Homeschool Methodologie

Methods of Education

There are several philosophies and methodologies that homeschoolers utilize when educating their children. Some people choose one and follow it all the way through, others mix and match depending on what they want to accomplish, still others begin with one then change their methodologies as the years wear on and they begin to understand more about their family and philosophies. Below, I will describe some of the the most common methods used by homeschoolers today.

Classical

Classical homeschoolers follow the Classical Greek model of the Trivium. They divide learning into three stages based on an average child’s cognitive development. Grammar stage children (K-5th) think concretely and are taught facts and rote memorization. Logic stage children (6th-8th) begin to think abstractly, using principles and ideas about which they enjoy arguing; they are taught to analyze with logic at this stage. The high school years are focused on the Rhetoric stage where true thinking, dialogue, composition and oration are the focus. Classical homeschoolers often study Latin and Greek to improve their logical thinking skills and to aid them when studying books written by Classical authors, such as Caesar, Plato, Aristotle, Augustine and many more. Children are encouraged to consume classic books throughout the high school years and think critically about them. Science is not a focus in the elementary years though one author, Susan Wise Bauer, suggests a science sequence. History has become a strong focus for Classical homeschoolers, and they generally focus all their reading and learning around a historical time period. It’s an orderly method of studying history and the children come to understand the historical time periods based on the sequence by which they study history. This is very much a liberal arts/humanities education.

Charlotte Mason

Charlotte Mason was a learned educator in the late 1800′s, who through learning and experience developed a method of educating students, which she implemented in her school in Ambleside, England. Students from her school became mature and scholarly and posessed a true love for knowledge and learning that was evident to others who sought Ms. Mason for the secrets to her methods. She wrote a series of books detailing her philosophies so that others could implement them in their home. So, these were the Original Homeschooling books, the first of their kind ever written. Her methods focus on literature as a means for acquiring learning, whether it is science, history or myths. She believed in short lessons for the younger grades, nature study, copywork, dictation, the pursuit of excellence, good habits, notebooking, unstructured time outdoors and free time to pursue one’s interests. Charlotte Mason was against the use of textbooks, a practice just beginning to take root in the education movement at that time. She called textbooks twaddle. She was also against workbooks, or lessons, as she called them and felt they did not improve the child’s education or light their love of learning.

Textbook

Using traditional textbooks or “boxed curriculum” like those from Secular publishers or Christian Homeschool publishers is commonly known as the Textbook approach.Textbooks are typically characterized by dry facts written in uninteresting prose, with the use of workbooks and tests. However, today some of the common homeschool textbook publishers have hired writers that make their textbooks interesting and engaging. The use of tests and worksheets is the most common factor with the textbook approach. Most homeschoolers begin with textbooks and later feel more confident to pursue other methods.

Unit Study

People that choose to teach with unit studies choose an area of interest or a theme and build all their academic subjects around that topic. Every child in the family learns together, working on their own academic level while covering the same subject. The traditional scope and sequence is not the purpose, but rather “learning to learn” is the goal. An example of a unit study would be: the topic of baseball. History would center around the history of baseball and what was happening in the world at that time. Language Arts would cover all the vocabulary and spelling associated with the topic and would include writing and grammar assignments related to baseball. Math would center around batting averages and distances from the bases. Science might deal with the physics of baseball, or perhaps the botany of keeping a field covered with grass. Most people that use the unit study approach choose topics that interest their child and make up the course of study as they go along. Some who use unit studies simply read a great book of literature and center all their learning around what they run across in that book.

Unschooling

Unschooling is often referred to as “delight directed learning.” The child decides what to learn, when and how. The parent only provides the means. This type of schooling is based on the assumption that children are naturally curious and will undertake studies, become proficient and even excel in those areas if they are simply encouraged and left alone. On one extreme of unschooling, the child doesn’t have to learn anything they don’t want to learn, including math. On the other extreme is the unschooler who is required to study only one or two subjects, such as math and English, and everything else is up to the child.

Eclectic

An eclectic homeschooler does not embrace any one philosophy, but simply develops their own scope and sequence and chooses curriculum that fits their needs.

Prayer that is Effective

“He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers.”

2 Corinthians 1:10

“Pray for me.”

How many times have you heard that phrase? How many times have you agreed that you would? How often do you actually stop what you are doing and beseech God on behalf of those who ask?

When I began my walk with God, I was constantly in prayer. As my passion and excitement (that initial joy of salvation) cooled a bit, I found my prayer life suffered. Yet, in God’s great mercy for me, He ignited my prayer life again when I began praying weekly with a close friend. Our weekly prayers started an avalanche of small and big miracles as God moved in response to our prayers. Problems we experienced for years in our marriage, family and health were instantly resolved, restored and healed. My faith grew each week as I saw with my own eyes the power of prayer.

Often, we don’t realize how truly effectual our prayers are. In the verse above, Paul proclaims that God will deliver him and his companions as the Corinthians pray for him. We might assume that Paul would be delivered anyway. Paul, however, under the influence of the Holy Spirit does not see it this way. He conveys a deeper truth – when others pray for me, I am delivered by God.

As a believer, as a Christian, you are considered one of the righteous in God’s eyes. Of course, you know you aren’t perfect. But God has clothed you in His righteousness and sees you as you will be, not as you are. Because you are righteous, your prayers are powerful and effective. 

Without a doubt, some of the greatest victories over problems in my life, whether they be related to homeschooling, marriage, illness or my children's needs, came as a result of enlisting others to pray. When I reached out and asked others to pray for and with me, God moved. Indeed, Scripture affirms that when two or three (or more) agree in prayer, God moves powerfully.  (Matt 18:19-20)

So, next time you are asked to pray for someone, or see someone that needs prayer, don’t hesitate, believing your prayers won't matter. They will. They do. Your prayers are that which enables the people of God to be delivered from the trials and temptations of this earth. 

If you have a need right now; something with which you have struggled for weeks, months or years; a concern that weighs you down, don't keep it to yourself. Ask others to join you in prayer and watch the power of prayer move our powerful God on your behalf.

"The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."

James 5:16                    

Our Progress and Potential is Predetermined

For me, one of the hardest things about being a believer is being discouraged in my walk with God because of my imperfections. I want so much to be pure, holy and Christ-like, but find that I fail in so many little ways to measure up to His standard of perfection. Then, I get in the Word and He reminds me that it's His job to mold me and He's on the job.

"...being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Phil 1:6

He will carry on His work in me and you because He is faithful, even while our faith falters. He will complete His work in us because it's His work, not ours, to complete. He began it, He's not worrying over our imperfections as we do. He sees me and you as we will be. He has a crisp and clear picture of us at the end. 

If you have older children, imagine watching a video of your child when he or she was only two or three. Imagine that within that video, your child throws the biggest temper tantrum known to man. When you watch that video from years past of that temper tantrum, you would not be disappointed in your child at that moment. You might even snicker, being so thankful that your child has matured beyond that. You would be watching your child in the past with full knowledge of where your child will end up. That's something like how God sees us today. He is outside of time and sees us as we will be -- fully mature and walking in His perfect love. He's not disappointed in you, just as you wouldn't be disappointed in the antics of your child on a video years ago, knowing how that child will turn out in the end. God doesn't hope we'll turn out okay, He has divine plans for completing the work in us. He will fulfill His purposes for us. (Psalm 138:8)

It's a waste of our mental energy to feel discouraged because we are not where we want to be. We should instead focus on the hope God holds before us that we will continually move from glory to glory. It is God alone who will "keep you from stumbling, and make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless and with great joy." (Jude 1:24). 

Yep! That's our destiny! God sees the final product and doesn't fret over our progress. This is the day the Lord has made! Let us rejoice and be glad in it! 

The Journey Continues...

Last night I composed a "Save the Date" email to notify friends and family about my daughter's graduation open house. Not only have I never done one, been to one or heard of one before this year, I'm not sure exactly what a graduation open house should look like. I'm sure I'll think of some ideas. I was thinking I could make a slide show people could view on the television as they walked by it. I could lay out her accomplishments, photos and awards on a table. I'm not really sure how far back that should go. I could include her first pair of ballet shoes, her first pair of point shoes, her mock trial certificates. I also found lots of neat ideas for making graduation hat shaped desserts. All I know is that by the time it's over, I will be an expert at graduation open houses. That's a good thing too, as I have three more graduates coming up the ranks over the next seven years.

I don't yet feel nostalgic and overwrought about my daughter graduating and heading to college in the fall. One reason is that it takes me less than an hour to get to the University of Georgia. That's just far away enough to give her independence, but also a shoulder to cry on, a mommy-comfort hug and a home cooked meal when she needs one. The other reason is that I'm so busy getting through all the graduation requirements.

So, now with one child moving on to pursue the dreams God planted in her heart, it's time to take stock. It's time to consider the journey. Our homeschool methods and philosophies went through many changes over the years. What have I learned. How would I do things differently? What am I glad I did? Those are the things I hope to share with you over the next few posts.

Let me begin by saying that I'm so thankful that I trusted God with my child's future. I'm so glad that I believed God's Word regarding my child. For, every single time things looked like they were balancing precariously on the edge of a very deep chasm, God made His purposes and plans known. He was faithful to guide and direct my child -- even sometimes without my involvement or understanding. We've always been able to look back and see His hand at work. Though sometimes, we didn't know why God allowed certain things, we are confident that God had a reason and will use it for His glory in her life.

The Word of God is so powerful and encouraging concerning God's plan for our children. His promises leave no room for us to be fearful and worried about their future. I have placed "your children" in each of the verses below to emphasize his promises for our children.

Jeremiah 29:11

"For I know the plans I have for [your children]," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper [your children] and not to harm [your children], plans to give [your children] hope and a future."

Ephesians 2:10

For [our children] are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for [our children] to do.


Psalm 138:8

The LORD will fulfill his purpose for [my children]; your love, O LORD, endures forever--do not abandon the works of your hands.

There are many things God has taught me over the years as a homeschool mom. Honestly, the most important one is to truly trust Him with my children. This is called faith. If I have genuine faith in God's Word and in His promises, if I have faith in God, I will not fear. If I am in fear, worried about the future in any way, it's because I lack faith.

I'll post what God has taught me about fear in the next post. 

Quiet Time 101

Have you tried to have a quiet time but it wasn’t all that fulfilling? This article teaches you how to have a fabulous and fulfilling time with God.

During the years I taught Bible study, I met many women who had never developed the habit of a daily quiet time. It wasn’t that they didn’t want to have a quiet time, it was that they simply didn’t know exactly how. They had tried to read their Bibles, but found it didn’t gel. They tried to develop a habitual prayer life, but found their minds wandered when they were praying so that they couldn’t really get through their list of prayers. Because many adults didn’t grow up in Christian families, they have never been taught how to have a vital, thriving quiet time with God.

So, if you haven’t had a daily quiet time, how do you begin? Well, you only need fifteen minutes; any more than that is a bonus. I’ve met many women who don’t have a quiet time because they can’t find thirty minutes or an hour to do it. This is simply a tactic of the enemy to keep us from spending time with God. Honestly, if you only have five minutes, God can maximize that five minutes and make it feel like five hours, if you spend it in total dedication to Him. Don’t let the enemy rob you of quiet times by telling you that it isn’t worth it if you can’t spend an hour. You don’t need an hour. If you ever get an hour during these homeschooling years, don’t tell anyone — they’ll feel condemned. But, I do recommend you try to carve out fifteen minutes. Put the kids in their own rooms to finish some work along with stern warnings not to interrupt your time with God. Or put on an approved video for them, and don’t feel guilty for using the television during this time; you’ll be a better person when you have a consistent quiet time. If your kids are old enough, ask them to have their own quiet times!

So, once you have that fifteen minutes in your hands, what do you do? Using Jesus’ prayer as an example, the first thing I recommend is to spend time in praise and worship. Begin by proclaiming the awesomeness of God. If you aren’t feeling super-duper adoring or worshipful, just continue to profess aloud the mighty truths about how wonderful and great God is. For help with this, turn to the Psalms and find one that extols God, then read it slowly aloud over and over until you begin to really experience the weight of its truth in your heart. Singing hymns and worship songs that elevate God is also helpful for this time of adoration. I print up the words to my favorite songs and tape them into the front and back covers of my Bible. I try to choose songs that focus on God’s beauty, character and holiness, rather than on me and my needs, although many of my favorite hymns do both. I believe this time of praise is the most important element in your quiet time. If you don’t have time for anything else, this is the key to having a closer walk with God, to defeating the enemy in your life, to dispelling the blanket of fear and anxiety that can cloud your days. Praise is the most valuable part of your quiet time, and whether spoken or sung, it should come first, even if it’s the only thing you have time to do.

After a time of praise, if there is time left, I will spend time in prayer, (following the Lord’s prayer again) asking God to reveal any areas I need to confess before Him, and if there is anyone I need to forgive. This is an important element many people forget when they spend time in confession. You see, the Lord’s prayer asks God to forgive us in the exact way that we have forgiven others. Well, that means it is very important that we forgive others, since we want God to forgive us in that same way. If we have people on our list (no matter how far back in the past) that we have not forgiven, we need to get this right before God, asking forgiveness for not having forgiven them before now.

Then, I spend time in prayer for needs, concerns, questions, my family, our health and others for whom I’ve promised to pray. Keeping my mind focused during prayer is resolved in only one way; that is to write my prayers down as I pray them. Yes, it does require a lot of writing, and a big spiral or blank book (I’ve filled up many), but it is the only way I can keep my mind set upon that for which I’m praying. The benefits of writing my prayers is that my thinking slows down to keep time with my pen, and God’s voice is more audible to me. I might be writing something like “Father God, I’m worried about _____. Please Lord, give me Your peace about this. Help me to trust in You and show me what to do.” And as I’m writing, I will begin to feel a distinct impression upon my spirit about something I need to do. Because I’ve slowed down enough through writing my prayer, I am able to concentrate long enough on the issue to feel God leading me in a certain direction. I will often continue writing about it in prayer until I feel the answer, or I feel it’s time to move on.

If I have a short prayer that I have promised to pray for someone, I don’t always write it out unless I feel a deep burden about that prayer. For example, if someone I don’t know very well asked me to pray that their house would sell, I will pray without writing; however, if my parents asked me to pray that their house would sell, I would probably spend more time on that prayer by writing it out.

After my time of prayer writing, I open my Bible to savor God’s Word. It was a while before I learned how to savor God’s Word for myself. I use the term “savor” because I’ve learned that there is a difference between intense Bible learning and word studies, and savoring God’s Word. One empowers your intellect and understanding of God, the other empowers and nurtures your love for the Lord and your ability to delight in Him, hearing His still, small voice in your heart. I think both are important, but savoring God’s Word is more important, and fills your quiet times with fresh living water that can overflow into your daily life. In intense Bible learning, there can be times of savoring as well. But one does not have to be doing intense Bible study in order to find nourishment and edification for her soul in the Bible.

I’ll never forget the valuable lesson taught by Elizabeth Prentiss in the book “Stepping Heavenward.” She conveyed the idea that it is far more instructive to our hearts to study one verse from the Bible than it is to read several chapters and come away with no meat upon which to chew. Usually this can be done by a slow and methodical reading through one book of the Bible; the New Testament is recommended.

Getting into the habit of daily Bible reading is much more manageable when you are seeking one verse upon which you will spend your day meditating, inquiring of God for understanding, and asking Him to make it true for you and your life. When seeking to understand a specific verse, you open yourself up to a two-way conversation with God, wherein He fulfills His promise to instruct you and be your Counselor. Unbelievably, the Holy Spirit will often lead you right to the verse that He wants you to learn and understand. He has hidden within your daily reading a golden nugget that is just for you. It will stand out very significantly to you, as if it were popping off the page into your face.

Choose a book of the Bible that you will read through over the course of a month or so. Ask the Lord to show you which book of the Bible He would have you begin with. There have definitely been times I’ve opened the Bible and God has led me right to a verse, but that is unreliable and not recommended as a regular quiet time rule. You will usually begin to feel His guidance towards a particular book. If you aren’t sure, that’s okay…God is patient with us even when we are so congested with the world that it has drowned out His still small voice. Just choose a shorter book from the New Testament and begin to slowly read through it. After you get through the salutations, begin to contemplate every sentence you read. Remember that “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” Every Scripture you read, every sentence, has the potential to change your life. And we have been given the mind of Christ with which to understand Scripture; without the Holy Spirit’s enabling power to comprehend, the Words in the Bible mean nothing to us.

As you contemplate the Word, ask God to give you understanding. If the meaning is not completely clear to you, inquire of God. Ask why it was written. Why is it there? Why did He say this? What is the purpose of this particular verse? To whom is this directed? How is this true? How is this important to me? How can I apply this to my life? How should I respond to this? Is this a truth I haven’t fully believed, or haven’t believed applies to me? Pray and ask the Lord to make every Word penetrate from your mind into your heart. Ask Him to show you what He would have you learn. When a specific Scripture jumps off the page for you, focus your attention upon it. Choose that as your Scripture meditation for the day. Note the book and chapter (you don’t have to remember the specific verse, you can easily find it again if you know the book and chapter). Begin to think on this Scripture as you go about your day.

Even in your harried homeschool day, you can take a few minutes here and there to think about that Scripture, speaking to God about it. As you do this, though the world twirls around you at a fast pace, you are being obedient to God’s call to set your mind on things above. And you can have faith that He will keep him (and her) in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Him.

Jeannie Fulbright

The Lord Will Fulfill His Purposes for Your Children

A new chapter in my homeschooling journey has begun to unfold these past few months. This is a stage you also will encounter in time. I'll call it the season of the college road trip. The funny thing is, I thought I had this all figured out when my daughter was younger, just entering high school. I had decided where and how my child would complete college. It was all mapped out. What I didn't bargain for was the fact that my child would be an adult-like 17 year old, capable of making her own decisions about college - decisions that were quite unlike those I had made for her when she was 14.

The mind of man plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps. Proverbs 16:9

Because homeschooling produces a more mature teen than does institutional schooling, I believe that my daughter's choice to go to a large university, entering as a freshman, is a viable and preferable option. She has shown a remarkable ability to handle worldly influences with godliness, and I'm confident she would thrive in the competition of a university environment. My heartfelt prayer is that God would lead her heart in choosing a university. I have already seen Him answer this prayer by guiding her as she narrows down her choices. I'm trusting the Lord with her life -entrusting her to Him.

I want to encourage you to believe that God's plans for your children are in effect right now as you homeschool. He is developing them into the people He wants them to be. Do they need to be perfect and holy, without character flaws before they leave your house? Were you all this when you left your parents' home? No. Of course not. We have a tendency to panic over the reality that our children have flaws. That's ridiculous. They will never be perfect, not until they reach their heavenly home. Our job is not to hone perfect children, but to lead them to the Living Water - the Water that gives Life. In their imperfections, if they learn how to seek and follow the Lord, He will be faithful to lead them. They will (although imperfectly) learn to discern His voice as they make choices for their future.

As homeschoolers, let's not get confused about our primary purpose for our children. Perfection in appearance, character and academics is not the goal. The goal is that they walk deeply with the Lord. No matter how perfect their behavior, how high their SAT scores, how impressive their transcript, how amazing their talents - if their hearts are focused on these things rather than God, the journey into adulthood will be rocky. Yet if their hearts are committed to the Lord, their wills submitted to His plan, and their choices led by His Spirit - we can rest in the truth that God will guide them as we simply pray for them and encourage them.

It's so important that, as our children mature, we pull back from the tendency to hover over their every decision and choice. We must allow them to grow and develop as individuals. We must give room for the Lord to work in their hearts, without prodding or over-controlling their environment. By the time they are sixteen years old, we must believe that they will make choices based on their upbringing and their walk with God. They will make mistakes. So did we, and God used those mistakes in our lives. We must let go and entrust our children to Him - the One who loves them and cares for them far better than we do.

The Word promises us that the Lord will fulfill His purposes for our children (Psalm 138:8). Let's believe Him. Let's trust Him. We can rest in peace, knowing they are His, and He will accomplish His will in their lives.

Warmly,
Jeannie Fulbright

Say Good Bye to Fear

I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. Psalm 34:4-5

Sometimes I'll be going along in my day, feeling pretty good, normal, life is good. Then, without warning, a thought will present itself. Maybe it's a memory of something I did wrong in the past; maybe a memory of something someone else did that hurt me or might do to me; maybe it was a thought about some horrible future event I hope never happens; maybe it's concerning an issue I'm dealing with currently. The thought comes, I focus on it for a moment - just long enough to cause my heart to tremble - then my thoughts move on. Though my thoughts have moved on, my heart remains in a tremble. Sometimes I even forget what it was that caused me to feel so anxious, but the anxiety remains and can plague my day.

Do you ever feel like this?

This is the nature of fear. This is how the enemy attacks us and surreptitiously steals our joy, our peace and the abundant life to which God has called us.

When this happens, I found that I must stop what I'm doing and remember what it was that caused me to be anxious. Why does that cause me to fear so dreadfully? Then, I must take that thought to the Lord - and force my mind to remember His promises to me. I must take my thoughts captive and make them obedient to the Truth of God's Word. I must remember that "If God is for me, then what can stand against me?" I must remember that God has great plans for my children, great plans for my life, for my family. Plans that are good. His plans don't include shame. His plans include a radiance for our lives that will shine with the joy and peace and promise of God. He will work out everything for good...everything that seems overwhelming and even hopeless has a purpose in God's Kingdom and will turn out for good - a greater good than any of our plans could ever have created. It's always been so, why would it be any different for this fearful scenario or thought I just had?

The Lord will fulfill His purposes for me. He is able to keep me and my family from falling and to present us before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy ( Psalm 138:8, Jude 1:24).

I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. Psalm 34:4-5

The Lord does not want us to live under the fear of the past, the future or the present. His desire is that we live free from fear and anxiety, resting in the precious peace, joy and the faith that He provides for us. This is what He died to give us. Let us not forfeit our inheritance: The peace which was purchased for us on the cross.

Let us seek the Lord for deliverance from all our fears. If we ask anything according to His will, we know that He hears us and answers us according to His will. It is not His will that we live in fear, for he commands us not to fear. As we look to Him, He will make us radiant - shining the Light of Jesus in the darkness. We need not fear for we will not live in shame - but in the confidence that God has given us as children of the Most High God.

The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever.

Isaiah 32:17

May your summer be free from fear, filled with radiance and joy.

The Obstacles in Our Path

When God calls us to something as immense and life transforming as homeschooling, we can be sure that there will be many obstacles along our path. Whether it's opposition from the non-homeschooling community, learning challenges with our children, character issues that surface and the many fears, anxieties and insecurities we may find within ourself, we can be sure we will come upon many boulders and rocks as we traverse the narrow path to which God has called us.

It's vital to keep in mind that, no matter how perfect someone else's life appears to be, every homeschool family faces struggles and problems. A life well-lived in the sight of God will never be challenge-free. Remember, our enemy is lurking always to steal, kill and destroy God's purposes and plans for our lives. If we are doing God's will, the enemy is sure to be after us. Thus, every one of us that is fulfilling God's call to home educate our children are a target. We can be certain that this journey will not be easy. Once we accept that fact, and let go of the notion that somehow our lives should be easy, homeschooling should be easy, marriage should be easy or that sanctification should be easy, we can release the temptation to complain about how hard things are - as if that's something that should not be so - and get on with the business of persevering in the strength of the Lord.

Just as Paul struggled in the strength of the Lord to fulfill the calling upon his life, we too will run into many roadblocks which the Lord will give us strength and energy to overcome.

To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.

Col 1:29

He doesn't want us to struggle in our own strength. He wants us to seek His strength. The same power and strength that raised Jesus from the dead is available to us as we labor through this homeschool journey. He promises to give us all we need to fulfill his call.

I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.

Ephesians 1:18 -21

So often, I find myself worried about a problem, searching for answers everywhere except the one place I am sure to find the answer, the guidance and leading for all that concerns me, large and small that God offers.

When my son struggled to learn to spell, after five years of buying every course available to no avail, I sought the Lord in desperation. Within a day, He revealed the answer through a "coincidental" discovery. If only I had sought Him first! I have hundreds of stories just like this one. Always, I'm reminded that He is faithful...and patient! He waits for me to seek Him to bring His solution. Sometimes it's not an instant answer, such as with spelling. But, I know He is faithful.

As we seek Him, we can rest in the fact that He has the answer for every dilemma, every obstacle, we face. We can trust in Him. If we truly trust in Him, we will find joy. It's the restful peace we get when we truly have faith in His faithfulness. He has our lives in His hands.

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.

Psalm 28:7

The Lord gives us joy because we know He is for us. He is on our side. He called us to this journey and He will fulfill His purposes for our children and our family. He will answer our prayers and we can find peace in that. As we trust in the Lord, we find not only joy, but our joy becomes the very strength that keeps us moving forward!

Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.

Neh 8:10

Every single thing we face is part of God's plan and purpose for our sanctification. As we entrust every issue to God, knowing that He will answer in His time, in His way, we can live a life of joy - even in the midst of all our struggles. We can be joyful homeschoolers because we know that our lives are in His hands. All that we face will be used by God and none of it comes as a surprise to God. We can have joy and trust in Him in the midst of the painful situation, knowing that we - though imperfect children of the Most High - are intimately loved and under the constant care of Him who delights over us with singing.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

James 1:2-4

What are your struggles right now?

What fears are keeping you from the joy the Lord has for you?

What have you not entrusted to the Lord, knowing and believing He has and will bring an answer?

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Phil 4:6-7

The Prayer Journal: Slowing Down to Listen

One of the most valuable benefits I found in writing down my prayers as I prayed them was that it took me much longer to write down my prayers than it did for me to think them.

I can think, “Lord, I’ve really been selfish this week with my time” in 3 seconds. But for me to spend the time to write down that confession takes at least 18 seconds (yes, I timed it). By writing it down you add 600 times more thought and earnestness into your prayer. Believe it or not, that makes an enormous difference in the direction and focus of your prayers. While you are taking that extra time to write out your thoughts, your focus is on that one specific prayer. It's not jumping to the next issue you need to bring before God. You will slow down your thoughts to give an intense moment to the specific prayer at hand. During that time, you will remember specific things to confess, leading to more authentic repentance – which typically leads us to greater understanding of the truth on the matter, resulting in change or deliverance.

“…in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.” 2 Tim 2:26

“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:32

Additionally, as we pray in supplication, we find that our earnestness really does increase when we take that extra time to pray for the matters that need transformation in our lives. It’s also amazing how often the Lord has brought solutions to my concerns while I’m spending that extra time penning my requests and worries.

Again, it takes me only 5 seconds to pray, “Lord, I’m really concerned about math. What curriculum should we use next year?” While it takes a full 30 seconds for me to write that. Again, a 600 percent increase in the time and attention I spend on the matter – which typically results in even more time than that as additional thoughts surrounding that issue will come up - I write down each thoughts as it surfaces. So, instead of just penning that one sentence, I may end up adding specifics such as:

“I’ve heard so many negative things about XYZ Math, but I’m really feeling like it would be a good fit for us. Should I get a tutor to come once a week to help out? Lord, we don’t have the money for a tutor. Could you provide a way for this to happen? Lord, if it’s your will for us to have a tutor, I know you will provide someone that we can afford or trade with somehow. Lord, maybe that’s the answer to our math dilemma. Please confirm this to me by opening the doors for this to happen. Thank you, Lord. I’m trusting you with our math situation. I know you will provide for all our needs. You are so good and loving to us. You have been so faithful in all things. I know you will be faithful with this as well.”

This is a far greater increase than the original 600 percent. In fact, it moves us from the realm of microwave prayers into the beauty of a richly interactive prayer life. Writing out your prayers increases your earnestness, your focus and also, you may find you are being gently led by the Spirit as you pray – He begins to show you what to pray about, and gives you the answer He has already provided. This is essentially being Spirit led.

This is only one of the many amazing benefits to keeping a prayer journal.

Grab a prayer journal right now and get started – you can use anything: A composition notebook, a spiral, notebook paper in a binder or a purchased journal. If you begin to do this habitually, you will have volumes and volumes of prayer journals pile up over the years – using every medium imaginable. It doesn’t matter what the journal looks like…just get started and you’ll find an immediate difference in your prayer life. WARNING: Don’t wait until you have the most lovely, perfect journal for spending time in prayer. Begin now and then move into your perfect journal when you get it. Let go of any perfectionist idealism and get with God today!

The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

James 5:16

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

Colossians 4:2

I'll report more on prayer journals in the next post!

The Prayer Warrior Wannabe: Transforming Your Prayer Life

How often have you found yourself sitting down to have a quiet moment of prayer and before a few minutes are up, your mind is totally focused on a completely different topic? The wandering mind syndrome is the most common obstacle to a powerful prayer life. It will keep us a Prayer Warrior Wannabe for our entire lives if we don't institute change.

How do we overcome this huge hurdle to our spiritual development? Believe it or not, there is an answer. By using a tool called a prayer journal, we will put a complete stop to our wandering mind, keeping our prayers and our heart focused on the Lord.

How is this done? We simply write down our prayers as we pray them. I promise you, it works. It's the only thing that has ever worked for me. I began a prayer journal almost 20 years ago at the insistence of a friend - who had other reasons for urging me to do this - and I'm still dependent on it today. Besides the many other benefits I have found over the years, it's the only thing that will keep me focused while I pray, enabling me to devote more time to this vital connection with God. The more time I spend in prayer, the longer I spend with My God. The more time I spend with God...the more peace and greater faith I have in His ability to handle all that concerns me, my family, my friends and my country.

God's desire is for us to bring everything to Him. He does not want us to make this journey on our own. He wishes for us to entrust all the issues of life to Him - unleashing His power to transform, change, strengthen and give wisdom in all the circumstances we face. His desire is to exchange our worry for His peace. That's His promise.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Phil 4:6-7

I will write more soon on this amazing tool - the Prayer Journal and how you can move from a Prayer Warrior Wannabe to a Powerful Person of Prayer.

Jeannie Fulbright: My Personal Beliefs

For those of you who are wondering, I think it's really important that people know what I, Jeannie Fulbright, author of the Apologia Young Explorer series, believes just so there is no confusion or doubt. I'm not speaking for Apologia or anyone else, just for myself, a creationist author. All of my books carry these beliefs throughout.

1. I believe the Bible is the infallible, inerrant word of God. (2 Timothy 3:16)

2. I believe that the Bible and Genesis should be read and understood literally. It is totally trustworthy. (Mark 10:6, Mark 13:19-20, Luke 11:50-51, John 8:44, Romans 5:12-19, 1 Cor 15:21-22, 45 - 47, 2 Cor 11:3, 1 Tim 2:13-14, 1 Cor 11:8-9, Romans 1:20, 1 Pet 3:20, 2 Pet 2:4-9, 2 Pet 3:3-7, Luke 3:23-38 - Genealogy of Christ traces him back to Adam).

3. I believe that the earth and everything in it, including the Universe was created in six literal days. (Gen 1 - 11, Hebrews 11:3-7)

4. I believe that when Adam sinned, the entire Universe experienced destruction, decay and was subject to the bondage of a fallen world. Before the fall of man, the world had not experienced destruction, decay, death or any other factors associated with the fall. (Romans 5:12, Romans 8:18-25)

5. I believe that Jesus came as a result of this literal fall. This literal fall is the reason we need a Savior. (Luke 19:10, John 3:17, 1 Tim 1:15)

6. I believe that Jesus came to redeem us from the fall and restore us to Himself and one day all of creation will be liberated from the bondage, decay and destruction that occurred at the fall. (Romans 8:18-25) (Acts 3:21)

7. If you truly believe in your heart that Jesus died for your sins (took the punishment for your sin upon himself), you immediately receive the gift of restoration to God, which Jesus offers. This is salvation. (John 3:16, John 3:36, John 6:40, John 11:25, Romans 5:8, Romans 2:9, 1 John 4:10, Acts 16:31, Hebrews 10:39, Romans 10:9)

8. I believe the Bible supports the Creationist view of Scripture and that you will find every word in Scripture backed by science. (Gen 1 - 11, 2 Timothy 3:16, plus many evidences throughout)

9. I believe that Jesus believed in a Young Earth view of Scripture and that Genesis should be read literally. (Mark 10:6, Mark 13:19-20, Luke 11:50-51, John 8:44)

10. I believe that it is important that we teach these truths to our children, to ground them in the Word of God. (Matthew 28:20, Deut 6:4-9, Romans 14:23)

If you have any questions concerning my theology, my beliefs and anything that is contained in my books, please feel free to contact me at science@jeanniefulbright.com.

Warmly,
Jeannie Fulbright

Prone to Wander

"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."
John 15:5

This was one of the first Scripture verses I had my children memorize when they were young. I can still remember them trying to recite John 15 by heart during presentations for my little homeschool group. I hope that this chapter of John remains hidden in their hearts.

Today was one of those rare days when I actually had some alone time to sit down and work on the Physics book I'm writing. I sat down, with all these thoughts jumbled in my head. Thoughts about matter, atoms, molecules and all the foundational things that are needed to delve into the study of physics. I'm sitting there with my computer on my lap. Sitting. Writing a little. Deleting. Writing a little more. Deleting. It was so frustrating. I had four hours in front of me and not a single inspiring thing to write about atoms and molecules. Suddenly, the principle found in the verse above hit me.

Jesus reminded me, "Apart from me, you can do nothing."

Thank you, Lord. Honestly, I don't want to do anything apart from Him. I don't want to homeschool apart from Him. I don't want to plan my children's or my activities and calendar on my own. I don't want to choose curriculum, guide my children's hearts, be a mother or wife or homemaker without His guidance and leadership in every moment. I don't want to make a single decision that isn't led by Him. And I absolutely don't want to write a book without Him.

I needed to let go of the fact that I had four uninterrupted hours to work in front of me and just focus my heart on the Lord for those hours. Why, when I have uninterrupted time, must I busy myself with work? God is able to accomplish all that concerns me - He can easily make 15 minutes more productive than four hours. But He can only do this if I abide in Him.

Always falling back into my Martha ways. I'm so thankful that even though our hearts are so prone to stray, our God continually calls us back into relationship. He beckons to us over and over...standing at the door and knocking.

O to grace how great a debtor

Daily I’m constrained to be!

Let Thy goodness, like a fetter,

Bind my wandering heart to Thee.

Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,

Prone to leave the God I love;

Here’s my heart, O take and seal it,

Seal it for Thy courts above.

Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross, knew the power of forgiveness.

Once, a friend brought up a cruel deed someone had done to her. Barton claimed she did not remember the deed done.

Insistent, her friend exclaimed, "Don't you remember the wrong that was done to you?"

"No," Barton answered, "I distinctly remember forgetting that."

This story blesses my spirit.

I have seen the power of forgiveness and I have also seen the power of unforgiveness.

Forgiveness enables us to walk in the peace, joy and fullness that God has for us.

Unforgiveness breeds misery, bitterness and a deadness of spirit. A constant stab of a knife whenever the incident is considered. In fact, one's entire life is characterized by a continual stabbing. Daily or weekly, she feels the stab, the pain, the shame, the misery, the offense.

Those who choose to forgive the cruelty of others and all the wrongs they have suffered at the hands of humans, are set free from the bondage and misery those offenses have the potential to breed in one's soul.

With that freedom, the forgiver is enabled to experience the abundant life that God has planned for him or her.

The person who does not forgive is held back from that abundant life by their own choice.

Could Clara Barton have founded the American Red Cross if she held onto the offenses she suffered? Could Joseph have become the leader of Egypt had he lived in constant state of resentment towards his brothers? I don't see how.

I've heard it said, "Forgiveness is a gift you give yourself."

I've also heard, "Unforgiveness is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die."

In the story of the unmerciful servant, Jesus characterizes unforgiveness as a self-imposed prison of constant torment. (Matthew 18).

How about you?

Have you forgiven that person that did that thing to you?

My prayer is that you will make the choice to forgive all those who offend you so that you can experience all God has for you!

Be Not Anxious

Got Anxiety?

One thing about us homeschoolers is we are easy targets for anxious thoughts. What is making you anxious? What is the most worrisome thing you face as a homeschooler?

From many homeschoolers around the country, I’ve heard various answers to this question. Like them, perhaps you have a child that struggles to get his work done, or the fear that you are not covering everything – not doing enough; perhaps it’s personality and behavior issues with your children, learning struggles or feelings of inadequacy as an educator, a mom, a wife, a person.

Whatever it is, I can promise you that God does not want you to be anxious at all about that. Not only that, He has great instructions for how to overcome that anxiety.

Present EVERYTHING to God

We are told, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

How often are you bringing this issue before God? I know that sometimes I worry and mull over my problems for days, sometimes weeks, dare I say months, before I finally realize that I am not truly bringing this issue before God on a regular basis…or ever!

As many times as I’ve seen God do miracles, small and big, through prayer, you would think I would be in a constant state of prayer over every little thing that pops up. But no, often I think a discouraging, negative thought; then I let it begin to haunt me – telling me what a failure I am or what a mess I’m making; eventually I accept it as truth and find myself muddling through my days in a state of discouragement and despair, with anxiety my most familiar companion. Then, finally, I realize I’ve been walking on my own…not with God on this issue. Wow. I need to remember to take everything to Him…every discouraging thought and belief, everything that stirs up anxiousness. He has a remedy, but He awaits my request.

With Thanksgiving

I never want to speak on this verse without bringing attention to those enormously significant two words: with thanksgiving.

God has a lot to say about thanksgiving, but let’s just sum it up like this: We experience the power of God in our lives when we choose to be thankful in ALL circumstances. Not just thankful for a good, happy thing in that circumstance, but thankful for that struggle.

I never understood how this “thankful in all circumstances” concept worked until I realized years later that those horrid struggles (that, at the time, I thought were God’s punishment upon my life) were actually the things that grew me, humbled me and gave me the greatest testimony and maturity as a Christian. They were far more important to my character development and my walk with God and my ability to be full of peace and joy in all circumstances, than any happy, good thing that happened in my life. Those horrid struggles were gifts. So, yes, we are to be thankful for even the struggles we encounter.

In my experience, I have rarely seen God deliver me from problems until I chose to be thankful in and for those very problems. He’s true to His Word.

In fact, we enter God’s presence with this very tool: thanksgiving. “Enter his gates with thanksgiving, enter his courts with praise!” Psalm 100:4

Let us choose to give a sacrifice of praise for that thing with which we struggle.

When we do this, we will surely find God’s Word is true as “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

Apologia Live

I'm currently on an airplane on my way home from the Apologia Live conference in Baltimore. I realize now that I could blog more often if I flew more often - especially if the airline has free wi-fi, like the one I'm currently on.

This was my first Apologia Live conference and the second such conference that Apologia has done. Apologia Live is the inspiration of Rachael Carman, wife and mother of seven. Rachael and her husband Davis own Apologia.

I wasn't sure what to expect. I knew it was designed to be a retreat for homeschool moms, a place for them to come for refreshment, renewal, refocusing and a reminder of why they do what they do. I have been to many homeschool conferences that were designed to do the same thing. However, nothing prepared me for how beautifully this event fulfilled its mission. In fact, in all my years as a speaker, I have never been to a conference for which I was to speak that ministered to me as much as those attending the conference. All I can say is, "WOW! God truly made His presence and purpose known, and touched everyone's life in a powerful way."

This year's theme was Stand Strong. I was blessed to sit among the women and hear from some amazing women, such as, Elizabeth Smith (HSLDA), Zan Tyler, Debra Bell, Rachael Carman and Sherri Seligson (author of Marine Biology). What was truly astonishing is how all the messages we spoke wove into every other speaker's message, resulting in common threads that were repeated throughout the conference - namely that God will Stand Strong on your behalf, no matter how you have struggled, failed, messed up and failed again. He is just waiting to bless you and your children.

As a homeschooling mother, I sat in wonder, thinking, "Oh! If only someone had told me that when my children were young! How this message would have transformed my homeschool." I also sat in awe, pondering some of the powerful words spoken into my life with messages I needed to hear today. Elizabeth taught on prayer and renewed my commitment to pray over my children and their struggles. She also taught me that I should always ask God what to pray, instead of just assuming that I know what the specific issue at hand really is and how it needs to be tackled in prayer. Sometimes God may lead us to pray in a different way that will get better results. Debra Bell was so powerful in her message of grace, her message of hope for God's purpose and plan for our children. She spoke of how homeschooling is not just best for our children, it is best for us, personally, and for our marriage and family. It is God's best for our entire lives. Zan gave powerful words of hope on the redemption of God, reminding us that He longs to bless us, to open doors for our children and usher them into the amazing blessings He has in store for them. Sherri reminded us that God uses our weakness, and is actually able to work far more effectively when we aren't the confident, got-it-all-together homeschool mom that we all wish we were. Rachael did a beautiful job of wrapping it all up, highlighting stories of the mother's in the Bible that dedicated themselves to raising their children just as we are. My favorite was her portrayal of Hannah who gave her child up to fulfill God's call upon His life. One day, we will do the same with all of our children as they begin to find and pursue the purposes to which God has called each of them. I could have listened to each one for days.

It was so wonderful getting to chat with each of the women, counseling some one-on-one, praying with them and hearing their stories. It wasn't about curriculum, as most homeschool conferences are, it was about them and building them up to stand strong in the journey ahead. It was a true ministry to these women.

Apologia Live will be expanding to other states each year. Next year, they will be back in Baltimore and also Atlanta. I know there are other cities planned as well. They are hoping to get to California soon.

If you are needing refreshment and renewal...Apologia Live is where you will get it!

Math Facts Resources Reviews

As promised, below are reviews of three different programs to aid in teaching your child math facts. I, personally, have found the most effective tool is good old fashioned flash cards: begin with the answers included and then remove the answers after they have visually memorized the fact with the answers. Then, review the flash cards every day until they know them cold. After that, review now and again - weekly, then monthly and then with practice tests once in a while (Calculadders is a good practice test program for math facts). However, if they still struggle or you prefer to add some help in the learning process - below are some ideas.

FlashMaster
www.flashmaster.com

FlashMaster is definitely my favorite gadget for helping my kids practice their math facts. This small hand-held electronic device can be programmed in many different ways to customize the facts presented. It has several levels and can be timed if desired. It also keeps your children's results so you can check up on their progress. This is a great gadget for on-the-go homeschoolers - just keep it in the car for a little "carschooling" fun!

I paid around $50 for ours, but you can purchase it from Amazon or Sonlight Curriculum for around $45.00.

Again, this is a program that helps your children practice
their math facts, not necessarily learn them. Read on for resources that will aid in the actual learning of math facts.


Math n More's Flash Facts
by Jan Bedell
www.littlegiantsteps.com

Although somewhat expensive, I found this program to be helpful in actually teaching the math facts for a child that struggled with the flash card method. This program was developed by a certified neurodevelopmentalist, and it uses all the different learning styles of children to teach math facts. It teaches to auditory, visual and kinesthetic learners all at once. Every child can succeed with this program. In fact, this was the program that convinced me that my children needed to see the facts (including the answers) before they could memorize and provide the answers when using flashcards.

This program involves showing your children flashcards with the answers and having them listen to the facts read with the answers - while they look for the facts on a pre-printed sheet. Then, they go through the cards again without the answers and listen to the facts without the answers - while they write the answers on another sheet. A little parent involvement is necessary, but the child is required to listen to the facts read with earphones on. I remember my son using the earphones and being shocked as they read facts that he knew the answers to. "How do I know all these answers?" he asked. It was that easy for him to learn his math facts. Ever since we started using this program, our facts practice has been all review.

The cost is $24.99 for each program (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division). So, for all the your facts, you'll dish out more than $100. But, if you are really diligent to use it, your child will learn their facts well.


Times Tales: A Trigger Memory System
www.timestales.com

For those tough to remember math facts, a little extra help is sometimes needed. This is especially true for your nonmathy, creative child or visual learner. Times Tales is a great program that will help solidify those harder to memorize facts in the six, seven, eight and nine categories. Using stories and images, as well as characterizations for each number, this program does the trick. In fact, I'll never forget that 7 and 8 were driving down the road and going one mile over the speed limit. Yes, 7 and 8 were going 56 miles per hour. I have that image indelibly etched in my brain and will likely never forget that 7 x 8 is 56.

I hope that helps some of you get started on the journey to getting those math facts down!