Homeschooling for a few dozen more!

Join me on Homeschool Blogger!

2010-01-24T09:45:00.000-08:00

Please join me over at http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/befruitful I can't seem to work this blog as well!

winter warming recipes!

2010-01-10T09:53:00.000-08:00

Spicy cream of Butternut soup

You will need
1 butternut squash
2 large onions
garlic, curry, salt, and pepper for seasoning,
milk, and your favourite stock.

Method:
1) Cut the squash and onion into small pieces and fry in a little oil. Season with spices and curry and garlic and cover for 10 minutes.
2) Add half milk and stock so the vegetables are covered and simmer for 20 mins to half an hour.
3) Blend till smoooth in a blender.
This should serve about 10 people for a light lunch. Any left over can be frozen.

Why so Many?

2010-01-02T07:42:00.000-08:00

People often wonder, why such a large family? I have to say it goes all the way back to when we first got married. I had decided I wanted six children and thought it was as clearcut as that! My first labour was extremely painful and 17 hours of it were spent at home. Dd was in the wrong position, she was back to back, which caused me excruciating pain. I remember saying to my husband, "Do you mind if we don't have anymore?" Ha, ha, famous last words. Having looked into the various birthcontrols I could see they were not God honouring and I didn't even know that the birth control pill murders babies. I felt I was being led to trust God and we both shared that belief. Sadly there seemed to be no one around at the time who shared that and we were very much frowned upon and mainly through other Christians.
I am happy to say that the 2nd and 3rd births were easy compared to the first and before we knew it we had three children under two and a half! They were tough days, but I think that the first few children are the most difficult. There are many reaons for this, one of the main ones being that there are no older children, or teenagers. Believe me, if you are on your first four, it will get easier! You also learn more about the best way to do things. I started off putting the babes in a cot, now I feel they are best served with us in our bed. I get more sleep that way!
So, we have followed God's leading and have been blessed. It has not always been easy and we have suffered many persecutions because of it, but I can say that the Lord has worked all things for good and we have been mightily blessed.
Don't worry if you are facing opposition from family, it is not the end of the world. Our family opposition was extreme, but I have known that some people's families have been won over.
We have nine children to date, the youngest is almost two and the oldest is fifteen. I would love to have lots more if that is the Lord's will.

Healthy tips for families large and small

2009-12-29T14:34:00.000-08:00

Over the years I have gathered a lot of information on healthy living and what works. Here are a few of the points that we use in our family. It is not always easy to come up with healthy recipes for feeding so many, so I will be posting some of our favourite recipes.

1)Always use wholegrain flour, rice and pasta where possible. The carbs in these are complex and release sugar slower. Important for expectant mothers and anyone at risk of diabetes. They are also a great source of fibre and minerals, which refined carbs leave out.
2) Use brown sugar. Brown sugar is unrefined, thus better for you.
3) Reduce sugar in recipes. I always reduce sugar by a third, or even half and no one is the worse for it. They don't notice if you do it gradually!
4) Don't buy squashes, it is basically sugared water- same with pop. We have red bush tea, or fruit juice and water, or plain water.
5) Add oat bran or wheat bran to foods. Wheat bran is great dusted on home made rolls and great mixed in plain yoghurt. Oat bran is great for cookies.
6) Use lean meat and when using mince choose a lean good quality steak mince. You can pad meat out with lentils and lentils are a great source of iron, protein and minerals.
7) Use cheese sparingly, especially highly processed. Cheese is high in salt and the bad fats.
8) Only use sunflower/olive oil for cooking.
9) We keep food simple and wholesome and avoid processed and keep canned food to a minimum.
Since I have stuck to this, I have more energy and am slowly losing weight. I find I have lost my sweet tooth and rarely crave sweet things. I guess it has become a habit and the children are healthier for it!

Badman- Record breaking petitions!

2009-12-12T11:43:00.000-08:00

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We made History this week, as the most petitions to be ever presented, were presented in parliament. The petition was to essentially scrap the Badman report and over 70 Mp's, mainly from the Conservative party were there to present it.
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Living in Grace- Freedom without Legalism

2009-10-20T13:29:00.001-07:00

It is easy, as a Christian to become over zealous and fall into legalism. If we are truly saved, we want to do good, that is part of our wanting to please the Lord. We are not saved by works." For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:Not of works, lest any man should boast.
So, what is legalism? It is the strict adherence to the law, that is the letter of the law rather than the spirit of the law. The Jews were required to follow the law and to strictly adhere to it, but now we have Jesus Christ and he died in our place and became our priest. The former in the Old Testament was just a shadow of what was to come. Now salvation is for everyone who accepts and it is free, we don't have to work to get it. As Christians we no longer follow the ceremonies and judicial law laid out in the Torah, rather we follow the moral law as a guide. If we love the Lord we will do it willingly, we do it to grow more like God and we do it through Christ. The moral law doesn't save, it sanctifies. The moral law is our guidance, as what to aspire to and the main point is to worship God as creator. Exodus 20:3 'Thou shalt have no other Gods before me.' The moral law requires obedience, but does not give strenth. It shows the standard we are to live by. (not to take the Lord's name in vain, commit adultry, and murder, e.t.c.) Galations 3:24 'Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.'
Regarding justification, or being justified, the moral law is abolished. We are only saved through Christ's righteousness. We are free from the curse and condemnatory power of the moral law. We are not under the condemning now, rather the commanding Gal 3:13'Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law.' That doesn't give us free licence to do whatever we like though. Romans 3:31 'Do we not make void the law through faith'. Legalism is when we overstep that line and think that somehow it counts towards our salvation, or we insist on following the old ceremonial and judicial traditions we are stepping into a cult like situation. Any religion that bases salvation on works, is a cult, but it can also be considered cult like if we try to insist on certain other things, or to be contentious.Colosians 2:16 'Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.'
We are now permitted to eat pork and do not hold to the Jewish customs and practices. Acts 11:7' And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat.8 But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth.9 But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.'
Some people may think they are better Christians because they follow this law and maybe they don't have TV, or they don't listen to a certain music.We need to be extremely careful that our faith is not overtaken by a religious formalism, having an unhealthy fear and being robbed of our joy. It doesn't stop there, as once it has overtaken us we start to judge others, maybe on their dress, what commands they obey e.t.c. this is what the Bible means when it says to judge not. We are to recognise false teachings and try people's statements against scripture, but not to judge in a critical selfish way.
Let us not be robbed of our joy and follow the Lord with joy and remember Titus 3:7 'That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.'

Elderberries

2009-09-26T12:54:00.001-07:00

Elderberries are in abundance at this time of year. We have been picking them from the hedgerows and have so far made elderberry jam and cordial.
To make the jam, all you need is a pound of berries and nearly a pound of brown sugar. Boil them up with a little lemon juice for 20 mins or so. You can add pectin if you want to make a thick jam, but we like it runny.
To make the cordial boil up a pound of elderberries with 200 grammes, or just under half a poud of sugar add boiling water to taste as it is cooking. Strain, bottle, cool, then chill in the fridge.
They are well known as an anti viral, so great for the flu season. What are you waiting for? Enjoy!
Check out this site for more info on how to pick and more recipes.here

My top time saving tips

2009-09-19T14:50:00.001-07:00

1) Don't iron what you don't have to. I find that a lot of things don't need ironing, by hanging straight, the creases drop out naturally. Also, if you can line dry, you will get less creases.
2) Only sort your washing into 2 different sorts, whites and coloureds. Makes life a lot simpler and I haven't had any runs doing this, only when I accidentally put in red with my whites. Many modern washing machines have a mixed fibre wash anyway, and I always do this at 30 degrees.
3) Always plan your meals out a week in advance before you write a shopping list. This saves time, money and you can write a list of what you need when you go shopping.
4) When cooking, especially for a large brood, keep it simple. I like to always cook simple but healthy things. I see it unnecessary to spend hours in the kitchen, when there are so many other things to be done.
5) Use a breadmaker. I have 2. It mixes the dough for my currant buns, while I go and have a cup of tea. Also, I can have 2 cakes baking in them while I am out and come back to freshly baked cakes. I can't burn them and don't have to watch them as it is timed. Using a breadmaker also enables you to have fresh bread ready for the morning. You can't beat that smell, Mmmm!

Apple picking

2009-09-19T14:38:00.000-07:00

Now is the season for apples, pears, and plums. Above is a pic of me checking the apples that I have picked. The ones shown are a variety of eating apple. We have been picking a lot of different varieties, all growing in the wild. We eat the eaters and cook up the cooking apples. What I do, is blanche a whole load in a saucepan and cool and store in tubs in the freezer. That way, when I want to make pies, or sponges it is already done.
Here is a recipe we like for apple sponge-
1)Chop the apples and put them in a dish which is oven safe.
2) Cream 4 ounces of margarine with 3 ounces of sugar.
3) Add one beaten egg.
4) Fold in 4 ounces of selfraisng flour. I use wholemeal.
5) Spoon over your apples and cook at medium heat for about 40 mins, or until a fork comes out clean.
This recipe will serve 4-6. We double it for our family and cook in 2 seperate bowls.

Fire!

2009-09-06T14:05:00.000-07:00

Just over a week ago the children were able to film a fire which had broken out at a plastics factory. It is the biggest fire Lincolnshire firefighters have had to deal with. At one point there were 100 firemen at the scene. Plumes of toxic black smoke were emitted into the air, but fortunately most of it avoided the people living nearby.

A beautiful rainbow!

It was a couple of days before it finally went out. The cost is expected to run into millions of pounds. A real blow to the area, considering we are in times of recession. Work is expected to start as soon as possible to rebuild the factory as soon as the cause is established. It is thought the fire started in the fan room.

My husband filmed this video and put it on youtube:

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Living History

2009-08-29T15:32:00.000-07:00

As a child, I enjoyed History. However it was marred by the use of textbooks and a constant obsession on the teacher's part of world war 2 and aspects of the Victorians. I guess you could say the teaching of History in my school left quite a lot of gaps!
With my children I have decided to take a chronological approach. So we started at the very beginning when God created the Earth 6,000 years ago. We have used a lot of 'living books' in our History studies, which have been very enjoyable. We are currently reading, Our Island Story and the story of John Calvin.
Children are natural explorers, so we enjoy discovering places of Historic interest and I guess there is History to be found where ever you go! I often pass somewhere and wonder what it would be like if you could turn the clock back and see what really happened. What were the people really feeling and was it in line with the accounts we have today?
We are blessed in England to have a rich historical heritage. Castles, cathedrals, churches, battlefields, homes, woodland. They each tell their own story.

competition for uk readers

2009-08-29T15:28:00.000-07:00

There is a new competition running at www.fillyourpants.com Here are the details.
This month sees our best competition yet! Up for grabs is a set of some of our best selling products, including a Dream-Dri Pop in Nappy, an Itti Bitti d’Lish, a bumGenius 3.0, a bag of Tots Bots Potion a Nappy Tote Bag and a pair of Babylegs! Worth over £60!
For more details and to enter see HERE.

Increase your chances of winning:
1) Link to the competition on a blog or forum and email us the link for an automatic extra entry!
2) Add a new review to any product that you have used on the site and receive an extra entry- be sure not to mark it as anonymous though so we know who to give the extra entry to!
3) Add a comment to any post on the Really Pants Blog to be awarded an extra entry.
4) Make any 5 posts over on the Forum for yet another chance of winning! We will draw one winner randomly with an "Online Number Generator" and will notify the winner by email.
Closing date for entries 15.09.09

Berry Picking in the Welsh Mountains

2009-08-17T13:00:00.000-07:00

Recently we went wild berry picking in the Welsh mountains. The berries are called wynberries and they are like blueberries, except smaller and more potent!

Doesn't look like much, but the berries are hidden underneath the clumps of purple heather.

All in all, it was a great day and we picked about 8 pounds of them!

Unfortunately on the way back our car battery went flat and we weren't going anywhere! So after calling out breakdown we arrived home at 4;30a.m. Phew! It was a long day.

2009-08-08T03:43:00.001-07:00

Our Homeschool
A new year is starting again and that always calls us to reflect, as to whether or not the year has been a success. I find by doing a yearly report, this puts it into perspective, as I can see exactly where the children are compared to last year!This year we will be using Christian Light for Maths, reading and some Social Studies. We are switching to Bob Jones for English for a change. Sometimes it is good to have a change, as it gives the children fresh impetus.We use Answers in Genesis for science, and the Bluedorns' books for logic. Also lots of read alouds, especially for History and Geography. Not to forget the all important field trips as well! One we enjoy, is Sherwood Forest, home of the legendary Robin Hood.Our typical school day is never the same, as the children have a schedule and they mark things off as they are done. Every day they have English and Maths to do, but the other subjects vary, unless of course they do their week's Maths in one day! Believe it or not, that has happened!We do a 4 day week, this helps to prevent burnout. We then only have a week off for each summer month. On a Friday we might do baking, sport, or anything else considered fun!If a child has a particular interest, then we encourage them and help them to follow that. Our eldest is into writing and has just finished her first book.

Join us at The Homeschool Lounge for great giveaways!

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Our Girls!

2009-07-21T17:04:00.000-07:00

Feeling Down?

2009-07-05T16:42:00.000-07:00

Feeling down?

I was reading the Sword and Trowell, just recently, and read a rather interesting article on counseling. I thought it raised quite a few important thoughts, and points. Where does counseling come into feeling down? Well, many people these days seek counseling for the smallest things, and it seems to be creeping evermore into Christian circles with more and more books written all the time.

How often have we heard people being referred to counsellors because they have seen something or dealt with something terrible? Why, as a modern society do we seem unable to manage, as people have in the past with far greater calamities?

All of us have a problem sometime or another with feeling down, so what can we do to help ourselves?

1) We need to go to the Bible, and immerse ourselves in the word of God.

2) We need to be ready, able and willing to serve others.

3) Spend time in public prayer.

4) Do not complain, but reflect on God's blessings to us, and be reflective of this in our conversations with others.

5) Don't be idle, as it is the devil's home for temptation.

Richard Baxter the Puritan suggested that we serve others, and that will help us. We are required to live a life of service, and for many of us home educating, then that is our main calling. If we have any opportunities for hospitality, or to help out, then it can be beneficial, but not to the point where we exhaust ourselves, or neglec our families.

The Bible teaches us to apply the truth through the reading of the word, and applying it. The truth in the Bible is what sets us free.

So by putting others first and being unselfish (obviously not to the point of neglecting ourselves) we are actually helping ourselves.

We don't need expensive books on how to right this and how to right that. They can be filled with worldly psychology which looks at the problem, not the person. If we seek through God's grace to become better people, then in most cases that will be of great benefit.

Here is a link to Richard Baxter's book on melancholy http://www.puritansermons.com/baxter/baxter25.htm

The Life and Death of Mr Badman-John Bunyan

2009-06-20T06:04:00.000-07:00

The Life and Death of Mr Badman, by John Bunyan
Here are some quotes from John Bunyan's The Life and Death of Mr Badman- It is rather horribly prophetical, and I have picked out these gems.
WISE. That may be. But let us proceed. This Mr. Badman added to all his wickedness this, he was a very proud man, a very proud man. He was exceeding proud and haughty in mind; he looked that what he said ought not, must not be contradicted or opposed. He counted himself as wise as the wisest in the country, as good as the best, and as beautiful as he that had most of it. He took great delight in praising of himself, and as much in the praises that others gave him. He could not abide that any should think themselves above him, or that their wit or personage should by others be set before his. He had scarce a fellowly carriage for his equals. But for those that were of an inferior rank, he would look over them in great contempt. And if at any time he had any remote occasion of having to do with them, he would show great height and a very domineering spirit. So that in this it may be said that Solomon gave a characteristical note of him when he said, 'Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath' (Prov 21:24). He never thought his diet well enough dressed, his clothes fine enough made, or his praise enough refined.

Instead of referencing the Word, when he heard it preached, read, or discoursed of, he would sleep, talk of others business, or else object against the authority, harmony, and wisdom of the scriptures; saying, How do you know them to be the Word of God? How do you know that these sayings are true? The scriptures, he would say, were as a nose of wax, and a man may turn them whithersoever he lists. One scripture says one thing, and another says the quite contrary; besides, they make mention of a thousand impossibilities; they are the cause of all dissensions and discords that are in the land. Therefore you may, would he say, still think what you will, but in my mind they are best at ease that have least to do with them.Instead of loving and honouring of them that did bear in their foreheads the name, and in their lives the image of Christ, they should be his song, the matter of his jests, and the objects of his slanders. He would either make a mock at their sober deportment, their gracious language, quiet behavior, or else desperately swear that they did all in deceit and hypocrisy. He would endeavour to render godly men as odious and contemptible as he could; any lies that were made by any, to their disgrace, those he would avouch for truth, and would not endure to be controlled. He was much like those that the prophet speaks of, that would sit and slander his mother's son (Psa 50:19,20). Yea, he would speak reproachfully of his wife, though his conscience told him, and many would testify, that she was a very virtuous woman. He would also raise slanders of his wife's friends himself, affirming that their doctrine tended to lasciviousness, and that in their assemblies they acted and did unbeseeming men and women, that they committed uncleanness, &c. He was much like those that affirmed the apostle should say, 'Let us do evil that good may come' (Rom 3:7,8). Or, like those of whom it is thus written; 'Report, say they, and we will report it' (Jer 20:10). And if he could get any thing by the end that had scandal in it, if it did but touch professors, how falsely soever reported, O! then he would glory, laugh, and be glad, and lay it upon the whole party; saying, Hang them rogues, there is not a barrel better herring of all the holy brotherhood of them. Like to like, quoth the devil to the collier, this is your precise crew. And then he would send all home with a curse.If you want to read the whole thing, then here it is http://acacia.pair.com/Acacia.John.Bunyan/Sermons.Allegories/Life.Death.Badman/index.html

The Badman Home Education Review

2009-06-13T15:21:00.000-07:00

Another review into home education has been underway in England, and this time the authorities have tried to link it with child abuse. Have they any proof? The answer to that is no, although they have tried to make it look otherwise. Check out this:
His review found that "even acknowledging the variation between authorities, the number of children known to children's social care in some local authorities is disproportionately high relative to the size of the home educating population".
He recommended local authorities have fully trained staff who are "well-versed" in procedures for safeguarding children.
This was quoted on the B.B.C.news website. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/8095864.stm
On first glance it appears that they have indeed got proof, but on a closer glance it states that children are 'known'. Known, doesn't mean they are on a protection register, it can mean simply, that they are known because someone has contacted them to make them as known. This happens a lot, as doctors, neighbours and family who are opposed to the idea of homeschooling ring the S.S. I have known of a case where a family had the S.S. call out 3 times, in as many years, all because people rang up.
The new proposals include;
1) Compulsory registration once a year.
2) Compulsory home visits once a year.
3) Questioning of the child alone without anyone else present.
4) If the authority doesn't consider the education satisfactory, or even disagrees with the provision, they can order the child into school.
We home educate for conscience. We are Christians, and it would be against the Bible to send our children into a godless system, where pornography, lies, and all manner of filth and rebellion are taught. It is our responsibility to educate our children, not the state. Increasingly though, under this socialist communist government we are told our children belong to the state. I think they may have well overstepped the mark this time. We will be fighting this, and in the meantime please pray for England!
Here is another link, on how it will affect things.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/educationnews/5506362/Home-education-rules-an-abuse-of-civil-liberties.html

The Bible in a year- Psalm 103

2009-06-06T07:12:00.000-07:00

103:1 Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. 2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: 3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; 4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; 5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's. 6 The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed. 7 He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel. 8 The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. 9 He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. 10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. 11 For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. 12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. 13 Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. 14 For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust. 15 As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. 16 For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more. 17 But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children; 18 To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them. 19 The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all. 20 Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word. 21 Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure. 22 Bless the LORD, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the LORD, O my soul.
What a great Psalm! We are so fortunate that we have enough food to eat, and we can even choose what to eat. It is a sad fact of life that so many can't. He does indeed crown us with loving kindness and tender mercies, and he satisfies us with good things. How thankful are we though, and how much do we take for granted? It is so easy to become complacent over God's goodness. We will come to Him with our needs, but forget to thank Him for His goodness to us!

Blog give away at Jackie's blog!

2009-05-25T07:53:00.000-07:00

http://hedgerowfireside.blogspot.com/ Jackie is having a blog give away. Just leave a comment on her blog and link to her for a chance of winning.

vegetables

2009-05-24T13:46:00.000-07:00

It is easy in theory. You plant them, water them, and then they grow.....However, we had a really dry spell followed by a week of torrential shower bursts and I havd to put my salad tubs indoors. I am afraid, it was too late for the salad patch. Never mind, as life goes on. I have found it easier growing things in tubs, as it is pretty fool proof.
For now at least my tomato plants are doing well, as they are indoors. After the last time when they were flooded. We came home from holiday to find our garden in a foot of water. I find some things like radish, and indoor lettuce easier to grow.
We are having a go at chillies, as we like those added to food, and so far, so good. We shall see, and when I am feeling brave I will post some pics. (If everything is still alive)

Bible in a year-Judges

2009-05-23T16:02:00.000-07:00

Have been reading Judges this week. Interesting, a reference to Judges and homeschooling was made in a recent news letter. We need to teach our children about the Bible. The reason so many are leaving the churches is simple, they are taught by godless institutions. These institutions regardless of what people might think are not neutral. They teach children to serve their own lusts and not to regard others.
Being a Christian is not just about confessing our sins and believing that Jesus died and accepting him as Lord and saviour. It is about serving others and seeking to help people. That is what Jesus did, good works do not secure our salvation, but are an evidence of our salvation. We need to see to our families needs first, and what greater way than to homeschool them and teach them . If they then reject the faith, at least we have done our duty. However the testimony I have heard, is of young people graduating and going on with God.

The North Norfolk Coast

2009-05-16T13:09:00.000-07:00

One of the great parts of homeschooling has to be the field trips. The children are constantly learning. When I was at school we went on a couple of trips a year, however they were always spoiled, as the teachers always insisted that we fill in a worksheet, and answer all the questions. If we let children just enjoy the experience, then the learning will come naturally.

Gorgeous Kittens

2009-05-10T11:39:00.000-07:00

Our cat had kittens three weeks ago.Sooo sweet and such a great adventure for the children, and educational too. We will get to enjoy them for a few weeks and then they are off to new homes.

Why we should be homeschooling.

2009-04-10T09:46:00.000-07:00

Why we should be homeschooling.
In this week's readings, I have been reading through Deuteronomy, and of course read the most popular verse used to defend homeschooling.
Deuteronomy 6:7
And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.
Notice how it doesn't talk about someone else teaching our children, it talks about the parents teaching children. School is not a nurturing environment, schools don't fear God, schools don't follow God, or obey him. It is for conscience, why we homeschool. We are educating them for eternity, and what better Christian calling. When church leaders tell us that we are neglecting helping in the church and our children should be in school, so we can fulfill our true calling, we can reply by quoting this verse. Homeschooling is our true calling and God's will does not contradict with scripture. It is no good being busy outside the home helping others, when we are neglecting our own children! " But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel". I Timothy 5:8. This also means to care for our children's souls.
There is no way we can fool ourselves into thinking that we can teach our cjhildren after school. Children are not ready to listen to anything then, they are usually tired and almost always have homework, or afterschool clubs to go to. The road of homeschooling is not always easy, but as it is God's way, we can be sure it will all be worth it, even if we are not seeing it just now. Be blessed!

What about me?

2009-03-13T13:52:00.000-07:00

For this week's Bible entry, I am going to focus on the what about me?
In the Fall edition of The Old Schoolhouse magazine, Amy Roberts www.homeschoolblogger.com/raisingarrows wrote about the 'Me Time Myth.' It is the idea that as Mums we need to have time away in order to be able to give. Everywhere you read, in magazines, on television, is the idea of me, me. Put me first they say and the rest will follow. The so called parenting experts will tell us that if we don't take time out our children will suffer.
So, how true is this claim? It says in Colossions 2:8 "Beware, lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the traditions of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ."
Now, from a non Christian point of view, the world teaches us that we should look after our selves first. Of course a non Christian is not living in view of eternity, so the best they can do, is to make life as comfortable as necessary. On the other hand, we as Christians are not supposed to live for this world, but to look for our blessed hope, in heaven. We were called as servants for Christ, and in serving him we find joy, as we are free indeed. When we homeschool, it is going to take a lot more of our time, and we all have different family need, some having larger families, or sick children, or even may battle with illness themselves. So if we are not able to have time away, then what happens then? Do we feel resentful, or angry. I have been there, years ago, when I had 4 children, 4 and under, and my dh was away long hours. People would say, ooh, you need time to yourself you know. I began to think perhaps that was right as well. If we are not right in our attitude to our husband and children, then we are going to be resentful, if we however seek God first, then we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. I find that when we neglect God's word we suffer. I guess it isn't the bread of life for nothing! If we don't eat, likewise, then we get weak.
We can be fulfilled in our calling as home educators, and we can find fulfillment. Think of the souls we are influencing, for God's kingdom. What joy in heaven to be joined by our children! Jesus served, and humbled himself on earth. He was not born in grand surroundings, he lived in a normal home, and he served others. Oh, that we could have a serving spirit. I have a long way to go, mind you. If we take our burdens to Jesus, then he will refresh us and grant us peace and joy. The road is not always easy, and of course the world will scoff, as they cannot see our reason, they are blinded.
I would welcome any reflections, or thoughts on this. I am not being judgmental, but only seeking to encourage us all to first seek the Bible, and not be turned away.

Ten Reasons for always continuing homeschooling!!!

2009-02-04T13:41:00.000-08:00

I have been blessed with a cheerful and mainly optimistic disposition to home schooling! Here are my main reasons
1] God commands us to teach our children.
2] We are the best teachers, as we know our children.
3]Homeschooling enables our children to pursue their interests. School just churns out much of the same.
4] We want our children to live godly lives.
5] We want our children to be able to live successfully for God and manage their families. School doesn't teach this.
6] The sex education taught in the schools is contrary to what the Bible teaches, and in parts is compulsory.
7] Evolution is taught as fact, thus taking the glory away from God. By homeschooling, we give God the rightful place.
8] There is no discipline in schools. Safety of the children is compromised, in some cases even life threatening.
9] By home schooling, our children can cultivate healthy and meaningful rleationships .within the family. School children are encouraged to despise brother/sister/ Mother e.t.c. They have an unhelthy peer dependency and children are naturally foolish.
10] We can be sure knowing that our children are where God wants them and we are fulfilling our purpose of ministry. By sending them to school we are neglecting evangelism and our family is more important.

Fun Fridays!

2009-01-30T15:31:00.001-08:00

We have decided that life is short............sooooo, we are going to take Fridays off! The only catch is, we will spend an hour cleaning/tidying [Cherry's groooooan, idea]We will use the day to do sport, music, games, and weeeeeeeeel, anything fun really Reduces burnout, and puts some of the zing and the ping back. I had this great idea off The Homeschool Lounge. [thanks Trisch]

Get wisdom!

2009-01-25T10:22:00.000-08:00

I have struggled a bit to keep up, but am still on track now. Angela has been teething and has needed a lot of extra care. Thankfully one of the teeth is just about through.
This week, I have read Genesis 37-49, Psalms 16-21, Proverbs 3:27-4:27, and Matthew 12:22-16:12.
I always like these chapters from Matthew, and I seem to glean something every time. One thing Jesus says, is to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Saducees. Basically legalism and skeptisism. Matt15:9 "But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." We do not follow ritualistic ceremonial law any more, as Jesus paid the price for our sin by dying on the cross. In the old Testament, they didn't have this, so continually had to offer up sacrifice for sins.
There is a danger that as Christians, we can become legalistic, if we put an undue emphasis on things which are not the doctrines that are taught in the Bible. I have been guilty, and I guess truth be told, all of us may have leaned towards legalism. I have been accused of legalism, just because of our family size, and homeschooling! I think is is good to encourage others to homeschool, especially in todays climate, however we are not saved through our homeschooling!
Jesus pointed out, it is more important what is on the inside, than on the outside. Others will not know our thoughts, but God knows every thought we have. We are accountable to God, whether we are Christians or not. One day we will all give account to God, and if we do not have Jesus as our Lawyer, we will be guilty.
In proverbs, the main theme this week, has been wisdom. We need to seek wisdom. Not the wisdom of the world, but God's wisdom. We need to value God's wisdom like treasure. Too often now the world follows after different celebrities. They are fallible people, and people look up to them like gods. Idol worship certainly isn't dead! What a great thing to be able to worship the one true God, who is perfect. He will hear our prayers if we have truly repented and turned to Him.