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You are welcome to forward this newsletter in its entirety.
The Teaching Home E-Mail Newsletter #49
Information, Inspiration, and Encouragement
September 12, 2003 / Cindy Short and Sue Welch, editors
Table of Contents
Home-School Support Systems:
The Lord Is Your First and Best Support
Finding Support at Home
Support from Other People
Reading Books, Newsletters & Magazines
Recommended Resources
Home Training Tools: Science Curriculum & Supplies
Power-Glide Clearance Sale
HomeSchool ID Cards
Sunny Side Up: Humorous Anecdote
Greetings,
As you start this school year, be sure that all your support systems
are in place. In this issue we discuss more than enough to get you
through. Remember, "The joy of the Lord is your strength." Relax and
have a good time learning with your children this year!
Cordially,
Pat, Sue, Heather, Holly, and Brian Welch
The Teaching Home is a 23-year-old, home-school family business.
Everything You Need
To Teach Science at Home!
At Home Training Tools, we share a commitment with
homeschool families who are seeking effective ways to
teach their children science from a Christian perspective.
* We offer a full range of science tools for grades K-12,
including science curriculum, lab supplies, science kits,
science fair project materials, and microscopes.
* Shop our new online store.
* Read our science Teaching Tips online.
* Sign up for our free Science Explorations email newsletter.
* Request a free copy of our new 2003 catalog.
http://www.hometrainingtools.com/tth0903/
The Lord Is Your First and Best Support
Others may let you down or fail to fulfill your needs, but
not God. Go to Him first for the support you need.
"My soul, wait thou only upon God;
for my expectation is from Him.
He only is my rock and my salvation:
He is my defense;
I shall not be moved.
In God is my salvation and my glory:
the rock of my strength,
and my refuge, is in God.
Trust in him at all times; ye people,
pour out your heart before him:
God is a refuge for us."
(Psalms 62:5-8)
"I waited patiently for the LORD;
and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.
Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust."
(Psalms 40:1, 4a)
Why the Lord Is Your Best Support
1. He Is Always There 24/7.
You don't have to wait for next month's support group
meeting or until someone else is available to help you. You can
call on Him at any time, day or night. His invitations and
promises to you assure that you will never become a burden to
Him.
"Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden,
and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)
"I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." (Hebrews 13:5)
2. He Is All-Knowing and All-Wise.
The Lord knows exactly what you are going through and how
you feel. He knows precisely what your family needs, both now
and in the future. He is willing to share this wisdom with you;
all you have to do is ask.
"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God,
that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not;
and it shall be given him.
But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering." (James 1:5-6a)
"For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched
with the feeling of our infirmities;
but was in all points tempted like as we are,
yet without sin.
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace,
that we may obtain mercy,
and find grace to help in time of need."
(Hebrews 4:15-16)
3. He Is Loving and Kind.
The Lord loves you and your family with unfathomable, pure,
unfailing love.
"Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us,
that we should be called the sons of God." (I John 3:1)
"Casting all your care upon him;
for he careth for you." (I Peter 5:7)
He will give you what is best in His time and in His way.
This is where our trust in Him must be implicit.
"But without faith it is impossible to please Him (God)."
(Hebrews 11:6)
"And we know that all things work together for good
to them that love God." (Romans 8:28)
How To Avail Yourself of This Wonderful Support
Sadly enough, we all too often fail to receive the gracious
gifts of our Lord for various reasons. We get into the habit of
trying to meet our own needs, forgetting to turn to the Lord.
The physical world can seem more real to us than the unseen
spiritual world. We can correct this misperception and find our
Lord's aid and fellowship in the following ways:
1. Spend time daily in reading, studying, memorizing,
and meditating on God's Word.
Morning, noon, and night is not too much. You can have your
private time with the Lord in the morning; read, study, or
memorize Scripture in your school time or at the lunch table; and
have family Bible reading in the evening at the table or before
bed with Dad.
It is in His written revelation to us that we meet the Lord
and He speaks to you.
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God,
and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof,
for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
That the man of God may be perfect,
thoroughly furnished unto all good works."
(II Timothy 3:16-17)
2. Fill your life with good Christian music.
Music is a powerful influence in our lives. Both the words
and the style of the old hymns of the faith carry a message that
honors the Lord and reminds you of Him and His attributes.
Although constant background music can be distracting and
lose its impact, there are many times during the day that
listening to or singing Christian songs can turn your thoughts to
the Lord.
You might want to lead your children in a chorus or hymn
each time you read from God's Word.
"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom;
teaching and admonishing one another
in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord."
(Colossians 3:16)
3. Talk to the Lord frequently throughout the day.
It might be hard to visualize the Lord beside you all day
long, but if you engage in conversational prayer with Him
throughout the day, you will be reminded of, and comforted by,
His presence.
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Finding Support at Home
Your family comprises a support group for you, your husband,
and your children. Here is how you can give and receive support
right at home.
1. Yourself
God does not ask us to do more than we are able. It is up
to us to make sure we don't load ourselves down with extra
projects of our own devising that he did not intend.
We must also be good stewards of the resources He has given
us, including our own health. We are not free to indulge in
excesses, but must eat, work, and rest in ways that preserve our
ability to accomplish His purposes. We all know the basic rules:
* Maintain your own spiritual walk with the Lord.
* Eat healthy; drop extra pounds. Keep fruits, vegetables, and
protein foods in the refrigerator for snacks rather than eating
high-carbrohydrate, low-nutereint foods like chips and sweets.
* Drink enought water.
* Exercise regularly, but reasonably. A daily walk with your
family promotes family unity as well as physical health.
* Deal with stress and problems God's way, don't let them build up.
* Take time to relax and enjoy your family.
* Get your full amount of sleep every night.
You cannot get enough support from others to make up for a
disregard of the laws of cause and effect that God has ordained.
2. Your Spouse
Maintaining a loving relationship with your spouse will
naturally be a great support to you. And remember, you are his
support system too.
While your spouse is your closest human support and should
be kept aware of your thoughts and feelings, problems and
struggles, he should not feel that he is solely responsible to
"fix" everything. Let him know that you have other resources,
and discuss options together with the confidence you gain from
trusting the Lord.
Of course it helps if your spouse is a believer and totally
behind your efforts to home school. If not, the Lord says,
"Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands;
that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word
be won by the conversation of the wives; While they behold your
chaste conversation coupled with fear." (I Peter 3:1-4)
It might help to obtain a book such as one of the two below
and show it to your husband to reassure him of the validity and
benefits of home schooling.
"Worldwide Guide to Homeschooling: Facts and Stats on the
Benefits of Home School" by Dr. Brian Ray
http://www.nheri.org/content.php?menu=12&page_id=30
"Home Schooling: The Right Choice" by Christopher J. Klicka
http://www.hslda.org/bookstore/items/choice.asp
Your spouse may need some practical suggestions for ways to
support you.
* Perhaps you only need 15 or 20 minutes at the end of each day
to debrief each other and pray about any situations that have
arisen.
* Agree on standards for your children's behavior and a system
for their discipline.
* Plan times to relax together.
"We need to pray for our husbands that they will be good
leaders and sources of wisdom. And we need to ask for their
input with a humble heart." Meredith Curtis
3. Your Family
Home schoolers recognize the value of the family unit. Let
it support you. Enlist the help and support of your children.
Grandparents or other relatives may offer support as well.
Your family will need help in knowing how to support you.
* You may need to tell your children, "I really love you and love
teaching you, but I need a little extra help in keeping up with
the chores. A word of encouragement or a hug would sure come
in handy too!"
* Be sure you model support and encouragement in the way you
interact with your family at all times.
* Family members can and should be each others' best friends
and supporters. Talk to your children about helping each
other in this way. A focus on the positive can replace
problems.
HomeSchool ID – Safety, Security & Peace of Mind
Homeschool students have different schedules and
may need to be in public during normal school hours.
* Problem: To others, your homeschooler looks like a
truant public school student. How can they tell the
difference?
* Solution: HomeSchool ID Card.
* Great for student discounts!
http://www.homeschoolid.com or call us at 813-962-2256.
Support from Other People
1. Good Friends
Just one faithful, sympathetic, and praying friend can offer
a tremendous amount of support. This informal "support group"
can meet on the phone whenever the need or opportunity arises or
once a week at a specified time.
Caution: Don't let this good friend take the place of the
Lord or your spouse.
When like-minded home-school families spend time together,
they provide needed support and encouragement for the whole
family.
"As we spend time together, there is a sense that we are not
alone. Others share our convictions and values. This has been
such an encouragement to our family over the years!"
Meredith Curtis
2. Mentoring
Veteran home educators should consider what they have to
offer beginners. New home schoolers can look for veteran home
educators to mentor them. A regular time together or an
occasional phone call can make a big difference!
A local support group may be able to help you find a mentor.
"I remember, when I first started home schooling, looking
with great admiration at anyone who had home schooled for three
years. These women had so much experience and knew the ropes!
I sat at their feet in awe, ate up every story they had to tell,
and looked to them for advice.
"I think perhaps the most helpful thing my experienced
home-school friends did for me was to encourage me to relax and
enjoy our children, to let them learn at their own pace, and to
prioritize.
"Those ladies took time from their busy schedules to
encourage, inspire, and instruct me. I owe them a debt of
gratitude.
"It occurred to me that this is an area where 'freely you
have received, freely give.'
"I'd like to inspire those of you who are 'veteran' home
schoolers to budget some time for mentoring those who are
beginning." Michael and Alyce-Kay Garrett, California.
3. A Support Group
Support Groups may consist of only two families, or they may
be large and offer many functions and activities.
Involvement with your local Christian home-school group
can provide encouragement, fellowship, educational opportunities,
field trips, academic training and information, solutions to your
problems, and answers for your questions.
Cautions:
* Don't become overwhelmed by trying to participate in all the
activities offered by your support group.
* Look for a group that will support your family's standards.
"The thing that I appreciate the most about our support
group is the fact that all of these wonderful people are brothers
and sisters in the Lord. We all have the same dedication and
commitment to raise up a godly generation that seeks the Lord."
Mrs. James D., Ohio
4. Your Local Church
The fellowship and teaching of your local church provides
important support for your spiritual life.
An ideal home-school support group might also be formed
within your church if fellow members are home schooling. It is
an added blessing to have a pastor who encourages you in your
home-school efforts.
"And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to
good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together,
as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much
the more, as ye see the day approaching." (Hebrews 10:24-25)
"For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the
members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is
Christ. For the body is not one member, but many. And the eye
cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the
head to the feet, I have no need of you. Now ye are the body of
Christ, and members in particular." (I Corinthians 12:12, 14, 21, 27)
Please Thank & Support Our Sponsoring Advertisers!
These free newsletters are made possible financially
by the fine suppliers who advertise in them.
Please remember those that have advertised in our
last issue (below) as well as the ones in this issue.
Switched-On Schoolhouse: CD-ROM Curriculum for Grades 3-12
http://www.AOP.com
Home Training Tools: Teach Science at Home
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Keystone National High School
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Piano Expresso: Play Piano By Ear
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Kunker Hill Publications: Organizers & Planners
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Reading Books, Newsletters & Magazines
Books and magazine articles written by and for Christian
home schoolers offer invaluable support and encouragement. This
kind of support is more personal and warm than you might expect
from just words on a page. It is actually real communication
from the hearts of like-minded home schoolers who have been where
you are, know what you need, and care enough about you to share
with you in writing.
This Newsletter
We trust that you will find this newsletter informative and
encouraging. Each issue is meaty enough that you might want to
print it out and keep all your copies in a notebook. This will
enable you to read the newsletters more thoroughly, mark certain
parts, and refer back to them again.
You will find our archive of past newsletters at
http://www.teachinghome.com/newsletters/
Always-Relevant Teaching Home Back Issues
Many home schoolers have found information, inspiration, and
support from the writers who have contributed to The Teaching
Home magazine over the last 23 years. Fifty-one back issues are
offered online or by mail order.
The information, inspiration, and encouragement packed into
each back issue never goes out of date. They are always
relevant, applicable to your needs today.
http://theteachinghomen.goemerchant7.com/
A reader in Indiana wrote, "I have subscribed for the
past ten years. You have been my mainstay. When I first
began home schooling, I had no support group, and your
magazine gave me the encouragement and knowledge to
continue. I have read countless letters from your readers
who have said the same thing."
In each issue an average of 58 home schoolers contribute
practical how-to articles, encouraging letters, and ready-to-use
teaching tips.
"The Teaching Home has been a part of my
continuing education since I started home schooling,
and I have kept every issue.
"I often go back to old issues to find creative,
helpful hints or inspiration." Meredith C., Florida
Finding What You Need
You can search by topic in our online store to find which
of our 51 back issues contain articles on a subject you are
looking for.
If you already have a library of Teaching Home issues, you
might want to use the topical index of our last 39 issues
(1994-present) available online so you can quickly put your
finger on the articles you need.
http://www.teachinghome.com/custserve/bindex.cfm
Sunny Side Up: Hold That Thought
Jenny, our 8th grader, had been studying hormonal changes
in heath. As I orally quizzed her, I asked, "What is one reason for
changing moods?"
Our 8-year-old 3rd grader quickly piped up, "You'll get in big
trouble if you don't!"
Contributed by Danne Blanc, Japan
You are also invited to submit your humorous anecdote.
God Loves You.
Because we were separated from God by sin, Jesus Christ died
in our place, then rose to life again. If we trust Jesus Christ
as our Savior and Lord, He will give us eternal life.
"For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that
not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of
works, that no one should boast" (Ephesians 2:8, 9).
http://www.TeachingHome.com/about/salvation.cfm
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