5 Advantages of Homeschooling

5 Advantages of Homeschooling

Teacher Kati and Boys in Class

5 advantages of homeschooling“Train up a child in the way he should go ….” Proverbs 22:6

Vickie and I grabbed our favorite lattes and settled down for a monthly prayer and share time. Three young boys with heavy book bags caught my eye as they seated in a nearby booth with their mother.

Watching them enjoy their food and drinks, I wondered why they weren’t in school. Soon, the Mom/Teacher had them open their books and class began in the coffee shop. (Kodak moment!)

Reflecting on the seriousness of this ‘classroom’ activity spurred me to do a bit of research. There are many good reasons some choose to homeschool their children; here are the five most obvious.

THE CLASSROOM CAN BE ANYWHERE – Homeschooling means your classroom location can be changed at a moment’s notice. Today this family was not able to have class at home, so the classroom was conveniently moved to the coffee shop for breakfast and studies.

FLEXIBLE SCHEDULING – Some homeschoolers choose to have classes scheduled on the same days the public school does. Others fit the schedule into their home and work environments. Vacations are often planned with studies in mind.

PARENTS GET TO KNOW EACH CHILD’S CAPABILITIES AND PREFERENCES – Working in a classroom setting, the parent will discover the uniqueness of the learning styles, passions, abilities, and personalities of each child.

CHILDREN ARE GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO UNDERSTAND THEIR PARENTS. Time with children in a classroom enables the teacher (parent) to reveal his/her own personality and preferences. A parent may share life experiences relating to a subject that perhaps never would have been mentioned in another setting.

BECOME INVOLVED IN A HOMESCHOOL COMMUNITY. Often this can include field trips, social events, sports, music, and art.  When you think about it, class is always in session as daily circumstances bring to mind questions about a topic studied “in class”.

Click here for an interesting article on the Biblical Perspective of Homeschooling.

Parents who can and will invest their time in homeschooling will be able to closely monitor the child’s learning style and needs. Homeschoolers are able to teach classes from a Biblical perspective without conflict.

  • Pray for homeschooled families. I have since met other members of this family and am honored to count them as friends.
  • As always, I am in awe of who God puts in my path. I personally challenge you to pray for God’s appointments every day. He wants to bless you and those you meet along life’s pathway.

Blessings and hugs,

Thank you once again for your faithful comments below and emails.

Learning to Hear God Speak

“Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things thou knowest not.” Jeremiah 33:3

This verse has often been called “God’s phone number”. He clearly says to call Him and He will answer.

Most of us look for clear-cut answers; you know, the call we’re expecting; sick healed; needs supplied; relationships restored. But, what happens when our prayers come from a broken or weary heart; a felt need we cannot express?

Billy Graham tells how to hear from God more clearly.

Lately, for whatever reason, I find myself weighed down with struggles I can’t explain. Has God even heard my wordless cries? Am I asking amiss? Am I making too much of a situation?

Most of you know, I always carry a supply of small bags of Scripture candy and tracts to share as God leads. This week as I assembled fifty bags, I chuckled as I tossed an empty wrapper into the trash; it was sealed with no candy inside!

Praying over the bags and my circumstances, I loaded my duffle bag for the car. I know God nudged me as I retrieved the sealed, empty bag from the trash to read the Scripture.

This is the Lord’s Word for me written on that empty candy bag. “The Lord, thy God, He will not fail thee nor forsake thee.” Deuteronomy 31:6

Tears of joy and peace warmed my cheeks as I heard from my Father: “Susie, I am here for you. I will never, ever leave you. I will not forsake you. I have a plan for you.”  There on an empty candy wrapper was the assurance I longed for from my patient, loving, all-knowing Father.

Click here for 10 ways God speaks regularly to you.

Sweet, faithful friend. Do you know God in that way? Can you hear clearly when He speaks? Make time for Him, His love and grace are there for you.

Hugs,

Thanks for leaving a note. How can I pray for you this week?

 

Identify Your Time Robbers

Identify Your Time Robbers

Patches’ Big Friend is Hiding Something (read the article below to learn his secret)

“… walk not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15-16

New year’s resolutions are simply not my thing. I learned a very long time ago my resolve is more of a wish list. However, this January I decided changes were needed in my life.

Instead of resolving to do better, I asked myself what were my time robbers; how did I spend my precious time. Also, I determined to make changes accordingly. This hurt a bit! (This hurt a lot!)

I would often say I didn’t watch much tv; I don’t like the new sitcoms and comedies and the news is disgusting. Yes, well … truth be known, I DID without realizing it. Enjoying lunch or dinner in my comfy chair in the livingroom, I tuned in an old game show (concentration or password plus) while I ate. So, I’m thinking I’m feeding my brain as well as my tummy. Good, right?  Hours later …!

World news at 5:30 while I ate my cereal shouldn’t be a problem. However, if I then flipped channels and found an older Hallmark movie …! I am not a disciplined person. I lie to me when I say I’ll only watch an hour a day or whatever. Not!

My chair is at the far end of the livingroom by a little table with books and remotes handy. On Friday, January 6, I put the remote under Patches’ turtle friend at the other end of the room by the fireplace. To watch tv, I have to get up and go get it. The tv has not been on since January 6. I am redeeming the time.

Click for three common time robbers we each face.

My second time robber is Facebook. Now, I will say, I like Facebook; I use it for ministry; I am encouraged by the comments and Scriptures. Quitting is not an option for me. Even so, it has to be curbed drastically! Easy peasy! I deleted the app from my phone. Now, if I have time to browse FB, I have to go into the other room to the computer. (Exercise!)

I have others, many others. I’m guessing you do as well. For me personally, I feel God calling me to redeem the time seriously. When I celebrate the tenth anniversary of my 9th birthday (2032 if you’re counting), I want to know I’ve given God my best; used the time He gave me wisely.

Please jot me a note below; what are your time robbers? How has God met you there?

Blessings and hugs,