Entrusted With Arrows

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“Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them.”  Psalm 127:3-5a

 Movie Makers has just released a new documentary which I recently had the privilege to review.  Entrusted with Arrows: Entrepreneurial Homeschool Fathers, is an hour long documentary challenging ordinary men to be extraordinary fathers.  Statistics show that the average father spends less than seven minutes of quality time with their children each week.  Perhaps just as alarming, statistics also show that children in Christian homes are being raised without a biblical worldview.  These children in turn reject the faith of their parents when they reach adulthood.  The film highlights fathers who have rejected the world’s standards.  They have embraced a more biblical model because they understand that they are called to disciple their children.   

 We get a glimpse into the lives of average men who have chosen to not just educate their children at home, but have chosen to come home and lead in the discipleship of their children.  The common denominator in all these families is their faith in God.  We see God open doors as they start home businesses.  They stay with their children on a regular basis and follow the commands of God to teach, train, and disciple.  As they follow in obedience, we see God bless these families.  This film is encouraging and uplifting, pointing us to God and His will for Christian homes.  It is a must see for those whose hearts desire is to follow God in every area of their life.

 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. (Deu 6:6-7)

Sowing & Reaping

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Autumn is a wonderful time to be reminded of the sowing and reaping principle found in God’s Word. It works every time. You will reap what you sow. “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” Galatians 6:7

God’s principle works in every area of life. What you sow into your marriage you will reap. What you sow into your children you will reap. It also works in our spiritual life. “For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” Galatians 6:8

It also works in conjunction with our tithes and offerings; “But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.” 2 Corinthians 9:6.

And it works hand in hand with the preaching of God’s Word; “And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow..” Matthew 13:3

My latest article in Home School Enrichment deals with Sowing and Reaping in our children. In it I mention my dear grandfather, who has been with the Lord for many years now, which makes it even more special to me. The article is available for free online. You can find it here in the Sept/Oct 2010 Issue. I hope you will read it and take the time to sow into your life principles from God’s Word so you can reap a little encouragement for your day!

MathTutorDVD

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“Mathematics is the language with which God has written the universe.” – Galileo Galilei

I enjoy teaching my children addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and fractions. It is because arithmetic is predictable. Numbers are absolute. There is no hypocrisy in math. The answers are right or wrong. Math is truth in that way.

Unfortunately, higher math is not at the top of my “Things I Love to Teach” list. The thought of moving past basic math onto more intricate subjects like advanced algebra, geometry, calculus, trigonometry, and physics makes me rather nervous. But I realize that to understand mathematics is to understand a part of this world, therefore it must be pursued.

Fortunately, there are wonderful teaching tools available for parents like me. Recently I was given a Math Tutor DVD to review for The Old Schoolhouse. Since we are in the process of teaching Aaron algebra I was pleased.

The first DVD we reviewed was Pre-Algebra. It includes five hours of tutorials that cover several mathematical principles like: real numbers, number lines, greater than and less than, absolute value, integers, powers and exponents, and order of operations. Jason Gibson is the instructor. He left NASA in order to focus on MathTutorDVD.com. With degrees in engineering and physics, he is more than qualified to teach mathematics. But just being qualified does not make a great instructor.  Any teacher can make a simple idea complex but Jason takes a complex idea and makes it simple. Therefore, the lessons are very easy to understand. Aaron watched a section of the video each day and worked the sample problems given. When I asked him what he thought of the instructor he said, “He’s fun and makes math easy. I do not feel rushed and I like that he says to take this one step at a time.”

We also previewed the Texas Instruments T1-83 T1-84 Calculator Tutor. Since my children are not to the level of needing this instruction right now, this is definitely one that I will save and pull out again in the future.

Each video is $26.99 with a full money back guarantee and offers in-depth, detailed courses. The website is full of information, including sample videos for all subjects taught. For those who prefer, you can join online for $19.95 a month and have access to all of the tutorials (over 170 hours).

You can click here to see what others are saying about MathTutorDVD.com.

Disclaimer:  As a member of The Old Schoolhouse 2010-2011 Crew, I received these products free of charge in exchange for an honest product review.   I do not receive any other form of compensation for the reviews posted on this blog.

Salty Enough?

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Salt is a precious commodity. Without it life can be rather bland – literally! But it is not just for flavoring food. Salt also preserves. In fact, salt can be used for a number of things. The last few summers we have used salt in our pool. The salt creates natural chlorine which is safer, cleaner, and less expensive. All summer we have had a beautiful, clean, refreshing pool to swim in.

That is until last week.

This is what happens when you do not have enough salt in your pool water.

The water becomes a nasty green color. So even though it’s still hot outside, no one would dare enter. We figured that we would have one more month to swim so we really needed to clean up the pool. Dana and I had a decision to make. You see, it was very tempting to just put a cover on it, close it down, and call it good for the year. There was only one problem with that – the water underneath would still be green. As much as we would love to cover up the problem doing so wouldn’t make it go away.

This whole episode brought to mind our spiritual lives. Christ says that as His disciples we are the salt of the earth. But sometimes it can seem that we have lost our savour. I know it happens to me on occasion. I’m walking strong with my Lord and Master. I’m reading my Bible every day. I’m studying and memorizing Scripture. I’m praying as I should. Then a day or two will go by. I’ll get busy and I’ll realize that I haven’t been studying my Bible or praying. Out of the blue, I’m not walking with the Lord as I should. It is as though all of a sudden my pool water has become green and nasty. This is where the choice comes in. I can be tempted to throw the cover of busyness, good works, or hypocrisy over it. Or, I can deal with the problem.

Dana and I decided to deal with our pool water by buying some Shock It. It was simple, a few bags and already our pool is turning back to its beautiful blue color.

 The “Shock It” for the Christian is just as effortless. It’s a simple turning back to our Lord. It is running into his outstretched arms. It is slowing down and seeking His face. It is resting in Him and finding joy in His strength. It is feasting on His Word and hiding it in our hearts. So, dear Christian, how are you doing? If it seems as though you’re not salty enough, what are you waiting for?

The fountain of living water awaits.

Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. (Matthew 5:13)

Spelling – Does it matter?

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My editor called me today to remind me that I misspelled a word on a survey I posted online yesterday.  (Actually, her title is good friend.)  While we joke about my poor writing skills, it does bring us to a very important subject.  Is spelling really that big of deal?  After all, we do live in the computer age where spell check proves to be most essential.  I find due to my dependence upon the computer that when it comes to teaching my children how to spell, I lack lustre.  (Just trying to be honest here.)

Nevertheless, I do my best to not let the war in my mind transcend to my children.  Spelling is important!  Why?  It is because we will not always have a keyboard under our fingers.  We will not always have access to a computer.  And sometimes even when we do, the computer fails us.  I should not depend upon my computer for everything.  God created us with an amazing computer of our own – our mind.  We should use it.  As His children we should be a testimony of God working in our lives.  And yes!  We should be diligent in all things.  That even includes leaning how to spell correctly.  Why?  Simply because we can use our writing skills to show God’s greatness, bring others to Him, and give Him glory.  I want my children to understand this.  Therefore, I teach spelling!

Now, I cannot speak for all homeschooling parents but I can speak for the many I’ve talked to over the past decade.  And I most certainly speak for this one. 

Teaching your children to spell can be frustrating!

Some children pick up on it very easily.  They always make 100% on their spelling tests.  They love writing their words each day and never struggle with misspelled words.  If this is your children thank the Lord.  If it is not, don’t fret.  You are among a great group of people.

Thankfully, because we do live in a computer age we are blessed with many great resources.  (Did I mention that I love computers?)  One resource that I have used over the years is SpellingCity.

It is free, easy to use, and f – u – n! 

You simply go to their website and enter your spelling words then choose Test Me, Teach Me, or Play a Game.

It is a great way for children to learn how to spell.  After taking an online spelling test, students can print out a report, retake the entire test, or get tested only on the spelling words they got wrong the first time.  And talk about a time saver.  It is a great tool for busy parents who just do not have the time to sit and review spelling words with each child over and over again.

Like I said, I have used SpellingCity before so when I was given the opportunity to review SpellingCity’s Premium Membership I was thrilled!  For a family (up to 5 students) the Premium Membership is $24.99.  In addition to all the great features SpellingCity already offers, with the paid membership you get: 

  • Automatic test grading and student grade book
  • Complete activity tracking of all student activities 
  • Access to their Premium Games
  • Telephone support

So let me recommend SpellingCity.  It is a great resource for all types of people – those who homeschool, teachers (SpellingCity also has a classroom version), parents with children in public school, grandparents who help out with schoolwork, and any child who takes a weekly spelling test.

Does spelling matter?  Yes.  

Does it have to be difficult?  No. 

Can learning how to spell be fun for both parents and students?  Absolutely – when you go to www.spellingcity.com.  To see what others are saying about Spelling City you can go here.

   

Disclaimer:  As a member of The Old Schoolhouse 2010-2011 Crew, I received SpellingCity’s Premium Membership free of charge in exchange for an honest product review.   I do not receive any other form of compensation for the reviews posted on this blog.

Homeschooling – A Labor of LOVE

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I love homeschooling my children.  I consider it a wonderful blessing.  It is also a huge responsibility.  God will hold my husband and I accountable for the teaching and training of the precious children He gave us.  In addition to being a blessing and responsibility it is a lot of work – what I like to call a labor of love.

 

Yes, homeschooling is a labor of love. 

No, you do not have to labor alone! 

Through the years I have gotten encourgement, tips, expert knowledge, and advice from The Old Schoolhouse Magazine.  If you are familar with the magazine you know what I mean.  That’s why I wanted to share with you the “Labor of Love” subscription sale going on right now.

The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine is extending an extraordinary
subscription offer to homeschool families. Receive a one-year print
subscription for just $7.95 or a one-year plus current issue
subscription for $12.95. One-year subscriptions start with the winter
issue. The one-year plus current issue starts with the fall issue.
Only 5000 of these special subscriptions are available from August 31
through midnight on September 15. Once the 5000 are gone, they”re gone!
Hurry and grab this crazy price today!

Survey: For a new book I’m writing

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I’m in the process of writing a new book called

Crown Jewels – Becoming the Woman God Intended

I have created a survey for young ladies who have never been married.  I’m using the information in my new book.  (I will be creating a survey for married women and then another for pastor’s wives soon.)

Would you please pass this along to as many young ladies as you can (13 years or older).  It is a very short survey, only 10 questions.  Thank you so much!

Questions for young ladies who have never been married.

Quizzes by Quibblo.com
Quibblo

How to Enjoy Life (and have a clean kitchen!)

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Each week the children rotate chores between lunch duty/dinner duty/kid’s bathroom. This is Andrew’s week to clean the kitchen after lunch. He is required to put everything up, load the dishwasher, and wipe the counters. Since he is only 7 I usually do the sweeping and mopping. However, since starting school this week I’ve been a little behind. So, I thought I would have Andrew do the mopping for me. His little mind is rather creative so why not turn the chore of mopping into a slip-n-slide?

What was I thinking….right?

So there I was, reviewing latitude and longitude with Abigail and I look into the kitchen to see Andrew in his swimsuit “cleaning the floor.”

This is where every mother stands at the crossroad of two decisions. I could reprimand him for acting out, stress out from the extra water and soap on the floor, and take over the job adding to my already full load. Or…….. I could smile, grab the camera, remind him to wipe up the water when he’s through, and remember what blessings children are.

I choose the latter.

By the way, the floor and Andrew ended up rather clean. Talk about multitasking!

This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

Our First Day of “school”

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Day one is over. School is officially in session. That means in our home that pencils and minds alike are sharp and ready to be used. The computers and text books are out. Our goals are listed along with a long list of books to read this year. With day one behind us I’m looking forward to a great year with my children.

Actually, to tell the truth, we’ve “done school” all summer. What I mean is that part of my goal in teaching my children at home is that I create in them a love for learning along with a mindset that we always pursue knowledge. I don’t want my children to think that “school” takes place from 8 to 3 or from Monday to Friday or from August to May or from Kindergarten to 12th grade. The word school really is unsuitable. I prefer education. I want my children to learn every day. I want those who love them best to be their teachers. I want the world to be their schoolroom. I want life to be their homework. I want the Bible to be the preeminent textbook. I want their classmates to be from babies to adults. I don’t want to fill their minds with useless information. I want to create in them a desire to learn all they can for God’s glory. I want them to excel in reading classics, to chase after truth in science, to discover the world through history (His – God’s Story), to read and follow after great men and women. I want them to use their writing skills to change the world. I think Williams Butler Yeats said it best when he said, “Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” That is what I want to do – light a fire that burns their entire life. My prayer is that their education never ceases but that they continue throughout all their lives on this pursuit of truth and knowledge.

Lofty goal?  Yes.  Is it worth it?  Absolutely!