“If all you do is give your kids a desire to keep learning you have done your job.”~Marlene Peterson

Meet Marlene Peterson, the founder of Libraries of Hope and finder of the Well-Educated Heart pattern for learning.  She and her husband Brent have raised eight daughters and one son and are thoroughly enjoying the grand-parenting stage of their lives. Although she has a degree in Child Development and Family Relations from Brigham Young University, her real learning took place in the laboratory of her own home. She currently lives in the beautiful countryside of Appomattox, Virginia, blissfully surrounded by the stories of history.

Join Marlene and Audrey Rindlisbacher in one of Marlene's only live interviews, as they discuss Marlene's life, education, and current projects. Be inspired and motivated by their shared vision of how mothers are a powerful force for good in the world. 

Listener's Guide:
Use the time stamps below to skip to any part of the podcast. 

2:41          Marlene's Childhood
8:35          Her Most Important Lesson
13:19        Willing vs Willful
15:21        College
19:04       Children - A Let go and Reach Up Moment
23:09       Advice for Young Mom's
26:04       What I Discovered About Myself
29:21        How I Discovered the Principles of Education
31:25        Libraries of Hope
33:56       Gathering Stories
39:20       Family culture
41:13        The Well Educated Heart
45:22       Simple Joy Art
50:33       The Connection Between Mind and Heart
55:00       Rewarding Experiences
56:20       How to Engage Boys in Heart-Style Learning
58:44       The Statuary Garden Metaphor
1:02:36    Leading and Peace
1:03:43    Why Have Historical Figures for Heroes
1:09:09   How Has Your Work Changed You Personally

Quotes from this episode:
“God cannot steer a parked car and we have to be moving if we want him to guide us.” ~John Bytheway
“We keep holding on to what we can see but the Lord says, "Let go and reach up. I've got you.” ~Marlene Peterson
“Women can have it all, just not at the same time.” ~Phyllis Schlafly
“Every child deserves to have someone who is wild, crazy, in love with them.” ~Marlene Peterson

“Well Educated Heart is all about helping us, as moms, give our children eyes to see and hearts to feel.” ~Marlene Peterson

“As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he...” ~The Holy Bible, Proverbs 23: 7

“Our heart is in the driver's seat. That is why we need to tend to the heart.” ~Marlene Peterson

“Reading about great people teaches me how to do life. Good stories get you through.” ~Marlene Peterson

“Heart education is more concerned with truth rather than what is true. So if a story of a historical figure teaches truth, then it will resonate with you.” ~Marlene Peterson  

“If all you do is give your kids a desire to keep learning you have done your job.” ~Marlene Peterson  

“Opinions are fine but they are only opinions. What we need to do is be truth-seekers and find out for ourselves.” ~Audrey Rindlisbacher

“There is a difference between worshipping someone and honoring their efforts and work.” ~Audrey Rindlisbacher

“The heart can't be taught directly. You experience it.” ~Marlene Peterson  

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