Naomi 
Expect the Unexpected This week I was reminded about these verses about the unexpected from James and Matthew: The Unexpected Strikes I had grand plans for this week after a very hectic month that included; hosting exchange students, launching a new girls’ youth ministry, a piano competition, and a trip … Read more
Social Disorientation Dealing with social disorientation. In this cheeky post, I shared why I am not worried about the overall “socialization” of our kids. However, I had to concede that homeschool kids’ lives can sometimes be very insular and shut off from popular culture, and ideology. As a first generation homechool mum, I don’t … Read more
Which Ball? Home educators have many balls to juggle at once. So, which ball specifically am I talking about here? The academic ball! It can happen so easily, but it’s also easily fixed. So, don’t be discouraged. Get it sorted! I’m sure you know what I mean. You turn around to check on your … Read more
Time Spent Reflecting I almost can’t believe it has been two and half years since we started homeschooling! This week I took some time to reflect, along with our kids, on what we’ve loved, loathed, and learned during our homeschool adventure so far. Let’s begin with what the children had to say. It’s probably useful … Read more
If you are brand new to homeschooling, I know how overwhelming the whole set up is. Especially choosing curriculums. Now that we’re heading into our third year of homeschooling, I’m starting to feel pretty confident about what we are doing, and how to make choices. As we get close to 2025, I’d like to share … Read more
As end-of-year events and festivities come suddenly crashing in, it’s so easy to get swept up in the hectic pace of the season. How can we keep Jesus at the centre of Christmas? How can we establish family Christmas traditions that point us all to the one who is truly, the best gift … Read more
Last time on the Joyful Journey 123 blog, we were all about learning geography with the help of games – https://joyfuljourney123.com/have-fun-learning-geography-with-games/. This month, we’ve been out on a real-world adventure to South Korea, which included a trip to the Goseong DMZ tourist area. DMZ is short for the Demilitarized Zone between North and South … Read more
Embarrassing Geography Fail I wish I had played these geography games as a child! I have a very embarrassing confession to make. After completing thirteen years of public school education, I had next to no idea about the wider world beyond Australia. When did I receive this revelation? With the arrival of the internet, came … Read more
Me-time. When we become parents, it seems there will never be time for the things we love again. Even getting the daily essentials done can seem like a monumental struggle! While our children are wonderful blessings, meeting the needs of our families can feel overwhelming at times. When you add in seasons of sickness … Read more
I’d never seen it before. As I scrolled through the Australian Answers in Genesis flash sale site, it jumped out at me. A curriculum for John Bunyan’s treasured Christian allegory, The Pilgrim’s Progress. I had to order it, along with a regular sized copy of the story, and the audio book. When it arrived, … Read more