FAST TRACK

I've never been one to consider a fast track for homeschooling. If anything, I'm much more the slow pace type.

And yet, it's a funny thing what happens in the heart when we're committed to following Jesus.

"Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand."

Proverbs 19:21

Sometimes He changes things up. Sometimes, He stirs something new. We've been through this type of transition before. We've seen the Lord take our committed hearts in a totally different direction when He's changed the chapter, like the turning of tides.

Yes, He has redirected our hearts in homeschooling before and so He has again...toward a fast(er) track.

"The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps."

Proverbs 16:9

It's ironic. It really is. But, when there is a goal in mind and eternal focus, we move when we sense movement. We want to be doers, and so we are. This time, the movement is taking the form of a fast track through high school and it's really not so far fetched. Such things are significantly more elusive and intimidating from afar. But here we are, high school upon us and Brodie joins the ranks. He's ready. He'll be joining Aida on an intentional rhythm. Together, they'll be achieving goals and together, they'll be focused Godward. They want to know and accomplish His will and we sense the time has come.

And so we bunker down with a plan. We have a goal in mind. We've sought the Lord and can see He's confirming that this is the route for us all. We're thankful for our team. With graduation in mind and closer than we'd realized before, we hope to ready our young adults for what's next. Lord, please continue to show us what's next on this fast track aimed toward you.

"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."

Matthew 6:33

OPERATION WORLD - MYANMAR

We have used many different sources over the years to draw our family together for group learning, but one of the most consistent for us is Operation World. After learning about and praying for the country we've studied as a group,

we apply what we've learned in a variety of ways, giving the children expressive freedom and choices.

Yesterday, the children wrote down prayer points for Myanmar and added some artwork in there too.

The little ones joined us at the table to make collages...which is especially fun when Daddy is home to help with the glue!

It is a privilege to learn as a family, spending time together around the Word.

What a blessing to homeschool!

And what a blessing to pray together and focus on the world around us.

May the Lord raise up missionaries in this home! Maranatha!

"And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world

as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come."

Matthew 24:14

HOMESCHOOLING AN ARTIST

I remember when Brodie was younger, trying to squish him into the educational box. I thought that was the "right" way to homeschool and so I tried and tried. At some point frustrations and confusion led me to question God. Is this really what you intend for our homeschool? Is this the BEST way to homeschool an alternatively minded/artistic child? After all, God is the most genius Artist and He designed the (many) artists in my home in His image. Surely, He had answers to my questions.

I've heard it said in terms of seeking God's will for our lives, that 95% of our questions are directly answered through the Word of God, the Bible...and that the other 5% not specified to our particular circumstances can certainly be revealed to the one who seeks after that explicit 95% with passion. I've found this to be true. When we delight ourselves in the Lord, study His holy Word, and pray constantly, we will be yoked to the Vine. We will know our Shepherd's voice and we will hear from Him. We will.

"Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart."

Psalm 37:4

So, as I sought the Lord for answers to my homeschooling questions, gradually He began to whisper and it became more and more clear that He had new plans for us that differed from how we were originally approaching homeschool. He showed me that just as all people are unique, we all learn in unique ways that compliment the beautiful differences He creates in us, with purpose. In order to fulfill His unique plans for our children, we would need to ask Him to lead us through His Holy Spirit on behalf of each of our learners. He has never failed us since and we haven't looked back once. We have only grown in confidence as we have morphed and there is good fruit as a result, both for us as the parents/teachers and for the children/students.

"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,
making the best use of the time, because the days are evil."
Ephesians 5:15-16

When given the gift of TIME, children flourish because they are naturally curious and inquisitive. With proper, biblical parental guidance, children can discover God's will for their lives early on and begin investing in their unique avenues of exploration and mastery. When given the benefit of unhurried, unlimited TIME to explore their God-given talents and inclinations, children thrive. There is peace when we step prayerfully into God's plans and He reciprocates by paving the way as we seek Him.

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."
Psalm 119:105

In the case of Brodie, we recognized his musicality early on, but it wasn't until years later that we offered him the gift of TIME. Once we let him have the (literal) hours in a day to focus on his instrument, he began to soar. Once we stopped squashing him into the worksheet/textbook box and let him delve deep into the music God enables him to produce, he began to explore the avenue that he was clearly created for. His piano playing has taken off. His aim is Godward. His focus is pointed and ambitious. His music glorifies God because it must, for that is why the Lord gave him his talent. We remind Brodie of this daily.

Brodie spends many hours most days practicing his piano and composing. He has the time to do so. We allow him unlimited time to hone his craft and he is content to spend it at the keys. He's never had lessons. He doesn't read notes on paper. But, he produces thematic, compelling melodies that tell stories through song and move our hearts to worship God. THIS is what he was created to do. He's currently working on his first original project and preparing to record when the time is right. He creates introductions to hymns that season the heart, encouraging tenderness in preparation for worship. Most days he makes his mama cry as his fingers play our life's soundtrack, the backdrop to our days. I couldn't love his music more and I thank God for inspiring us to let Brodie be who He created him to be...an artist...just like Him.

"'But now bring me a musician.' And when the musician played, the hand of the Lord came upon him."
2 Kings 3:15

MISSION MINDED HOMESCHOOL

One of the main reasons we so highly value homeschooling is the freedom we have to learn in varied ways and through many means. For us, the Bible is our primary source of education. We can utilize the Word of God for every aspect of learning...and so we do. The Bible is central and key to our homeschool all day, every day.

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom,

singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God."

Colossians 3:16

As the Word of Christ dwells in us richly and as the gospel permeates our everything, the inevitable overflow becomes a desire to live like Christ, think like Christ, love like Christ...which manifests in love for our local and global neighbors.

"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.
This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself."
Matthew 22:36-39

Our aim is to use the catalyst of education to also direct our children's hearts (and our hearts as the parents) back to the Word. We want to be fueled outward by God's Word and also redirected back TO God's Word through our every experience, question, or learning opportunity. This is because we want our lives to be constantly in line with Scripture and we know that it is profitable and sufficient in itself to prepare our hearts and minds for all things.

"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."
2 Timothy 3:16-17

As our love for Christ grows, our hearts desire what He desires and this results in a love for the hurting world around us. Since we have so many learners in our family at varied ages, it works well for us to pick a common source (mainly the Bible, but also other resources) and work together as a family to learn. We then take that unified time to propel us toward prayer and other individualized and age appropriate activities for learning. In this way, we get to take something we genuinely enjoy and are invested in, and allow it to be the stimulus for all sorts of other learning enhancement. Above all, we want our children to grow in the Lord and we know that as we honor Him in this, He faithfully fills in the rest. He provides infinite and abundant educational opportunities through streamlined beginnings and life/learning is...simple.

Here are just a few of our most often used mission minded resources (in addition to the Bible of course) for our group time:

OPERATION WORLD
We use the Operation World book to read about and pray for one country at a time. We use the website (www.operationworld.org) for prayer videos and further learning about people groups represented in the countries we study. Among other subjects of interest, this hits geography, world history, social studies, biology at times, global economics, government, anthropology, and most importantly a love for the world and other cultures in particular with regard to their physical and spiritual needs. If the children take notes or write about what we have learned, we take this opportunity to address grammar and language arts. In the past we have made folders with the national flags as a way to get some art in there too.

THE GLOBE

Following our Operation World study, we pray on our knees as a family around the globe. We pray for the specific needs we have learned and read about a country and it's people groups. We pray for the missionaries and the challenges of the area. We pray for the Lord to raise up laborers for the harvest and we also pray and ask God to show us any way that our family can be part of reaching out to the people we are focusing on. This is geography at it's best if you ask me.

WINDOW ON THE WORLD

The children like this book because it has many pictures and facts about different nations.

They can use it to browse through or read further on their own about countries we have discussed and prayed for.

YOU CAN CHANGE THE WORLD (VOLUME 2)
Put out by Operation World specifically for children, this book also contains many facts about different people groups and countries. It has illustrations as opposed to the photographs of Window on the World, yet still lots of great information that the children can read through on their own as an offshoot of our time together around the globe.



In addition to these learning experiences at home, we try to get our family involved in tangible outreach as well in order to foster a mission minded homeschool. We do this through local opportunities, but also desire to have an international experience once a year as well. We have some plans in the works for this year (Lord willing) and are brushing up on some Spanish. We will see what He has planned, but we are convinced that spending 2% of our time out of our normal context and in the context of another culture has a way of influencing the other 98% of our time here at home.

(Puzzles and games also make excellent and FUN geography tools!

Aida is finally at an age to appreciate David Platt's book, Radical, so she is currently reading that. We also encourage the older ones to be reading the many missionary biographies we have collected over the years, so those are always on rotation as well. We utilize missions documentary videos online and inspiring DVDs we own or borrow. When we sit down to watch something together at night, we realize that what we consider entertaining is also continuing education. Documentaries are a wonderful way to spend family time together and if we choose resources of value, they instigate further curiosity, learning, wisdom, and prayer well after our video has ended. In this way, "school" isn't just something that takes place in the morning and there don't even need to be desks involved. I'd say our greatest learning takes place in a comfy circle...ah the beauty of homeschool!

"And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world
as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come."
Matthew 24:14

Psalm 67
May God be gracious to us and bless us
and make his face to shine upon us,
that your way may be known on earth,
    your saving power among all nations.
Let the peoples praise you, O God;
    let all the peoples praise you!

Let the nations be glad and sing for joy,
    for you judge the peoples with equity
    and guide the nations upon earth. Selah
Let the peoples praise you, O God;
    let all the peoples praise you!

The earth has yielded its increase;
    God, our God, shall bless us.
God shall bless us;
    let all the ends of the earth fear him!

JUST BECAUSE IT'S RECOMMENDED...

"I will walk with integrity of heart within my house;
I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless."

Psalm 101:2-3

Over the years, our family has become more and more scrutinizing when it comes to what we read and watch, both in terms of entertainment and also education (a blurred distinction at this point). We do this because the Bible tells us to. Jesus lived a blameless, holy life and He calls us to the same as imitators of Him. His Word calls us to guard our hearts. It is a high calling.

"Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."
Proverbs 4:23

As homeschooling parents, seeking to make wise decisions, we tend to look left and right in hopes of inspiration or even at a much more organic level, guidance. After all, we all need teachers. But ultimately the Word of God should be our constant source of inspiration as well as the litmus test for whether or not a recommended resource is worthy of our time and attention. Daily I'm grateful for the best Teacher we could ever have, the One who never makes mistakes and I'm grateful for His Word and Holy Spirit to guide. Eyes and ears open, homeschooling parents must be cautious of what we place before our children's eyes, hearts, minds. For that matter, we must guard our own hearts carefully, lest we miss the opportunity to protect our children.

"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,

making the best use of the time, because the days are evil."

Ephesians 5:15-16

When it comes to recommended homeschool resources and in particular book lists and DVDs for the use of education, we need to remember a key component in every decision. We need to ask ourselves, "Does this glorify God?" "Does this line up with Scripture?" And, if it doesn't, if it contradicts biblical truths or exposes our children to that which the Bible says is sin, evil, abominable...then it doesn't matter how highly recommended it may be, the reality is we should NOT read/watch it.

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind,

that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."

Romans 12:2

One way in our family that we strive to be sure we are ingesting good content is to periodically browse our collections of books and DVDs, scouring with a fine-toothed comb to ask ourselves the important questions above. Is this resource acceptable in our home? To do this well, we must have on biblical lenses. We must desire to do all things according to Scripture. I will admit there have been times where it was hard for me to let something go that I've enjoyed over the years and often this has mostly to do with nostalgia. But, as the Lord has grown our hearts and as we continue to mature in Him, it's clear He is gradually removing scales, near blinders if we're honest, and prompting us to weigh our every decision before His Word of Truth. This means, our collections of books and DVDs grow smaller in some ways, but richer in what we do keep and purchase to enjoy. It feels right.

"But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions, always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth."

2 Timothy 3:2-7

Book lists.

This one comes up a lot. Every "good" homeschooler wants to read every recommended book list under the sun of course, but as I contemplate what we will read in our home, I'm pressed to remember that there are many things in our lives that are broadly "recommended" by someone else's standards (mainly the world, but surprisingly even other homeschooling Christians) which we do not adopt in our family. The same goes for reading lists, curriculum, and other recommended or widely accepted homeschooling resources. Some things just might not be right for us, even if others are loving it!

We're ok with going against the grain as Jesus did, as He calls us to be set apart. We're ok with thinking hard about our choices and not just blindly doing what the rest are doing without really prayerfully considering the content. I believe this is what God would have us do...and challenge others to consider as well.

"But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 

since it is written, 'You shall be holy, for I am holy.'"

1 Peter 1:15-16

As we meditate upon the truths of Scripture it becomes clear in regard to book lists that just because it's recommended...doesn't mean we should be reading it. There are MANY books recommended even by Christian homeschoolers that suggest our children read content including witchcraft, sorcery, lying, stealing, cursing, romantic themes well beyond our children's maturity level, atheism, evolutionary themes, rebelliousness, disobedience or disrespect to parents, siblings, authority, friends, and no doubt I could go on....but the point is that if we really look deeply into the content of the recommended lists and even "classics" we will find that many of them have no place in our God-fearing homes...that is IF we fear Him.

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;

all those who practice it have a good understanding."

Psalm 111:10

So, where do we go from here?

"I will ponder the way that is blameless."

Psalm 101:2

The Bible says we need to think. We ought to ponder these things and search the Scriptures for Truth.

We shouldn't just go with the flow and unknowingly wander down paths of unrighteousness.

We need to read the Bible, day and night, and dwell upon it intently. This will enable us to make wise choices.

"Blessed is the man

 who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
    nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
but his delight is in the law of the Lord,
    and on his law he meditates day and night.

He is like a tree
    planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season,
    and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers."

Psalm 1:1-3

As we set about a new school year (though it's safe to say we've officially become year-rounders over here, always learning), it is our hope to grow more and more in the grace of God which enlightens our hearts and illuminates that which lurks in the darkness, that which the enemy of our souls would rather keep hidden. It is our desire that every single thing we place before our eyes and allow access to our minds would glorify God and encourage us to grow in the fruit of His Spirit. This requires intentionality and sometimes hard things, like throwing away an old favorite or even something WE used to recommend. It's so important to remember that it's a GOOD THING to grow! This shouldn't be embarrassing. This should be encouraging as we see that we are blooming while we draw nearer to the Lord Jesus Christ! It's also important to remember that choosing to hold tight to our convictions according to the Word of God may come with criticism or even persecution. The Bible says it will.

"Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted."

2 Timothy 3:12

So, when that persecution comes, we'll need to stand strong. But, truly, it is a blessed and peaceful place to be, in the shelter of the Almighty! Every Christian should desire that. Every Christian parent should want to please God with even small decisions. Every Christian should look to the Bible, the breath of God as our primary source of ALL things! And, we need to teach our children to do the same on their own accord. We parents don't just scratch off things we've allowed to enter our homes that shouldn't be there without letting our children in on the process. In fact, I've seen that at times our kids have been the ones to urge us, the parents, to remove something from our library or DVD collection because of THEIR conviction! When this happens, we always go with it to validate our children's hearts! Fortunately, this discarding and filtering process gets easier and easier as time goes on and we regrow sensitivity to subject matter that God does not want for us. Desensitization is a slippery slope. We'd like to keep the things that do not please God and reflect His character at a distance...hot potato as we like to say.

"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever."
1 John 2:15-17

Oh, that we might run the race well and see progress as we do. May we (and our book/DVD collections) look DIFFERENT from the average, go-with-the-flow home. May we be SET APART for God's glory as homeschooling Christians, and may we remember with boldness that just because it's recommended...doesn't mean it's for us.

"But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."

2 Timothy 3:14-17

PLAYROOM/SCHOOLROOM

It's a place where creativity flows...

...and flows and sometimes volcanically explodes!

It's a place where children play and books are stored, read, made.

(another wonderful book by the ever-creative Nova)

There's always something exciting going on in the playroom/schoolroom!

"Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy."

Psalm 33:3

CATCH OF THE DAY - TARANTULA

As much as I would have thought snakes and tarantulas would be where I'd draw the line, the truth is, I'm not nearly as worried about the creepy crawly things around our new home as I thought I would be. For many years as we prayed about our next move, we always considered we may end up in a foreign country where things like heat and wildlife would be part of the deal. Being right here in California still with so many creature comforts, including air conditioning and FedEx, not to mention familiarity, friends, the beach, etc...I have to say our rural move has been more than a blessing, wildlife included.

That said, there is still a learning curve when it comes to the critters around here and what I've noticed is that the more we learn, the less we fear. Knowledge is powerful. Wisdom affects how we view the world around us. So, it's our job to understand our habitat and those we share it with in order to respect God's creatures and also protect ourselves and our children.

Our most recent catch of the day was a bit easier to not fear because our new neighbors were over at our house when we found it and they have lots of experience with TARANTULAS! They even let them walk up their arms when they find them (which apparently isn't too often). But, eeek. I'm still not a fan of these hairy, crawly creatures and knowing they don't come around often is just fine by me. However, we did get to inspect this one and even take a couple pics before releasing him....over there!

Later that evening, the kids came in with a book we have about spiders and it turns out these guys aren't nearly as intimidating as their appearance and reputation...especially compared to much smaller spiders we had right in our house back in town. We have so much more to learn and thankfully science is all around us in our new environment, covered with the fingerprints of God.

WIKIPEDIA TARANTULA

"In wisdom have you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures."

Psalm 104:24

CRAFTING WITH MRS. REYES

When Mrs. Reyes comes over to play, guaranteed it's going to be FUN!

...and MESSY!

(leaf craft)

One word...FLUBBER.

Mrs. Reyes, one of my most cherished and dear sister-friends, is truly unique and special. She was Aida's 1st and 2nd grade teacher back in our early co-op homeschooling days. Always the teacher, Mrs. Reyes loves to come craft with the kids!

(making sand candles at the beach house)

She loves exploring nature!

She loves children!

And mostly she loves the Lord!

(We laughed and laughed as it got dark before our sand candles hardened and some even were

swooped away by the rising tide. What an adventure to go searching in the DARK for lost candles with Mrs. Reyes!)

Mrs. Reyes, our whole family loves you so very much!

Thanks for the many fun (and gluey) memories! We hope there are many more!!

"Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them,
for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.'"
Matthew 19:14

PAINTING CLASS

We tend to go with the flow for homeschooling (and creativity is always flowing around here), but every now and then enrichment opportunities come along and this week the older girls got to attend a painting class with our wonderful neighbors.

As the class began, Elka whispered to me that this was her first official "class" ...ever. And, it dawned on me how very much we've changed over the years in our homeschooling approach. In the early days with our 2 oldest we chose the co-op road and I'm so glad we did, because otherwise I don't know that we would have experimented with homeschooling at all! But to think of such weekly classes being part of our rhythm (read: off beat drum) at this point in our homeschooling journey feels completely foreign.

Off beat works best for us.

Yet, it was a treat for the girls to join into a sweet community event this week here in our new place in this world.

Their paintings remind us of the experience and Elka is asking me to get out my oil paints for her now. She will love oils!

And I love these girls.

"He has filled them with skill to do every sort of work."
Exodus 35:35

CATCH OF THE DAY - KINGSNAKE

I'll admit, I wasn't thrilled about this catch of the day at first...but after doing our homework,

I see that this kingsnake who has made his home in our yard is actually our friend, even protector.

He stays.

It was a rough lesson this past week to see a large snake prey upon our beloved bird's nest up in our tree. We grieved as a family while he enjoyed a meal. It was like National Geographic right in our own backyard! It's taken me some time to digest the whole thing because really, it was traumatic, especially for sweet Nova. All of the children were distraught! I was nauseous. Brodie, of course, remained calm and even found a lesson for us all through the distressing situation. We all felt for the mama and daddy birds as they tried their best to peck at the snake that took from them. And we, mama and daddy to our little ones had to explain the circle of life and even find and teach respect for this creature (and his Creator) in our garden.

We prayed and thanked the Lord for the compassion we saw in our children for the vulnerable little birds. We asked Him to use that compassion to fuel their love for His people, also in need. We thanked God for how He cares for even the birds and asked that He would comfort them and help them build a new nest and have more baby birds soon. He cares and so do we.

"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows."

Matthew 10:29-31

After that episode, we nudged the snake over to the field by our house, only to find him back again yesterday. So, we did some research. (Insert science lesson here.) What to do with this determined snake who obviously likes our garden???

As it turns out, this kingsnake is, in fact, our friend. He will eat rattlesnakes and other snakes. He will also eat rodents and he is not venomous himself. The kingsnake is on our team. So, we will respect him and we will not touch him. We will not kill him or even try to remove him because we see that he will help protect our property ultimately. So, this catch of the day stays....and another country lesson tucks under our belts. We need not be afraid and we're growing day by day.

WIKIPEDIA CALIFORNIA KINGSNAKE

"Then God said, 'Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.

And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens

and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.'"

Genesis 1:26