A Quiet Heart…

“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.” ~Psalm 1:1-2

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That is an admonition that must be taken seriously.  Scripture clearly speaks to the company we keep.  There are multiple warnings about the type of people with whom we should (and should not) surround ourselves. Each of us becomes like the people with whom we associate.

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We cannot intentionally place our children under “the counsel of the wicked,” “in the way of sinners,” and “in the seat of scoffers” day after day, for the majority of their waking hours, and expect that they will grow to meditate and delight in God’s Word.

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Education is far more than passing on facts and trivia, devoid of religious, moral, and ethical implications. 

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In sending a child to school, parents must recognize that they are surrendering to the teacher full parental authority over the child.  The teacher acts en loco parentis (which is to say, “in the place of the parent”).  “This is full parental authority, not merely the right to convey information and repackage heads.  A teacher, therefore, must have full parental authority during the hours the child is under his discipleship to guide him and respond to him on all levels….Because education is parental, authority must be total; because education is total, authority must be parental.” (Back to the Black Board, pg. 80)

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Jay Adams, the author of the above quote, was speaking of this authority being willingly given within the context of Christian schools, which employ Christian teachers, and utilize a curriculum which operates within the parameters of a biblical worldview.  He goes on to say “Parents must be taught this fact when they enroll their children in a Christian school, should be fully informed about the implications of it, and must intelligently assent to it.  They must be encouraged to let Christian teachers counsel, train, discipline, and teach values, beliefs, habits, and attitudes as well as facts about mathematics, history, etc.” (Back to the Black Board, pg. 80)

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With one slight, but significant change – the removal of the word “Christian” – the government agrees with Dr. Adams.  However, the implications are frightening when that authority is handed over to an educational system that does not share a parent’s biblical convictions and worldview:

In 2005 the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals found in Fields v. Palmdale School District “that the Meyer-Pierce right [of parents to direct the upbringing of their children] does not exist beyond the threshold of the school door.” 
You read that right. Parental Rights “[do] not exist beyond the threshold of the school door.”
“We conclude that the parents are possessed of no constitutional right to prevent the public schools from providing information on the subject [of sexuality] to their students in any forum or manner they select.” (ParentalRights.org)

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Parents must realize that, when they enroll their children in a school – public, private, Christian, or secular – they are giving over their God-ordained parental responsibility to “counsel, train, discipline, and teach values, beliefs, habits, and attitudes.”

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The fact is unavoidable, education is discipleship.

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A disciple is “a person who is a pupil or adherent of the doctrines of another; a follower” (Dictionary.com).

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“A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.” Luke:6:40

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The question is, who is discipling our children? 

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“Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord…” ~2 Corinthians 6:14-17

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In light of this passage, how can I, as a believer, yoke myself to, partner with, share, or “delegate” the spiritual, intellectual, and moral training and instruction of my child to a system of unbelievers? 

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I realize that some of the teachers at the local public schools are Christians.  However, the core and content of the curriculum which they are required, by law, to teach is not. 

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But, isn’t all truth God’s truth?  Yes.  However, not all that is called truth is truth: 

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“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!” ~Isaiah 5:20

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Scripture unequivocally says “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1).  This did not happen by random chance, over millions of years.  This took place in 6, literal, 24-hour days.  “For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.” (Exodus 20:11)  But, which is taught today, as fact, in public school classrooms?

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Scripture also calls homosexuality an abomination.  In Romans 1, God makes clear that this sin is “contrary to nature.”  “For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error.” (Romans 1:26-27) However, a top educational advisor to the current presidential administration is the founder of the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN).  This is an organization which seeks to promote “tolerance” among students of the gay, lesbian, and bi-sexual lifestyles.  It seeks to place resources (some of their book recommendations are for children as young as pre-school) in school classrooms and libraries, to help students understand, tolerate, and accept these deviant choices as normal and natural. 

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Suppose with me for a moment, that I do turn over my parental authority, and with it the responsibility of training and instructing my child to the teachers at the local public school. 

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I would, of course, tell my child to “Listen to your teacher. Respect your teacher. Obey your teacher.”  What happens when the day comes when that same teacher presents a lesson on evolution, or tolerance of homosexuality, or a distorted (but, “politically-correct”) version of history?  Must I now tell my child that their teacher is a liar, and not to be trusted in this area?  But, I will be contradicting my earlier admonition to listen to, respect, and obey.  However, if I do not attempt to address these errors, I am allowing my child to be taught, as fact, a view that is contrary to Scripture, thus calling God a liar.

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Or, like many parents, I would tell her, “Study hard. Get good grades. Be a good steward of your mind and your education.”  But, in that course of study she is taught evolution as fact, or homosexuality as natural and normative.  And, in order to receive a passing grade on the exam, she is required to answer questions affirming the truth and validity of those so-called “facts.”  Do we allow her to potentially fail an exam, thus jeopardizing her academic standing, and risking future scholarship opportunities?  Or, do we allow her to “compromise” – in effect, lie – in order to get the grade?

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“Yes, I know God is everywhere.  He owns the cattle on a thousand hills.  He certainly owns those public school buildings.  But God isn’t honored there.  He isn’t worshipped there.” (The Children Trap, pg. 27)

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“See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental principles of the world, and not according to Christ.” ~Colossians 2:8

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I do not want my child(ren) taken captive.  I do not want her imitating and conforming her life to the empty, secular, humanistic, and yes, anti-Christian thinking and examples that are propagated in public school classrooms.

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Did I just say anti-Christian?  Yes, I did.  But, why?

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“Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” ~Proverbs 13:20

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“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.”  Proverbs 1:7

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What is a fool? According to Scripture, “The fool says in his heart, ‘there is no God.’” (Psalm 53:1)  And, an educational system that removes, or worse, denies God is not education – it is pure foolishness.  And it is not Christian.

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Does this mean that children cannot learn from classic works of literature, or secular authors, scholars, scientists, or philosophers?  No.  Their lives and works should be both studied and considered.  But, they should be through the filter of a biblical worldview.  God’s Word must be the plum line which determines the truth of the statements and observations made.  Variation from this standard must be noted and addressed, with careful attention given to the correct, biblical response.

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Sadly, most Christians do not live as though every educational component has a religious or theological foundation.  This is only to their detriment.

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“O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called “knowledge,” for by professing it some have swerved from the faith. Grace be with you.” ~1 Timothy 6:20-21

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“…Our educational choice has to be based on the fact that God cannot and must not be ignored in the process.  Any educational system that denies the existence, preeminence, and primacy of God is in violation of this biblical principle and is detracting from, rather than contributing to, the discipleship process.” (Family Driven Faith, pg. 123)

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To be continued…

Part 1

Part 2

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“Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school.” ~Albert Einstein

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Educate, v.t. [L. educo, educare; e and duco, to lead.] – To bring up, as a child; to instruct; to inform and enlighten the understanding; to instill into the mind principles of arts, science, morals, religion and behavior. To educate children well is one of the most important duties of parents and guardians. (Webster’s American Dictionary of the American Language, 1828)

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Using the above definition, I actually prefer the term “home-educate,” to the more common “homeschool.”  For the sake of simplicity, I use both terms interchangeably.  But, I think that “home-educate” is a more precise term.  We are not simply trying to “do school at home,” mimicking and attempting to recreate a secular classroom experience.  I do not simply want to “school” my child(ren), I want to educate her.  And, I believe that my child(ren) will receive a better education at home.

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I want my child(ren) to learn how to think – not what to think.  Although I have been accused of this, I am not opposed to, or afraid of my daughter hearing, or being exposed to differing, or opposing views.  Quite the opposite, actually.  But, prior to exposing her to those differing views, I want her to be well-rooted morally, doctrinally, and spiritually.  I want her to have a strong biblical foundation, and the ability to confidently and intelligently interact with those opposing views, so that she is not “tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.” (Ephesians 4:14)

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“‘Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?’ And he said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’” ~Matthew 22:36-37

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I find it sad that Christian homeschoolers often have a reputation for being anti-intellectual, or anti-academic.  Maybe it is earned, even deserved.  But, this should not be the case.  While it is true that, as believers (homeschoolers or not), we are not to seek knowledge simply for the sake of amassing knowledge.  But, that does not mean that a Christian cannot be both “smart” and “spiritual.”  Scripture has much to say about the use of our minds.  We are to seek wisdom, and understanding, and insight.  We are to renew and transform our minds.  And, as with any other endeavor in our life, we must heed the admonition of 1 Corinthians 10:31 in our academic pursuits as well: “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

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I believe that there is, or, there should be a connection between the pursuit of spiritual, doctrinal, and theological excellence and academic excellence.  Christians should be among the greatest thinkers, and philosophers, and apologists, and scholars of our day. 

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“The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel: To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight, to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity; to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth—Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance, to understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and their riddles. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” ~Proverbs 1:1-7

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Because God’s Word speaks to every area of life, it must be the lens through which every subject and academic discipline is taught: Reading, grammar, and comprehension should lead to a greater ability to study, understand, and obey Scripture.  Science should point to God’s order and handiwork in creation.  Math should point us to a God of logic and order.  History should show us God’s sovereign hand at work in every era, culture, and individual.

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“But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.  All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.” ~2 Timothy 3:14-17

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We have chosen to use, a “classically-eclectic” Christian approach to our child(ren)’s education.  Traditionally, a classical education is based on the trivium (grammar, rhetoric, and logic) and the quadrivium (arithmetic, geometry, astronomy, and music).  Our “core” curriculum utilizes 3 basic levels of learning ability: (lower and upper) grammar, dialectic, and rhetoric.  Our studies will generally follow the history of the world, beginning with the (literal, 6-day) biblical account of the creation of the world, and moving to present-day current events, over the course of 4 years.  This cycle will be repeated every 4 years at varying degrees of difficulty corresponding to both age and ability.  We will also be supplementing this core with Bible studies and catechisms, science, math, language studies and a wide variety of reading material.

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I believe that our curriculum choice will give our child(ren) a “good” education (even by many secular standards), and could easily be considered “college-preparatory.”  But, that is not necessarily our ultimate goal.  We must have a standard for “success” that is different from the world’s. My goal is not to have the smartest child(ren), with an off-the-charts genius-level IQ, bound for a prestigious Ivy League university.

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Yes, I want my child(ren) to be well-educated.  But, I do not want her to pursue education as a means to an end – to get a good grade on a test, or to get into a “good” college.  Although college may, in some cases, be beneficial, I do not think that should be the ultimate focus and goal of our child(ren)’s education. College is not out of the question, I just do not believe that it has to be the only answer to that question.

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Currently, we have one child – a daughter.  And, while her gender does not shape all of our academic goals and purposes, it does impact some of them.  (This section will be updated with adjustments or additions should we, one day, have a son as well.)

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Part of our educational goal is to give our daughter(s) a clear understanding of biblical womanhood that is not constantly muddied by the feminist agenda.  I do not want to put her in a position to cultivate desires, or to pursue opportunities that will distract from or contradict Scripture’s calling for her, as a woman.  I want to use the limited years that I have with my daughter(s) to cultivate in her a heart for her future husband, family, and home.  Therefore, our curriculum will include instruction and training in practical domestic tasks (many of which are no longer taught in the public school system), but not to the exclusion of other academic pursuits.

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“…and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.” ~Titus 2:4-5

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Scripture is quite clear about the calling and role appointed to women.  But, a well-rounded education in no way detracts from that calling.  In fact, I believe that it will only better equip her to obey and fulfill it.

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Cooking, knitting, and housekeeping are valuable skills.  But, I want her to be a “suitable helper” for her future husband in other ways as well.  I want her to be interested in, and knowledgeable of a variety of subjects, and current events so that she can hold up her end of an interesting conversation or intelligent conversation.  I want her to both challenge him intellectually, and to be competent to help him to think through the tough issues of life, marriage, and ministry.  I want her to understand the importance of organization so that she can capably manage her home.  I want her to learn math so that she can wisely develop a household budget, and be trusted in her use of the family’s finances.  I want her to develop a love of learning so that she can competently and diligently teach her own children someday. 

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But, above all of that, I want her life, her conversation, and yes, her intelligence to be a shining testimony for Christ.  Ultimately, the end goal of our home-education studies is “that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.” ~2 Timothy 3:17 

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I want to teach my daughter (and, Lord-willing, any future children) that Scripture speaks to each and every area of life.  I believe this can be accomplished by studying every question, every issue, every problem, and yes, every academic discipline through the lens of Scripture.  And, when our years of “formal schooling” are complete, if I have taught my child(ren) that God’s Word is absolutely sufficient for “all things that pertain to life and godliness,” then I will have done my job.

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“His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.” ~2 Peter 1:3-4

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To be continued…

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

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Although we have been homeschooling for quite a while (a little over 5 years, to be exact), we are “officially” beginning our homeschooling journey this week, with Kindergarten.  Although it is not going to take over the blog, you will likely see an increase in homeschool-related posts.  So, I thought this might be a good time to share our homeschooling philosophy…why we are doing what we are doing, and where we stand on several key issues.  It is quite long, and would be far too much to expect anyone to take in all at once.  So, I will be posting it in several parts over the next few days. 

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I realize that just the mere mention of the topic of homeschooling can be, and often is, the start of many heated discussions, debates, and arguments.  So, before I begin, I would just like to say that my purpose in writing this is not to question the salvation or the integrity of those parents who have chosen to educate their children in the public schools.  I sincerely hope that each of those families made their decision as we did – with much prayer and purposeful study of God’s Word on this issue.

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But, I do not believe that this is, nor can it be a simple matter of pragmatism – “it works for us, so it is right.”  We do not believe that this just is the best choice for our family.  We believe that it is the best choice.  Period.  We have studied Scripture and prayed about our convictions and the resulting decisions, and we believe them to be biblical.  And, over the years, we will continue to examine our hearts before the Lord, and in light of His Word, on this issue.

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“There are many worthwhile pursuits in this world, but few of them rise to the level of training our children to follow the Lord and keep His commandments.  I desperately want my sons and daughters to walk with God, and I am willing to do whatever it takes, whatever the Bible says I must do in order to be used by God as a means to that end.” (Family Driven Faith, pg. 20)

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I am sure that every homeschooling family has their own reasons for choosing to do so.  And, I am equally sure that those reasons are as varied and unique as the families themselves.  These are our reasons…

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I often say that the simple, or short, answer to the question of why we have chosen to homeschool our child(ren) can be found in Deuteronomy 6:4-7 and Luke 6:40. 

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But, in reality, the answer is much longer…. 

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“I advise no one to place his child where the Scriptures do not reign paramount. Every institution in which men are not increasingly occupied with the Word of God must become corrupt.”
~Martin Luther

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“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.  You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.  And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart.  You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.” (Deut. 6:4-7)

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“The text, please note, doesn’t say, ‘Make sure that this gets done. Make sure your children learn these things.  …when God commands that someone do a job, it is arrogant and disobedient to pass that job on to someone or something else.” (When You Rise Up, pg. 47)

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This passage makes use of a Hebrew idiom: “when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.” This does not mean that we are to speak of these things only when we are sitting, or walking, or lying down.  It means all the time…not just after school, not just on the weekends, or school breaks – although those times are certainly included.  But, it means all the time, in the context of real life.

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“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” ~Ephesians 6:4

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As parents, we cannot escape the reality of what Scripture teaches about our duty and responsibility in the education, discipling, and training of our children.

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“God delegates to parents the authority and responsibility for teaching children.  God requires us to make certain that His Word and principles are applied in a daily, comprehensive manner to the education and upbringing of children.  Furthermore, He will hold us responsible for how we direct the education of our children.” (The Heart of Homeschooling, pg. 15)

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“She was deeply distressed and prayed to the Lord and wept bitterly. And she vowed a vow and said, ‘O Lord of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a son, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life….And in due time Hannah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Samuel, for she said, ‘I have asked for him from the Lord…  For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition that I made to him. Therefore I have lent him to the Lord. As long as he lives, he is lent to the Lord.’” ~1 Samuel 1:10; 20; 27-28 (ESV)

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Samuel was the much-longed for answer to Hannah’s prayers.  And, yet from the moment he was born – perhaps the moment he was conceived – she understood something most of us miss.  Samuel was not hers.  He belonged to God.  She was simply the steward, the caretaker of God’s precious child.  And, in obedience to the vow she had made, she willingly gave Samuel back to his rightful owner. 

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Like Samuel, our children are not really ours.

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“‘Tell us, then, what you think.  Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?’ But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, ‘Why put me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin for the tax.’ And they brought him a denarius.  And Jesus said to them, ‘Whose likeness and inscription is this?’ They said, ‘Caesar’s.’ Then he said to them, ‘Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’” Matthew 22:17-21

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In the same way, our children bear an inscription declaring their rightful owner…and the name on that inscription is not mine.  It is not my husband’s. 

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It is God’s.  She is God’s.  She is not mine.

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How can I further delegate a role which has already been delegated to me?  And why, in so doing, would I offer that which rightly belongs to God to a corrupt and immoral system? 

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Although today’s public schools claim neutrality on issues of morality, ethics, and truth, education is not neutral.  It is not amoral or irreligious.  It can’t be.  It requires absolutes, true and false, a standard of right and wrong.  Those concepts cannot be properly taught without an absolute authority.  Whose word determines that absolute standard of authority on issues of morality, right and wrong, true and false in the public school system? God’s? Or, man’s?

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“Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad, for the tree is known by its fruit. You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil.” ~Matthew 12:33-35

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If our goal is to raise children, and ultimately, adults who walk with God, who love Christ, who rightly obey and apply Scripture, then we cannot, in good conscience, turn over the discipline and training of their minds (which was entrusted to us, as parents) to a system that is, not just innocuously non-Christian, but blatantly anti-Christian.

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“A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.” ~Luke:6:40

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How can I expect my child(ren) to act and think in a biblical manner when they are constantly bombarded with secular, humanistic, anti-biblical ideas and examples? 

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“…but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.” ~Matthew 18:6

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For this reason, we believe that God’s Word must be the authority for both the foundation and content of our child(ren)’s education.  While, yes, this can, and does happen in many Christian schools, we believe that, biblically, the duty and responsibility of educating our children is given to the parents.

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“I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings from of old, that our fathers have told us. We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done.  He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers to teach to their children, that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children, so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments; and that they should not be like their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation whose heart was not steadfast, whose spirit was not faithful to God.” ~Psalm 78:2-8

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To be continued…

Part 2

Part 3

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I am not at all exaggerating when I say I think this may be my favorite room in the house.

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We have a great loft area upstairs, which I immediately claimed as our play/schoolroom when we were moving in!  I love it.  I know not everyone has the luxury of a dedicated school room…so I am enjoying it while I have it…because, I know that may not always be the case!!

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Yes, we have been in this house for a little over a year and a half, and it is still something of a work-in-progress…

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This little table is Hannah’s “desk,” for now.  Eventually, I’d love to get a bigger (sturdier) table, or desk.  But, for now, this will work for most of what she needs to do.  We can easily pull it into the middle of the room so that I can write on the board (copywork, math problems, spelling/vocabulary words, memory verses, etc.).  And, if we really need more room, then we’ll just pack it up, and move downstairs to the dining table!

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This is the other half of the room…the “reading corner.”  That couch has already become the favored location for Bible time, story-time, and many reading lessons…and I am looking forward to many more! 

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Yes, you will notice a few gaps in the bookcase.  Our state’s homeschool convention was at the end of July, and I still had a few curriculum decisions to finalize and order at that time.  So, I am still anxiously awaiting the arrival of a few books and other materials!  (But, because of the timing of the convention, I had already decided not to start when the local public schools did, last week.  Our first day will be August 30th!)

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There is one part of the school room that is not (yet) in these pictures.  That is my desk…or, as it is more commonly known these days, the disaster area.  In reorganizing the bookcase that you see in these pictures, I had to relocate several  books to make room for our (coming) curriculum.   And, the relocated books are, sadly, still waiting for a home on and around my desk.  And, in all honesty, I am too embarrassed to show it to you in it’s current (very messy!) state…so, I will add that picture once things are a bit more presentable!!

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Head on over to Heart of the Matter to see more great spaces:

In college, I majored in Christian Education.  So, for me, researching educational methods, curriculum choices, and learning styles is just as much fun as it is practical.  So, I was both excited and sad to hear about Heart of the Matter‘s {Not} Back to School Blog Hop week dedicated solely to curriculum – right up my alley!  The sad part comes in because I totally missed the link-up window last week…and, because we are not scheduled to {not} start school (since it is sort of our first year, we aren’t really going back) until September, it appears I am very much on track to also miss this week’s link-up on our school room.  But I am working on getting it if not finished, then at least presentable before the linky closes.  But, for now, you can at least check out what we will be doing in that room (our curriculum choices)…even if I am a little late to the party…

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I had decided on using a classical approach even before Hannah could crawl!  I discovered Tapestry of Grace a little later (about 3 years ago), and it appeared to be a perfect fit!  So, the “core” of our curriculum has been settled for some time.

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So, I am beyond excited to finally (read: “officially”) get started!

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I suppose that you could say that, “officially,” we have been doing “pre-school” for a couple of years already.  Although, I totally went against type, for both of us, and used a less structured – when she needs/wants to learn it she will, and we’ll figure out a way to accomplish it – approach.

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By less-structured, I do not mean no-structure! (Have you met me?!)  Because I wanted her to have a strong foundation in the basics, I created a (rather lengthy) scope-and-sequenceto serve as a guide for Hannah’s (and Lord-willing, any future children’s) pre-school/kindergarten years.  (Yes, years.  See this pagefor a more detailed description of what this entails.)  We based our pre-school time on this list of goals and objectives, rather than centering it on a specific curriculum.

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While this (slightly) less structured approach worked quite well, we are both ready for a bit more structure!

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However, in choosing my curriculum for this year, I realized that myideas of what my child should know/needs to learn in Kindergarten is quite different from what she is actually expected to know.  So, even though Hannah is “technically” of Kindergarten age, some of the material that we will be using this year is first-grade level.  This is not an attempt to pressure my child (or anyone else’s) into a misguided quest for academic superiority and over-achievement. . I simply chose the material that I felt would best cover the information that I believe she needs to know by the end of this year.

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“Kindergarten” (age: 5-year-old) Curriculum

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Bible:

Select Resources

(Leading Little Ones to God, by Marian Schooland

A Faith to Grow On, by John MacArthur
The Big Book of Questions & Answers, by Sinclair B. Ferguson
Truth and Grace Memory Book – book 1, ed. by Thomas Ascol

ESV Bible and/or ICB Illustrated Bible)

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Language Arts:
Teaching Your Child to Read in100 Easy Lessons, by Siegfried Engelmann

Bob Books

First Language Lessons (Well-Trained Mind)

Select Beginning/Easy Readers

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Handwriting:

Start Write – D’Nealian

We have been using the Kumon Upper Case and Lower Case workbooks for the past year.  Mostly, the goal was to solidify and reinforce letter/sound recognition. But, they were a great place to start.  Now, I think her fine motor skills are developed to the point where she can handle more.  And, I’d like to focus on the look of the letters/words, as well as legibility.  And, I prefer the look of D’Nealian, compared to normal block lettering.

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Social Studies:

Tapestry of Grace…Year 1
Year 1 Lapbooks

Select Books & Read-Alouds

We will be taking this area rather slowly.  According to the (very helpful!) representatives that I spoke with, and the TOG website, this can be used as early as Kindergarten.  I will be using the lapbook kits to help supplement and reinforce the lessons.  We will see how it goes, and if needed, we may stretch this first year over two years.

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Math:

Saxon 1

I had a very hard time deciding between Math-U-See and Saxon.  Although I heard mainly good things about both programs, I did ask friends who have used one or both for their honest opinions on the drawbacks or negative features of each. 

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With Math-U-See, I heard several complaints about how multiplication facts are taught.  While it will still be a few years before we reach that level, I felt it was worth considering even now. (One parent went as far as to say that they wished their child had never learned it that way, because it became so confusing, they were having to re-teach things the child already knew/should have known.  And, it was becoming a major source of frustration.)  With Saxon, most of the negatives comments that I heard were based on the amount of work required in each lesson.

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But, when it came down to it, Saxon just made more sense to me.  (Possibly because the school that I went to used Saxon, so the style and format were familiar.)  But, since I am the one doing the teaching, I had to go with what I understand.  Plus, I figure, I can alter the amount of “busy work” required to match her mastery of the concepts. 

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And, yes, you might notice that we went with level one on this.  We have been working on (what I considered) very basic math facts for a while now.  But, in talking to several different curriculum vendors at our recent homeschool convention, we discovered that Hannah would either zip through the kindergarten-level math curriculum and I would have to spend twice the money purchasing the next level before the year was out, or she would be very, very bored for the duration of the year.  Neither option was particularly acceptable in my mind, so they suggested looking at the 1^st grade material…and it seemed a much better fit.  There is a good review of the basic facts that she already knows, and enough new material to keep it challenging. 

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Science:

Bob Jones Science 1

I chose Bob Jones science because it most closely matched up with what I wanted her to learn this year – simple and basic facts and experiments.  Right now, I only have one child, so I can completely tailor our curriculum to suit her needs.  That may not (I am hoping) always be the case.  If it is, I may stick with Bob Jones, or I may switch to something else.  I really liked the Apologia materials, and am tentatively planning to use it in the future. (I think it would be especially good if I am ever in the position of needing to teach multiple grade levels at once.)  But, for now, it is a bit more advanced than what she is ready for at the moment.

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Spanish:

Teach Them Spanish – Grade K. 

Yes, Spanish…in kindergarten.  It wasn’t in my original plan, but after hearing it around town, at church, and on a few episodes of Handy Manny (we are not Dora fans), Hannah has been begging to learn.  And, I think it is a great idea!  Sadly, I’ve pretty much exhausted what little I remember from my 3 years of high school Spanish just trying to teach her a few words!  So…we’ve added Spanish to our kindergarten plan.

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P.E.:

Ballet/Jazz Class

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: …a time to keep silence, and a time to speak…” (Ecclesiastes 3:1&7)

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This summer, has evidently, been a time to keep silence here on the blog.  It has been a season of learning…reading, listening, searching, convicting, confirming, and pondering…quietly.

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Not that there hasn’t been much to talk (write) about.  Because, there most certainly has!  And, I’m sure that, in time, there will be a season for sharing some of those lessons and thoughts here on the blog.

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Until then, let me assure you that all is well!

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By way of a quick update:

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I spent the majority of June battling an almost-constant migraine.  Yes, there were a few breaks, but not many.  While I think we may have traced the culprit to a new pillow (which I have since discarded), I am still trying to get the paperwork and insurance worked out to get an appointment with a neurologist, just to see if there is anything we can do to put an end to any future episodes like that!

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July was busy, although at the moment, I can’t figure out exactly why… Probably just the simple act of getting back to the normal stuff of everyday life, after spending the last month unable to see or think clearly.  We did attend our area’s homeschool convention near the end of the month.  It was our first, and we came away encouraged – more so by the people that we spent time talking with, and getting to know during the 2-day event, than by the conference itself.  My favorite part of the conference was the exhibit/vendor hall!  I think I would have been perfectly happy spending the entire 2 days wandering around in there!  We have a few friends who did just that, and I plan to follow their lead next year!!  Even though I have been researching styles and curriculum choices for years, and evaluating Hannah’s specific learning styles, needs, strengths, and weaknesses in various areas, I still loved looking around at the variety of choices, books, and resources.  And, it was a huge help to actually get my hands on a few of the things that I had been considering.  I still had a few decision to make, and looking at the actual curriculum sitting in front of me, as opposed to on the screen of the computer was extremely helpful!  For the subjects that I had already made my decisions, I had heard that the conventions usually offered some good deals, so my goal was to find the best price.  I came armed with Excel spreadsheets of the prices and deals offered by various catalogs, companies, and bookstores.  While I left still planning/needing to purchase the majority of our kindergarten curriculum, I did find a few good deals, and was able to finalize a few of the subjects that I had been wavering on.  So, all in all, mission accomplished…rather successfully.  I may do a more extensive curriculum post in the coming weeks (we will be starting school a little later than the public schools here…just because we can!).

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And, here it is, August already.  (How did that happen?!)  We celebrated our 9^th anniversary yesterday.  Hannah spent the day with one of her best friends, while Jason and I spent the day together.  The rest of the month will be devoted to waiting anxiously for the mailman and/or the UPS guy to arrive with our boxes of school books…and creating lesson plans…in anticipation of our first day of school!  (I’m still not entirely sure when that will be…probably sometime after the rest of our curriculum arrives!)  And, I’m hoping to get the play/school room painted, rearrange the furniture, and sew some valances for the windows before then too… Ambitious? Maybe.  But totally doable.

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As for my poor neglected blog…I’ll be back…eventually.  Thanks for continuing to visit…even with the lack of substance in recent weeks.

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“We should allow no separation to grow up between the intellectual and ‘spiritual’ life of children; but should teach them that the divine Spirit has constant access to their spirits, and is their continual helper in all the interests, duties and joys of life.”

~Charlotte Mason (as quoted in For the Children’s Sake, by Susan Schaeffer  Macaulay, pg. 64)

Tomorrow, President Obama is scheduled to speak to the nation’s school children.  This speech has not yet taken place, and already Christians are lining up on both sides of the argument, ready to battle and accuse one another because of it.

I have been surprised at the reactions, the harsh words, accusations, and demands coming from both sides of the issue – those who believe this speech is harmless and appropriate, and those who believe it is potentially detrimental and outside the presidential realm of authority – are simply stunning…and not exactly what I would call Christ-like, or pleasing to God.

I recently responded to poll on Facebook, which asked a simple question:

“Should the United States President be allowed to do a nationwide address to our children at school without prior parental consent?” 

I emphasize the last part, and ultimately answered “No” to this poll, for that reason – among others.  My response was based partially on the unknown nature of the content of the speech (which, was only recently released), and the supplemental “lesson plans” aimed at encouraging children to do what they can to help the President achieve his goals.  While I am fine with a message of stay in school and work hard, I have done some research on President Obama’s educational policies, and the people within his administration that he has chosen to head certain education-related boards and committees, and, that is what makes me most uncomfortable about this speech.  I do not want anyone asking, or encouraging my child to help further certain aspects of that agenda – especially without my prior knowledge and consent.  Because, although he may be the President, the last time I checked, I am her mom.

And, in my mind, that is a very high calling, and carries with it an immense responsibility to help my daughter form biblical convictions, and to practice discernment in all areas of life.  Contrary to the accusations that have been flying recently, I am not opposed to, or afraid of my daughter hearing, or being exposed to differing, or opposing views.  Quite the opposite, actually.  But, I do not want her exposed to them before she is ready, causing her to be tossed about by every wind of doctrine (Eph. 4:14).  I want her to be well-rooted morally, doctrinally, and spiritually, with a strong biblical foundation before exposing her to those myriad other views and philosophies.  And, despite what some may believe, that is not grounds for me to find a new country to call home.  

I can still submit to, and honor the authority of the office, while respectfully disagreeing with certain philosophies, or methodologies presented by said administration.  Regardless of our feelings about our President, or his policies, as believers we must heed the words of 1 Timothy 2:1-3:

“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior.”

“Godly and dignified in every way…pleasing in the sight of God our Savior.”  That should be the distinguishing characteristic of our behavior as Christians, even, and especially if we disagree with one another on how to handle this particular situation.  But, sadly, the most heated discussions that I have heard/read on this topic, have been between Christian homeschooling and non-homeschooling families.  This has been a long-standing point of contention within the Christian community, and it probably comes as no surprise that President Obama’s planned speech is only adding fuel to the fire.

Over the past several days, godly, Christian families that have chosen to send their kids to public schools have been told that they are lazily shirking their parental responsibilities, and blindly handing their children over to an evil and corrupt system.  They have been accused of being disobedient to Scripture, and disregarding the high call of parenting.  (Maybe, in some cases these accusations are true and valid.  And, if you are not homeschooling, perhaps it is worth examining in your own heart before the Lord.  But, these statements are absolutely not true of all Christian families who have chosen to put their kids in the public schools.)

The accusations being leveled at Christian homeschooling families are just as fierce. Homeschoolers are being told that they are parenting out of fear.  They are overly-protective, and sheltering their children.  They are instilling fear and distrust in their children, and modeling for them an attitude of rebellion and disrespect – to God, and to the government.  (Again, these statements are likely true of some homeschooling families.  And each family needs to carefully consider their true motives in light of God’s Word.  But, once again, this is certainly is not true of all who choose to homeschool.)

My daughter is not even “officially” of school-age.  And, when that time comes, we are choosing to homeschool her.  So, under normal circumstances, it would not even affect her this year.  And, I find it somewhat odd that I am even addressing this, as I have not yet explained our reasons for choosing to homeschool our daughter here on the blog.  Maybe I will someday, but for now, I will just say that we did not make this decision lightly, out of fear, or out of some misguided belief that by doing so we could create the perfect child.  It was made after much thought and prayer.  And, we believe it to be the best decision for our family.  And, I am sure that many Christian families who have opted to go the public, or Christian schooling route would say the same of their decisions. 

My main concern, in light of the hubbub surrounding this speech, is not whether Christian parents will, or should, pull their children out of public schools – for the day, or forever.  It is the way those who claim the name of Christ, on either side of the educational fence, are reacting to one another as a result of this planned speech.  As believers, and brothers and sisters in Christ, we must be especially careful to behave towards one another in a way that is God-honoring would point others, not to a particular method of education, but to our Lord, and His Word.

As far as the President’s speech tomorrow is concerned…  If you choose to allow your children to listen (in a school classroom, online, or on television), do so with a discerning ear, and an eye toward helping your children understand, and process what is/was said in light of Scripture.  If you choose not to allow your children to listen, whatever your rationale, please, do so with the respect and honor owed the office of President…

“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God…Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.” Romans 13:1, 7  

We are not a homeschooling family…yet.  We do some “pre-school” stuff, but nothing that would be considered formal schooling.  I am just very much of the mind that it is never too early to start learning!  Hannah is not even three.  Although, I am already in the process of researching various methods, and curriculums as we are seriously considering it (homeschooling) for the very near future.

Yesterday morning, I heard about this on the radio, and I am sure that, by now, many of you have probably heard about it as well.

The Second Appellate District in Los Angles County handed down a decision on February 28 involving a non-member homeschool family that has caused much concern among California homeschoolers. (http://www.hslda.org/elink.asp?id=4804)

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The opinion holds that homeschooling is not a legal option in California. HSLDA strongly disputes this interpretation of California law. We believe that the court made a mistake when it relied on two decisions reached in the 1950s in order to show that homeschooling is not a legal option.
If the opinion is followed, then California will have the most regressive law in the nation and homeschooling will be effectively banned, because the only legal way to homeschool will be for the parent to hold a teaching certificate. Parents should not have to attend a four-year college education program just to teach their own children.
California is now on the path to being the only state to deny the vast majority of homeschooling parents their fundamental right to teach their own children at home. (http://www.hslda.org/hs/state/ca/200803030.asp)

It appears that California law does not yet require teaching certification for homeschooling parents…but, as a result of this ruling, it definitely seems to be “on the path” that direction.

You can listen to today’s (Friday, March 7^th) Focus on the Family broadcast for more information on this ruling, and what we can do to oppose it.  Dr. Dobson will be interviewing HSLDA chairman, Michael Farris.

Although these articles were written before this decision was handed down, they may give you some insight into why some parents choose to homeschool their children.  They offer a great perspective on the question of homeschooling, public schooling, or private schooling.  They also address the issues (and the questions and arguments that arise) from a very biblical perspective:

• “Home, Public, or Private School?” Author unknown, posted February 5th, 2008
• “Does the Bible Mandate Home School?” by Nathan Busenitz, posted February 13th, 2008

Even if you are not a homeschooling family…Or, maybe you are, but you do not live in California…Either way, please consider signing this petition.