What about me?

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!!!

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!

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!

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.