Sometimes, as homeschooling parents, we feel pretty isolated and alone. Closing the doors on the rest of the world while we do our little school thing at home is pretty "different" from the "norm" after all. So it's always nice to meet with other homeschoolers from time to time and we always look forward to the AHEA convention.
Over 1000 Homeschool Paricipants Gather for AHEA Convention
The AHEA (Alberta Home Education Association) convention was held in Red Deer, April 17 and 18. What a great event! There were over 1000 parents present - wonderful to see so many dads and grandparents in attendance!
Keynote Address a Show Stopper
The keynote speaker was Kevin Swanson, a home educated homeschool activitist. Kevin's keynote address was both hysterically funny and encouraging at the same time. After warming us up with his hilarious "I can't do this anymore" antics, he confirmed what most of us already know: homeschooling is no easy task. It's a big responsibility and has its share of frustrations for both parents and kids. But in the end, committed homeschoolers know intuitively that it's still the best thing for our kids.
Why We Do What We Do
Kevin listed all the reasons why home educated kids have an advantage over schooled children and backed up his points with research. As it turns out, the relationship we develop with our children is critical to their academic success (not to mention social/emotional success, as well).
Simply put, kids who stay home with their parents during the formative years do better in life. Period.
Support For Homeschoolers
It was great to hear about the research that bears this out. It was also terrifically encouraging to hear that others go through the same frustrations and difficulties that we do. It's nice to know we're not alone.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
What are You Doing Here?
In family devotions this morning, we talked about the story of Elijah when he ran away from wicked Queen Jezebel. He was hiding in a cave when God called him. "What doest thou here, Elijah?", asked the Lord. 1 Kings 19:9
We talked about how God communicated with Elijah. It was obvious to our children that Elijah was not where God wanted him to be. God did not send him to the cave to hide. He really should have had faith and waited upon the Lord. Elijah had made a mistake in running away.
But God did not try to destroy him by using the wind to throw the rocks around. God didn't want to rattle Elijah's bones done the mountain side with the earthquake that came next. And it was not God's intention to incinerate him in the fire that followed.
God wanted Elijah to hear His voice even when He whispered. God wants us to hear Him even when He whispers, too.
And He wants us to consider two things throughout our day.
We talked about how God communicated with Elijah. It was obvious to our children that Elijah was not where God wanted him to be. God did not send him to the cave to hide. He really should have had faith and waited upon the Lord. Elijah had made a mistake in running away.
But God did not try to destroy him by using the wind to throw the rocks around. God didn't want to rattle Elijah's bones done the mountain side with the earthquake that came next. And it was not God's intention to incinerate him in the fire that followed.
God wanted Elijah to hear His voice even when He whispered. God wants us to hear Him even when He whispers, too.
And He wants us to consider two things throughout our day.
- What are we doing?
- Where are we?
The children were reminded to listen for God's whispering voice and to remember what God wants us to be doing (His will), and where He wants us to be (with Him).
Elijah's experience with God on the mountainside has a bearing on our walk with God.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Untiring Effort to Curb Rebellion
King David was once called by God "a man after my own heart". David had so many good qualities. He was a man of high integrity, loved the truth, was unswayed by wealth and power, and championed the cause of the poor and underprivileged.
And yet, David did not command his household after him as Abraham had done. He favoured his sons and did not reign them in. He did not act decisively when Amnon raped his half-sister. In fact David did nothing about it, so that Absalom (Tamar's full brother) felt compelled to take justice into his own hands.
David vacillated in his treatment toward the murderous, manipulative Absalom. David allowed Absalom's rebellious heart to thrive without correction. Then one day Absalom drove David from his throne in Jerusalem in open rebellion. Even then, David failed to see that he had allowed evil to reign in the heart of his son. Rather than deal decisively with him he slunk away in the night.
Our children are born with rebellion in their hearts. Unless we take them continually in prayer to Jesus for His protection and leading in their lives, our children will continue to be preyed upon by the enemy of our souls.
We need to teach them to humble their hearts and let Jesus rule in them through acts of kindness and love otherwise their selfish natures will control them and like Absalom, they will rebel against the very ones who love them most.
This requires an unceasing effort on the part of parents through prayer, entreaty, and correction. But our diligent, untiring efforts for our children when seen from the perspective of heaven will seem well worth it, though it may be difficult now.
And yet, David did not command his household after him as Abraham had done. He favoured his sons and did not reign them in. He did not act decisively when Amnon raped his half-sister. In fact David did nothing about it, so that Absalom (Tamar's full brother) felt compelled to take justice into his own hands.
David vacillated in his treatment toward the murderous, manipulative Absalom. David allowed Absalom's rebellious heart to thrive without correction. Then one day Absalom drove David from his throne in Jerusalem in open rebellion. Even then, David failed to see that he had allowed evil to reign in the heart of his son. Rather than deal decisively with him he slunk away in the night.
Our children are born with rebellion in their hearts. Unless we take them continually in prayer to Jesus for His protection and leading in their lives, our children will continue to be preyed upon by the enemy of our souls.
We need to teach them to humble their hearts and let Jesus rule in them through acts of kindness and love otherwise their selfish natures will control them and like Absalom, they will rebel against the very ones who love them most.
This requires an unceasing effort on the part of parents through prayer, entreaty, and correction. But our diligent, untiring efforts for our children when seen from the perspective of heaven will seem well worth it, though it may be difficult now.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Strength and Power
“For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
Strengthened will all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;
Giving thanks unto the Father…”
Colossians 1:9 – 12
These are the words that Paul wrote to the new believers in Colosse. I read this passage to our children the other morning during devotions. We talked about God’s great power and how He wants to share that power with us to strengthen us not according to the kind of power and strength that the world recognizes, but to give us strength to “walk worthy of the Lord”.
We’ve been talking about “patience and longsuffering with joyfulness” and what that looks like in our lives. Rather than complaining, we can be thankful; rather than being impatient, we can be patient when we are strengthened with God’s glorious power to resist sin in our lives.
Together, we are learning to run to Jesus moment by moment when temptation comes. He has power to make us like Him.
That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
Strengthened will all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;
Giving thanks unto the Father…”
Colossians 1:9 – 12
These are the words that Paul wrote to the new believers in Colosse. I read this passage to our children the other morning during devotions. We talked about God’s great power and how He wants to share that power with us to strengthen us not according to the kind of power and strength that the world recognizes, but to give us strength to “walk worthy of the Lord”.
We’ve been talking about “patience and longsuffering with joyfulness” and what that looks like in our lives. Rather than complaining, we can be thankful; rather than being impatient, we can be patient when we are strengthened with God’s glorious power to resist sin in our lives.
Together, we are learning to run to Jesus moment by moment when temptation comes. He has power to make us like Him.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
I'M RIGHT! I'M RIGHT! I'M RIGHT!!!!!!!
I talked with a friend from a church we used to attend some years ago. She told me the sad news that church members are squabbling over doctrinal issues ... in church!
Fighting in Church?
I just don't get it. Christ said people would recognize Christians by their love for one another. So how can two groups within the church fight over anything?!
To me it doesn't matter how right your doctrine is, if you use force, coercion, intimidation, etc. to convince others of your "right" and "correct" position... YOU'RE STILL WRONG!!!
Parents' Greatest Gift
Which brings me to this point: Parents, the greatest gift you can give your children, is a loving home in which to grow up in. Turn your pride over to Christ and learn what unconditional love is - in your home, first. Then practise Christian love outside the home at church, at work, in the grocery store parking lot, etc. Who ever said following Christ's example was going to be easy?
If people are fighting in church, what are they doing in their own homes, behind closed doors, when their wills are crossed??? Poor kids!
Fighting in Church?
I just don't get it. Christ said people would recognize Christians by their love for one another. So how can two groups within the church fight over anything?!
To me it doesn't matter how right your doctrine is, if you use force, coercion, intimidation, etc. to convince others of your "right" and "correct" position... YOU'RE STILL WRONG!!!
Parents' Greatest Gift
Which brings me to this point: Parents, the greatest gift you can give your children, is a loving home in which to grow up in. Turn your pride over to Christ and learn what unconditional love is - in your home, first. Then practise Christian love outside the home at church, at work, in the grocery store parking lot, etc. Who ever said following Christ's example was going to be easy?
If people are fighting in church, what are they doing in their own homes, behind closed doors, when their wills are crossed??? Poor kids!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
A Mother in Israel
I always get discouraged whenever I leave the stories in the Book of Joshua and start reading the Book of Judges. Under the strong and sanctified leadership of Joshua the people had hope of a glorious future. But when Joshua died, Israel did not continue after the pattern of conquest that he set for them.
Soon the phrase "and the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord" becomes the byword for Judges. I find it depressing.
The Lord was faithful, even though His chosen people were not. He sent judges to call the people back to true worship.
The third judge that ruled in Israel was Deborah, "a mother in Israel". This remarkable woman accompanied Israel's captain into battle - he refused to go without her. She was a woman of compassion, strength, and faith. "My heart is toward the governors of Israel, that offered themselves willingly among the people," she said (Judges 5:9).
May God make more of us like Deborah - true to Him, courageous to lead our families in the way that is right, faithful prayer warriors.
Soon the phrase "and the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord" becomes the byword for Judges. I find it depressing.
The Lord was faithful, even though His chosen people were not. He sent judges to call the people back to true worship.
The third judge that ruled in Israel was Deborah, "a mother in Israel". This remarkable woman accompanied Israel's captain into battle - he refused to go without her. She was a woman of compassion, strength, and faith. "My heart is toward the governors of Israel, that offered themselves willingly among the people," she said (Judges 5:9).
May God make more of us like Deborah - true to Him, courageous to lead our families in the way that is right, faithful prayer warriors.
Connect and Re-Direct
Hold On To Your Kids
My husband read Gordon Neufeld’s book Hold On To Your Kids and has shared parts of it with me. Neufeld stresses that the key to effective discipline lies in the strength of the parent-child bond. For this reason, he is critical of our obsession with time-outs as a discipline option. Neufeld contends that time-outs only fracture and strain the parent-child relationship, leading to resentment and bitterness in the child.
Connect and Redirect
I’m inclined to agree with his reasoning. He recommends a different approach. He says parents need to connect with their children first, by matter-of-factly commenting on what they’re doing, then redirecting the child.
That seems reasonable to me. Rather than attacking our children when they’re doing something they shouldn’t be doing, it makes sense to gently acknowledge a child and redirect when possible. I thought I should give it a try. Instead of jumping to conclusions and jumping all over my child, I decided I would connect and then redirect.
A Chance to Try it Out
This morning, five-year old Joshua came to show me something while I was working with his older, easily distracted brother, Samuel. I reminded Joshua that I was working with Samuel and asked him to please wait till I was finished before he returned the books that he borrowed from us.
Three minutes later, Joshua was back with a messy pile of books spilling from his arms. Impatiently I said, “I told you to wait with those!” Joshua’s countenance fell. He turned a quietly went away. I felt so horrible.
More of God's Grace Needed
What comes naturally, impatience, anger, selfishness, etc. is just so easy. Cultivating the fruits of the Spirit takes real diligence and a constant connection with Christ. We need His grace and power moment by moment. We can only share with our children what we ourselves possess.
I apologized to Joshua. Tomorrow is another day. By God’s grace we’ll grow to be more like Him.
My husband read Gordon Neufeld’s book Hold On To Your Kids and has shared parts of it with me. Neufeld stresses that the key to effective discipline lies in the strength of the parent-child bond. For this reason, he is critical of our obsession with time-outs as a discipline option. Neufeld contends that time-outs only fracture and strain the parent-child relationship, leading to resentment and bitterness in the child.
Connect and Redirect
I’m inclined to agree with his reasoning. He recommends a different approach. He says parents need to connect with their children first, by matter-of-factly commenting on what they’re doing, then redirecting the child.
That seems reasonable to me. Rather than attacking our children when they’re doing something they shouldn’t be doing, it makes sense to gently acknowledge a child and redirect when possible. I thought I should give it a try. Instead of jumping to conclusions and jumping all over my child, I decided I would connect and then redirect.
A Chance to Try it Out
This morning, five-year old Joshua came to show me something while I was working with his older, easily distracted brother, Samuel. I reminded Joshua that I was working with Samuel and asked him to please wait till I was finished before he returned the books that he borrowed from us.
Three minutes later, Joshua was back with a messy pile of books spilling from his arms. Impatiently I said, “I told you to wait with those!” Joshua’s countenance fell. He turned a quietly went away. I felt so horrible.
More of God's Grace Needed
What comes naturally, impatience, anger, selfishness, etc. is just so easy. Cultivating the fruits of the Spirit takes real diligence and a constant connection with Christ. We need His grace and power moment by moment. We can only share with our children what we ourselves possess.
I apologized to Joshua. Tomorrow is another day. By God’s grace we’ll grow to be more like Him.
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