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This is year three of home education for our family. This is no longer an educational choice for us; this is our WAY OF LIFE. This is our COMMITMENT TO OUR CHILDREN and a way we ACTIVELY LIVE OUR FAITH. Our children are with us such a short time and I DON'T WANT TO WASTE A SINGLE MINUTE.
Last week I received Educating The Wholehearted Child. Every spare moment I have had (and probably some I couldn't spare) have gone into reading this book. I can't wait to share my review with you in a few weeks. I feel as if we are doing many of the things mentioned in this book, and I also am INSPIRED to implement many others. Right now, the biggest thing I want to share is this:
My children are not going to be products of a society that teaches conformity as the norm. We are not going to accept the garbage which is thrust upon our children through popular culture. There is SO MUCH beauty in the world, and I am not going to waste a single minute of our lives on things that do not glorify our Creator.
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.
~ Romans 12:2
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.
~ Romans 12:2
I don't know about you, but God sometimes speaks to me quite clearly through a culmination of many little events (I used to refer to these as coincidences, but I know better now.).
- - Over the past couple of months we have given up satellite/cable television and have been spending so much time together as a family. We used to STARE AT THE TELEVISION WHILE SITTING IN THE SAME ROOM. That is spending wasting time together. Now we read aloud. We play board games. We listen to music, play Legos, and read (side by side).
- - I was asked to participate in a wonderful book club, where we are studying The Mission of Motherhood. A group of homeschooling moms gets together and shares about our mission as mothers... this has made a HUGE impact on my life. Our children are not something we try to "fit into" our lives... they ARE our lives and it is our mission to train them to be strong, courageous disciples.
- - Life has gotten EASIER... now that I am obeying God's call for my life. The messes around the house don't bother me as much. My husband is helping me so much with the children's activities and just everything in general! My children (while they do have their days!) are enjoyable to spend my days with and I love learning with them.
- - God has sent me several women to encourage and support me in this journey. From encouraging words at co-op, to compliments and questions from friends who don't homeschool, I have felt affirmed in our decision to home educate. My mother has become one of my biggest supporters, and THIS MEANS THE WORLD TO ME! I know this affirmation isn't what ultimately matters, but it sure is nice!
- - My ears have literally been turned away from the negative voices and influences in my life. Either those voices have gotten softer, or I have been given the strength to tune them out.... I am thankful for this.
- - My desire to travel has suddenly (and unexpectedly) been granted. We will be going to New York City and San Francisco within the next two months. Ever since we pulled the children out of school we have wanted to take advantage of the flexible schedule and TRAVEL. We have been FAITHFUL stewards of our money (thank you, Dave Ramsey!) and all of a sudden we have money to spend on the things that are IMPORTANT, and not on piddly little things.
- - I have given up so much time on Twitter, FB and my blog. This was always a STRUGGLE for me before, and it is no longer a struggle. It's as if God is helping me to be a better steward of my time. This is what I want my children to see. I know everyone blogs about this topic of "unplugging", but I really feel I am living it now. It is allowing me to enjoy the many blessings in my life so much more fully than before.
There you have it. That's what's on my heart at 11 p.m. on a Sunday night... later this week I'll post some more "nuts and bolts" stuff, but for now I wanted to share my excitement and joy with you!
There you have it. That's what's on my heart at 11 p.m. on a Sunday night... later this week I'll post some more "nuts and bolts" stuff, but for now I wanted to share my excitement and joy with you!
