I usually don't post about our homeschool happenings, only because I don't think they're that interesting...

Today my thoughts are on the socializing aspects of homeschooling.....It still amazes me how many people ask me about this. Even though home schooling has gotten so popular that most people know about it, or know someone who is homeschooling. Home schooling has proven itself to work time and time again. The numbers are rising , parents all over America are interested in Home schooling. When I first started home schooling, I felt "different" and out of place...today, not so.

I am very passionate about homeschooling. I Praise God for this wonderful opportunity. I try not to make people feel bad if they don't...while I think everyone is capable of homeschooling, I don't think it's for everyone...That said:

I love when people as me about testing...I can see this line of questioning..I understand that they want to see if homeschooling really does give the children a "Better" education. I usually explain to them the testing that is required, I have high schoolers, so mine are tested yearly at this point. I also explain to them that unlike public school or even private Christian schools, that with home schooling you not only teach them, but you teach them to teach themselves..you are able to help them develop a love of learning. I know that sounds idealistic and I have a son that does NOT love to learn...Again, because of homeschooling, we have been able to hone in on his talents and gifts. He isn't grouped into a "category" or made to fit into some "box"..so in the end the education is better, but it's also different.

The question that stumps me and the one that hasn't diminshed over the years is the "Socializing" issue. I don't understand the interest in this one area. Most of the time when people ask me I just say..."well, sometimes socializing in a school setting is over rated"...at that point the person usually breaks into some story about how bad the schools are and then shares a bad socializing story...

We do socialize...ALOT!! For those of you who know me in real life, you know that we socialize.

I will pre-empt the rest of this blog by saying that we are on the "Liberal" end of homeschooling. While I did homeschool my children and I did try to watch what I could as far as influence, we did allow certain influences that were not always desirable. This is what we , we being my hubby and I, feel is part of real life and we allowed certain experiences for them to help strenghten their walk with the Lord. Sometimes this was good and sometimes it wasn't.  We've made many mistakes so I'm not giving parenting advice...I'm just mentioning this so you know where I am coming from.

I have a daughter who is 16 going on 17 and my son is 15...both of my children are very , very , very, social...very!!

Right now my daughter is on another missionary trip...this year it's Italy and Spain...last year it was New Zealand and the year before that she was in Mexico. The trips are about a month long. She does all the fundraising herself and has about 3 churches that support her, including our church www.calvarychapel.com/Goshen

She also works , is part of two youth groups and attends and teaches at the highschool Bible Club.

I would say she's busy and social!  (Shes a good kid, now if I could just get her clean her bedroom...she's a "pack-rat"..oh well, You can't have it all!)

My son is 15, has been working since he was 14. He is also getting ready for two mission trips. One is local , an Orange Cty mission trip and the other is his first official mission trip to the Bahamas. He paid for both by himself. We make him save half his paychecks and tithe. He has lots of gifts from the Lord and is only beginning to realize them.( Again I praise God for homeschooling..If my son was in ps he would get lost in the shuffle. ) Right now my son is in Maine with his friend, helping him and his father open up their lake home.

Someone asked me about socializing  at Walmart this week. I replied..."You can ask my daughter when she gets back from Italy and Spain."...they had a sense of humor and laughed. They proceeded to ask me about testing...

So when people ask me about socializing....For the next 4 days I'll be saying..."Well, I'll ask my daughter when she's back from Spain and I'll ask my son when he's back from Maine".

"Only take heed to yourself, and diligently keep yourself, lest you forget the things your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from you heart all the days of your life, and teach them to your children and your grandchildren"

Deut. 4:9

"Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from It"

Proverbs 22:5

What a beautiful morning. I sit here typing , as the sun is streaming through my windows. My home is a mess, but what a feeling of peace. I can here the birds out side...so peaceful. (I'll clean later, maybe.)

Last night we had some of our church family over for a sermon/study. What an enjoyable event!! The weather has been nice, so while we were doing worship and our study, we had one of the older teens watching all the little ones. They were all outside and we had the windows open. I couldn't help but here the joy in their voices as they ran around my home. I heard the laughing, the talking and well, all the noise. Oh what a joyful noise it was!!

I don't know why, but the more people and kiddies I have running through my home, the more peaceful I feel. It's strange. You want to know something else? I never seem to have a big mess when my compay leaves. Don't get me wrong, I do have some friends that are always cleaning my home when they come over, (Christine ). Not that my home is messy, but she likes to help me and she is really a great help. Actually , shes so good, I couldnt' find some stuff this morning..  

The only one who made a mess was my dog. He got into the garbage last night...grrrrrrrrrr.... So this morning I have to clean...but not before I go walking on this beautiful morning.

I can't wait until my home is full of children , running around and laughing...Oh! What a Joyful Noise!!!

"Then they cried out with a loud voiced, stopped their ears, and ran at him with one accord and they cast him out of hte city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit."

Acts 7: 57-59

As I read through the book of Acts, I am touched by the "oneness" of all the disciples. I see a beautiful glimpse of what Heaven will be like, when all the Saints gather to Praise our Lord and Savior. When we sing "Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty".

As I read the scripture in verse 57, I was taken back...they were all in "One Accord" as they went running at Stephen. When I looked up the word, it was the same Greek word used when referring to the disciples, Homothumadon (Strong's 3661). www.blueletterbible.org

Can we be "In Accord" with the wrong people? Or with the wrong ideas?

We see this alot with the "World". Everyone believing that there is no "right" or "wrong". Everyone worried about being politically correct . This seems to be and on going trend, to say the least...but....

Does this happen in the Chuch? Are we "In Accord" with God? or with People? I think it does, I think it's something that happens when people are not in God's Word, to see what God has for them. Sometime's we worry more about what people will think , rather then pleasing God.

 I've done it!! Early in my walk, I looked to please People, and NOT God. I thank the Lord, for His Patience with me. I Praise Him for His Wisdom and I ask Him daily to watch over me and make sure I'm "In Accord" with HIM.

I see the Day Approaching!!!

"For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done. Now, Lord , look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, By stretching out Your hand to heal and the signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.

"And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness"

"Now the mulitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common"

Here we are seeing the persecution, They (Peter and John) are being asked to NOT teach in the name of Jesus. Who do they look to for the answer? They answer honestly , that they are going to listen to God...God is more important then what they are demanding.

Then in one accord , they all lifted their voices in prayer to the Lord...That is the most beautiful vision i've ever had of what Heaven will be like for the believers..."One Accord"

They come together for one purpose and in unity. Do they pray for the Lord to protect them? Do they pray that they Lord Bless them? Nope...all they ask is for the Lord to give them "Boldness" to speak HIS Word!

AMEN!! Boldness!! How bold am I? How bold are you?

I see the Day

This is a song my daughter wrote:

What is my purpose

Where is my place

Why do I feel like I don't belong

(chorus)

You give me courage

you give me strength

You are my purpose

and my place

What is this fear

What is disgrace

Why do I see it on my face

Chorus

When I feel I don't belong

When the walls come

tumbling down

(X2)

You give me courage

You give me strength

you make me know

that I belong

Chorus

I see the Day approaching.

God Bless,
Laura

"Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts. To which also you were call in one body; and be thankful"

Colossians 3:12-15

Are we Thankful? How Thankful are we?

This is something I ask myself.

Am I "putting on love"? How does one "put on" love? Do we fake it? Do we act like we love people? Quite frankly, i'm not that good of an actress. I can't "Act" anything!! Although my hubby might disagree with me..tee hee.

After doing some research at my most favorite web-site,

www.blueletterbible.org

The "Love" Paul writes to the Colossian's is God's Agape Love! Not our fake, carnal, erotic love. But God's perfect , holy, Agape love. We are to "put on" God's perfect love! How does one put on God's perfect love?

Well to "put on" God's love, notice "Put on" is a verb, this verb means that we are to "DO" something. "Putting on" God's love is the "Bond of Perfection". Our perfection is in Christ...Put on Christ, clothe yourself in the Blood of Christ.

Then the verse goes on.."Let the Peace of God rule in your hearts". Again we have another verb, "let " Let the Holy Spirit Rule and Reign in your heart!

During this holiday season, it is so easy to get too busy to spend time with our Lord and Savior. To be too busy to spend time in His word , His wonderful love letter to us.

Thanksgiving is a great opportunity to show our family and friends the Love of Christ. It can also be the hardest time of the year to make time for people or to even have the patience we need.

I will be keeping this scripture on my mind and in my heart this holiday season. We are God's "Elect". His chosen children. Heirs to the throne!! The Love God has for us, is HIS perfect, holy and Agape Love!!

I am so Thankful!!

I see the day...

I'm sitting in Bible study yesturday, and my pastor is reading from Joshua 2. I've already read through this whole book, but i'm listening to see if I get anything else...well, I did. He was reading and when he got to Joshua 2:15, It got my attention...

"Then she let them down by a rope through the window, for her house was on the city wall; she dwelt on the wall."

This verse caught my eye and I couldn't keep myself from thinking about it over and over. I figured the Lord had something there for me...God is so good!!

The city is Jericho, and the wall was Jericho's protection. Why would someone want to live on the wall? The wall was the protective barrier and the first thing to be hit if an attack happened.

I surmise that "she" who is Rahab, didn't choose to live on the wall, but that she wasn't allowed to live anywhere else...After all Rahab was a prostitute. She was looked down upon by the people of that city. She wasn't good enough to live in the inner part of town.

I wonder how many people feel like they are "Dwelling on the wall" at church? How many women feel like they don't belong, or that they have something in their pasts that keep them from participating at church?

This scripture reminded me of the Tabernacle. Only the chosen few could enter into the "Holy Place" and the "Most Holy Place". Praise God that Jesus died so that we could ALL come close to God and ALL of us could enter the "Most Holy Place" . Whether you are "Dwelling on the wall" or trying to climb down from the wall, be assured that you are loved.

I pray that the Love of Christ flows through all the women at my church and all the churches so that no woman ever feels like she is "Dwelling on the wall" .

I see the DAY approaching

We started our new school year on August 7th. This is our first year using Sonlight. I absolutely LOVE this curriculum. This is the best i've ever used. My daughter and son like it too. My son is doing very well. I don't know why i'm shocked. The Lord had me use this curriculum. I knew it from the beginning. Why was I worried?

Why would the Lord lead me to use Sonlight and not lead me through it? He wouldn't!! Why would I question this?

Oh ME of little faith!!!

I would love to type here that I trusted the Lord and never once was worried about my choice, but i'd be lying. I worried...I worried about my son, would he like it? Would he enjoy all the reading? I worried if I'd like it?? Would I be able to be consistent?

I am sick of myself just reading what I've typed....I'm so greatful we serve a Merciful God!! Thank you Lord! For YOUR Mercy and Grace!!

If we are obedient to the Lord, He will take care of us. Even if He has us do something that is hard, different and even scary!! The Lord has blessed us tremendously!! More then we deserve.

This weekend, I watched as both my children were baptized. A choice they both made on their own. What a blessing. I have watched them grow in their faith and walk with the Lord, and I'm reminded of when we started homeschooling. It was a tough decision and I was worried and very insecure of my decision. I was however , obedient to the Lord. I had no one to help me or to encourage me and at times it was tough and I worried that I had made the wrong decision. (See a pattern here?)

 Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:25-27

Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?"

How much time do we spend worrying? Over the years...less and less, thanks to the Lord's guidance, mercy and wisdom. I am not perfect in this area, as you've just read, but the Lord is gracious, slow to anger and abundant in LOVE!!

Why do I share this? Because i've had wonderful mentors in my life, who've shared with me their weaknesses and lessons that the Lord has taught them. They've shared with me all their mistakes, so that I would benefit from their wisdom and experience and the one thing i've been taught...is to share your heart, life and even your mistakes to fellow "Sister's in Christ". How Blessed I am to have such wonderful mentors.

One mentor of mine just recently corrected me (in love) because I was.........

you guessed it....Worried!!!(pattern continues, but learning)

I was worried about a women's study i'm starting..you'd think i'd learn. My mentor and friend. Reminded me that I am called to be doing what i'm doing and that once again I needed to fully rely on God for all my strength...(ok i'm getting it) She stopped me and reminded me that if God wants this and has called me, that I shouldn't question Him. I should be obedient ,and brave with the full "Armor of God" protecting me. (i'm a slow learner) She's right...not a surprise, thats why she's my mentor.

I share this, because i'm not alone. We as women are called to a very important job and ministry. To be wives and mothers. A calling that is special and anointed from the Lord.

"We loved you so much, that we were delighted to share not only the Gospel of God, but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us"

1Thess. 2:8

This verse sums it up. We are to love one another and share our lives, and yes, even our mistakes and lessons. I am so grateful to the women who've mentored me, not only with words, but with their lives. They taught me by example and for this I can only pray that the Lord uses me the same way.

As we continue our school year, I pray for the Lord's Peace and to teach me to fully rely on Him and to NEVER be worried. Oh how wonderful that would be...to Never worry again. Well, I can dream ,  can't I?? I hope i've shared some of my life so that anyone else feeling insecure and worried, knows that they are not alone. Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ is the greatest comforter.

Since my conversation with my friend, I haven't worried about the Ladie's Bible study, I've had complete peace...a Peace that surpasses all understanding...Thank you Lord for sending Yolanda as my friend, mentor and sister in Christ.

Laura

God is so good. I sit here with an incredibly busy day ahead. And the Lord is so good to give me the peace to sit with Him in His Word. Thank you Lord!!

I'm reading through Hebrews and I'm on chapter 10 and to be honest I was enjoying my reading, but not getting anything worth writing. Until I hit verse 23.

"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And Let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching."

I love the idea of stirring up love! I don't know why, but as a mom, I have so many opportunities to stir up love, And I don't mean by cooking. For those of you who know me, know that cooking isn't my "thing".

To consider our husband and children in order to stir up love AND good works. I've noticed that on days when I "stir up" love...my children are in a different frame of mind. Their chores get done and sometimes even with a laugh or two. Imagine if we all woke up in the morning with the thought and desire to "stir-up" love..what a beautiful home we would have.

I also like how we are reminded NOT to "forsake the assembling of ourselves together" or the fellowship of the body. This is an area my husband and I have NO problems in doing.  We often have company and the Lord has really given us a love for people.

I will remember this scripture tonight. I have all the boys from our youth group sleeping over, If they sleep. I will be looking for ways to "stir-up" love and praising God for another opportunity to "assemble" and "exhort" these wonderful young men of God. What a wonderful way for Jesus to return..while our home is filled with Love. His Agape Love.

I see the "Day" approaching.

Laura

I'm often asked..."Are you going to home school through high school?". My response is.."Yes, that is my plan, God willing". And the next question I get.."Why?"

Why? Well, I would love to say something really spiritual, but that wouldn't quite explain it.

My reason...I want to. It's  plain and simple. God gave me a "calling" to home school and I love it. I really like being with my children. I know that sounds crazy. I really, really like hanging around with both my children. We can often be found talking and laughing.  I praise God and thank Him everyday for showing me and calling me to homeschool. 

My home is not perfect. I am not perfect and neither are my children, but, when all is said and done, I wouldn't change a thing. God is teaching, training and loving all of us.

Home schooling,  It's not just something we do, it's who we are.

Your sister in Christ,

Laura

I love to read, and I especially love when God speaks to me through His word. When I read Joshua 1, I stopped at verse 8 and read it again...

"This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will have good success."

Well, obviously we are to be "IN" Gods word daily, but I started to ponder what "good Success" is? We think about success in a , general term, meaning "good". What is success by the world's standards? Money, Fame, Large homes & new cars? Or what do we think of as "success" with our children? Is it perfect behavior? Honor roll,(for those who don't home-school)? Captain of the Football/cheerleading squad. Being popular? What are our opinions about success in our church family?

I started to think about what "good" success is. "Good Success" is "God Success". It sometimes may appear to the world that "God Success" isn't success at all. But I see things differently, Praise God!

"Good Success" is knowing that God is working in my life and that of my family's. Our success should be marked by our relationship with God. Then the Love of Christ will pour out on our marriage and our children.

I love my husband and our marriage. God has given us His "good success" in this area. Nothing we did or do can explain why the Lord has been good to us in this area, So I take none of the blame or credit for it. Thank you Lord!

I was recently challenged when I  was silently struggling with some of my daughters choices. My daughter (15) is a missionary. By the world's standards she is not successful, nor are we as her parents. But, I see us as being VERY successful , successful in God's eyes, and that is all that matters.

I was struggling with letting her go and some of her desires to visit some dangerous countries. My heart was breaking and I have to confess , I wasn't totally trusting in the Lord to guide her. While at the same time I was pondering this scripture and thinking about Steph's future missionary trips, I was filled with peace when the Lord showed me that HE IS guiding her paths. And that She is listening. Maybe that was my problem, I didn't think she was listening. Well, God is so good, He showed me that even when I doubt, He is still in control!!

God showed me, that while I may have a good idea about what "good success" is, that His "God success" is sometimes not noticeable to the naked eye and that is where Faith comes in!!

Thank you Lord, that you Love me even when I am not truly trusting in YOU!! And I love how tender and merciful you are to teach me.

Ok, I've rambled enough.

Your Sister in Christ,

Laura