What if?

What if YOU were suddenly thrust into the position of being a candidate for public office.  How about Higher Public Office?  And you had a family? 

Wow.

Think about the possibilities!  I just got to thinkin' about it today.  Thinking about the Palin family.  A family traveling across the country on the campaign trail.  What an experience!

Just off the top of my head here are a few of the things the children would be exposed to:

Geography, History, Civics (ie. how the electorate works)

Bi-partisan politics, just to name a few.

Close family relationships, close quarters, tight schedules.

And all this just by being there.  No need for textbooks, cumbersome curriculum or a program; pure experiential learning.

I'm just extrapolating here, you know.  I have no idea what kind of educational "plan" might be in place.  But I have just been daydreaming about what it would be like if my family were in this position.

Ahhhhh.  The possibilities are endless!

For such a time as this.

Homeschooling Is Life!

Nancy

Hi!  So much to say, so many non-functioning braincells to try to work with! 

Well, seriously, my eldest and I attended the state conference this last weekend and heard some powerful speakers.  Ken Ham was the highlight, although Jeff Myers had us laughing our heads off and making us think deeply about many important things.  (See, I was serious about the brain cell comment)

I also heard Shelley Noonan twice, what a DOLL she is!  What a treat! 

So back to Ken Ham.....you know, I first saw Mr. Ham back when he was doing videos called "Back to Genesis" and I think they were done by ICR----way back in the 80's I think.  I could be wrong, but once my husband and I rented one from the local Christian book store and took it to watch while we were being houseparents at a local ministry for unwed mothers-to-be.  I was really excited about the video, thinking it would be extremely high-tech and very professionally done, and was hoping it would really speak to our charge that weekend.  After all, if you were going to have a movie about Genesis, wouldn't it just be the neatest most awe-inspiring portrayal of the Creation that man could muster up?

We were sorely disappointed by the format of the video, which as I recall (barely) was just a young Ken Ham talking about getting our thinking back to the precepts laid down in the first book of the Bible.  I was looking for visual stimulation, and dynamic teaching.  As much as I don't like to say it, I was really bored with it!!!  Terribly "bummed out." But that was then, this is now.

Since then we have grown to appreciate and admire the ministry of Answers in Genesis AND love to watch Ken Ham on video!  (Or DVD, whatever.)  So when we heard he was going to be the keynote speaker, we were pretty excited.  But then I started thinking, "Oh, gee.  We have seen him on the telly so many times, it's bound to be the same thing...." 

Well, I was sorely mistaken!  Ken Ham is bigger than life, and has a tremendous speaking ability.  At the risk of using Christianese, he is an anointed speaker.  And the video clip "advertisement" for the Creation Museum is the most professional, state-or-the-art production imaginable.  I can't WAIT to go to the Creation Museum!!!  Mr. Ham and everyone at AIG, may the Lord continue to bless you and the message of getting us all back to Genesis!!!! 

~~~~~

Speaking of video presentations,  the state group that sponsored the event had a propaganda/promotional clip about the homeschooling climate here in our lovely state.  I have several different feelings and thoughts about it all.  First off I want to say that we do have to remain vigilant about our "homeschooling freedoms" but even though we have one of the most "lenient" laws, or "homeschool friendly" statutes, I still think that the law is invasive towards families, and towards home "education."  (The reason I put that word "education" in quotes is because I have a different philosophy for what education means to my family.)

In the promotional video, in addition to some scare tactics (references to the family in Germany whose daughter was taken away because of homeschooling) and other alarmist-sounding statements such as "Changes in the compulsory age; immunization tracking for all children, and the change in the definition of the family" (due to recent legislative activity) I found much that I didn't agree with.  Two families commented about why they homeschool and one family in particular said that they were against any kind of government intervention in their homeschooling (which I can agree with) although the wife said something to the effect that "as long as the children get high marks" then nobody should have any right to say or do anything about the homeschooling. 

 Well, I have a problem with that.  Whose high marks are the right "high marks."  Who decides what high marks we are shooting for?  I have always had a problem with "standardized testing" and for one reason, I am not in the process of standardizing my children.  Sure, I get excited when my children do "well" on something that they are focusing on.  But what if my children or your children aren't capable of getting "high marks?"  Who decides what really is a high mark for a child?  What about a "gifted child?"  (Aren't they all gifted?)  What about a child with exceptional talent in one area and not in another?  What about a child with auditory processing problems?  A child with a chronic disease?  A child who just plain isn't ready for academics yet?  What is going to happen when that child doesn't get the "high marks?" 

Can you tell I have a problem with that?   

One of the other speakers we heard mentioned that we must be educating our children for the right reasons, and I agree with that.  But whose right reason?  His?  Yours or mine?  Although I believe my home education journey is a God ordained journey, you might see it differently.  That is ok with me.  We all have to work it out on our own.....it is our journey to take and do as we see fit.  WE are the ones who will have to answer for our own families one day, and I don't mean to the local school district.

This particular speaker said that some of us turn to homeschooling out of rebellion.  He said that rebellion isn't going to carry us for very long, however.

Well, I suppose I might fit in that category.  Although my reason for homeschooling my kids tend towards more of the Deuteronomy mandated teaching style ~ all the time~ I also know that I am a rebel in that I never wanted my kids to go through what I went through in public school.  I wanted them to be individuals, not part of a herd.  I wanted them to not be bullied, not be sucked into popularity contests, not be treated disrespectfully by "teachers."  I wanted them to know what is important in life, and not be fooled by superfluous things like cheerleading, peer pressure, prom night, and dating.  I wanted to guide them through media choices and help them to choose the best, and not just the good, and to never acquire a tast for the worst.  I wanted to be the one (with my husband) to teach them about sex, drugs and rock and roll.  And you know what?  We are.  We are teaching them. 

Unfortunately, some of what we teach is "damage control" teaching, because we can't teach in a vacuum.  We not only have information coming at them from all sides because we aren't teaching them in a bubble, but we also have the information that was wired into us because we were both taught by the system we grew to hate so much.  And yes, that is a very strong word.  But if I say "I didn't like it very much" I wouldn't just be downplaying my disdain. I would be lying! 

There are many things that the Bible says that God hates, and I think that we have to look at what He did for us out of love and then we must know Him so intimately that we know exactly what He hates so that we can stear clear of it.

 Proverbs 6:16 says this:  These six things the LORD hates,  Yes, seven are an abomination to Him:  A proud look,  A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood,  A heart that devises wicked plans,  Feet that are swift in running to evil, A false witness who speaks lies,  And one who sows discord among brethren. 

 I have to take a long hard look at my personal rebellion and make sure that it doesn't resemble any of this.  And I, only I will know in my heart if it does.  

So rebellion might not carry us for long, but it's a start.  Hopefully my rebellion might be seen by my kids as more of a passion.  Rebellion might be seen as a zealousness for what I believe is right for us.  Often rebellion is seen as a negative trait.  But if it weren't for a few rebellions in history we might still be under the yoke of bondage to the King of England. 

 Or we might just be still under the yoke of bondage to sin!  Rebellion is what Christ did for us.  He didn't rebel against His Father, but He certainly rebelled against the powers that ruled in His time.  He even rebelled against the idea that He was going to "win" his throne by the sword. The main difference was that He rebelled in a way that is mostly foreign to me.  He rebelled out of love. 

Most of the time, my rebellion tends to look like frustration, and that doesn't do much for my cause. I think the key to a rebellion that works is the peace of mind that comes from knowing the truth; and that truth is that you are doing what you are supposed to be doing. Rebellion coupled with righteousness might just make a good combination, for us.

Well, I would love to hear your thoughts on "high marks,"  "rebellion" "love" and anything else that might have jumped out of you if you dared read this whole diatribe.  I am not asking anyone to join my cause, to dole out any funds for my conquest or even share in the fellowship of my prior suffering at the hands of a disgraceful public school education.  It is my personal journey, something nobody can take away from me.  And although by writing it here it seems like I might be looking for some kind of validation----I am not.  I have all the validation I need already, thank you. One glorious day I found it right here: 

Psalm 139  

  O LORD, You have searched me and known me.
  You know my sitting down and my rising up;
         You understand my thought afar off.
  You comprehend my path and my lying down,
         And are acquainted with all my ways.
  For there is not a word on my tongue,
         But behold, O LORD, You know it altogether.
  You have hedged me behind and before,
         And laid Your hand upon me.
  Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
         It is high, I cannot attain it. 
         
  Where can I go from Your Spirit?
         Or where can I flee from Your presence?
  If I ascend into heaven, You are there;
         If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there.
  If I take the wings of the morning,
         And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
  Even there Your hand shall lead me,
         And Your right hand shall hold me.
  If I say, “Surely the darkness shall fall on me,”
         Even the night shall be light about me;
  Indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You,
         But the night shines as the day;
         The darkness and the light are both alike to You.
         
  For You formed my inward parts;
         You covered me in my mother’s womb.
  I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
         Marvelous are Your works,
         And that my soul knows very well.
  My frame was not hidden from You,
         When I was made in secret,
         And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
  Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.
         And in Your book they all were written,
         The days fashioned for me,
         When as yet there were none of them. 
         
  How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!
         How great is the sum of them!
  If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand;
         When I awake, I am still with You. 
         
  Oh, that You would slay the wicked, O God!
         Depart from me, therefore, you bloodthirsty men.
  For they speak against You wickedly;
         Your enemies take Your name in vain.
  Do I not hate them, O LORD, who hate You?
         And do I not loathe those who rise up against You?
  I hate them with perfect hatred;
         I count them my enemies. 
         
  Search me, O God, and know my heart;
         Try me, and know my anxieties;
  And see if there is any wicked way in me,
         And lead me in the way everlasting.

Homeschooling Is Life!

Nancy

I just saw that line in a blog, but can't remember who to attribute it to!  It was a brilliant assessment.  Let me know if it was you, ok?  My husband and I were talking about it and he said that all homeschoolers "unschool" to one degree or another.  But lines are being drawn in the sand, and we keep talking about it nevertheless. 

The unschooling debate goes on, and I do hope people will have an open mind about it.  Look at all sides of the issue before you condemn it.  Talk to some radical unschoolers, talk to some conservative homeschoolers.  I *think* we just might fit into the conservative group.  I dunno.  I really don't like the label thing, and have written about that before.  At any rate, we are all different and we learn and teach differently, our family circumstances are different.  My burning question is;  why does anyone care?  Why do non-homeschool parents (or non-parents) care about what we do?  Why does the local school care?  Why does the NEA care?  Why do newspapers and talk shows care? 

I think it is because we have chosen a different path, and it is proving to work for many families.  Homeschooling worries some public school parents, for many reasons.  You ponder that.  It worries the schools because of $$$.  It concerns the NEA because they can't influence those they don't have control over.  Newspapers care because it's a good story,  and if they can't report it accurately and get readers they can sensationalize it and get readers.  Talk shows care because they can get viewers.  How many homeschoolers and non-homeschoolers watched Dr. Phil just so they could see how awful it was?  We are just a curious bunch of humans.

I am sure you can come up with some reasons of your own.  These are just off the top of my head, and I know there are more concrete reasons than mine.  But maybe we just need to "chill" as they say. 

Right now, I plan to chill with my kiddos.  They are rehearsing a musical they have put together for their grandparents.  They made sets, put together costumes, picked songs, have completely transformed my living room into a theater.  They are going to record it and make a DVD to send for Christmas, and the deadline is looming.  I love hearing them right now singing in the other room.  A few minutes ago, they were fighting.  We worked through that and are now working together again.  Gee, I can't imagine what it is going to be like when they get out in to the real world......

Blessings!

Homeschooling Is Life!

Nancy

©Nancy K. Baetz Homeschooling Is Life! 2006

Warning:  This blog entry has misspellings, grammatical errors and all manner of things that drive editors to an early grave!  Read at your own risk! 

I haven't shared many photos lately, but I wanted you to see this one!  My 8yo son put together this still life.  Then he photographed it and we did some fancy stuff with it on our photo editor.  I love it!  It has some very nice elements in the composition.  Off set, using the rule of "3" that works so well in painting or photography.  It also shows his love of cooking, and his ability to create a scene.  I think he might have a career in this someday! Be sure to stop by his blog sometime and say hi.

                                                                      Photo(C)J.W. Baetz 2006

My thoughts always turn to "unschooling" on Wednesdays.  Why?  Well, because I write a weekly column on it for the front porch.  And while you might think I am able to get something written before the deadline each week....well, we are too busy here at home and it is usually the last thing on my mind!

I get daily alerts from Google, and today there was a "news" story alert.  (I have removed the link) So I clicked on it, and almost didn't read the whole thing.....but I did.  It started out with a not-so-nice word that seems to be very prevalent in our society today.  But I let it pass, and wanted to see what the gist of this article was.  I "think" it was supposed to be an editorial, kind of tongue in cheek, but also a semi-nasty peice about how awful homeschooling is in general, and how ridiculous unschooling is in particular.

So I decided I might as well address it.  We all are entitled to our own opinions!

I know and you know that children left to their own devices and decisions usually make a lot of errors.  They lack judgment, wisdom and are chock full of folly.  I know that there are some unschooling parents out there that DO allow their kids to have free-reign, and I think for some of those, they are lacking judgment also.  BUT I must adamantly say this:  It is none of your  bees-wax, as the saying goes.

 (It is also all about semantics too, remember?)

I am all for going along side other parents, if they ask for my help.  I also believe that it is parental duty to be responsible for the raising of their own children.  That is one reason why we have chosen to educate our children at home.  It is our responsibility.  Also, if or when I send my children to an institutional school, I have just given up my rights as to what they learn, whether from the teacher or the other children there.  At home I have some say in it.  But I also know that I don't have control over everything my children are exposed to whether it is in my own home, on my street, at the local grocery store or anywhere else.  We are bombarded with information every day, and the only way to "prevent" input, is to put my children in a sterile bubble and I mean to tell you, we don't do that.

What we do, however is "input" our values, our thoughts and our time into our children.  Sometimes  we err, we are teaching them from a fallen state---we aren't perfect.  We don't claim to be, we just claim what is rightfully ours; our children.  They are a gift from God, to us, in our care but for a time.  A very fleeting time.  And while they are here it is our job to do our best and trust God for the outcome.  Am I saying that we do our best all the time?  Ha!  We are not that arrogant.  Life is tough, but Love covers a multitude of sins.

So while the naysayer's continue to misunderstand, we will continue to do what we deem right.  And to those who believe that their child knows best, we wish you well.  I encourage you to know your child, and help them to BE their best selves they were meant to be.  I also encourage you to take every "input" captive to your values and thoughts and plans.........and enjoy this wonderful time of discovery and learning with your children.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!  We have so much to be thankful for.

God Bless your home and whatever you call your homeschooling lifestyle!

Homeschooling Is Life!

Nancy

©Nancy K. Baetz Homeschooling Is Life! 2006

Related Tags: Homeschooling, unschooling, child-led learning, child training, wisdom and folly, google unschooling alerts, parental rights, parental responsibilities, encouragment for homeschoolers

Ahem, now that I have your attention, (they aren't all crazy like you-know-who) be sure to go read this installment of the Carnival of Unschooling Voices right here.

I even have an entry there!  Check it out!

I haven't read them all yet, but have REALLY been enjoying all the unschooling mentions that keep popping up on my Google alert.  There are some amazing, brave, creative, wonderful people out there who may all be totally different, but have one important thing in common:  They all are grabbing a hold of the freedom that they have to do their homeschooling THEIR own way.  Lord bless 'em!  It takes some guts, some strength, some "major" loosening of the chains, but they are prevailing.  Some folks don't like it, but so what!?  Just the fact that we have the freedom to do what our hearts dictate.....that is where the beauty begins, but not where it ends. 

We homeschoolers are a very diverse bunch.  Some people think that it is only evangelical Christians out there who are teaching their kids at home, in their own way.  Nope, just start looking and you will find ALL manner of people out there doing all manner of homeschooling for a WIDE variety of reasons.  Variety is the spice of life.  I love getting out of my little box here and meeting new people.  Today, I have been enjoying meeting some new homeschoolers at the unschooling voices carnival!  What a fun day!  (I hope some of you all had a fun time meeting me too)

Be sure to stop by the Front Porch on Thursday!  See you then,

Nancy

©Nancy K. Baetz

Homeschooling Is Life! 2006

Related Tags: Carnival of Unschooling Voices, unschooling, home education, homeschooling,

A few days ago, we met Mrs. Troubled, Mrs. Perfect and Mrs. Peaceful.  Do you remember them?  If not, let me introduce you to them right here.

Mrs. Troubled found herself in a very agitated state.  She was experiencing "school anxiety" for the first time, as her youngest is about to enter Kindergarten.

Mrs. Troubled knew in her heart that it is not what she wanted to do.  She felt it, it didn't feel natural.  But in her confused state she was enticed by a program that will allow her to "teach her child at home."  That was the answer to her dilemma, she thought.

  Mrs. Troubled  also thought that she was unqualified to teach her child, so she has relied on what the "experts" told her.  She discovered a wonderful sounding program that will allow her all the trappings of a public school, right in her own home....free computer to boot.  She was really thrilled with that!  Little Tommy needed a computer, at 5 years old. 

Mrs. Troubled has been given a bum steer---little Tommy doesn't need a computer in order to learn, and she IS qualified to teach her son.  Any Mom who can communicate, can teach their child.  But Mrs. Troubled doesn't need to be enticed by the public school system......but they are losing money if she doesn't take part in this, paid for with her property taxes too, of course. 

 You see, there are these misconceptions about school, what it is, what it is for....and whether or not it is a good thing for little Tommy to be doing.

Learning is a wonderful, natural progression.  But institutional "schooling" is not good for most children.  I know you say, "well I went to public school and turned out ok."  Well, things have changed.  I went to public school too, and I grieve the loss of those years.

But I digress from the story of Mrs. Troubled.  She choose a cyber school, which was nothing more than public school in the home.  It didn't work for her.  BUT for some families......it may be a bridge; a bridge to true homeschooling by the definition of the word.  Home Education.  Not institutional schooling.  There is a difference.

Some state statutes have a problem with cyber public schooling, because it causes a grey area in the definition of what home education is, and what the legal parameters are. There is legitimate concern on this front.  We fight battles every time the legislature is in session about it.

 Mrs. Troubled tried cyber public school, and it didn't work for her.  The tragedy here is that Mrs. Troubled went to a friend, Mrs. Perfect, for help.  But Mrs. Perfect just didn't have time for anyone who has succumbed to the temptation of public schooling at home.  Mrs. Perfect couldn't see the need for it, or the need for supporting Mrs. Troubled.  In fact, she cast her out.

We have to walk in Mrs. Troubled's shoes a mile or two before we can understand the why's and wherewithalls.  Are we to judge a person by the appearance of things?  Unfortunately, it's happening all around.  We are so busy trying to save our homeschooling freedoms that we are throwing the "Mrs. Troubled's" right out with the free computer. 

Send Mrs. T. a lifeline, don't make her walk the plank. 

Mrs. Troubled may not have stuck with her cyber school for very long, but there are other's out there who do.  For them, it works, and even though there are concerns about this among the homeschooling community, we still need to be there for these Mom's and Dad's who have chosen this method.  We are to love our neighbors as ourselves. We need to remember that no matter how much we are for homeschooling, there will always be those who choose public school, and those who choose cyber public school.  Don't burn the bridges.  Instead, work at building them.   

And what about Mrs. Peaceful?  She was right, we all need to make the choice about what is best for us.  But if our choice is not an informed choice, then we are fooling ourselves.  There is a time to "speak up" and a time to "be quiet."  Are you praying about when to do either?

Here is the way I look at it:  If the Lord has given you the opportunity of being there for someone, no matter what they look like, what they do for a living, or how they teach there kids, are you going to squander that opportunity because they don't think just like you?  You never know when you will be put in the position of helping someone.  You might not even know that you are.....just be yourself, be honest and be ready in season and out.

You might just find Mrs. Perfect on your doorstep some day!

Homeschooling Is Life!

Nancy

p.s. Stay alert, do your best, be a friend, and always be the best example you can to those around you.  Encourage one another!

©Nancy K. Baetz

Homeschooling Is Life! 2006

      Mrs. Troubled was starting to worry even more than usual. Little Tommy was getting close to the age of launching….the age of moving on.  No, not flying the nest, but going to kindergarten.  Mrs. Troubled found herself crying and pacing.  She knew that everyone did this.  At least everyone she knew did, but it didn’t make it easier.  After all, he was her first born, her baby.  How could she send him away?  It is just the way things were done.  She had gone to Kindergarten, her parent’s did too……but somehow something just didn’t seem right about it.

But then Mrs. Troubled heard about a way for him to stay home.  A way that had a lot of incentives built right in.  Kindergarten could come right into the Troubled household!  All they had to do was sign some papers and all the materials would be free, and even a free computer would be added to their Kindergarten “at home.”  

 Mrs. T. would even be able to talk to a real Teacher when ever she needed help.  Wow, it seemed so unreal, so easy!  This was better than anything she had thought of…..so far.  It seemed like the best of both worlds.

Well, the materials arrived in the mail.  There were books, manipulatives, lots of lovely colors.  They seemed pretty good, except for a few things that Mrs. T. didn’t think little Tommy was ready for yet…..and all that computer work was pretty intensive.  Gee, a half days work was taking them all day!  Mrs. T. soon found herself back in tears again.  Why wasn’t she happy?  Little Tommy was  home, after all.  But there was much weeping and wailing going on.  It seemed like such a good idea at first, but it was so….it seemed so…..unnatural.

Mrs. T. began to share her anguish with her friend from across town, Mrs. Perfect.  Mrs. Perfect homeschooled her children.  When Mrs. T. started telling her her troubles, Mrs. P. said she was so sorry, but the government counselors were going to have to help her…after all, they were in charge of little Tommy’s school, even if it was in the home.  "Sorry, there is nothing I can do for you," said Mrs. Perfect…….even as she got ready to go to ther Mom’s Prayer night at her support group meeting.

Mrs. Troubled was getting more and more frustrated and depressed about her situation.  She had to answer to someone she didn’t even know, and they didn’t even know little Tommy!  They didn’t know his learning style or readiness.  The work they had to complete was ridiculously hard and some things just weren’t jelling in his mind.  He still needed time to play and explore the world….with Mommy.  But they were always at each other and not happy campers at all.

Mrs. T. remembered another Mom that she knew, who had her kids at home, Mrs. Peaceful.  She called up Mrs. Peaceful and told her all about the dilemma.  Mrs. Peaceful listened intently and then prayed for Mrs. T.  She also talked to her about Homeschooling……"but wasn’t that what I was doing?”  asked Mrs. T.

 “Yes and No”, Mrs. Peaceful told her. “Some Mom’s can homeschool while still under the supervision of their school district.  It is then school at home, under someone else’s authority.  You are not in charge.  Some Mom’s don’t mind that, and it works for some.  But it is not for everyone.  There are choices. You can do education YOUR way, in YOUR home, without the burden of the public school ideology on your heart, and on your children.  Some also worry that this kind of thing can lead to greater regulations over homeschooling in the long run.” 

 She went on:  “The reason what you are doing is causing you so much grief and angst, is that it is unnatural for you, and you are not at peace with your decision.  You can change it.  You don’t have to do it their way.  You can do it your way.  You can find out what works for you, and be at peace with that.’’    

You mean I can do it “My Way?”  Mrs. T. asked.

“Well,” said Mrs. Peaceful, “Yes, but really the best way to educate your children at home is God’s Way.  As a Mom who loves her child dearly, you will find that your way is right in line with His way.”

“Come now, I want you to meet some other Moms who teach their kids at home.  You can learn so much from them, each one is different!  As time goes by you will learn so much with your child, and you will see how natural this is! 

You have a choice, and that is whatever way works best for you.”

THE END

©Nancy K. Baetz

 Homeschooling Is Life! 2006

Related Tags: Homeschooling, Home Education, Virtual Academy, Charter Schools, Parental Choice, School Choice

Has everyone survived the long weekend?  I hope so!  We have had a lovely time, fishing with the kids, fellowshipping with friends, hard work and good food  to boot!  It doesn't get any better than this!

It seems like Independence Day came and went so quickly this year.  We usually go to a fireworks display and a concert, but were rained out, and fire restrictions kept the sanctioned fireworks from happening in some places.  Of course the illegal fireworks rained down on the neighborhoods for hours.  It's hard to deal with.  The only saving grace was the rain kept the fire danger down, somewhat.

Did this holiday mean anything special to you this year?  Is it beginning to sink in, how much of our freedoms have been stripped away?  Are you fighting for your rights?  Are you studying our laws so you know if your toes are being stepped on, or even worse?

Tell me what your favorite resources are in your homeschool, for girding your family up in constitutional law.  Have your children learned at what cost we have freedom today?  Did your husband fight for it?  Your father?  Your grandfather?  Here is a link to one of my favorite resources!

We must keep a tight hold of the freedom we have gained in our country, and not let any foreign entity take it from us.  What about your homeschooling freedoms?  Have you joined HSLDA?  Are you keeping up with the issues effecting your family?  And what about our personal spiritual freedom?  God's word says that if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

Has HE set you free today?  Tell me about it!

Blessings!!

Homeschooling is Life,

Nancy

Related Tags: Homeschooling freedoms, Independence Day, Christian Heritage, HSLDA, Constitution

Just posting a few images that remind me of what July 4 is really all about......

The Declaration of Independence- Public Domain

 The Declaration of Independence by John Trumbull.--Public Domain