Getting ready for the new school year! I remember the school supplies, the haircuts and fresh new clothes of this season when I was young. For homeschoolers, those outward statements of "school is coming soon" are faded; the true sign of the season beginning is in the curriculum. Here is the curriculum choices we've made so far for this year:
7th grader:
A Beka General Math
Apologia Astronomy
Sequential Spelling 2
Analytical Grammar - part 1 (maybe)
9th grader:
Video Text Algebra
Getting Started with Latin (almost complete) then on to Linney's Latin
Wordly Wise
Apologia Zoology
Analytical Grammar - part 2
Ballet, Tap, Jazz dance classes
Together:
Bible Covenants
Names of God by David Wilkerson
IEW
A Beka Themes in Lit/BJU Elements of Lit
Apologia Physical Science
Mystery of History (returning to Book 1)
WW2 Unit Study + The Hiding Place
Painless Poetry
Co-ops with our Homeschool Group
Physical Science
Chess Club
Cantering the Country
Book Club (classics)
Also trying out Sports Club at a local Rec Center
As I type this, I think this looks ambitious and I know that we will not get it all done, but God willing we will take the best pieces and leave the rest!
Friday, July 15, 2011
Thursday, July 14, 2011
The Proverbs 31 Woman - Part 4
The Proverbs 31 woman is CAREFUL.
v. 16 says
She considers a field and buys it;
From her earnings she plants a vineyard.
Have you ever looked for a house or apartment, bought a house or found one to rent? If you haven’t yet, you probably will someday. My husband and I chose our house as a “forever house.” We don’t intend on moving, ever. [Although when the weather “feels like 100” like it has the last few days, I do dream of cooler climes! And, of course, if the Lord wants us to move -- we will!]
We made our list carefully because of that goal. We needed to get this right the first time and God blessed our list. We wanted a big yard, a big bathtub, and a fireplace. We found the exact house we wanted within our budget. It was the first house we looked at! A few years later, we re-financed so that we would not spend all of our lives paying the interest on a mortgage. Our house is paid off, so there may be money someday to do other things -- like pay for our children’s education –- or other things that “grow” (like a vineyard).
In a broader sense, this Proverbs 31 woman was frugal and wise. She considered her purchases and she worked and saved for what she wanted. I don’t picture her running to Macy’s with her husband’s paycheck. She made sure there was enough; she worked and made a profit. I do picture her clipping coupons and making wise purchases, for things that will last.
v. 16 says
She considers a field and buys it;
From her earnings she plants a vineyard.
Have you ever looked for a house or apartment, bought a house or found one to rent? If you haven’t yet, you probably will someday. My husband and I chose our house as a “forever house.” We don’t intend on moving, ever. [Although when the weather “feels like 100” like it has the last few days, I do dream of cooler climes! And, of course, if the Lord wants us to move -- we will!]
We made our list carefully because of that goal. We needed to get this right the first time and God blessed our list. We wanted a big yard, a big bathtub, and a fireplace. We found the exact house we wanted within our budget. It was the first house we looked at! A few years later, we re-financed so that we would not spend all of our lives paying the interest on a mortgage. Our house is paid off, so there may be money someday to do other things -- like pay for our children’s education –- or other things that “grow” (like a vineyard).
In a broader sense, this Proverbs 31 woman was frugal and wise. She considered her purchases and she worked and saved for what she wanted. I don’t picture her running to Macy’s with her husband’s paycheck. She made sure there was enough; she worked and made a profit. I do picture her clipping coupons and making wise purchases, for things that will last.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Where Can Casey Go?
Joshua 20:1-6
The Cities of Refuge
The LORD also spoke to Joshua, saying, “Speak to the children of Israel, saying: ‘Appoint for yourselves cities of refuge, of which I spoke to you through Moses, that the slayer who kills a person accidentally or unintentionally may flee there; and they shall be your refuge from the avenger of blood. And when he flees to one of those cities, and stands at the entrance of the gate of the city, and declares his case in the hearing of the elders of that city, they shall take him into the city as one of them, and give him a place, that he may dwell among them. Then if the avenger of blood pursues him, they shall not deliver the slayer into his hand, because he struck his neighbor unintentionally, but did not hate him beforehand. And he shall dwell in that city until he stands before the congregation for judgment, and until the death of the one who is high priest in those days. Then the slayer may return and come to his own city and his own house, to the city from which he fled.’”
In recent days, the world has watched the trial of Casey Anthony. We saw all the evidence – or lack of evidence, depending on your point of view – right before our very eyes. We were allowed seats in the courtroom and we became jury and judge within our hearts. But we did not get to push any buttons to actually choose. Only 12 truly appointed men and women got to voice their votes in a way that counted. Her fate was decided without me. The problem is, I know too much – or think I do -- and so do you, and so do literally millions of others.
I just wonder, where will Casey go? She has been acquitted and will soon be free. But will she ever be truly free? Where can she go that she won’t be recognized? Where can she go where she will be treated as completely “innocent?” Our voyeurism has stolen from her a basic right – the presumption of innocence -- that we are innocent until proven guilty.
I heard recently that in Scotland they have a third category for judgment: guilty, not guilty, and “not proven.” At first, I thought, that sounds great. We want to put a mark on those people who we think are guilty of getting away with something. But, upon further reflection, I know that is definitely NOT the American way. How would I feel if I had not been proven guilty, but everywhere I went people acted as though I was guilty?
I pray that Casey can find a city of refuge, to be free from the assumption of guilt, and move on to find the true source of refuge in Jesus Christ – the only real hope for anyone of us.
The Cities of Refuge
The LORD also spoke to Joshua, saying, “Speak to the children of Israel, saying: ‘Appoint for yourselves cities of refuge, of which I spoke to you through Moses, that the slayer who kills a person accidentally or unintentionally may flee there; and they shall be your refuge from the avenger of blood. And when he flees to one of those cities, and stands at the entrance of the gate of the city, and declares his case in the hearing of the elders of that city, they shall take him into the city as one of them, and give him a place, that he may dwell among them. Then if the avenger of blood pursues him, they shall not deliver the slayer into his hand, because he struck his neighbor unintentionally, but did not hate him beforehand. And he shall dwell in that city until he stands before the congregation for judgment, and until the death of the one who is high priest in those days. Then the slayer may return and come to his own city and his own house, to the city from which he fled.’”
In recent days, the world has watched the trial of Casey Anthony. We saw all the evidence – or lack of evidence, depending on your point of view – right before our very eyes. We were allowed seats in the courtroom and we became jury and judge within our hearts. But we did not get to push any buttons to actually choose. Only 12 truly appointed men and women got to voice their votes in a way that counted. Her fate was decided without me. The problem is, I know too much – or think I do -- and so do you, and so do literally millions of others.
I just wonder, where will Casey go? She has been acquitted and will soon be free. But will she ever be truly free? Where can she go that she won’t be recognized? Where can she go where she will be treated as completely “innocent?” Our voyeurism has stolen from her a basic right – the presumption of innocence -- that we are innocent until proven guilty.
I heard recently that in Scotland they have a third category for judgment: guilty, not guilty, and “not proven.” At first, I thought, that sounds great. We want to put a mark on those people who we think are guilty of getting away with something. But, upon further reflection, I know that is definitely NOT the American way. How would I feel if I had not been proven guilty, but everywhere I went people acted as though I was guilty?
I pray that Casey can find a city of refuge, to be free from the assumption of guilt, and move on to find the true source of refuge in Jesus Christ – the only real hope for anyone of us.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
The Proverbs 31 Woman - Part 3
The Proverbs 31 woman is a WORKER.
v. 13 says
She looks for wool and flax,
And works with her hands in delight.
Those of you who sew might easily see yourself here, but I think in a broader sense, this Proverbs 31 woman enjoys being creative. She is producing something for her husband or children and she delights in it. I am sure at different stages in our lives, we have all done something creative in our homes [make curtains, decorate the table, set out holiday decorations, make a nursery, rearrange the furniture]. Think of one or two creative things you have done.
The Proverbs 31 woman is a WORKER. That sounds familiar. Where have I heard that before?
v. 14 says
She is like merchant ships;
She brings her food from afar.
If this were a “Bible study,” maybe we would talk about the Hebrew culture at this point. But, this is us -- What in the world does this verse mean to us today? Grocery shopping! Could your family survive if you gave up those weekly (sometimes daily) trips to the store?
Did I say the Proverbs 31 woman is a WORKER?
v. 15 says
She rises also while it is still night,
And gives food to her household,
And portions to her maidens.
My first thought here was “Yeah, right, I don’t do that.” But, I have and so have you. When your baby cried in the middle of the night (two and three and four and five times in the middle of the night), who got up to feed him? You did. Your thoughts were not first of sleep, but of taking care of your child. Your child’s needs came first (whether you bottle-fed or breast-fed).
I think this verse is really talking about managing your household. Making sure things are running smoothly; everyone is where they are supposed to be, dressed and fed and nurtured. You do that every time you pack a diaper bag or a lunchbox, every time you prepare a meal or get your child ready for school.
v. 13 says
She looks for wool and flax,
And works with her hands in delight.
Those of you who sew might easily see yourself here, but I think in a broader sense, this Proverbs 31 woman enjoys being creative. She is producing something for her husband or children and she delights in it. I am sure at different stages in our lives, we have all done something creative in our homes [make curtains, decorate the table, set out holiday decorations, make a nursery, rearrange the furniture]. Think of one or two creative things you have done.
The Proverbs 31 woman is a WORKER. That sounds familiar. Where have I heard that before?
v. 14 says
She is like merchant ships;
She brings her food from afar.
If this were a “Bible study,” maybe we would talk about the Hebrew culture at this point. But, this is us -- What in the world does this verse mean to us today? Grocery shopping! Could your family survive if you gave up those weekly (sometimes daily) trips to the store?
Did I say the Proverbs 31 woman is a WORKER?
v. 15 says
She rises also while it is still night,
And gives food to her household,
And portions to her maidens.
My first thought here was “Yeah, right, I don’t do that.” But, I have and so have you. When your baby cried in the middle of the night (two and three and four and five times in the middle of the night), who got up to feed him? You did. Your thoughts were not first of sleep, but of taking care of your child. Your child’s needs came first (whether you bottle-fed or breast-fed).
I think this verse is really talking about managing your household. Making sure things are running smoothly; everyone is where they are supposed to be, dressed and fed and nurtured. You do that every time you pack a diaper bag or a lunchbox, every time you prepare a meal or get your child ready for school.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
The Proverbs 31 Woman - Part 2
The Proverbs 31 woman is to be GOOD TO HER HUSBAND.
v. 12 says
She does him good and not evil
All the days of her life.
That sounds so simple. Of course we want to do good for our husbands. We are not putting arsenic in his food or even swishing his toothbrush in the toilet when he isn’t looking. But, at 5:17 PM when I have a hot meal on the table and Paul isn’t home yet and I’ve got one kid screaming in my ear and the other one pulling on my leg, what ARE my intentions for him? Am I thinking, “Oh the poor dear, must be stuck in traffic again?” Or am I screaming on the inside: “Just wait until that so-and-so gets home; he can take care of the kids and I don’t care if his food IS cold? I’m going to go take a bath and see how he likes just being stuck all alone here!”
When I feel more like that, verse 12 gives me something to shoot for. Do him “good and not evil.” Sometimes I have to repeat that verse until it clicks. “Doing good” means saying uplifting and edifying words to my husband; "doing good" means washing his shirts without him asking me; "doing good" means greeting him at the door with a smile instead of shoving kids into his hands and pouring out my day like acid in his face.
In the book, The Excellent Wife, by Martha Peace, she says “The goal of the Christian husband and wife in their marriage is to have a oneness that is characterized by a loving spiritual and physical bond that glorifies God and thereby enhances personal spiritual growth (Genesis 2:24; Ephesians 5:22-33; Galatians 6:1; Hebrews 13:4)” [pg. 33]. She references Luke 17:10 which says, “So you too, when you do all the things which are commanded you, say, ‘we are unworthy slaves; we have done only that which we ought to have done.'”
“Giving of yourself to your husband is not going above and beyond the call of duty. It is only doing as you ought. You ought to be kind to your husband. You ought to be open, transparent and honest with him.” [pg. 32].
v. 12 says
She does him good and not evil
All the days of her life.
That sounds so simple. Of course we want to do good for our husbands. We are not putting arsenic in his food or even swishing his toothbrush in the toilet when he isn’t looking. But, at 5:17 PM when I have a hot meal on the table and Paul isn’t home yet and I’ve got one kid screaming in my ear and the other one pulling on my leg, what ARE my intentions for him? Am I thinking, “Oh the poor dear, must be stuck in traffic again?” Or am I screaming on the inside: “Just wait until that so-and-so gets home; he can take care of the kids and I don’t care if his food IS cold? I’m going to go take a bath and see how he likes just being stuck all alone here!”
When I feel more like that, verse 12 gives me something to shoot for. Do him “good and not evil.” Sometimes I have to repeat that verse until it clicks. “Doing good” means saying uplifting and edifying words to my husband; "doing good" means washing his shirts without him asking me; "doing good" means greeting him at the door with a smile instead of shoving kids into his hands and pouring out my day like acid in his face.
In the book, The Excellent Wife, by Martha Peace, she says “The goal of the Christian husband and wife in their marriage is to have a oneness that is characterized by a loving spiritual and physical bond that glorifies God and thereby enhances personal spiritual growth (Genesis 2:24; Ephesians 5:22-33; Galatians 6:1; Hebrews 13:4)” [pg. 33]. She references Luke 17:10 which says, “So you too, when you do all the things which are commanded you, say, ‘we are unworthy slaves; we have done only that which we ought to have done.'”
“Giving of yourself to your husband is not going above and beyond the call of duty. It is only doing as you ought. You ought to be kind to your husband. You ought to be open, transparent and honest with him.” [pg. 32].
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
The Proverbs 31 Woman - Part 1
This speech was originally presented to my MOPS group. I will be breaking it into bite-size thinkable pieces for this blog.
It is popular today to knock some of the old TV shows and say that Leave it to Beaver is not realistic. Instead, Roseanne is supposed to be the typical family of today. That may be true. I grew up in a home that was more similar to Roseanne’s home (with sarcasm, lack of communication, and lack of true confrontation), but watching a show like that gives me no hope for better. I love Leave it to Beaver because I can see things in the Cleaver household that I do want to emulate and strive for. Maybe I will never do housework in my best dress and high heels, but I can work toward listening to my children, communicating politely and lovingly with my husband, and keeping my family together in harmony rather than acrimony.
I feel the same way about Proverbs 31. It gives me something to shoot for. It isn’t today’s list of things to do. I couldn’t possibly accomplish everything in a day, a month, or year out of my life. But I can try to do some of these things over time. And I already do. And so do you.
Proverbs 31 contains the words of a woman! A mother, just like us! This mother was trying to give wisdom to her young son, Lemuel, the future king. This is her advice regarding the type of woman he should find to marry. I think she did want him to find someone, so this list can’t be totally unrealistic.
First, the Proverbs 31 woman is to be TRUSTED.
v. 10-11 says
An excellent wife, who can find?
For her worth is far above jewels.
The heart of her husband trusts in her.
And he will have no lack of gain.
So far, so good; we all want to be rewarded with rubies, right? And the biggest quality for us to have is to be trustworthy. What does being trustworthy mean to you? [Think about that.]
To me, that means my husband doesn’t have to worry about me when he is planning our life. He knows he will get a big “thumbs-up” for the plans that he makes for our future; that he will get a smile when he asks me to do him a favor; that he will not be yelled at or belittled or looked down upon.
The Bible often tells men to “love” their wives, but women to “respect” their husbands. I think this is a critical difference in our makeup. A man is made to need respect. If he doesn’t have it, he feels less than a man. [Read: Rock Solid Marriage, by Bob Barnes, especially pp. 196-199. One sample paragraph: "It has been said, "Behind every successful man is a great woman cheering him on." Cheering him on because he's worthy of her cheering? Probably not. In the same book that tells husbands to love or cherish their wives, it says, "the wife must respect her husband" (Eph 5:33 NIV). Why? Because her husband is respectable? No, it doesn't say, "and to those of you wives who have respectable husbands, respect them."]
It is popular today to knock some of the old TV shows and say that Leave it to Beaver is not realistic. Instead, Roseanne is supposed to be the typical family of today. That may be true. I grew up in a home that was more similar to Roseanne’s home (with sarcasm, lack of communication, and lack of true confrontation), but watching a show like that gives me no hope for better. I love Leave it to Beaver because I can see things in the Cleaver household that I do want to emulate and strive for. Maybe I will never do housework in my best dress and high heels, but I can work toward listening to my children, communicating politely and lovingly with my husband, and keeping my family together in harmony rather than acrimony.
I feel the same way about Proverbs 31. It gives me something to shoot for. It isn’t today’s list of things to do. I couldn’t possibly accomplish everything in a day, a month, or year out of my life. But I can try to do some of these things over time. And I already do. And so do you.
Proverbs 31 contains the words of a woman! A mother, just like us! This mother was trying to give wisdom to her young son, Lemuel, the future king. This is her advice regarding the type of woman he should find to marry. I think she did want him to find someone, so this list can’t be totally unrealistic.
First, the Proverbs 31 woman is to be TRUSTED.
v. 10-11 says
An excellent wife, who can find?
For her worth is far above jewels.
The heart of her husband trusts in her.
And he will have no lack of gain.
So far, so good; we all want to be rewarded with rubies, right? And the biggest quality for us to have is to be trustworthy. What does being trustworthy mean to you? [Think about that.]
To me, that means my husband doesn’t have to worry about me when he is planning our life. He knows he will get a big “thumbs-up” for the plans that he makes for our future; that he will get a smile when he asks me to do him a favor; that he will not be yelled at or belittled or looked down upon.
The Bible often tells men to “love” their wives, but women to “respect” their husbands. I think this is a critical difference in our makeup. A man is made to need respect. If he doesn’t have it, he feels less than a man. [Read: Rock Solid Marriage, by Bob Barnes, especially pp. 196-199. One sample paragraph: "It has been said, "Behind every successful man is a great woman cheering him on." Cheering him on because he's worthy of her cheering? Probably not. In the same book that tells husbands to love or cherish their wives, it says, "the wife must respect her husband" (Eph 5:33 NIV). Why? Because her husband is respectable? No, it doesn't say, "and to those of you wives who have respectable husbands, respect them."]
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
A Timely Word
Where does it go? We are always looking for it. We can never find it when we really need it. It comes and then vanishes like a bubble, without even a little pop. The evidence is all around us though. My daughter will be studying for her driver’s test this year. My son is in “training” for a para-military organization. So, time does exist. And time does fly!
I remember Holly’s first dance recital when she stood on stage with a bunch of other cute “munchkins” and we cheered amongst giggles as she wiggled her hips from side to side and then performed a somersault! This week, she will dance on that stage for the 11th time! Her instructors no longer stand up front reminding her what to do – she remembers it all! She makes quick costume changes. Her ballet, tap and jazz moves are so much more complicated and deserving of applause. She has shown herself dedicated and responsible in many areas of her life. Where did my little girl go?
I remember Elijah running around in the backyard with Nerf guns – okay, he still does that, but they are much bigger now. And now, I’m told, he may be taken into the woods to learn to shoot M16s! He keeps his room neater and he is showing a new commitment and perseverance level we haven’t seen before. Where did my little boy go?
Don’t get me wrong, I have always enjoyed the “getting older” bit. I loved seeing them graduate from diapers, training wheels, and I Can Read Books. But, now I think, “Our time left together is short.” There may be schools, jobs, marriages, and family obligations that will part us in the not-so-very distant future. Is there enough time left to teach them what they really need to know? Is there enough time to ensure that they are stable in their faith and ready for the persecution that is coming? Is there even enough time to just “be together,” without the rush, rush, rush of life pushing all around us?
Are we just “running to and fro” (Daniel 12:4) or are we running to something worthwhile? Are we “using our time wisely?” And what does that mean? And what does that look like? If all else fails, I know: “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth” (3 John 1:4).
If they walk in the truth, and we walk in the truth, then when this life fails, we shall have the gift of all the time of eternity.
I remember Holly’s first dance recital when she stood on stage with a bunch of other cute “munchkins” and we cheered amongst giggles as she wiggled her hips from side to side and then performed a somersault! This week, she will dance on that stage for the 11th time! Her instructors no longer stand up front reminding her what to do – she remembers it all! She makes quick costume changes. Her ballet, tap and jazz moves are so much more complicated and deserving of applause. She has shown herself dedicated and responsible in many areas of her life. Where did my little girl go?
I remember Elijah running around in the backyard with Nerf guns – okay, he still does that, but they are much bigger now. And now, I’m told, he may be taken into the woods to learn to shoot M16s! He keeps his room neater and he is showing a new commitment and perseverance level we haven’t seen before. Where did my little boy go?
Don’t get me wrong, I have always enjoyed the “getting older” bit. I loved seeing them graduate from diapers, training wheels, and I Can Read Books. But, now I think, “Our time left together is short.” There may be schools, jobs, marriages, and family obligations that will part us in the not-so-very distant future. Is there enough time left to teach them what they really need to know? Is there enough time to ensure that they are stable in their faith and ready for the persecution that is coming? Is there even enough time to just “be together,” without the rush, rush, rush of life pushing all around us?
Are we just “running to and fro” (Daniel 12:4) or are we running to something worthwhile? Are we “using our time wisely?” And what does that mean? And what does that look like? If all else fails, I know: “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth” (3 John 1:4).
If they walk in the truth, and we walk in the truth, then when this life fails, we shall have the gift of all the time of eternity.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)