Teachable Tuesdays

As a mom of two teenagers I have some anxiety about how quickly the years are passing by. I hear people say things like....

Time, slow down

I wish I could turn back time...

I wish I could put a brick on their head so they'd stop growing

Time flies

It seems just like yesterday they were....

But the truth is we only have a good 18-20 years (more or less) with our kids living under our roof. And what we do with that is important. 

And while I hear parents wishing time would slow down....what I see parents...me, you, them... doing is a bit contrary to that...

I see makeup on girls when they can barely tie their shoes on their own.

I see high heels and a runway walk before daughters have learned to comb their own tangles out of their hair.

I see boys worried about hair gel and skinny jeans before they are old enough to need deodorant.

I see boy/girl relationships forming at earlier and earlier ages.

I see parents endorsing and enabling behaviors and habits that put sons and daughters as kings and queens of household and we wonder why there's no respect for parents. 

And I realize...maybe just now... that I kind of sound like a fuddy duddy.

But the truth is we as parents are talking out of both sides of our mouths. We say we want to savor their days but really do we? Those younger days are hard...they are the formative years of potty training and manner learning and respect giving and sharing toys and demonstrating kindness and providing a firm and consistent Biblical foundation. Whew...I am tired just thinking about all the work that requires of us as parents and let's face it....in our world today, we don't get accolades or facebook likes or retweets when we are doing this hard and important work. But post that picture of "Betsy" with her gel nails at her 6 year old birthday party and everyone thinks it's "so cute" or "watch out boys here she comes". 

I struggle just like the next mom to provide that balance of age appropriate fun and Biblical standards with my kids. The struggle doesn't stop once they are teenagers. Now it's clothing and activities and hobbies and yes, still teaching respect and manners and kindness and all those important virtues that make for responsible and upstanding adults.

Parents..

We need prayer....we need to pray for God's wisdom. 

We need friends.....we don't struggle alone. There are others who are really trying to do this parenting gig well. We need to partner with each other, praying together, supporting each other with Biblical instruction.

We need to get in the Word. There is no substitute for the parenting manual. And yes, God did give us one. His Word has all the answers. All the principles. All the guidance you need. And while I've read some wonderful books on parenting throughout the years, I always come back to the perfect source. The Bible. 

We need to be the parents. We need to dad-up and mom-up. We need to quit letting the world tells us how to raise our kids. We need to quit letting our kids tell us how to raise our kids. We need to do the work. We need to be tired at the end of the day...from parenting....from doing our job. From building strong foundations and teaching our kids the way they should go. 

I had a hard time writing some of this because I'm at a stage where I need to be more diligent in some of these areas. I don't have it all figured out. But I want to do it right. Each stage. 

How 'bout you? Do you feel the struggle? How can I pray for you? 

Walking in Truth

III John 1:4- I have no greater joy than to hear my children are walking in truth.

After nearly 25 years in ministry there is nothing that encourages my heart more than hearing how people that we have had the joy of leading and serving are still faithfully and joyfully serving the Lord and walking in the truth of His Word. Enough years have passed that we have had the overwhelming privilege to hear of so many stories of how God has led people we love, how He has carried them, how they have followed Him during times of joy and sorrow and how they have grown to love Him more and more. I can definitely see how John the Beloved could write these words. 

As a parent, I want the same for my kids. I want them to learn to walk in the Truth. This world has some crazy lies and misconstructed ideas that they will try to get them to buy into, and it's my job for now to teach them how to walk in truth so they don't get side swiped into believing the lies. 

Yesterday I was having a conversation with Tucker (12) and we were talking a little about the struggle of moving and leaving his friends. I let the talk go on for a few minutes because I think it's important for him to share his thoughts and also because he is a boy and he was having "feelings" so I wanted to maximize on listening...but after a few minutes I said, "I know this is hard, but can you see any way God has provided or done anything good during this time?" After a moment he said, "He has already found a friend for me there (new home)." You can't imagine how excited I was to hear him say this. This was the truth. God has already provided him a friend there and Tucker was voicing the truth. Satan would like nothing better for Tucker than for him to believe that this was a tragic situation, that he would be lonely and alone for the rest of his life, that no one would reach out and that he would never find a friend. I know this sounds dramatic but isn't that exactly what the enemy does...makes us believe the absolute worst situation or conflict or circumstance is the truth??? When it's all a big fat lie. 

There is joy when we hear our children are walking in truth, but before the joy there has to be guidance. We have to model the process. We have to teach our kids how to navigate through the hurdles of lies and the roadblocks of deceit that Satan orchestrates. We have to teach them what the Bible says, how to apply it to our lives and how to ask the right questions and seek the right answers when they are faced with a tough situation. 

This doesn't happen by chance. We have to get busy.

Homeschool 2013-2014 Recap

In my head I had all these plans of homeschooling hands-on and enjoying every moment with my kids as we learned around the table or kitchen sink or in the garden or at the library. It was going to be a beautiful, nearly holy, experience. I envisioned quiet afternoons of me reading orally to the kids while they hug on every word of some classic. 

And instead....our school year went more like this:

Messes...big ones

Marker marks on the table

Frustration

Forcing them to stay awake as we read orally

Discoveries

Serving Others

Unsuccessful projects

Unused books

Unread biographies

Fractions (need I say more???)

Impatience

Tears

Laughter

Dance breaks

Scripture 

Doubts

Phonics

Tom Sawyer

Cursive

Maps

Poetry

Biology

Snacks 

Fun

And moments of questioning my sanity....many moments. I'm not even going to say the good outweighed the bad....But I will say God's grace outweighed my frustration, doubts and tears. You see, when I realized God was calling me homeschool both my kids (I've homeschooled Savannah since kinder) I was 100% sure that I heard Him correctly. And when I resigned my teaching position, I was 100% sure I was doing what He had asked of me. But fast forward a few months to a string of bad days, difficult math, frustrated kids and mom and a deficiency of diet coke...and I wasn't sure about this act of obedience. In fact...the struggle is still very real. 

I'm still wondering..

Did they get what they needed this year?

Did I do a good enough job?

Is this really what's best for our family?

Are they stronger spiritually because of this year?

Do we do THIS again? Or something different?

It's not really any different than any other decisions we make for our family...seeking God, His will, constantly reviewing our decisions to be sure we are still on track with His plans. But listen...when His plans and your obedience are all about molding, shaping and modeling Christ to this next generation...well, it can get a little scary. I can't do it alone. Just saying'. So I'm listening more closely after a year....trying to be super-sensitive to His plan for us. Some might not think it's that important or that I take this calling too seriously but really??? What is more important than teaching and shaping and showing this generation about what's really important to know...Jesus. And sure...I know reading, writing and math are important...but who really wants to be around anyone who knows it all but lacks grace and love and peace??

Besides, it's only by HIS strength my crew even made it out alive from this year! And thankfully His mercies were new every single morning. And I am counting on that again tomorrow and the next day and the next. 

And my kids will be ok as long as they learn those lessons...about grace and new mercies and listening to God's voice. Because in the end...that's the most important lesson of all.

So what's in store for us for next year? Homeschool again. Different curriculum for some classes and lots more reading....and writing ....and arithmetic, with heavy doses of grace and mercy...every day. 

Day of Thanks #9

Day 9- I am thankful for teachers... I can remember the names of every teacher I had in elementary school and at least one valuable life lesson I learned from them... It's been 30+ years and they still impact my life. Thank you teachers --for all the lessons you teach each day in your classrooms!

The Homeschool Schedule

A few people have asked about our schedule for the homeschool year. Here it is, for your viewing pleasure...Not gonna say it's permanent, because in our house...like your's, life happens, people need us, we need others, we get bored, we need a day away from each other....and the list could go on and on. But this is best case scenario. Here ya go:

Time	Subject	Name
8:00	Rise and Shine, Dress, Eat	Savannah and Tucker
8:30	Sweep Porches- M,W,F Vacuum-T,TH	Savannah
8:30	Take Trash Out- M,W,F Dust T, TH	Tucker
9:00	Bible - Kay Arthur for Kids	Savannah and Tucker
9:30	Math - Horizons and Xtramath.com	Savannah
9:30	Handwriting- Horizons	Tucker
10:00	Language Arts- LifePac	Savannah
10:00	Phonics and Reading - Horizons	Tucker
10:30	Independent Reading	Savannah
10:30	Math - Horizons and Xtramath.com	Tucker
11:00	Break	Savannah and Tucker
11:15	Piano Practice	Savannah
11:15	Stack the States/ Geography	Tucker
11:45	Science- BJU	Savannah
11:45	Journal, Flashcards & Independent Reading	Tucker
12:15	Lunch	Savannah and Tucker
12:45	Maps of the US and World YWAM	Savannah
12:45	ipad games	Tucker
1:15	Wii Fit or TKD	Savannah and Tucker
2:00	Quiet Hour (Read, Educational videos, puzzles, games...leave mom alone)	Savannah and Tucker

Reading, Writing, Arithmetic

Over the last six months I've poured over homeschool curriculum, wanting to make the best choices for the kind of learners my kids are. What I've learned is that if you want to homeschool, there's a curriculum for you! It's overwhelming and a little daunting, but in the end, I feel like we've made some good choices for our 2013-2014 school year.

Tucker and Savannah will both be using Kay Arthur's Inductive Bible Study Series for Children. We will be doing six, six week workbooks. Check them out HERE.

They will also be doing US and World Geography using Youth with a Mission (YWAM) curriculum.
You can take a look at their WEBSITE . They also have hundreds of biographies of Christian historical figures and religious heroes. It's an impressive collection. Both kids will be reading missionary biographies from this site.

Savannah will be using Alpha and Omega's Horizons Math again. We have found that this is a challenging curriculum and although I strongly considered changing to Math U See, I decided to keep her in something familiar.

Tucker will also be using Horizon's Math. He's done ABeka since PreK and I think this will be a pretty good transition for him.

For Language Arts, Savannah will be using Alpha and Omega's LifePACs. Of all the decisions I've made this is the one I'm most apprehensive about...so, I only ordered the first 4, to get us to Christmas and if it's not a good fit, I won't feel too guilty, since they aren't that expensive.

Tucker will be doing the Horizons Penmanship, which will introduce cursive during the second half of the year. He will also be doing the Horizons Reading and Phonics program, along with the phonics special sounds he has learned through his years doing ABeka.

I'm still searching for a science curriculum. The kids want to study Oceanography, so I'm looking for something along those lines, with a Biblical worldview. Suggestions? Leave a comment, please!

Along with the missionary biographies, Savannah will be reading the 10 book, Reel Kid's Adventure Series . These are books about young people who take the gospel to the ends of the earth. On their adventures Savannah will learn about people groups, geography and a broader worldview. She will also read Anne of Green Gables, The Brian Series by Gary Paulsen and anything else she can get her hands on! Tucker will be reading the TIME LIFE Children's Adventure books, The Happy Hollisters (yes, we are kickin' it old school) and the Ready Freddy series.

 We're planning on doing some cooking, library trips, field trips with friends, art and maybe some sort of cooking or baking class - plus keep up with piano and taekwondo.

Now, deep breath and enjoy the summer!

When Little People Teach Big Lessons

This summer has been a little different around our house. I've been in the midst of preparing to teach a new grade at school. I'll be going from pre-school teacher to 1st grade in a few weeks, and that has meant a lot of prep work to wrap my mind around. I've also been adjusting to being the mom of the pastor's kids and if my radar wasn't up before regarding my kids behavior...my poor kids...nobody is as hard on them as me! And then we've been extremely busy ...but who cares...so are you.

BUT, my kids have taught me a few really good lessons this summer...and I thought I'd pass them on to you.

1. You need at least one pajama day a week.

2. Your perspective changes when you are in a home made sheet fort. The world goes away for a few minutes and even laundry can't hinder you from taking a break!

3. Re-runs of Seventh Heaven and Heartland are just as good as the first time....especially when you didn't see them the first time.

4. Even moms can win at Mario Cart....when the kids let her!

5. Dinner may take 5 times longer to prepare, but nothing beats two kids in aprons helping.

6. It's ok to have a pile of flip-flops at the door. Makes going out for a quick snow cone, or to chase the ice cream truck down much easier.

7. Housecleaning is easier with Toby Mac blaring. I apologize to my elderly neighbors.

8. Hide and Go Seek in the house is way more fun if you tag with a nerf gun.

9. Never throw away random nuts, bolts or screws you find. Tucker learned to use the screw driver this summer.

10. I'm not getting this time back. Fill it will love and memories. In a flash it's all you have left.

Hope you're enjoying the last few weeks with your kids before school starts back! I know I will!

Things I Learned at Jr. Camp

1. Never underestimate the power of deodorant...especially in 115 degree heat.

2. Some children wear all the clothes in the suitcase during the first 2 days.

3. Some children will spend all their money in the first 2 days.

4. One child will look you in the eye and say thank you...and that child probably will not be the one you think it will be.

5. 4-6th grade girls will not claim their dirty underwear off the floor unless you hold the underwear up with a stick and publicly describe the underwear.

6. Some counselors were meant to go to camp. Others should stay at home and take their happy pills.

7. Clean cabin award incentive should not be giant pixie sticks. That's not really incentive for the counselors to motivate the children to clean.

8. Watching children worship in their environment is beautiful.

9. Leading a child to the Lord is breathtaking....everytime. What a privilege and a blessing to be able to share Christ with ready hearts.

I've worked with kids for years in one capacity or another. I'm more convinced than ever that parents and churches have a huge responsibility to train generations to know God and His Word for their lives. It would be great if we lived in a world where every parent did their job of teaching and that church was just a reinforcement of what is being taught at home. But let's face it. We live in a sin drenched world where parents don't do this. Even Christian parents don't do this, much less a godless people. Instead of just worrying about our own kids...which would be the easy things to do....we need to have compassion and extend grace to children who walk through our doors, who play with our kids in the neighborhood, who are in our schools, who play on our kid's soccer team. As the church for this generation, we need to step up and love and lead and reinforce and guide and partner with families who need what God has given us.

I'm thankful for the children's ministry of our church. It's comforting to me to know that my kids can go to a safe place to learn about God. God has gifted people to be teachers who can share effectively the messages of His Word. I'm thankful that He gave us these helpers for our family. It's just another way He provides. I'm glad I'm not in this alone. I'm thankful that, while I am very aware of my responsibilities as a parent raising children in this world, that God, in His grace, partnered my family with a church that takes children seriously, creates a fun place for learning and fellowship and exposure to gifted teachers who just might be the ones that say those words or present that message in a way that my kids are drawn closer to Christ. And I'm ok with that. Because in the end....the glory and praise is to the Father.

Doing Hard Things

A couple of years ago I read a book entitled, Do Hard Things. This book is the personal story of two brothers whose parents weren't afraid of teaching their boys the value of hard work, determination, perseverance and goal setting. From school work, to chores, to Christian living....these boys have exceeded the average and excelled in areas that even most adults only dream of.

I've been thinking about my expectations of my own children and what I am teaching them by my life and by my instruction lately. We are out of school for three months and I don't want this to be a summer full of channel surfing and sun bathing. While there will be time for that, I want them to learn a little about teamwork, hard work and determination. So, we started with some simple chores yesterday.

Scrubbing down cabinets

 Does Anyone Else have a tupperware cabinet that looks like this?????

All in all this lesson only took about 20-30 minutes, but let me tell you what was neat to see later in the day. When Bruce got home he asked the kids what they had been up to and they were eager to tell him about their chores they had helped with. There was a certain pride in learning to organize and scrub....and doing something a little more difficult than just making a bed or gathering laundry....which yes, they still have to do!

So....here's a question....What kind of chores to do have your kids do? Do you think it's important to teach them harder things (in all areas) or can it wait til they are older and bigger? I'd love to hear your thoughts on these points.