Stone Wall

Have you ever had a time when you just knew God asked you to do something?  And then you moved forward, only to be blocked by some issue, excuse, oppression?  Then you begin to wonder if God even asked you to do the thing you first thought you heard.  What if you were wrong?  Maybe you ought to give up.  Ever been there?

This morning the boys and I were studying in Weaver about cities, and Jerusalem was the one we focused on for a time.  We looked at a map of the walls and who built them.  And Nehemiah's name came up.  So I grabbed our Bible and read to the boys (yes, a rabbit trail, my favorite!) about Nehemiah.  They recall the name from the movie Facing the Giants.  The coach told the defense to "build a stone wall."  So right away they were interested. 

Nehemiah had no doubt about God's will in his building the wall.  However, Sanballat came against him.  And since misery loves company, Tobiah joined Sanballat in the attempts to stop this wall.  As did many others.  But what is so impressive is this...  Word gets back to Nehemiah that people are plotting to come and kill them.  They were told to flee.  "So in the lowest parts of the space behind the wall, in open places, I stationed the people by their clans, with their swords, their spears, and their bows.  And I looked and arose and said to the nobles and to the officials and to the rest of the people, 'Do not be afraid of them.  Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes.'" Nehemiah 4:13-14

He didn't run.  No one did.  They prepared to fight!  I love his speech, can you hear his strength in it?

"15 When our enemies heard that it was known to us and that God had frustrated their plan, we all returned to the wall, each to his work. 16 From that day on, half of my servants worked on construction, and half held the spears, shields, bows, and coats of mail. And the leaders stood behind the whole house of Judah, 17 who were building on the wall. Those who carried burdens were loaded in such a way that each labored on the work with one hand and held his weapon with the other. 18 And each of the builders had his sword strapped at his side while he built. The man who sounded the trumpet was beside me. 19 And I said to the nobles and to the officials and to the rest of the people, “The work is great and widely spread, and we are separated on the wall, far from one another. 20 In the place where you hear the sound of the trumpet, rally to us there. Our God will fight for us.”  Neh 4:15-20

So he has half of the people working on construction and half ready to battle!  A trumpeter was beside him, always at the ready.  And they are quite aware that "Our God will fight for us!"  Are we that aware?  Do we know that He is battling?

"So neither I nor my brothers nor my servants nor the men of the guard who followed me, none of us took off our clothes; each kept his weapon at his right hand."  Neh 4:23

Is the Bible at your right hand always?  Is it worn from use?  It is your sword!  Are you at the ready with your armor?  The work doesn't end when the battle rages, and we have peace knowing He is fighting.  We battle in peace!!! 

So, if you are called by God to do something, let's say maybe you are praying about homeschooling?  I mention this topic only because it is so close to my heart and I know so many moms who are deciding to homeschool or considering quitting homeschooling.  But for you, it may be something else.  If you are called to do something, do not let the enemy and his workers cause you fear!  Even the well meaning people who tell you to flee.  Keep up the work and be prepared for the battle.  But battle in peace, with the Word at your side, and knowing He is fighting for you.  There will always be oppression when we're doing what God asks.  So call on the body to help you.  Even Moses had Aaron to lift his arms when he was tired.  Nehemiah didn't build the wall or battle by himself.  Stick to your calling and seek help when you need it.  And hold His promise, that He will battle for you.  If it's God's will, it is worth the effort.

A small BIG challenge...

We have so many things to teach our kids.  As youngsters they learn to sleep on their own, to eat solid foods, to use the bathroom, to listen to mom and dad to stay safe...  And as homeschoolers we continue to teach them to read, write, figure math, science, and so much more.  Sometimes we get overwhelmed on what to teach!  Will they know enough to get along in this life?

(For more on what is important to teach, see my Foundations article...)

However, if we don't teach them to love the Lord, to love His Word, and to fear Him, we've missed the mark.  How can we do this?  I believe it begins with us.  Are we in love with God and His Word?  Do they see us in the Word?  Do they see our passion to know Him more?  And when we teach, are we making His Word the most important thing?  Or do academics crowd out time in the Word?  Why not start in the Word and go out from there?  After all, God says His Word is sufficient. :)  So my small (HUGE) challenge is to find that love of God's Word and pass it on in teaching and discussing it with your kids.  Grab some hot chocolate, toss in some marshmallows, and curl up with a blanket and your kiddos.  You don't need a fancy study (though I own a few and they are nice,) you just need the Bible.  Sit together and read a section of Scripture.  Then discuss it together.  It only takes a few minutes.  But they'll hunger for more. :)

Free Advent Book

http://www.aholyexperience.com/2010/11/free-jesse-tree-advent-devotional-book/
I wanted to share this link for anyone looking for a way to celebrate Advent.  We have other books that we read, but this one is free and looks fabulous at first glance.  Enjoy!

The Weaver

I have always longed to use the Unit Study style of learning in our home.  However, I can be easily overwhelmed.  I have looked at so many available, even looked at how make my own.  And I always come up gasping for air at the thought.

I also always want God's Word to be central in our focus through the day.  No matter what we study.  I posted about our foundation of homeschooling a few weeks ago.  So many unit studies have God's Word in their study somewhere.  And this is good.

Then I started looking at The Weaver Curriculum.  I don't know why I had never looked at it before!  It starts with God's Word and weaves academics into the study.  It is a unit study, so we'll be following rabbit trails.  But it has a schedule you can choose to use as well.  Since I tend to swing like a pendulum from wanting my freedom to follow rabbit trails, to needing structure, this may work very well! 

I started to pray about using this curriculum, possibly next year.  My son loves our spelling and math, and thankfully those things can stay.  Weaver doesn't have a program for those things.  And it doesn't do phonics, either.  No worries, I like our phonics, too!  So it can stay!  Not to say we haven't like what we're using.  We like our history and our science.  And I have plenty of bible studies.  But I wanted to have everything work together on a common thread.  And sometimes no matter what I like, God has other ideas...

And what should happen?  A new, wonderful friend shows up in my life, from across the country.  She offers to mail me Volume 1 and 2!  And the planners for each!  And it just so happens that years ago I bought the language arts and the teaching tips books at a thrift store for next to nothing.  This completes the program!  Is God saying something?  Possibly.  Oh, and Media Mail got the package to me in 4 days' time!  Hmmmm....

We won't be staring Weaver next year.  We're starting now!  This morning!  I spent much of the weekend reading and preparing.  And today, we started!  I was amazed at how everything flowed so nicely.  Our wonderful neighbor (who also homeschools, and uses the KONOS unit study method) sent me home with a stack of books and DVDs covering topics that we may go through this week or next (rabbit trails!)  We went to the local library and collected a few more books.  And today I ordered yet more for future units of study.  I'm aware that many times the first day is full of fun for something new on the table.  So I'm not going to judge that it is our final resting place for curriculum just yet.  However, I am very excited and can't wait to see where things go. 

It seems that we sometimes have things planned the way we think they ought to go.  And then God comes along and asks us to change.  Even in mid stream.  Like, say, switching the major core of your curriculum in the midst of the holidays...  I don't recommend it, unless God is making it clear to do so.  Before I get lost down my own rabbit trail~ may we be obedient to follow His lead, no matter what or when!  Be in His Word and in prayer, ready to listen and answer when He speaks. 

Clean n' Green

It's very popular right now to do everything "green."  Nature's Sunshine has a new line of natural cleaners available.  But for those who love home made cleaners, check out these ideas...  Many of the ingredients below are NSP items.  If you don't have a membership to Nature's Sunshine, contact me for a free membership or go to www.mynsp.com/christa and click on the link to join.   Enjoy the recipes!  Near the end you'll find some gift ideas.  A basket of home made goodies would make a fantastic gift! :) 
~c

Degreaser/Scrubber

1/2 Natures' Fresh

1/2 Sunshine Concentrate

Mix together and use for anything you want.  Sunshine Concentrate is a biodegradable cleaner and Nature’s Fresh is a mixture of enzymes and purified water.

Sink Scrubber

1 tablespoon sea salt

1 tablespoon baking soda

3 drops lemon essential oil

Enough water to make a paste

Combine and use to scrub porcelain sinks, tile and stainless steel.  One of the neat things about this mixture is that it is not caustic and won’t scratch the things you scrub.  However, always test in a small place if you aren't sure... 

Carpet Freshener

1/3 cup baking soda

3 drops peppermint essential oil

7 drops thyme linalool essential oil

8 drops lemon essential oil

2 drops pine essential oil

Combine essential oils with baking soda in a glass container. I like to use a sugar shaker. Sprinkle onto carpet, wait 15 minutes, and then vacuum. The essential oils will disinfect your carpets and leave a great smell.  (I often will just use whatever I have handy.  Sometimes it's just peppermint oil alone.  Sometimes cinnamon.  Just depends...)

 

Citrus Room Deodorizer

9 drops lemon essential oil

7 drops pink grapefruit essential oil

6 drops red mandarin essential oil

2 ounces purified water

Combine oils and water in spray bottle. Shake well and spray to combat odors and infectious microbes and make your room smell great.  Just be sure not to get this on wood, after all, you don’t want water spots on your nice furniture.  (this is one of my favorites, I keep a small glass spray bottle in my bathroom.)

Another Room Spray

4 drops sweet thyme essential oil

9 drops rosemary essential oil

6 drops pine essential oil

Diffuse in nebulizing diffuser or add to 10 oz. purified water, shake and spray.

Fresh Carpet

 5 drops tea tree essential oil

10 drops pine essential oil

10 drops sweet thyme essential oil

Mix with 8 oz. baking soda or borax. Sprinkle, wait 15 minutes then vacuum.

Tub Cleaner

Baking soda

Hydrogen peroxide

Make a paste and rub into stains.  This helps remove rust stains and is mildly disinfectant.

*If you routinely put 2 Tbsp of baking soda in your bath water, you’ll have softer water and no bathtub ring.

Drain Maintenance

Once a week, pour about half a cup of baking soda into the drain, followed by a cup of vinegar.  Flush with very hot water as it foams.  Nature's Fresh is also terrific to freshen up drains!

Carpet Cleaner

1 c Borax

2 c corn meal

5 drops Rosemary essential oil

Mix together and, using a flour sifter, sprinkle on carpet.  Let sit up to 1 hour and vacuum.

Air Freshener

Place vinegar, cinnamon and cloves in a small cup or dish.  Microwave for 30 seconds to one minute and place near the source of the odor.  (Try keeping one near the kitty litter.)

Wood Polish

2 parts Olive or Vegetable Oil

1 part Lemon Juice

Shake well, store in small bottle.

Toilet Cleaner

Sprinkle borax or baking soda around bowl let sit, then scrub.  You can pour ½ cup or so into the tank.  Let it sit overnight and then flush to freshen the whole system.

Laundry Stain Pre-Treat

Make a paste of ¼ c water and 4 tablespoons (or more) baking soda.

Rub into stain and wash.

Ring around the collar?  Rub in the same paste, then pour vinegar on just prior to washing.

Ant Killer #1

Sprinkle baking soda on the mound when it is damp.  After half an hour or so, pour vinegar on it.

  

Ant Killer #2

For ants in the house, simply spray with a solution of soap and water.  They will die instantly.  Then rub peppermint oil along their trails and where they get in the house to keep them away.

  

AIl-purpose Household Bug Spray

5 drops peppermint essential oil

5 drops eucalyptus essential oil

5 drops tei fu essential oil

2 teaspoons Sunshine Concentrate

4 ounces water

Combine all ingredients in a trigger spray bottle.

 

Moth-Away Sachet

Cedar chips or wood shavings'

3 drops each lavender and geranium essential oils

5 drops each lemon and pine essential oils

Optional: Dry lavender flowers or clean pine needles.  Combine all ingredients and place in a muslin bag and hang in your closet or put in a drawer or trunk.

Add 15 to 20 drops of lemon essential oil to your mop bucket and your floors with smell like a citrus grove.  PLUS, lemon is antibacterial, antifungal and antiseptic!

Use patchouli essential oil instead if you like a more exotic and sensual fragrance.  It is also antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial and antiseptic.

Or maybe use lavender essential oil.  Not only will soothe everyone coming into your house, it is also antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral.

To disinfect your bedding, add 10 to 15 drops of clove bud essential oil to your washing machine.  It will kill bacteria, virus, fungus and all sorts of other germs.

If you’re planning a romantic evening, add a little Ylang Ylang to your rinse water.  This has the added benefit of also being antimicrobial but don’t let that thought kill the romance of the moment.

KITCHEN CLEANER Lavender, lemon, or grapefruit--One drop directly on disk cloth to use as a surface cleaner Also can be used in washing or rinsing water. 8 drops to 2liters water

DISHWASHER-Lemon or grapefruit-2 drops to dish washing detergent freshens

FRIDGE Wipe-grapefruit, Lemon, or Bergamot-l drop on wet cloth or in rinse water deodorizes & prevents odors from penetrating other foods.

CARPET FRESHNER-Lavender, Bergamot, Grapefruit, or Lemon-Blend 1 drop of oil per tablespoon of cornstarch or borax. Sprinkle on carpet wait 10 minutes than vacuum.

BATHROOM CLEANER-Lavender, Bergamot, Grapefruit, Lemon-Deodorize & disinfect by using as room spray' or surface cleaner. 2-3 drops undiluted on wet cloth.

BATHROOM DEODERIZER-Rosemary, Tea Tree, Pine, Grapefruit, or Eucalyptus-2-3 drops on inner cardboard roll of toilet paper or on a light bulb ring.

 

WARDROBE-Lavender-Subtle aroma or moth repellent- Use impregnated cotton balls, empty essential oil bottles, paper strips, wood disks, or vessels. Place in wardrobe, closets, drawers, or suitcases.

NATURAL AIR FRESHNERS-

Geranium, Lemon, or Grapefruit on vacuum filter

Rosemary, pine, or Tea Tree to rinse floors

Lavender sprinkle on a mattress after vacuuming to keep dust mites down

Don't pitch potpourri freshen it

SCENTED IRONING-l drop of oil to the water in steam iron or completely replace the normal filter water with pure floral water

***Essential Oil Safety***

Always dilute essential oils before applying. The only essential oil that is totally safe to use directly on the skin is Lavender.  I love using NSP's Massage Oil as a carrier for essential oils.

Do not use essential oils internally.

Keep essential oils away from unsupervised children.

Do not get essential oils into or close to the eyes or any other mucous membranes. If you do get an oil into the eye, flush with either vegetable oil or milk.

Do not use citrus oils just prior to being in sunlight or in a tanning bed.

Do not use essential oils during pregnancy, breast feeding or if you are undergoing drug therapy unless under the written advice of a physician and a trained aromatherapist. If you will be using oils at this time, use only half of the specified amount.

Avoid rosemary in cases of epilepsy. Avoid rosemary and thyme in cases of high blood pressure.

Avoid warm baths and bath salts (including Epsom salt) if a person has low blood

pressure.

If an essential oil does irritate your skin, apply vegetable oil to the affected area and then wash with soap and cool water.

Do not use essential oils immediately following a sauna, hot bath/shower or when perspiring heavily.

Take a break after using essential oils for several days. You may want to use them for 6 days and then rest for a day or use them for 3 weeks and then rest for a week.

Buy the highest quality essential oil available to you.

Dispense by the drop carefully, count and record your recipe accurately.

Dilute, dilute, dilute.  Very seldom use an oil neat. (neat means directly on skin)

Use cotton swabs or cotton buds to apply pure essential oils.  Using the hands and fingers may eventually contaminate the bottle.  Dropper top bottles easily dispense a drop at a time making it less likely that you will use too much essential oil or accidentally have a spill.

Be careful where you set essential oil bottles and wipe them clean first.  Essential oils can mar surfaces, especially plastic ones.  Always make sure bottle caps are twisted on securely.

Practice aroma etiquette.  Many scents may be perceived as offensive to others.  Use essential oils and perfumes in moderation in public and check with family members to make sure your precious scents aren’t causing anyone else distress because of allergies, asthma or just personal preference.

Label everything for your own convenience and for the safety of you and others.  Clearly label and put away from children any potentially harmful substances.

Basic Disinfectant

½ c Borax

1 gallon hot water

5 drops Pine essential oil

5 drops Tea Tree essential oil

10 drops Lemon essential oil

Oven Cleaner

Sprinkle spills with soda while still warm.  Let set, then wipe off.  Or, sprinkle baking soda on the oven and scrub with a sponge soaked in vinegar.

Scouring Powder

1 c baking soda

1 c borax

1 c salt

Mix together, store in an airtight container.  Sprinkle on damp sponge or directly on whatever you are scrubbing.  For “scrubbing bubbles”, wet sponge with vinegar.

Automatic Dishwater Powder

2 Tbsp baking soda

2 Tbsp Borax

Place in dispenser, run dishwasher as usual.

It's Snow Fun!

Who says hard work is a bad thing?  Last night, my boys and husband met up in the back yard with a couple of their buddies who happen to live across the street.  They put their heads together and worked hard to build an igloo.  This meant a lot of back breaking effort, but it paid off.  Just look at the smiles going on inside the igloo, also known as the "Snow Shack."  All of them (I watched from my warm house, I worked hard enough already hehe) worked so hard for quite a long time, till after dark, to have the igloo the way they wanted.  I know my husband's back sure hurt!  And it was worth it.

Work isn't always fun.  In fact, often it is just the opposite.  However, we have a gift to pass to our kids.  The gift is hard work!  Maybe you haven't considered work as a gift.  Men and women are blessed to have the ability to do work of all kinds. 

If we can teach our young men to learn to work and provide for a family, what a blessing that will produce!  So many haven't learned what a gift that is, and at a young age, spend many years wandering from one form of enteretainment to another.  By the time they have grown, they haven't learned how or why to work.  And they certainly haven't understood their role as a provider in the family.  I have already quoted this verse to my kids...

 For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: "If a man will not work, he shall not eat." - 2 Thessalonians 3:10

Before the ladies think they are off the hook, there is plenty of work for us to accomplish as well.  God created us all for work.  And if you are married and able to stay at home, your husband is the provider, true.  But we have plenty of work to do at home.  There is always a chore before us, laundry never ends, clothing may need repair, or a piece of furniture needs refinishing.  And dare I mention toilets?   (Of course, the post about a day of rest is going to be next, I think...)

Starting at a young age, children can learn chores around the house.  The house needs everyone to pitch in to keep it running smoothly.  And it gives each person a role to play in the running of the home.   All work should be done to the best of your ability, though perfectionism should be avoided (I should know, I'm well acquainted with it.)  Do all things as unto the Lord.  Consider your attitude toward work, be it at home or out of the home.  They are watching!  Find the blessing in your work and share that with the kids.  Teach them to work diligently for God and not man. 

I keep a romantic image of work in my mind thanks to the Little House on the Prairie shows.  There was a lot of work done in those days.  And the kids HAD to be a part of it in order to survive.  Granted, the show doesn't show the truth of how hard it was, then.  But there was an important role for each person in the family.  I believe we've lost a lot of that.  Many kids view their role as the video game player, or the sports team member, or you can fill in the blank.  But they have no crucial role to play.  That is a shame.  We can't (and wouldn't want to) go back to pioneer days.  I do so appreciate electricity, my washer and dryer and dishwasher...  But it also means getting more creative in teaching my boys to work.  So they have to at least do some chores.  But then we also work to find opportunities to serve others, thus showing them a blessing of work that helps others. 

The very craving of the lazy will put him to death, for his hands have refused to work. - Proverbs 21:25

Oh how I do not want that to be true of my sons!  I want them to be producers, not just consumers!  My dear friend said to me once "Occupy till He comes, or be occupied."  Oh how true!  If we do not occupy, we'll be occupied by mindless entertainment.  Entertainment isn't evil in itself, but it can become an idol so easily!  Laziness can even become an idol! 

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.  Colossians 3:23

I pray we can all understand the gift before us and learn to pass it on to our children.  Let us occupy till He comes, and teach our children to do the same.  Be blessed!!

My Foundation for Homeschooling...

I could never homeschool!  I mean, I'm not organized, patient, educated (fill in the blank) enough to do that.  And what about 'me time?'  I had never seen myself as a homeschooler, it wasn't in my game plan. Not for me!  Hehehe...  Boy, did God have different, and far better plans for me!  And I'm so glad!  When my oldest son was 3 1/2 he asked me to homeschool him.  So I had to do some searching and I needed a strong scriptural foundation so I wouldn't be swayed.  God put a wonderful mentor in my path (and she's still beside me even now) to help me get a vision.  He gave me a fantastic Sister-In-Law, who also was mentoring and advising me along the way, and still does to this day, as well.  And currently I have many sweet moms who I've found great support in their company.  But the post below is what I learned one afternoon, sitting at my mentor's dining table.  As a new homeschooler or even someone who needs refreshing, I encourage you to get a vision... 

So let's begin with this huge question...  What is education?
Matt 15:9 says, "Their teachings are but rules taught by men."
Col 2:8 says, "See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ."

Can you see where I'm heading here? Man has no authority to say what knowledge and wisdom are, although men like to think they know.  But God has this to say: Col 2:2-3 "... Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."

In Jesus Christ are hidden these things. He is the one we need to seek to have wisdom and knowledge, and therein is the secret.
Prov 9:10- The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
Prov 1:7- The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
Prov 111:10- The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding.

It's obvious that fearing God is key to gaining any knowledge, wisdom, or understanding.
Prov 23:23- Buy the truth and do not sell it; get wisdom, discipline and understanding.
Prov 4:7- Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom, though it cost all you have, get understanding.

We may be confused by seeing people who seem to be wise and knowledgeable, having good educations, and great jobs. They may seem to lead very successful lives and be quite influential, and it just may seem that what we see in life and what we hear from God's word seem to contradict each other. But James 1:17 says "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." And Matt 5:45 says "He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous." Every good thing we have, physical, spiritual, or mental is from God! Every time you see a beautiful person, skilled craftsman, etc. you are seeing something that God has revealed of his own. Every talent is His. He gives to His creation, however it can result in pride in us... And pride is trust in ourselves, not in God!

Okay, so wisdom and knowledge and understanding come from God, and they come from fearing God. Not rules of man.  We've got that established...

Who, then, is responsible for our child's education?
Prov 27:23 says "Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds." (Oh, you can already see where I'm heading here, huh?)
Prov 6:20-23 says "My son, keep your father's commands and do not forsake your mother's teaching. Bind them upon your heart forever; fasten them around your neck. When you walk, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you. For these commands are a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the corrections of discipline are the way to life."
Okay, there are TONS of verses in Proverbs that say things like listen my son to your father's words/teaching, etc... So I won't write all of them for you. There's some homework!  Grab your Bible and dig in. :)

What an awesome responsibility and opportunity it is to have children under your roof! To see life in the way that God intended it to be is seeing a good plan.

Who will teach our children?
Titus 2:1- You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine.

At some point there comes a decision whether we should teach our children, or choose someone else to help us teach them these things. Even if you bring your child to another teacher, his/her education is your responsibility before God. God has set our little ones right on our lap! As long as we have access to them in their growing up years, we are accountable for them. The reason that whom we choose to teach them is so critical is that God has a goal in mind for our children, and that is that they learn to come to Him. They will learn things wherever they are, but will it be feeding their heart with pride, or with awe and worship of God? God wants to lead US to a place where HE is our personal teacher. He promises to lead and protect us on this journey through time. If you decide to ask for help, by placing them in a school of some sort, check to see if you are going to be unequally yoked, ie- a public school where secular humanist values would be imparted.

You may be thinking "But I don't have the gift of teaching or the interest to teach my children. I don't have the patience and couldn't do it even if I wanted to.  My kids don't listen to me.  I am not that organized!"

Let me tell you that the Lord has a wonderful plan in prescribing mothers to teach their children. Whether we question our family being able to work together or are wanting to have our own time during the day, I believe God is more than aware of our situation. He has hope right in the middle of it for us.
Lam. 2:12 "They cry to their mothers, 'Where is bread and wine?' as they fain like the wounded man in the streets of the city, as their life is poured out ontheir mother's bosom." 
The children in this verse are crying to their mothers for bread and wine.  Who is this bread and wine?  Jesus!
Lam. 2:19 "Arise, cry out in the night, at the beginning of the night watches! Pour out your heart like water before the presence of the Lord!  Lift your hands to him for the lives of your children, who faint for hunger at the head of every street." Wow!  This convicts me strongly to be on my knees all the more!

God so graciously uses the frustrations and impossibilities of our lives in hope that we will give up trying and call on Him to redeem every detail of the situation.
Ps 31:15 "My times are in your hands..." God has a way for us to spend our time on earth that will be rewarding for eternity. We don't have to worry that our time will not be our own. We must lift up our eyes.

1 Cor 15:58- therefore my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. (I love that verse!!)

What should a child be taught?
I love Is 54:13- "all your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great will be your children's peace."
Ps 32:8- "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle, or they will not come to you."

I believe that we need to teach our children to know GOD, not just to know. If I want them to know God, how do I do that? They learn of Him through His Spirit, His Word and His creation... So my job is first to disciple them to Christ so they can hear from His Spirit.

They must learn to read, write and to reason so they can read and share scriptures. This is critical.  Yes, it is important to have the ability to do these things to gain employment and more.  But the first and most important reason is to know God through His Word.  

Now, to learn His creation- that includes the heavens, the earth, and the seas. That covers every subject you can imagine. The heavens would include weather patterns, clouds, planets, etc, etc. The earth- plenty of science, history, and more. The seas- water creatures, currents, and on goes the list. This all helps them to see God in everything, to see His glory. Recognizing Him and His glory in everything is a wonderful education. 

Here's a practical example...  Let's just say you are working in the garden together and you discuss the watering of the plants.  Then talk about why Jesus is the Living Water.  Learn first the physical and then the spiritual.  Homeschooling happens all day long in the most amazing ways!  How about worship? Music is a great part of any child's life. Don't get me wrong, I think worship includes far more than just music. But God does say He inhabits the praise of His people. When we praise Him, whether we feel like it or not, His presence is in this in a special way.

Of course, there are lots of things to teach, character lessons (learned through the Bible...) and art and math and so on. All these things are taught in order to bring glory to the Lord.  One thing I'm seeing missing in so many of today's youth is a fear of God!  Isaiah said that they would be "Wise in their own eyes..." and it is very true.  If the academics are the most important thing, then we've made it a god and we've missed the point entirely.  If we start with God and His Word, and learn all things to His glory, what an education that would be, indeed!!

Matt 6:33- But seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

A timely reminder there! These are the most important things- His Kingdom and HIS righteousness. Not mine or what any man might think...

Another verse I recently found is 2 Cor 10:5- "Casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ." I love this one- man has every argument and high thing exalting themselves against the knowledge of God, either knowingly or unknowingly, obvious or subtle...

What about grades??  What if my child isn't learning what the kid next door is learning?  What if the scope and sequence says one thing and we're not doing what it says!!? 
2 Cor. 10:12-13, 18 "Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves with one another, they are without understanding.  But we will not boast beyond limits, but will boast only with regard to the area of influence God assigned to us, to reach even to you...  For it is not the one who commends himself approved, but the one whom the Lord commends."
 
You may be getting the point that the most important thing is doing what God asks, teaching according to His standards and timing, and not worrying about what man says or thinks.  When your child stands before God it is not going to matter what facts he's memorized, but did he learn of God?  All learning is supposed to point to God because "knowledge puffs up."  I'm not saying curriculum is a bad thing, it is a tool.  We aren't supposed to be slaves to the curriculum.  God will show you how to teach your children, there are so many styles available!  So in chosing curriculum, just pray!  Don't let catalogs overwhelm you.  God will give you clarion vision as to what you ought to use and how to use it and when/if you are to change.  Sometimes I'll use something and it works great and then we hit a wall.  And that happens when A) God wants to switch what we're using or B) I have begun to lean on my own understanding and need to lean on Him more!
I could go on and on and post hundreds of verses, but I hope this gives you the start of a vision for your homeschool.  Be blessed!

Old Schoolhouse

I have added a link on the side of the blog that is a fantastic, free e-magazine from The Old Schoolhouse. 

It has ideas for Thanksgiving and Christmas and all the days in between.  Enjoy!!

~C

Miscopulars

My sweet 6 year old is at it again, giving me more food for thought...

I have to back up a bit.  I am so glad that someone gave me the idea long ago to stock our home with field guides.  The boys have enjoyed looking up leaves, birds, flowers, and more upon returning from a family walk.  So it was only natural that when they were playing outside the other day, they found a bird in a nearby tree that they had to identify.  They came inside and grabbed binoculars and bird books and paper and pencils.  Sidenote: It blesses a mom's heart to see them loving to learn on their own, and marveling at God's creation!

So the next morning they rushed out again to see if the bird was near.  They couldn't see it anywhere.  My 6 year old announced that he even looked with the miscopulars!  I couldn't help but let a laugh escape.  I grabbed the dry erase marker (it was closest to me) and wrote it on the board.  I asked if he meant binoculars.  He laughed and said, 'yeah, that, whatever.'  He has the best dimples that show up when he giggles. 

But that word, and the dimples, kept going through my mind.  I know him well enough to know what he meant when he said miscopulars.  But I did check with him to be sure.  Did he really mean binoculars?  It was good to be clear.  I think that as we go about our relationships with each other, we need to be respectful enough to check what someone means.  To many quarrels begin from a simple misunderstanding. 

On the flipside, the communicator needs to also be clear.  And sometimes we aren't as clear as we'd like.  Isn't it nice to have people in your life who are willing to ask for clarity?

Even more than that, do we understand God?  Do we take Him at His word?  His speech is very clear.  But the only way we'll know Him well enough to know what He is saying is to get into His Word, daily.  He has so much for us, but we won't know what He means if we don't know Him.  Our direction will easily go off course, we'll be swayed easier.  That narrow way is difficult to discern at times.  The world seems to be communicating so much louder and clearer that we can't seem to hear the Lord's still, small voice.  But when I feel that way, I know it's because I haven't been battling on my knees and in the Word.  Let's all gain clarity, first, from Scripture.  Then, I have a feeling, all our communications will be smoother.

"Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person." Colossians 4:6 NASB version... 

Recipes

I have to admit, I am not all that computer literate.  So you'll have to hang in there with me as I struggle to work the kinks out here.  I found that in my tabs I could only post so many recipes and it would cut me off for some reason.  Well, that's fine, I'll just add more tabs lol!  So you'll now see more recipe tabs to look through.  If I can figure out how to make it work a little better, I'll let ya know...  But at least a few new things are available. :) 

Also, I'm working today to add the links section for homeschoolers.  Enjoy! :)

Parentalrights.org - Protecting Children by Empowering Parents --

Parentalrights.org - Protecting Children by Empowering Parents --

Pray to God, daily...

The other day, I was doing a little bible study with the boys about laziness.  Which then turned into honoring your parents.  Which brought up a question from the Doorposts study that asked if the boys knew that they were blessings, gifts, to mommy and daddy.  They both gave a very bland "yeah, we know that."  I guess we must tell them that once in a while. 

My husband and I spent a lot of time praying for our boys before they ever arrived.  We wanted a baby very much.  But it wasn't happening.  After several months of trying, we found ourselves pregnant.  Only to lose the baby a very short time into the pregnancy.  We dealt with the pain and grief and anger, and still prayed, often, for a baby.  Finally, a year after our journey began, we found we were pregnant with our oldest son!  He truly was a gift!  And when we were ready to start trying for baby 2, it took about 9 months before we found we were pregnant with our youngest son.  We have been so blessed with 2 amazing young men.  They don't know the whole ins and outs of the story, nor do they need to, but they know well that they were prayed into this world, fervently. 

And so I spent a little extra time this day explaining to the boys that they were, indeed gifts.  I said to them, "Mommy and Daddy prayed to God, daily, for you."  And my son, who will turn 7 on Christmas morning, looked up and said "I didn't know God's last name was Daily!" 

Needless to say we had a good talk about God's name.  I'd like to say the moral of the story is to pray to God, daily.  While that is true, it isn't the end of the story.  In fact, it's just the beginning, actually.  Thanks to that comment, my 10 year old asked what God's name is, really.  And that is a deeper question than I could answer at one sitting. 

Elohim- The Creator
El Elyon- God most high/God is sovereign
El Roi- God sees
El Shaddai- Almighty God/the all sufficient One
Adonai- Lord/Master
Jehova- LORD/The self existent One
Jehovah-jireh - The Lord will provide
Jehova rapha- The Lord is our healer
Jehovah nissi-The Lord is my banner
Jehovah-mekoddishkem- The Lord who sanctifies
Jehovah-shalom-   The Lord is peace
Jehovah-sabaoth- The Lord of hosts/God is our deliverer
Jehovah-raah- The Lord is my Shepherd
Jehovah-tsidkenu- The Lord our Righteousness
Jehovah-shammah- The Lord is there
Qanna- Jealous

That's a pretty good list of names.  Do we even comprehend His holiness?  That may be another post all together.  But truly.  Can we attempt in this Thanksgiving season to begin to wrap our minds around who He is, and how we ought to praise, worship and thank Him?  Maybe starting out, simply, by thanking Him for who His Word says He is in that short list above. 

So, let's begin to pray to God, daily.

Thankful for a Blustery Day

Typically, I am a warm weather kind of gal.  I could live in 70 degree autumn days all year long!  I love the crisp red and orange leaves, the cool mornings, and warm afternoons- perfect for a walk to the park with the boys. 

But today, it is cold, windy, wet, and gray.  It is finally November.  And honestly, in this moment I am loving it.  Once in a while it's lovely to have an indoor, snuggly, blustery day.  I can't wait to get our homeschool day started just so I can get some hot chocolate going on the stovetop for a story time, later.  The irony is that our bible study today is on laziness, and my inclination in this kind of weather is to be nothing more than lazy!  Snuggly chenille socks, a warm sweater, a mug of home made cocoa, and a good book are all that beckon me today. 

And yet, I know there are so many things that will call my attention.  I am praying for a balance, however.  I don't mind the busy-ness that must be a part of daily life at home.  But I also want that time to just be with the boys while they are young, enjoying our blustery day together.  I suppose that calls for a post about priorities... ;)

I hope that your day, no matter where you live, is blessed.  Be it a beautiful, sunny autumn day, or a blustery one.  With Thanksgiving around the corner, it is good to ponder the things we can be grateful for, and the One to whom we are grateful.  Spend a moment of thankfulness at His feet today. 

A first time for everything...

I had told myself a long time ago that I had no time to add another thing to my list.  Especially where the computer was concerned.  In fact, I am trying to cut back on my computer time.  So why start a blog?  And yet, here we are starting up a new page. 

I felt as if I needed a place to put my thoughts and begin journaling our homeschooling experiences.  I began teaching my sons at home to give them an education.  But I am the one who has been educated and continues to be educated daily!  I have learned so much about myself, the Lord, my kids, relating to others, seeing the Lord in everything, and on and on goes the list.  So before I forget these valuable lessons, I decided to find a place online to record them.  If I am the only one to ever read this, it should be worth my time.  And if someone else out there stumbles on this blog and finds encouragement, all the better.

God bless!