Welcome to Daily Encouragement!
Hi, I’m Charlene Notgrass. I was born a long time before you, way back in 1953. I loved homeschooling — once I learned how to make homeschooling who our family was instead of something I carried around like a big, heavy burden every day. From the lessons God has taught me, I offer you daily encouragement.

Catfish and Family Business
Last week Ray and I took off on a very rainy morning to join our younger daughter and her family at Shiloh National Military Park. Military parks make me so sad as I think about the heartbreaking events that took…

Football, Prayer, and Gratitude
Sometimes finding a photo to illustrate a blog post is bit of a challenge. You might find this illustration a bit surprising. I’m thankful that John Margolies published this photo in 1992 and that many of his photos wound up…

Who Are They Going to Believe?
Earlier this week I wrote about the proliferation of “wall decor motivation” slogans. One slogan I see often is simply the word “BELIEVE.” Do you wonder as I do, “Believe in what?” Our world isn’t only shouting slogans at us.…

Dreams Come True
Homeschooling mamas have a long job description and a long to-do list. Some items on the list are fun; some are tedious. Some have short-term results; others make a difference in their children’s lives for many years. Homeschooling mamas also…

Be Patient with Your Mama
Many homeschooling mamas feel like the lettuce, cheese, and bologna in the middle of the sandwich generation, those folks who are caring both for their children and their aging parents. The emotional challenges facing these caregivers are real. The emotional…

Rock Solid
Back in 2009, Ray and I visited Elephant Rocks State Park in Missouri. It was fascinating. Those rocks are massive. In 1 Samuel 2, Samuel’s mother, Hannah, says: There is no one holy like the Lord, Indeed, there is no one besides…