Homeschooling...the Classical Adventure Begins!

 I have been homeschooling my daughter for two years now after our wonderful Christian school closed it's doors due to the recent downturn in the economy. The Lord has truly blessed us during this time and it has been such a rewarding experience. Homeschooling has given me the opportunity to get to know my daughter again in a relaxed and unhurried setting. In addition, I have had plenty of time to model and instruct her in the areas of relationships, courtesy, home-making and service. Children can soak up so much from us when they have sufficient time with us for this to occur. Children who are in school full time are often hurried, stressed and just plain tired. It has been such a blessing to have my daughter at home where we can take life at a slower pace and "stop and smell the roses" every once in a while.

Another benefit of homeschooling is that there is plenty of time for music lessons, art enrichment classes, sports, etc...as these can occur during the day instead of always right after a long day of school. Due to the large amount of time we spend together, there is no question that I am the primary person of influence in my daughter's life right now, which I believe is biblical. That is not always the case when students spend 40 hours or more a week at school and in extra-curricular pursuits. They can be heavily influenced by teachers, coaches and their peers. ( I realize there are many Christian teachers and coaches who are wonderful influences on students, but, I believe parents should be the primary trainers of their children.) The opportunity for biblical training is another major benefit of homeschooling. Maybe even the most important benefit as we are instructed in scripture to train our children up in the Lord.

So...You Wish Your Husband Would Change?

Is your husband a Christian whose life doesn't seem to be bearing much fruit? Is he saved but not growing in his faith or showing any excitement for the things of the Lord? Or... are you in a marriage with an unsaved spouse?

 The above scenarios can be troubling to Christian women, especially when they are experiencing a season of spiritual growth in their own lives. When women are growing in their Christian walk through Bible studies, prayer, personal quiet times, and encouraging relationships with Christian friends, they often have a longing and desire that their husbands would grow along with them. The problem is, we often try to help this process along, employing all the wrong tactics.

If you are a woman who would like to see spiritual growth in her husband or to see him come to know the Lord as his Savior...just stand on faith and...believe.

Believe...that God has the power to change your husband from the inside out. Remember, the Bible says, nothing is impossible with God. He's worked on some hard cases before...Jonah? Paul?

Believe... that God loves your husband infinitely more than you do. He sent his only son to die for him and he ultimately wants the very best for him.

Believe...that although you are one in marriage, your husband has a distinct and personal relationship between he and the Savior. You cannot have that relationship for him.

Believe...in the life-changing power of prayer. Pray for your husband daily.

Believe...that God can use your life and example to change your husband's heart. Do your best to show him love, mercy, patience and grace.

Believe...that the Holy Spirit can communicate directly to your husband and does not need you to be his mouthpiece. You cannot guilt him into a stronger relationship with the Lord...it will backfire! That being said, there are times when the Lord does lead us to share ideas and opinions with our husbands and when that happens, by all means, do so.

Believe...that God has a plan and purpose for your husband and it may not be what you think it should be. Trust the Lord. His ways are not our ways. He sees the big picture.

Instead of trying to change your husband, which always leads to frustration and disappointment, spend more time in the Word and in prayer. Focus on your own relationship with Jesus. Walk in humility and submissiveness in your home and see what God will do.  Maybe he'll use your husband to change you!

Ten Tips For Parents of Teens

1) Support...don't smother. I have seen too many well-meaning parents over-protect and over-parent their teenagers. By the time they are  teens (older teens ), your children should be able to navigate everyday life pretty much on their own. That includes things like turning in assignments, relating to peers, interacting with teachers and other authority figures when neccessary. Remember, you are training them to be independent, confident young adults who will be well equipped and ready when they leave the nest.

2) Allow teens a measure of freedom that is in line with their level of maturity. It's important for teens to know that you trust them. That is, as long as they have done nothing to break that trust. Remember though, that your job is to be their parent not their best friend.

3) Encourage your teen in areas where they have special talent or apptitude. For example, help them find a teacher for music lessons, go to their sports events and tell the coach you are willing to help, tell them why you think they would make a great class president...help them make posters! You know their strengths sometimes better than they do.

4) Have regular family time where your teen can relax and feel loved and accepted. Teens still enjoy family time whether they will admit it or not. Have a family game night, go out to a favorite restaurant, go putt-putt golfing...just spend time together as a family.

5) Physical touch is still important after your child becomes a teen. Continue to give hugs and pats on the back. (just not in public!)

6) Encourage your teen to have friends over. Be polite and welcoming to them...feed them! Make your home the gathering spot.

7) Pray with and for your teen. Be involved in your local church and take your teen with you! There they can build Christian friendships, study God's Word and grow spiritually under godly teachers and youth leaders.

8) Capitalize on those rare one-on-one times with your teen.Find out what is going on in their life. Do more listening than talking. Be prepared to put down what you're doing and listen when they want to talk.

9) Help your teen plan his or her future, whether it's college, technical training or the mission field. They may need you for practical help in this area. Be excited as you talk with them about their future and what God has in store for them. Point them to God for direction and guidance.

10) Treat your teens with respect. Be fair, consistent and patient with them. We, as parents, need to model the behavior we want our teens to display to others.