I was both encouraged and challenged by what Heidi had to say, inspired too by the lapbooks they shared.
What is our goal in homeschooling?
We often think of this in terms of "academics" or even "character training" but although these are good things, our primary goal, as christian parents should be "discipleship" teaching and showing our children Jesus, who He is and what that means for us.
If our primary goal is discipleship, it is only natural that we will experience opposition
8 Be sober, be vigilant; because[c] your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour 1 Peter 5:8
The enemy understands how powerful home educating can be, when we have a purpose and a vision for discipling our children, he doesnt want it to work. Of course, this opposition can come from many places, family, friends even our children. If we expect this opposition, we can be more prepared to deal with it!
We need to adjust for life, once we have made the decision to take on the primary responsibility for our childrens education, then we need to adjust our lifestyles. It's no good getting frustrated cos you see other Mum's dropping their children off at school and going off getting a manicure, focus on why you are keeping your children home and the long term benefits.
We also need to listen! Listen to God, and the way He is leading us.
Listen to your husband, knowing that although as a mother you may be taking on the bulk of your childrens education, it is a joint responsibility and sometimes (yes just sometimes ;-)) your husband can see an issue more clearly as he is not directly involved.
Listen to your children, if something isnt working, it is worthwhile to discuss this with them, and find out why. Sometimes they may just need a break, sometimes they may need to "offload" a problem to you. Keep in touch with them, make sure you're following the same path.
Listen to Godly counsel!
Without counsel, plans go awry,
But in the multitude of counselors they are established. Proverbs 15:22
But in the multitude of counselors they are established. Proverbs 15:22
But how do we know if the counsel is godly? Well, we look for fruit in their lives and see if they have humility.
This next part I thought was awesome and something I really need to get hold of.
Let go of legalism - Spirit filled homeschooling is not bound by legalism!
Oh, if we could all truly catch hold of just what that statement means! We could stop comparing ourselves and our styles of homeschooling. We could feel free to follow the Spirit's leading even when it takes us out of our comfort zone. Maybe, just maybe we could all relax a little and trust God to "fill in the gaps"
What is legalism? Heidi shared a brilliant example and summed it up in a nutshell
"Legalism, is when we take our own personal convictions, and make them someone elses responsibility"
So, how can we keep a balance between legalism and licence?
1. Don't add to Gods Word
2. Be careful of being self righteous
3. Major on the majors!
We need to invest in what matters most! - Growing in relationship with God
For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? Matt 16:26
It doesnt matter if your child gets top grades in all subjects if he/she doesn't have a relationship with Jesus, and it doesnt matter if we have provided the best curriculum, if we have neglected our relationship with Jesus.
We also need to nurture our marriages, lets get it in the right order, husband first (well second after God) and then children.
Lead by example! Children will do as we do, not what we say! I know this is often said, but its because it is so true!
As we follow God lets remember that His yoke is easy
For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matt 11:30
Being yoked with Christ means fnding rest!
Jesus gives us 3 imperatives
1. Come to me
2. Take my yoke
3. Learn from me
Finally we need to trust in the Lord for He is trustworthy and remember
we don't have to be the perfect homeschool Mum!
2 comments:
Amen and amen Sarah ! Just read through this nodding along all the way :) LOVE it ! Thank you x
wonderful Sarah
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