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Molly's Money-Saving Digest for June
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The Old Schoolhouse� Magazine
June 29, 2011
Will I ever get to homeschool the way I want to?
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Greetings!
I ask myself this question, not once a year, but nearly every week: "When will I ever get to homeschool the way I want to?" I'd be the best homeschool teacher if it weren't for (fill in the blank: difficult interruptions/difficult finances/difficult children/friends who do it better/spouses who aren't supportive, etc.).
Should I give up if I can't afford that perfect curriculum, or what if I have it and can't implement it every day? Should I quit because I can't do the extra classes and field trips right now? Should I think of another alternative because my kids are always whining or bickering? What about those all-too-often family emergencies that interrupt the schedule? And what about that necessary part-time job that keeps me busy-shouldn't I give up on this homeschooling business?
So many things get in the way of me having that perfect homeschool setting I dream about. So many LIFE things. Instead of asking, "When will I ever get to homeschool the way I want to?" we should probably be asking, "When will life be perfect enough to let me do things the way I want them done so I can feel successful?" The answer is: maybe never. And guess what? There is freedom in that.
Instead of looking at everyday life as an "obstacle" to finally getting to do what we want to do, we need to look at the obstacles as part of the life God intended for us to live, and teach around those. It's how we live THAT life that brings glory to the One Who designed it. However, that does not release us from properly planning our ways and keeping unnecessary distractions at bay.
We should definitely start each school year praying, "God, what do you have for me and the children this year?" and then we should follow that plan as much as we can. Then, we should have a daily prayer of, "God, what do you have for me and the children today?" Then, instead of feeling like we've failed when interruptions come, we can rejoice in the fact that everything that happens out of our control is under His control.
Don't give up. Don't give in. Start again and again. Little by little, day by day, we keep it at. Why? Because we are the ones that God designed to teach our children. He didn't give the responsibility of that job to any other but you. What the Lord wills for you, He provides for you.
And, the alternatives are not worth it. The high percentage of children leaving their faith is staggering. Hold on to the hearts of your children while you can. Home is best. Home is where you belong. Home is where they belong.
"Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that." James 4:13-15
~Deborah
TOS Senior Editor
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In place of Gena this week:
Homeschooling
by Karen "Spunky" Braun
Will I ever get to homeschool the way I want to? What a great question, and the answer is clear AFTER you answer one other question first: "WHO is in charge of your homeschooling?" Thankfully, that's an easy multiple choice question with only four possible answers: a. God-centered homeschool b. Father-led homeschool c. Mother-led homeschool (assisted by every "perfect mother" on the Internet) d. Child-led homeschool For the Christian homeschooler, the obvious answer is "a," but the challenge is to let go and let the Lord direct the plans. Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Once we submit ourselves to God and learn His plan, the answer to the original question is a resounding, "Yes." You will get to homeschool the way you want IF and only IF you know and accept the Lord's plan as your own. If you believe that the Lord's plan is for you to homeschool your children, then giving up will not be an option simply because you cannot afford a certain curriculum or your children are less than perfect or a family emergency takes time away from core subjects. Instead, you will see each of these situations as an opportunity to seek the Lord and find out His plan to solve the issues and tackle the day. Yes, the day . . . not tomorrow, not next week, next month, or next year. "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:34 (NIV) Seek the Lord today for His agenda, and your plans will prosper. ~Karen "Spunky" Braun www.spunkyhomeschool.blogspot.com
or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SpunkyHomeschool |
 The Institute for Excellence in Writing invites you to celebrate the Fourth of July with our "Freedomship" Promotion! Click here for a coupon code for "freedom-shipping" and other offers good through July 8.
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HOMESCHOOLERS IN THE MILITARY:
We need you!
Would you mind taking a moment to fill out our 15 question survey? We are gathering data for an article on families who have homeschooled children in the military, or who have tried to enter the military, or you are a homeschool graduate in the military. We would love to hear your replies! Would you mind helping?
We will feature the results in an upcoming issue of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine. Here is the link.
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 The Familyman
Todd Wilson, Familyman Ministries
It's been a hard couple of days here at the Wilson home. Not only is everything we own broken . . . but now my computer is dead and my Internet is almost nonexistent. Anyway, the issue at hand is: Will you ever get to the point where you can homeschool the way you'd like? In other words, will you ever be able to do all you want, the way you want, with the results you want? The answer: NO . . . so get over it. Quit lamenting the fact that things aren't as you wish and enjoy the way things ARE . . . right now. That goes for your homeschool as well as your family. Your job is to enjoy them today . . . not someday in the future when everything is just right. Remember the verse, "The homeschool mom plans her homeschool day, but the Lord directs her paths"? (Proverbs 16:9) Here's the real nugget of the day: God's plan is better than your plan. So quit blaming your situation and start THANKING God for "Giving you this day your daily . . . day." Okay, that's as good as I can do given my current situation . . . but I'm thankful. Be Real, Todd
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Trusted Elementary Math Curriculum
Core mathematical skills really sink in thanks to the familiar drill-and-practice format of MCP Math. Learn more about this comprehensive, easy-to-teach curriculum, one of Cathy Duffy's 100 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum. Grades K-6. Complete math curriculum for $48.97.
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 It's Just Common Sense
Ruth Beechick, Curriculum Specialist and Debbie Strayer, Homeschool Consultant What an interesting question for this week! It asks: Will I ever get to homeschool the way I want to? Of course. That's what homeschooling is all about-doing things the way you want to. The question continues by asking if you should give up if you can't afford xyz curriculum or can't do the extra classes and field trips. No. No, don't give up, especially for reasons like those. You don't need extra classes just because they are offered. Once in a while you might want one, so sign up for it. And once in a while you might want a group field trip. Sign up likewise. But you can always do a field trip on your own if you have an idea or a need to visit something particular. As to affording curriculum, I always say that curriculum is unnecessary for most subjects. "Real books" are better. In history, for instance, books about certain battles or wars or periods of history, or books of biography, usually make interesting reading. But a history textbook is usually dull reading. The best use for one of those is to read a chapter after reading real books on the topic. That will pull together information that you know, put it in order, place it in time, and so forth. It provides a good review. Reading textbooks use vocabulary that is supposed to fit certain grades or ages. But real books use any vocabulary. They greatly expand children's knowledge and vocabulary. Third-graders who are freed from third-grade textbooks and read widely suddenly rise in their reading level to whatever their mental age is. In about two months, many of them read at eighth-grade level. ~ Ruth |
Upcoming classes:
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7/12/2011
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Is Math Straining your Relationship with your Children?
| | 8/2/2011 |
How to Make Sure Your Child Is Not Among the 34% That Struggle with Reading.
| | 8/16/201 |
Math Strains - Part 2
| | 9/22/2011 |
Secrets of Great Spelling
| | 10/18/2011 |
Kitchen and Courthouse: Bring Meaning to Life!
| | 10/27/2011 |
Understanding the Big Picture in the Bible
| | 11/01/2011 |
Latin: the Key to English
| | 1/26/2011 |
Schola Publication - 3rd Webinar
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Contest Central
For the month of June, 2011
Wise Words for Moms
Wise Words for Moms is a chart designed to aid moms as they address and correct sinful behavior in their children. This chart was written by Ginger Plowman, author of "Don't Make Me Count to Three! A Mom's Look at Heart-Oriented Discipline" and is based on the ideas and principles expressed in that book.
Four pages of sinful behaviors are listed, including everything from stirring up strife, bragging, complaining, and giving up to whining, worry, and revenge. Next to each "problem" is a space for "Heart Probing," "Reproof (Put Off)," "Encouragement (Put On)," and "Additional Verses."
Under "Heart Probing," we are given questions to help our children examine the motive behind their behavior and determine the heart issue. For example, under "Defiant Attitude," we are prompted to ask, "Are you obeying or disobeying with your attitude?" "Are you truly obeying when you obey with an unhappy heart?"
"Reproof" lists some verses to share with our children. In this case, "It is wicked for you to harden your face and foolish for you to despise instruction." Prov. 21:29. "Encouragement" lists verses showing what we should do. "A wise heart accepts command and a happy heart makes the face cheerful." Prov. 10:8. Additional verses are then listed. ( . . . )
Read the rest of the review here. Win this book for your family!
TO ENTER:
Email Deb with your name and mailing address and the subject "Wise Words" for a chance to win* this book!
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*Disclaimer and Legal Notice:
The Old Schoolhouse� Magazine, LLC ("Company") is sponsoring the June Contest Central contest running from June 1, 2011, to June 30, 2011. You must be 18 years of age or older and follow all rules to participate. Entering the contest constitutes full and complete acceptance of, and a warranty that the entrant has read, understands and agrees to, all contest terms and conditions, including without limitation all of The Old Schoolhouse� Magazine, LLC Contest Rules ("Official Rules") and The Old Schoolhouse� Magazine Writer Guidelines and Terms and Conditions for Submitting Queries. All Official Rules apply. Entry also constitutes full consent and unlimited permission for Company to print, publish, broadcast and use all intellectual property and personal information submitted as part of the Contest entry on the Internet and in any and all Company publications in accordance with the Rules. Entries become the sole property of Company and will not be returned. Employees and independent contractors of The Old Schoolhouse� Magazine, LLC, Contest sponsors, individuals or entities furnishing Contest prizes and their family members may not participate in this contest. Company reserves the sole, discretionary right to determine contest winners and to cancel, terminate, modify, or suspend the contest or the Rules at any time with or without notice or cause, subject to applicable law. See Official Rules for details.
No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law.
For a full copy of the Official Rules, please send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to The Old Schoolhouse� Magazine: Official Rules Request, PO Box 8426, Gray, TN 37615 |
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