Homeschooling

Home. Don’t miss it for the world.

Whenever we attend a HomeSchool conference or listen to a message espousing the benefits of home education, we tend to talk about it for days — weeks, even. But our enthusiasm or dedication to home education is not limited to or sparked by those times. Our dedication to homeschooling is strengthened, though, by such times as we just experienced this past weekend. Our enthusiasm is occasionally dampened by some failure or some personal discouragement, but truly, for twenty years, our enthusiasm to press on has not waned.

I suppose I could just say that occasionally we run into those 2 Corinthians 4.8 times: “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;” It is in those times that we have learned to step back, evaluate the day, evaluate the curriculum, evaluate the level of understanding and stand still for a bit. It’s in those ‘standing still’ times that we can best determine our next step (for that child, or for all the children, as the case may be) and not hastily toss in the towel. All is not lost, all is not for naught as the enemy might entice us to believe.

Sometimes we take on too many things for a season and need to shelve things for a bit. Other times (and this is more often the case) we need to *add* some more things to the daily study load. Now, that might seem like a contradiction – but no; sometimes the weariness or the naughtiness stems not from too much to do, but too little. That’s why the ‘standing still’ times or the evaluation times are so necessary.

I was recently asked if I believe every Christian parent should homeschool their children. You know, I used to give a politically correct answer to this question – fearing reproach for emphatically stating what I erroneously thought was just a personal conviction. So, as I am now accustomed to doing, I answered with resolute conviction and said, yes. Yes, I do believe all Christian parents should home educate their children.

I believe it to be a scriptural mandate and now, more than ever, a culturally necessary decision. I don’t say this to stir controversy or to cast aspersions at all, but rather, because of the nature and scope of government eduction. I/we could never endorse a great deal of what’s commonly taught in government schools – and believe me, I/we do recognize the great wealth of information available to government school students – that’s not questioned at all. However, those benefits are far and away overshadowed by the immoral teachings and presuppositions, philosophies, theories taught as fact and behaviours that are antithetical to Scripture and our Creator — not to mention the fact that the Word clearly delineates who children’s teachers ought to be and what they’re to teach.

So, these are my heart thoughts: Home is where the heart is. Home is where the learning begins. Home is where each child’s story is written and history is recorded and where the glory of the Lord is walked, talked and the Word is read and lived out. Home may not have all that the world has to offer, this is true… but, I have to ask: is that what we want to give our children anyway?

Home. Don’t miss it for the world.

Why Go To Home-School Conferences

Really… why go to Homeschool Conferences year after year?

As I’ve spent all these quiet hours here in bed, I’ve pondered the last several days… the keynotes and the workshops. There was sort of a hidden blessing to getting sick at this time. In the meantime I’ve had opportunity to give thought to the Christian Heritage Homeschool and Family Discipleship Conference… not only to the remarkable effort on the part of those who laboured to present such a fine conference, but to all who participated and to all the families in attendance. It really was quite an unforgettable and inspirational weekend.

I always appreciate listening to Doug Phillips and am inspired by the ‘veteran’ moms who share their ideas, methods and encouragement. I love browsing the vendor hall exhibits and seeing all the wonderful new material each offers. But, I suppose more than all of those things, I love seeing the old friends and familiar faces and meeting new ones as well. It’s the sort of thing that bolsters my resolve and joy to carry on in home education and child training. Having a website that addresses all of those things has given me the privilege of corresponding with people in many places and occasionally I have the great honour of meeting them face to face — such was the case this past weekend. What a delight to meet women who were familiar names to me and now those names have faces in my memories.

We’ve had the distinct honour and privilege to attend many, many such conferences and conventions through the years — to try new curriculum and programs — but I suppose age and perspective makes these more recent conferences more meaningful to me than the earlier ones though, truly, time does not erase the memory of great excitement and anticipation in those early days when everything was new, fresh and uncharted.

Perhaps it’s the fact that we’re not attending conferences looking for ‘the key‘ any longer… you know, that key to success that unlocks the mystery – the mystery revealed that will produce the bright and shining faces we so long to see in our children. You might laugh, but truly, there was a time when I saw all the bright smiling faces and I thought it would truly be worth anything to have that in our home. I thought the outward was indicative of the inward — and it often is… but it often isn’t. So we bought… or were caught, hook, line and sinker. And we bought and bought and bought — until we stopped. buying. that. We eventually went back to a very basic education with a great emphasis on missions and knowing the Word of God. We determined to just train up the children in the Ways of the LORD… and not in the ideals of a particular man or program.

Now, in attending homeschooling conferences, we’re not hoping to see or meet someone who will tell us it will be worth it all… we’re not hoping to buy just the right curriculum to make every day run smoothly and we’re not hoping to see or meet the ‘who’s who’ in homeschooling and see if we can duplicate their story and success. No… none of those things draw us… because we know it is worth it all… we know it’s our life, our mandate from Scripture and is our joy. It is our honour to have our children in our care from sunrise to sundown to sunrise day after day. It is our privilege to train them up in the ways of the LORD and to walk, talk, rest in the Word. I think there is no greater honour than to train up children in the Way of the LORD. And truly, no greater joy than that our children walk in Truth.

Now, when we go to conferences and see dear old friends and dear acquaintances it’s like I want to just smile and raise my hand to them all…. sort of a: high-five y’all – let’s stay at it… it really is: worth it all.

Homeschool Conference

Had a WONDERFUL time at this year’s Christian Heritage Home Educator’s Conference… and all the great teaching, materials, and words of this year’s speaker: Doug Phillips. And we’re so LOOKING FORWARD to next year!!

Christian Heritage Homeschooling
& Family Discipleship Conference
2009 ?? Dr. Voddie Baucham ??

The Oars are in the Water

And one of those oars is in the hand of California assemblyman, Joel Anderson, who has introduced legislation to reverse the lower court’s decision to dramatically restrict homeschooling in California.

About Homeschooling and these days…

Written Friday, March 7, 2008. This has been quite a Newsy Week! As a diversion to the mudslinging political campaigning, home education is on the chopping block in California (my dear home state believe it or not!).

It’s always amazing to me that when “liberal beliefs” or a liberal position is *agreed with* then everything’s well and good. But, if that position or those beliefs are challenged in any way, then there is incredible offense taken. In many cases, everything’s right except righteousness – and the Bible says this will be so. The Lord even forewarned of these very days, these perilous times. He forewarned the hatred of God, of Himself and of those who would love God. And so, while not surprising, the signs of the times and the events or activities of the day are strangely just that: surprising. I found myself, many times yesterday, marveling in disbelief. I listen to the campaign rhetoric and shake my head. How can all this possibly be happening in America? But it is. How can believers be so unprincipled that immorality, unrighteousness or unbiblical stands are acceptable and even given support in candidates campaigning to hold the highest office of this land. Amazing.

Yesterday was a whirlwind of activity, phone calls, emails, petitions, letters, etc., regarding the California case that could, if enacted, literally dismantle legal homeschooling in California and make it so difficult that only a very few parents could legally do so.

In an attempt to get a more accurate (instead of what I assumed would be — and is) feel for the climate surrounding the recent ruling, I attempted to wade through the hundreds and hundreds of comments on the SFGate page that were posted following the recent ruling pertaining to homeschooling in California. What an education! What contrast! Those championing tolerance and liberal thought were absolutely the most narrow, closed minded of all the contributors. It would seem that “liberal thinkers” would be the most open to home education or to private education or whatever other form of ‘alternative’ education would be undertaken by parents and students. But no. No, such was not the case at all.

All of this has once again led me to ask, as I have on numerous occasions in the past, why is public education so critical to liberals or whatever name might be given to those who so ardently stand against ‘conservative’ parents? Why does it matter so very much and why is such an incredibly high amount of money put toward the ‘education system’ in America (and, of course in many! countries around the world)? Indoctrination. Mass indoctrination. Simple. Get enough people assembled in one place and tell them lies often enough, they will not only believe, but embrace and defend. And interestingly, as an assault or attempt to denigrate the practice, that’s just what is leveled at home-educating parents: indoctrination. You see? Indoctrination is mocked by liberals. But it is precisely indoctrination that makes public education so necessary.

I know I’m standing on the proverbial edge here, but I’d say the opposition to homeschooling is a farce. And I’d say further that it’s an attempt to dismantle or topple parent’s rights so that the massive machine can continue unhindered: destroying the foundations of Truth and Righteousness in this once great nation. Now, do I think every homeschooler is being taught in sincerity and truth and that every homeschooler is receiving an excellent education in truth, academics, righteousness, morality, patriotism, faith and obedience to God and goodwill and honour toward men? No. But I’m very confident that all the homeschooling families I know or have met are earnestly ~~attempting~~ striving to do so. And so that’s probably what’s most disheartening about the attack on homeschooling and the negative comments regarding home education and/or parent’s rights to home school their children.

In the end, I find I want to say to all those in opposition who personally have “school-age” children: go ahead, send your children to school. God bless you. You’ll be doing what you think is best – as the parent of those children – that’s your deal.

To those in opposition of homeschooling — who do not have children: well, hmmm. Until and unless you have children of your own, it’s foolish to make selfish demands on others who are thoughtfully and diligently bringing up and training the children who are the future of this nation.

To those who have “school age” children in the government schools and who are opposed to homeschooling or to parents who homeschool, consider this: millions of your peers (parents of children) are paying to home educate their children and are paying, in part, for your children’s education as well! For consider this, not only are the children of homeschooling families not taking up seats, time and space in government schools, they’re also not wasting government resources — though their parents are paying for other’s children in what is often unquestionably a waste of government resources.

To those who are just fighting the issues of home education vs. public education because there’s nothing better to do: there are many marvelous and fruitful ways to spend time and energy. Fighting against home education is fruitless unless there is something at stake. What is it?

And then… because I’ve been spending so much time thinking about the public or government vs. home or private schools, I find myself wondering why progressive thinkers are so adamantly opposed to home education or home schooling. Could it be that conservatives are really the progressive thinkers and liberals are not? Could this be? I know, I know, the whole dialectic praxis… but, really, it’s amazing that liberal thought can be so… so… not liberal.

Fearing God, not man

An incredible amount of interest and controversy has arisen in the wake of the judge’s decision regarding homeschooling in California. And, it’s not surprising that the education system is watching this matter probably as closely as parents who home educate their children in that state and elsewhere. There’s a great deal at stake here in our nation, because, as many have stated and I have also written many times, as California goes: so goes the nation. And parents across the nation are concerned about the ramifications of this ‘ruling’ in California because of the assault on ‘freedom’ and on the home. Many public school educators believe their role as public-school teachers is paramount to the success of society – even though what’s being taught is often immoral, anti-family and ungodly. We, as homeschoolers, believe that it’s not public education, but home and family, that has the preeminent role in the success and future of society. We have come to see that, in general, it is public education that has brought the demise of the home and ultimately and profoundly, society.

As in a previous post, I know am taking a huge risk here, stating the belief that much of the demise or degradation of our society is a result of the humanistic public education system. It is based, in part, on that premise that we will never send our children to government schools — to do so would be counter to faith, counter to Scripture and the mandate of the Lord to Christian fathers and mothers to train up their children in the way they should go. I cannot even post here some of the links to articles I have read recently regarding what’s being taught in government schools, what’s on some reading lists, what’s in some curriculum and in some libraries in grade schools, and what many teachers are teaching in classes in the states.

Acts 5.24-42

“24 Now when the high priest and the captain of the temple and the chirf priests heard these things, they doubted of them whereunto this would grow
25 Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people.
26 Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned.
27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them,
28 Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.
29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said,

We ought to obey God rather than men.

30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.
31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
32 And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.
33 When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them.
34 Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space;
35 And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men.
36 For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought.
37 After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed.
38 And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought:
39 But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.
40 And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.
41 And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.
42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.”

As California goes, so goes the nation.

ASAP: Go to the HSLDA site http://hslda.org where you can sign the ‘depublishing’ petition against a lower court ruling that could essentially outlaw homeschooling and/or have incredible implications against parents, homeschoolers and, ultimately, homeschooling in California.

HSLDA 540-338-5600

Focus on the Family – listen to the Friday, March 7, broadcast. Dr. Dobson is joined by several well informed guests discussing the latest ruling and implications; go to: Family.org

Listen: http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/Focus_on_the_Family/

Reason number 20808 to Homeschool

As if you really needed another reason to stay the course and train up your children at home.

Boy wants to Return to School as a Girl

I know, I know… just bcz children go to a government school doesn’t mean they’ll be confused as to who they are or that all gvmnt schools are bad. To be sure though, government schools certainly aren’t teaching children what God says about who and what He created and why He did so — or who they are in Christ Jesus.

Omy. Next week it’ll be a dog.

More reasons to Homeschool

I received the following email a few years ago. Truer now:

Obituary for Mr. Sense

Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Mr. Common Sense. Mr.
Sense had been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape.

He will be remembered as having cultivated such value lessons as knowing when to come in out of the rain, why the early bird gets the worm and that life isn’t always fair. Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don’t spend more than you earn) and reliable parenting strategies (adults, not kids, are in charge).

His health began to rapidly deteriorate when well intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. – Reports of a six-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.

Mr. Sense declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer aspirin to a student; but, could not inform the parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.

Finally, Common Sense lost the will to live as the Ten Commandments became contraband; churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims.

Common Sense finally gave up the ghost after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot, she spilled a bit in her lap, and was awarded a huge settlement.

Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents, Truth and Trust, his wife, Discretion; his daughter, Responsibility; and his son, Reason. He is survived by two stepbrothers; My Rights and Ima Whiner. Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone.”

Still… may your day be blessed in the Lord…

Reason numer 777 to Homeschool

I’ve read a bit more about SB777 since I commented on it a couple of days ago. And surely, since I received a strong negative comment here (which I sincerely appreciated, btw). And I’ve had more time to mull over the potential consequences or outworkings of the bill/law. I’m not “carried away with the witch hunt,” but I do wonder what led to the necessity to craft a new bill/law? The further protection / endorsement of a class of people is the only reason I can see for the crafting of the bill/law.

Now, I do see some of the problematical views expressed by the writer of the WND article and some of the author’s personal interpretations of what was just signed into law. I see the strong slant – pointing out the potentials of the law. And though the intent of the law *seems* to be non-discrimination, I cannot see it that way. I do not see non-discrimination at all. At all. Non-discrimination bills/laws are already in place. Clearly in place. The wording of this newest piece of legislation is additional protection for classes of people/thoughts/activities that are clearly ambiguous and undefined (for that, I suppose, would be discrimination!).

I am reading attacks against Christians or Conservatives being accused of twisting the words of bill to fit their argument(s). I wonder why the bill was necessary when non-discrimination is already a legal protection. I’d say that crafting a bill to protect people/activities is actually a protection that discriminates against long held truths, ideals and order – thus is a promotion, protection, endorsement of special interest groups with ambiguous attributes. Yes, even though those actual words are not in the bill.

May I say that this ambiguous bill/law is the catch-all protection for special interest groups or of people and/or activities and as such, effectively reverses other laws that are already in place that protect people from discrimination. It is not difficult to imagine the scenarios that will likely take place now with new legal license to cite discrimination when “non-discrimination” clauses or “hate-crimes” clauses have been clearly twisted to fit an agenda or argument in the past – this new law just amplifies or enlarges the special protection for special interest groups. So, then, the writer of the WND article was not making unfounded assumptions or leaps of imagination when stating what appear to be obvious repercussions of the bill/law.

I know it seems offensive when I write against laws such as SB777 signed by Governor S. in California. If I were ramping up the evil, I might say something like Gov. S ought to be burned at the stake or something ridiculous like that – and I didn’t, nor would I, say that. To say or think that would be evil. To point out problematical laws is not evil. And when I comment about people who (are intolerant of) redefine their own (assigned from birth) gender and when I question legal protection for their personal interpretation of their ‘gender’— truly, that’s not bigotry. Homosexuality is an abomination. So-called “transgender” is an assault on God’s design. As far as bigotry and hate pointed at my “fellow man” I must say, I am pointing out what I’m seeing are trends against God, against His holiness, against the family, against people who follow Christ – or more specifically, against Christians and the Bible. I don’t treat people like they are “lepers out to get us” – but I do take a strong stand against things that destroy, alter, shame or reject God’s design and blaspheme His Word.

I believe what we must see and stand against are not only the words of the bill, but the intent — the actions those words will be translated to include and mean. When a bill is signed into law, and when the literal words of the law are ambiguous, then, naturally what will occur or be used as leverage in an argument/lawsuit/etc. will be one’s own personal interpretation of the law. And… as far as discrimination goes, what will likely occur in the “public school” will be discrimination against Truth and promotion of what the Bible clearly defines as sin. When sexuality or gender is expanded to mean or include ‘perceived’ then the vagueness of what the discrimination could possibly be is truly subjective interpretation rather than objective truth. A person’s gender is assigned (or known) at birth and though a person may feel another way, the latter does not define the former.

Interesting to me is the oft used argument, hating sin / loving sinner. I understand the intent but it’s flawed at best and at worst, it’s not Biblical. I know we wish that Jesus had said it. Just like we wish that the Word had said, “God helps those who help themselves” when we’re plowing ahead with an exciting agenda. Only God is capable of hating sin and loving sinners. We’re truly incapable of such love. But Jesus in us helps us love when we don’t “feel like it,” or when we cannot find something lovely or when we have nothing… it is Christ in us – the hope of glory – that loves others… the unlovely, the unlovable, the lost and the saved.

So as far as hating the sin… and loving the sinner… I understand the sentiment and have even said the words or didn’t stand against them in some up-against-a-wall situations in the past. But I must ask, is it truly loving to ignore sin? to wink at sin? to excuse or tolerate sin or worse: to not call sin: sin? When sin is taught, tolerated, required, coddled or protected, then really… the argument to “love the sinner and hate the sin” is a moot point. And it’s not love.

Hate the sin – and love the sinner is one of those guilt trippy things that is tossed at Christians to silence the argument and squash arguments (and Christians). Further, I believe that it is erroneous to attempt to apply that argument to discrimination – especially to such an ambiguous or wide-open-for-interpretation law such as SB777. Here’s a prime example of the silencing of Christians whose straight talk message doesn’t line up (no pun intended) with the protected class.

Defending this bill/law demonstrates the deep inroads made by those who have a complex agenda to destroy God’s intentional design and God’s presence and force accommodation to that agenda.

With your 777th reason to homeschool, remember God’s purpose may seem to be thwarted. But it won’t be. In the end, it won’t be.