Wise from the Word

So often we are perplexed when clarity is at our fingertips.

Consider these Scriptures and grow:

“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2Peter 3:18a)

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.” (Matthew 28:19a)

Notice the guidance this gives you for focus and primary emphasis in choosing curriculum.

“So I saw that there is nothing better than that a man should rejoice in his work, for that is his lot. Who can bring him to see what will be after him?” (Ecclesiastes 3:22)

“…and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil – this is a gift of God.” (Ecclesiastes 5:19b)

“In all toil there is profit…” (Proverbs 14:23a)

What a foundation these verses give as we diligently practice and teach of God’s goodness in His design for work.

“For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:9)

Our God, trustworthy, loving, providing, leading, ever present, Word-preserving! To Him we bow as we design our school year.

Reminders

- Schedules are still an excellent help in accomplishing goals. They also show us just how rebellious we are.

- Be willing to share what you see as a great help in your homeschool, but be prepared that your victory may not be everyone’s victory.

- Rejoice with your children often during the day. When a child is struggling I like sharing the thought, “Just think how exciting it will be when all of this becomes clear!”

- Student teaching is such a great opportunity to learn, grow, mature. I trust each of your children has the opportunity. And don’t be afraid when it is not working. Bumps in the road are alerts to a lesson needing to be learned.

- Creative writing – One guideline for you to give your writer is that the poem or story should be understood by the reader. Extreme absurdity may be creative at some time, but at this age organized thoughts with understood messages written cleverly might be a better goal.

- Stay focused. Keep goals clear and simple. Cover the basics to mastery.

- See God’s blessings daily!

Training Tips

• Unruliness – Use it as a gift from God for a picture of your child’s heart.

• Excuses – Periodically share and discuss what the outcome would be if excuses were always accepted as valid.

• Honor/Obey – Help your children realize that God chooses for them to honor their parents no matter how old they are. Dependent children of course, also obey.

• Preference/Conviction – Please make this difference clear in your own family. While these may differ from family to family, convictions are always rooted clearly in God’s Word. Usually, preferences are not worthy of fighting over ‘til death.

• God’s Word – Share your love for God’s Word. Keep focus. Help each other see that difficult parts of God’s Word often are warnings to us. Show how a good God would warn the children He loves. Rejoice together that God would have chosen to record and preserve His Word for you.

Grace, God’s Grace…

God freely gives his chosen gifts to each of us. During day-to-day school and summer activities encourage one another to notice his grace. For example, seeing that God gave us a gift in:

- Having joy as we meet a friend.

- Enjoying the color, shape and scent of a flower.

- Quenching thirst with icy water.

- Wanting each bite of the raspberry ice cream.

- Closing your eyes and listening to night sounds.

- Listening to your sister read poetry.

In these and many other incidences pause and acknowledge that God’s love is real as you notice that you could not enjoy, quench, want, see, hear or have except through His generosity and good, good grace.

Love, Becky