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.
Understanding Love
I used to think that antique stores were for rich people, but after we moved into this old house, I got brave and started going inside. Now I know which ones have pretty old plates for two dollars and little…
History Close to Home
The War of 1812 is called America’s second war for independence. Just thirty-six years after the thirteen colonies declared their independence from Great Britain and only twenty-nine years after the United States of America and Great Britain signed the Treaty…
Happy 4th of July
When Bethany learned that we were coming for her birthday, she and her husband started planning fun things for us to do. One of Bethany’s top priorities was a craft evening with Ma. Not surprisingly, it spilled over into the…
Of Hobby Lobby and Umbrellas
In April I told you about the visit Ray and I made to the Missouri state capitol in Jefferson City on a rainy, rainy day. We had to park pretty far away and were caught without an umbrella. That afternoon…
“Hold On to What You’ve Got!”
While our children were growing up, we spent a lot of time in the car. It took us twenty-one years, but we finally made it to 48 states–and we drove to every one of them. Our children and I got…
Celebrating Canada Day
July 1 is always a special day in our family. It’s Bethany’s birthday. Ray and I are celebrating Bethany’s birthday today with her and her sweet family. Happy Birthday, Bethany. I’m remembering one of her birthdays many years ago when…