Spiritual Encouragement

Let’s Talk Hard Things

/ Sarah Janisse Brown / Leave a comment

Hi friends! Let’s talk hard things.

I just celebrated my 49th birthday, and looking back, I realize I did so many things right—and now I’m enjoying the rewards of a life lived beautifully, though at times sacrificial and hard—because this is motherhood! I’ve grown my own passions, talents, and hobbies alongside my children and never lost myself—and I never lost sight of my calling, and I never strayed long from the way.

I knew my North Star, I had my eye on a mountain top, I knew I had to choose the right direction, and just keep climbing. I couldn’t always see a trail under my feet, but with compass in hand, and a vision of my destination – the chaos, the darkness and the obstacles could be overcome – by faith and perseverance.

There were hard choices to be made along the way, and my husband and I decided, over and over again, not to be driven by our fears and worries.

Now, as I enter my 50th year, I want to consider how I can help, teach, and light the way for younger women who don’t want to lose the light of life along the journey. Maybe you feel like you have lost sight of that North Star, and havent figured out how to read a compass, and even if you could – you have not decided where you are going because your vision and calling is a blur.

The path looks different for each of us, but there’s one very important thing—its the path.

Where do you want to be at 30? 40? 50? 60? 90?

You need to be on the path that takes you there—and I know you are a pioneer.

I know you are brave. I know you are fighting for your child, your home, your family, your sisters, your marriage, and your calling as a woman. I know you are a visionary because you are here. Only the brave explore the world of Fun-Schooling!!!

So I have a question for you: What do you want to learn from me?

I’ve arrived at 49, and my life is everything—and more—than I could have hoped and dreamed because I stayed on the path, even when I had to blaze it.

But I blazed it, so maybe you don’t have to. Many women and families, mothers and marriages, have gone before us—blazing trails, clearing the way by faith in the face of fear.

I once heard a very wise African man share a bit of wisdom in my living room:

“If you thought you were moving in the right direction—you heard the call, you are moving toward your vision—but the journey is much harder than you ever imagined and there are endless obstacles in your way… it’s not because you’re on the wrong path. It’s because you’re the pioneer, blazing that trail.”

You are a pioneer woman. Not because you have chickens, bake sourdough, or have a garden. You are pioneering a future for yourself and your family through the chaos and disconnection of modern society.

You are overcoming obstacle after obstacle—facing challenges humanity has never experienced before 2025. You are battling a Terminator, taming AI, training the next generation, obliterating GMOs in your home, questioning traditional medicine and conventional education, maybe challenging the values of modern feminism, healing trauma, finding faith, experimenting with scary alternatives, and pulling monstrous weeds from the garden of your child’s heart and mind.

You are armed with wisdom and a questioning mind. You take every thought captive. And at times, you feel like a living sacrifice—poured out for love, hope, and a future you can’t even see.

You are making moves. You are navigating good and evil. You are trying to hold a marriage and family together. And you are looking around and seeing your sisters, your friends, struggling and feeling so alone. And you wonder—Am I enough? Am I doing enough? Why am I so tired?

Do you realize how powerful, wise, wonderful, and full of grace you are?
I didn’t think so.
But you are all that—and more.
You are an overcomer.
And it’s so hard.

Friend, sister—
I’ve walked through fire, floods, loss, pain, death, and chaos. And I’ve built my house, my life, my future on the Rock. I have loved.

And I’ve arrived at 49—empowered, wiser, freer, and touched by grace. I still have a ways to go.
Every step of faith has brought me to this beautiful place, I’m seeing everything from a hilltop.

So how can I help you blaze your trail?
How can I help you find your way?
How can I say, You are not alone?
How can I stand on this Rock, on the hilltop, and call out to all the sisters and say:

“If this is the Rock you want to stand on, the path has already been paved.”

Yes, the path is still hard—but sister, I have rolled many boulders off this trail. Now you need to push through the weeds and mud that relentlessly try to take over the terrain—until enough of us walk this way, packing down the path with our footsteps, working together to raise up the low spots and clear out the brambles.

I’m here to help you.
I’ve created so many tools and resources to support you along the way, and I’ve suffered many struggles pioneering this path.

So where are you on the path?
Where are you going?
Who is guiding you?
What’s your map?
What is your North Star?

How can I empower you, encourage you, and equip you—to take one more step?

How to Transform Your Homeschool: Perfectionism to Joy

/ Sarah Janisse Brown / Leave a comment

Homeschool moms! Let’s throw our stress overboard! Let’s release the things that cause stress! Let’s set ourselves (and our kids) free from unreasonable and irrational expectations. Somehow we imagined that these unrealistic goals were the right way.
Untangle yourself and your kids from the things that choke out the joy in learning!
Here’s how:
One of the greatest gifts we can give our children is the ability to take their thoughts captive and release burdens that were never meant to be theirs to carry. As homeschooling parents, we often focus on academic achievement, but if we aren’t careful, we can unintentionally plant seeds of anxiety, perfectionism, and self-doubt in our children’s hearts.
God never intended for us to live weighed down by fear or the need to perform for approval. Matthew 11:28-30 reminds us to come to Jesus for rest, and 2 Corinthians 10:5 tells us to take every thought captive in obedience to Christ. These truths are not just for us as parents—they are essential for our children as they grow into the people God created them to be.
So how do we weave these lessons into our homeschool days?

The Hidden Burden of Traditional Schooling
In many educational settings, children are trained to work for grades, external approval, and the fear of making mistakes. Every assignment is graded, every test has red marks, and progress is often measured by how few errors they make rather than how much they have learned.

When children are constantly evaluated this way, they internalize a dangerous belief: “I am only as good as my ability to get things right.”

This burden is heavy, and I’ve seen how it plays out in adulthood. It creates individuals who are afraid to take risks, explore new ideas, or step into their God-given creativity. Instead of growing into confident problem-solvers, they become people-pleasers, perfectionists, or those who avoid challenges altogether because they fear failure.
When I was young, I struggled with traditional academics. I saw myself as someone who wasn’t smart enough, always focusing on my weaknesses rather than my gifts. I even failed third grade!!!
But when I embraced learning on my own terms (at age 13) following my curiosity, using creativity, and celebrating progress instead of perfection—I discovered a love for learning that has lasted a lifetime. This is the heart of Fun-Schooling.

How Fun-Schooling Releases Burdens
Fun-Schooling is not about performance—it’s about passion, mastery, and lifelong learning. Instead of burdening our children with the fear of failure, we give them the tools to learn with confidence and joy.
In our home and in thousands of Fun-Schooling families, kids don’t study to earn grades or please a teacher. They study to pursue knowledge, build skills, and prepare for the future God has for them.

Traditional school teaches kids to focus on their mistakes.
Fun-Schooling teaches kids to focus on their gifts.

When kids are given the freedom to research, explore, and follow their interests, they become fearless learners. They know that making mistakes isn’t failure—it’s part of the process. Instead of becoming burdened by anxiety, they develop the mental strength, confidence, and peace that are uncommon in traditionally schooled children.

Teaching Kids to Take Thoughts Captive
So how do we practically help our children apply 2 Corinthians 10:5—taking every thought captive—and Matthew 11:28-30—laying down heavy burdens?
Here are a few ways to include character teaching in your homeschool day…

Click here to keep reading!

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Be a More Joyful Mom by Following Sarah’s Life Tips!

/ Sarah Janisse Brown / Leave a comment

These tips are from a post back in 2016. Some truths are timeless. Scripture truth will always “age well”. These simple truths will help to keep you peaceful, joyful, and grounded as a homeschool mom.

1. Don’t make decisions based on your fears.

2. Don’t gossip. “A whisperer separates the best of friends.” People who gossip to you, will gossip about you.

3. Take advice from the people you want to be like. There will be people who try to control you, but do you want to end up like them?

4. Don’t take advice from people who are driven by their fears. Take advice from those who live by faith and trust in God’s word.

5. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. When they happen learn from them.

6. Overlook most of the stuff other people throw your way.

7. When in doubt, be gracious. Wisdom is knowing what to overlook.

8. Take a minute to encourage a child, no matter how busy you are.

9. Before you complain, remember the cross.

10. Enjoy today and love the people on your path. They are there for a reason.

11. If you have a dream, give it feet. What is the worst that could happen? God gave you that dream, don’t waste it.

12. Greed is ugly. Pride is ugly. Selfishness is ugly. Grace is amazing!

Something to Remember When You Are Weary

/ Sarah Janisse Brown / Leave a comment

I wrote this “Conversation with a Dream” around 2007…

“You are crazy, outlandish! Why are you still here?”

“I’m yours.” My dream replies, “I am your calling, your vision, your future, and your legacy. It is not for yourself but for others that you must persevere.”

“I know, but why do you have to be so impossible?” I ask.

“ I was thinking the same thing about you!” My dream laughs, “I’m not impossible, it’s your fear that keeps me out of reality.”

“Fear?” I say, “What do you mean?”

“You are afraid of failure and disappointment,” my dream assures me.

“But can’t you see why?” I reply.

“But can’t you see!” my dream responds. “You haven’t failed. You have just gone through some really practical learning experiences. Honestly, you had a lot to learn!”

“Silly dream,” I respond. “Every time it seems like you are ready to burst into reality, you just kind of… burst. I’m going to start calling you a water balloon. I’ve poured my heart and soul into you, then you just pop. Look at the years of labor, toil, prayer, faith, hope and fearlessness. I’m tired, and frankly I am disappointed. Even when we do win one battle there is always one more. We climb a mountain just to face a dozen more. At this point it would be easier to give up, move on and… ”

“Live a life of mediocrity and regret? To walk away now would prove you a failure. Is that what you want?” my dream asks.

“No, I was just hoping to trade you in for a nice little dream that’s easy, realistic, less risky, more practical,” I explained.

“A dream that seems realistic it not a dream at all. A real dream takes a visionary, a pioneer, an explorer and a conqueror to bring it to life,” my dream replies.

“How will I ever become a pioneer? A conqueror? A visionary?” I ask.

“It’s a long process. You must work hard. You must keep pouring out your heart and soul. You must persevere through trials and disappointment. Get dirtier. Take risks. Pray a lot more. Lose sight of yourself for the sake of others. Press on toward your goal, for the sake of a higher calling. Be willing to live a life of sacrifice and hardship, with faith and hope. And one more thing: You must never forget, what I think you must have forgotten.”

“Could you remind me please? I can’t remember what I’ve forgotten,” I ask.

“Remember where you were when you first set your heart upon me. Now look–the mountains in our history! Look at the battles we have won! Look at the bridges we have built! Look at the faces of those who have labored by our side! Look at the enemies who are at peace with us now! Look at the plans we have made! Look at the miracles that came through when everything seemed so impossible! Look at who you have become along the way.”

Memories and renewed vision begins to wash away my fear and doubt. Once again my dream speaks up.

“You are becoming a visionary, a pioneer, and an explorer. But you will never be a conqueror, if you give up now.”

“Give up? We can’t give up!” I exclaim. “Look how far we’ve come! We are closer than ever! What’s one more mountain… or a dozen? You are my calling, my vision, my future. You are my legacy. I must persevere. I will lay my life down, not for my own victory but for the sake of the others.”

And so in time a world is discovered, a war is won, a town is revitalized, a marriage is saved, a book is written, a child comes home, a cure is found, reconciliation is made, a constitution is signed, a nation is founded, a village is built, a promise is kept, a soul is saved, and a dream is born.

Why?

Because someone didn’t give up. (Hebrews 12:1-3 Bible)

Read here about Sarah’s dream for Olive Branch Village!

Want to encourage your children to persevere with their dreams?

Hope for the Less-Than-Perfect Mom

/ Sarah Janisse Brown / 1 Comment

This is from a Facebook post of mine, dated 2017…

Preface: My husband brings me a latte every morning. We try to wake up before the kids. If the kids drink all the milk I have a very slow morning. Today that happened. Everyone else was up for breakfast, but I was waiting for coffee…

Ever suffer from “Mom Guilt”? So today my ten year-old drew a family picture. She has a very sharp sense of humor. There are 11 people in the drawing. She left me out. Where am I? See that talking bubble on the far right? That’s me in the other room, yelling: “Josh I Need Coffee!”

My kids know that I show up after my sweetie brings me my morning latte. My morning routine helps me to start my day peacefully, with my journal, Bible and coffee. I sometimes feel selfish for sticking to my routine. So, I giggle at my daughter’s drawing but it makes me think that maybe I need to be better about getting to breakfast on time. Coffee or not.

I actually thought it was really funny. Don’t feel too sorry for me.

I share this because no mom is “perfect”. We all have bad days and reasons to feel like we are failing our families. Sometimes we have a romantic idea that there are moms who have it all together. Maybe you think I have it all figured out. But…

It’s easy to get the idea that others are stronger and have an easier journey, when you don’t know what someone has been through.

Click here to read a personal story…

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How to Teach Kids to Have Quiet Time/Bible Time

/ Sarah Janisse Brown / Leave a comment

I believe it is so important to understand how to nurture a child’s growing mind. I have a passion to teach them to be curious, to love learning, to research wisely and to grow in wisdom, understanding and knowledge. It’s been my lifework to understand why some children struggle to learn, read, and focus, and I dig deep into these matters sorting through vast amounts of research on the human mind to understand how to unlock the potential of each child. I work hard to find the answers and tap into the child’s gifts, no matter what their natural strengths and weaknesses may be. And I test these ideas and solutions and share them with the world, and many thousands of children have been able to overcome struggles related to ADHD, Autism and Dyslexia.

I also believe that it’s vastly important to nurture the child’s growing body, to give the child the best foods, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and the right balance of proteins, fats and carbs. I research and learn what is good and what is poison and ensure the child has sunshine and exercise. Because what good is a strong mind inside a weak and sick body? You can not care for one and neglect the other. Mothers and fathers everywhere make it a priority to care for the mind and body of the child, hoping that the child will grow, thrive and be strong and wise.

But this is not enough. We must also nourish the soul and spirit and character of the child as well–and even more so. How often is the care of the spirit the last thing we even consider at the end of the day? To nourish the spirit of the child is of greater value than all other efforts we could ever make to feed the mind and the body. How many of us have children who are starving spiritually?

Parent, you reap what you sow. If you plant in your child the seeds of the Spirit your child will grow in the Spirit. If you build him up in character, he will become a man of honor. If your daughter is nurtured in the things of the Spirit she will grow in grace, glory and faith. But if a parent neglects the nourishment of the spirit, the soul and the character of the child, the impact in the life of the child will be more devastating than if you failed to nourish the body and the mind. So I ask you, loving mother, faithful father? How will you tend to the garden of your child’s soul today?

A Simple Plan

Here is something simple to begin with. Make each child a cup of tea and make one for yourself and then you all go to your quiet spots with a Bible and Journal. Tell them that when they are done with “Bible Time” it will be “serving time” where each person helps someone else in the family with their chores. Turn on some peaceful music during Quiet Time.

In short, you begin by demonstrating what this looks like.

For younger children, you can have them listen to a Bible audio book. Get a children’s Bible and use Bible coloring pages. We have a number of journals that will help!

Find many more journals for Fun-Schooling moms and kids of all ages here!

Living Stress Free in a Stressful World

/ Sarah Janisse Brown / Leave a comment

I want the share inspiration and encouragement that is helping me.

Here’s a talk from Nancy Campbell at Above Rubies, that explains the hormone Oxytocin, the “peace hormone” and how to tap into its power to reduce stress and anxiety, and give you a feeling of peace!

Click here for a post on “Tips for Reducing Stress, Media, and Clutter”!

Try one of my Art & Logic Therapy journals to help calm your mind:

Ripple Effect: How to Inspire Your Kids

/ Sarah Janisse Brown / Leave a comment

A messy dining room, a dozen unfinished projects, soggy boots, muddy footprints, a broken telescope, a lost library book, a forgotten passion, a new hobby, and wonder in the eyes of a child.

This is the homeschool life.

Simple moments, like pebbles in quiet pond, the work you do today will ripple through generations.

Yes, what you do today will make a difference for years to come!

Homeschooling isn’t glamorous, and the day to day activities may seem a lot like pushing a rock up a mountain. But through it all I’ve seen how embracing the role of both mom and teacher has unseen power and influence that you wouldn’t believe though it’s right in front of you. And the work you do and example you set will influence your future generations.

Rewind–what’s your story? Who you are today has a lot to do with the path of past generations.

Here’s a glimpse into my story and the beautiful tapestry of learning, passion, and love that has woven itself through my family’s history.

My grandmother was a mother of four and a civil engineer—a woman ahead of her time. She somehow balanced her professional life with the demands of motherhood, and through her, I learned the value of determination and perseverance. She showed me how to think outside the box. When the world said, “You can’t do it all!” my grandma said, “Oh yes you can!” And when I’m facing a struggle I often hear her voice in my ear whispering, “Where there’s a will there’s a way!”

My mother, an artist, educational strategist, Bible scholar and homeschool mom, carried a quiet passion into our home. She made learning an adventure, and always helped us kids find the answers to even the most outlandish of questions. She had a way of filling our days with creativity and the belief that anything was possible, with Jesus. Her art wasn’t just on canvas—it was in the way she taught us to see beauty in the world, and faith in the One who is GOOD, WISE and ALL Powerful!

Because of her faith and example I will never forget that “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!”

And now, as a homeschooling mom of my own children, I see how this legacy continues to unfold.

Homeschooling has given me the chance to watch my own children discover their unique passions and explore them in their own time.

Not just growing in skills and knowledge, but in faith and determination!

(Click here to continue reading)

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New Year Inspiration for the Creative Learner

/ Sarah Janisse Brown / Leave a comment

My daughter, Rachel, keeps this prayer within view as she paints.

“GOD, Raise up a company of creatives who are madly in love with You. Raise up a company of creatives who have been content with creating for You and with You in the secret place. Raise up a company of creatives who create from Your presence to lead others into Your presence. Raise up a company of creatives who are content with being nameless and faceless as long as Your name is made famous.

“Raise up a company of creatives who create as worship unto You instead of obligation to man. Raise up a company of creatives who are aware but unimpressed by the culture. Raise up a company of creatives who dream and think beyond themselves—a company of creatives who have generations in mind.

“Raise up a company of creatives who passionately pursue Your presence over performance, righteousness over relevance, relationship over opportunity, obedience over sacrifice, character over gifting, collaboration over competition, Kingdom over culture, and intercession over infatuation.

“Raise up cultural architects—those creating the content that will rebuild cities that have been ruined, infusing them with the culture of heaven. Raise up hope dealers—those offering messages of hope instead of doom. Raise up laid-down lovers—those consistently pursuing the heart of God over the praises of man. Raise up gold miners—those searching out and finding facets of the Father in all of His children.

“Raise up ministers of reconciliation—those serving the agenda of heaven by restoring people to relationship with the Father. Raise up servant-leaders—those choosing to serve others with their creativity instead of themselves.

“Raise up families and communities committed to creating safe places for sons and daughters to be equipped and empowered into destiny, who are cultivating communities filled with sons and daughters who are so secure in their identity that competition and comparison are squashed.

“Raise up storytellers and history makers, songwriters and swag makers, sculptors and script writers, painters and photo takers, videographers and music makers, actors and ambiance architects, jewelry geniuses and coffee curators, authors and movie makers, preservers, protectors and producers of beauty who are committed to telling Your story.

“Raise up those committed to creating things that persuade hearts towards amplified affection and allegiance to King Jesus, committed to carrying Your presence into the earth through their creative expressions until the whole world knows. Tell Your story through Your sons and daughters. The earth is yearning for their revealing.”

AMEN.

By Jasmine Weiler

Shop all of our journals for your creative learners here.

“Arrive”: It’s Only the Beginning

/ Sarah Janisse Brown / Leave a comment

As You arrive in our life for the first time
For the first time
We see greatness lie in Your eyes
And this is what we will sing
‘Cause this is only the beginning.

Use today as your beginning. Study the life of Emmanuel, “God with us,” by reading through the New Testament this coming year, together as a family.