An Encouraging Message From Mike Smith

Our family recently attended the Arizona Family for Home Education homeschool
seminar. It is always a joy to be there amongst the many families who share the same
vision for discipling and teaching their children.

Mr. Mike Smith was a keynote speaker. He is the President of  Home School Legal
Defense Association.

His message was very encouraging and confirmed some of the choices that we have
made for patterning our schooling. Though we have a lot of friends who teach their
children at home, we have felt lead in somewhat of a different direction than some.
Another reason we appreciate the conference is that God speaks through those who are
chosen to bring a message.

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Many years ago, we felt that God was leading us to make a change in our focus of
schooling. When we first began, it was more about the schooling, though we appreciated
the opportunity to bring more of the Bible into their schooling.

But as we grew in our vision, we began to feel that there was too much emphasis
on education. Not that education isn't important, but we felt that God and His ways
and truth needed to be the center and Godly character needed to be the focus.
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Mr. Smith told a story about a woman who had purposed to homeschool her son and
her focus was going to be primarily on character. She read the classics to him and
allowed him a great deal of freedom to learn on his own and to direct his education
according to his interests.

When it came time for him to test for college, he studied a small book on grammar
and took the test. When his results were reviewed, he received a note from the school
saying that they had never had a score like his. He had achieved a perfect score.

He also told a story about a mom who was very serious about her children's education.
She had desks for them all and the desks had little flags. We all laughed at that. She had
a plan and it sounded pretty rigid.

Before school was to start, her father-in-law developed cancer. This changed everything
and for the next year, she did not teach ANY formal schooling to her children. When
the next year came around, she was prepared to test her children. Her expectations were
to have to dig out the books from the last year completed and review. She fully expected
that her children would be behind.

When they were tested, it was discovered that they had jumped ahead two grade levels.

He was not suggesting in any way that we neglect our children's education.

We obviously desire that our children have the richest educational experience
possible.

But how we go about that and where we place our trust is paramount to our
success.

His point was that no matter what happens, we can trust the Lord. While we are busy
doing what we have to do, God is watching over our lives and ordering our steps.

God will never lead us to a place and then abandon us.

Life often times does not go the way we plan, but when we place our trust in the One
who has created out hearts and placed these visions within us, we can know without a
doubt that He will be our wisdom and guide.



 We can KNOW this because His Word tells us in Proverbs 3:5,6. Trust in the Lord
with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Acknowledge the Lord
in all of your ways and He will direct your paths.

Pets In A Jar..Helping Children Learn to Care for Wild Critters

Summer is the time of year when many of us spend more time outside.

Our children run in all excited about this critter or that and how

they caught it. Somewhere in the conversation many will ask, "May

I keep it?"

Keeping the little critters is a lot of fun and can provide hours of enjoyment

as well as be a valuable learning experience.

However, sometimes small animals and critters suffer unnecessarily 

because the information necessary

to keep the pet alive.

Some pets fair very well in captivity and others don't. Some are illegal

to keep in captivity. In researching the Horned Lizard, I found that in Texas,

it is against the law to keep them. It is said that

those who have tried have not been very successful.

Here is a Horned Lizard (aka Horney Toads) that we found on our property in Arizona

this past July. They are often the color of their surroundings.

A bit smaller horned lizard.

A very small garter snake.

The snake next to my little finger. It's the smallest one I have

ever caught.

(As you can tell, I like critters, too!)

I don't like to kill wasps. As I picked this one up to put it outside, it found a

bead of water and started drinking. It was during a very dry period here.

I also enjoy putting a drop of honey on my finger and watching them

eat. Wasps do not become easily threatened and will usually sting

only if one sits on them, puts a hand on them or something similar.

Pets In a Jar: Collecting and Caring for Small Wild Animals

Imagine having a pet that will never learn to recognize you, that will in fact ignore you,

yet that is fascinating in a thousand different ways. With very little expense and a lot

of imagination, you can find, catch, and keep in a glass jar many small animals such

 as water bugs, hydras, toads, star-fish, and crickets. See for yourself how these creatures

live in the environment you create for them. Pets in a Jar will give you your own window

 to nature.

This book is available at Barnes and Noble

Order a used copy from Abe Books. If you are not familiar with this bookseller,

they sell used books at very reasonable to low prices and the condition of the books

are usually pretty decent.

We purchased the book years ago and have used it many times. It has been very 

fascinating to learn about God's little creatures. Our children have enjoyed just

reading the book. It's very informative and a great little supplement to Science.

Are Your Children Contributors or Spectators?

It has long been a concern of mine that children spend too much time being
engrossed in the activities of others and THINGS that seem to offer little to no
developmentof any kind.

When our children were small, we were of the same type of mindset. We bought our son
a Nintendo Game. It didn't last for long. We tried too hard to keep them entertained and
bought them too many things instead of allowing them to be creative.

I am wondering if this may be more typical of offspring of the baby boomers.
I am not one to stereotype, but I have seen a trend in the parents of my generation to
be present but not there. Growing up, our family was an example of one holding hands
but facing outward. We were there together, but each one did his own thing.
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In a culture where there is so much emphasis on entertainment, it gets increasingly
difficult to raise our children to be people of passion and productivity. To be disciplined
and purposeful in choosing pursuits and ordering time is an accomplishment that is
none too easily attained.

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The more I ponder this, I begin to understand that being a spectator centers
primarily on one person. Any given individual can partake of the offered event or
activity without really ever having to interact with anyone. It requires no team
work..no conversation..no sacrifice or anything from them at all.
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The pull of the television, video games and the cell phone are real distractions that even
adults face and often fail to keep in perspective.

Children are at risk and may likely not have a fair opportunity to learn and succeed free
from these invasive technological devices especially if their parents don't view these as
sources to be monitored VERY carefully. I am not against these items if they are used in
in the manner of serving us ( if this is possible) and not controlling us.

What would happen if we gave our children every opportunity to know themselves
and to discover the gifts that God has given them? What kind of beauty would grow
from the rich experience of quiet observation and uninterrupted creativity. The
possibilities are limitless. This lifestyle is very conducive to learning.

Life comes at us in such a rush and the time that we have every day disappears very
quickly without gain if we are not proactive in applying that time to something that is
lasting and noble.

We can ask ourselves a few questions: 1) What will benefit our children? 2)  How can we
invest in our children's time in a way that God will be honored and others will be
blessed? 3) How can we as parents, be supportive in helping our children grow toward
developing to their full potential in these areas.


In desiring to establish this kind of lifestyle here are some ways to get started.

First of all, if your family is entertainment oriented, making a sudden change could
be very difficult. When God brings us to a place of change, He is patient and sensitive.
He isn't demanding but gentle and compassionate. (When God speaks to my heart about
changes that need to be made, I tend to charge ahead leaving hearts behind. I have had to
learn to apply love first, and then the changes.)

So..to get started:

* I like to start with prayer for direction


* Try to get in touch with the hearts and dreams of your children as well as being
    aware of their gifts and talents.


* Having resources available is VERY important (This can get expensive but
   I have found thrift stores and yard sales to be wonderful sources of needed
   materials. Praying helps also. I have been so blessed by God's provision.)


* Be attentive and focused on their projects


* Children also learn by example..if my children see me working on a project
   instead of watching a movie, that helps to encourage and inspire them



My girls enjoy a lot of activities and working on many skills.
I thought you might enjoy seeing some of their projects and past times.

Baking scones for the tea party.

Helping Dad mix concrete for the corner posts of the goat pen.

Learning about our new Australorp chickens.

Practicing guitar.

They did a lot of the decorating work for this tea party.

Playing music for the tea party.

Working on sewing skills.

 Sharing music at a nursing home.

Finishing her pillow

In a recent sermon we heard, the Pastor spoke of occupying and using our talents
for God. He said if there are books to be written, we as Christians should be writing
them. If there are buildings to be built, we should be building them..songs to be written
and sung..etc.



We allow our children to grow in their gifts and encourage and support them in
their talents. Their gifts, talents and skills are not just for their enjoyment.
Nor are they to be hidden but shared to enrich he lives of others.

If we model this kind of love others, they will be much more likely to
give of themselves in this way. 

                                           

A Song For Your Honor.. A True Account of Persecution in the U.S.

Do you know anyone who has been arrested for homeschooling in the United States?
Are you acquainted with any families whose children have been removed from their
home because of their convictions?

There are thousands of families in this country who have experienced some form
of violation at the hands of less than upright agencies.

Read more and learn how you can protect your parental rights.

Click here to visit the website of  Parental Rights.Org

This is a serious issue in our nation and many fight the battle for years; their families are
traumatized. Some never do recover from the devastation.

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A Song For Your Honor is a true story of God's faithfulness. After her husband passed
away, Kay Evans and her children were thrust into the spiritual battle of their life.
Read how her faith in God kept her steadfast and strong. God was her refuge as she faced
seemingly insurmountable odds.

You will read how she fled the country and hid for 3 1/2 years only to be
tracked down and arrested with her bond posted at $1,000,000.

This story will inspire you and deepen your faith as well as bring an awareness to
the times that we face as Christians and homeschoolers right here in America.

And this account is just one.

You can purchase this book through Christian Light Publications

Presenting Your Home

Our Welcome Wreath

It is spring. The change of any season  inspires me. (Do you feel that way?) All throughout
the year, I try to create an interesting, inviting entrance to our home. Greeting friends and
family at the door with something that speaks of the season is special, fun and fulfilling.


Make it personal. We all have different tastes and that is ok; Your family is unique, so let it
show! One of the wonderful things about visiting another's home is that it is fresh and
inspiring. Be creative in reflecting the heart of your family. I love seeing the talents and gifts;
If someone offers me a tour inside or out, I eagerly accept.

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If this is something new to you, here are some suggestions to help you get started.


1) Ask your family if they'd like to get involved. (This is a great opportunity for training
young homemakers and training young men to have an eye for details.)


2) Decide on  the theme of your (we'll call it) presentation.


3) Establish a budget (cash and time) if needed. (This does NOT need to be costly or
 elaborate. You may not want to invest a lot of cash or time.)


4) Work on your plan. (If you get stuck, your local library most likely has
 books/magazines that can help get your creativity flowing. You will be amazed
at how many ideas you have once you get started.)


5) Consider the tools you will need from start to finish.


6) Make a few lists:
             A. Materials needed
             B. What you may already have on hand
             C. Possible resources for making your purchases


7) Plan an outing to gather your materials.


8) Before you begin, you will want to clean the area thoroughly.(see list below)


9) Agree on a time to begin and have fun! (Remember, a project ususally takes
 more time to complete than one anticipates.)


10) Clean-up. (It took me awhile to learn to allow time for  this.)


11) Stand back and ENJOY your handiwork!



If you already have the presentation of your home established, you may want to take
a close look at it. As I get involved with other projects, I tend to overlook
things that need attention.


Here are a few details to consider when assessing your clean-up needs.

1) Sweep up (or rake) all that the wind has blown in.


2) Have there been neighborhood animals visiting? (The neighborhood tomcat
visits our house on a regular basis...and he marks HIS territory.{ SORRY}
If you have greasy looking dirt marks running up your siding, that's what it's from. 
{I know.. disgusting!}
It wipes away with any household cleaner or soapy water. We also have DOGS that
stop by. We keep kitty litter scoopers in various places around the flower beds to
SCOOP when necessary. {SORRY again...}


3) Clean up anything else that you can with cleaners. (Wiping muddy pawprints
off of doors or washing storm window doors, spider webs etc..(Jeff and I have always felt that a home with a neat, clean appearance was a good testimony to the Lord.)


4) Put away any items left over from the previous season. (We still have sleds
under our mudroom porch that need to be stored away.)


5) Touch up any paint that's showing wear.


6)Replace broken items.


7) Consider freshening the presentation with one new item.




         A simple going over about once a week will help keep this area ready to receive
 guests (in season and out of season) and welcome your family back home after an outing.
  

I am sure that you all have many of your own ideas of what and how to clean up
and add charm to the presentation of your home. Comments are welcome or even
drop us an e-mail. If you are so inclined, we would be pleased to see pictures of your
presentation. Thank you for stopping by. We hope this has been helpful~

The Last Days of Christ Outreach~

                                                               



The Last Days of Christ

For the past eighteen years a local church has invited the community to be a part

of a passion play during Holy week.

It is a powerful re-enactment of Christ's last days before He is raised from the dead.

It is something to experience.

Our family has been privileged to be a part for the past ten years.

It is an amazing experience. Words can hardly express the emotions that one feels in being a part.

The children gathered around Jesus singing You're a Great Big God, is a wondrous sight.

There is a Jewish song playing while several ladies dance in honor of their Lord.

The disciples sleeping in the garden puts me in mind of myself.

As Jesus is sentenced to death, the cry of the crowd and the look on Mary's face

is heart-wrenching.

Barabbas runs away, free.

Jesus is then beaten and taken away.

As He enters the sanctuary, in the dark, there are sounds of soldiers yelling. One can hear the blows of the whips as He is struck.

As the lights dimly glow, Jesus comes into view...bearing a cross.

It is almost as if we were there-

HE IS BEATEN ONCE AGAIN AND NAILED TO THE CROSS.

As Mary watches her Son hang on the cross, she begins to sing a song.

Is this the boy I raised, Is this son I knew?

Is this the one I loved? Why can can't they love Him, too?

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There is an element of reality as to what it must have been like for Mary, His disciples

and others that loved Him.

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Being a part of this production has brought even more meaning to the Resurrection.

It has also provided an opportunity for our children to grow in relationships with others.

Working together with so many other churches to present this Gospel message has been a powerful

lesson in being part of the "body of Christ." Setting aside differences to minister to the lost and hurting

is so needful.

All of our children have been given the opportunity to serve through this ministry and we are grateful.

It has been a chance for them to grow in leadership skills and humility.

Most importantly, at the end each evening, there is an altar call.

 Through the years, many people have been drawn to the Lord!

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Included are some photos of some of those who were able to serve during this month long

 commitment to ministry.

Grace, Mikailah and Charlotte

Our girls 



Grace

This is Anita.

 She made ALL the costumes. It was she and her husband, Dave, that

put the play together almost 25 years ago! They oversee all the details 

of costumes, sets, props, practices and schedules. They do such a wonderful job! 

Jeff as Pontius Pilate

Sara, Mikailah, Lee, Jen and Mellisa

Daniel, Jeff, JR and Brian

Jake

Dave, Neil, Tyler, John, Lee and John

Jen

It was such a joy to work with all of these people. Again, our family is grateful

for the opportunity to serve in this wonderful ministry.



  Crafts for Fun, Industry and Education

In the past year, we decided that God would have us begin a little craft business to teach our children some valuable lessons. After doing an Uncle Eric study on economics,  God had opened our eyes to the value of being  "entrepreneurial".(Wow, that is a big word!) We felt that it would also be a wonderful teaching experience in learning to relate to people.

So we began to work on some crafts during our free time.

And here are some of the crafts we have made.

snowman soup...

gift basket..

                                                                                                                
                                             
                                                                     

Homeschool Helps

In our journey of home-discipleship and schooling, we have come across many products that have been helpful. One of my favorites are the Language reference charts that were created  and sold by Christian Light Publications. These charts are grade-combined and specific to each level. They are very precise and easy to follow and use for class preparation or class use.

I have appreciated the ease with which they can used. And because they are laminated, they are durable and are protected from finger smudges or sticky spots that we may have missed on the dining room table! I also like the contrasting colors in which they are printed as it makes the information easier to read and follow.

They can be purchased at http://www.clp.org/  These resources are also available for different subjects and CLP offers many other helpful items.

Have a blessed day~

Tamara