TOS Devotional e-Newsletter, October 2006
In This Issue
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From the Editor
I was reading Psalm 84 yesterday after having had one of those tough days. Whenever I get to my wits' end, I open my Bible. I should open it sooner so that I would be able to actually keep my wits about me! I may be a slow learner, but I always learn amazing things when I study the truth of God's Word. Here is what I gleaned from my look at this Psalm:
My soul should long to spend time or dwell with the living God. I should spend more time on my knees rather than voicing my complaints to my children or husband. I need to be searching for God as searching for one I love, longing to be with Him (from verses 1-2).
Even the sparrow finds a dwelling in the presence of God. Instead of merely visiting God's presence once in a while, I need to make His presence my dwelling. And like the swallow with her young, I am to "build my nest" near the altar of God. I need to be building my homeschool and my home and raising my children near the altar so that they too will know their God and will make Him their dwelling (from verse 3-4).
I would be blessed and happy if I would just stay at the altar. I would be continually praising God rather than being continually frustrated, or continually burdened, or continually fearful. When my strength is found in God, I am blessed. When relying on my own strength, I am anything but blessed (from verses 5 -7).
My dry valleys will be filled with springs of water as I am increasing in God's strength. If I do not make God my dwelling place, my dry valleys will remain dry and I will remain weak. Staying near Him during the dry, tough times will produce the water needed for this thirsty soul (from verses 6 - 7).
God hears, shields, and looks upon me! When I am away from His dwelling place, I may not see Him looking at me, I may not realize His protection, and I may not hear Him. If I stay close, I will have ears to hear and eyes to see (from verses 8 and 9).
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Psalm 84:1
How amiable are thy tabernacles, O LORD of hosts! 2 My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God. 3 Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even thine altars, O LORD of hosts, my King, and my God. 4 Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Selah. 5 Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them. 6 Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools. 7 They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God.
8 O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer: give ear, O God of Jacob. Selah. 9 Behold, O God our shield, and look upon the face of thine anointed. 10 For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. 11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. 12 O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee. |
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Better is one day with God than a thousand elsewhere. Why do I spend so much time elsewhere? I should rather desire to usher others into His courts than to continue to live like the world. Rather than dwelling in the ways of the world, and maybe sticking one foot in God's dwelling occasionally, I need to stay where He dwells and usher others into His dwelling place, especially my own children. As a doorkeeper, I need to be showing my children the way out of the world and the way to God by staying close to His altar (from verse 10).
God is my light and my shield from harm--truly what is needed in this dark, unsafe world. I need to represent God by being a light to my children and by shielding them from harm just like my Father. The Lord gives His grace and glory for the journey. Grace and glory are needed to stay out of the world and in God's presence. The Lord does not withhold anything good from the upright. This is a beautiful promise--one that should cause us to have a humble, contrite heart (from verse 11).
Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord. Where am I putting my trust? In my curriculum? In my schedule? In my own mothering abilities? In my own knowledge? If not in the Lord, I will never be happy or blessed (from verses 11-12).
Quite a lot of good meat from those 12 short verses--something to chew on for a while!
Let's purpose to keep our "nests" near the altar of God and usher our children into His presence. That is eternal homeschooling, and that is where we will be blessed.
Editor's Journal (a random page from my journal over the years)
What I Have Learned From My Teacher
Where has the year gone? I realize more fully as time goes by that our time here on earth is but a breath. We are closer to eternity than ever. Have I spent this last year wisely? Have I served others instead of myself? Have I been the face and flesh of Jesus to my husband and children? Have I taught my children the way in which they should go? Have I learned from my Teacher? I must say that the answer to all of these questions is a definite "Sometimes." I wish it were a resounding "Yes!" David said in the Psalms that one day in God's courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. Why is it we spend that thousand elsewhere when we know that even one day in His courts is better? We are frail flesh, but we have a God who suffers long with us and bids us come even now. And when we come, we need to bring our children with us.
What I Have Learned From My Children
My 10-year-old was having a very bad day, and I eventually sent him to bed to search his heart. When I went in to check with him to see why he thought he was having such a hard time, he said, "Mom, I think it's because we didn't have prayer time." I also explained to him that if he lacks self-control, he needs to stop and put himself under God's control. We could have done this sooner during prayer time, but I thought something else was more urgent than prayer this particular day. How foolish I am to lean on my own understanding! But it's never, never too late to start over in prayer.
My 8-year-old keeps two coupons with him. One is a free hug coupon which is so tattered it's held together more with tape than with paper. The other is one he wrote himself which is a prayer coupon. When he hands it to me, it is for one free prayer any time. I always oblige him, and I believe the two coupons are really alike. One is a hug for and from a human, and the other is a hug for and from God. May I hug both more often.
My Prayer
"Lord, give me wisdom in how to spend the time You give me. Lead me to Your courts. I want to see You more; I want to hear Your voice more often. I want to come and bring my children with me in a more regular fashion."
Deborah Wuehler is the Devotional e-Newsletter editor and Devotional editor for The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine. She lives in Roseville, California, with her husband, Richard, and their seven gifts from heaven, whom they have homeschooled from birth. E-mail Deborah
From Our Readers
A new devotion sent in by you, our readers, will be highlighted here each month.
Going Fishin'
From Stephanie Scarborough, Jacksonville, Florida
Admittedly my idea of fishing is lying on the seat of the boat taking intermittent naps and reading a few chapters from one of the current 11 books I'm reading. This while my precious husband, Mark, sits on the front of the boat steering with a foot-controlled trolling motor, constantly casting then reeling and periodically changing out his lure. While it might seem that he is doing all the work (and really he is), I do occasionally point out a "cute spot" where the large-mouth bass are lurking. Funny thing is I actually am a pretty good "guide," but mostly I'm just quiet company and a cheerleader when he catches a fish.
The parallels between fishing trips and life are abundant. First, Mark has prepared for the trip and has everything under control. Though my presence isn't absolutely necessary, he loves me and wants me to join in the journey with him. Similarly, God has everything under control. Even when things don't go as we think they should, He quietly steers the boat while focusing on the job at hand. He brought everything for the trip. We do have to be ready to do what we are asked, and sometimes we feel unable. An example is backing up the trailer to load the boat. Sounds easy--well, it's NOT. If you're trying to back up the trailer to the left, the natural tendency is to turn left. But actually you should turn right. You can't go with what you naturally do because it's the opposite of what you should do. This goes for backing up trailers and driving our lives. Often, I open all the windows so Mark can yell directions to me, and I keep my eyes on him since he knows what he is doing. Perhaps we should keep our eyes and ears on God so we too don't crash.
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I love books about as much as Mark loves fishing. One of my favorite things to do is read, and books that aren't read are of little use (although I do like my shelves to be full just in case I get a windfall of free time). God's Word needs to be read to be useful. Fishing, reading and life are participatory sports.
I really love being with Mark, my precious husband of 21 years. I just sit and watch him and enjoy being out in nature. Sometimes we engage in silly joking, and other times we have deep conversations. The point is I just want to be with him. Moreover, he loves me and enjoys having me there as he does what he loves. God loves us and wants us to engage in His business at all levels. We should love basking in His presence.
Now for the non-example: Mark might need a guide, as he doesn't always readily identify "cute fishing spots." Actually, Mark does fine without me, but he makes me feel important and like I'm on the team. There are times when Mark wisely doesn't go to the spot I suggest because he knows the water is too shallow or the Florida sun will bake us. It is so important that we remember God doesn't need a guide. He knows what is around the next corner so we'd better let Him navigate.
Regardless of my involvement in the trip, Mark is the one catching the fish. I am the cheerleader! I share in his joy and triumph. Similarly, God is the one who leads lost people to Himself. Graciously, I get to share in the trip and see His work.
Lastly, we are not responsible for the trip. He allows us to rest when we need it and participate when we are able and it's appropriate. Fortunately, He has it all under control.
Want to see your devotion highlighted here?
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Do You Ask God?
By Kim Wolf, TOS Ohio Coordinator and Product Reviewer
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"You want something but don't get it…You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures." James 4:2,3
"Boy, I sure do wish I could get that new science book for next year - if only we had the money" . . . "Oh, if only my girls will marry a godly man . . ." "Wouldn't it be great if only . . . if only . . . if only . . ."
I have come to the realization--after being a Christian for "only" 21 years!--that I am settling. I am settling for the mediocre, the mundane, and the "good enough." I've had it with settling!
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Now, don't get me wrong; I am NOT a "name it, claim it" person. If the Lord's will is no, then no it is. But it has come to my attention that I've been praying for and believing in answers to prayer for everyone else but not for myself and my home. Isn't that craziness? Why is it that I seem to think that my prayers are for everyone else in my life but me and mine? I know . . . crazy.
And the really nutty thing is, I've SEEN God answer my prayers over and over and over again in the 21 years of my walk with Him. When my husband was laid off for seven months and we couldn't afford new curriculum, I was asked to review products and--lo and behold, wouldn't you just know it--EVERYTHING I was asked to review "just happened" to be items that we needed for our school year! Huh. Did I ask? Yes. Did I receive? "The grace of our Lord was poured out on me ABUNDANTLY, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus." (1 Tim. 1:4) Like you, I've prayed for people and seen them experience healing or accept Jesus as their Savior. I've seen my girls accomplish wonderful things. Huh. Did I ask? Yes. Did I receive? Abundantly!
But there are other times when I knowingly don't ask. What's wrong with me? I KNOW that the Lord wants me to ask, so why don't I? Now, I'm not saying that I don't believe that the Lord will answer my prayers. I know that He does answer. It just seems that I pray for the "bigger things" for others and not for myself or my family. I used to--what happened? I'm SO sorry, Lord! "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" (Mark 9:24)
As I said, I'm not a "name it, claim it" person, but what have I missed by not asking? I certainly know that if I pray for something that's not in the Lord's will or is for selfish use, the Lord will graciously say no. I welcome that. But what have I missed? I'm willing to find out. I'm willing to once again be the prayer warrior that I used to be! I'm willing to ask and watch EXPECTANTLY for His loving answer--even if it's no. I'm willing to watch my family once again blossom under His umbrella of blessing.
Won't you join me?
Kim Wolf has been married to her best friend, Ty, since 1984 and has homeschooled their daughters since 1992. She has been the Miami County, Ohio, homeschool coordinator since 1997 and is a contributing writer/product reviewer/Ohio coordinator for The Old Schoolhouse Magazine as well as a freelance writer and speaker. You may contact her at wolfhomeschool@erinet.com and read her blogs at http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Buckeyeblog and http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/OHIO
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This Month's Contests!
Ignite the Fire! Freedom Is Real Education by Terri Camp - Great resource for any homeschooler. Read our product review below and enter for your chance to win this incredible book.
Secrets of Successful Homeschooling by Paul and Gena Suarez - New to homeschooling? This book contains chapters from authors and homeschool veterans who have been there and have great advice to offer. We are giving one copy away this month. Enter now!
TO ENTER: Send an email to Devotions@TheHomeschoolMagazine.com with your name and mailing address for a chance to win one of these gifts. Note: We never use your personal information for anything other than sending out prizes to the winners.
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The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, LLC ("Company") is sponsoring the Ignite the Fire! and Secrets of Successful Homeschooling Contests, running from October 6, 2006 to October 31, 2006. You must be 18 years of age or older and follow all rules to participate. Entering the contest constitutes full and complete acceptance of, and a warranty that the entrant has read, understands and agrees to, all contest terms and conditions, including without limitation all of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, LLC Contest Rules ("Official Rules") at http://www.thehomeschoolmagazine.com/TOS_Extras/Contests.php and The Old Schoolhouse Magazine Writer Guidelines and Terms and Conditions for Submitting Queries, online at www.thehomeschoolmagazine.com/Resources/writersguidlines.php. All Official Rules apply. Entry also constitutes full consent and unlimited permission for Company to print, publish, broadcast and use all intellectual property and personal information submitted as part of the Contest entry on the Internet and in any and all Company publications in accordance with the Rules. Entries become the sole property of Company and will not be returned. Employees and independent contractors of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, LLC, Contest sponsors, individuals or entities furnishing Contest prizes and their family members may not participate in this contest. Company reserves the sole, discretionary right to determine contest winners and to cancel, terminate, modify, or suspend the contest or the Rules at any time with or without notice or cause, subject to applicable law. See Official Rules for details.
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Product Review
"Ignite the Fire! Freedom Is Real Education" By Terri Camp
Loyal Publishing
www.ignitethefire.com
www.noblepublishing.com
Terri Camp is the fresh, funny, philosophical voice of homeschooling mothers. I have had a chance to meet her in person, hear her speak, and read her books. I am an unabashed fan of this lively, inspiring mother of eight children.
Ignite the Fire is based on her approach to homeschooling, called The FIRE Philosophy--Freedom Is Real Education. She wants her children to catch the fire for learning, as voiced by William Butler Yeats, who said, "Education is not the filling of a bucket but the lighting of a fire." She helps us articulate our vision for home education: that we ignite the fires in our children so they will learn and also enjoy and retain that learning. The next part of her book is dedicated to SPARKS--Sparks Promote an Attitude that Releases Kinetic Studies. She defines a SPARK as a plan, idea, or project that promotes in your children a desire to study! What follows is a treasure trove of ideas, projects, and processes using household items to make learning fun and meaningful for your children. She shares her approach to literature and specifically highlights a few books that have been special to her family. Whatever your approach or method, this book can help to put some "spark" back into your program.
Product review by Christine Field, Lead Product Reviewer, The Old Schoolhouse Magazine
Here's another review for "Ignite the Fire!"
Ignite the Fire--what a curious name for a book about homeschooling, or is it? As the author, Terri Camp, states, "fire" in the Bible always speaks of purification. New life springs forth from old growth. Fire is a necessary component of fertilization. It is one of God's methods for bringing about renewal; therefore, we need to be especially aware of the fire element in our homeschooling choices. For most of us, homeschooling is not merely an educational choice; rather, we want it to have far greater implications than that. It is, in the purer sense, a spiritual choice. It is spiritual warfare.
Ignite the Fire is more than a book with ideas to generate educational fertility. It is a philosophy of teaching that overrides and engulfs all other philosophies and styles. Mrs. Camp is speaking to the sacrifices called forth in us as parents if we are to truly educate our children and equip them to be a part of the body of Christ. Ignite the Fire addresses the issue of fitting into that body as a working, learning, and participating individual to carry out God's plan. Since each member of the body must fulfill his or her God given place, education cannot be a one-size-fits-all deal. Nor can it be left totally to the mind of the child. The parent must be seeking God, praying, and lovingly guiding the child through the process in order to "ignite the fire."
Mrs. Camp quotes Deuteronomy 6:5-9, where God is instructing Israel in their personal walk with Him and their responsibility to pass the "flame" onto their children. I think the Amplified Bible so aptly illustrates this principle: "And these words which I am commanding you this day shall be (first) in your own minds and hearts; (then) you shall whet and sharpen them so as to make them penetrate, and teach and impress them diligently upon the minds and hearts of 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." Mrs. Camp cautions us not to become lazy or weary in educating our children.
If you desire to allow God to purify you so that you can guide your child into not only a burning passion for learning but also a passion for the things of God, Ignite the Fire will give you the spark you need. After reading the book, take the time to really reflect on Mrs. Camp's words and allow God to ignite a fire for Him in you as well. Revival in education and revival in America occurs in one individual at a time. Let's allow it to begin in us and in our children as well!
Product review by Teri Lucas, Staff Writer, The Old Schoolhouse Magazine
Haptoon: Pre-Tribulation or Post-Trib? He is Returning Soon!
Interested in more Haptoons? Email to purchase your own mini book of cartoons here: haptoon@juno.com or visit the website here: http://www21.brinkster.com/haptoon/
Bulletin Board . . .
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There is something for everyone and for all ages, from Preschool Activities in a Bag to Christian Kids Explore Chemistry (grades 5-8) to our Homeschooling the High Schooler ebook. You need to go over to see what is in the store ... Latin and foreign language programs, science texts, writing programs, the new Pilgrim's Progress study by Answers in Genesis, math curricula, and more! Many parents are now beginning to search for the perfect curriculum for their children for the next school year. Let TOS help you find that perfect item in our Schoolhouse Store and save you some money as well. All of our products come with free shipping for US and military addresses with no minimum order! Even if you've visited The Schoolhouse Store before, be sure to visit again. New products are still being added.
The Schoolhouse Store Spotlight
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Testimonials
I just wanted to say thank you for this month's newsletter! I have been feeling very weary and overwhelmed lately, and your devotional really helped me to change my focus back to God. Thanks for all of your hard work! Carrie
Dear Deborah, I'm so thankful for the TOS newsletter. As a new homeschooling mom, I am often faced with the lies of the enemy--that I can't do this, I'm too disorganized, I'm cheating my child, etc. Your letter usually comes at just the right time, full of information and encouragement. It keeps me going, assured that I am up to this amazing calling!!
Thanks a million!! Sandi
Write Us! Email Devotions@TheHomeschoolMagazine.com
Thank you for spending time with us here at The Old Schoolhouse® Devotional e-Newsletter! We pack into every issue as much practical homeschooling help and godly encouragement as we possibly can and send it out once a month via email. As your e-Newsletter Editor, I have listened to your recommendations, and I think we have come up with a pretty good end product here! If there is anything you'd like to see added or changed, or if you have a question about homeschooling-just email us and let us know what we can do for you! Here's the address: devotions@TheHomeschoolMagazine.com. Don't forget to check out our website and magazine. Until next month, happy homeschooling from Deborah Wuehler and all the TOS Staff!
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