Thought I'd copy here what I wrote for the Home Where They Belong blog site this week.

Am I a Saint or am I Insane?

I normally receive one of two extreme responses when folks find out I am homeschooling my children. They either think I am a saint, or they think I am insane (maybe not using those exact words, but their attitudes and facial expressions reveal their amazement either way.)

Let's look at the first reaction for a moment. The grand response of , "You are lifted up in my eyes and must be on a whole different level to be able to raise all these children AND homeschool them on top of it - you must be a saint!!" Well, in reality, they are right. We are all called saints if we are called children of God. However, we are all on the same level before Him - one of humility before HIS greatness - not ours. And I think that all of us homeschoolers would be quick to say that, but for the grace of God, we would not be doing what we are doing. And that we are nothing and can do nothing without Him. So, really, HE is the One to be lifted up, and not we ourselves. We must always point back to Him and say, "God is good, not me." And yet, even knowing our lack of goodness (as there is none good, no not one) God calls us saints before Him - even 95 times in the KJV! Here is one of those 95 that proclaim just Who is the One to be not only "looked up to" but to be humbly, fervently, worshipped:

"And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints." Rev. 15:3

Now the opposite extreme response is to assume we are insane! Don't you love those looks of disdain and condescension? Those voices saying. "how could you, why would you, don't you care, don't you worry, aren't you afraid, I would be crazy to attempt it." seem to ring throughout your being trying to shake your conviction. But praise be to God, when we stand strong in our calling and convictions, the Lord takes up our offense. Let's think about that word, "insanity." A current humorous definition, which I'm sure you've heard is this: "Continuing to do the same thing over and over and expecting different results." If that is true, then that is exactly what the government is doing by continuing to pour billions of dollars into a failing public education system and expecting different results. Oh but wait, the results have changed, and current research states that things are getting worse than ever before.

Insane. I kind of like that word. It really means "not in one's right mind. Utterly senseless or foolish." Now, why would I like such a word? Well, biblically speaking, God has made the foolish things of this world to confound the wise. While some look at homeschooling as foolish, God raises up children of excellence in character who are growing in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man. Man's wisdom is really utterly senseless in the eyes of God. To not be in one's right mind can also be a good place as we seek to exchange our thoughts and feeble wisdom in order to know the mind of Christ and operate under His thoughts and wisdom. Totally foreign thinking to the world, but life changing to the believer. 

"Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain." 1 Corinthians 3:18-20

"For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ." 1 Corinthians 2:16

So, the next time someone thinks you are a saint or that you are insane, let them know that you are BOTH, and be sure to let them know that you will continue to keep those children Home Where They Belong.

Deborah Wuehler

Senior Editor, The Old Schoolhouse Magazine
senioreditor@thehomeschoolmagazine.com

P.S. Don't forget to enter the awesome contest here on the Porch!

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Posted by LittleEblingsAcademy

Well said....

Blessings, Beckie :o)

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Posted by REInvestor

Deborah, I really appreciated what you wrote for the ezine that came out today on disappointment. I really needed that today. The email I read shortly before the ezine was from a very busy friend who I found out put two of her 3 kids in school, basically b/c she is too busy to supervise them properly. I was and am really disappointed at this news. And what you had to say hits squarely in my eyes. Thanks. And now off to spend some time getting God's perspective on the situation.
Jennifer

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Posted by CandyFoote

Awesome post.
I really enjoyed it!

Candy

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Posted by momofsix

I have heard all of that, too. It was fun to read about it. My question is how do you fit in church when you get all that? At a mother daughter luncheon, my daughter and I sat there unable to be involved in any table discussions because most dealt with public school issues and the children's social problems at school. I tried to change the subject once or twice with posed questions, but it kept going back to the main topics.Both my daughter and I tried to, at times, just talk a little to each other. However, it was a bit awkward.

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Posted by SincerelyAmanda

I just wanted to tell you that we enjoyed your writings in the latest issue of TOS!


~Amanda~

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Posted by LeviSuarez

Thank you for leaving me a comment on my blog!
Now I know where your blog is.
Hope to see you soon.
Your friend,

Levi

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Posted by JenIG

hello dear deboah. you've been on my mind and in my prayers this week; i hope you are doing well and are blessed.

Have a lovely Thanksgiving, my friend!
much love, jen

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Posted by Anonymous

I am a homeschooling mom of 3 and have found myself very discouraged and in the dumps so to speak since Christmas.....maybe it's the fact that none of us here can seem to get back into the swing of things. I was struck by your article I read this morning about your organizational hints. I had a couple of questions I was hoping you could clarify for me. When you say "crate", what exactly do you use? I like that idea! And the school/chore chart....could you explain that or post a pic even of one? Do you write a new chart every week with what they are to accomplish specifically or is it a generic chart (math, spelling, etc.)

Thanks for sharing...I'm getting excited here...feeling some hope!

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Posted by devdoordeborah

It really blesses me to read all the comments here. Thank you everyone.

To momofsix: we are just NOT going to fit in sometimes - even at church. But not to worry, if you feel like you don't fit in, you are just where you should be. We are strangers in this land. This is not our home. We are ambassadors from another country - the Kingdom of God. So, take heart. I do know what you are feeling when you say you do not fit in at church or where public school is the topic of conversation. Sometimes a polite question such as, "Have you considered home education?" and then see all the responses you get! They will give you so much to answer, it will be hard to stop talking about homeschooling!


To Anonymous - I know how hard it is to get bak into the swing of things after the holidays. Seems like the first month after is just getting back into routine. I have a sample chore chart that I can email you if you write me at:senioreditor@thehomeschoolmagazine.com

I have one for each child, so they will all be different for each age, grade, etc. Let me know which one you are interested in seeing.

The "crates" have changed over the years. Now I am using Sterilite 16 x 13 x 10.

Hope that helps a bit.

God bless you and all your precious families!

Deborah

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