I Cor. 1:1&2 - "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.  I praise you for remembering me in everything and for holding to the teachings, just as I passed them on to you."

Have you ever stopped to take the time to thank the person(s) who first educated you on the subject of homeschooling?

Where would we (and our families) be without them and the concern they showed us by taking the time to explain this godly plan of education?

Think of all the things you would have missed in your children's lives.  Wasn't it wonderful to watch that light come on in their eyes when they finally realized that the numeral 3 represented three things?  Wasn't it exciting when she was so inspired by a book she had just read to sit down and write a fictional story herself?...And it was good!  Wasn't it incredible when he found that cicada shell on the tree, got out his magnifying glass and really got excited about pointing out that he knew where the head, thorax and abdomen were without being asked?  Wasn't it thrilling when your family went to the beach for the first time (remember, I'm from Ohio!) and your kids couldn't collect enough seashells because they finally, fully realized that God made each and every one of them and that there were no two alike?  Oh, the things we would have missed if not for these faithful friends who told us that our kids could stay home for school!

Think of the relationship you have with each child that you would not have if they had spent 6-8 hours away from you each day.  Aren't you grateful that you could instill your values and the teachings of Scripture to them instead of "de-programming" them every night?  Or that they are not caught "between the rock and the hard place" of having to "divide allegiances"?  By that I mean that they don't have to be seduced by the pressure of believing that "cool" socialist Humanities teacher or that smug, self-assured atheistic Biology teacher vs. Dad, Mom and the Bible.  Think of the heartache, and possible harassment, they have been spared so that they can be nurtured in the Truth of the Gospel and taught to defend their faith in the proper time.  (I can find no place in Scripture were God sent a child out to evangelize.)  By the time they complete their home education, by God's grace, they will be mature and secure enough in their faith that they can defend themselves against the "cool" socialist and the smug, self-assured atheist.   I must be frank and tell you that I know very few Christian kids in public schools who are secure enough in their faith that they can properly defend it.  Thanks to God's faithfulness and those dear friends who told us about homeschooling, you and I have had the opportunity to instruct our children "in the way they should go."  (Prov. 22:6 & Deut. 6:4-9)

Titus 2:7 says, "In everything set them an example by doing what is good.  In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about you."  Now it's our turn.  If you have a year or more of homeschooling under you belt, then welcome to The Example Club!  Just as those who blazed the trails ahead of us, just as those who lovingly mentored us, just as those who set that godly example for us to follow...let us not miss the chance to encourage a nervous mom full of questions, hopes and dreams.  Don't be afraid to be used by God!...If God used Balaam's donkey, I KNOW He can use me...and you, too!  Someone is watching and wants what YOU have, just as you watched someone else at one time.

Thank the dear ones who God used to get you on the road to homeschooling and don't be afraid for Him to use you in the same way.

Blessings from Ohio, Kim Wolf<><

P.S. Thanks Sono and Gregg!!

- Home Where They Belong