A day in homeschooling.....

We got started a bit late this morning! What makes it late? Hmm, my expectations I guess! There is, after all, no homeschool rule that says we have to start at 8!
So we had a great day of getting work done, reading things I had planned and accomplishing other 'book' goals. Arent those days rare but fulfilling? So by the end of the day, the pastors wife stopped by and I had a nice visit. So, a good day of school AND adult interaction...all in the same day!
As she left I went to sit on the couch and finish up some record keeping....the 'littles' (3,5,7,11) suddenly came filing out of one room, arms loaded with toys and headed to another room. There they were....one with hair totally unbrushed~for 2 days it appears, one with a shirt on inside out, the next was so busy holding up his 'baggy' pants that he could barely keep his toys in his arms, and the 11 year old was wearing a sweater and a pair of shorts.........?
Well so much for all of my accomplishments for the day! It appears that in my zeal to accomplish the 'big' things, that I left the 'little' things undone! Well at least I did the important things, right? Spend time with the children, be it perfect/peaceful time or not, and we did bible which...if I do nothing else in a day, I hope to do that. This is the one subject that will have eternal value!
There is a lesson in there somewhere. He who is faithful in a little will be faithful in much...So it would seem I was not faithful in a 'little'...or was I ? I guess it is all where we put our priorities!

Summertime in Missouri....

Well we have made it through another year of homeschooling! This makes 20 years of it for us if you are talking about the school book aspect of it. Of course, we believe that Home-discipling begins much earlier:)
I wondered if I was the only one that felt that;....I get more 'teaching' and, 'schooling' done when school is out? What I mean by that is, I dont have the pressure of accomplishing our written goals, or the pressure of making sure we are getting all of our 'work' done on schedule...the distraction of 'well meaning' neighbors thinking the children should be inside doing pages of math instead of a nature study out of doors...so much is lost in the rush and formality of home schooling.
My older kids always tell people 'Mom loves summer so she can teach without being distracted by schooling'.
Yes I have to say that summer is my favorite time of year. More teaching, learning and memories are made for eternity when I am not worried about, teaching them or them learning:)
I hope Im not the only one who feels like this, but actually; its okay if I am too:)
Brett and I hope you all have had an amazing year of home discipling and that you have a wonderful summer with your family! Pressure is off!! You can school in peace for a few months:)

A Recommended Website.....

http://www.e6-4.com/
 Check it out and tell us what you think! Happy Home Discipling today!

Acting on Principle....

 There are so many intelligent Americans~far more so than the secular news would give credit for. It seems that the current political climate is drawing the voice of many of these people forward. I stand amazed sometimes when I read the 'comment' section on a news post. These are not necessarily 'Christian' people either. So how much more so ,should God fearing, Christian people act on principle?
  By 'acting on principle' I mean ; Making decisions based on what is right and not on circumstance or what is convenient. My how we need more principled men, and women, in America today...if America is going to stay...America.
  In our home, we teach our children that, our government is made up of the people in our home....outlandish? Not really~ individuals make up families, families make up communities, communities make up the states that are part of our great nation. Therefore, the people in gov't are the people in our homes. That tells me that the condition of the govt is contingent on the condition of the hearts of the individuals in our homes. Is that over-simplified? Maybe:) So what is the solution?
  Of course it is to raise principled people in our homes. First of all that will entail having clean hands and a pure heart before the Lord ourselves,( no great task begins easy), then imparting truth to our children and teaching them how to make decisions based on principle.
  We must teach our children to choose what is right...even if it doesn't benefit them personally. We need to teach them that getting something for 'free', often comes with a very great price.
  One doesn't need to be 'born again' to be a principled person probably, however...living by principle requires MUCH fruit of the Spirit. Self denial, self sacrifice and considering one another ahead of yourself,patience, self control...and many more qualities which are primarily reserved for those who call upon the name of the Lord in wisdom and in truth.
  May the Lord give us grace and wisdom to raise principled people for His glory and for the advancement of His Kingdom.

Home Discipling/Home Schooling

 Over 20 years ago, Brett explained to me that we were not 'homeschooling';
imparting information
telling facts
moulding behaviour....
  He taught me that our goal was to "home disciple". As well he explained to me that whomever we or our children 'sit' under are being discipled by them...Now I didnt catch on quite as quickly as I should have maybe, and it took years for me to not be "controlled by curriculum". Now though, it has been many many years that I too have been homediscipling our children;
teaching truth
imparting wisdom
moulding character so that godly behaviour follows;
  WELL...all this to say; My children got a puppy for me...and it is a waste of time to try and home diciple this little thing! It has no regard for truth or wisdom, nor will it exhibit godly charcter no matter what I do! Therefore; after 20 years, I am once again homeschooling!!! You guessed it; the puppy!
  And although the information I impart to this little bugger and the attempts I make at moulding its behaviour outwardly...it will have no lasting effects on this puppy...but I have come to realize that it is going to have an eternal impact on my life for my good...in the way of teaching me PATIENCE!!!!
James 1:2-4

2Count it all joy, my brothers,when you meet trials of various kinds, 3for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. Happy discipling today!

Confessions of a Homeschool mom:)

1. I do not have a permanent smile on my face:)
2. I require coffee to get me going in the morning
3. I am not completely organized in my home OR my homeschooling
4. I get 'cranky'! I have been known to lose my patience and I have even been known to growl
5. I am not consistent with discipline, discipling OR dish washing...
                    YET..............
1. Soli Deo Gloria! All that I do is to the Glory of God alone!
2. Solo Christo! Anything I do is by strength from Christ alone!
3. Sola Scriptura! My perfect guide, my first and final authority to guide me in all I do is Scripture alone! (and Brett of course:)
4. Sola Fide! I do what I do by Faith alone! Not because I can see the impact of what I do, here and now.
5. Sola Gratia! I accomplish 'anything at all' by Grace Alone!
                    AND....
I will add, as the words to a most precious song says; In Christ alone, my hope is found. He is my life, my strength, my song...well you know the rest.
Psalm 115:1
Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness! Amen!

FAMILY ECONOMICS CONFERENCE!

 

Are you ready to take your family's economy to the next level? Join Generations with Vision in Chicago for the third annual Family Economics Conference on March 8-10, 2012. This exciting event features a line-up of speakers who will equip your family's economy for long-term success, including Kevin Swanson, Steve and Teri Maxwell, Dave Tucker, Erik Weir, Bill Roth, RC Sproul Jr., and Alex and Cassie Michael. In addition, you'll be encouraged by the practical wisdom in our popular Q&A panels, where you will have opportunity to interact with the speakers. Just a sample of the topics to be addressed are:

• Raising Sons to Provide
Household Budget Management
Marketing a Family Business
• Facing the Onslaught of Socialism
Household Chores and Time Management
The Duties of Dominion
Keys to Being a Successful Family Entrepreneur
Stories from Successful Family Start-Ups
A Special Proverbs 31 Track for Moms
• ...and much more!

Also included in the price of registration is a family pass to the 2012 Annual Liberty Day Celebration on Saturday night after the conference (value of $59). 

Registration is $279 per family, unprecedented pricing for a conference of this size and venue. 

 

Click here to register now!

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Alexander and the terrible, horrible, no good ,very bad day...

  What does a little kid know about a day like that I would like to know?

We homeschooling parents know what a day like that is don't we?

Terrible- Is when you get up late and burn breakfast...

Horrible- The kids whine and fight while you're doing morning devotions...

No good- You have no idea how to figure out your teens algebra problem...

Very bad-The kids didn't nap, dinner is late, you've had it and put them to bed without even brushing their teeth!

  Now that is a day for you! The hope??? "His mercies are new every morning"! Praise the Lord!

  So when you have a day like this, , have courage! Remember...

 May the Lord encourage you in your mission today! 

Raising Maidens of Virtue

I know a lot of moms and ladies who are really looking forward to this book coming out! You can find it available at Grace and Truth books. Their site is down at the moment but it will be up and running soon! http://www.graceandtruthbooks.com/

Happy Reformation Day ( Monday 31st!)

Providence Church, Peoria Illinois

 I know, I just can't seem to leave the Reformation alone! It has been that way in our home for nearly 3 years  now!
 I would encourage anyone to take some time to study the Reformation. And, just so you know, the Reformation is not over! The cry of the Reformers was 'Reformed always reforming'! Isn't that how we are to live? Continually being transformed by the renewing of our mind, conformed to the image of Christ, and reformed in our lives to always bring honor to Christ?
  So this Monday, we will be celebrating 'Reformation Day'! I wish we could have had a 'bigger event' involving lots of folks but we will be content to have our family! Daddy will be playing the role John Knox, the girls will don their renaissance dress, and we will be watching a movie on Martin Luther! Oh! Don't forget the crackling fire and sipping on egg nog!
  NORMALLY we would have 'candy' yet we are trying to cut down on sugar! Anyone have any ideas for fun and interesting snack foods?
  Well we wish you a joyful Reformation Day and our prayer for you is that you are Reformed and always Reforming!! All to the glory of Christ! Would you be willing to comment on how your family is celebrating Reformation Day today?

Micah 6:8

"He has shown thee O man, what is good and what the Lord requires of thee, but to act justly, and to love mercy and to walk humbly with thy God".

  One issue that is a struggle for many~be they in the church or out~be they homeschoolers or not...is pride.

  We have talked about what humility is, we have talked about what pride is. But, what DOES the Lord require of us? We all self impose requirements upon ourselves, we also pick and choose the ones to follow that we see in scripture. I like to make things simple though. Especially when sharing truth with our children.

  Though I believe it is more than profitable to read the Westminster Confession or London Baptist Confession...those things require much time and attention. What little tidbit can we chew on today and show our children right now?

  This is on of my favorite verses. Act justly, love mercy, walk humbly. Who can't understand those statements?

  Are you considering how to act, respond, think or decide something? Look at the list. Which of your actions would be just, loving and humble?

  A great training tool for children when they are in a conflict....I will ask "Was that a just or fair thing for you to do?" "How could you have acted that would have shown your sibling mercy?" or 'Was that a humble response?"

  Funny thing is though...sometimes we as parents and adults need to be asking ourselves those questions more than we need to be asking them of our children. More is caught than taught.

NEVER TOO OLD TO LEARN.....

 I certainly am not the type of person that thinks "I know it all". Actually, the older I get, the less I think I know! However, at the same time, when I 'learn' something I still stand amazed!

  The other day I was not feeling well and therefore was 'grouchy'. You know, one of those times when you feel impatient and don't smile and give quick ungracious answers to those around you? You know, the ones who don't deserve it?

  Well when I was acting this way, my dear husband looked at me and raised an 'eyebrow'. I said 'why did you do that?" He said 'What?". "Raise your eyebrow'. "What is wrong with that? Brett asked. I told him 'It made me feel self conscience'. Then he said it..... "What I did made you conscience of SELF?".....WOW! Yes as a matter of fact it did and that made me very UNCOMFORTABLE. We talked about that a minute and decided that it isn't ALL bad to be made conscience of SELF. Actually, SELF needs to be exposed, confronted and conformed into the image of Christ.

  Then he related that to child training. Isn't that what we are doing? Exposing the deeds of darkness in our children's lives and bringing it to the light of Christs perfect life? So, the next time you feel self conscience, consider that perhaps that is an area where you need to die to SELF (the old man) and be made new. Old things are supposed to pass away....and theologically speaking old things HAVE passed away when you become a redeemed child of God...all things have become NEW. 

  That is our standing in the heavenly places. Practically speaking though, we work out our (secure) salvation down here with fear and trembling and daily die to self, and continually be cleansed and conformed in our thinking through the washing of Gods Word.

  May the Lord give us wisdom, and motivation, to put off the old man~ and wash ourselves and our children in His Word DAILY!

Blessings in your mission today!

For a challenge....

Go to the Dad's determinations page and be challenged....Humility part 1

A lesson I learned long ago...

 About 15 years ago I read a story by Rod and Staff. The dad was telling the little boy~who was about to go pick blackberries (or some berry!); "Son, now when you go to gather fruit, stay in one place until they are all gone around you, before moving on to another spot".
  Do you know that I use that same principle now? The kids and I gathered acorns yesterday ...and it took a bit of discipline on my part but that is exactly how I gathered them..I sat in one spot and didnt move from that place until I had gathered every acorn in my reach.
  That is a pretty good example of how we should live the Christian life I think. Not be content until we have reached out in some way to everyone within our reach. Whether it be with the gospel, a helping hand or even just a smile or word of encouragement.
  Im so grateful for technology (though we need to use it wisely) and things like this THC, where I have more of an opportunity to encourage, and be encouraged by others that would normally be 'beyond' my reach.
  May the Lord bless you in your 'outreach' today.

Dyma gariad fel y moroedd

 I guess this should be on the 'Lets Learn' page but I didnt want you to miss this!
Last year when we were studying Wales, I thankfully came across the man singing below; Huw Priday. The song he is singing developed out of the 1904 Welsh Revival. It is an amazing story and well worth researching! We were able to incorporate many 'subjects' in this study~ Geography, Music, we learned the song, language; we learned at least this ONE line of the Welsh language, history as it pertained to our Welsh ancestors...it is such a beautiful song and story I wanted to share it with you! As well, Mr. Priday and his wife have their own wonderful testimony..Let us know what you think!

You have saved the best until now

"Everyone brings out the choice wine first . . . But you have saved the best until now!" John 2:10

The world gives its best first--and the worst comes afterwards! 

It is so in all sinful pleasures: first exhilaration--and then bitter remorse. 

It is so in the chase for wealth, power, and fame: gratification first--and then painful disappointment. At first money brings gladness--a sort of satisfaction. But as time rolls on and wealth increases--cares multiply, anxieties thicken, burdens grow heavier, and at last--the rich man finds that in all his riches, he has less satisfaction than he had in the days when he was just a poor boy!

It is so in all mere worldly ambitions: the first cups of fame are sweet--but soon they pall upon the taste. 

This truth holds especially in the sinful life: we need not deny that at the beginning, sin is sweet--but bitterness is found at the bottom of the cup!

In grace, however, this is reversed--the good wine is kept to the last! Christ Himself first had humiliation, darkness, and the shame of the cross--and then exaltation, power, glory!

In the Christian life, the same law holds:
 
First there comes bitterness--but out of the bitterness, sweetness flows. 

There is first the deep sorrow of penitence--but this gives way to the blessed joy of forgiveness. 

First comes self-denial and cross-bearing--but out of these experiences comes a holy peace which fills all the heart. 

Sorrows are to be endured--but the good wine of comfort is poured into the emptied cup. 

There is also a constant progression in the blessings of the divine life. We never get to the end of them! Indeed, we never get to the best! There is always something better yet to come. Christ keeps the really best wine until the very last--in Heaven! As sweet as Christ's peace now is to the Christian--he will never know the fullness of the love of God, until he gets home to the Father's house! (J.R. Miller, "Daily Bible Readings in the Life of Christ" 1890)

Make me a Servant today!

Does that remind you of a song???
Make me a servant, humble and meek,
Lord help me lift up those who are weak,
and may the prayer of my heart always be....
Make me a servant....today.
  One thing I PRAY that I accomplish in my life; is to teach my children to have a servants heart. There are enough taskmasters on this earth, enough leaders (godly and otherwise), what we really need are servants.
  Some may look at servanthood as 'moving to africa to be missionaries (Schochs:(sniff)~others serve faithfully and endlessly in their church.
  The Bible reminds us that whatever we do, we should do to the glory of God.
  The Lord is our great example. He who is King of kings and Lord of lords~Creator of Heaven and Earth~the Most High Potentate, blessed forever JESUS was a servant. A servant is not more than his master. Therefore it is necessary for us to be servants if we are to be called the children of the Most High God. 
  Sometimes being a servant is just being helpful, smiling, or actually getting up and doing something. I have the blessed advantage of living with the most servant hearted person I know. My husband is such a servant...I want to be just like him when I grow up! If I were 1/2 the helpmeet to him as he is to me ....well I would be chalk full of pride I guess! Unfortunately I am not there yet!
  May you and I be admonished/encouraged by that little song 'Make me a servant today'; and may the Lord give us wisdom in teaching our children to be servants as well.

Leadership

I was 'e' ing about 'leadership' this morning with a friend. It seemed appropriate to c/p our post here from another website where we had originally posted; We would love for you to comment and share your ideas!   Vision Forum had a very good webinar this week on Leadership. This is something that Brett and I talk about often.  It is important in our family because, having so many children we tend to be a 'big' presence wherever we go. Too, as a family we do a lot of things in a lot of places and they do not have the luxury of always being surrounded by Christian people. Also, in order for our children to be holy, remain pure and not be followers they must in some capacity be leaders.

  What we are learning... First of all, every one of our children (and yours) are leaders in some way. Be it good or bad or effective or ineffective! What I mean by that is, non leadership can lead others to inactivity as well. For example, if our children are not willing to stand up and lead a conversation to be profitable in a group situation, then they are encouraging others to stay ineffecive and quiet also.

  One thing Doug Phillips does with his children is; he tells them "Ok son, when that group of kids comes over be sure and lead the conversation to be profitable and God honoring".

  One thing we do, is we tell our little boys, "when those  boys come over, be sure that there is no unkindness toward the little ones by anybody", or we tell our older girls "When you go to your friends house with the girls be sure and steer the conversation away from a lot of unnecessary 'boy' talk".

  These may sound like over simplified ways to teach our children leadership skills but I have seen time and again where my children have set the 'tone' in a group setting. Not in an overbearing prideful way either. As well, most of all, they must first be able to lead by example.

  What are some ideas you have for teaching children leadership skills?

The Homeschool Channel

 Have you visited The Homeschool Channel yet? It is a great place for resources, fellowship and encouragement! Check it out and be blessed!

Home is where the heart is....

Home is where the heart is.
      Teaching our children where to put their 'affections'....(above) is not an easy task. I do believe that home is where the heart is. That makes it very important for us to teach our children that this is not their home. 'He goes to prepare a place for us that where He is, we may be also'. We pray that we are able to teach our children that 'He is the author and finisher of our faith', and that one of the driving forces of their lives should be 'That they be found faithful'. May it be their hearts desire to hear the master say 'Well done thou good and faithful servant, enter into your rest'.