His Strength Is Perfect: My Journey Through Trials and Teaching with Purpose 🌿

Nineteen years ago today, my life changed in a way I never expected. At 18 years old—just one month shy of starting college—I was diagnosed with encephalitis. It flipped my world upside down. What should have been an exciting chapter turned into a season of survival, setbacks, and small steps. It took me five years to complete what many would consider a two-year degree. And honestly? I didn’t always feel good—physically or emotionally. But I held onto the truth in 2 Corinthians 12:9 (KJV):

“My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.”

Now, nearly two decades later, I see that the Lord wasn’t just healing me—He was preparing me. Every detour, delay, and difficulty was shaping the teacher, mother, and curriculum designer I am today.

As a homeschooling mom and early childhood educator, I want to encourage someone today who may feel behind, overwhelmed, or discouraged. Maybe your child isn’t hitting the "right" milestones at the "right" time. Maybe you’re facing medical challenges, learning delays, or burnout. I want you to know: God’s timing is perfect, even when ours isn’t.

🌱 Trends in Early Education: Grace Over Gaps

Today’s early education trends are finally starting to lean into developmentally appropriate practice and whole-child learning—things I’ve been passionate about for years. Research shows that pushing academics too early can actually hinder learning in the long run. Instead, we’re seeing a movement back to play-based, Bible-based, and relationship-focused learning. And I say, hallelujah! 🙌

As I write Bible-based curriculum and create resources for homeschool families, I aim to offer grace-filled tools that meet children where they are. My printable and digital materials (available on TPT) are made with flexibility and faith in mind—because no child is a copy-and-paste learner.

🛍️ Shop & Support: Encourager Awards + Favorite Tools

To celebrate milestones—big or small—I just released my Encourager Awards bundle. These printable certificates are perfect for homeschool, co-ops, or classrooms and recognize character traits like joy, leadership, kindness, and perseverance. They’re a sweet way to say, “I see you. I’m proud of you.” 💖
👉 Shop the Encourager Award Set

Plus, here are a few of my Amazon must-haves for encouragement days:

• ⭐ Colorful cardstock for printing awards

• ⭐ Kid-safe laminator

• ⭐ Bright classroom stickers and pens
  (These are affiliate links, which help support my small business—thank you!)

✨ Friend, Keep Going

If you're a parent, a teacher, or a caregiver walking through a hard season—know that God is not finished with your story. From hospital beds to homeschool rooms, He is faithful. My journey through encephalitis taught me not just how to survive, but how to teach and lead with compassion. If God can use my broken places, He can use yours too.

Don’t give up. Don’t compare. Don’t underestimate what God can do with a little faith and a lot of grace.

“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” – Galatians 6:9 (KJV)

💛 Stay encouraged,
Becky | The Crafty Teacher
https://taplink.cc/craftyteacherdesign