Another Alpha & Omega daily devotion. This one is so true... I particularly love the one about showing up for school in their pajamas. When my girls got new pajamas for Christmas, they said "Hey Dad, look I got some new school clothes!" (And they meant it!!!)
I have switched from redecorating my dining room every year or so from Country Themes such as Fruit, apples and cows...to Apples and Schoolhouses. Dollar Tree now provides my wall decor, instead of Home Interior it is now; Solar System, Multiplication Charts, Parts of Speech, Presidents.
By Their Fruits Thursday / September 13, 2007
How long do you need to teach your children at home before you "officially" become a homeschool family? Like the tests that evaluate a child's academic performance, you can assume homeschooling has arrived at your house when...
You have more books in your house than groceries.
Your children show up for school in their pajamas.
Your house décor consists of time lines, maps, assorted craft projects, and half-finished science experiments.
Your trips to the library require a laundry basket to hold all the books.
Your refrigerator is perpetually covered in art projects and completed assignments.
Your children think reading history is best achieved while lying on your bed with the family cats.
Your kitchen pantry holds more school supplies than cooking supplies.
Your child's favorite classmates are his siblings.
Christians too have distinct marks that help us gauge whether we are growing more Christ-like. In Galatians 5:22 we read of fruits that should be displayed if we are truly following the Lord - love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. As these fruits become more evident in our lives, we can trust the Holy Spirit is working to conform us to the image of Christ. (Romans 8:29) What about your life? Is there fruit that proves you're a follower of Jesus? "Ye shall know them by their fruits." (Matthew 7:16a)
Lord,
Thank You for the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. Let my actions demonstrate Your love not only to my family, but also to the world. In Jesus' name, Amen.
I receive this Daily Devotional from AOP, and it really hit home. How many times have you told someone that you homeschool, and they have replied "I could never do that..."? This might just be a good response that would encourage them.
No Fear Friday / August 31, 2007
"Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD." (Psalm 31:24)
Let's face the facts. There are some people who shouldn't homeschool their children. For whatever reason, they lack the resources or ability to teach, and their children would do better in a conventional school setting. However, there is another side to the coin. Many parents who should be schooling their children at home, aren't. Responding in fearful apprehension, they use the excuse, "It's great others can homeschool, but I could never do that!" The status quo or their own inhibitions have convinced them of failure while God waits for them to believe in His wisdom and guidance for success.
Many great leaders in the Bible faced similar initial fears. Moses, Joshua, and Gideon all experienced anxiety and thought, "This job is too big for me." Afraid to try, and wanting to quit before they even started, each man was challenged to trust God for courage and strength. God graciously gave Moses a spokesperson in Aaron; Joshua was given encouragement at Jericho by God's holy messenger; and Gideon received confirmation of his call through a fleece that was both wet and dry. Stepping out from behind their fearful excuses, they were used greatly by God to accomplish His will.
What task has God set before you that you're afraid to attempt? In addition to homeschooling, is He asking you to work with the church youth group, serve in a short-term mission, or start a Bible study in your home? Whatever His leading might be, don't let fear stop you from stepping out in faith. God is mighty, and He will go before you and help you accomplish great things for His glory. "Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not." (Jeremiah 33:3)
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