Teaching Foreign Languages

When it comes to teaching foreign languages, parents have the ability to teach their children so much more than vocabularies and grammar. They have the amazing opportunity to instill in their children a respect for foreign countries, a concern for people of every language, and a desire to use language as a way to tear down barriers and even share the gospel. 

Why Teach Foreign Language

Many people don’t give foreign languages much thought before their student is required to take it during the high school years.  Of course it’s great if you can introduce foreign languages before then, but don’t fret if your children are all taller than you are and you’ve just now gotten around to it.

For most people, the most obvious reason to teach foreign languages is because it’s required.  Most states require at least two foreign language credits in the same language for high school graduation.

Aside from that obvious fact, you might want to consider the following:

-          Students seem to have a more global perspective on the world when they study foreign languages (in other words, they aren’t the center of the universe)

-          Fluency (or even a moderate level of proficiency) in a second language can translate to better jobs and more job opportunities

-          The ability to speak with someone in their own language can sometimes mean the difference between a positive relationship and a negative one

-          If you ever move to or visit a foreign country, you’ll be a step ahead in learning the language (even if you learn a different second language while you’re young, it makes learning other languages easier)

-          Foreign travel is more fun when you can communicate with natives of the country.

-          Study of foreign language helps students with English vocabulary.

-          Students who study foreign languages seem to have a greater grasp of other subjects and can even study original sources in the original language.

 

Many people in the United States see no point in learning a foreign language.  As a matter of fact, many have the attitude that everyone in the world should learn English.  However, practically every other country teaches their children more than one language and most other developed countries require fluency in one, two, or even three foreign languages before they can graduate. 

Not only is our lack of foreign language aptitude embarrassing, but with our foundations as a Christian nation, I also find it sad.  We cannot GO into the world, as Jesus told us to do, and share the gospel if we can't even communicate with the people of the world, but I can tell you that other religious groups like Muslims ARE learning other languages and they are teaching foreign languages to their children from very young ages so those people sure will be able to share their "gospel" with anyone who is willing to listen.

Choosing a Language

If a student attends public or private school, unless he plans to study foreign languages at home, he is pretty much limited by which languages the school offers.  Many schools offer a great variety of languages, though, so check with yours to see what the options are.  Some offer the traditional languages and even a few eccentric ones!  There are some amazing schools across the United States that actually focus on foreign languages through immersion programs.  Some of these are public government schools and they even teach languages like Chinese, Japanese and Korean! 

If you teach your child at home, you can pretty much any language with the only limitation being the ability to locate materials and your ability to teach the language.  Since you can pretty much choose any language, here are some general guidelines.

Obviously, it makes sense to study Spanish if you live in an area with a large Hispanic population, Arabic if you live near an Arabic population, etc.   If you live in a bilingual neighborhood, take advantage of that fact and allow your child to learn the foreign language through natural conversation from other local children.  I always recommend that parents learn languages along with their children, but in the case of bilingual neighborhoods, it’s even that much more important that you study the language with your child so that you’ll know what he is saying!  Develop the ability to communicate with your neighbor.

If you move frequently or if you know you’ll be moving in the next few years, find out what language is spoken in the place you might move to.  If you will be living near the Canadian border, learn French.  If your company has headquarters in Brazil and there is a possibility that you could travel – or live – there, learn Portuguese.  If you’re trying to adopt a child from Thailand, learn Thai.

Here are some other ideas: 

Language	Field(s)	Language is helpful in following ways…
Latin	Sciences, medical, journalism	Vocabulary, terminology, body parts, grammar
Chinese	Travel, communication, business	Spoken by more humans than any other language
German	Business, technology, banking, science	English is Germanic; great stepping stone to learn other Germanic languages such as Dutch, Swedish
Spanish	Medical, fast foods, service industries	So you can talk with increasing Spanish-speaking population
French	Poetry, research, travel, science	Considered world’s second most influential language; good for international communication
Arabic	International issues, religion	Quickly becoming a dominant language simply because of the spread of Islam

Another idea is to study a less common language simply because it is less common.  If you teach your child a language that very few people in the United States speaks and he becomes fluent in that language, his skills could be in high demand as he grows older.  Of course the difficulty with that plan is that you’ll need to provide opportunities for him to practice the language to learn proper pronunciation and colloquialisms and continue to keep his skills in practice over the years.  If no one in your area speaks the language, this might be difficult.

The above factors are important when considering which language to study, but I believe there is one final factor that outweighs all the others.  As a Christian, I believe God knit each of us in our mothers’ wombs and knew us before we were even born.  He loved us enough to send his son to die on the cross to atone for our sins. When considering which language to study, I believe it’s important to pray about the decision of language study. 

Look at your child’s unique talents and gifts.  Pray for that child.  Pray for guidance.  Rather than casually selecting a language to teach your child based on what you studied in high school or what was on sale at the last curriculum fair, thoughtfully choose a language based on the leading of the Holy Spirit following prayer and consideration.  God knows what that child’s future holds and with proper guidance, you can prepare your child now for something that he/she will use for God’s glory later in life.

Teaching a Foreign Language

Of course there are many ways to teach a foreign language.  You can travel to a foreign country and immerse yourself in the language.  You can purchase books, DVDs, audio materials, computer programs, and more.  You could hire a tutor, enroll in a co-op class, or study at home alone or as a family.  There is no right or wrong choice when it comes to the method of learning a foreign language.  You have to do what works for your family! 

There are some things suggestions that might make a difference in how well your child retains the language.

First, realize that when you teach a foreign language, you have the ability to make language REAL for your child.  It’s not just more schoolwork.  When you introduce foreign languages to your children, you don’t even have to start with the language.  Once you have picked a language, start with the people.  Bring the language alive for your children by showing them pictures of the people who speak the language.  Locate countries on the map or a globe where the language is spoken.  What’s the economy like?  Do the people have fresh water?  What type of government do they have?  Religion?  Education?  Does everyone go to school?  Are they allowed to homeschool?  Make it personal for your child.

Once you have created an interest in the people, then introduce the language with whichever method you choose.  Meanwhile, remember to have fun!  It will be easier if you learn the language as a family.  If your child is learning Chinese, learn it with her!  Practice using vocabulary words together.  Make vocabulary cards and tape them to the objects.  Count as you go up and down the stairs.  Practice giving orders and saying words like “please” and “thank you” in the language.

Recommended Foreign Language Programs

Here are some ideas as far as the different programs available...

Rosetta Stone is terrific for visual/auditory and hands-on learners, but is incredibly expensive.  This is a computer based program so that's another thing to keep in mind if you don't have a one.  Another drawback with Rosetta Stone is that it is great for teaching conversational language, but I do not recommend it if you also want to learn grammar because the program itself doesn't really teach grammar.  This is a downside that I do not think is acceptable for college-bound students.  If you do use Rosetta Stone, which I think is a wonderful program for teaching vocabulary and conversational language, I think the parents should also add in a grammatical component with another book.  There is almost any language imaginable available.

Auralog's Tell Me More is similar to Rosetta Stone, but adds in a little more grammar training.  I've had a little difficulty with the software working properly sometimes, but it's still a good program and much cheaper than Rosetta Stone.

Personally, my favorite language program is Living Language (published by Random House), which is funny because I started using it in high school for fun.  The Living Language programs are great and they have a terrific combination of spoken language AND grammar.  I don't think it's enough to "speak" the language, but it's also good to understand what you're doing.  This program is good for auditory learners since it's on CD.  In the book, you follow along with what the CD is saying so that reinforces what you're learning.  This is a fabulous program and they actually have a new version specifically for children ages 4-8.  It comes with stickers (in Spanish to identify objects), three books (Spanish for the kitchen, the car, and everywhere else), and audio CDs with songs, etc.  The younger programs come in the most popular languages, but materials for older students come in many different languages.

I also love any of the Berlitz language books, but they also have a lot of audio and software products.  I use the books quite frequently when I need to look up something and I’m not familiar with a language.  They are designed so well that you don’t have to read the entire book just to find a simple answer to a grammatical or vocabulary question.  I recently started the Berlitz program for German and the boys really like this.  It comes with audio CDs and thus far we’ve really enjoyed the whole program. 

For Latin, we're using Latin's Not So Tough.  It's a very good program and it's easy to use even if you don't know Latin.  There is a DVD that comes with it and you can use it as video school for each lesson because it actually teaches the grammar, goes over pronunciation of vocabulary, etc.  It is lively and entertaining. 

Greek-N-Stuff produces a wonderful curriculum for learning Greek called Hey, Andrew!  Teach Me Some Greek!  You can buy vocabulary cards, audio CDs, and other materials to supplement the books.

Bob Jones also has the mainstream languages - Spanish, French, etc. - and they come in a whole set with CDs, books, workbooks, etc.  These are nicely done and would work for any homeschool family wanting to give their child a good base in any of the traditional foreign languages before they go to college.  These are DEFINITELY meant for high school age kids (possibly junior high) and the work is intense, but like any Bob Jones material, it is very good. 

If you child feels led to study something exotic, then try to make that possible.  Living Language covers dozens of languages, as does Rosetta Stone and Berlitz.  You should have no difficulty finding the language your child wants to study.  If you need help, let me know and I'll help you find a good program. 

The Learnables, published by the International Linguistics Corporation, is a simple, economical foreign language curriculum.  The principle behind The Learnables is that if you hear the foreign vocabulary word and associate it with pictures, you will learn the language.  Linguistically, children think in "pictures" until about puberty, at which time they switch over to translation mode.  The Learnables forces students who have already passed the age of puberty to think pictorially again and it is much easier to learn foreign vocabulary when you are not also trying to translate.  One drawback of the program is that you have to be looking at the book to learn, but even very young children can use this program independently to learn vocabulary and sentences.  There is an extensive evaluation of The Learnables here. 

 

If you want to introduce very young children to Latin, I would use Song School Latin.  It’s terrific and it is especially designed to appeal to early elementary age children.  You can read a full review here. 

For the family that prefers a bit more structure and less activity, you might prefer Latina Christiana by Cheryl Lowe.  This is a good elementary age Latin program and it goes more in depth than the Song School Latin, but it is not as “activity” oriented.  So it’s just a matter of what teaching style you prefer and the learning style of your children. 

I love languages and I’ve used many programs over the years so hopefully this can be helpful to you.  I still enjoy using these and introducing languages to my children.  If you have any questions about a particular curriculum or a particular language's difficulty, etc., I would be happy to help you.  Just e-mail!

Sonya Haskins

www.thehomeschooladvocate.com

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We usually check the movie reviews on Plugged In (www.pluggedinonline.com) before we rent or watch movies.  I did NOT read the review for Knowing before we went to see it tonight, but I can tell you that even if I had, I completely disagree with the way they've reviewed this movie.  I've posted before that we only go to one or two movies a year because it's so expensive.  The only thing Sarah wanted for her birthday was a night at the movies alone with me so she and I went tonight and saw Knowing.

I've always been a huge Nicolas Cage fan, but unfortunately I was hugely let down by this film.  In case any of you were considering watching it - with or without your teenagers - I thought you might find some advance warning helpful.  First off, I would positively, absolutely NOT take children to this movie.  Honestly, if I had it to do over again, I wouldn't take a young teen either and I told Sarah this after the movie.

For starters, since the movie is PG-13, the previews before the movie were absolutely horrible.  I found them completely unacceptable.  The first preview that came on started showing these girls in a fraternity and it honestly looked like they were having a good time, they were joking around, and even though there was inappropriate behavior (boys and girls having sex at a party, boy who cheated on his girlfriend, etc.), I was totally not expecting what came next.  The joke got out of hand, and it actually showed the boy killing another girl with a tire iron.  It was so unexpected and horrible that I told Sarah we might have to leave if this is what was to come.  To her credit, when I started to tell her, she already had her ears covered and her head lowered.  She was not watching any of it.  Now this was just in the PREVIEWS!!! 

I think the next preview was the one that had a horribly violent movie about a bunch of robots who are killing everyone Earth.  It was very violent.  I told Sarah just to keep her head down the whole time during the previews.  It's good because the next preview had two girls KISSING...  It just got worse and worse.  These previews are approved for ALL AUDIENCES (meaning children, too).  I'm seriously going to be checking into who rates previews and doing some articles about that on my website when I return from Washington DC.  I couldn't believe the content of the previews.

So on to the movie...  I don't want to take up too much space on the digest, but in a nutshell, this is the worst example of New Ageism combined with UFO-logy and "Christianity" that I've ever seen.  I put Christianity in quotes because it is so convoluted that there is no Christianity left in it.  Basically, the premise of the movie is that this little girl knows when the end of the world is coming - the exact date.  Not only that, but she writes numbers on a paper in 1959 that predict ever major disaster that happens until 2009.  She couldn't finish writing her numbers on the paper before the teacher snatches the paper away so the little girl finds a closet and scratches more numbers into a door there until her fingers are bloody and torn to pieces.  The paper is put in a time capsule and opened in 2009 at the elementary school where the little girl went and also Nicolas Cage's little boy.  His little boy starts hearing voices and it's all linked together so that (DO NOT CONTINUE TO READ FROM HERE IF YOU DON'T WANT TO KNOW THE END OF THE STORY) he and a whole bunch of other little chosen children are taken to a "new world" with a "tree of life" by aliens with angel wings in spaceships that look like things described in Ezekiel in the Bible. 

The problem is that the Bible makes it clear that NO ONE knows the time when the end will come.  Other problems include the fact that Cage's dad, who is a pastor, says to them as they die at the end of the movie (the whole earth is destroyed - how's that for uplifting?!?), "Don't worry son, there will be life after this" or something of that nature.  The problem with that is that the Cage character is not a Christian and he will not have life after death - the Bible makes that clear.  The children are not going to be taken up and chosen to start a new Garden of Eden.  All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.

There is one scene where someone refers to a woman's breast size.  There is a LOT of drinking - Cage drinks a lot of whiskey and is so drunk in one scene that he is asleep and doesn't pick his son up from school at the end of the day.  There is cursing and using the Lord's name in vain.  Prophecy is rampant and made to look "Biblical" because it's so closely tied to prophecy in Ezekiel, but they've convoluted it.  There is violence, lots of people killed, animals on fire running out of a forest (in prophecy), and the total destruction of the whole earth.

I'm displeased with the Plugged In review because it almost makes it sound like "some Christians will like it and some won't."  Gee, that's ok and that's all...  I'm telling you - this movie is NOT ok.  Sarah and I spent the whole trip home discussing everything that was wrong with it and I'm so sorry I took her to see it.  I told her we would even have to pray to get some of the scenes out of her head.  (The little girl's bloody fingers, for example, was totally unexpected.)

I'm stepping out on a limb here to even share my thoughts.  I don't want anyone to think I'm a horrible parent because I took Sarah to see this.  I told her that this would be the LAST movie we watch in a movie theater.  Even Horton Hears a Who turned out to have some things in it we disagreed with and I really don't mind little things that I can discuss with the children later, but it was obvious even from the previews and every single thing presented in this movie that we are in such a huge battle here for people's spirits.  I heard people coming out of the theater even contemplating that the end of the earth could happen this way - with aliens coming down to save us from environmental doom or natural disaster.  This is not what the Bible says, people!!!  Do not be drawn into it.

If you were planning to go see this movie, don't.  I like Nicolas Cage, too, but it's not worth it.  And whatever you do, please do NOT let your teenagers go see this movie, especially alone.  You will need to talk with them about EVERYTHING in the entire movie (and the previews).

Sonya Haskins

www.thehomeschooladvocate.com

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I am so excited about the new book I’m writing! The focus of the book is stress-proof homeschooling. Sometimes I think it’s very ironic that the Lord has called me to write a book about reducing stress when I'm struggling through it daily! However, unlike many other products on the market, I have no intention of telling you “the right way” to homeschool. Instead, I'll be compiling the best insight, advice, suggestions, and interviews from dozens of homeschool families. That way, readers can pick and choose what will work in their own unique family environment. I learned long ago that one of the tricks of good parenting is to glean the best advice from many different sources and to evaluate my parenting on a regular basis so that I can make improvements as necessary.

I am currently looking for families who are willing to share a bit of their story, answer a few questions, offer some advice, or simply share an anecdote or two related to homeschooling. You do NOT have to be a perfect family to provide feedback for the book. Actually, if your homeschooling is more like The Three Stooges than Leave it to Beaver, then you’re just the person I’m looking for!! Actually, I’ll share stories from many different kinds of families, but I do encourage everyone to respond.

If you're willing to complete an interview, please e-mail me at sonya@sonyahaskins.com . I believe this book will be a real blessing to other families, particularly new homeschoolers. If you could please forward this request to all your homeschool friends, e-mail loops, digests, websites, blogs, etc., I would GREATLY appreciate it! I don’t usually ask for people to forward things, but most people do not take the time to reply and I’m going to need to reach literally hundreds of people (moms, dads, students, even previous homeschoolers) in order to get the responses that I’ll include in the book. I certainly don’t have all the answers. In this book, the best information from many different homeschoolers will be in one terrific resource!

Thank you for taking the time to read, post, forward, and answer this e-mail! The interviews are ready so as soon as I receive a request, I will forward that to you. If you’d like to read more about me or my family before you reply, visit www.thehomeschooladvocate.com  or www.sonyahaskins.com . I will be accepting interviews until the end of February so please request one as soon as possible and forward this to your friends today.

I look forward to hearing from you and reading your stories!

Sincerely,
Sonya Haskins, author of The Homeschooler’s Book of Lists

P.S. If you are a blogger, you are welcome to post this request on your blog. I should have started these interviews over a month ago, but I deal with chronic health problems and I've been very sick again lately. I was in the hospital in December for a week and since then I've simply been trying to recover. The Lord has blessed me greatly by allowing me to write and it never ceases to amaze me that he allows me to do what I love, but it's funny to me that he has most recently called me to write this book about relieving stress in your homeschool household. I know I'll get it done because he has called me to do it, but I'm going to need some help finding families to interview. Thank you for posting this to your own blogs as well!

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Christopher has been asking to watch Swiss Family Robinson for a few weeks and I finally rented it from Blockbuster last night.  It's really a terrific movie, but we were amazed at how happy they all were from the very beginning - despite being stranded on an island in the middle of the ocean.  They just moved right in and built a home. 

During one part, the older boys want to sail around the island, but the parents know this is dangerous because there are pirates lurking all around.  Finally the dad says to the mom, "You know, darling, we will have to let them do one day..."  or something like that.  It was funny.

It is definitely obvious that the movie was made before "animal rights" were an issue.

About 30 minutes in, the youngest boy was off in the wilderness trying to catch a baby elephant and he was almost eaten by a tiger. The mom ran to him and said, "You know you shouldn't have run off like that... Don't you know you might have been eaten or something!"

Chris said, "Aren't you glad we've never said that one to the kids?"

I guess it seems that we've said a little of everything - including things we've said we would never say - but I have to admit, we've never warned them about being eaten!

Hannah was asking if the terrain was accurate because they are on a deserted island, but there are elephants, tigers, etc. She said, "What kind of terrain do elephants live in? Do they really live in forests?"

Earlier in the week we noticed that she had a rash on her arm and Chris asked her how long it had been there. She said, "Daddy, don't you remember that I can't tell time?"

Sonya
www.sonyahaskins.com

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I was driving down the highway today and I started thinking about the road signs along the way. People are so used to seeing road signs that often they take them for granted.

Some signs tell us where to turn. Others tell us when to stop or that we’re going the wrong way. Road signs can tell us that there is food or gas, shelter, entertainment, or a historical site. With a little bit of calculation, you might even be able to use road signs to tell how far you’ve come and how far you have to go.

In the Bible, there are many verses related to signs - even “road signs.” Consider the following:
21 “Set up road signs;put up guideposts.Take note of the highway,the road that you take.Return, O Virgin Israel,return to your towns.” Jeremiah 31:21

This verse discusses the exiles of Judah, who are encouraged to set up “road signs” so that they will be able to find their way back. When we are traveling, it is important to know the way home and God wants the exiles to find their way back.

Sometimes, rather than telling us to leave signs along the way so that we can return, God tells us what signs to look for to know that something is coming.

“There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” Luke 21:25-28

It is terrific that we’ve been given all of these signs. The Bible tells us that the Son of Man is coming and we need to be prepared. Just like with the road signs I saw today on the highway, we should use the signs to be prepared.

Share this information with your children. When you are driving along, use road signs as an educational opportunity and also a ministry opportunity. Here are some ideas:

- Use mile markers to calculate mileage from your house to various destinations.
- Discuss the meanings of road signs with your children.
- Play road sign games. Let younger children find alphabet letters in order. See who can find the most unique road signs. Use road signs to teach younger children shapes (ovals, circles, squares, diamonds, etc.)
- Discuss how important it is to pay attention to road signs. Talk about safe driving for the sake of the driver and others.
- What happens if someone doesn’t pay attention to road signs? Is that dangerous? Is it prudent to be aware of signs? (Have you ever needed a bathroom and you couldn’t remember when you last saw a sign with a gas station or rest area? Should Christians be aware of the signs of Christ’s return?)
- Compare road signs along the highway with the “signs” we see in the Bible. Talk about this with your children in your own comfort level.

Have fun traveling the road and remember to watch the signs along the way!
Sonya
www.sonyahaskins.com

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I was driving down the highway today and I started thinking about the road signs along the way. People are so used to seeing road signs that often they take them for granted.

Some signs tell us where to turn. Others tell us when to stop or that we’re going the wrong way. Road signs can tell us that there is food or gas, shelter, entertainment, or a historical site. With a little bit of calculation, you might even be able to use road signs to tell how far you’ve come and how far you have to go.

In the Bible, there are many verses related to signs - even “road signs.” Consider the following:
21 “Set up road signs;put up guideposts.Take note of the highway,the road that you take.Return, O Virgin Israel,return to your towns.” Jeremiah 31:21

This verse discusses the exiles of Judah, who are encouraged to set up “road signs” so that they will be able to find their way back. When we are traveling, it is important to know the way home and God wants the exiles to find their way back.

Sometimes, rather than telling us to leave signs along the way so that we can return, God tells us what signs to look for to know that something is coming.

“There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” Luke 21:25-28

It is terrific that we’ve been given all of these signs. The Bible tells us that the Son of Man is coming and we need to be prepared. Just like with the road signs I saw today on the highway, we should use the signs to be prepared.

Share this information with your children. When you are driving along, use road signs as an educational opportunity and also a ministry opportunity. Here are some ideas:

- Use mile markers to calculate mileage from your house to various destinations.
- Discuss the meanings of road signs with your children.
- Play road sign games. Let younger children find alphabet letters in order. See who can find the most unique road signs. Use road signs to teach younger children shapes (ovals, circles, squares, diamonds, etc.)
- Discuss how important it is to pay attention to road signs. Talk about safe driving for the sake of the driver and others.
- What happens if someone doesn’t pay attention to road signs? Is that dangerous? Is it prudent to be aware of signs? (Have you ever needed a bathroom and you couldn’t remember when you last saw a sign with a gas station or rest area? Should Christians be aware of the signs of Christ’s return?)
- Compare road signs along the highway with the “signs” we see in the Bible. Talk about this with your children in your own comfort level.

Have fun traveling the road and remember to watch the signs along the way!
Sonya
www.sonyahaskins.com

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If you have a minute, please click here to take a 2-minute survey.  Well, I guess that should say... If you have two minutes!  Thanks!

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=rMUEY6Qf_2bJktrxRWn9O7aA_3d_3d

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There has been a lengthy discussion in response to my essay about socialism in the United States.  I really don't have time to debate back and forth the same issues repeatedly, but I've taken the time to write my responses in red in regards to this discussion.  I have posted my thoughts on this subject and I have taken plenty of time to respond thoroughly to the requests/comments of "Nick."  Despite the fact that Nick has accused me of not wanting to back up my beliefs, I have done this and still am being attacked.  This is my final post in regards to the original essay on socialism.

Here is the original post if you're interested in reading it:  http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/homemakerscottage/493077

Sonya

www.sonyahaskins.com

 

(Comments below are from "Nick" except for comments in red, which are my responses.)
1) "Freedom of" versus "Freedom From" -

You cannot have "freedom of religion" without "freedom from religion". Our forbears were escaping forced adherence to a government sanctioned church, which is widely accepted by scholars. I agree they were escaping government-forced church and thus were seeking freedom OF religion.  This is an example of "freedom from religion, specifically from the Church of England. As a counterexample, the Puritans, who held their membership and allegiance to the C of E, did not have "freedom of religion" as they did not have "freedom from religion".  You’re right.  They did not have freedom OF religion; this is why they came to America.  As I stated before, there is a HUGE difference in freedom OF and freedom FROM religion.  You don't seem to understand this. 

Citing text and offering no historically relevant interpretation of said text is meaningless; you have to look at the impetus of those who penned the text in the first place.  I have accurately cited the text and also the reasoning behind it.  You have taken “freedom of religion” and changed it into “freedom from religion.”  I understand what you’re trying to say, but it is not historically accurate in the context of why the first settlers came to America, nor is it accurate in describing the meaning behind the First Amendment. I said this before and you still insist that you are correct so I see no point in debating this with you further.

2) The term "hypocrite" -

I hate to do this but I have to, seeing as how you think this term constitutes ad hominem.

Quoted from Merriam-Webster:

1 : a person who puts on a false appearance of virtue or religion

2 : a person who acts in contradiction to his or her stated beliefs or feelings.

I did not call you names,attack you, nor was I rude when I applied the term "hypocrite" to you in my previous post. Let's try and be accurate here.

Let’s see… you said: “So you expect everyone to be open-minded enough to respect your dogmatic metaphysical beliefs, yet you categorically refuse to respect anything that contradicts your beliefs for better or for worse? Wow, you are a hypocrite.”  I would say (a) that IS rude and (b) you DID misapply what I said.  I said I would not teach anything to my children that contradicts what I believe, but you said I refuse to respect anything that contradicts my beliefs.  There is a HUGE difference in teaching something and showing respect.  I respect others and their beliefs, but again, with the freedoms I so enjoy in this country, it is my right to teach my children what I believe to be true the same as it’s yours.

3) Respect -

You: "I even respect the theories themselves." Really? What about your behavior or statements on science from your opening post suggests that to me?  I am not sure what you are referring to, but I did say: “Today in our society, our children are trained not to question scientific ideas such as those proposed by Charles Darwin.  Throughout human history, scientists have been the one group of people who absolutely insisted on testing theories to prove them correct or disprove them (even though they sometimes died for their findings).”  I stand by that statement.  It’s not disrespectful at all.  What I stated is that scientists used to be taught to test theories and today they are not.  I positively respect the theories, but I do not respect a system that no longer cares to seek the truth, but rather jumps on a bandwagon of popularity.

Simply saying that you have respect for something after the fact is both effortless and meaningless.   Again, I have shown respect for scientific theories.  You are making accusations without truth to back them up.

4) You: " What I did say was that I will not teach it as fact when they cannot prove it."

Umm, not exactly. What you wrote was:

"I will NOT teach my children anything that is mandated by the state that contradicts the truth of the Bible."  Yep, I said that and I stand by it.  That is my right.

Theistic "truth" is self-referential, and thus not falsifiable or mutually experienceable.  I disagree with this, but I don’t think you’re going to understand.

The Bible cannot prove itself.  There are discoveries each year that prove the statements in the Bible.  However, if you’re so determined NOT to believe, it is going to be impossible to do so anyway.

The Bible is also inherently contradictory, especially if you are a biblical literalist or if you believe that it is the inerrant word of God. I agree that there are things that are not easily understood, but this does not mean the Bible is contradictory.  And yes, I do believe it’s the inerrant word of God, but if you’re focused only on the metaphysical (as you like to quote), then it’s difficult to see that we can’t always understand the eternal perspective.  It’s kind of like when something happens and you get frustrated that it happened, but then a few days later, you see how it really worked out for the best.

If you are not a literalist, then you are forced to cherry-pick allegory and literalism on a human whim and then to parade it around as absolute truth, when there is no such thing.  The statement that there is not an absolute truth makes me think there is no reason to continue this discussion.  I am sure you have difficulty with all of this if you really believe that there is no absolute right or wrong.  That’s why parents are no longer teaching their children that stealing a pack of gum is wrong (what if they REALLY want it) or that telling a lie is wrong (what if it’s going to save them from getting a spanking) or that cheating is wrong (they really want a good grade).  I would say that this particular trend of thought (that there is no absolute truth) is the MAIN reason our society is in the condition it’s in now.

Science is mutually experienceable, and perhaps most importantly is falsifiable. Any scientific theory can always be called into question and falsified.  This is not true.  True science can be proven.

Nothing in reality can be absolutely proven true, and if you think that it can, provide me with a single example. The best we have (with regard to interpreting the physical world) is science, as it uses every human tool at our disposal to arrive at highly specific and probable truth interpretations.  I really have no idea what you’re talking about here.   I can prove to you that I have an arm and a leg.  That’s reality.
---

One last thing: wasn't Jesus Christ supposed to be both poor and compassionate? How do you reconcile the fact that you are railing against things like universal healthcare and free college in favor of lower taxes with your alleged Christ-like, excuse me, Christian values? Jesus left the disciples with this: “If a man will not work, he shall not eat.” The New Testament itself is full of examples of compassion, yet there is a huge difference in compassion for those who are doing for themselves versus people who simply want everything to be handed to them without putting any effort into it themselves.  With a system that offers free universal healthcare, free college, etc., you are actually encouraging people to take advantage of the system, the richer people to exploit the poor, etc. That seems rather selfish to me. Ohhh wait, you only care about adherents to *your* religion. Heh, how foolish of me.  Again, you say you’re not being rude, but this is incredibly rude.  I do not only care about fellow Christians.  Actually, if anything, I care about others more because they do not have the ROCK of salvation to lean on.  That makes me sad for them.

Let us be crystal clear:
I never said that I "hate" religious people, nor am I looking for a "fight". You did say this.  It’s obvious from the tone in your e-mails.  I was challenging you to show the rationale behind your vitriolic opinions in a debate/productive public argument. It is anti-intellectual and disingenuous to try and thwart productive arguments by conflating them with fighting. The fact that you failed to rise to this challenge of your world-view through argumentation hints at the amount of insight (or lack thereof) that went into the development of said world-view. It’s not that I’ve failed to do anything, but I’ve given you my side, you’ve shared your side.  As far as I’m concerned, we can agree to disagree and both leave happy, but it seems that you do want to continue until there is an “end” to the debate and there is not going to be one. 

Bear in mind that you invited an argument/debate when you broadcasted your personal opinions to everyone with internet access. To make things worse, you opine a lot about other people's lifestyle choices and concepts of freedom. This needs to be challenged and you should be capable and willing to rise to that challenge.  Again, I have no problem discussing my point of view or supporting what statements I’ve made, but what is the end goal? 

If you are overly-sensitive about your beliefs, then don't broadcast them over the internet, because sooner or later you are going to have to account for those beliefs.   I’m happy to discuss my beliefs with you, but I also have five children to teach, a house to clean, laundry to wash, and I don’t get paid to do those things.  I also don’t get paid to sit around writing on this blog.  J 

Given your background, I am curious as to whether or not you are pro-choice when it comes to abortion.  Given my background, you might think I would be pro-abortion (there are only two options – pro-life or pro-abortion.  Either you believe a child is a child from conception and you should cherish this life OR this is not the case and you have the option to end the “pregnancy.”)  However, this is another example of the grace of God in my life.  A child is a child no matter how small and that child deserves the same rights as any other human being – including the right to be born. 

Also, I'd like to ask you what kind of god would continually feed the rich while the poor starve en masse?  God doesn’t starve people.  He has given us plenty of resources to feed everyone, but people misuse resources (such as planting tobacco where there could be food) or even refuse to eat food that’s directly in front of them (such as not eating cows because someone thinks they are gods) or corrupt governments taking food and keeping it away from the common people (as many Middle Eastern and South American governments do).

I'll ask you again to respond to actual arguments that I made in previous posts.  So there are my responses to all your comments – in the previous post and this post.

My world-view is limited only by the pusuit of understanding, truth and freedom, thus not very limited.  

Your world-view is limited to a single book that was written thousands of years ago by uneducated, violent and churlish people.  You have no idea what my world view is.  While I do adhere to a Biblical world-view, my ideas have also been formulated by miraculous events in my own life, relationships with other people, other great books, etc.  In my opinion, all of these things have pointed to mankind as a miraculous creation, not a creature of chance.  Did you ever read the Old Testament? It is one of the most violent books ever written!  I would never disagree with that.  I am so thankful that God gave us another plan with His Son Jesus Christ! 

VTY,
Nick

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I am a strong proponent of freedom of speech – EVEN if that speech is contrary to what I believe or agree with.  Without protection for everyone’s freedom of speech, my own is thus endangered.

 

However, the Day of Silence is not about freedom of speech.  It is a well-organized, well-publicized activity designed to encourage the homosexual agenda in our public schools.

 

Here is some information from the Day of Silence website (Everything is quoted from the website except the italic commentary, which is mine.):

 

About the event:

Through Breaking the Silence events, students can speak out against harassment and demand change for their schools and communities.   It is important to notice the phrase “demand change.”  The Day of Silence is NOT about freedom of speech, but rather is about promoting homosexual teaching in schools. 

 

A testimonial from the website:

THE DAY OF SILENCE CAN BE A GREAT TOOL TO CATAPULT CHANGE AT YOUR SCHOOL! DOYOU WANT A MORE LGBT INCLUSIVE LIBRARY,TEACHER TRAINING,LGBT INCLUSIVE NONDISCRIMINATION POLICIES OR SOMETHING ELSE? IF YOUWANT SOMETHING TO CHANGE — YOU CAN USE THE DAY OF SILENCE TO HELP WITH YOUR “ASK!”  The caps are theirs, not mine. Notice two of the things they suggest for change - a library with LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) books and teacher training.  (See my next essay about the recommended books.)

 

Another student testimonial to see exactly how change was put into action at their school:

“The Day of Silence is a perfect tool for creating change. We wanted a queer-friendly prom, and after showing that many students and staff care—we got a queer friendly prom. We said we wouldn’t be silenced, and we won’t.”  Pay attention to the wording here!  The point of the DOS is not freedom of speech, it is to promote active change toward a gay/lesbian lifestyle.

 

Guidelines for setting up the event:

You should also establish a safe space, somewhere participants can visit if they are feeling stressed out during the day. The space should have snacks and someone to talk to, perhaps a supportive counselor or members of a local LGBT organization. For students who want to remain silent but feel the need to express themselves, offering them a space to come and write their thoughts on paper for personal reflection is a good idea.     Does anyone want to guess how the “supportive counselor or members of a local LGBT organization” might counsel these kids?  Based on reports I’ve read from others, their counseling does NOT include acceptance of a traditional Christian lifestyle because this is considered “biased, oppressive, and judgmental.”  Where's the tolerance then?

 

Here are some definitions from the DOS manual – remember this is for junior and high school students:

Bisexual – A term used to describe an individual who expresses attraction for men and women.

Gay – A term used to describe one who identifies as a man and who is attracted to other male-identified people.

Gay-Straight Alliance – Refers to student-led clubs, particularly at the high school level, that work to promote respect for all students regardless of sexual orientation and provide a safe space for students that are LGBT, Queer, Questioning or Intersex.

Lesbian – Refers to a woman-identified person who is attracted to other women-identified people.

Sexual Orientation – The preferred term used when referring to an individual’s physical,

emotional, romantic, and/or spiritual attraction to another person.

 

Here is another testimonial from a junior high level student:

Originally we only knew of about 6 kids that were doing this at my middle school, but when we got to school we realized that about 2/3 of my grade was silent! It really spoke out and was awesome! I didn't know people weren't afraid to show this. I think it was awesome that it was a real success and I can't wait to participate in it next year!

And again, please remember that my issue isn’t with freedom of speech. Although refusing to talk probably is disruptive to the school environment, that’s not all the students do.  They hand out cards about DOS, wear pins, etc.  If schools won’t “support” the DOS, the students are encouraged to arrange it themselves.  If that doesn’t work, the DOS website tells students to ask teachers to at least stand up in front of the classroom and talk about DOS and why it’s important, etc.  Again, I would hope that if the situation were reversed and it was a Students for Revival Day, they would be allowed to do the same things, but that’s what bothers me – they wouldn’t. Furthermore, I do not think school is the place for ANY of this.

The purpose in holding a Day of Silence and similar events is to promote LGBT teaching in schools – from KINDERGARTEN.  This is already happening as a result of LGBT lobbying, affiliation with the NEA (National Education Association), and involving students by making it look like a "cause" and starting young.  An alternative lifestyle is being taught as acceptable or, in some cases, particularly where there is a strong LGBT community and/or teachers with this lifestyle, students are even encouraged to investigate this option before deciding whether to identify with males or females.       

Before the Day of Silence, students are encouraged to decide what they want to ASK for and to tell people that this is their goal for the Day of Silence.  Again, from the manual:

LET FOLKS KNOW! Make sure that Day of Silence participants are aware that participating in the Day of Silence is also asking for a specific request. Students at Hellgate HS in Missoula, MT made pins, posters and t-shirts

 

Those students at Hellgate High School now have a GSA club with the following on their website: 

Mission Statement:

The GSA is a club aimed towards ending homophobic slang, feelings, and oppression within the school with the help of self-destruction. The goal is to reach the point where there is no GSA in the hopes there won't be any homophobia in the school. GSA is a safe place for kids to meet and talk about thier feelings with others in thier school and how they feel about homophobia.

School Involvement:

Like most clubs at school GSA meets once a week during the lunch period. GSA is open to all kids at Hellgate High School (Montana), any race or gender. GSA takes part in national events such as the Day of Silence where students at Hellgate High School can participate in being silent to represent the many people in the world who have a certain sexual orientation and can not speak of it do to the negativity from society. 

At a GSA sponsored Day of Silence in California, they sponsored a panel discussion about LGBT lifestyle / discrimination issues and photo-narrative art exhibit that aimed to “incite dialogue, and to inspire transformation.” I am almost afraid to know what was in the photos, but based on the research I’ve done, my understanding is that the photos are the sorts of things you spend your time trying to prevent your child from seeing.  Remember, all these things came from the DOS website on how YOU can do this at YOUR school.

So, what’s the answer? 

As Christians, we definitely should be teaching our children to love others, but the Bible also makes it clear that we are to take a stand against sin, share the gospel with others, and teach our children what is right.  Some people say they send their children to school to be “salt and light” to the world.  I do believe children should be salt and light to the world, but within the ability of their parents to protect them as they grow to maturity for the Bible also says “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”  (Ephesians 6:4)  They are not to be thrown to the wolves. 

So maybe I do have the answer.  Exemplify love for others; do not be afraid to speak the truth, but do so with kindness; let your light shine before men.  For your children, I do not think these things will be accomplished by attending 12 years of government school so... teach them at home.

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If anyone has been kind of thinking that there has been a bit of a socialist agenda creeping into our society, I can assure you that it's not paranoia.  The trend toward socialism has become increasingly apparent and is similar to something that might be included in a movie about Adolf Hitler's rise to power in Germany in the 1930s, his deliberate and progressive overthrow of anyone with contrary beliefs, and an infiltration of the educational system that will train children from birth in the government-approved worldview. 

 

Some might wonder how I could make such a leap, but if you look at the facts, the leap is nothing but a small step for the observant mind.

 

In regards to a rise in power of socialists in the United States, all you have to do is take a look at the Democratic Party’s deliberate trend away from concerns about an individual freedoms and rights toward feminism, universal healthcare, universal childcare, and a one-world economy.  In 1992, I believe Bill Clinton was elected because the average citizen didn’t really understand that the Clintons are socialists and socialism typically leads to communism, but now – 16 years later - there is no excuse.  Hillary and Barack have both made it clear that they believe that the government should be in control of our money, our children, and our choices.

 

Concerning the deliberate and progressive overthrow of anyone with contrary beliefs, have you noticed that science used to be a, well, a science?  This included testing of ideas, contradicting conclusions that proved to be false, and a constant search for new truths.  It is through this type of science that we discovered that great scientists such as Hippocrates, Galileo, and Einstein made their greatest discoveries. 

 

Today in our society, our children are trained not to question scientific ideas such as those proposed by Charles Darwin.  Throughout human history, scientists have been the one group of people who absolutely insisted on testing theories to prove them correct or disprove them (even though they sometimes died for their findings).  Today scientists are insulted and often lose their jobs for being brave enough to question the Darwinian theories.  And yes, they are theories; Darwin’s ideas are not based on the principles of good science set forth in the scientific method – observe, collect data, hypothesize, test.  He did do the first three, but without the fourth step, it is still a theory.  Regardless of what you think about evolution, religion, etc., you have to admit that there is definitely an opposition to any mindset not willing to accept evolutionary ideas.

 

Now, for the real test of whether or not we are headed toward a downfall of our democratic system of government, just take a look at our education system.  This is where it really starts to get interesting!

 

From 1990 – 1991, Hillary Clinton, then first lady of Arkansas, was paid $102,000 for her work as a consultant to the National Center on Education and the Economy (NCEE), an organization subsidized by taxpayers.  During this time, she and Bill worked with a man named Marc Tucker and to devise a plan for educational reform.  When Bill was elected in 1992, Tucker sent Hillary a letter (now known as “Hillary’s Letter”) that reviewed some of the educational initiatives they had planned, such as:

 

-          an educational system that "literally extends from cradle to grave and is the same system for everyone" and is a “seamless web.”  Anyone notice the push for children to be in “educational programs” at younger and younger ages?  Ever heard of public-funded daycare, indoctrination into liberal worldviews of homosexuality in kindergarten, or states trying to increase homeschool regulation?  All of these are part of the “web.”

-          encouragement for the Clintons to act quickly and "move like lightning" to implement the agenda set forth in this educational plan, further stating that "major parts of the whole system would be in operation in a majority of the states within three years from the passage of the initial legislation."  This did in fact happen.

-          Government controlled education linked directly to the marketplace with "rewards [for] students who meet the national standards with further education and good jobs”  What about a free-market society and incentive to do well because work in itself is a reward?  Since the government decides who gets the rewards, what about non-public school students?  (Remember the incident at the Washington County Library when the mayor didn’t want a homeschool program there because we weren’t a government school?  Don’t kid yourself – rewards (and jobs!) would go to students educated in government schools.

-          Free college to everyone who meets minimum requirements.  Are you ready for higher taxes again – to benefit the masses of society?

-          Students are referred to throughout the letter as “human resources.”  These “human resources” would be trained in specific job-related skills, which would be selected based on the students’ background, family information, educational performance, etc.  Let’s see, how many ways can I say this is wrong?!?  Privacy invasion?  We’re already allowing unborn babies to be aborted and children born with severe handicaps to be denied nutrition and care until they die.  If children do not perform to standard, what will be our “solution” for them – euthanasia based on lack of performance?

 

If you think this was just a letter and I am exaggerating, think again.  Do you remember Goals 2000, the Educate America Act, the School-to-Work Opportunities Act, and the Improving America's Schools Act?  These were all put into place in 1994 and are a direct product of the NCEE initiatives.

 

One of the scariest points of the NCEE’s educational reform agenda is to require that "All available front-line jobs - whether public or private – must be listed in [the government run employment system] by law."  Furthermore, employers would have to pay the government for this service of providing the “human resources” for these jobs.  When surveyed, employers adamantly opposed this idea so the NCEE had a slick recommendation: 

 

“We propose that Bill [Clinton] take a leaf out of the German book. One of the most important reasons that large German employers offer apprenticeship slots to German youngsters is that they fear, with good reason, that if they don't volunteer to do so, the law will require it. Bill could gather a group of leading executives and business organization leaders, and tell them straight out that he will hold back on submitting legislation to require a training levy, provided that they commit themselves to a drive to get employers to get their average expenditures on front-line employee training up to 2% of front-line employee salaries and wages within two years. If they have not done so within that time, then he will expect their support when he submits legislation requiring the training levy.”

 

Now that’s just scary!  This is not social fiction, people!  Are you aware of increasing government control of personal property (ever heard of eminent domain?), a loss of personal freedoms (ever heard of required DNA testing for jobs, mandatory immunizations to attend school, or case workers visiting homes without revealing any charges against the parents?), denial of religious freedom (do I even need to give examples for this one?).  These things are happening and now that the ball is rolling, I fear that it is going to be very difficult to stop. 

 

In a speech in May 2007, Hillary made the following comments:

 

"It’s time for a new beginning, for an end to government of the few, by the few and for the few, time to reject the idea of an ’on your own’ society and to replace it with shared responsibility for shared prosperity. I prefer a ’we’re all in it together’ society."

 

Does this not sound like socialism to anyone but me? 

 

Lest it look like I’m solely picking on Hillary, Barack Obama has been involved with the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) since 1996.  His campaign is not only receiving financial support from socialist groups, but also DSA supporters are helping Obama’s campaign in other ways. 

 

His comments are no less frightening than Hillary’s either, but he has simply been a bit more subtle.  When recently explaining the issue of universal healthcare to a group in North Carolina, Obama told a five-year-old, “We've got to make sure that people who have more money help the people who have less money.”  He then asked "If you had a whole pizza, and your friend had no pizza, would you give him a slice?"  While this sounds like a nice thing to do and YES, I encourage my children to share, don’t you think it is kind of ironic that Obama has a salary of $162,100 per year and the median income for average American families is $46,326.  Perhaps Obama would be the first to offer us a piece of his pizza?   

 

The fact that Obama makes a salary almost four times that of the “average” American family.  In 2005, Bill Clinton made $7.5 million giving speeches.  He and Hillary have a reported owning assets worth between $10 and $50 billion.  OK, now while I’d really like to have a piece of that pie, there are many questions that should be asked, but there is one that demands to be asked.  Would the Clintons truly be willing to give up all their assets to benefit the “village” of which she is so fond of speaking?  If not (and I seriously doubt anyone would), then this is just an example of why we will still always have a gap between rich and poor in our country or, in this case, a gap between the poor and the stinking, filthy rich. 

 

Our founding fathers were so wise in their decisions and I am eternally grateful that they established our country with the freedoms we have enjoyed for over 200 years.  I love my country, our Constitution, my Lord, and my family.  I will NOT teach my children anything that is mandated by the state that contradicts the truth of the Bible.  You do not have to be a Christian to agree with me.  You do not have to homeschool to agree with me.  As a matter of fact, you do not have to agree with me at all.  That is part of the beauty of our country.  If you don’t agree with me, though, then it may not be long before Big Brother is telling you exactly with whom you must agree!    

 

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While the Wallace and Gromit movies are terrifically funny, they don’t necessarily convey anything educational to my children.  Sometimes, though, we can learn the most interesting things from the most unlikely sources...

I believe in home education.  I believe parents have a right to teach their children at home and for the most part, I also think this is the best way to educate and train our children.  Even homeschool opponents are finally starting to realize that there is something to this method of teaching and homeschooled children typically well-educated, well-socialized, well-behaved, and well, just great kids!  Sometimes, though, all this “greatness” can go to our heads and I am the first to admit it when I have had to come down from the mountain of pride over my children’s remarkability.

Recently I was in a store with Hannah, my four-year-old.  Now Hannah is a bright little child.  She can remember things that happened when she was one-year-old, she memorizes Bible verses, sits politely when I’m in meetings, and just loves doing schoolwork.  So one day we ran errands for several hours alone while Chris was at home with the other children.  Hannah wanted to go with me because she wanted me to buy her a new book.    

I kept telling her that the bookstore was last on our stopping list.  We were finally done with all errands except returning a broken coffee pot, grabbing a bite to eat, and then heading to the bookstore.  At this large chain store, I waited in line for a long time and finally it was my turn to return my unworthy kitchen appliance.

I put Hannah up on the counter beside me and the lady said, “She is such a cute little girl.”  I thanked her and commented that she was such a special blessing to me.

Then, I said, “Hannah, we’re going to eat next.  Are you getting hungry?”  She shook her head yes.

I said, “Well, what would you like to eat?”

And I tell you that it took about two seconds for me to fall right off any pedestal I might have been standing on because she said back, in a very loud voice I might add, “Cheese, Gromit!!!”  Now anyone who has seen the movie will recognize this phrase as a question that Wallace frequently asks Gromit.  Hannah had just turned it right around and used the question as a statement of “I’m really tired of errands and I want my book and I don’t really care about what kind of food I get.”

The lady at the counter kind of glanced at Hannah and I said, “Really, Hannah, what kind of food would you like to eat?”  She again said, “Cheese, Gromit!!”

For the next three or four minutes this scene replayed itself over and over again and the child refused to say anything except, “Cheese, Gromit!” no matter what I asked her.  I asked her if she wanted off the counter and she replied, “Cheese, Gromit!”  Of course my response to that was to immediately take her down off the counter so that the lady behind it wouldn’t have quite as good a view of this little creature who had replaced my sweet four-year-old.

I bent down to Hannah and whispered, “You’re being very silly and you need to stop that now,” to which she replied in a soft little whisper, “Cheeeeeese, Gromit.”

I turned my attention to the broken coffee pot and we eventually were able to leave the store.  Outside, I said, “Hannah, I can’t believe you were being so silly in there.  What do you want to eat?”  She said, “I think I’d like chicken fingers, but can we go by the bookstore and buy my book first?”

No matter what curriculum you use, how well you train your children, how many Bible verses you know, remember this as you begin this homeschool journey or even as you finish and send your almost grown children into the world.  We can train them, teach them, love them, discipline them, but they are still people who will eventually (sooner for some and later for others) make decisions on their own.

 For a while, they might just prefer to say, “Cheese, Gromit!!”

Sonya Haskins

www.sonyahaskins.com

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My five children love to do mazes, dot-to-dots, and other workbook type activities.  At anywhere from $4.00 to $9.00 per book, it was getting expensive trying to purchase workbooks that they would cruise through in two or three hours - or even less!  I have tried erasing the lines, but this isn't much fun since you can still usually see them a little bit.  I can't make copies of the pages because most of the books don't allow this under copyright laws.  After much thought, today I went to the local office supply store and bought five transparency sheets for 65 cents each.  Tonight my children are doing their mazes and dot-to-dots with transparencies laid on top of the pages.  They are writing with dry erase markers and erasing each page (on the transparency) as they go.  Now I'm happy that the children will be able to reuse their workbooks, they can take turns using different books, and this is going to save me some money!  Yahoo!!

The best part is that this is a perfectly legitimate way to save some money.  I truly oppose making copies of pages in books that specifically prohibit this because it infringes copyright laws.  As an author, I really have to say that I try to be very particular about copyright laws.  With the transparency idea, since you're not making a copy of anything in the book, you can still "reuse" the pages without breaking any copyright laws.

Sonya Haskins

www.sonyahaskins.com

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For about the past two weeks, my boys have been arguing over Legos. They have been very selfish and to keep their brothers away from their favorite pieces, I guess they started resorting to putting them in their pockets because I kept finding Legos in the washer and dryer.

Finally, last Friday I made them clean off all the shelves in their "areas" (each boy has a loft bed and the girls have regular beds and that's their "area" since they all share a huge room). They were to put all their "own" Legos on the shelves. They did this, made their little forts, it looks neat, adorable, and the Legos are now protected - being on the shelves as they are. Of course I also threatened all the children with severe punishment (all their Legos would be given to the other children) if they went into someone else's area and touched ANYTHING or even went into another person's area, etc. (yelling involved there I'm ashamed to say). You get the picture.

Well, that was Friday. Saturday I was out and apparently someone closed the door to the room where we keep all the "community" Legos (that were given to all the children - not a special set for one child). They didn't bother to look in the room first and there was a cat in there. (Yes, we're having cat problems lately, but hey, they kill the rats...)

You can use your imagination here, but the cat couldn't get out so she found the only "litter box" available in the room - a huge HUGE tub of Legos - and she went... a bunch. We found the box last night and I wasn't sure what to do about it so we sat it by the door until I could decide how to wash 3000 little parts. This morning I woke up with a revelation.

I thought, "You know, I've been finding Legos in the washer and dryer so they must not go through the holes too well...." So yes, I dumped the whole tub - about 20 POUNDS of Legos - into the washer!

I just want to say that the Legos are clean, the boys were busy for an hour now trying to get them all OUT of the washer (but they are having fun finding all those little pieces they haven't seen in forever because they were at the bottom of the tub), and I don't even think we lost any pieces through the little holes in the washer.  I just kept turning it into the spin cycle and they spun right out into the bottom of the drum.

So, if your cat pees in your Legos or if they are just plumb dirty for other reasons, now you have a suggestion (even if not the best one) on how you can wash them.

Have a great week!
Sonya Haskins

sonya@sonyahaskins.com

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January 7, 2007  -  Essay on Presidential Election 2008

In regards to the upcoming presidential election this year, there are a few things that most people seem to be overlooking in their discussions about who is the best presidential candidate.  Most people seem to have an opinion about who should be elected or not.  I’ve read posts, blogs, and personal e-mails about why I should vote for a particular person, but again, I’ve noticed something missing in these messages.  Everyone seems so focused on trying to convince others to vote (or not vote) for a particular person, that I fear the greater obligation to us as Christians is being overlooked. 

And by the way, I am not pointing fingers at anyone who has endorsed (or not endorsed) a particular candidate.  My husband and I have not totally made up our minds yet, but I can tell you that we are considering much more than what is being addressed in the media and most other discussions going on about these candidates.

Here is some food for thought:

First of all, in Acts 3:16-18 Peter was speaking to listeners at the temple (Solomon’s Colonnade).  He reminded the people that they “killed the author of life” and “asked that a murderer be released.”  Though Jesus suffered and was killed, Peter says, “Now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders.  But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Christ would suffer.”  This may be a dramatic example, but our leaders are going to act in ignorance, just as we will.  They are not going to be perfect and certainly will have committed past sins and will continue to sin even as our leaders.  I point out this verse simply because one of the big tactics of the media (and supporters for any candidate) is to point out all the faults of the opponents.  Instead of talking about the “specks” in the eyes of the opponents, perhaps candidates should start by saying, “Hey, I have this PLANK (sin) that I am overcoming …”  Anyway, you get the idea.

Proverbs 29:26 reminds us that “Many seek an audience with a ruler, but it is from the LORD that man gets justice.”  In our modern society, we may not think we are seeking an audience with the president, but let’s think about this for a minute…  As a homeschool “community,” we do want a president that is homeschool-friendly.  In other words, we want him to be aware of our needs and desires and willing to meet them to a degree.  We want him to pay attention to what we believe is proper and right.  In modern day terms, I would say that is similar to seeking an audience.  Most of you know me well enough to know that I am ALL for having a president that supports our God-given rights to teach our children as we feel led, but we need to remember that only the LORD can give us justice.  We cannot rely on the election of a particular person to make that happen.

1 Corinthians 2:5-7 states, “so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power.  We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing.  No, we speak of God's secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began.”  Again, our faith must not rest in who is elected, but rather on the LORD.  Also, just another comment about this passage – note the comment about one of the reasons we should not rely on the wisdom or rulers.  It says they are “coming to nothing.”  I have heard several people comment that there are just “no good candidates” this election year.  There is something wrong with all of them.  Of course there is something wrong with all of them!!  I could really write on this topic alone for a while, but I won’t.

If you look in the Bible, there are many discussions of rulers who seem to mirror many of the rulers we have in our midst today.  (I am not pointing fingers at anyone in particular who is currently holding office, has held office, or is running for office.  I am simply pointing out some Bible verses that we would be wise to study.)  Isaiah 1:23 states, “Your rulers are rebels, companions of thieves; they all love bribes and chase after gifts. They do not defend the cause of the fatherless; the widow's case does not come before them.”  Does the man you’re considering electing take money from special interest groups?  Have you seen any statements about why they want to be in public office?  Do they seek to uphold families and Biblical principles or do they simply say they are a Christian?  (Does it even matter to many people today if they say they are a Christian?  Do they bear fruit or just claim the vine?)

With all that to think about in regards to rulers in general, what does the Bible say about what we should look for in a good ruler?    

Proverbs 31:4-5 tells us what NOT to look for in a ruler (king).  These two verses state, “It is not for kings, O Lemuel— not for kings to drink wine, not for rulers to crave beer, lest they drink and forget what the law decrees, and deprive all the oppressed of their rights.”  I personally love these verses.  This is an example of God’s humor, I think, in reminding us what beer can do to the mental capacities.  You may not agree with my humor, but does the candidate you support “crave beer”?  Do you even know?  When candidates are being interviewed, are we asking the right questions?  Are we asking Biblical questions or just things we want to know the answer to in order to support our own agendas (homeschooling, women’s rights, abortion issues, etc.)?

Now here is an interesting thing to think about when looking for good qualities in a leader that the Bible points out.  Quite honestly, there are many examples in the Old Testament about “good leader” traits.  You don’t have to look hard in the Old Testament to find traits in rulers that pleased the Lord:

Reliable  (1 Samuel 29:6)

Without fault  (1 Samuel 29:6 – Notice it says “without fault” NOT “without sin.”)

Discerning heart  (It greatly pleased God when Solomon asked for this instead of riches and honor so God gave him riches and honor in addition to a discerning heart / wisdom.  1 Kings 3)

Repentant when they do wrong  (2 Samuel 12)

These are just some of things we see in the Old Testament that show us traits we should be seeking in our leaders.  It is difficult sometimes to see these traits or know whether or not the candidates have them when all we are allowed to see are the smiling publicity photos and snippits of pre-recorded news interviews.  This is one of the reasons I do think live interviews and also debates are important.  You will see more of a candidates true character come out in these live events and the media can’t sway them so much (for good or bad).

There are also some things I wanted to point out from the New Testament in Timothy and Titus.  In both of these books, there is a lot of discussion about the elders and overseers.  Now I’m sure someone is going to send me an e-mail and argue that this is totally different than a political candidate so I’ll just tell you up front that I already realize this.  The words for “elder” and “overseer” are usually used interchangeably in the New Testament, but they are not used interchangeably with the word for “ruler.”  (Also, I definitely think churches should adhere to these principles for their own leadership, but I think a case could still be made that as Christians we should also seek leaders with these same traits in our government.)

Here are some of the traits listed in 1 Timothy 3 for an “elder” or “overseer.” 

Above reproach

Husband of one wife

Temperate

Self-controlled

Respectable

Hospitable

Someone who can teach

Not a drunkard

Not violent, but gentle

Someone who doesn’t argue

Someone who doesn’t love money

A good father who manages his own family well  (This point is reemphasized and in the next verse reminds us again that these verses are talking directly about the church.)

Not a recent convert

Have a good reputation

It goes on to give similar traits required for deacons.  Then, in Titus 1, it gives similar traits for elders, overseers, and deacons.  There are a few added traits, such as:

Hospitable

Not overbearing

not pursuing dishonest gain

one with self-control

Again, these traits were listed for rulers of the church, but in the New Testament we do not receive so much instruction on rulers and kings as we did in the Old Testament.  Basically in the New Testament, we are frequently reminded to keep our eyes focused on the Lord and share the gospel with others while we await His return.

Now this doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be active politically.  On the contrary, it is essential that we remain politically active.  We just need to do it while also reminding ourselves that our justice will come from the Lord, not the president. 

So, with all that in mind, here are some more verses for you to think about:

Romans 13 says, “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.  Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong.”   

Most Christians are familiar with these verses, but we really need to think about them.  Do we really believe that the authorities that exist have been established by God or have they been established because a particular group voted more or because someone counted wrong or whatever?  If you believe the Bible to be the inerrant Word of God, well, you know what, it states right there that “The authorities that exist have been established by God.”  Does this mean we have to OBEY everything that authority tells us to do?  I do not believe it does.  Verse 1 tells us to “submit” to the governing authorities, but when that submission is in contradiction to God’s laws (such as with abortion or murder), then we do not OBEY the authority.  Even the disciples were punished, beaten, and imprisoned for disobeying even though they submitted to the authorities.

Hebrews 13:16-18 states, “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.  Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.  Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way.”  I just thought these were neat verses to share in regards to rulers.

Titus 3:1-3 says, “Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.”  Again, these are just neat verses to remember.

And finally, we need to keep 1 Peter 2:12 in mind at all times.  No matter who our leaders are or where we are living or what horrible conditions we are in (and America is living in luxury, by the way, nowhere near horrible conditions.  I’m only stating this because I know people are reading this from other parts of the world and perhaps you are living in horrible conditions, but you are a Christian.)  It does not matter what our situation is, we are to “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.”  That is what we are supposed to be focused on.  I personally believe we are to participate in government and we absolutely should vote (some Christians don’t think so), but even if we do, we need to remember that we are personally accountable to the Lord Jesus Christ.  We need to live good lives, glorify the Lord, and await his return. 

Let’s remember that no matter what happens here on earth or in the United States with this year’s presidential elections, our hope is in Jesus Christ.  Our hope is not in a democrat or a republican or an independent candidate.  Our hope is not with homeschooling (although I almost cringe to admit that one!).  Our hope is not with retaining traditional family values or putting an end to evil practices like abortion.  There are many things that would make our lives as Christians easier, but I’ve found that sometimes when things are “easiest,” that’s when we glorify God the least! 

May we all be in prayer about who we individually should vote for and let us be in prayer that we will remember to give all our glory to God.  If the candidate you vote for is elected, praise the Lord and remember to pray for all our leaders.  If the candidate you vote for is not elected, praise the Lord, remember Romans 13, and remember to pray for all our leaders. 

Addendum

I originally posted this on the blog on my website (www.sonyahaskins.com) and I've already received feedback that my points are basically invalid or pointless since we don't have leaders like this anymore.  Congratulations!  If you've figured this out, then you should be able to understand the whole point of this essay...  We should do our best to vote responsibly and as Christians, I think we should look for candidates with the qualities set forth for good leaders in the Bible, but it is true, most candidates just fall waaaay short these days.  So, the whole point of my discussion was this:  Our hope rests in the Lord alone.  We will find ultimate justice through the Lord alone.  Elections are very important and I certainly have an opinion on who should or should not be elected (as does everyone seems to).  I just think instead of telling others to vote for a particular person (or not), we need to continually remind ourselves and others that no man is going to "fix" the world.  Jesus came to do that!

Sonya

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I'm sure most of you have seen all those job descriptions about what a mother does.  I have a new one - very short and straight to the point. 

I was fixing my four-year-old's lunch plate today and I called to her to come into the kitchen to get it.  She called back to me and said, "Can you bring it in here and put it on the table in front of me like a servant?"  

You just gotta love children and their ideas!

Sonya Haskins

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When we were out west, we did not spend money on typical tourist-type keepsakes.  We wanted to get something that the children would really enjoy and cherish for a very long time.  We purchased all of our keepsakes at antique stores along the way and we waited until we found just the right item before making a purchase.

We bought each of the boys an antique wooden and metal gun.  These are great guys for pretend play because they look real enough, but obviously aren't, and they boys love them.  Ironically, they were made in Tennessee and we drove 6000 miles to purchase them out west!

We bought Hannah an antique little doll that she just fell in love with.  It came with a few clothes (handmade mostly) and she takes great care of this little doll.  I think it will be a keepsake she will treasure for always.

Then, Sarah selected an old quill pen and a bottle of ink from an antique store in Minnesota, I think.  All the states have begun to run together.  Anyway, I was kind of nervous about this purchase because it was toward the beginning of our trip and I really didn't like the idea of traveling for six weeks in a cramped van with a little glass bottle of black INK.  Ultimately we made it home with the ink intact.

Yesterday Sarah was using her ink to write out some miniature Christmas cards and apparently last night she screwed the lid on sideways.  Now our goofy cats have this HORRIBLE habit of jumping on our table and knocking over anything that can be knocked over - glasses full of drink, cups of pencils, bottles of ink...  So, you can imagine that when this bottle was knocked over, which of course it was, and the lid was not screwed on correctly, ink spilled everywhere.

I woke up this morning to a huge spot of black ink on my kitchen table.  To make it worse, the spill was over the part of the table where you add the leaf so it dripped onto the floor below the table as well.  And then, as if it couldn't possibly get ANY worse, the curious cat must have walked all in the ink (evidenced by black paw prints everywhere). 

SO, now I have a trail of little black paw prints all the way across my WHITE wooden kitchen floor.  These prints lead directly into our living room, which is the only room in our house with carpet.  The little paw prints go all the way across our light colored carpet in our living room and lead into my bedroom on the other side, where they finally disappear.  (Apparently the kitchen floor and living room carpet soaked up most of the ink.)

Does anyone want a cat?  She has already had her shots, been spayed, and been paw-printed.

Sonya

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"Sons are indeed a heritage from the Lord, children, a reward.  Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, are the sons born in one's youth.  Happy is the man who has filled his quiver with them."  Psalm 127:3  

I had the joy and pleasure of spending last night at the Bristol Regional Medical Center with my friend Rebecca.  She gave birth to baby boy Jackson Thomas Moreland a little before midnight.  I think he weighed 8 pounds 2 ounces and was about 21 1/2 inches long.  He is sooo cute and one of the calmest babies I've ever seen.  He just lay there and looked around when he was awake and otherwise he was sleeping.  He made these adorable little cooing noises either way. 

Rebecca ended up having to have a caesarean section after a long day of induced labor.  Her husband went home to be with the other children after the birth so I hope it helped her to have someone in the hospital with her.  She was doing very well actually, despite the c-section, but it's always nice to have someone looking out for you when you're in the hospital, I think.

Another one of our good friends is actually due in about a week so we're going to have two little babies around!  That's so exciting.

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Lately my son, who just turned 10, has begun to make what I believe are inappropriate noises or just not talking appropriately.  Specifically, he goes around making noises like "Uhhhhh," "Ugh," "Guh," "Duhhhh," (not in sarcastic sense, but just a noise.)  OK, I know that this probably sounds very silly, possibly even crazy to some of you, but it is driving me crazy!  Not only that, but my two younger sons have also begun to make the noises their brother seems to enjoy so much.  (I realize it's most likely just an age thing, but I seriously cannot imagine George Washington or Thomas Jefferson or other great men answering a question with, "Uhhhhhh, let's see.")

Well, this week I found a discipline for this behavior that seems to be working better than I ever imagined.

I sat and thought about it and thought, "How do I WANT him to talk instead?  What noises do I want him to make?"  I want him to guard his tongue and his words and not just let noises for the sake of making noise come out.  There are many places in the Bible that talk about how important it is to watch our talk.  Proverbs 21:23 is one of them, stating "He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity." 

I would like for my children to use words wisely, work toward speaking intelligently, and not make verbal exclamations (like "ugh").  I figured perhaps they need more practice actually using "good language."  So I printed out the Preamble to the Constitution from The Homeschooler's Book of Lists (list #186) and told my boys that every single time they make an inappropriate noise, they get to read the Preamble aloud to me.  Once they have read that enough that they have it memorized, I told them we'd go on to Patrick Henry's speech that ends "...give me liberty or give me death."  Then, if the noises continued, we'd go on and memorize all the other really cool documents that they should know anyway.

The funny thing is that the redirection has worked so well that after five days of this particular discipline, now they aren't making the offending sounds at all.  I guess I'm going to have to use this discipline for some other transgressions!

Sonya   :)
www.sonyahaskins.com

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