Walking Among Them: Elizabeth
July 4, 2009 by Lori
The object of this study is to take some time out of our busy, often chaotic days and spend some time with women who have gone before us. Not just any women, but 26 women of the Bible. We’ll “Walk Among Them” and see how their stories relate to our lives. It’s my hope that we will discover God’s presence and grace in our own lives as the lives and lessons of these women unfold before us this year.
Walking Among Them, Elizabeth
(Read Luke 1)
Sometimes God shows up when we least expect it. Just ask Elizabeth. Elizabeth is as old as the hills and is, by all accounts, in no condition to bear a child. She comes from a long line of priests and has been married to her husband, Zechariah, for years, and still no child. It just does not seem fair to those who know her. Perhaps, just perhaps, like some of the women we have walked with previously, God had greater plans for this barren woman. After all, we KNOW, God is GOOD, ALL the time. Even when it looks very bleak, all the time, God is GOOD.
We meet Elizabeth in the middle of her story. In fact the beginning of her story is really her husband’s story. Her husband Zechariah had been chosen to offer incense at the Temple sanctuary. It was a big deal…a VERY big deal. At the time there could have been 8,000 priests and a priest could expect to offer incense once or twice in his lifetime. It was Zechariah’s moment. Little did he know what was about to transpire at God’s hand. Then the angel appeared, and as the angels do, it told Zechariah, who was by this time likely terrified, that there was no reason to be afraid.
“Don’t be afraid, Zechariah! God has heard your prayer. Your wife Elizabeth will give you a son and you are to name him John. You will have great joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth for he will be great in the eyes of the Lord. He must never touch wine or other alcoholic drinks. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even before his birth. And he will turn many of the Israelites to the Lord their God. He will be a man with the spirit and power of Elijah. He will prepare the people for the coming of the Lord. He will turn the hearts of fathers to their children, and he will cause those who are rebellious to accept the wisdom of the godly.” Luke 1:13-17
The angel gives Zechariah news that he has longed to hear for decades; his wife is g
oing to have a child. The angel goes into great detail, and even that isn’t enough for Zechariah, who just can not comprehend this news. Just to prove that this is God’s doing, Zechariah is silenced and unable to speak until the child is born. Zechariah leaves the temple unable to speak and returns after his week of service at the temple to his home where Elizabeth is waiting. Indeed, the angel is right, as they always are! Elizabeth becomes pregnant, and instead of questioning, she rejoices in Luke 1:25;
“How kind the Lord is! She exclaimed. He has taken away my disgrace of having no children.”
I often imagine what it must have been like for Elizabeth to live those nine months without a word from Zechariah.
It was in Elizabeth’s sixth month that the story picks up in Luke 1:26. We learn that Mary is also pregnant. Quite the contrary to Elizabeth, Mary is engaged to be married and is significantly younger than Elizabeth, but they are cousins. Mary visits Elizabeth. It’s one of the most widely read passages in the New Testament. Many scholars speculate that Mary may have been visiting Elizabeth at this time as a way to protect her from the community that could have her killed for becoming pregnant. At that time, it was commonplace for the fiancés family to honor kill the girl, since a bride’s price had been paid by Joseph’s family. (women of the bible.net) Mary made this journey to Judea. This was not an easy journey for a pregnant girl. It likely took her several days to arrive at Elizabeth’s home. This ladies, is when the story becomes miraculous.
“Mary entered the house and greeted Elizabeth. At the sound of Mary’s greeting, Elizabeth’s child leaped within her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Elizabeth gave a glad cry and exclaiming to Mary, “God has blessed you above all women and your child is blessed. Why am I so honored that the mother of my Lord should visit me. When I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy. You are blessed because you believed the Lord would do what He said.” Luke 1: 39 – 45
Elizabeth is humbled and honored. She allows the Holy Spirit to flow through her as she exclaims this joy to Mary.
Elizabeth delivers a son, who was named John. The tradition would have had it that his name would have been Zechariah, but Elizabeth insisted that his name was John. Many questioned it saying that there was no one with the name John. Once the child was given his name, Zechariah’s speech returned and he gave the prophetic words in which he told that “his son would be a prophet of the Most High and would prepare a way for the Lord.“(Luke 1: 67- 76)
That is the last we hear of Elizabeth. We know that she is very old at the time of John the Baptist’s birth and likely did not see him grow into manhood. He story ends here, but as we walk with Elizabeth, we imagine for a bit, a woman, with feelings and fears much like our own, and yet a woman with tremendous faith. Elizabeth had the kind of faith that accepted God’s great plans for her life, even when they came at an unlikely time and presented her with completely unexpected results. Elizabeth is a our reminder this week, that “God is GOOD, ALL the time.” God will take the unqualified and qualify them and use them in ways that are unimaginable.
With each woman that we study, I’ll have some thoughts and ideas for reflection, meditation and journaling that will be called “Reflections from the Walk.” It’s in Walking Among Them that we can learn lessons that we can take with us on our daily walks.
Reflections from the walk:
Think for a moment about Elizabeth. Truly imagine that you are walking with this wise woman who has just confirmed that she is carrying a child at this unexpected time in her life. What would you ask her? Would you ask her why she thinks this is happening now? Would you ask her why her husband isn’t able to speak? There are many questions that I would have loved to have asked Elizabeth, the most pressing being, where does your FAITH comes from? Are you the least bit afraid? You are after all, an old woman.
Life begins with women giving life. Elizabeth gave birth to John the Baptist! God’s greatest plans for her life came at a time that she least expected it. Do you ever feel as if you have missed the timing for God’s plan for your life? Do you ever feel like, God’s greatest plans are meant for someone else and not you? Elizabeth’s story reminds us that God’s plans never cease. God’s plans are HIS plans. God’s plans will be carried out in the unlikely and unqualified among us. I encourage you to open your heart, and pray an honest prayer to God, nothing fancy, just honest, asking God to USE you the way He used Elizabeth. In asking God to use us in however HE needs, is asking Him to use us the way He used Elizabeth. No questions asked just honest submission.
We are told that Elizabeth is “filled with the Holy Spirit” when she speaks to Mary. Do you find yourself “filled with the Holy Spirit?” If yes, when? If no, pray and submit that prayer to God to fill you with the Holy Spirit and ask Him to use you as the vessel in which He can speak to others.
A PDF version of this study is HERE.
Join me next time where we’ll walk with Mary, the mother of Jesus.
Lori is a 5th year homeschool mom to 3. Currently she homeschools an 9th grader, a 7th grader and a 5th grader. Lori hopes to impart peace and inspiration amidst the daily chaos. It’s in the daily details of life that she is continually inspired! Be sure to visit her blog at All You Have to Give and at Internet Cafe Devotions.
It must have been an amazing visit between Mary and Elizabeth. As I read these stories and allow them to be more than words on a page, I imagine the encounter between these ladies. What did they eat? What did they talk about afterwards? Did they share other stories? Fears? Expectations? Did they talk about WHAT God was doing through them? Spend some time reflecting on the fact that these two holy women were women just like you and I. They had feelings and passions that we all share. Imagine the time that they spent as “girlfriends.” Do you cherish the time you spend with special female friends or relatives in your life?
Three Steps to Overcoming Homeschool Fears
June 28, 2009 by Robin
Are you constantly worried about your homeschooling? Do you fretfully ask questions such as “Am I doing enough?” “What about…?” “What if…?”
God is sufficient for every situation we will ever encounter. Because of His abundant goodness, kindness, and love for us, we do not have to be anxious or worry.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.(Philippians 4:6-8)
Fear comes from trusting in your own ability. God has called you to homeschool and He will direct your paths. Instead of trusting yourself your focus and dependence should be on God’s promises and ability.
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith… James 1:5-6)
When you delight yourself in Him, He will direct your paths. God guarantees His Word and fulfills His promises. It is when we remind ourselves of all He has done, and recognize all He is doing in our lives, that our faith grows.
Fear and faith cannot operate at the same time
Fear and faith cannot operate at the same time—they are mutually exclusive. You cannot wait on God to direct your path and then sit around and worry that He won’t.
Three Steps to Building Homeschool Confidence
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Believe God’s promise
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Use sound strategy
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Call on the Lord in prayer
These three steps come from the book of Joshua, the story of how God led the Israelites in the conquest of Canaan.
The lessons in Joshua explain how choosing obedience brings victory and blessing, and how disobedience brings defeat. Joshua was commanded to rid the land of the Canaanites. After the battle of Jericho, the Israelites defeated Ai.
The news of Joshua’s victories reached the Gibeonites. In their fear, the Gibeonites came up with a plan. They pretended that they came from a far away place (outside of Canaan) and wanted to make peace with the children of Israel. Joshua and his men believed them because of the way they looked (walking by sight/in the flesh), and because they did not ask for God’s advice—two big mistakes.
Joshua made a treaty with the Gibeonites and then had to keep his promise to not kill the Gibeonites (once an oath was taken, it could not be revoked). However, he made them slaves. Adonizedec, a Canaan king, heard that the Gibeonites had made peace with Joshua; so he sent word to the other kings and asked for help to kill the Gibeonites. The Gibeonites appealed to Joshua to deliver them from Adonizecec (Joshua 10:6–10). God reassured Joshua that He was with him and the Israelites would win (Joshua 10:7–8).
When the battle began, God sent hail stones to fall on their enemies. He granted Joshua’s request, and the sun stood still until they had defeated their enemies!
Joshua’s Plan for Success
Three elements combined to give Joshua success in this battle in Joshua 10.
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Believing God’s promise (v.
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Using sound strategy (v. 9)
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Calling on the Lord in prayer (vv. 10–15)
1. Believing God’s Promise
The Israelites didn’t have to be afraid because God had already promised them victory—and you don’t have to fear either, because God has promised to direct your paths. Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths (Proverbs 3:5–6). When we live by faith in God and in His promises, we can expect to receive God’s help.
2. Using Sound Strategy
I’m not suggesting that you run your homeschool on a whim, but to create your plan with prayer and submission to God.
Leaning on God does not negate self-discipline or forming good habits. God has always been working in your life, from before the time you were first formed in your mother’s womb. He has been preparing you, just as Joshua was prepared many years for what would belong to him. You will need to plan, but allow time for a variety of unplanned activities; keep some flexible time in your schedule to meet your children’s needs and delights; in other words, schedule by faith.
I use the Heart of Wisdom plan that includes a framework and objectives with structure and flexibility. This four-year plan is a framework you can use as a guide as you schedule your curriculum and time by faith. There are other plans and frameworks available or you can create your own. Just remember the Lord wants us to be dependent upon Him not on a homeschool method or program.
3. Calling on the Lord in Prayer
D. L. Moody said, “Every great movement of God can be traced to a kneeling figure.” Prayer is your first step in planning and the first step in daily Bible study. Use Colossians 1:9–12 as a guide. Ask God:
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To fill you with the knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and
understanding; -
That you would bear fruit in every good work;
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That you would grow in the knowledge of God;
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That you would be strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience; and
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That you would joyfully give thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.
Faith begets more faith.
Developing faith is much like developing muscles; our muscles grow stronger as we use them, and become weaker when we don’t use them. Faith comes from prayer and learning about God’s ways through studying and obeying His Word; it is through these exercises that we receive the confidence and peace that God gives when we trust Him.
Faith is something we must practice continuously. It is a continuing cycle. The more you turn to God, the more your faith is strengthened.
We’ll also know our dependence is on God when we trust He will bring us through difficult times with deeper intimacy and greater faith at the end.
Homeschool Prayer
Father, give me wisdom and grace to be a teacher of my children. Fill me with the knowledge of Your will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding; fill my heart with Your love and Your Word. Help me daily teach by example that Your Word should be priority over the things of this world.
Give me strength according to Your glorious might so that I may have great endurance and patience. Help me be diligent and wise to teach these children Your Word as You command. Help me persevere in Your ways, Your love and presence. Make my life an example, an influence as I educate these children for you. Keep my eyes on You, on Your vision, Your plans, and Your purposes for our family.
Robin Sampson has been homeschooling for 20 years. She and her husband Ronnie are blessed with a “yours, mine, and ours” blended family of eleven children (ages 6 to 34) and thirteen grandchildren (ages 1 to 12). She is actively teaching the two youngest children still at home. Robin is the author of the Heart of Wisdom Teaching Approach and a business owner. Please visit her at www.heartofwisdom.com.
My Curriculum is My Kids
June 18, 2009 by Christine
To Whom it May Concern,
No, I am definitely not. More patient, I mean. The mere mention that I am homeschooling my children seemed to bring up a barrier between us that I’d like to demolish. For some unknown reason, the first thing you thought when you found out is that I must be more patient than you.
That is just plain wrong. I wish I could convince you.
You see, my conviction to homeschool my children does not come with a set of other-worldly characteristics that subsequently separates those who can from those who can’t. To the contrary, it is a decision that comes from deep beliefs and desires regarding my children’s education that then requires daily recognition of my own weaknesses. Lack of patience is one of those weaknesses.
The decision, therefore, is bigger than I am. I am no superwoman. I am not perfect. I am not even all that organized! What I am is committed. And stubborn. And a bit crazy. And boy, do I love those kids. That combination, I believe, is what it takes to do this thing called homeschooling. We all are capable. Or perhaps, to put it more truthfully, we all are equally incapable. It’s a monumental task, but one with immeasurable rewards.
Maybe if you witnessed the kind of things that happen each day you would understand. Maybe if you were peeking in on a morning that I slept too long and the littles were already arguing over a toy at 7:45 a.m. and my first response was to snap at them, you wouldn’t suggest that I have more patience than you. Maybe if you saw a time when my oldest took two hours to do ten math problems and my frustration got the better of me you’d realize that we’re all struggling with the some of the same flaws. Maybe if you were sitting beside me on an evening that I was just too tired to plan anything and decided to wing it with our schooling the next day it would be apparent that I am all too human, homeschooler or not.
The truth is, patience is not something you can buy at the store (don’t I wish!) but rather something that is attained bit by bit. I have had days when no patience was required (though few and far between) and days when I needed bucketloads more than I felt I had. There are a couple of things I do that help me along the way, as I stumble through this humbling and rewarding homeschooling journey.
- Pray. I pray for patience daily. Plugging in to the source of all strength and wisdom is essential.
- Adjust my expectations. Two year olds cannot sit still and wait for a 45 minutes lesson with an older sibling to be finished. So I can’t expect them to!
- Remember that I will fail, and God’s mercies are new each morning.
- Try to enjoy each moment, for the years fly by way too fast.
- Laugh a lot. At myself, mostly.
- Ask for forgiveness. My children need to know that we never have it all figured out, but we can go to the One who does have it all under control and get our slate wiped clean.
So believe me when I tell you that I’m just an ordinary mom called to an extraordinary task! I’m not qualified with an extra helping of patience or any other virtue, but I do love seeing my kids learn and like to think that I’m learning right beside them.
For now, my goal is patience. My curriculum is my kids.
Care to join me?
Sincerely,
Christine
Christine is a Christian, homeschooling mom to three boys and a girl, ranging in age from 9 to 2 years old. She is a musician by trade, eclectic in homeschool style, and continues to grow and learn along with her children in this journey of life and discipleship at home. Visit her blog at Fruit in Season.
The Pressure of Discipline
“The LORD saw how great man’s wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time. The LORD was grieved that he had made man on the earth, and his heart was filled with pain. So the LORD said, “I will wipe mankind, whom I have created, from the face of the earth—men and animals, and creatures that move along the ground, and birds of the air—for I am grieved that I have made them.”
(Genesis 6:5-8a).
Oh I grieve when I read this. I can see my own depravity of heart and think, Lord, forgive me. Yet the Lord is slow to anger. I think of how unworthy I am, yet the Lord says I chose you. The Lord is slow to anger and abounding in love. In all of His characteristics, this scenario makes me realize that things with these people on the planet had gotten really bad. In all of His love and patience He felt this way about His creation. Oh to think that I have the capacity to fill God’s heart with pain just crushes me.
Now let’s look at our own children. Today was one of those days when I felt the pain God describes here about His creation. These little children He has entrusted to me have torn my heart out and stomped on it. My heart was grieved because to my limited view it seemed that every inclination of their hearts were evil today. From the time we woke up to the time we settled them into bed. All day evil abounded in their hearts toward one another. Despite the pressure of discipline it continued to be a nonstop 24 hour marathon. My heart was filled with pain and truthfully I did ponder why I even had children! I was grieved that I was in this situation because I felt hopeless.
But God knows better than I. God made a way. God relates to every feeling of hurt and pain that I do. He knows the only reason my feelings toward my children are so strong is because of my deep love for them. Only deep love feels deep pain. God loves us incredibly deep. Deeper than anyone else ever will. It was because of this love that despite our great depravity He sent His One and only Son to die for our sinful state. He loved us so deeply that He made a way for us to be pure before Him through His Son Jesus. That kind of love amazes me. I praise God for that.
It is because of God’s great love that though I know today was a very bad day in our household, I am guaranteed by His promise that His mercies are brand new every morning. Just as there is hope for me, there is hope for my children. God will continue to help me instruct them in the way of love and one day they will start to live it. Those are the days that we by faith look forward too. Tomorrow is a new day and my hope is in Him. Whatever may come I know we will make it through and find comfort in the fact that He understands completely. He sustains, helps, provides, and comforts us. He has given us everything we need for life and godliness and He will bring every good work unto completion.
If you are struggling today in your parenting or with sibling rivalry, know you are not alone. We are all in this together. Let’s just take a moment to lift one another up in prayer. This task is impossible without God. We need God to do this thing. Parenting is not an easy task. Be encouraged today. You are doing a good thing. Keep it up!
Angela Parsley, of the international ministry Refresh My Soul Ministries, is a wife and homeschooling mother to her 2 young daughters. Angela is also a contributing author to a devotional book entitled, “Standing on the Promises of God” and Radical Revolution, a devotional site for teen girls through Proverbs 31 Ministries.
Visit With Tiany Davis of The Homeschool Lounge on blogtalkradio
June 10, 2009 by Amy Bayliss
Join host Dana and guest Tiany - Founder of The Homeschool Lounge on the Encouragement from the Heart radio show! This program is for new and seasoned Homeschooling parents. We will be discussing vital issues concerning the homeschooling community today. Each show will begin with a foundational scripture that will provide encouragement relating to the program’s topic. We will end with questions and comments from our listening audience. So, grab a cup of coffee,come on in, and sit down for some encouraging words from our host Dana (A THL Lounge Sister) and hostess.
This week we have a very special guest with us. Her name is Tiany Davis. She is the founder of a fabulous Internet community site of Home school moms called “The Homeschool Lounge”. Tiany is a Home school Mom to 4 little boys ages 8, 6, 4, 2 and the wife of her best friend Troy. They have been married for 14 years and live in Louisiana. At the typing of this introduction, The Homeschool Lounge has currently almost 8,000 members and is the home to over 170 of the most encouraging and supportive groups on the net. Tiany has the heart to minister to other homeschooling mothers through this awesome site by giving of her valuable time to make sure this Internet community is equipped with all the tools God has placed in her heart. Please join us for an exciting program as Tiany Davis shares her passion for the home school community and her desire to give support to home school families through the blessings of “The Homeschool Lounge”.
Are You A “Real” Homeschool Mom?
June 9, 2009 by Amy Bayliss
Are you a “real” homeschool mom or do you always put your best foot forward when you are in the presence of moms that you think have mastered the art of homeschooling?
I have news for you. They aren’t perfect either!
I always get so amused when I hear other moms talk about how they “love” to homeschool and how everything always works out so great for them. I often wonder what it would be like to visit their home on a week day. I mean we know that mom wouldn’t screech in horror because the house isn’t clean. She definitely wouldn’t send the kids off to their rooms because they are still in their pajamas. And she absolutely wouldn’t throw the textbooks in a cabinet to give the impression that school time had been completed hours earlier because we all know she gets up at the crack of dawn every day!
No, siree, not our homeschool moms. We all have our act together!
Or do we?
I can honestly say that if anyone thinks that we (the cabinet, book hiding, wake up at 9ish, send the kids to their room to get dressed so we look like a good homeschool family people) have it all together they are truly mistaken.
Sure, I have heard the praise from many mothers who like to compliment me on how well mannered my boys are and how well they behave. What they don’t see is that I am holding their favorite toy hostage to insure their behavior so that mom and dad can have a stress free time.
OK. OK. So my boys really are well mannered and I don’t hold toys hostage for good public behavior. This is actually one of their good points but don’t dare ask me about their room! Or the fact that the “baby” is wearing his brother’s clothes because he keeps putting his clean clothes in the laundry room and I now refuse to wash them.
And please, please, please don’t ask me about the moans and groans I get when I mention it is school time, which usually starts around 12:30 (no eye-rolling!)
Now once we get started they are usually gung ho about science projects and civil war reenactments but that is only after I bribe them with M&Ms to complete their math work. I know, I know… BAD MOM!
Jeepers. I guess I shouldn’t mention that I only actually cook breakfast once a week and the rest of the time they eat cereal. I assume I should also keep it a secret that my almost 7 year old hardly ever completes anything and I don’t try to make him.
I cannot fathom that I am the only homeschooling mom out there who goes through this. Is it really all hunky dory? Should I be wearing a retro pattern and singing, “The fields are alive with the sound of music…”?
Am I the only one who has actually considered enrolling the kids in public school just long enough to get the house clean and teach them just how good they have it at home?
Don’t get me wrong. I love the idea of homeschooling but on some days it’s the act of it that brings out the worst in me and my family.
These pieces of toast are a wonderful representation of how the days of our week can go at times, from perfect and savory absorbing every flavor to absolutely no good. Yeah, we have to scrape the “yuck” off to get to a small bit of good stuff on those days.
Why? We are all human. We all make mistakes. We must all submit daily to do the right thing, the best thing for ourselves and our families.
I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. I love God’s law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin.
Romans 7:21-25
I have heard the term, “Don’t speak that!”, one too many times. How can God get the glory for mending something if you never admit that it is broken in the first place?
Now I’m not saying run around speaking negatively. There is a difference between saying, “I can’t do it all” and saying “I’m no good at anything”. One is acknowledging the current status and one is self-hatred. One gives God the glory and one takes the focus off of God. You can tell the difference by discerning with your heart.
Encourage each other.
Don’t jump back and say, “Ah!” with your hand over your mouth the next time you hear a child say they had McDonald’s for lunch and they didn’t have school yesterday. Instead look him in the eye and say, “well your mommy sure does know how to let you have fun doesn’t she?” and smile real big at him and then at her. And don’t wink like you just uncovered her dirty little secret. Showing love will do more for her than telling her she needs to switch curriculum to keep the kids more interested and her more motivated.
Don’t compare yourself to other moms.
Even if her kids are always polite, are mini Picassos, only eat whole wheat and like it, and knew how to sew before they could talk (which was at least 3 months earlier than your kids), just remember that they have some issues somewhere that they are hiding. We have been taught not to express our weaknesses for fear that others will not think as highly of us but that doesn’t mean that we don’t have them.
God gave your kids you as a mom. That means that He did not deem anyone else more qualified for the position. Take confidence in that. He knows what He is doing. After all He did create the universe and everything in it in only 6 days. I know because we have covered this more than 50 times in our various school textbooks!
Give yourself permission to take a break.
When you are a homeschooling mom you are not only the teacher for every pupil and for every subject but you are the PE coach, the guidance counselor, every lady in the lunch room, the secretary, the librarian, the PTA, the fundraiser chairperson, the hall monitor, the janitor, and the assistant principal. Whew! Sign me up for a vacation just for typing all of that but it really does put it into perspective doesn’t it?
By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work.
Genesis 2:2
As long as you do what you do unto God then it will prevail.
I have told you many of my dirty little secrets here today but I saved the best for last:
My sweet, wonderful, friend (eh, um Darnelle, hmm) suggested that I give my children the CAT test to send in to the state for our yearly renewal instead of copying bulks of papers from each subject and submitting lesson plans.
Oh how I love her for the confidence she had in me but let me tell you what a silly, sometimes absent-minded little woman I am…
I give Gevan (11 year old) his test first. We actually only run into a few snags with division and punctuation. Aside from that the kid surprised me with how well he did. He was over three years behind when I pulled him out of school two years ago. Amidst all of the chaos he has actually learned and progressed more in these past two year than he had in any year prior. He still lacks in a couple of areas but he is doing well, very well. Here is his score:
Then there is the nutty but more amazing part of this CAT test story.
I decided to give Brennan (6 year old) the test next. I knew that Jacob (9 year old) would do well and blow through the test with no problem. He is just a fast learner. But, Brennan on the other hand, I knew I would have to duct tape him to the chair just so he could complete it.
Brennan does not like school. Math is stoooopid and reading is meeeeeean! He promises me every day that it is going to kill him. Yes, he actually says, “MOM, you’re just trying to kill me! I can’t do stoooopid math and reading is meeeean!”
So he has school maybe twice a week. (remember - don’t “Ah!” me!) I can’t bear to wrestle him to the table any more than that but it’s funny how he seems to recall almost every fact that we discuss and can read even the most complicated words.
In fact, his absent-minded mother accidentally gave him his brother’s 2nd grade CAT test and realized it only when she was getting Jacob ready for his test and thought it was funny that the 9-year-old was going to be tested on phonics and number recognition. Bren took Jake’s test.
Yes, I did that. I admit it.
I also admit that I wasn’t about to give Brennan another test all over again and I knew that Jacob would score high so I just let him take Brennan’s test and turned them in.
Just breathe. The shock will wear off soon. Don’t tell the state, k?
I have to say I was beyond my embarrassment when I saw his score. Not bad for a 6-year-old, eh?
So, if you get nothing else out of this article but a laugh or two at me then it was worth it. You are doing a wonderful job as a homeschooling mom and you deserve a pat on the back. You are awesome. You are wonderful. And we are going to make it through! I promise!
Married to her best friend and “main squeeze”, Amy Bayliss is a 4th year home/co-schooling mom to three boys. She enjoys writing about the eclectic teachings that bring a glimmer of curiosity to the eyes of her sons. In addition to being the co-owner of Heart of the Matter, she writes for Internet Cafe Devotions. Be sure to visit her blog, AmyBayliss.com and her family’s homeschool blog: Integrity Academy.
The making of a diamond
June 1, 2009 by Tammy
Diamonds and marriage go together. Having recently celebrated my 29th wedding anniversary, I glanced at the diamond wedding band on my hand and smiled. It is not my original wedding ring as years of wear and tear managed to damage the delicate band and diamond to a point of no return. The sturdy brilliance of my replacement ring represents our years of committed marriage with all its ups and down.
When we marry, our lives together represent a diamond in its natural form. Not always pretty, but definitely full of potential. Our marriages can be compared to the four qualities that are looked for when shopping for a diamond ring: color, clarity, carat, and cut.
Diamond color: The degree to which a diamond is colorless. The less color, the higher the rating.
How can a marriage become colorless when you combine two very colorful people? Does it mean we become plain, bland, and dull? No, not at all. In fact, I think it can mean quite the opposite. Through the years the two blend together to become a wonderful well working one. A husband and wife team that have learned the value of unity and endeavor to be their best as they balance the strengths and weaknesses of one another with God at the center of their lives. Like a prism that looks colorless, yet when God’s light shows through their relationship the multi-colors are revealed.
Diamond clarity: The presence of natural phenomena called inclusions which are the tiny feathers, crystals, or clouds only seen under high magnification. Flawless diamonds have no inclusions on the surface or internally. Many flawed diamonds still maintain their integrity with no visible inclusions.
How can a marriage become flawless when you combine two imperfect people? The reality is that none of us will become perfect, but we certainly can maintain integrity as we allow God to look at our flaws and allow Him to help us with those things that may cloud our marriage. When it comes to marriage, a good test to see how your are doing it is to read through a familiar wedding Scripture - I Corinthians 13:1-10 using your name in place of the word LOVE. It’s easy to see our shortcomings and yet as you consider the end of that passage, when God who is perfection is part of our lives the imperfections disappear as we apply grace over and over again to one another.
Diamond carat: The unit of weight of a diamond, not size. One carat can be divided into 100 points. Value rises with weight.
What adds weight to a marriage? There are many factors that can add solidity to our marriages. Making simple connections with one another in the midst of busy homeschooling lives is critical. It’s easy to put our children first, but the value of putting our spouses first is worth 100 points. Simple acts of kindness such a a little note in his lunch, making sure his favorite clothes are clean and ready, a loving voice message. Reading about our love languages and applying those gifts to each other or engaging in a study such as Love & Respect which has wonderful marriage principles to apply. Time spent one-on-one is truly priceless and builds the weight of intimacy in a marriage relationship.
Diamond cut: The angle and proportions of a cut will determine the diamond’s fire and brilliance. The shape and how well the cutting has been executed will also influence the cut.
What trials have shaped your marriage? It is well known that all marriages will have conflict in some manner. The key, however, is how we will allow these to affect our relationship with one another. Will we allow the angle of the cuts to destroy or to be a healing cut of pruning that we can grow from? Keeping God centered and relationship focused will execute healthier cuts during difficult times. Marriages will flourish and become stronger if both partners are willing to become humble and speak those difficult words of “I’m sorry” or “Forgive me” adding a dimension of brilliance to their relationship.
My husband and I have a long way to go to our Diamond Anniversary, yet we are both willing to consider the color, clarity, carat, and cut of our marriage to allow it more polishing as our Heavenly Father works in our relationship. May all of our marriage relationships continue to grow and flourish with our Heavenly Father’s love as that truly is the Heart of the Matter.
Married in 1980 and still living in the same house in a woodsy rural setting, Tammy’s homeschooling journey began in the fall of 1987 when her oldest turned six years old. As rather new believers professing Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, homeschooling was a way to live out the principles found in Deuteronomy 6:4-9. Through all the challenges of life Tammy has stayed the course growing to a family with nine children who presently range from preschool age to college graduates married with children. Her role has transitioned from learning everything she could about homeschooling to becoming an encourager to others coming along the way. Please visit Tammy at Garden Glimpses.
I Can See the Light at the End of the Tunnel
May 26, 2009 by Bethany
Who knew that 180 days could be so long? After nine years, you’d think I would be able to remember that those 180 days do come to an end eventually. As I write this, we have exactly twenty more days until the end of our school year. Twenty more days until the end of the tunnel.
Whether you school for the traditional nine months or school year round, at some point in time, you need to close out your records for one school year. Wait—close out records? You mean there’s more to the end of the tunnel than a party and a trip to the ice cream store to celebrate the completion of another school year? Yes, there is.
The end of the school year is the time to finish up your children’s portfolios, record their final grades (if you choose to grade), clean out desks (boxes, files, bookshelves, etc.), put away this year’s books and curricula, and file your state’s necessary paperwork. If you do all this now, you’ll be ready to start stocking new supplies when they’re on sale—hint, you’ll be able to see what you have and what you need by cleaning up first—and you’ll have room to bring home all the new books and curricula you find at used book fairs and conventions.
Just in case you’re wondering why I even mentioned portfolios for everyone, even those whose states don’t require them, check out my blog article entitled “Papers, Papers Everywhere—Not! or How and Why to Create a Portfolio.” Basically, you’re creating a record of your children’s accomplishments for grandparents, friends, yourself, and your school district (but only if it’s required). I am not suggesting that you give the state anything other than the minimum. This is for YOU. It’s so that when you’re in the middle of next year’s tunnel, you can look back over all that your children have accomplished and see the progress towards the light at the end.
Come towards the light, my friends. When you reach the end of your tunnel, drop me a line to let me know how you celebrated and how you organized your records.
Bethany S. LeBedz has been married for over fifteen years and is the homeschooling mother to two delightful girls, ages thirteen and eleven. She lives in North Carolina. In addition to homeschooling, she is also a freelance editor and writer. She posts homeschool organization tips and educational reviews to her blog momishome2. In her (very limited) free time, she enjoys reading, participating in Daughters of the American Revolution and Children of the American Revolution, and performing in musical events.
Do You Ever Feel Like This?
May 17, 2009 by Cheryl
I know I do. Somewhere midpoint through our school year I begin to feel overwhelmed, overburdened and overtired. I have been homeschooling for 5 years and have been both an enrolled and registered home learner. I have tried a variety of curriculum and homeschool approaches. I have gone to homeschool conferences, seminars and meetings. I attend a monthly homeschool support group and have many homeschool friends who have also chosen similar paths - and still, at some point I end up feeling like this guy here. I find I end up saying to myself “Just why am I doing this?”
I found myself saying this very thing one day to a good friend of mine who had the wisdom to tell me, “Yes, why are you doing this? Don’t you remember?” I’ll never forget that conversation, because whenever I find myself repeating those words, I can hear her reply. Her reply changed my thinking. She reminded me of all the good reasons to homeschool and most importantly she reminded me of He who led me here.
Homeschooling came as an interruption to me. I never dreamed I would homeschool, I never gave it a second thought. I was on my way to become an interior designer and was already apprenticing. My plan was, when my daughters would turn school age, I would design full time. I still remember where I was. I was sitting on the computer (of all things) looking for recipes when the thought came into my head,
Maybe you should homeschool.
“What?” I said aloud. Where did that thought come from?
Maybe you should homeschool.
There it was again. Am I really thinking that? I wondered. Could I really do this?
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding Proverbs 3:5
That was His message to me five years ago, and that is still His message to me today. Of course it wasn’t long before I started asking myself the incredibly stupid question: What will people think? Of course it wasn’t long before I was met with:
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. Isaiah 55:8
So when I find myself feeling like the poor guy at the beginning of this post I remember these things - I remember how I got here, and I remember the One who led me here:
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. John 15:16
May You find comfort in Him and may God bless you all in your homeschool journeys.
Cheryl has been married to her ‘do all’ husband for 13 years. They live in British Columbia, Canada on beautiful Vancouver Island. Cheryl has been homeschooling their two daughters ages 9 & 11, for 6 years. Her approach to homeschooling is mostly ecclectic with a dash of Classical & Charlotte Mason. She used to be one of those parents who thought they could never homeschool - boy, was she wrong! She enjoys blogging to encourage others that they too can homeschool if the desire is upon their hearts. She homeschools simply because - her kids are worth it. Please visit Cheryl at HomeSchool Journey.
Random Bible Question Time with Luke
May 14, 2009 by Luke
Whenever I teach Sunday School, I spend about 10 minutes at the end of class doing “Random Bible Question Time with Luke.” This the part of the show where you can ask me anything you’ve ever wondered about God, religion, or the Bible. Over the years, we’ve dealt with all sorts of questions ranging from, “Is there someone named Bob in the Bible?” to, “Why does God allow bad stuff to happen?”
My mom suggested that I start posting my answers here every now and again as encouragement for you. And I thought that was a great idea. So, here are a few of the questions I’ve had in the recent months, and how I answered them:
Is there anyone named Bob in the Bible? No.
What’s the difference between Catholics and Christians? Catholics are Christians, just another form of Christianity–much like the different denominations. We hold different views on some things, and do our services in different ways, but we all believe in Jesus and His death and resurrection for our salvation.
Why do all Mormon Temples look the same? I’m not sure about the Temples, but every Book of Mormon is the same. That way people can say, “Turn to page 125″ and everyone will be at the same spot. We don’t have that with our Bibles. But Mormons like that their books are uniform. The way Mormon Temples look probably has roots in the Masons, a group Joseph Smith used as a foundation for many of the things he instituted in Mormonism.
Why is the Devil’s number 666? The Bible doesn’t exactly say. However, Numerology may play a part in this. If I remember correctly, six is the number for imperfection and man (it is one less than seven, which is the “perfect” number). Three may mean the three persons of God–Trinity–and so perhaps it is the number of an imperfect god. But I don’t know, exactly. On the other hand, Numerology is fascinating. Each letter in Hebrew is given a value, and you can do some fun stuff with words that way. For instance, if you add the value of “Mother” and “Father” together, you get the value for the word “Child.” Cool, eh?
Where did Jesus perform the water into wine miracle? Cana in Galilee.
Can you believe in two religions (Christianity and Judaism)? First, we need to remember that you can be Jewish in two ways: Ethnically/socially and religiously. I have a little Jewish blood in me, so I’m part Jewish by heritage. You can also believe and follow Jewish teachings, which would make you religiously Jewish. There are also Messianic Jews, who believe that Jesus was the Messiah. And that’s the big difference between Judaism and Christianity: Non-Messianic Jews don’t believe Jesus was the Savior and are still waiting for the Messiah to come. And that’s the important difference: Jesus. You can follow other practices and customs–much like our different denominations–but the important thing is Jesus. So, yes, you can be both Jewish and Christian, but you need to get Jesus right.
Why are bunnies and eggs part of Easter? Easter used to be a pagan celebration of fertility, and bunnies breed very quickly. And eggs are also a symbol of new life. These symbols stayed when we started to celebrate the new life we have in Christ when He died and rose again.
Okay, class dismissed. If your parents are here, you can leave with them. Have a great week!
Feedback? Did you like this? Would you like more of these? Or are you thinking, ‘Please, Luke, don’t give us any more of your answers to random Bible questions!’ Be honest. I think this kind of thing is important, but I don’t want to bore you or drive you batty.
Luke Holzmann is the son of John and Sarita Holzmann, founders of Sonlight Curriculum, Ltd., in Littleton, CO, where he is the Media Relations Specialist. He attended Biola University, in La Mirada, CA, and earned the BA in Motion Picture Production. You can find his work at http://www.sonlightblog.com/, production-now.com, and lukeholzmann.blogspot.com.
