Monthly Archives: March 2016

“R” Your Kids Missing the Boat?

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Praise God, we still have the right to homeschool our children. I’ve met homeschooling parents who are very committed to having their children finish their schooling with mastery of the four R’s. In the current “feel good,” “learning must be fun,” “we don’t want anyone to feel bad” educational mentalities of today, solid preparation is sorely needed, and many homeschooling parents are rising to the call. Some, however, may have forgotten the value of the four R’s.

“Reading” —whatever happened to it? It seems like reading has been replaced with videos. Sit back, take it easy, and your children will be entertained and spoon-fed. Reading is the key that unlocks unlimited resources. Always be careful about what is being read. Lord have mercy on the children whose parents let them read all sorts of evil books.

“Riting” is a key medium of communication. More than just penmanship, emphasis on grammar and spelling is necessary. In addition to writing, learning to carry on an intelligent conversation is vital. Teri and I visited a woman on hospice and her daughter recently. They spoke so highly of the time Mary and Anna visited previously. They loved how the girls were such great conversationalists.

“Rithmetic” is thought of as less important these days with the availability of calculators. When is the last time you checked out somewhere and the cashier counted back your change to you? As long as we have money, we will need to know how to add and subtract.

Yes, I said four “R’s.” The fourth “R” is Responsibility. Often the most neglected “R,” responsibility is foundational for preparing a child for life. Every person needs to take responsibility for his choices. We as parents need to teach our children responsibility. Sadly, we are seeing the consequences of a society where irresponsibility reigns.

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 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 6:7-8)

Steve

Two Reasons     

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“I’d really like to – but…” Sales books will tell you there are two reasons a person does not buy – the reason they tell you and the real reason in the back of their minds that they are not telling you. As believers we are bound to truth. Our Father is the Father of truth. Satan is the father of lies. We will identify with One or the other by the words that we speak. May we either gently speak the truth in love or hold our tongue. 

“He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.” (Deuteronomy 32:4)

Or,

“Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.” (John 8:44)

Steve

Ever Make a One?

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When was the last time you made a bad decision? I mean one that was really dumb? I’ve made many, but the one that stands out in my mind was the time I decided to “help” the crockpot get a bit hotter because we needed it to cook the family’s favorite stew in a short period of time. I almost burned up our counter top in the process. Pretty dumb.

Some decisions, such as my crockpot fiasco, are correctable. Others have eternal consequences such as the “moms” who choose to get an abortion. Are you praying that this modern-day holocaust would stop? Every time you pray, would you pray that God would intervene in these “moms’” lives and convict them so they might not kill their babies?

“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” (Proverbs 14:12)

Steve

Rerun: I Just Want to Be a Mommy

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It is March, and there are still probably three months left of school for those who homeschool before the school year ends. At this point, you may be tired and a bit weary of your homeschooling, with some discouragement mixed in. Summer could seem a long ways off.

I wrote this Mom’s Corner called, “I Just Want to Be a Mommy,” before the start of a school year several years ago when I was still homeschooling my children, but it is very appropriate for how you may be feeling right now. I want to draw your hearts to the wonderful mission you have as a homeschool mom to be a mommy to your children in the very fullest sense of the word. I know there are some who would like to homeschool who read these articles, but aren’t able to for one reason or another. I hope this article encourages you to be your children’s mommy every moment you are able to spend with them.

Read I Just Want to be a Mommy.

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Posted in: Mom's Corner

At Least Two

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There are at least two ways to feel good about yourself – an easy route and a hard route. The later will take commitment and discipline.

The easy way is to find someone who is taking the hard road and do all you can to tear him down. Tell yourself and others why he shouldn’t succeed and what you think he is doing wrong. (And while you’re at it, never look at yourself and direct your critical eye at your own life and how well it is working … deep down, honestly.) Then you don’t have to feel guilty when looking “up” to how he is using his life. By beating him down, you elevate yourself. Simple, but sad.

That is similar to driving off the end of a tall bridge that is missing a span. It is very exciting – exhilarating even – but only for a moment before reality comes crashing in.

“But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was preached of Paul at Berea, they came thither also, and stirred up the people.” (Acts 17:13)

Steve

Christian Man-Card Applications

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The Lord is always accepting applications for being a man of God. Current card holders include Paul, John the Baptist, Stephen, Barnabas, and countless others throughout the ages.

No prior knowledge, no experience, and no diplomas are required to get a Christian-Man Card. The price for it is free but tremendously costly. The only requirements are a heart for God’s Word and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Mandatory mentorship via the Holy Spirit immediately follows acceptance. Apply now, but there is no fear of running out of available slots because, sadly, few apply.

“And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead. Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city….” (Acts 14:19-20)

After being stoned, Paul went back into the city where some of the people who stoned him lived. That was Holy Spirit boldness! Paul lived what he taught. He was no stranger to conflict or pain.

“Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.” (Acts 14:22)

Brothers, may we be strong and courageous!

Steve