For our blog spotlight this week, we’re excited to introduce Renae Deckard from Life Nurturing Education — reflections on family life, biblical principles, and home education.

About Renae

A rusty Volkswagen camper bus hauled my husband and me to East Texas almost a decade ago. Leaving our family in the canyonlands of Southern Idaho was hard, but we wanted to attend Bible school.

Everything is bigger in Texas, except my babies. Our firstborn weighed only 1 lb. 13 oz. Six years later, two tiny princesses came eighteen months apart. Each entered the world barely over 4 lbs. Faithful prayers and Tex-Mex delicacies did their part. My children are healthy and strong.

When and why did you start your blog?

I started my blog, Life Nurturing Education, June of 2007 after six months of deliberation. Until then I’d read only one blog, PrincipledMom.

When Anna-Marie came to my city for a conference, I nervously introduced myself. We started chatting about homeschool, and a friendship quickly emerged. Perhaps I mentioned starting a blog to her. I don’t remember. I do know that her words encouraged me, and the idea pressed into my heart to share what God was teaching me with others.

What is the goal of your blog?

To me writing is like painting pictures. I want to capture these fleeting moments of motherhood.

In the quiet of the evening, I remember the struggles of the day and remind myself there is purpose in it all. I hope others find peace when they read my processed thoughts.

How has your blog changed since its beginning?

As writing becomes less labored, my writing is looser. I used to make sure there were no sentence fragments or sentences starting with conjunctions. Now those taboos are in almost every post for the purpose of making reading easier or expressing an idea in a more powerful way.

Also, I may have become even more introspective. In the beginning, I focused more on the practical application of biblical principles. Now I reflect more on the day to day aspects of my faith, being a mother, and teaching three children.

What kind of impact has your blog had on you in “real life”?

I never imagined I would become friends with people on the other side of an internet connection. And so much emerges from relationships: wisdom, strength, encouragement, ideas, and growth.

Also, my house used to be cleaner.

What’s your favorite part about blogging?

The community it creates. The uniquness of each individual shines in the blogs I read.

Do you have any specific goals for the future of your blog?

I like the idea of planning and writing my posts in advance. And that requires a routine of writing I want to develop. Specific times set aside to pound out ideas, so I don’t feel guilty about the laundry waiting to be folded.

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