I am taking a short detour here to fill in a few things about how I was able to come home.
I felt the call to home school when Abby was still an infant and so I mentioned it to my husband several times over the next few months. He told me that we would never be able to afford for me to come home, that I would always have to work full time. Of course, this added to the anxiety that I was already feeling. I began to pray in earnest that G-d would either change my desire or my husband's heart. He gave me a greater desire to home school and be with my child.
When Abby was about three years old, I felt it was time to have a serious talk with my husband about home schooling. It was a Sunday afternoon when I told him I needed to talk to him. I was ready for a fight. I had all my arguments ready so that I could convince him that home schooling was what G-d wanted for our family.
I sat down and said, "Scott, I really feel that G-d wants us to home school Abby." He said, "OK, let's go look at the budget and see how we are going to work it out."
I didn't have to argue. I didn't have to convince him. G-d had changed Scott's heart on the matter. We spent all that afternoon coming up with a plan to pay off all of our debt, except the house. We worked for the next two years to accomplish it.
Scott still was not convinced that we could make it on his salary (we cut our income in half when I quit working all together). I found a part time job in the afternoons and evenings but I was still working between 25 to 30 hours a week outside the home plus drive time. I schooled Abby in the mornings, which was okay because it was kindergarten. The next year, when Abby was in first grade, I took care of two children in my home. This did not work well for us because my husband works nights about half the time and sleeps during the days. However, during this time, as my income slowly decreased, G-d convinced my husband that we could make it on his salary. Since then I teach Spanish to home schooling families and that helps to pay for books, supplies and field trips.
In January of this year, we took another leap of faith when we moved from Columbia to Rock Hill, SC. My husband is a police officer and works a great deal of overtime to keep me at home. We had been praying for a way for him to be home more and a better work environment for him. G-d has blessed us greatly with a position with the Police Dept here. Scott is surrounded by believers and is home with us more. Rock Hill also has a very strong home schooling community and we have been privileged to meet many wonderful families this year.
Abby is now in forth grade. I love being with her everyday. I am finally following G-d's will for my life by being available to my family when they need me. There is nothing else competing for my time and so I am able to put all my effort in to taking care of them.
To be continued...
Showing posts with label homeschooling. Show all posts
Showing posts with label homeschooling. Show all posts
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
It's All in the Timing
I attended a workshop last week and have implemented one of the simplest ideas. I gave my daughter a timer. It cost less than $3.00 and has been one of the best purchases I could buy. She is currently using it to time her piano practice, daily readings and computer time (which we strictly limit). I will sometimes allow her to stay up an extra 15-20 minutes to read before bed and she can now time herself so she knows when it is time for lights out. It is so easy to get caught up in a good book and lose track of time. I am sure we will be using it in her cooking lessons as well. I no longer have her asking me how long she has been reading when I didn't even know she had begun. She now has a tool to make the responsibility of keeping track of time easy for her.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Freebie
7 Secrets to Finding the Best Homeschool Curriculum from Successful Homeschooling
Download your Free e-book here
www.successful-homeschooling.com/best-homeschool-curriculum.html
In His Service,
Angela
Download your Free e-book here
www.successful-homeschooling.com/best-homeschool-curriculum.html
In His Service,
Angela
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Thrifty Thursday
Kelly over at Generation Cedar has begun a Thrifty Thursday theme so here is my contribution.
Behemoth.com offers a free audio download every day of the week. They have everything from historical pieces to the Jonathan Park and Elsie Dinsmore series. Sign up to download daily freebies.
In His Service,
Angela
Behemoth.com offers a free audio download every day of the week. They have everything from historical pieces to the Jonathan Park and Elsie Dinsmore series. Sign up to download daily freebies.
In His Service,
Angela
Sunday, April 12, 2009
HomeWork
I just finished reading a new ebook entitled HomeWork published by The Old Schoolhouse. For anyone wanting to start a home based business or just find a work at home job, this book will provide a wealth of encouragement and knowledge. It is filled with stories written by real life homeschooling moms who work full/part time at home. Each has her own unique story and each shares how it all began as well as where their families are now. Some of the businesses covered are:
Home Crafts
Pet Breeding and Care
Bed & Breakfast
Travel Agent
Writing
Bookkeeping
Computer Technician
This book also covers some common sense basics that anyone beginning a home business will need to know about such as setting priorities, accounting and organization. It also includes resources for anyone interested in starting out in one of the businesses discussed in the book.
In my opinion, the very best part of the stories was how God called everyone of these women into service in a very different way. Each stated how God had given them this season in their life to work in these different areas.
All in all, this book is very well written and I would reccommend it not just to those who are thinking of starting a home business, but to any mom who feels overwhelmed and just needs some encouragement.
In His Service,
Angela
Home Crafts
Pet Breeding and Care
Bed & Breakfast
Travel Agent
Writing
Bookkeeping
Computer Technician
This book also covers some common sense basics that anyone beginning a home business will need to know about such as setting priorities, accounting and organization. It also includes resources for anyone interested in starting out in one of the businesses discussed in the book.
In my opinion, the very best part of the stories was how God called everyone of these women into service in a very different way. Each stated how God had given them this season in their life to work in these different areas.
All in all, this book is very well written and I would reccommend it not just to those who are thinking of starting a home business, but to any mom who feels overwhelmed and just needs some encouragement.
In His Service,
Angela
Sunday, November 9, 2008
You Can Homeschool
I talk to alot of mothers in many walks of life. Just about everyone of them that does not homeschool says the same thing to me. "I could never homeschool." The reasons they give are many. "I'm not patient enough. I have too many children. I'm not smart enough. I can't afford to stay home." I have heard all these things and more.
I am here to tell all of you moms; Yes you can homeschool. It is hard. Your patience will be tested to your limits. You will learn things you never thought you would know and you may struggle to pay your bills.
However, homeschooling can be the most rewarding experience you and your children ever have. Your children's education can be tailored to fit their interests. You can teach them so much more than the public or even private schools can. My daughter is learning how to cook and clean, she is learning ancient history, studying birds and insects in depth, and learning to speak Spanish and Greek this year. That is just a little of what we are doing. She is 7 years old. She would never have these opportunities in a public or private school.
We also study the Bible every day. We have Bible reading and memorization as well as devotionals and are working towards more in depth studies.
What a joy to see Abby's face light up when she is learning something new. And she loves to learn. We are making learning a lifestyle that doesn't end when the books are closed for the day.
God will equip us for what He has called us to do. A woman's priority as a mother should be to raise her children herself, not to pass them off to someone else to raise 8-10 hours a day. Your children will know they are your priority if you are at home with them. They will know they are more important than things you can buy. They will feel safe and secure in your love when they have your time and attention.
It is a parent's job to teach their children the love of the Lord and to prepare them one day to enter the world. It is much easier to do this if you are not having to undo everything they have learned while being away from you all day.
I do believe God can equip any willing heart to homeschool. Nothing worth doing is easy. Homeschooling is no exception.
"With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."
Matt 19:26 (NIV)
In His Service,
Angela
I am here to tell all of you moms; Yes you can homeschool. It is hard. Your patience will be tested to your limits. You will learn things you never thought you would know and you may struggle to pay your bills.
However, homeschooling can be the most rewarding experience you and your children ever have. Your children's education can be tailored to fit their interests. You can teach them so much more than the public or even private schools can. My daughter is learning how to cook and clean, she is learning ancient history, studying birds and insects in depth, and learning to speak Spanish and Greek this year. That is just a little of what we are doing. She is 7 years old. She would never have these opportunities in a public or private school.
We also study the Bible every day. We have Bible reading and memorization as well as devotionals and are working towards more in depth studies.
What a joy to see Abby's face light up when she is learning something new. And she loves to learn. We are making learning a lifestyle that doesn't end when the books are closed for the day.
God will equip us for what He has called us to do. A woman's priority as a mother should be to raise her children herself, not to pass them off to someone else to raise 8-10 hours a day. Your children will know they are your priority if you are at home with them. They will know they are more important than things you can buy. They will feel safe and secure in your love when they have your time and attention.
It is a parent's job to teach their children the love of the Lord and to prepare them one day to enter the world. It is much easier to do this if you are not having to undo everything they have learned while being away from you all day.
I do believe God can equip any willing heart to homeschool. Nothing worth doing is easy. Homeschooling is no exception.
"With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."
Matt 19:26 (NIV)
In His Service,
Angela
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Elections
As I ponder what today means for our country, I realize that I must trust God more than ever. Yes, it is a historic day in that the United States has elected the first African American president. However, some of the things Obama stands for are:
The killing of unborn children
Homosexual marriage
The redistrubution of wealth
The addition of education from infant to 5 years old
In short, I can not find one thing in his stance that is Biblical in it's foundation. I also believe we need to watch what is going on with our homeschooling freedoms much closer. I can find nothing that says Obama supports homeschooling.
Our country needs to pray. We need to pray for our new president, vice president and the government they create. We need to remember that God will use everything that is happening for His good purposes.
In His Service,
Angela
The killing of unborn children
Homosexual marriage
The redistrubution of wealth
The addition of education from infant to 5 years old
In short, I can not find one thing in his stance that is Biblical in it's foundation. I also believe we need to watch what is going on with our homeschooling freedoms much closer. I can find nothing that says Obama supports homeschooling.
Our country needs to pray. We need to pray for our new president, vice president and the government they create. We need to remember that God will use everything that is happening for His good purposes.
In His Service,
Angela
Thursday, October 30, 2008
My Homeschooling Bests
Here are some of the best things I have done in our homeschool.
1. Reading the Bible to Abby from a very young age. This is still her favorite time of the day.
2. Changing curriculum mid-year. If it's not working, it's not working.
3. Allowing Abby to do something with her hands (coloring, legos, lincoln logs) while I am reading to her. She can focus better when her hands are busy.
4. Adding home-making skills (cooking, cleaning, and especially sewing) to our daily schedule.
5. Chasing Abby's interests. She is more open to learning when it is something she is interested in.
6. Typing a daily schedule. Of course we are flexible but it helps Abby to see an overview of our day.
7. Having consistent discipline in our home. Abby knows the consequences for disobedience so we have very few issues in this area.
In His Service,
Angela
1. Reading the Bible to Abby from a very young age. This is still her favorite time of the day.
2. Changing curriculum mid-year. If it's not working, it's not working.
3. Allowing Abby to do something with her hands (coloring, legos, lincoln logs) while I am reading to her. She can focus better when her hands are busy.
4. Adding home-making skills (cooking, cleaning, and especially sewing) to our daily schedule.
5. Chasing Abby's interests. She is more open to learning when it is something she is interested in.
6. Typing a daily schedule. Of course we are flexible but it helps Abby to see an overview of our day.
7. Having consistent discipline in our home. Abby knows the consequences for disobedience so we have very few issues in this area.
In His Service,
Angela
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Mistakes I Have Made in Homeschooling
Here are some mistakes I have made on my homeschooling journey. I hope these will be an encouragement to other moms who sometimes feel like they just can't go on.
1. Trying to make Abby fit the curriculum, instead of finding curriculum to fit Abby.
2. Becoming too regimented in doing school.
3. Not allowing Abby to explore an interest in something that wasn't what I had planned for that given day.
4. Thinking I had to "do school" just like the public schools.
5. Thinking school ended when we closed our books for the day.
6. Not including life skills in our learning time.
In His Service,
Angela
1. Trying to make Abby fit the curriculum, instead of finding curriculum to fit Abby.
2. Becoming too regimented in doing school.
3. Not allowing Abby to explore an interest in something that wasn't what I had planned for that given day.
4. Thinking I had to "do school" just like the public schools.
5. Thinking school ended when we closed our books for the day.
6. Not including life skills in our learning time.
In His Service,
Angela
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Relaxed Homeschooling
When I began homeschooling, I had a picture in my mind of how I wanted things to be. I saw my daughter, Abby, and I in the kitchen cooking together, teaching her how to clean, sew, and shop, how to plant a garden and take care of the yard. In short everything about running a household. I also pictured us sitting and reading the Bible and other great books and discussing them, doing lots of science experiments and crafts and just enjoying ourselves. I just knew that I could instill in her a lifetime love of learning.
Somewhere along the way though....it's just not what I pictured. We have been doing school. And neither one of us has been having much fun.
I know what a relaxed homeschool looks like but how to create an environment of relaxed learning has eluded me until now.
I am excited about Kelly Crawford's Ebook, Think Outside the Classroom-A Practical Look at Relaxed Homeschooling. Kelly not only gives a picture of what a relaxed homeschool looks like, but shows you how her family created a lifestyle of learning in her home.
Kelly gives practical advice on developing relationships with your children, developing your own educational foundation, how to implement a life-style of learning, and she answers some common concerns people have about relaxed homeschooling. She also gives information on resources she uses.
The book is an easy read and is laid out in a practical manner so that you can easily refer back to it as necessary.
Kelly has given me the courage to step out on faith and try something new. After reading her book, I have begun to make changes in our homeschool. We are no longer just doing school (workbooks and textbooks). We are learning for the fun of it. Abby is choosing books she wants to read and topics she wants to learn about and with this new mindset, I am now able to incorporate all those things I dreamed about into our days.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is curious about relaxed homeschooling. It is a great encouragement.
Click here to view more details
In His Service,
Angela
Somewhere along the way though....it's just not what I pictured. We have been doing school. And neither one of us has been having much fun.
I know what a relaxed homeschool looks like but how to create an environment of relaxed learning has eluded me until now.
I am excited about Kelly Crawford's Ebook, Think Outside the Classroom-A Practical Look at Relaxed Homeschooling. Kelly not only gives a picture of what a relaxed homeschool looks like, but shows you how her family created a lifestyle of learning in her home.
Kelly gives practical advice on developing relationships with your children, developing your own educational foundation, how to implement a life-style of learning, and she answers some common concerns people have about relaxed homeschooling. She also gives information on resources she uses.
The book is an easy read and is laid out in a practical manner so that you can easily refer back to it as necessary.
"With life-learning, there is no start or finish, no taking off, no being behind...just a constant readiness to learn something else.”
Kelly Crawford
Kelly has given me the courage to step out on faith and try something new. After reading her book, I have begun to make changes in our homeschool. We are no longer just doing school (workbooks and textbooks). We are learning for the fun of it. Abby is choosing books she wants to read and topics she wants to learn about and with this new mindset, I am now able to incorporate all those things I dreamed about into our days.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is curious about relaxed homeschooling. It is a great encouragement.
Click here to view more details
In His Service,
Angela
Friday, October 24, 2008
Little House on the Prairie
For all you Moms who want to use the Little House books in your homeschool, check out this site. Some very useful tools.
www.easyfunschool.com/article1496.html
Happy reading,
Angela
www.easyfunschool.com/article1496.html
Happy reading,
Angela
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Word Studies
Words are powerful and so they have consequences. Words have the power to uplift or tear down. They can bring sadness or joy, love or hate.
I love the Webster 1828 Dictionary. I bought mine last year and I believe it to be one of the best investments I have made for my daughter's education.
One of the things I use this dictionary for is word studies with my daughter. I choose a word such as Honor and look it up. I write down the definition. If there are any words in the definition that we need to look up, we do so and write them down as well. Next, I look up Bible verses pertaining to the word and write them down. Lastly, we discuss how all of this applies to our lives and record our conclusions. You could keep a notebook with this information in it to look back on from time to time. These make wonderful Bible devotions. Below is the word study I did on honor.
Honor (verb) - to revere; to respect; to treat with deference and submission, and perform relative duties to.
2. To reverence; to manifest the highest veneration for, in words and actions; to entertain the most exalted thoughts of; to worship; to adore. John 5
3. To dignify; to raise to distinction or notice; to elevate in rank or station; to exalt.
(noun) - The esteem due or paid to worth; high estimation.
2. A testimony of esteem; any expression of respect or of high estimation by words or actions.
4. Reverence; veneration; or any act by which reverence and submission are expressed, as worship paid to the Supreme Being.
6. True nobleness of mind; magnanimity; dignified respect for character, springing from probity, principle or moral rectitude.
Esteem (verb) - to set a value on, whether high or low, to estimate; to value.
2. To prize; to set a high value on; to regard with reverence, respect or friendship.
(noun) - High value or estimation; great regard; favorable opinion, founded on supposed worth.
Respect (noun) - Regard, attention
2. That estimation or honor in which men hold the distinguished worth or substantial good qualities of others. It expresses less than reverence and veneration; which regard elders and superiors; whereas respect may regard juniors and inferiors.
4. Good will, favor
Reverence - fear mingled with respect and esteem; veneration. Reverence is nearly equal to veneration, but expresses something less of the same emotion. It differs from awe, which is an emotion compounded of fear, dread or terror, with admiration of something great, but not necessarily implying love or affection. We feel reverence for a parent, but we stand in awe of a tyrant.
2. An act of respect or obeisance; a bow or courtesy.
Veneration - highest degree of respect and reverence; respect mingled with some degree of awe.
Verses
Honor your father and your mother.
Exodus 20:12
Those who honor me I will honor, but those who despise me will be disdained.
1 Samuel 2:30
Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops.
Proverbs 3:9
The wise inherit honor, but fools he holds up to shame (disgrace).
Proverbs 3:35
The fear of the Lord teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor.
Proverbs 15:33
“That all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, who sent him.”
John 5:23
“My Father will honor the one who serves me.”
John 12:26
Honor one another above yourselves.
Romans 12:10
You made him a little lower than the angels; you crowned him with glory and honor.
Hebrews 2:7
Therefore if you delight in thrones and scepters, O monarchs over the peoples,honor wisdom, so that you may reign forever
Solomon 6:21 (NRSV)
For the [Holy] Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified (raised to honor)"
John 7:38, 29 AB
—AMG's Encyclopedia of Bible Facts
It is honorable to refrain from strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.
Prov 20:3 (NRSV)
If any man serve me, him will my Father honor. (John 12:26)
—AMG's Encyclopedia of Bible Facts
The journey that thou takest shall not be for thine honor. (Judg. 4:9)
—AMG's Encyclopedia of Bible Facts
He that honoreth not the Son honoreth not the Father which hath sent Him. (John 5:23)
I receive not honor from men.
(John 5:41)
—AMG's Encyclopedia of Bible FactsIf I honor myself, my honor is nothing: it is my Father that honoreth me. (John 8:54)—AMG's Encyclopedia of Bible Facts
18 Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.
Prov 16:18 (NIV)
In a loud voice they sang: "Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!" 13 Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing: "To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!"
Rev 5:12-13 (NIV)
What It Means To Me
We must honor God (includes love, respect, reverence, esteem and awe). He is holy and so is worthy of our honor and praise. He will honor us in return as he honored Adam when he was formed. He set Adam over the earth and everything on it. We are also to honor our parents and those around us who are placed in authority over us. This goes back to putting others first above ourselves. We honor God when we honor and serve others with a willing heart. We do this because we love God, not because there is something we want to gain and God can provide it. I must have the proper heart and attitude of humility. I should honor God with all that I have, including money, objects, and my heart, soul and mind.
For more information on how to do word studies or the 1828 Dictionary, go to http://www.face.net/.
In His Service,
Angela
I love the Webster 1828 Dictionary. I bought mine last year and I believe it to be one of the best investments I have made for my daughter's education.
One of the things I use this dictionary for is word studies with my daughter. I choose a word such as Honor and look it up. I write down the definition. If there are any words in the definition that we need to look up, we do so and write them down as well. Next, I look up Bible verses pertaining to the word and write them down. Lastly, we discuss how all of this applies to our lives and record our conclusions. You could keep a notebook with this information in it to look back on from time to time. These make wonderful Bible devotions. Below is the word study I did on honor.
Honor (verb) - to revere; to respect; to treat with deference and submission, and perform relative duties to.
2. To reverence; to manifest the highest veneration for, in words and actions; to entertain the most exalted thoughts of; to worship; to adore. John 5
3. To dignify; to raise to distinction or notice; to elevate in rank or station; to exalt.
(noun) - The esteem due or paid to worth; high estimation.
2. A testimony of esteem; any expression of respect or of high estimation by words or actions.
4. Reverence; veneration; or any act by which reverence and submission are expressed, as worship paid to the Supreme Being.
6. True nobleness of mind; magnanimity; dignified respect for character, springing from probity, principle or moral rectitude.
Esteem (verb) - to set a value on, whether high or low, to estimate; to value.
2. To prize; to set a high value on; to regard with reverence, respect or friendship.
(noun) - High value or estimation; great regard; favorable opinion, founded on supposed worth.
Respect (noun) - Regard, attention
2. That estimation or honor in which men hold the distinguished worth or substantial good qualities of others. It expresses less than reverence and veneration; which regard elders and superiors; whereas respect may regard juniors and inferiors.
4. Good will, favor
Reverence - fear mingled with respect and esteem; veneration. Reverence is nearly equal to veneration, but expresses something less of the same emotion. It differs from awe, which is an emotion compounded of fear, dread or terror, with admiration of something great, but not necessarily implying love or affection. We feel reverence for a parent, but we stand in awe of a tyrant.
2. An act of respect or obeisance; a bow or courtesy.
Veneration - highest degree of respect and reverence; respect mingled with some degree of awe.
Verses
Honor your father and your mother.
Exodus 20:12
Those who honor me I will honor, but those who despise me will be disdained.
1 Samuel 2:30
Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops.
Proverbs 3:9
The wise inherit honor, but fools he holds up to shame (disgrace).
Proverbs 3:35
The fear of the Lord teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor.
Proverbs 15:33
“That all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, who sent him.”
John 5:23
“My Father will honor the one who serves me.”
John 12:26
Honor one another above yourselves.
Romans 12:10
You made him a little lower than the angels; you crowned him with glory and honor.
Hebrews 2:7
Therefore if you delight in thrones and scepters, O monarchs over the peoples,honor wisdom, so that you may reign forever
Solomon 6:21 (NRSV)
For the [Holy] Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified (raised to honor)"
John 7:38, 29 AB
—AMG's Encyclopedia of Bible Facts
It is honorable to refrain from strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.
Prov 20:3 (NRSV)
If any man serve me, him will my Father honor. (John 12:26)
—AMG's Encyclopedia of Bible Facts
The journey that thou takest shall not be for thine honor. (Judg. 4:9)
—AMG's Encyclopedia of Bible Facts
He that honoreth not the Son honoreth not the Father which hath sent Him. (John 5:23)
I receive not honor from men.
(John 5:41)
—AMG's Encyclopedia of Bible FactsIf I honor myself, my honor is nothing: it is my Father that honoreth me. (John 8:54)—AMG's Encyclopedia of Bible Facts
18 Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.
Prov 16:18 (NIV)
In a loud voice they sang: "Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!" 13 Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing: "To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!"
Rev 5:12-13 (NIV)
What It Means To Me
We must honor God (includes love, respect, reverence, esteem and awe). He is holy and so is worthy of our honor and praise. He will honor us in return as he honored Adam when he was formed. He set Adam over the earth and everything on it. We are also to honor our parents and those around us who are placed in authority over us. This goes back to putting others first above ourselves. We honor God when we honor and serve others with a willing heart. We do this because we love God, not because there is something we want to gain and God can provide it. I must have the proper heart and attitude of humility. I should honor God with all that I have, including money, objects, and my heart, soul and mind.
For more information on how to do word studies or the 1828 Dictionary, go to http://www.face.net/.
In His Service,
Angela
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