Quiet Life Homestead

Be Careful for What You Look For!

I really blew it yesterday, for a little while anyway.  I thought I'd go online to see when our local public school starts back up.  We're in Bixby and they start back up August 16.  On the page, I notice this cute little thing that says to click on it to see "what your student will be learning this year."  So, silly me, I click it - mostly out of curiosity.  I notice they have a little link thing for 6th grade (Bethany's doing a mix of 6th & 7th grade work), looks pretty good as far as goals so I print it off to compare.  No big deal.  Then I see that 7th and 8th grades are broken up for different types of classes and think, "Hm.  I guess this is where the kids start choosing for themselves what they will take."  So, and here's the slippery slope...I scroll down to see what's available in high school.  Oh my!  I started freaking out because of the classes that are offered.  The whole I can't compete with that, what am I doing, should I rethink everything, etc., doubt bus came into town and not only parked in my driveway but pulled right on into my kitchen!

Here I am, almost in tears, washing dishes and talking to God.  He then reminds me that the possible benefits of those classes doesn't compare to the detremental things they would be exposed to in that environment.  Yes!  Thank You, Jesus for the gentile reminder.  But I still wasn't all the way there yet.  So when Charlie got home, I take him into the other room, tell him all about it, and show him the paper.  He, too, was very impressed with the classes offered. (by the way, you can probably find them at Bixby Public Schools if you're interested)  Then it was if my eyes had opened for the first time.  I saw the science offerings and remembered how Dr. Robinson (a successful scientist) says to not do formal science until after the child has finished with the math up to calculus because to properly understand and use science, you must first have the math background.  "We're already doing math'" was my next reply, "and are covering most of these history topics in our reading."  On and on I was able to tear through the offerings as either something we're already covering or something we've already planned to do in the future.  Once I finished, there were maybe half a dozen classes left.  I remembered that we can click on the class and see the goals for that class (if we really want to cover it) and use that as an example.  Charlie then said that what probably intimidated me was the titles of the classes, but then when I was able to look past that (praise be to God!) I could see it for what it really was.

So, personal reminder here: You (me, remember this is a personal reminder to me) can look all you want at what the schools are doing in regards to hours, days, and classes, but remember who your Principal is.  Who the Head of your homeschool is.  Who the curriculum selector is! 

Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.                Psalm 20:7

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{ 09:51, Friday, July 20, 2007 } { Posted by Cindeerella }

It is so true what you said, 'the possible benefits of those classes doesn't compare to the detremental things they would be exposed to in that environment.'
I stuggle with worrying if they are learning enough by homeschooling too, but over the years I see that what is most important is their Christ-like character, what kind of person they are becoming. Head knowledge can't compare with true wisdom.
They can always learn about whatever they want when they are older anyway.


*****Thank you for commenting. I totally agree! Vicki

Edited by Keeblur on Friday, July 20, 2007 at 01:06

(((Hugs)))

{ 11:33, Monday, July 23, 2007 } { Posted by SongofJoy }

Just letting you know you are not alone. I think we all go through times of doubting. Right now I am going through the high school jitters - wanting to make sure we "get it right" and worrying way too much. I'll share a verse with you that helps me to relax and remember that the Lord is ultimately in control: Psalm 143:8 "Cause me to hear Thy lovingkindness in the morning, for in Thee do I trust; cause me to know the way wherein I should walk, for I lift up my soul unto Thee." Trusting that He will give our children what they need when they need it!

Blessings,
Carol

**** Thank you so much, Carol! I think its those pesky high school jitters that are hitting me as well. You are right, God will provide what they need when they need it. I'm so glad it isn't all on our shoulders!
Vicki

Edited by Keeblur on Monday, July 23, 2007 at 11:41