"BACK TO SCHOOL"

Each year we embrace and enjoy the "back to school" feeling in the air, cherishing moments like this:

 

 

We buy new supplies, set up our desks, and set out with lists and (flexible) plans.

 

 

We enter a season that ebbs and flows with the rhythm of learning tangible.

 

 

But, the reality each year remains the same...

 

We're always learning and "school" doesn't begin in September...or end in June.

Life is our classroom and we're always "doing school"...a phrase we attempt to avoid.

 

 

Nevertheless, "back to school" is upon us with intentionality toward our concrete learning. 

We have new little learners joining the ranks and they are very eager about their "school".

 

 

It's interesting to see them each at their own pace, an advantage to be able to group them together as well. With differences in development (not to mention language acquisition), it works out quite nicely to have multiple learners on the same page.

 

Literally.

 

 

So there's lots of this going on around here:

 

 

And this:

 

 

This:

 

 

 

 

 

As little ones join in and older ones hone in on how the Lord is leading their lives, it's a beautiful transformative process to observe the act of learning. And it's happening ALL the time! It's such an honor to pray each day and eat meals together, to take the time to listen to hearts and gather in circles to read the Bible. As the girls are growing up, they are mastering the arts of homemaking and caring for little souls, something that brings me great joy to witness!! After all, we're raising little women.

 

 

 (Elka loves her one-handed egg cracking.)

 

 Our boys spend time with their daddy, learning about spiritual leadership, work ethic,

chivalry and responsibility, among other things. We're preparing them to be men.

 

 

"But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children,  to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.  Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned."

Titus 2:1-8

 

So, we read the Word and take inventory of where our children's hearts are headed. We think about what we are preparing them for through their years of education. It's so much more than simply academics, though we praise God for the ability to be the ones to teach them those things too. Yes, the matters of the heart and the skills of adulthood that we get to impart to our children throughout the days are a dear blessing and advantage of homeschooling. What an amazing gift to have the TIME!

 

So, "back to school" we are, though we never really left, never really will.

 

"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise."

Deuteronomy 6:5-7

ANSWERS IN GENESIS

 

We've always been fans of Answers in Genesis and this past weekend we had the privilege of hearing Ken Ham speak. Brodie took the oldest 4 children while I stayed home with the other 2/3 of our crew. But, I got to watch livestream. It was excellent!

 

There were 2 messages 2 nights in a row. Both can be purchased on DVD as well:

 

The Relevance of Genesis in Today's World

 

&

 

One Blood, One Race

 

After the event each night, Brodie and the kids purchased some new materials to enhance our mission of training

up our children to defend their faith as ambassadors for Christ, an inspiring start for our upcoming homeschool year:

 

Answers 1, 2, 3, and 4


 

Begin



Dinosaurs for Kids



Raising Godly Children in an Ungodly World
(for Mom and Dad)

 

The Wild Brothers
(just for fun)

 

We also already have Answers for Kids and plan to go
through some of those materials again this year as well.



There are many additional online media resources here.

Listening to Ken Ham preach the Gospel and share the core conviction that if we discredit Genesis, we lose our foundation in God's Word was inspiring. As Christian parents we have a responsibility to teach our children Truth, first and foremost from God's Word holding fast to a biblical worldview, but also accessing curriculum and resources that can spur us on in our efforts.
AiG offers many! We're grateful for the opportunity we encountered this week and also for Answers in Genesis.

 

"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth."
Genesis 1:1

FIGHTING FEAR IN HOMESCHOOLING

"For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."

1 Timothy 1:7

When I feel inadequate (which is often) to not only educate, but also rear and raise my children for the glory of God, I'm quick to remind myself that indeed I am. And, that it's in my inadequacy the ability of God shines most brightly. Everything good that I have to offer is only by His grace. In my weakness, He is strong. In my deficits, He fills. In my lacking, He is more than enough and it pleases Him when I trust Him in all things...including homeschooling. He tells us not to fear.

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Isaiah 41:10

Question:

Why do parents worry about their children's education?

Answer:
Hopefully the answer is...because we love them! And, since we love our children and want to set them up for success (carefully defined) in life, we desire to give them good gifts in the same way the Lord gives to us. Our Father God is able to give to us parents (His children) all that we need in order to offer good things to our own children (also His children). Again, He tells us so.

"If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children,

how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!"

Matthew 7:11

So, if we have a loving Father God who can fill us with all that we lack and if we love our children and desire to do them good, not harm and if we have in the Lord all that we ever need in order to have something to give, why do we still fear?

Question:
Why do so many homeschooling parents seem to be fighting fear?

Answer:
We think our children's future is dependent upon us and our abilities, but this just isn't true. Though we are responsible as parents to train up our children, we will make mistakes. We will. Yet, the will of God for our children's lives cannot be thwarted.
In spite of us, He will accomplish in their lives that which He purposes. He will!

"I know that you [Lord] can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted."
Job 42:2

OK, so buying in that God's will cannot be thwarted, we parents still have a complicated job at hand and we believe that the Bible has all the answers for us, right? So logistically and biblically speaking, how do we know what to do?
Where's the homeschooling parent's instruction manual in the Bible?

Question:

Where are the curriculum lists in the Bible??

Answer:

There are no set curriculum lists in the Bible. No A Beka or Saxon by grade level. No IEW.

(Ugh...that's so not the answer I wanted. I was hoping for more of a check list type of deal.)

"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

When most take a monkey-see-monkey-do approach to homeschooling, following the majority, I want to know if this is biblical. It's obvious enough that we can glean from one another and we should definitely encourage one another, but what happens if the way the majority seem to be flowing doesn't work for one or all of my children...or me? What do I do then?

Question:

How does a conscientious homeschooling parent know what to do?

Answer:

Listen for the voice of the Lord who loves us and guides our steps.

(Ahh...just the sound of that brings peace.)

"And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, yet your Teacher will not hide himself anymore, but your eyes shall see your Teacher. And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying,
'This is the way, walk in it,' when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left."

Isaiah 30:20

I'm starting to get it...The diversity is boundless, just like the Lord. His plans for us all differ and even change with seasons according to His will. And, what He wants from us is trust. Jesus wants us homeschooling parents to know His voice, listen to it, and trust Him one step at a time just like we do in everything else. The thought of His firm foundation conjures up confidence I didn't know I had. Blind steps forward, trusting all the way, I think I'm ready to leap into the unknown!

But...then again, wait...that all seems so floofy and like I'm supposed to course uncharted territory or
something super scary like that. Woah, my knees are getting wobbly again...Now what?!

Question:
How do parents fight fear in homeschooling?

Answer:
Trust the Lord, our Shepherd, with all our hearts and cling to the promises of Scripture.

"In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;
Take the...sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit,
with all prayer and supplication."
Ephesians 6:16-18

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Proverbs 3:5-6

"I [the Lord] will never leave you nor forsake you."
Hebrews 13:5

"Do not be anxious about anything, 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 your minds in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:6-7

Fear is never from God. Peace is. Anxiety is not a fruit of the Spirit. Peace is. Worry isn't biblical. Peace is.
When we walk with God, abide in Him, follow the voice of our Shepherd, He is faithful to lead us and we find...peace. 

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 

He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake."
Psalm 123:1-3

"Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you."
James 4:8

Jesus gives us peace. He overflows peace. Our response to His presence is peace...in life and homeschooling.

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you.
Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid."
John 14:27

The beauty of homeschooling lies in the individuality for each child. The Quantity Time we spend with our children homeschooling allows us tremendous advantage. The freedom of homeschooling allows parents to meet our children right where they are academically, emotionally, spiritually, physically, socially. Attuned parents have innumerable opportunities each day to observe and listen to our children and adjust their unique educational experience in the best ways to suit the child. These things require intentionality and all the more when we aren't following a set agenda, specific lesson plan, or particular curriculum of sorts. In homeschooling and parenting in general, intuition trumps formula, and where do we get our intuition from?
Who is it that whispers into my heart the way that I should go? The Holy Spirit. He is God and He is faithful.

"When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth."
John 13:16

"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me."
John 10:27

"Whoever is of God hears the words of God."
John 8:47

"Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known."
Jeremiah 33:3

"And I [Jesus] will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper [the Holy Spirit], to be with you forever,
even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him.
You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you."
John 14:16-17

To know that the Holy Spirit is ready to help me, has been sent to help me, brings peace. I cling to Him and to His words in the Word and trust that He will lead my steps in life and homeschooling alike. He will. He does. We have nothing to fear.

"When I am afraid, I put my trust in you."
Psalm 56:3

I think of the Proverbs 31 woman. She has no fear for her household. (v.21) She laughs at the time to come. (v.25). She is not riddled with fear, but why? It's partly because she is prepared. She has worked with willing hands (v.13) and looks well to the ways of her household, not eating the bread of idleness (v.27). This mama has put her time in! But, most importantly this woman is clothed with strength and dignity because she fears the Lord and trusts Him! (v.30) Therefore, she is full of wisdom, insight, and childlike faith.

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight."
Proverbs 9:10

"Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act."
Psalm 37:4-5

In God's eyes, a woman who is clothed in a gentle, quiet spirit, and who does not fear is beautiful and precious.

"Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear—but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious. For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, as Sarah...And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening."
1 Peter 3:3,4,6

Lord, help me to be like Sarah.

We need the Lord. We need His guidance. We need to listen for His voice so that we can know which way to go.
When we delight ourselves in Him, He is faithful to give us insight, wisdom, direction continually. The Lord is our Shepherd.

"He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms
and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young."
Isaiah 40:11

As we follow the voice of our Shepherd, He will lead and equip us parents to that which He calls us.

There may not be curriculum lists in the Bible complete with check lists per student and year, but there are specific ways we parents are commanded in the Word to instruct our children. We can look to indicatives in Scripture when it comes to training our children and if we are doing these things out of obedience and if we fear the Lord, the curriculum will follow. The intuition for daily choices will come. The Lord will lead us in the ways we should go. He will. And there will be confidence and peace.

"Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord."

Ephesians 4:4

"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it."

Proverbs 22:6

"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise."

Deuteronomy 6:5-7

"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
Matthew 6:33

With these things in mind, we parents (both mothers and fathers alike) ought to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness as we raise up our children for His glory. We should diligently train them and love them. And we should trust the Lord to lead us in the specifics of decisions like curriculum, activities, and all the various ways of learning throughout our homeschooling season, accepting that sometimes seasons change and tides turn and He beckons us into new things.

We should not fear when we trust the Lord. Rather, we should humble ourselves before Him, knowing that He loves our children infinitely more than we ever could and though we cannot produce a perfect educational experience in spite of our best efforts, He will never fail them...or us...because He's a good God, perfectly able to accomplish His will.

"Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them,
for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you."
Deuteronomy 31:6

"For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the LORD will take me in."
Psalm 27:10

As I mull through these thoughts in light of a new school year approaching, it's my stance to commit to trusting the Lord with my children's hearts, minds, lives, and education. It's my desire to please Him by seeking Him and trusting Him for the outcome of all our endeavors. It's our aim to glorify the Lord with not only what we do, but how we do it...pushing fear aside, confident in HIM, reliant upon HIM, full of hope in HIM. These are the ways we live our days and how we fight fear in homeschooling.

Psalm 127
Unless the Lord builds the house,
    those who build it labor in vain.
Unless the Lord watches over the city,
    the watchman stays awake in vain.
It is in vain that you rise up early
    and go late to rest,
eating the bread of anxious toil;
    for he gives to his beloved sleep.

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,
    the fruit of the womb a reward.
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior
    are the children of one's youth.
Blessed is the man
    who fills his quiver with them!
He shall not be put to shame.
    when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.

THE ECOLOGY CENTER

 

We recently ventured out to a local farm in search of organic purple potatoes to grow in our garden.

Though we didn't find them, we did stumble upon a surprise field trip to The Ecology Center there.

 

 

The girls and I went exploring the gardens we noticed across the parking lot...but when we discovered more of what was over there we quickly called the rest of the van out to join us! (Fortunately {almost} everyone had shoes...no names here.)

It turned out to be an educational and inspirational summer field trip we hadn't anticipated and it was right up our alley.

 

 

We started off by wandering into the house which serves as a hub of information and a store.

The sign outside read:

 

(Ummm....OK!)

 

 

Inside, we talked about organic gardening, permaculture, chickens, rain barrels, and lots of other things that interest us.

 

 

There was a cute little kitchen that of course the girls loved.

 

(Me too!)

 

And outside there was so much to see like billowing plants blooming with GIGANTIC leaves...

 

 

(still no names)

 

chickens (who weren't too excited about us being there)...

 

 

compost, water conservation information, butterflies, birds, bees, a greenhouse, and overflowing gardens everywhere!

 

 (Aaaaaaahhhhh!)

 

 

 

 

We felt right at home!

 

(My token mom shot complete with Boden's meltdown...sometimes you just can't win 'em all!)

 

I'm so glad we went out looking for our purple potatoes that day...and wandered over into the gardens...which turned into an educational experience...making memories...and learning all the while at a new favorite field trip stop...The Ecology Center.

 

"And God said, 'Let the earth sprout vegetation, plants yielding seed, and fruit trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind, on the earth.' And it was so. The earth brought forth vegetation, plants yielding seed according to their own kinds, and trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind. And God saw that it was good."
Genesis 1:11-12

NEXT YEAR...THIS YEAR

We're at it again, prepping for next year...this year. Curriculum ordered, reevaluation underway! Elka wants to play the banjo (so she's practicing her guitar...Daddy's prerequisite). Aida has a full academic line up in mind. (It's her thing.) Brodie is taking a new approach to spelling. And Bea and Noble are joining the school-aged crew...to name just a few of our upcoming changes.

 

 

I tend to prepare for the coming year at the end of a school year as we pack away accumulated accomplishments and consider what worked well and what didn't. Though we view "education" as something that's always taking place, year round, and "learning" a foundational component of life, year round, we do also enjoy the idea of summer and break and graduating
on to new ventures for a new year ahead. We simplify and hone in on what works best for us more with every year.

(favorite change midyear this year...our new desk station)

We'll have 2 new kindergarteners this coming fall (Noble and Bea) along with the 5 others grades 1-9. Yes, we step into high school territory with Aida! Though I guess that's supposed to intimidate, it actually feels just as natural as the day she turned 13. She didn't suddenly become a stranger that day, or some sort of teenage alien...she remained our daughter, our growing up beautifully daughter. Likewise, this new journey with her into high school feels very much the same. One step at a time, eyes wide open, we welcome the future and look to the Lord for direction. We seek first His Word, His kingdom, and His righteousness, trusting His lead for her future. We also look to Aida, as we do with all of our children. We contemplate their interests, talents, as well as their struggles as we consider how to best approach their academics and training. It's a process we very much enjoy.

(my girls...growing up before my eyes)

 As the number of school-aged children in our family grows, we realize our perspective must also advance, as well as our homeschooling strategy. The older children have become quite self sufficient in many ways academically, and yet all the more in need of our instruction spiritually as they take steps closer and closer toward adulthood. The younger ones are just beginning, learning all the time. Our approach with them is so much more relaxed than when we first started homeschooling. There are lessons I drilled and drilled with the older kids that our little guys already know just by living together with their big brother and sisters. It's inspiring to see older siblings take an interest in teaching their younger siblings all the things they've mastered.

The responsibility of training all of our children's hearts weighs heavily upon Brodie's and mine. It's truly our privilege and joy to walk alongside them through the ever-changing and fleeting years of childhood. It's both a challenge and delight to meet each individual right where they are, all so different and complex in their own ways, all requiring and deserving of their own unique experience. We welcome the job we've been given, taking inventory intentionally and regularly. We're in deep and we love it, love them. Lord, equip us, we pray! Help us to do your will in the lives of those you've entrusted to us!

Diversity comes to mind as I ponder the many hats we wear. Little spongy elementary-aged children are learning things like ABC's and 123's, most of which develop naturally when they're given time, resources, and opportunities. Young adults in the making ponder things like the meaning of life and their purpose. It's exciting! The middle kids enjoy the frolicking of childhood still, even as they transition slowly but surely toward growing up. And, the baby nurses while toddlers break crayons and "accidentally" knock down hours worth of domino track. (Dominoes = Character Training: Patience) It's a dance for sure.

What a beautiful rainbow of stages we get to enjoy and work through. What a wonderful opportunity we have to homeschool and allow our children the blessings of doing life...together. We absolutely love the whole package - trials, accomplishments, unknowns, skills acquired. There seems to be no end to the experiences and chiseling involved. It's a gift!

(still doing plays)

(audience approved)

So, as we box up binders full of this year...we anticipate next year excitedly. We wonder what the next season will have in store and we know that whatever comes our way is deemed good by our loving Father God. Homeschool...it's a blessing! It's our way of life. It's taking place all the time. The learning never ends....just like love (1 Cor. 13:8). We thank the Lord for His wise plans.

"Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain."
Psalm 127:1

Thank you, Lord, for what you're teaching us now and always. Thank you for this time of reflection and
assessment of where we've been and where you're leading us next year...even as we wrap up this year.

"Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth.
Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them!"
Psalm 127:3-5