. I could not find what I wanted so with much encouragement I began TEACH.

I want to encourage women to put their first fruits INTO their own homes and look more like Jesus every day. I try to do that by encouraging and challenging our you.

You said I met that goal! Yeah!

Under the Shadow of His Wings,
Mrs. Lorrie Flem
www.TEACHmagazine.com
www.TEACHersBookShoppe.com

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Posted by Juldos

Hi friend! Is this your main blog or do you have another one? I know you were at homesteaders for a while, but my link to your blog there doesn't work anymore. Trust you're doing well. I've discovered a few new gf items that have been such blessings as I cook gluten free. How are you doing?
Happy Day,
Julie D.

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