Hinds Feet on High Places

Why Homeschool???

Ultimate Reasons

Very soon school will be starting up again. My friend Carla had an excellent post on "Why We Homeschool" which sums up quite well the reasons why many of us do. Summer gives us an opportunity to focus on some new areas of learning and gives a refreshing change of pace, providing a balance of physical activity, exploring nature, learning new skills, time spent enjoying outdoors, and fun as a family so that in the fall we can return to book studies with renewed energy and focus. I am always looking for ways to make learning interesting and fun, and seeking to evaluate what is most important to accomplish for each day. Children are an awesome responsibility. I believe that in education, not only should academic excellence be stressed, but also the laying of a foundation for life and eternity. I feel encouraged when I see how far along the oldest ones have come, yet realize that I must press on, seeking God's blessing on my efforts and His working in their lives. I must do my part and trust His mercy and grace to draw them to Himself. Teaching them to know Him and love His ways, to find true wisdom that will guide them through life's journey, is ultimately the reason why we homeschool. I know I fail so many times in my own personal example, and that I am far from being what I should be. But God has called me to a task, whether I feel qualified or not; and he has truly blessed my husband and I with 10 wonderful, beautiful, healthy children, so I humbly seek His will and blessing in my endeavors to teach and train them in the way that they should go.

One thing I am learning is that relationships are important to God. He seeks an intimate relationship with each one of us. And He also intends for us to love one another in our relationships, for He IS love. Our culture is sadly deficient in relationships. It seems everyone is looking out for themselves, busily scurrying around achieving their own goals and rushing past family and friends; never truly taking the time to build deep, caring, or meaningful relationships. Our Lord set such a wonderful example of service and taught us to love others. It is important to Him. It tells me we should make that more of a priority in our own homes and lives. It is through relationships that we can be a light to the lost and show Christ to the world, whether it be in our own homes or at work, in our community or on an airplane miles above the earth. We can pass that value along to our children if we take the time to nurture our relationships with them; to truly touch their hearts and lovingly guide them to the paths the Good Shepherd would have them follow. Learning to find refuge in the Father during life's storms and to trust in Him for forgiveness and walk in His ways is one of the most loving things I can teach my children. And ultimately our desire is to equip them to pass that legacy along to their own children and touch the lives of others in their realm, whether it be home, work, church, the football field, the mission field, the battlefield: wherever God places them.

Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish....those who practice [the works of the flesh] will not inherit the kingdom of God.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

Galations 5: 16,17,19a,21b,22-25

*************************************************************************************

Walking in the Spirit includes relationships.  Living according to the Spirit includes submission to God's sovereign authority. Living in the Spirit has amazing and endless possibilites.

Living for self = domination of the flesh. Living according to the flesh is foolish because it is temporal.

*************************************************************************************

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that  he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corrunption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlastiing life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Galations 6:7-10