Dear All Readers,

We have been talking a lot recently about the purpose of our blog. We have decided to change many things on our blog, including the content, design, post frequency, and even authors. This is all very big, so we have decided to temporarily close 4 Homeschoolers. During this time we plan to begin implementing these changes. We plan to be reopening sometime near the end of the Summer/beginning of Fall, and we will post on our blogs when we open again.

Until then,

Caleb, Allison, Kristen, and Katie

Reminder to say "thank you"

School is nearing completion or is done for most of you I imagine (unless you’re one of the homeschoolers that schools through the summer!). Most of the time when the last tests are done, everyone congratulates the students for finishing another year of school. Perhaps in your family or homeschool group you even celebrate with an end of the year party. You begin to look forward to a relaxing summer, or at least a break from school..... But wait, you forgot something!

Who’s the person who taught you diligently this school year, who sacrificed much of her time to plan lessons, teach, and help you?

Your mother!

Have you given your mother a heartfelt “thank you” for all she has done for you this year? Can I encourage you to take the time to write a card or letter thanking your mom for all that she’s sacrificed for you? As a homeschooler, you would not have finished this year without her! Perhaps you would like to go even further and come up with more creative ways to show your gratefulness for all that she’s done for you. But don’t sit by and not praise and thank her for her diligent efforts!

(If your father has helped you much this year, be sure to do the same for him!)

Competing at State!

Last weekend my brother and I had the opportunity to compete at a state piano competition. Read more about the experience here!

Thomas Paine

I enjoy studying American history. It’s amazing to see God’s hand through the harsh first winter the Pilgrims endured to the miraculous victory of the Revolutionary War. It’s encouraging to discover and study the godly men and women that lived during the birth of our nation, to read about the Great Awakenings, to hear how God blessed our nation as we followed Him. But even though our nation was developed on Christian principles, everyone was not a Christian. Some were influenced by worldly philosophies.

This year in World Views of the Western World, my brother and I listened to a variety of tapes about the American Revolution and the French Revolution. It was interesting to learn about the underlying ideologies and foundations of the contrasting revolutions, as well as the worldviews of the people who influenced or were a part of these radically opposing ideologies.

One person we studied was Thomas Paine. Thomas Paine is generally remembered as the author of Common Sense. As an American who lived in the late 1700s, it was fascinating to learn what he really believed. Paine was the author of Rights of Man. In our tape by Knowledge Products, they conveyed that, “Paine believed the French Revolution was based on the same principles as the American Revolution: natural rights, an implied ‘social contract’, and the right of revolution against oppressive governments. Paine…sees the government as the primary threat to social order. He has little regard for traditional institutions, if those institutions are oppressive and unjust.” This statement already should give you some clear ideas of what Paine believed. To claim the French Revolution was based on the same principles of the American Revolution is ludicrous. The humanistic concepts and ideals of French Revolution are a direct contrast from the biblical principles of the American Revolution. While the French Revolution built their ideas on the prior Enlightenment, the men of the American Revolution formed their beliefs upon the Reformation.

Because we know that Paine claimed the American and French Revolutions to be similar, we can already tell that his understanding of their principles is off, so we can rightfully assume we will find other flaws in his thinking. And thus is true, for Paine asserted that man will always pursue peace, whether there is government or not. This assertion reveals his belief that man is naturally good. Because if he truly believed man was evil, he would understand that there is nothing inside us that would pursue peace on our own. We are selfish. We want what’s best for us. If there was no government, there would be complete chaos as people would do what they considered best and good. Because of his presupposition of the goodness of man, he believed that revolutions were good. In his understanding, social order improves in revolutions when the government is destroyed. Chaos? Not according to Paine! People will be doing good and that leads to a “great” society. Because Paine did not grasp the importance of law or government, he believed that it is also wise to reject the past laws and bindings of the last generations, and instead to come up with new ideas. Forget the older, the wiser, the law—let’s come up with new things for our present generation! This is dangerous, and yet our culture has sadly imitated these same ideals by finding the wisdom in the youth.

I hope you were encouraged and inspired to truly study history from a biblical perspective. It’s so much more interesting that way! :) It’s so important to be able to discern and recognize faulty thinkers, philosophers and anyone else who is influencing others. We must take the ideas from any person to Scripture and make sure they are lining up with what God’s Word teaches.

Is failure bad?

All of us experience failure at times in our lives. It’s not easy. But if God has a plan for each and every circumstance that happens to us, then what does God want to teach us through failure? What do we do when we fail?

As I’ve mentioned before, my brother Luke and I are taking advantage of CLEP testing and testing out of college classes alongside our high school work. I passed my first 6 CLEP tests. My seventh test was College Algebra, a subject I’ve not enjoyed, although my dad believes I’m better at it than I think I am. I studied and attempted the test…and failed. At the time I was more disappointed that I would have to re-study and re-test than the fact that I failed. But the morning before I tested I purposed to praise the Lord whether I passed or failed. Wow, that was tough! To praise the Lord for allowing me to fail and trust that His ways are better than mine, when it seems that finishing quickly and having it done is much better? It’s not something that you naturally want to do—especially on your least favorite subject. So I asked God to give me a good attitude about restudying math and asked that He would show me what He wants to teach me through this. Then I moved on to study for my next test—U.S. History I. I mostly enjoyed studying for that test because I enjoy history, especially U.S. History. I prepared, read, memorized, and went to take the test. Thinking I knew enough to pass, I was shocked when many strange questions came up—things I hadn’t studied or didn’t know well at all. I struggled and prayed a lot throughout the test, asking God to give me the wisdom to pass. After submitting my test, I looked at the score…and sighed. A 49. I needed a 50, and I received a 49. “Lord, not another test to repeat!” I thought. I was prompted again to praise Him, despite my feelings that conflicted. Despite the hardships, failings and troubles that may arise, it’s comforting to know that God knows best and that His ways work together for good for those that love Him (Rom. 8:28). And as I learned from a recent church memory verse we are to rejoice in suffering because suffering produces endurance and endurance character (Rom. 5:3-4). I’m also reminded of the words from the hymn It Is Well with My Soul that tell us “Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, it is well, it is well with my soul!”

In the midst of failure, we need to pray and ask the Lord to reveal to us what He is trying to teach us.
If you’ve failed at something recently, do you feel that God is asking you to:

• Work harder?
  
• Depend more on Him?
  
• Realize that you were too proud in that area?
  
• Humbly recognize that you can’t do things on your own?
  
• Submit your will to Him, trusting that whatever He allows is best?
  
• Persevere and try again?

Brett Harris says: “Failure is never wasted if we learn to do the following: (1) turn to God and become more reliant on Him, (2) learn from our mistakes, and (3) get back up and try again.” Even if you fail, you are not hopeless and the experience does not have to be wasted! Wait on the Lord and seek His face, trusting and looking to see what He will do through your circumstances! :)

"when I fall, I shall rise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord will be a light to me." Micah 7:8

English Lit CLEP study...

Included the following books. My brother Luke and I studied for this test for a few weeks then took it in early February.

To prepare for this CLEP, my brother Luke and I analyzed some English Literature, took the CLEP official test and the AP tests, read Barron's 101 EZ Keys and answered the questions in the REA Analyzing Lit book that pertained to English authors.
We read summaries and children's versions of Shakespeare's plays (looking for plots and main characters) and stuff like that. I made a list of many English authors and their major works and we memorized some vocabulary. It wasn't too difficult to study for, and the test obviously wasn't too bad, because Luke and I both passed! Yay! 6 more credits!

New Poll!

Please do us a huge favor by answering the new poll on the sidebar.
If you have any other thoughts, questions, or responses regarding it, you may comment here!
Looking forward to the answers... :)

Cleave Then Leave

Divorces occur so often the word itself has become commonplace in our society. Couples renounce their sacred marriage vows and discard their wedding rings without scruple. Many who talk of divorce blame it on their spouse’s faults or failures in fulfilling the duties of marriage. In addition, people divorce to find happiness elsewhere when not achieved in a current marriage. However, the final product of divorce frequently introduces serious issues. Illuminating the true motives of a couple, divorce brings detrimental baggage as its end result.

Culminating in blaming discourse, people often justify their reasons for divorce by complaining about certain situations. Many times tensions develop when a parent does not spend time with the family. Without teamwork a spouse could become exasperated when the family’s burdens fall on his or her shoulders. Also, problems can surface when a crisis occurs within the family. Instances of debt, sickness, or death can permanently fracture a marriage. When tough circumstances threaten unity and happiness in a marriage, one encounters the temptation and desire for divorce in order to get a fresh start.

In many instances divorce flows from a discontent heart. Married life may have lacked the charm one had envisioned. When people notice and dwell on the flaws of their husband or wife, they never find satisfaction. They may only make things worse when attempting to straighten things out. However, in this struggle many often forget the fact that no man or woman can ever achieve perfection. At the same time, some may try to amend the shortcomings of a husband or wife and yet overlook their own faults contributing to a shaky relationship. Considering themselves undeserving of conflicts within a marriage, many see divorce as the solution to finding and pursuing happiness.

As a whole, divorce arises from a lack of true devotion from the beginning. In case of divorce some make prenuptial agreements specifically naming their rightful property before marriage. This escape hatch gives a smooth slide from a marriage if unsuccessful. However, if a husband and wife reject their vows when things do not go their way, they most likely did not take them seriously. Instead, most divorces unveil marriages as momentary emotions easily shattered during the toughest of times. Divorce ensues due to a lack of commitment to stand beside one’s husband or wife even when he or she does not act faithfully. Broken marriages frequently take place due to a deficiency of true love—unconditional love—for a spouse even in the worst circumstances.

In summary, one can blame many scenarios as reasons for divorce; however, in the end divorce only produces new issues to hash through. Divorce splits a family and fosters a plaguing heart of bitterness difficult to leave behind. Furthermore, the separation of a father and mother can shipwreck a child and damage the family. Children deprived of a parent lose an important factor in their growth to adolescence. Both contribute in unique ways to a child’s development through their styles of parenting. Without a father or mother children also lose an influential role-model to shape their lives. Not only does the process of divorce inflict permanent wounds on the family, but it also has spiritual consequences as well. Dishonoring to God, divorce throws away the distinct, holy relationship God has designed in marriage as a symbol of Christ’s love for the Church. According to the Bible, God hates divorce and prohibits divorced men from holding positions as leaders in the Church. Because of their unstable example to others, those who divorce limit their opportunities to minister and deride their own reputation and testimony as followers of Christ. Although some may adamantly contest for divorce, it ultimately carries long-lasting and hurtful outcomes most neglect to consider at the time.

Shaping Service

Last April my dad, brother, and I had the privilege of going on a medical mission trip to the Yucatan Peninsula. An eight-day trip, our team traveled to small villages (“pueblos”) around the city of Valladolid, Mexico. We spent each day from Monday through Friday in a different village, opening medical and dental clinics to minister to the needs of people in the area. Local pastors and missionaries used this opportunity to share the gospel with those who came for treatment. It gave my heart joy to hear of the Holy Spirit’s work in lives as a result of the trip.

For those considering short-term missions, know how worthwhile the effort is. Not only does it bless others, but God can use the experience to strengthen one's faith and relationship with Him. The Lord used our trip to Mexico in an instrumental way both in my life and my brother’s life. Not only were we exposed to a challenging environment, we also learned more about what it means to serve and cultivate a servant’s heart. Having studied Spanish two years, we found it encouraging to apply and practice what we had learned. It meant so much to communicate with the people even at a limited degree. We found that cultural immersion is absolutely crucial when learning a language. By the end of the trip, our Spanish speaking skills and accent had really improved.

Overall, the Lord has worked in the past missions opportunity to kindle an interest and reveal a purpose in learning the Spanish language. My brother Steven and I occasionally visit a Spanish-speaking church service nearby to exercise our Spanish and at the same time receive nourishment from the Word. How wonderful to observe the fervent love for Christ in other believers and feel the presence of God–a bond which ties us together as the Body of Christ–even when worshipping in a different language! In addition, we have just been accepted to go on a medical missions trip to Lima, Peru which will take place at the end of February, Lord willing. I find it encouraging that God has placed this opportunity in our pathway and hope that He will continue to use these missions experiences to shape our lives.

Encouragement

Some encouragement in these times...

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience. For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.
-Romans 13:1-8

To listen to the entire chapter, click here.