Califoregon Living

(final lecture notes from the Homeschool conference 2008-Christian Heritage)

Step in faith one step at a time

Our biggest battle is our own fears

2 Corinthians 10:5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

LEARN TOGETHER –this is your second chance to learn

Patience comes through overcoming trials.

You’ll never develop patience if you avoid opportunities that cause you to grow in it.

Season of discipleship- Pull your children into your quiet time.  This is your time to show your children what a relationship with the Lord is.

"Without a vision, the people perish"

1 Corinthians 1:27-31 But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”

When God commands something, He will also equip us to carry through that commandment.

2 Chronicles 16:9 "For the eyes of the LORD move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His."

2 Corinthians 3:4-5 Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.

John 15:4-5 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.   "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

Philippians 4:13 I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me.

Homeschool, like parenting, requires faith and trust.

Matthew 6:33 "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."

-Know that there are seasons of life.  Kids need home, routine, time.

-Your family is your mission field.

-Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were big things.

-Keep you heart soft and happy!  Watch tone of voice, be positive, create a warm and healthy atmosphere.

-Discipline calmy and firmly, repent, and move on

Proverbs 14:1 The wise woman builds her house, But the foolish tears it down with her own hands.

Guard your hearts from bitterness.  It grows, festers, and does not go away by itself.  Ask God to cleanse you.

Have a soft an teachable heart.  We can destroy our homes if we are dark and bitter.

-Share your doubts, fears, and ssk your husband to pray for you.  God works trhough authorities.  Expect God is working through your husband.

DON’T COMPARE!

Keep your curriculum simple, but rich (reference the Ruth Beechick books)

If you love learning, they’ll love learning.

Homeschool creates the time to develop interests.

-Practice hospitality.

• Inspires your children
• Invite missionaries and church leaders
  • ask them questions
  • have kids ask questions
  • teach kids how to serve guests

-Limit the amount of time you spend with people or actions that undermine your efforts

-Do first things first, even if timing is off.  Get ready for the day: keep a routine.

-Bible time, scripture reading, hymns.  Make these a priority.

Pray "what is the next right thing to do?"

-Expect to be tired!

• nap during the early years
• naps are an investment in the future of your family
• healthy meals
• healthy exercise

-Be home, really.  You can be home in body, but not in mind.  Watch your time on the internet and with blogs and hobbies.

-Know yourself.  Be a mommy first and always, even when teaching.

-Things are good, better, or best!

• Focus on what is best for your family
• Family read aloud
• Don’t just do an activity because everyone else is.

-Talk to the Lord and your husband and come to a conclusion about what is best for your fmaily.

-Know your strengths and weaknesses.  Work with who you are (scheduled v. fluid)

-Often remind yourself why you are doing this.

-TRUST GOD; pray throughout the day and read scripture to your kids.

-Have fun.  Take a break for refreshment and refocus

-Encourage your children.  different people develop at different rates.

Gifted individuals vs. cookie cutters

Children need mothers to teach them right from wrong.  Point to God’s lovingkindness.

-JUST DO IT!