The Heart of Wisdom

We have been asked several times recently for a good "starter" book for new homeschoolers as well as what we use for the Thanksgiving holiday. This is our attempt to kill two birds with one stone, so to speak.




We've read about many homeschooling ideas, but one book we wish we would have read at the outset is The Heart of Wisdom by Robin Sampson.

It begins with the Bible as the center of education and adopts it's name from Psalm 90:12: "Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom."

In The Heart of Wisdom Robin covers everything from the Exodus from the public school system to creating your own unit studies. We have enjoyed Robin's well thought out, biblical approach to education and find a real kindred spirit in her pages.

For example, she believes in reading good literature, but states in the section entitled Classics According to Classical Education, page 360: "Would you allow your child to spend time with a person practicing and promoting witchcraft? A book labeled classic does not automatically warrant reading it to our children. God's Word says it is wrong for believers to be yoked together with unbelievers."

Refreshing, biblical and for those that know us well~ the same tune we have been singing for a decade. : ) A classic is only a classic if it lines up with God's Word, amen?

She also believes in tying studies together with a hands-on activity. We love that and so do the children. I thought of her as I pulled an Evan-Moor book this past week (see resource section below) and got cutting and pasting.



Evan-Moor is wonderful for providing those hands-on tools we don't have time to create ourselves. And they are so clever- don't you just love that they make the Mayflower into a book and have the children write the basics of the Mayflower Compact with their own hand? Wonderful stuff- when edited by mom. And it will need some editing.

The Evan-Moor Mayflower boat/book page gave a brief summary of the pilgrim's voyage and ended with "Still they maintained hope for a new life." We asked the girls to add some of their own pages and write why they believed the pilgrims were able to maintain hope. Here is one. Faith thinks verses like Philippians 4:19 and Psalm 121:2-5 may have encouraged their hearts:



Sweet.

Instead of relying solely on Evan-Moor's remembrance of the past, we pulled out our long standing favorite Thanksgiving book by Barbara Rainey (see resource section below). We have used this book for about 8 years. It's one of those fantastic resources you can use again and again and never grow tired of. This added the meat to Evan-Moor's bones. It is filled with interesting history and Bible verses and gives the true account of the pilgrim's struggle and overwhelming desire for religious freedom.



And we added art. The more I read about art and the Charlotte Mason method, the more I enjoy having these types of resources available to my family. For those on a budget, Picturing America by the American Library Association provides FREE downloadable images and lesson plans to teach American History through art, using American artists. This is one of the prints they highlight:



Simple household decorations like the following, the creation of a yearly Thanksgiving play (thanks to wonderful big girls that plan plays, props and costumes!) and a meal at my sister's home are becoming traditions here.



And just a note on the personal side, for those of you dear friends who are waiting to hear from me or have sweetly said that I do not post enough~ thank you. My heart is warmed by your kindness and friendship.

By the grace of God we are enjoying our precious little ones just as you are enjoying yours. And during this season I must continue to limit my computer time and blog posts to one per week. I apologize if that causes me to run behind a bit. I truly value each one of you.

The simple truth behind our delay is, just like you, we have only this one chance to lead little hearts home.

We do not want to miss it...



Thank you eternally for your sweet patience and love.


"After sixty-five days at sea from Plymouth (a total of ninety-seven days from the first launch at Southhampton), the Pilgrims caught a glimpse of their destination, the new land where God would be worshiped freely and- in time- where freedom would flourish.

Shouting for joy and falling to their knees to pray, they celebrated by reading Psalm 100:

"Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth.
Serve the Lord with gladness;
Come before Him with joyful singing.
Know that the Lord Himself is God;
It is He who has made us and not we ourselves;

We are His people and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter His gates with thanksgiving,
And His courts with praise.
Give thanks to Him; bless His name.
For the Lord is good;
His lovingkindness is everlasting,
And His faithfulness to all generations."

From Thanksgiving: A Time to Remember, pages 26-27



Selah.





For those of you who have asked about SWR (I think that is 4 now) I am planning to post about how we use SWR soon. Many blessings to you!

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RESOURCES:

1. Evan-Moor History Pockets: Colonial America, Grades 4-6 but truly adjustable for ages K-8. We'll be using only about half of the book for our studies this month. Reproducible.

2. Thanksgiving: A Time to Remember by Barbara Rainey. It's an adjustable story to suit multiple age ranges. There is larger print to cover the general information, geared to younger ages and a smaller font which is written to older ages and covers more mature content.

3. Picturing America by the American Library Association provides FREE downloadable images and lesson plans to teach American History through art, using American artists.

This month our family is highlighting the following paintings in our home: Autumn Landscape- The River of Life, 1923-1924 by Louis Comfort Tiffany, The Veteran in a New Field, 1865 by Winslow Homer and Looking Down Yosemite Valley, California 1865 by Albert Bierstadt

4. The Heart of Wisdom by Robin Sampson would be a great addition to your Christmas wish list. Robin has also produced another wonderful resource entitled, "What Your Child Needs to Know When" for grades K-8. Maybe you could buy one and a friend could buy one, then you could read and swap.

In the back of "What Your Child Needs to Know When" you are given a couple of very helpful resources. The first is a seven page Character Traits goals list (alphabetized from Appreciate to Virtuous) that gives you a systematic approach for covering character traits.

The other is a check off list to match with the standards for those fearful that there may be holes in their education, but overwhelmed by the state standards web page (and who isn't?). These check off lists make a great addition to your school binder and eventually your student's CUM file.

Whiteboard Discussions

WHITEBOARD DISCUSSIONS

As the children get older, it is a blessing to begin talking things through logically; drawing out and applying the things we have been learning day by day and year by year. Recently we have been having some fun and profitable "Whiteboard Discussions" in our home.

When we have an idea we'd like the girls to think through, we'll write it on our white board and ask them for their thoughts. It's a simple concept, but it leads to some exciting and dynamic discussions.

Last week we asked how they would answer the following question: "Do we need to watch worldly movies or read worldly books to lead people to Christ?"

It's an idea we've have heard often in our Christian experience, and although we have never known anyone to come to faith because Christian people were "in the know" regarding the newest movies, sports or books, we should ultimately appeal to Scripture over experience.

But even when referencing Scripture, we don't find that that being like the world will cause people to see their need for Christ. We are to be light in darkness. We are to be holy and set apart- a peculiar people.

We don't find Christ's discussions with those around Him about the latest play or book. It was always about the heart and true worship.

DO WE NEED TO WATCH WORLDLY MOVIES OR READ WORLDLY BOOKS TO LEAD PEOPLE TO CHRIST?

Faith was the first to pipe up:

"Do not be conformed to this world,
but be transformed
by the renewing of your mind."
~Romans 12:2

Great!

Lydia jumped in with:

"No- we have to be like Jesus!"

Good job! And, remember since Jesus always answered, "It is Written" let's also try to think of verses to help us answer this idea!

As with previous "Whiteboard Discussions," we pull out the concordance and sometimes our Doorpost topical reference, then look up and read each verse to be sure we are getting them down correctly.


This is what we came up with:

"Have NO fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness,
but instead even expose them."
~Ephesians 5:11

"I want you to be wise in doing good
and simple concerning evil."
~Romans 16:19

"But put on the Lord Jesus Christ,
and make NO PROVISION for the flesh
to fulfill it's lusts."
~Romans 13:14

"Do not be deceived, God is not mocked.
Whatever a man sows that he will also reap."
~Galatians 6:7

and finally...

Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
~Ephesians 6:11-13

Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but there is a battle.

I've got to say that I am really enjoying this stage with older children and the chance to reason together. It's delightful.

Do you feel like you are swimming against the tide? I was so encouraged this week by a quote my good friend Lisa shared in this post. An excerpt:

"It may be the easiest thing to have no battles in life, to grow in some sheltered plain where the storms never blow, to meet no hardships, to have no burdens to carry; but what sort of life comes in the end from such a career?

If we would reach the heights of blessedness we must be content to pass through the fields of struggle. When armies return from victorious war, the loudest cheers are not for those who have fought the fewest battles, nor for the flags which are the cleanest, but for the regiments which are cut down to a few men, and for the colours that are shot to pieces. So it will be in heaven when the redeemed are welcomed home: those who have fought the most battles, and bear the most "marks of the Lord Jesus," will receive the highest honors. It is better, then, even for Christians themselves to stay in this world, and to grow to strength through duty and conflict."

~ J.R. Miller

Richest Blessings,

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Photos: A weekend away as a family. Yosemite and Bass Lake were the planned sights, but our best times were spent as a family playing at the resort and talking to an older man named Jim and his dog Freckles. Go figure.

Sarah's Day

Recently we celebrated Sarah's 8th birthday. Breakfast tradition in our home includes a special balloon, the table decorated with our homemade birthday runner, fabric banner on the wall, breakfast donuts and gifts.






Sarah's one of those energetic, fun spirited kind of kids who makes you laugh-- even when you are trying not to. We just love her.






A few weeks ago I had this conversation with Sarah:


Sarah: "Mama, in heaven will everyone have their own room?'

Mama: "Well, I don't know. We know there will be enough room. Would you want your own room?"

Sarah: "Oh no, I want to be with my sisters!"

Lydia: "You want to be with me Sarah?"

Sarah: "Yes. You and Faith and Michaela and Hailey."






I want to remember that one.

Sarah's evening included a fancy birthday dinner with family, candles and a lovely cake made by Faith.

Blessings,

Understanding

UNDERSTANDING


We enjoy receiving e-mail questions about the “what” and the “whys” behind what we chose as a family. We enjoy it, in great measure, because we too have gained and continue to gain so much by talking through things and gleaning from others who have gone before us.

It is wise to think through convictions that may be different from our non-Christian backgrounds or our culturally influenced point of view.

When we sense that something is “off” it is good to pause, but it is even better to question and keep questioning until we arrive at Scripture to back up what we believe. It is critical to develop an understanding of what we are choosing and why.

Because if we don't do this work of gaining understanding we will soon simply let go of our convictions and go with the flow.

It is just easier. But easier rarely equals better. We must gain an understanding of our whys and then renew our minds with these reasons.

"My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you,

turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding,

and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding,

and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure,

then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.

For the LORD gives wisdom,

and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding."

~Proverbs 2:4-6

GIVING UNDERSTANDING TO OUR CHILDREN


We must know why we are choosing what we are choosing in media and otherwise from God’s Word. As we continually gain understanding and renew our minds we are kept on course.

More quickly than we can believe, it is time to share that understanding with our children. Our goal, as our children mature, is to transition from discipline into a godly understanding.

“A rod is for is the back of him that is void of understanding.” Proverbs 10:13

While it is true that there will be times that we will have to tell our children that we cannot explain something to them at that moment, it should not be the norm. We should make it our habit explain ourselves. If we want to pass on our convictions and help our children from growing in bitterness towards us, we need to lovingly explain our “whys.”

Listen to this quote by Dr. S.M. Davis. He is speaking to the 13 year old, but of course we know that if we do not begin explaining ourselves at a much earlier age, by the time our child is 13, he will not have ears to hear. This word is for all of us.

“Your child’s getting older. He’s 13 now. He comes in and says to you, “I want to go to the skating rink Friday night.”

And you say, “No. You’re not going there.”

He says, “Why?”

“Because I said so, that’s why!”

“Now that might work for Friday night this year, but it probably won’t work for Friday night 5 or 10 years from now.

If you have a conviction about the music that will be played at the rink and the people who are going to be at the rink and the atmosphere that is created at the rink, then you better explain that carefully, and tenderly and lovingly with Scripture to back you up so this child has a basis for understanding not just what they are doing but why they are doing it.

Not only does that young man need to understand why for that particular decision, he’s also going to need those same principles, same beliefs and same convictions for a bunch of other decisions that he will need to make that you may not know anything about.”

SM DAVIS, How to Pass Convictions on to Your Children, Chapter 7

Understanding accomplishes many needful things, but one of its most important roles may be to strengthen us. As we are challenged and must seek God’s Truth, our understanding grows and our resolve is continually fortified. This is a good thing.

Understanding why we choose what we choose can make all the difference.


Blessings,



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Photos: A day set aside to make caramel apples. We thought it would be fun to add more than just caramel to them~ and it was! The girls really enjoyed "decorating" them most of all. They were very yummy, very sticky and delightfully fall. : )

From the Back Seat

My ears perked up as I heard the little girls in the back seat discussing Lydia falling from a chair earlier in the day.


Lydia, age 4
Sarah, age 7


Lydia: "I guess it was the Lord's will."

Sarah: "I was praying for you Lydia."

Lydia: "I guess it was my own fault."

Sarah: "I think it was the chair's fault."

Lydia: "Yes, we can't forget the chair."



Made me think of Pooh and Piglet...

"We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company."
~Psalm 55:14

Many blessings,




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Photo: On the way to Great-Grandma's house.

Praying for the Perkins

A sweet mama gave birth to a beautiful baby boy yesterday. A few hours later he went home to be with the Lord.

Will you please join us in praying for the Perkins family?




UPDATE: You will want to see the Perkin's slide show here.

Unmerited Kindness and Faith

"When all the nation had finished passing over the Jordan, the LORD said to Joshua, "Take twelve men from the people, from each tribe a man, and command them, saying,

'Take twelve stones from here out of the midst of the Jordan, from the very place where the priests’ feet stood firmly, and bring them over with you and lay them down in the place where you lodge tonight.'"

"When your children ask in time to come, 'What do those stones mean to you?'then you shall tell them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD. When it passed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. So these stones shall be to the people of Israel a memorial forever."

~Joshua 4:1-3, 6-7

MY ROCKS


We often say that God has been faithful. The word makes us think of someone who firmly keeps their promises or does something they were duty bound to do. And surely it is true that God is faithful in every way, but how often has He moved far beyond the realm of faithfulness, and the keeping of promises, deep into the realm of unmerited kindness on our behalf?

He is the God who does:

"exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think"
~Ephesians 3:20

May I share a rock with you?


Years ago, when pregnant with our first child, Tom and I felt that the Lord would have me stay home from work to raise our children in His ways.

This was a radical shift for us. One that began a year before when I had conceived and then miscarried. It was at that time the Lord began to show us what our intentions had been with His children and what His intentions were for His children. And we knew His way was best.

After this wake up call, we spent the next year paying off debt, tackling first our smaller bills, paying those and then working on the next, Larry Burkett style. We lived modestly, began to cook from scratch, purchase things used rather than new, and prepare for a little one who was yet to come.

And then it happened. I got pregnant again!

We excitedly made a new budget without debt and without my salary, but every time we calculated we just didn't have enough money for food. We joked that we'd be just fine if we stopped eating.

I wasn't sure what God had planned. We had done what we could and here my belly was growing with a blessing we couldn't feed. I read His Word and I prayed. And prayed. And one day He spoke. While I was reading His Word, He said:

The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing.
~Psalm 34:10

Now, I am not a 'name it and claim it' kind of person, but I knew that God had spoken directly to my heart. And I knew He would do it. I just didn't know how.

Excitedly I began to tell people that God was going to do something on our behalf! I remember my dad looking at me with sad eyes when I told him. Like he was afraid to see his little girl about to be let down big time and be embarrassed for being so open about these thoughts. But I knew. God would do something.

My belly grew. And I waited. Patiently now. Trusting the Hand that feeds.

We moved into the home stretch of my pregnancy. And I began to wonder what God's timing would be. I was as big as a house, had made my plans for the birth, let my boss know this was it and still, nothing in our situation changed. But I knew something would happen.

And then one day, it did.

For no reason, well not one that others could see, Tom's manager quit and recommended Tom for the position. The man left with no work prospects. It didn't make any sense. But in short order, Tom was handed a new job. With new pay. God had done it! And we hadn't moved an inch.

And so, it won't surprise you that when our little one was born, we decided to name her Faith.

And when she was old enough, we told her the story of her name.

Now, we have written it on a rock to remind ourselves that God is more than faithful to meet our needs when we seek Him.


I share this not because our family is special~ far from it. But sometimes we need to hear the rock of a friend. Or be encouraged ask for a rock we can call our own.


Blessings as you build upon The Rock,




Matthew 7:24

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Photo: A monument of rocks. We have begun to write reminders of God's unmerited kindness to our family to remind us of the works He has done on our behalf. Faith's Psalm 34:10 rock is in the pile.