Day Twenty-Eight: What Do You Need?

God has promised to supply all our needs. What we don't have now, we don't need now.
(Elisabeth Elliot)

Deep in the jungle of Ecuador, five men bravely entered the territory of the Auca natives to share the love of God. They began with great success and felt they were making friends with the people. Due to a big misunderstanding, the Aucas speared the five missionaries to death. Their wives were devastated when they finally realized what had happened to their husbands. 

Upon reading this story, I was taken with the courage of the men, but it was the resilience and perseverance of the women to return to the Aucas with forgiveness and to carry on the work that their husbands had begun. Elisabeth Elliot was one of them. If she can speak the quote above with the horrific experience she endured, how much more can I say that I don't need what I don't have right now. Do you look to a hero of the faith? I read stories of great men and women to my children because Jesus is their ultimate example, and we are also encouraged by fellow sojourners who are living according to the Word of God. Gaining insight from wiser and more mature believers sharpens us for our own pilgrimages. Elisabeth's prayers are insightful and inspiring. Research the men and women who have given their life's work (or even their lives) for Jesus. It will bolster your faith to even greater heights... and it may just change what you think you need.

Here are some examples:

Amy Carmichael

Gladys Aylward

David Livingstone

Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Corrie Ten Boom

Faith Like Potatoes (movie) 

And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

(Ephesians 4:19)

The Lord has heard my supplication; the Lord will receive my prayer.

(Psalm 6:9)

 First snow! Using every bit of it for a snowman or two.

 
 
 
A few hours later...
"Frost-bite" is beginning to lean and "Ashanti" is losing her carrot nose, but it was fun while it lasted!

Day Thirty-One: How Kids Feel About Being Homeschooled

When moms are wondering about which curriculum to use or how to incorporate science experiments into their day, kids are thinking about how they'd like to have recess or do some art. Not much changes from school to home in what children desire, but we have the opportunity to listen to them and make their education soar to spectacular heights that foster individuality, creativity and fun! Let's see what kids have to say about being homeschooled...

I asked several kids these three questions:

1. What is your favourite thing about being homeschooled?
2. What is your biggest challenge in your homeschool day?
3. If you could change something in your homeschool day, what would it be?

1. "My favourite thing about being homeschooled is that I don't have to get up so early and go to school.
2. "I have to do chores. (giggle)"
3. "If I could make up my own school day, I would work in my pyjamas and I would do spelling for five hours and then one page of Explode The Code and then I'd read a picture book and then I'd be done."
Molly, 11

1. "Math is my favourite part of being homeschooled."
2. "I can see my family more often."
3. "Sometimes Oliver and Molly are talking and I'm trying to do school. I would have the counter spot all to myself to do my work."
Emily, 9

 

1. "I can manage my time as much as I want."
2. "Distractions, kids being loud, and I want to organize my room when I'm in there doing schoolwork.  My mom sometimes interrupts me to do various things when I'm trying to get work done."
3. "I would like to have one curriculum for all my subjects so that the test and quizzes and exams are organized together instead of all over the place. I would also like scheduled outdoor activities after school since my siblings get to go out before I am able. I'd also love to have a dance studio in my home so when kids are still in school, I could use those hours to practice."
Meghan, 14

1. "That you can go to people's houses."
2. "Math. The funnest is Journal."
3. "I want there to be no math books."
Oliver, 7

1. "I like going outside."
2. "The books are the hardest part, except journals and going outside."
3. "Ben and me just want to do 3 things--journals, go outside and play and go sledding. Phonics, I would get rid of phonics."
Sam, 6


1. "I like doing the drawing part and reading and all my books."
2. "Phonics is the hardest part."
3. "I would change all the books, except journals."
Ben, 6


1.  "We have the privilege to not be influenced in a bad way and that we don't get taught evolution as though it were fact."

2.  "The biggest challenge for me is that I don't have as many acquaintances as I would have if I were going to a school building."

3.  "I would like to have my friends with me during my school day ~ learning the same things at the same time in the same room."

E, 11

1. "What I like the most about home school is that I am able to direct my own day and be able to get as much as I can done academically so that I can devote time to other interests."

2. "My biggest challenge is to know when it is time to call it quits academically."

3. "If I could, I would take one of my interests and make it into an academic subject."

F, 14
 

1. "I like to be able to work at my own pace and learn from a Christian perspective.  I also get more free time to pursue other interests."

2. "My biggest challenge with home school is keeping on track with my academics."

3. "I would not really want to change anything about my school day."

C, 16

1. "Getting to hang out with friends during the day." 

2. "Having to work with my sibling all the time. (Not getting a break.)"

3. "I'd like to go away every day"
Serena, 12

 

1. "That I can learn about the things I'm interested in."

2. "Being with my sister and working through differences." 

3. "Having computer time first, before I do school work."

Aaron, 8

1. "I like that there are not as many bad influences." (was in traditional school for a few years)
2. "I find that the curriculum is more challenging and sibling irritation sucks."
3. "I want more access to internet and technology."
Jake, 17

1) "It is more relaxing; no rushing in the morning to catch a bus, or worries about the latest fashions. I like being able to do schoolwork outside and go out to the store or on trips whenever we feel like it."
2. "No challenges really, once in a while it is tricky working with younger siblings."
3. "I'm fine with it."
Brooke, 15

1. "I like going places."
2. "There's too much pressure when Daddy is around."
3. "I would like more math manipulatives."
Caleb, 12

1. "I like Mommy as my teacher because she does the best projects and knows how to help me."
2. "None."
3. "No more poems or speeches."
Eden, 9

 

 

What can we conclude from this small sampling of homeschooled students? As each of the moms sent me the honest answers of their children, they commented on how interesting or surprising some of the responses were. As I know each of these mothers personally and that they absolutely look into the interests of their children, it's still amazing how much more there is to take into consideration. Sometimes, their immaturity causes them to want certain subjects to disappear from their day and while this is not possible, what is possible, is the wonderful opportunity to make all of learning an enjoyable experience. Mostly, our children love being homeschooled and for that, I'm thankful. In reality, there will still be math struggles and kids who just never want to write a sentence, but we can make a difference in our children's education by hearing their voices and searching for options that create an environment of joyful learning. I've been challenged! Have you?

 

Thank you, my lovely readers for "tuning in" to my 31 Days Of Homeschooling Goodness! I pray the Lord blesses you as you begin or continue your journey or simply learn about home education.

Day Six: Read, Read, Read!

In the midst of french toast and icing sugar, she reads her most adventurous story to date. Her siblings are riveted and move in closer as though close proximity will make it even more real.

He holds his journal open to me and proudly displays his "Draw Write Now" inspired page.

She calls out from the other room, "How do you spell, imagination, Mommy?" She's beginning another new story.

She beckons her siblings to the couch for a bedtime story and they laugh themselves silly as she reads.

Reading and Writing are the hub that our wheel turns upon and they ignite and affect each and every other subject. A few of our inspirations have been (click on the links, if you like):

Sonlight

Delightful Learning

Cultivated Lives

Excellence In Writing

Homeschool Share

Story Starters by Karen Andreola

 

I love what happens in the minds of my children when they've read a good book. I'm riveted myself as they narrate what took place in one of their "readers". The inspiration shows up in their play with each other as they are suddenly sailors in search of the Blue Grotto, or log cabin builders like Pa in Little House in the Big Woods. They've fought battles as Christian did in Pilgrim's Progress and they've spoken with an accent all day after I read, Strawberry Girl, aloud to them.

 

Children also write better when they read great literature. It becomes natural to them as they're being trained by the masters. Charlotte Mason warned about devouring "twaddle" or books that are of little educational value. I think this goes for T.V. and electronics absorption as well. Read-Alouds are important at any age as they listen to me read at a level just above their own. They find their own voice as a writer when they feast from a large buffet of authors. If your child is reading and writing below their "expected level" there are fabulous resources for struggling learners. Homeschool conventions are valuable for finding support too!

 

As we join together in teaching them diligently this year, let's also keep them reading and writing regularly (especially the Word of God)!

 

A Small Haven

I make quinoa salad and she wipes dirty faces. We laugh and talk of homeschooling and her latest thrift store finds. My sister's home is a haven when I need a little country living and some good understanding from one who's trodden nearly all the same paths of life with me. A little rocking of Baby on the porch, a cup of tea, three boys who've waited so long to be together, a few reminders of why we're doing this life the way we're doing it, and I'm ready to head home full of inspiration.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Love you, Holly!

A few kiddos missing from the photos but, you get the picture :)

Moved By History

She re-reads the last sentence slowly and wipes her nose. Lowering the book, she meets my gaze and is reassured that I am also aching with sympathy for the main character of the book she's reading to me. Meg was drowing in sorrow over Elli Friedmann's plight and so, with a quiver in her voice, she began to narrate how Elli dragged her wounded mother and brother off the train while the Germans shot at them and their companions. Too much for the young girl in this true story to deal with, too much for Meghan, and apparently, too much for me.

My daughter and I sit across from each other and the two of us quietly weep as Meghan continues. She's taken my place, today, as out-loud-reader and it seems natural. We connect not only with like emotion but also with an understanding that we're both grappling with this senseless evil and can't do anything but cry. She's grown up enough to share this moment with me and I recognize that she has the potential to change the world with her anger against injustice and to live out Jesus' command to help set captives free with the love of God. It's why He sent His Son.

She gathers the strength to deliver the final chapter and I silently pray she'll see beyond prevailing entitlement of North American culture and desire to be more, to do what she's been called to do. She's being moved by history and God has created her to be stirred in this way.

He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8

Your Perspective Is Everything

They had been noticing how the hawk always sat perched upon the cross of our church steeple, and so my pastor and his wife watched thoughtfully one day. The idea came to Patricia that our perspective is always clearer from the cross and she mentioned the profoundness of it to her husband. A sermon was born in that moment.

Since Pastor Mills was unable to get a photo of the bird, he had his assistant find one on the Internet for him and he placed it on the large screen one Sunday for all of us to see. He quoted his wife and preached how different life looks when we view it through what Jesus did for us on the cross. It was powerful.
I was determined to see that bird in order to etch the idea in my mind for good.

One evening, a couple weeks later, I rounded the corner to the church to take my children to their rehearsal. One of them pointed and exclaimed, "Mommy, look, the hawk is on the cross right now!"

I was quite excited since I had my camera in the van with me. I pulled my vehicle in a good location and opened my door. Climbing onto the edge of the running board, I held my camera up and took a shot. Just as I did, a second hawk landed beside the first. My children cheered and I began to picture the collage of photos. What a beautiful scene the Lord had set for me to photograph. The sky was illuminated with sunset's glow, edging the clouds and now a second bird?The kids ran into the church and I left during their practice. When I returned, the second hawk had disappeared and I travelled around the church, shooting different angles. I so desired to capture that lone hawk in flight! I held my camera up for quite some time and it wouldn't move. I silently prayed, Lord, this is Your bird. Please call to it and make it fly. I felt a little silly asking such a request but why not? Immediately, the hawk fluffed up it's wings and flew away. I praised God! How fun :)

I was able to create a framed collage for Pastor Mills and Patricia to show them how inspired I was by the truth of these words. And as I read Ann Voskamp's post for today, I am reminded once again that joy is always possible because, "Joy is the fruit of gratitude. And gratitude is rooted in perspective."

Gratitude:

1216. moments in creation that take my breath away
1217. the joy of being able to capture this gift to give it away
1218. that it truly is possible to have joy, no matter what my circumstance is, if I only have gratitude
1219. that there truly is always something to be grateful for
1220. although it's been a couple of weeks of entitlement and spoiled children, they just might be catching onto the gratitude thing
1221. how they're all reading incessantly
1222. how she feels her ILS class is making her so much smarter
1223. how my non-reader now wants the fattest of books just so she can say she's read them :)
1224. how I'm running out of spare change for hot chocolate dates with my readers who've completed their books
1225. the way she sweeps onto the stage in the Wizard of Oz play and blows us away with her confidence
1226. the way my other girl memorized her lines immediately
1227. the way she uses her dancing skills on the stage as the Cowardly Lion
1228. the way he keeps asking me, "We're just doing this for fun, right, Mommy?"
1229. how I said I didn't want to join this play this year and how God just brings details together so that we remain connected to people I believe He wants to our lives
1230. more items wrapping up for the school year
1231. how my sister-in-law had a tumor removed this week from her brain and continues to joke about getting her hair shampoo'd
1232. how her spirit is beginning to enliven again
1233. the success of the surgery
1234. how family rallies around when they're most needed
1235. the forgiveness and grace of a friend I messed up with (the tongue is unruly, I tell you!)
1236. the way he loves his new model airplane (that would be my BIG boy)

Day Three (of 31 Days)

Sunday, October 3--This morning, I made a mistake that cost me peace and order in my family; I ignored the nudging of the Holy Spirit. It was clear, although quiet and easy to push away when I had a strong urge to speak my mind on a particular issue with my husband. Note to self: not giving in to your own selfish desires, Heather, actually causes you to win in the end... in the most satisfying way.

As it turns out, I tend to do this in other areas as well because later, out of more selfish ambition, I loaded up my plate with a massive piece of chocolate cake. I love cake and I'm ashamed to say, I could put away a whole birthday cake single-handedly. I dug around the drawer for just the right fork. Do you have to drink tea from a particular tea cup because it fits around your lips, "just so"? Well, I was salivating as I was seeking my small, rounded, cake fork because I really wanted the whole experience to be just perfect. But, upon the first bite of what I thought would be rich, dense, moist, chocolatey goodness, I nearly gagged! What a horrible disappointment! I pushed the whole thing as far from me as I could get it. My immediate response? Thank You, Lord, that that cake tasted so bad! I felt, in a sense, saved from my own gluttony.

Oh, how I wish I would exercise some self-control! As in the case with my husband, it would save me much grief! As my self-righteous words tumbled out all over the bathroom floor, this morning, they left a bad taste. If only I would push the plate away before I take a bite. There's probably a reason why the Lord recently led me to the Scripture, "I have purposed that my mouth shall not transgress." Psalm 17:3 (in more ways than one, apparently). Here, David is vindicated because he has kept his mouth pure. Read Psalm 17 today. Is there anything you see in there that you're not doing as he did? David says he will be satisfied when he awakes in the likeness of God. My prayer is to become more and more like Him as I follow the Holy Spirit's call to shut my mouth.

31 Days To Drawing Closer to God

I am so blessed to be a part of the blog world. I am amazed by the women I have "met" online; their courage, humility and inspiring ideas have encouraged me time and again. The Lord is undeniably using so many willing women to do His work by drawing others to Him through their writing. One such woman writes here. As I share my journey, I pray that I too, would raise an awareness in women that a personal relationship with the Creator is not only fulfilling, but essential for our survival. How anyone can venture through this life with it's mountains and valleys without God, is beyond me.

On the lighter side of the blog world, eight women offer practical and lovely tips for making this life just a little easier and our homes a little more beautiful. They began October 1st and have promised to give us a month of ideas. They can be followed here. With all of the fantastic articles I've been reading so far as these women prepared to get their blogs ready for October, I have decided to draw closer to God throughout this month and would love for you to join me. I write, not because I have anything profound to offer, but so that we may grow on this journey together. And in keeping with my ever-undisciplined nature, I am one day late in beginning. Now you know one of my prayers for change--to stop procrastinating :) So without further adieu, I offer October 1st and 2nd in this post.

Friday, October 1st--Yesterday, I struggled with a load of burdens and a pile of laundry. I even told my husband I felt like a failure to him, my children and my God. What better way to start this month of drawing close to Him than with a broken and contrite spirit? Do you ever feel this way? Let's pray today for the Lord to reveal His truth in this area to us... that He loves us with an everlasting love. And, let's ask Him to help us really believe it! Make a prayer list of the areas you know the Lord needs to do a work in you. Give them to Him and expect a real change this month. Read Jeremiah chapter 29 today.

Saturday, October 2--Today, my mom and niece participated in the Ride for Refuge. The two of them have such a passion to free little girls trapped in the sex-slave trade in Cambodia and elsewhere. I found myself pushing the thoughts of what this is really all about from my mind. I wanted to just get through my day, sponsor their efforts and say a little prayer for good biking weather. How did I get to this place of such complacency? I know the Lord does not want me overwhelmed by the horrors in this world while I am teaching my children daily. However, I must allow myself to stop and think and feel. I owe it to God, my children and those who are suffering to hurt deeply enough to be moved to do something! What is homeschooling for if we can't weep for the lost and tortured of this world in front of our children and engage them in prayer and other practical solutions?

On this second day, why not consider asking God to reveal where you can be used in some one's life today? It may be abroad or close to home but there's a need He wants you to fill. Then, do something about it!

Read Psalm 139.