A Recent Conversation FULL of wisdom

Some of us love him, some of us are skeptical, and some, well I bet some really dis-like him. If you know my husband and I, then you know we are big fans. I truly believe he speaks TRUTH in LOVE. He is a pastor who brings up topics most would want to shy away from. His education and knowledge far exceeds most and we are eternally grateful for the affect he has had on our life.

Recently Voddie posted something in regards to Public Education http://www.voddiebaucham.org/vbm/Blog/Entries/2010/1/26_The_Continuing_Collapse__January_2010.html which I found very educational myself.  If you have the time to read it I recommend it.  Most of us, I for one, are not aware of what is going on with Public Education and why would the media talk of such things?

All of Voddies blog posts are posted on FB because Voddie has a FB page. I have loved the recent conversation this post has brought. Much wisdom and questions I believe most would ask. If you have ever wondered where Voddie stands....wonder no more. To give you a heads up, this is a conversation between Voddie and a gentleman who is clearly a christian.& This man "Richard" attempts to challenge Voddie on Public Education.

I was glued to FB while this conversation was going on. IT'S THAT GOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



Here is the conversation that happened on FB after the post posted: (Dare to be challenged)....

Richard:

I'm just finishing up a twelve year stint with Public Indoctrination with my twin boys. Though we are separated, their mother and I have combated and held fast to swarting the bad education that in some instances they have received. Insisting on morals that we have learned through our faith in Christ, the instruction from the Bible studies we all ... See Moreparticipate in, and, not lastly, prayer. The public owns public education and not the other way around. Until we have a greater role in school boards and who is hired to teach our children, then we will have to put up with status quo. The remnant is small Voddie. That doesn't help things. People want diversity and some of us have no choice but to put our children into PE.

Voddie:

There's always a choice. Moreover, if you read this month's Continuing Collapse, you'll notice that anyone with an education degree has been thoroughly indoctrinated, and that is growing more true every year. Being on school boards won't change that. Teachers aren't hired (or trained) by school boards anyway (though school boards are important).

There's a more basic issue here, though. The question is what does God say? Anti-Christian government education is not just unwise, it is also biblically indefensible.
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“And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.” (Deut 6:6–7)

“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.” (Psa 1:1–2)

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Rom 12:2)

“We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ” (2 Cor 10:5)

“See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.” (Col 2:8)

Where is there room for Christian parents deciding to send their children to a school that is anti-Christian by federal mandate? Again, the practice is biblically indefensible.

“Let it be remembered, that I do not speak to the wild, giddy, thoughtless world, but to those that fear God. I ask, then, for what end do you send you children to school? “Why, that they may be fit to live in the world.” In which world do you mean, — this or the next? Perhaps you thought of this world only; and had forgot that there is a world to come; yea, and one that will last for ever! Pray take this into your account, and send them to such masters as will keep it always before their eyes. Otherwise, to send them to school (permit me to speak plainly) is little better than sending them to the devil. At all events, then, send your boys, if you have any concern for their souls, not to any of the large public schools, (for they are nurseries of all manner of wickedness,) but private school, kept by some pious man, who endeavours to instruct a small number of children in religion and learning together.”

-John Wesley... See More

“I am as sure as I am of Christ’s reign that a comprehensive and centralized system of national education, separated from religion, as is now commonly proposed, will prove the most appalling enginery for the propagation of anti-Christian and atheistic unbelief, and of anti-social nihilistic ethics, individual, social and political, which this sin-rent world has ever seen.”

-A.A. Hodge (President, Princeton Seminary)

“This whole process of education is to be religious, and not only religious, but Christian…. And as Christianity is the only true religion, and God in Christ the only true God, the only possible means of profitable education is the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”

-Charles Hodge (President, Princeton Seminary)

“Non-Christian education puts the child in a vacuum…. The result is that child dies. Christian education alone really nurtures personality because it alone gives the child air and food…. Modern educational philosophy gruesomely insults our God and our Christ. How, then, do you expect to build anything positively Christian or theistic upon a foundation which is the negation of Christianity and theism?

-Cornelius Van Till (Westminster Seminary)

No academic skepticism, no secularist authors, no blatant materialism can so undermine the spiritual life of the country like the completely secularized training of the child under the authority of the state... Bible-based education is mandatory for Christian parents. If we think we can keep our children in a secular school system and escape the dumbed-down, amoral, and immoral results of secular humanism in schools, we are sorely mistaken (emphasis added, see: http://daveblackonline.com/our.htm)

-David Allen Black (Current professor Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary)

Richard:

We sent our children to a Christian Baptist school for two years where they were persecuted, belittled, and looked down upon because they came from a broken home. Sending your children to a Christian school does not automatically put them in with Christian students or even teachers.

I am proud of how my sons have stood up for their beliefs and have been witnesses to those students and teachers in the public school they attended. Though they were looked down upon also by the non-believers there, there witness to our Lord Christ was pertinent enough that they stood out among the crowd and became stronger Christian from the experience. Now I know there are schools in this country that are more humanistic in their teaching then the one they attended. And that is why we moved to a smaller city were that wasn't the case. So we did have a choice, somewhat.

One of the proudest days of my life was when my son came home and told me he had confronted the Principle and the authorities of the school to promote a day of silence for the murdered children of abortion. He stood firm and was able to promote it on a limited basis. There is not one perfect test score or sport achievement that would have ever made me prouder then that moment. There are other instances that stand out where they took a stand for what they believe. ... See More

Christian education starts and ends in our homes. If you can afford or are able to send your children to good Christian schools, or home school them, that is wonderful. But the changing of our public education system has got to start somewhere. It took a long time get where it is at right now and I don't think it'll be changed overnight.

Christ didn't go to the Temple or Synagogues to find His disciples and He did not tell us to preach the word only in confides of our churches. PE is not for the weak in Faith, and by no means have my children or myself arrived, we have made mistakes, but we persevere. We recognize our mission field is right in front of us, as we step out of our doors every day.

As far as the TCC blog goes, I had a hard time reading it. Mainly because it wasn't well written and the font and background colors were straining to my eyes (yellow on brown). I prefer all the Scripture and some of the quotes you sited though. Thank you for addressing my post.

Sandra:

You're right, Richard.Christian education does start and end in our homes. There is no room for government indoctrination.
Jesus didn't choose children for his disciples, either.It's great that your children will take a stand against abortion but that doesn't mean that they have a full orbed Biblical worldview and are ready to handle all antichristian teaching they receive.
The change that needs to be made of the public schools is to close them down. The foundation is bad. God says the fear of the Lord is the BEGINNIG of knowledge and wisdom. Anything else is built on sand.
God also says, he who walks with the wise grows wise, but the companion of fools suffers harm. And, foolishness is bound in the heart of the child. Most parents are wiser than children.
I know it can be hard to take charge of your kids education, but our family found out by experience that when we make the commitment, God will provide. Sometimes in very unexpected ways. Our faith has been strengthened and we now have stories of God's faithfulness to tell our grandkids that we never would have had if we had chosen the easy route. ... See More
It sounds like it's too late for your kids but you can encourage them to homeschool their kids. God is gracious and can teach them so much while they teach their kids.

Richard:

Sandra, You don't know my children and I take offence that you think it's too late for them. But I give them more credit then you will and forgive you for that.
I mentioned only one instance where they stood up for there Faith and have dozens of others that I could share. Having the full armour of God and going out into the real world with it are ... See Moretwo completely different things. My children are warriors for Christ and are prepared and have battle tested there armour. I hope and pray your children will be ready when it's there time.

Voddie:

I am so sorry your children had such a bad experience. Believe it or not, our children had a similar experience at a Christian (Baptist) school. In fact, that experience is what God used to push us over the edge. However, our alternative had to be guided by Scripture, not convenience or cultural norms.

What I wonder is why a bad experience in Christian school justifies government education, but a completely corrupt government education system where children have to fight every day to hold on to their faith doesn't bring the same response in the other direction. That is more than ironic. A Christian school where your children have to stand up equals a bad decision that cannot be borne, but a government school where they have to stand up against godlessness and corruption (by those in authority over them with the responsibility of shaping their worldview) brings the proudest moment of your life? That does not compute.

Additionally, the problem with our government school system didn't "develop" over time. The system was founded by the enemies of Christianity for the express purpose of "eliminating religious superstition" (see Shortt, "The Harsh Truth About Public Schools," and Rushdooney, "The Messianic Character of American Education). Thus, the quotes I printed earlier from men who were there when the system started and knew exactly what it would produce over time (and it did).... See More

Anyone can find a "success story" of a kid who supposedly turned out alright (a completely subjective assessment), but that does not change the Scriptural mandate. Nor does it change the fact that the norm (not the exception) in government education is compromised spiritual lives. Thank God your kids emerged relatively unharmed. However, they are the exception, not the rule. Moreover, if they have a biblical worldview (less than 10% of professing Christians do, and the clearest indicator is where they are educated... see http://www.nehemiahinstitute.com/peers.php), it is in spite of, not because of their government education

Richard:

Thank you Voddie for your concern. Home schooling was not an option and though many of the public schools in larger cities mainly are very humanistic in there world view we were blessed to have been in a community (22K) that that kind of indoctrination was minimal and not tolerated by a large group of families and teachers.We were also blessed to know that many of the teachers were involved with the Christian Church. Believe me prayer and Godly advice blanketed us in our final decision to put our children into the public education system. It was not out of convenience or cultural norm that we made that decision. I know that may be hard for some to understand.

I grew up in a large city of 600K+ and though was indoctrinated by that educational system towards humanism, I later in life was saved by Grace and from eternal punishment by accepting Christ as my Lord and Savior. I knew exactly what my children would be up against. so we talked, ate our meals together, spent time discussing what they were being taught, and brought the Bible out when we needed clarification on what they were being told that contradicted the Bible and what we had taught them. My x's and my life outside of work was dedicated to our children not to the other indoctrination that plagues most homes, The idiot box, TV.

Now quite honestly, we all don't live in a world where we are surrounded by Christians on a day to day basis. We live, work and even go to churches were true believers are not the norm. Come on, you know how small the remnant actually is. I've been listening to your sermons and track along with most of what you say, the remnant is small, few are those who actually enter the gate and stay on the path. So no matter where our children go to school it is our responsibility to show them that in the world they will encounter many things that would lead them astray. I would rather they find out about that sooner then later, of course without jeopardizing there innocence. Also the PE system does not have authority over my children never did and never will, or as long as it doesn't jive with God's ultimate authority, that is the Bible, Gods revelation to us. ... See More

More over my children did not just "turn out alright" and like I said before, haven't arrived yet, there experience is part of there testimony of the working of the Holy Spirit in there lives as Christians. They and I give Him all the credit and if I am proud, it is of that alone. I don't know what the future holds in store for my boys, but if Christ is there guiding light then I am sure it will be for His good.

Someone said to me once that God does not want us to necessarily wait for doors to open up for us before we go through them, sometimes we have to crash through the roof in order to get His blessings. See Luke 5:19.

Voddie:

None of that addresses the clear biblical mandate. And no matter how small your town or your school is, that kind of indoctrination happens (and drugs, and student/teacher sex, and student/student sex, and cheating, and Gramscian marxism, and Darwinian evolution, and statism, etc.). Just the act of sending a child to government school is indoctrination into a statist mentality (i.e., the State is responsible for the education of it's citizens, education is separate from religion, and the Bible has no bearing on our educational choices). It is impossible to avoid the indoctrination.

Your same argument can be used to justify staying in Mormonism (i.e., our Mormon Stake was not as bad as the ones in Utah, and after all, there are problems everywhere. Besides, my kids turned out pretty good and they give God all the credit for it...). It's the exact same logic. The only difference is our children would spend less time at the Mormon Stake than they do in school, and the teaching would not be as anti-Christian!

As to your statement about the PE system not having authority over your children, I wish it were true. They have your children for 14,000 hours (k-12). They decide which school they attend, how your teachers are trained and certified, which textbooks you study, what philosophy of education you follow, what the dress code is, etc. That is the very definition of authority!... See More

I believe Adolph Hitler said it best (addressing this very issue)

“When an opponent declares, “I will not come over to your side,” I calmly say, “Your child belongs to us already… What are you? You will pass on. Your descendants, however, now stand in the new camp. In a short time they will know nothing else but this new community."

I simply cannot rest while our opponents know this and we continue to deny it. It is absolutely heartbreaking. Take a look at the Nehemiah Institute studies (and the extremely well-written Continuing Collapse=). The damage is real, measurable, and unavoidable. Government education is destructive to biblical worldview thinking, and goes against biblical truth.

Sandra:

What I meant by 'it's too late for your children' was that you said, ' I'm just finishing up a twelve year stint with Public Indoctrination with my twin boys.' Therefore, it's too late for them to have any other kind of education.

I'm glad that they can take a stand against others with their full armor on. Children usually arent warriors in any sense. That's hard even for adults. My point was that real, true knowledge can only be found by beginning with God's word.

I'm talking about their actual education, not standing up for their faith. Can they explain what God has to do with mathmatics? Why does 2+2=4? What is the meaning of history? Why do we need to know history? Why is being proficient in language skills especially important for Christians?... See More
What is the purpose of science? What is the most basic type of government? What is the purpose of civil government? I could go on and on.

It sounds like your kids could have done a lot worse. But that doesn't mean that they had the best. Each generation should improve on the last. That's why I said that they should consider homeschooling their children when the time comes. It is the best way for God to teach both parents and children.

Preston:

Mr. Baucham another great discussion! I will just throw in a penny. My thoughts are not worthy of two cents. Our founding fathers, brilliantly flawed men all, were Christians. They could have very easily established Christianity as our national religion. There would have been no resistance. However, they all experienced the effects of Government ... See Morebeing involved in religious matters. Changing government meant changing religions and changing doctrines. They specifically wanted citizens to pursue their worship of God independent of government intervention. THe only reason that many Christians want religious teaching in the public schools is because they believe that Christianity will be taught. If one of the other world religions were being forwarded it is likely that the fervor for school based religious fervor would cool.
The problem sir, is not in our public schools but in our homes. Children(and young people) are not in Sunday school or church on Sunday . Not in Bible study on Monday, Not in prayer meeting on Wednesday, not in Church on Christmas and New Years eve. Religion is not in their everyday lives! So Christians, want to abrogate there personal responsibility and are calling for Caesar to educate their children in the ways of God. This is the duty of the parents and the greater Christian community. In that way children will continue what they have learned and become convinced of, because they know from whom they learned it, and how from infancy they will know the holy scriptures which are able to make them wise for salvation through faith. The scriptures are useful for teaching, REBUKING, CORRECTING and training in righteousness. So that as children of GOD they will be THOROUGHLY equipped for every good work (paraphrasing of 2 Tim3:10-16)
Properly armed children are ready to battle whatever they encounter in the schools. School is for learning the ways of Caesar. Church and home are for learning the ways of GOD!!!

Voddie:

Amen! I couldn't agree more. That's why I would never send a child of mine to the government schools. Nor do I advocate (in agreement with our founding fathers who did not give us mandatory government education) Christian schools (or schools that teach the Christian religion) funded by Caesar. Christian parents are responsible for teaching ... See Moretheir children. I don't want Bible in the government schools taught by State Certified teachers indoctrinated in Gramscian marxism (what a farce).

And you hit the nail on the head when you said, "School is for learning the ways of Caesar." That's my entire point. That's why no Christian should ever send their children to the government school... AMEN!

Voddie:

Sorry, I forgot the biblical support for the aforementioned statement:

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Rom 12:2)

Richard:

Sandra, I apologize, please forgive me. I read into things that may not be there sometimes and my first reaction is to stand up for my children and myself.

Though I graduated from high school and had some college I would have not been able to teach my children the advanced learning opportunities they got in mathematics and the sciences/physics.Though it wasn't perfect I also believe interaction with other children there age was crucial in developing a sound Biblical worldview. I know that sounds peculiar but I have my reasons. I did not want to keep them in a bubble, and that was my choice. Whether that was a good or bad decision does not matter for I know God works all things for His good. My children have both excelled in mathematics and have been able to interact with fellow students that were not. Mentoring other students in there school and being able to share the Gospel, and how God has influenced there lives. It is a mission field in itself. They knew through there Sunday school, Wednesday night services, Friday and Saturday Bible studies that God was in control and saw first hand the humanist indoctrination that was being shown to them. There again they were challenged I had learned how to counter that through other resources and videos and lectures done by The Answers in Genesis ministries, and Henry Morris, John Whitcomb Ministries and others.

I am going to have to turn your question around though to answer it.... See More
My question to them would be what does math, literature, the sciences, history, etc. have to do with God. One answer they were taught is that He is the Creator of all things. So He is the author of all knowledge. All that he has revealed to us is for the purpose of glorifying Him. Not only does He reveal Himself through His Word but through His Creation.

It is my hope and prayer that they find Godly wives and that they would be able to pass on what they have learned and then some to there children. Please pray for them that they have favor in that with God. I am also doing the same for you and your family. Praise God for He is Good

Voddie:

Richard,
You wrote, "Whether that was a good or bad decision does not matter for I know God works all things for His good." I must say, brother, that that statement speaks volumes. First, it is a blatant misuse of Scripture. Paul was not arguing in Romans 8 for antinomianism. Our decisions do matter! We are held accountable for obedience:

“And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.” (1 John 2:3-6)
... See More
“No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him, and he cannot keep on sinning because he has been born of God. By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother.” (1 John 3:8-10)

This is a far cry from, "whether that was a good or bad decision does not matter..." Moreover, as you have commented, biblical defense of your position has been sorely lacking. There is post after post with verse after verse, and the only answers have been a "the ends justify the means" reference to math skills, mentoring, and standing up to teachers.

We must learn to think and reason biblically. Even if you made the most of your children being in government schools, you cannot argue that their experience justifies ignoring the biblical mandate. Moreover (as I noted in my Mormonism analogy) you cannot argue that their survival equals God's approval. This goes to the heart of the biblical worldview question

Sandra:

Thanks for understanding, and for your prayes!!! We all need to be praying for one another.

I still disagree with you on some things, but we both know that God is very merciful and full of grace. It sounds like He has been very gracious to your family.

I started out sending my older child to public school and I had a career.I had to finally ask myself questions such as: Why did God give me kids? How do I know how I should raise them and who they should be with all day? How can I be the best steward of the children God gave me? From whom will they pick up their appetites and values? What is the purpose of education? Does the method matter? Is being with their peers for long periods of time good? Is being away from other children most of the time really bad? How do I find the answers? Am I qualified to raise them, much less teach them?... See More

I found out that God had all the answers and my opinions didn't matter. I didn't have a college eduction, either. We learned that if the kids needed to learn it, God would provide what or who we needed to teach it. One of the best things was my husband and I were learning right along with them.

AIG is terrific ministry! We've used their stuff for years. We also like Vision Forum, Voddie Baucham (of course!), American Vision, Summit Ministries, Worldview Academy, Chalcedon Ministries among others. The Nehemiah Institute has a worldview test that may help to see if there are any worldview gaps. We also have a worldview test from Vision Forum's conference series From Script to Cinema.

For His Glory!

Richard:

I may have made a bad choice of words and may have insinuated the argument for antinomianism, which I do not agree with at all. Yes, there are consequences for sin known and unknown. But accusing me of sin for sending my children to a public school is pharisaic. I did not ignore the biblical mandate you are accusing me of, they were and continue to be raised with a Biblical Worldview in mind.

Sandra, You are very welcome, I think we can agree to disagree on some things.
Your story is very encouraging and your stand to pull your children out of public school was courageous and the right decision for you. I can hear the echo of a deep breath being taken by your husband and yourself from that time. I applaud you for that.
Because we are ... See Morea broken family our course led us on a different path. We both became Christians after our separation. As we worked on that we struggled with the education of our children. We still believe it is Christ centered though, and that is the part of the discussion that I believe is being debated here. I don't believe in chance or accidents but there are consequences for our actions. I pray and ask for forgiveness of sins known and unknown.

Voddie:

Richard,
You wrote, "accusing me of sin for sending my children to a public school is pharisaic." I'm having a hard time locating that in my earlier comments ;-)

Richard:

Then please clarify your purpose of quoting 1John 2:3-6 and 1John 3:8-10 if you weren't implying that my sending my children to a public school was a sin against God. And if not, what sin are you implying that I have committed and continue to do so against God? These verses concern those who knowingly sin and continue to do so.

Voddie:

Richard,
That was a direct reference to the "seemingly antinomian" remark. That kind of approach to education (or any other issue) would be sinful. As a rule, I don't argue that 'every' person who places their child in a government school is necessarily sinning. I have met a number of people who literally have no choice (i.e., a divorce decree, a CPS injunction, etc.), so I never assume.

Richard:

Thank you Voddie, I see that now. I was just a little slow on picking that up.

Words Move Me

There are many things that are on my mind right now that I want to write about but on the one hand I have not had the time, and on the other hand it is not all clear. So for now I just want to encourage you to be blessed by others writings.  Make sure you check out the great post by Lawn Gospel.  He writes so well and really drives the point home!  Convicting and so timely.

http://lawngospel.wordpress.com/2010/01/25/amazingly-needed-omnipotent-grace/

Feeding the Homeless 101

Last Sunday on the way to church the girls noticed a homeless guy standing on the corner as we came to a stop.  One of the girls asked why he was there.  It lead to a great conversation and a trip to Costco.  For the next few weeks we will be making these at craft time and stocking them in our car.   So next time when we come across  someone in need we will be better prepared. 

Something Heavenly

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06AgY5Xoavw

I don't think I could choose a better song to some up my life in the past year.  This song has brought me peace and helped me surrender.

My Heart skipped a beat today and I am so encouraged!

I have never seen compassion in my Daughter like I did today. PRAISE JESUS!!! We have two adopted daughters if you did not already know that. One of our daughters came home from Russia at the age of 15 months. At the time we had no clue what was ahead of us and I won't get into that now but I will say it has been a challenging road. We praise God for the challenge and welcome the wisdom and growth it brings to my husband and my life. It has caused us to go deeper with the Lord and really take a look at our own lives.

Through the wisdom of some friends who had gone before us in adoption, it was brought to our attention that our daughter may be dealing with some attachment issues. After the many many hours of reading and talking with wise counsel in regards to attachment issues it all seem to fit. Even though we knew we had a journey ahead of us, somehow we felt relief with the fact that we were not CrAzY (although some would debate that) and we now could make some sense of it all. Honestly for a while I really felt like I would be better jumping off a cliff cause this adoption was NOT what I expected. Feed the child, clothe the child, love the child and we were all good, Right? WRONG!!!!

Anyway without going into the whole story (I will later when I have the time) I just have to share a HUGE blessing that happen today, one that I have never seen in my daughter.

When learning about attachment I came to realize that our daughter had gone into survival mode. She was making sure that she took care of her needs and was not relying on mommy or daddy to meet her needs. It is hard for her to trust us with her discipline, and for her to be able to see beyond the end of her nose is such a struggle because she is so consumed with making sure #1 is taking care of. Sharing with others is an issue too (which I know it is with most kids, but the root issue in why she is not sharing is different). It is very hard for her to be mindful of others around her, and not knowing how to deal when others get hurt is also an issue among others that we are working through.

Wellllll today she made a bad choice in not trusting mommy to take care of her baby sister. She decided it was her responsibility to handle the situation. In doing so she hurt her baby sissy. After having a talk with her and helping her realize what she had done I thought it was settled but two seconds later after we had parted she began to sob. I asked her what was wrong and she said she was really scared because she thought she had really hurt her baby sister. She was truly broken at the thought she may have hurt her. I have not seen this type of genuine softness in her.


P R A I S E J E S U S!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

God you are so good. You have encouraged my heart and you knew I needed that today! I just can't even begin to tell you what that has done for my heart today!

I am so proud of you Girl and blessed to be called Mom!!!

Boxing gloves, sassy mouths and education

For A while now friends and family have been encouraging me to get a blog. Even though I saw the benefit of a blog I just could not get myself to commit. As tempting as it was to have a place where I could share my thoughts, feelings and convictions I feared that some would leave dishonoring comments and then I would have to get my boxing gloves out and my very sassy mouth and the end result would be Jeni haters due to my flesh. As I thought about it more and became passionate about sharing MY convictions I realized that no matter what I stand for, there are always going to be those who disagree with me (that's okay),  and many who won't even want to consider what I am suggesting.

The reason I named my blog Ruffled Feathers......I've been told that I have no problem with speaking truth (or my opinion) and so therefore I've been know to ruffle a few feathers out there. Although I am trying hard to learn how to speak the truth in love, I am also learning when it is appropriate to speak up or shut up.  It's hard though, because when you are passionate about God's word and changes start to take place in your life you want to share those changes but what I have come to realize is often those changes make others feel uncomfortable.  My convictions are personal and I refuse to debate over them  however, I do encourage and invite anyone who wants to challenge my thoughts with SCRIPTURE. I understand we all have our opinions as do I, but if it is not rooted from the word of God then you can get your own site and blog about it and I say that out of love :).

As far as the boxing gloves and very sassy mouth goes I have decided that I am going to practice self control and try very hard to keep those boxing gloves for my boxing bag and my very sassy mouth/tongue bridled. If you choose to leave dishonoring comment I promise to pray over it and consider my heart and your heart.

So there I mentioned one reason why I never wanted to blog, there is a second reason I feared blogging. Here is me being transparent. I am educationally challenged. I was going to use the word dumb but my husband said it sounded better to say "educationally challenged". Now please I am not saying this to get any sympathy and really, you don't have to make a comment to make me feel better (but if you want too, well I am not stopping you LOL).  I take all responsibility for this area in my life, it was my choice.  My family and very close friends know that in my past I never had the desire to learn. Cliff notes and the person sitting next to me in class were my best friends. I am proof that educationally challenged people can get through the system. It amazes me still that I graduated hi-school. I am not so sure though who the dumb one is, the one who graduated me or me???

Last year God began to move me in big ways. I began to have desires to learn, convictions to home-school my kids and to go off birth control, SAY WHAT! Go off birth control??? I know crazy huh, or is it? I will  save that one for another post. But like I said God has given me a deep desire to learn and He has convicted me to home educate (seriously I can see it now.... "Ok kids 9+9=15... and that's right girls, George Washington was the one who founded America"). This should be interesting to say the least. I am fully aware of my short comings, but I also know that God finds strength in my weakness soooooooo in wanting to be obedient to where God is leading I must edjamacate my kids.

There are also other changes taking place in my life and areas where God is challenging me, which I plan to share as well in due time.  I will try not to get in the way of what God is doing on this blog so forgive me please if at times my flesh comes out from time to time! It is my desire to be his vessel, willing to share His story in hopes that He would encourage others.

So now that you have been given the full disclaimer I guess it is time to start ruffling feathers.......(in love of course)



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H O M E S C H O O L

I would like to start off by getting something off my chest. It has come to my attention that there are some who believe that it was my CHOICE and my DESIRE to home-school. Yes I do believe we all have the capability and free will to choose, but I try to choose obedience over my will (try being the key word here). And just for the record, I DID NOT CHOOSE HOMESCHOOLING, AND IT WAS NOT MY DESIRE TO HOME-SCHOOL! Whew, now that I have that off my chest I can go on. OK, so let me expound on that a bit if you don't mind. I believe God in His sovereign plan for our family choose Home Education for OUR family and His Word convicted me of that. I also believe there are times when we as Christians (of course speaking from experience) confuse convictions with desires or visaversa (sp?). We wait until we have the desire before we make a decision. Does God give us desires, yes, but sometimes obedience is required before the desire. If you are a parent you should understand this. Our young children don't start off desiring to honor and obey us but obedience is required. After a while you can only hope and pray that the desire to honor and obey comes.

As a Christ follower it is my desire to honor and obey where He commands and convicts me. Sometimes I do it with a good and willing attitude and other times I go kicking a screaming like a two year old. Nevertheless I do fear God and I will try my best to obey even if it is something I am not desiring.

When my husband and I were contemplating homeschooling we thought of all the reasons why it might not be a good fit for us. I have compiled a list of 10 questions most of us have had when thinking about home education or at least you have thought of when you see a family who home-schools. I too have added my answers to the questions in hope of shedding some light. I do not claim that this is the end all to the many questions and concerns swirling around in our heads about home-school but hopefully I have at least hit the tip of the iceberg. I also want to state that these are answers I have personally come up with of course with the help of great teachers and the Word of God. They have helped ME to take the step I needed to take in obedience. Other home educators please chime in as well and share your questions and answers that you may have battled with or come across.  I also want to mention as well to the ones who read this and really don't think you have been called to home school...I do not think (not that it matters what I think) you are a sinner for not home schooling your children unless of course God has called you to home school and you are ignoring the calling,  I also do not claim that there is a biblical mandate to home school your children.  I do however believe there it is a biblical mandate to give your children a christian education. Now, as far as those questions/ doubts go...


1. "I don't know if I could ever home-school"


This is simple, YOU CAN'T. Hello, did you read the part about me being educationally challenged. I wasn't making that stuff up people. Now I do believe there are some that are definitely more capable of home-schooling than others but in my case, actually in all cases I believe the Lord equips where he leads. I am completely leaning on that and the fact that "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me". Phil. 4:13

2. "I don't have the patience to home-school"

OK, once again if you know me then you'll know my middle name should be impatient (actually I would much prefer that middle name then the one I have, sorry mom). I know it is not easy being a patient parent let alone being the parent and school teacher. I do believe though it is God's plan that we would become more patient and not to use "lack of patience" as an excuse to not home-school. As most of you know it just so happens to be one of the fruits mentioned in the bible. "The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience..." Gal. 5:22 and not to mention "Love is patient..." 1 Cor. 13:4

3. "My kids or kid does not learn well when I am the one teaching"

So am I hearing you clearly here? Are you saying that God made a mistake? Prov. 22:6 says that it is the parents who are suppose to train (pretty sure that means teach) up a child in the way he should go... Ask yourself a question..... To whom has been given the responsibility of raising and instructing our children? Moses says in Deut. 6:5-7 "And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. And these words, which I command you this day, shall be in your heart: And you shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise up."
I believe (and I know that some will interpret this scripture differently)  that this passage says that we as parents must teach at ALL TIMES and EVERYWHERE. Sitting in your house, traveling from one place to another, before bed time and when you wake up. Also in order to teach them to "Love the Lord with all your heart..." you must make the word of God the subject of all of your conversations (e.g. sharing, toys, food, math, science, history etc.). It is OUR hope and prayer as parents for our children to love the Lord with all their heart and we (Neal and I) can't expect someone else to take that burden for us, therefore I believe we must teach them diligently, all day and in every circumstance. So if your child does not learn well from you I don't think that would be an excuse to not home-school, but I would challenge you to find out what the root issue is to that.

4. "I don't really have the desire to home-school my kids"

Well I think I already covered that earlier but to recap... I try not to lean on my desires a lot of the times because I know I am thinking of number one- me. Gal. 5:17 says "For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the spirit and the spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, SO that you do not do what YOU want". Slowly as I see the benefits and blessings to homeschooling I start to feel a change in my hearts desire. I think of all the many sweet conversations, the great questions that have come during a lesson and opportunities I have already had that I may have missed if they were off at school. I feel privileged that it was me that got to experience those moments. Ohhh but I will tell you that all it takes is one bad day and I am back to desiring just the opposite of what Christ has already called me to do. So my advice is to not lean on your own desires.

5. "What about socialization ?"

Seriously do I have to answer this!!!!????? If it is important to you to socialize your kids then you will do it! You will make it happen. But for those who still question this then let me give you a few examples. Church, play groups, have people over for dinner often or go to their house, serve in your community with your kids, serve your neighbors, literally. My kids and I for the new year are going get to know the neighbors we don't already know and see how we may serve them. When you go to the mall or store to buy something have your kids deal with the clerk as you coach them. Trust me, your kids will learn social skills much better from you than being in a classroom that is filled with just their age group who are not as skilled.

6&7. "I don't know if I could be around my kid/kids that much" & "I would miss the break that I would have while they are at school"

 OK, so lets start with "I would miss the break that I would have while they are at school". A lot of the stuff we value the most are the things we don't receive often. That is how I view breaks. I believe we all need them and I know the Lord knows we need them. "He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters. He restore my soul... Psalm 23:2-3
I rest in the fact that God knows my needs. He knows when I truly need a break and when He does bless me with that much needed break it has so much value and I have so much gratitude.

8. "It is a bit intimidating being responsible for their education"

I feel it is more intimidating just trying to keep them alive especially when you have toddlers who can't swim and like to jump in pools or climb things, high things. I truly believe where God leads, He provides. Also there are sooooooo many great resources out there and others who have gone before you that are a huge help!

9. "Don't you need some kind of training to home-school ?"

Nope! Prayer and all those great resources will do.

10. "I am not that organized"

Well if you ever wanted to be organized this is a sure way to learn. And again HAVE YOU MET ME??? This is one of the many things I am lacking in and it drives my hubby NUTS! It's a good thing my husband has the gift of organization. But again, not an excuse to not home-school.  Just like the patience issue, I believe it would be Gods desire that we would become more organized. It is being a good steward of your time and things.


So do we have some ruffled feathers out there yet?? I pray you all receive this in love and seriously give some thought to what I feel God has impressed upon my heart. I do realize the list of reasons could go on and on why home education may not be a good fit for your family. Those are things to pray over and seek counsel on. These questions, like I said, are just some of the questions or statements that I have come across or have personally wrestled with. As I mentioned earlier in my post, homeschooling was not an easy decision for me and it did not start with a desire. I do realize this road will be very challenging for me but if it means what is best for my family then I welcome the challenge.