I have spent several weeks/months reading posts from friends on FaceBook and Pinterest about judging others. This is a nice hot topic and I really wanted to know what the Bible said about the subject, so I've done some digging.
First of all, yes ~ the Bible says not to judge others. But, God is very specific in what He says judging is. In Matthew 7:1-2, Jesus said “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. 2 For you will be treated as you treat others.[a] The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged." Well - this is all well and good, isn't it? It sounds like a get-out-of-jail-free card to me. This verse, should that be all there is to it, would allow anyone to do anything and say anything and go anywhere at any time with anyone. Don't speak on it or you're judging. This would be the most perfect "me" based world. What these verses mean, just so there's no question, is that I'm not to judge another person's heart. I am not to decide if that person is a child of God. This isn't my job and I'm not qualified. So, just so we're clear, when you use this verse to justify and action, word or deed that are currently involved in, you don't have God's blessing.
If you dig a little deeper into Matthew, you see a different side to the judging debate. in Matthew 12:33-34, Jesus ALSO said “A tree is identified by its fruit. If a tree is good, its fruit will be good. If a tree is bad, its fruit will be bad. You brood of snakes! How could evil men like you speak what is good and right? For whatever is in your heart determines what you say." Jesus clearly says that we will be known by our fruits. Most people consider this to be our "works" or all the marvelous things we've done. I don't personally agree. I think it's our spiritual fruits. You know what those are, right? Love ~ Joy ~ Peace ~ Patience ~ Kindness ~ Goodness ~ Faithfulness ~ Gentleness ~ Self Control. Go back and read those again. Repeat. Okay - one more time. Do you honestly think that you can do ANY of those on your own? We will know each other by those 9 items. I can't look for those 9 things without some form of judgment. I don't mean criticism and putting myself above others. I mean examining your fruits. If you are a hateful, spiteful, mean spirited, ugly, rude, foul mouthed, antagonistic person, yet you claim to be a Christian, HOW can you POSSIBLY expect no one to question your actions?????
God tells us to avoid certain people with certain problems. "Don’t befriend angry people or associate with hot-tempered people" Proverbs 22:24. {MAN. I wish I had seen this about a year ago. It would have made life easier} I'm not making this up, people. These aren't my words - they're the Lord's. God tells us not to befriend those with angry and hot headed traits. HOW, pray-tell me, do you determine if someone is angry and hot headed WITHOUT judging them?
Hebrews 5:14 "Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong." We are to constantly study, learn and grow in the word so that we can recognize right and wrong. If I'm to recognize right and wrong, then a little judging of other's actions will happen. It doesn't mean I'm comparing myself to others in an attempt to build me up, but if someone in my life is living unbecoming to the word and I surround myself with them, they will influence me in a negative way. You do the math - then satan will have TWO of God's saved doing satan's work in Jesus' name. That's a train wreck just waiting to happen. I have to know my stuff. I have to know that, if the Bible says it's right, then it's right. If the Bible says it's wrong, then it's wrong.
We as Christians are not to judge the hearts of others. That's not my call. I don't know if anyone else has a personal relationship with Jesus. That's between them and Jesus. If they say they do, I have to take them at that word.
However, I have a responsibility to judge others actions, as well as my own. I am not to judge to "pass judgement" and we are certainly not to gossip, but I am to judge to discern if said person(s) is living a life pleasing to God. This affects not only their life, but mine if I have any kind of relationship with them. I am not called to admonish, condemn or criticize. However, I am called to lovingly and respectively speak to anyone that has strayed. “If another believer[a] sins against you,[b] go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. 16 But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses. 17 If the person still refuses to listen, take your case to the church. Then if he or she won’t accept the church’s decision, treat that person as a pagan or a corrupt tax collector." Matthew 18:15-17. This could be a slippery slope, if we look at this with pride and arrogance. Humbleness and reverance should be in abundance before you try this action. You should know (and be able to freely admit) your own weaknesses and sins.
I suppose it just all boils down to this. No one wants to be told that they're wrong and not living in a way that pleases the Lord. I have seen/heard/discovered that it's perfectly acceptable to judge anyone you want, as long as it's not 'me'. You are doing God's work and His will ..... unless it's at 'me'. Then ~ by crackey ~ you're judging and the Bible says that's wrong!!!
Have I ever had my actions and motives judged? Absolutely!!! Did hurt? OH YES!!! I didn't like it at the time. But .... it made me better. It shaped me and formed me. It's a painful process, especially since I was absolutely wrong at the time. Hitting rock bottom hurts. But, it's the price I paid for not listening to God the first 1,000 times He tried to talk to me. Lesson learned.
I pray for humble hearts. I pray that people who call themselves Christains get that chip off their shoulder and their heart off their sleeve.
It's not all about you. It's certainly not all about me. It's about the Lord. It's about serving Him and worshiping Him and loving Him and sharing Him.
And I HOPE and I PRAY that when I stray and when I fail, s[notice I said when, not if] someone will have the guts and backbone to look at me and say "Anita. You BONEHEAD. What are you doing??!! This. Is. Wrong."
I doubt that I've changed much with this post, and that's ok. Unfortunately, the ones that need to read it most are the ones that won't see it. But, I learned - straight from God's word - and that makes me a winner. I can never study too much, read too much, pray too much, or love too much.
I hope this blesses you, and I also hope that it tugs at your heart. You can be as mad at me as you want, as long as you know that you're being mad at God, too. They're His words, written long before me.
We all sin. I know that. Geez, I live it. Admiting it is the first step. Did you get that? That's only the FIRST step. I don't have time to count all your sins. I'm busy counting mine. But, I believe that one day we will all stand before God and give an account for our lives. I also believe that I will be held accountable if I saw a sister or brother in Christ stray down a wrong path and I did nothing.
You may not agree with one thing I've said. If so, I sincerely hope for your sake that you're right.
Anita
Psalm 119:105 "Your word is a lamp to guide my feet
and a light for my path."
Monday, August 27, 2012
Monday morning schedule
I thought I would give you a glimpse into the real homeschool experience. Around here, we run a tight ship.
- Class starts promptly at 8 a.m. ~ or 8:15. ish.
- We eat breakfast before school starts. Usually, on the couch.
- We dress for school each day ~ in play clothes and no shoes.
- If the temperature is below 32 when mom gets out of bed, then we wear pajamas and fuzzy slippers to school. No questions asked.
- If it snows ~ well, we're doing school anyway. Mean, you say? Really? I'll remember that when public school is going through June and we're done in April. This is the first year since I was in school that I'm hoping for 6 feet of snow.
- We listen to inspirational music during school - the biblical kind.
- We have a class pet. He looks amazingly similiar to our household pet.
- We have class chores.
- We take scheduled bathroom breaks ~ whenever.
- We learn. Constantly.
- We pray before tests. Actually, we pray every day. Out loud. After Bible reading and our daily devotional.
- We do math that they need to know for later AND math they will actually need to know in life.
- We do spelling ~ not BINGO. It's before, not B4.
- We do language - also called English - also called grammar.
- We do memorization skills.
- We do penmanship ~ also called you-are-going-to-learn-how-to-write-in-cursive-and-you-will-use-it.
- We do science. This year we are studying Astronomy. It's called God made it. We are learning how He made it so perfectly.
- We do History. We are learning from creation on. History includes the Bible and things happened all over the world in chronological order. It should be learned that way.
- We do fun.
- We do messy.
- We do loud.
- We do reading ~~ all the time and any opportunity.
- We do manners.
- Mommy grades - tough. At some point they need to learn how to handle constructive criticism and fixing mistakes.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Who's really learning, here?
While the twins were in class yesterday, I decided to take a stroll around the zoo. To be honest, I was just looking for a quiet place to eat my lunch. I was walking through a part of the nature walk, and I was the only one on that particular piece of path. I came upon the back of the red wolf habitat. They were all at the back, so the wolves and I had a "moment". It suddenly occurred to me that I was looking at these animals courtesy of Noah. Think about that. Every single land dwelling animal, lizard, snake, bird and bug is here because Noah was conscientious enough to do his job.
Once I had taken in the fauna, I started to look at the flora. Now - I am taking liberties with the Bible here - but I started to think about all of the tender plants that are here in East Tennessee. Think about spring and garden-planting time. Many of the seeds we use are very fickle, and don't respond well to too much water. Although it isn't mentioned in the Bible, I would like to think that Noah's wife and d-i-l were busy, too. What if they were frantically collecting food to eat during the flood, but also seeds and plants that would be needed once the ark landed again? I imagine after all that water, many (if not most) of the trees, flowers and plants were not salvagable. Do we also owe Noah a thank you for the shade trees in the backyard and the pumpkins growing right now??
Then I started to think about what the ground would have looked like once the water receeded. The artist renditions portray Noah stepping off the ark and onto beautiful green grass. I don't think that's the case. I think it was a vast, barren wasteland with dead things everywhere. This was the cost of sin, and would have been a reminder to the Noah family for the rest of their days. Memories like that don't fade.
Now, perhaps you're thinking I'm giving Noah too much credit here. Maybe I am. After all, God was responsible for directing Noah and getting those animals to the ark. God could have saved the animals without human involvement, if He so chose. But, God found who He needed and trusted him to carry out the plans to the letter.
Let's take that and apply it to our own lives. Can God trust you to take instruction and carry it through without question or complaint? If the world was depending on you for its continuation, would we all be doomed? Even simpler than that - are you living in God's will? Well, of course, we all fail. Noah failed. God said he was righteous, not perfect! Noah might have had a temper, or a selfish spirit, or an unforgiving attitude. We don't know. God chose not to tell us the bad - only the good. God focused on the good. Whew - insert cat whistle there!! If that isn't a lesson, I'm done!
If my children learn nothing from this adventure, then I have failed them in their academic career. But, if they learn nothing of eternal value, then I have truly failed them as a mother and have neglected my God-given responsibility. I pray that God teaches me something about me every day, and that I apply that to the life I have been given to live. And I pray that for you, too.
To finish the story, I did find that quiet place for my sandwich consumption! I ate with the zebras. There was a small area with a bench behind their habitat and I got to watch them closely, much closer than those on the main path. I think that's a lesson, too. Sometimes we have to walk a different path than the majority in order to receive God's richest blessings.
I am finding this blog to be less and less about homeschool and more and more about what I'm learning while we homeschool! Although the twins did get to see a fire belly toad
and a lizard in class and visited the vultures and river otters in the zoo.
Until next time,
Anita
Once I had taken in the fauna, I started to look at the flora. Now - I am taking liberties with the Bible here - but I started to think about all of the tender plants that are here in East Tennessee. Think about spring and garden-planting time. Many of the seeds we use are very fickle, and don't respond well to too much water. Although it isn't mentioned in the Bible, I would like to think that Noah's wife and d-i-l were busy, too. What if they were frantically collecting food to eat during the flood, but also seeds and plants that would be needed once the ark landed again? I imagine after all that water, many (if not most) of the trees, flowers and plants were not salvagable. Do we also owe Noah a thank you for the shade trees in the backyard and the pumpkins growing right now??
Then I started to think about what the ground would have looked like once the water receeded. The artist renditions portray Noah stepping off the ark and onto beautiful green grass. I don't think that's the case. I think it was a vast, barren wasteland with dead things everywhere. This was the cost of sin, and would have been a reminder to the Noah family for the rest of their days. Memories like that don't fade.
Now, perhaps you're thinking I'm giving Noah too much credit here. Maybe I am. After all, God was responsible for directing Noah and getting those animals to the ark. God could have saved the animals without human involvement, if He so chose. But, God found who He needed and trusted him to carry out the plans to the letter.
Let's take that and apply it to our own lives. Can God trust you to take instruction and carry it through without question or complaint? If the world was depending on you for its continuation, would we all be doomed? Even simpler than that - are you living in God's will? Well, of course, we all fail. Noah failed. God said he was righteous, not perfect! Noah might have had a temper, or a selfish spirit, or an unforgiving attitude. We don't know. God chose not to tell us the bad - only the good. God focused on the good. Whew - insert cat whistle there!! If that isn't a lesson, I'm done!
If my children learn nothing from this adventure, then I have failed them in their academic career. But, if they learn nothing of eternal value, then I have truly failed them as a mother and have neglected my God-given responsibility. I pray that God teaches me something about me every day, and that I apply that to the life I have been given to live. And I pray that for you, too.
To finish the story, I did find that quiet place for my sandwich consumption! I ate with the zebras. There was a small area with a bench behind their habitat and I got to watch them closely, much closer than those on the main path. I think that's a lesson, too. Sometimes we have to walk a different path than the majority in order to receive God's richest blessings.
I am finding this blog to be less and less about homeschool and more and more about what I'm learning while we homeschool! Although the twins did get to see a fire belly toad
and a lizard in class and visited the vultures and river otters in the zoo. Until next time,
Anita
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Well.........DUH!
I had my first "duh" moment this morning... I'm sure my first of many.
I have been beating myself up periodically about how unqualified I am, the twins will probably be "behind", etc, etc, etc....Yesterday at the zoo I had another episode. It hit me this morning - hard. We are not having public school at home. We are having HOMEschool at home. Big difference.
Is public school bad? Absolutely not. However, many of the teachers (if you can get them to be honest) will tell you that state standards are too high, and children are required to learn skills before they are ready. I don't have such strict standards. Will my children learn everything that they would have learned in public school??? YES!! And more!! Will they necessarily learn it at the same time?? NO!! And that's ok!!!! At this moment, I'm filling in the gaps from the last 3 years of math. Their teachers did a wonderful job of teaching them, but there are some hiccups I've found that I have to cure now. There is no perfect educational system. Period. There are pros and cons to each side. Everyone has an opinion (and most of the time, they will voice that opinion loud and clear!). My children are happy and excited to learn. For this, I am blessed, humbled and thankful.
Thank you for sharing this chaotic life with me ;) I hope you enjoy the ride!
I have been beating myself up periodically about how unqualified I am, the twins will probably be "behind", etc, etc, etc....Yesterday at the zoo I had another episode. It hit me this morning - hard. We are not having public school at home. We are having HOMEschool at home. Big difference.
Is public school bad? Absolutely not. However, many of the teachers (if you can get them to be honest) will tell you that state standards are too high, and children are required to learn skills before they are ready. I don't have such strict standards. Will my children learn everything that they would have learned in public school??? YES!! And more!! Will they necessarily learn it at the same time?? NO!! And that's ok!!!! At this moment, I'm filling in the gaps from the last 3 years of math. Their teachers did a wonderful job of teaching them, but there are some hiccups I've found that I have to cure now. There is no perfect educational system. Period. There are pros and cons to each side. Everyone has an opinion (and most of the time, they will voice that opinion loud and clear!). My children are happy and excited to learn. For this, I am blessed, humbled and thankful.
Thank you for sharing this chaotic life with me ;) I hope you enjoy the ride!
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Lions and Tigers and Bears, oh my!
Today marked our first official homeschool educational outing. We enrolled in the Knoxville Zoo homeschool Tuesdays class. Lukas and Shelby LOVED it! I mean, really .... dry ice, chinchillas, the elephant exhibit and red pandas, all led by a zoo educator. What's not to love??!! I want to join the class!!!
I'm excited for them and all they will learn. These classes will run every Tuesday through November, then pick back up in January and go until spring. I'm looking forward to some quiet time during their class where I can commune with nature and the animals. Mommy has some reading to catch up on! We are there at the best possible time - Tuesdays during lunch. There aren't many people there and the animals are out and active. We got some wonderful photos of the komodo dragon and videos of the river otters and black bears. The bears were CLOSE to the glass... those dudes are HUGE!!! Shelby "made friends" with a river otter - he loved her purple umbrella and would follow it as she moved it on the glass.
We are going to thoroughly tour/investigate a different section of the zoo each week and learn something new. At least... that's the plan ;) I'm excited about this new venture, and I'm thrilled that they are excited, too! It's just another confirmation for me that God's hand is in this and we are doing what He wants.
I'm excited for them and all they will learn. These classes will run every Tuesday through November, then pick back up in January and go until spring. I'm looking forward to some quiet time during their class where I can commune with nature and the animals. Mommy has some reading to catch up on! We are there at the best possible time - Tuesdays during lunch. There aren't many people there and the animals are out and active. We got some wonderful photos of the komodo dragon and videos of the river otters and black bears. The bears were CLOSE to the glass... those dudes are HUGE!!! Shelby "made friends" with a river otter - he loved her purple umbrella and would follow it as she moved it on the glass.
We are going to thoroughly tour/investigate a different section of the zoo each week and learn something new. At least... that's the plan ;) I'm excited about this new venture, and I'm thrilled that they are excited, too! It's just another confirmation for me that God's hand is in this and we are doing what He wants.
Friday, August 10, 2012
Reflections from 3 a.m. ...
- I have developed a new scientific name: ickeous explosionous.
- The dog has to pee at 3 a.m., no matter what is going on in the dining room, hall and kitchen.
- All paper towels are not created equal. If you must use cheap ones for every day, go ahead. Have good ones on hand, hidden in the back of the closet. You can thank me later.
- The floor cleaner on Pinterest works wonders. Make some. Today.
- I have regretted taking all my carpet up at times. I will no longer have this regret. At 3 a.m., carpet is evil.
- I think that alarm clock companies should make a sound exactly like a small child expelling dinner. No one would ever be late to work again. Grown men would be standing in factories all across America in their underwear with eyes wide open ready to go to work each morning...
- My son can sleep through anything.
- There are things at mamaw's house my daughter shouldn't eat.
- My husband is a better thinker, planner and strategizer at 3 a.m.
- God gave me an acute lack of hearing and a strong intolerance to certain smells. It is both a blessing and a curse.
- The brain is powerful. It can recall aforementioned smells and make you think they are still around after they are gone.
- I should be more careful about what I leave stacked in the floor.
- Purchasing a box of disposable rubber gloves is never a bad idea.
- Communicating to your spouse your intent is always a good idea.
- Prayer is necessary, even in the details.
- A backrub and a pink poodle can make anything better.
I remember this happening in years past, and I would think "Dear Lord, please let her feel better for tomorrow" ... and of course, she usually did. Missing just one day of public school is hard. There are lots of things that they are told verbally, told once, and they either get it or "too bad".... That's just the way it is.
I have to say, I did well for our first homeschool hiccup. I wasn't nearly as wonky about her getting back to bed, back to sleep, and well. Now, she can do most of her work from her bed. I can modify and change things until she's able to come back to "school". And... if we are on the couch all day, I can make sure that it's not a wasted day.
This new path God chose won't be easy - I'm not that naive! But, He handed it to me on a silver platter, and He will give me the strength, guidance and wisdom to make the decisions and carry out the work involved.
With the cancellation of our first field trip due to the weather, it's time for mom to go find a plan B. The Wilkerson Academy is going on the road today!
Thursday, August 9, 2012
I try to find something to laugh about...
I subscribe to a post on FaceBook called "the busy homeschool mom".... I like her. She has real world advice. She's not a blue jean skirt wearing, hair in a bun, bakes her own bread kind of woman. She's a real homeschool mom!
This was her post today:
This was her post today:
I made myself a list of things I wish I had known when I started homeschooling all those years ago...
Education is discipleship. And because of that ...
Curriculum should not ever become the "main" thing.
Character training always comes before curriculum.
...
When we're frustrated and on the verge of burnout, it's time to take a step back and reevaluate what we're doing. His yoke is easy...
Marriage needs to consistently come ... before mothering.
I'm homeschooling, not trying to do "school at home". There really is a difference.
Sometimes, baking cookies is better than math. And it will often accomplish the same thing with better results. :)
Homeschooling through high school is not as scary as "they" say... and totally worth every minute.
Teenagers need their parents more than they let on.
It really will go by as fast as "they" say it will so now is a good time to think about what I want the homeschool years to accomplish. What kind of children do I want to raise?
Sow good things into the lives of the kids now ... reap good things later.
Our kids will not do what we say nearly as often as they will do what we do. Model good things.
Apologize.
Don't be afraid to say "this is not working" and start looking for something that will work.
It's okay to ask for help.
Being real is better than pretending to have it all together.
Never leave Sharpie markers unattended.
Laugh more.
Education is discipleship. And because of that ...
Curriculum should not ever become the "main" thing.
Character training always comes before curriculum.
...
When we're frustrated and on the verge of burnout, it's time to take a step back and reevaluate what we're doing. His yoke is easy...
Marriage needs to consistently come ... before mothering.
I'm homeschooling, not trying to do "school at home". There really is a difference.
Sometimes, baking cookies is better than math. And it will often accomplish the same thing with better results. :)
Homeschooling through high school is not as scary as "they" say... and totally worth every minute.
Teenagers need their parents more than they let on.
It really will go by as fast as "they" say it will so now is a good time to think about what I want the homeschool years to accomplish. What kind of children do I want to raise?
Sow good things into the lives of the kids now ... reap good things later.
Our kids will not do what we say nearly as often as they will do what we do. Model good things.
Apologize.
Don't be afraid to say "this is not working" and start looking for something that will work.
It's okay to ask for help.
Being real is better than pretending to have it all together.
Never leave Sharpie markers unattended.
Laugh more.
See, I tricked you, didn't I??!! You didn't think there would be anything funny in here, until..... you got to the Sharpie markers comment!!! I'd pay her $5 to tell me the story!!!
I talked to some folks today who were asking about HomeSchool ... they weren't even trying to tell me what a bad idea it was ... the guy said his only concern was the socialization aspect (WOW!! there's one I've NEVER heard before!!) and he had no idea how many groups and co-ops there are just here in this area. I'm happy that this idea isn't so foreign anymore, and I thank God for the parents who fought for the rights I have today. Just 40 years ago, I would have been in jail for teaching my children at home...... so sad....
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Old dogs CAN learn new tricks!!
That's right ... I'm busted. I'm an old dog. I'm old, ok? I am set in my ways. I cook a certain way. I write a certain way. I fold my towels a certain way. Chances are good that is not going to change anytime soon! However.... and this is a BIG however.... there are areas of my life that have changed alot. Let's take a trip back in time, shall we?
The date is October 4, 2001. I'll never forget that day. It was a Wednesday... Bob and I hadn't been married very long and (if you'll look at the date again) the world had just changed forever. We were attending a local church (it's probably best I omit that name!) and things were not good. There was a business meeting in which off duty police officers were attending, standing outside the sanctuary door in case things got out of hand. There was a very bad man pretending to be a pastor presiding and there was more anger and hatred and attitude flying around that building than I have ever had the displeasure of witnessing. I look back on that night with shame, both for me, my family and others. We should have left. We should have walked away. We were stupid. Half the church members did leave that night, never to return. Some never got over it. And only one entity had any victory that night. I have images of horns and a pitchfork.
Fast forward ---> The date is now the fall of 2009. Different church, Same me ... a little calmer, but not much. Passionate about my call and cause, which can be really, really good or really, really bad! I had learned my lesson (oh my that so very painful lesson) from before and wasn't so determined to dig my heels in at all cost. It wasn't just Bob and I anymore.... there were children to consider. Instead of digging in, I was praying to the ceiling. I didn't really feel like they were going any higher, although I now know they were. We moved on... at exactly the moment we were supposed to. God made me stay in that place I hated for months... I came to church in tears, I cried the whole time I was there, and I left in tears. I didn't want to go and He would NOT let me stay at home. I was learning ... again, it was SO painful, yet SO necessary.
During all this, I was doing alot of praying, and not a whole lot of studying. Oh, I was raised in church. I know "enough" I suppose... I always had good intentions, but they never lasted long. I would study my Sunday school lesson and prepare for mission friends on Sunday night, but I never really dug into the Word like I should.
Well, now it's today ... August 8, 2012. We're planted where God lead and in the manner that He decided... and I'm different for it. I'm not better. I'm not perfect (oh that is for to laugh!!). But... I'm different. This whole Bible study thing? Yeah... I'm kind of getting into it now :) It's done daily, it's done first, and it's the area in our school life that we put the most time into. And, by the grace of God, my children love it. They live what they learn, and learn what they live, you see!
I'm not judging the people of my past. I've come too far for that nonsense now. I'm not asking for acceptance or approval. This is our house, and as for me and my house, we serve the Lord. Will that make people angry? I have no doubt. Do I give a flip? Would it be callous to say "no"? I did not have 2 children 9 years ago. I gave birth to 2 missionaries ... and it's up to me and my husband to train them. And it is on my head if I don't. You see, I'm not just 'mom' anymore. I'm the teacher, too. It's not my priviledge to be able to teach Christ in every way possible and in every subject - it is my responsibility.
So yes ... I'm an old dog with a new trick. I'm searching the scriptures for myself, as I have been instructed to do. If I need to know it, then I'll find it in there. If it's not in the Bible, then I could care less about it. You don't have to agree with me, believe me, or even like me. That's the good part of this being my blog. I'm under the assumption that you want to know about me if you are reading my stuff. I hope that this is an encouragement to someone. My posts are very rarely planned events. They come from God's nudge to my heart, and I would be foolish not to obey.
The date is October 4, 2001. I'll never forget that day. It was a Wednesday... Bob and I hadn't been married very long and (if you'll look at the date again) the world had just changed forever. We were attending a local church (it's probably best I omit that name!) and things were not good. There was a business meeting in which off duty police officers were attending, standing outside the sanctuary door in case things got out of hand. There was a very bad man pretending to be a pastor presiding and there was more anger and hatred and attitude flying around that building than I have ever had the displeasure of witnessing. I look back on that night with shame, both for me, my family and others. We should have left. We should have walked away. We were stupid. Half the church members did leave that night, never to return. Some never got over it. And only one entity had any victory that night. I have images of horns and a pitchfork.
Fast forward ---> The date is now the fall of 2009. Different church, Same me ... a little calmer, but not much. Passionate about my call and cause, which can be really, really good or really, really bad! I had learned my lesson (oh my that so very painful lesson) from before and wasn't so determined to dig my heels in at all cost. It wasn't just Bob and I anymore.... there were children to consider. Instead of digging in, I was praying to the ceiling. I didn't really feel like they were going any higher, although I now know they were. We moved on... at exactly the moment we were supposed to. God made me stay in that place I hated for months... I came to church in tears, I cried the whole time I was there, and I left in tears. I didn't want to go and He would NOT let me stay at home. I was learning ... again, it was SO painful, yet SO necessary.
During all this, I was doing alot of praying, and not a whole lot of studying. Oh, I was raised in church. I know "enough" I suppose... I always had good intentions, but they never lasted long. I would study my Sunday school lesson and prepare for mission friends on Sunday night, but I never really dug into the Word like I should.
Well, now it's today ... August 8, 2012. We're planted where God lead and in the manner that He decided... and I'm different for it. I'm not better. I'm not perfect (oh that is for to laugh!!). But... I'm different. This whole Bible study thing? Yeah... I'm kind of getting into it now :) It's done daily, it's done first, and it's the area in our school life that we put the most time into. And, by the grace of God, my children love it. They live what they learn, and learn what they live, you see!
I'm not judging the people of my past. I've come too far for that nonsense now. I'm not asking for acceptance or approval. This is our house, and as for me and my house, we serve the Lord. Will that make people angry? I have no doubt. Do I give a flip? Would it be callous to say "no"? I did not have 2 children 9 years ago. I gave birth to 2 missionaries ... and it's up to me and my husband to train them. And it is on my head if I don't. You see, I'm not just 'mom' anymore. I'm the teacher, too. It's not my priviledge to be able to teach Christ in every way possible and in every subject - it is my responsibility.
So yes ... I'm an old dog with a new trick. I'm searching the scriptures for myself, as I have been instructed to do. If I need to know it, then I'll find it in there. If it's not in the Bible, then I could care less about it. You don't have to agree with me, believe me, or even like me. That's the good part of this being my blog. I'm under the assumption that you want to know about me if you are reading my stuff. I hope that this is an encouragement to someone. My posts are very rarely planned events. They come from God's nudge to my heart, and I would be foolish not to obey.
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Words of Wisdom
We want our children to learn, but what do we really teach them? Beyond the basics, what do they learn? I've had some time to really reflect on this lately, and I've decided to pass along what I intend to pass along to them.
God is the only one you can always trust - love people, even when you don't want to - you are known by the company you keep - this earth is temporary, but Heaven is eternal .... your goal should be to get there - satan can't stand it when you speak the name of Jesus and has to flee - everyone doesn't like you, even if you want them to - papaw always said "if they're talking about you, it's because they find your life more interesting than theirs. Besides, while they talk about you, they're just giving someone else a rest" - read the Bible ... every day - forgive, even if they're not sorry - stupid people exist ... and they multipy at an alarming rate ... guard yourself - negative people will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience - no one lives forever ... enjoy each day - pray without ceasing - eat dinner as a family - count it all as joy - find a verse of the Bible and a song .... memorize them and repeat them daily - bad things may happen, but that doesn't mean you're not loved - satan means things for bad ... God will use them for good... ALWAYS - being alone doesn't have to mean being lonely - never find yourself not in the possession of a good book - there is a difference between judging someone's soul and telling them they're wrong - mistakes happen ... learn - someone will always look prettier, skinnier, smarter, or more popular ... they might be .. but it doesn't mean they're happier - jealousy is ugly and contagious - a clear conscience is the best sleeping pill ever made - you are responsible for your own thoughts, speech and actions ... you don't get to blame others if you act like a dummy - pray for your spouse, before you ever meet them - emotional eating has hazardous consequences - expand your horizons, go to a museum or theaterical production, never stop learning - don't argue about the Bible ... it has survived for over 2,000 years without your help - be careful little eyes what you see, ears what you hear, mouth what you taste, fingers what you touch, nose what you stick it into - there is such a thing as too much sarcasm - don't speed... leave on time - be punctual - don't lie ... you never have to remember anything extra with the truth - take pictures of everything important - hold the door open for your elders - use manners ... yes and no ma'm and sir, please, thank you - apologize if you think you need to ... it gets so much easier the more you do it - someone who truly loves you will fall in love with your mind first - follow your instincts and gut ... that's God - if you are uncomfortable somewhere... leave - don't wear your heart on your sleeve...put a helmet on and get over it - life's too short to be miserable - modesty is a necessity - dress for the job you want, not the one you have - the words you speak (and now, type) are permanent - I am firmly convinced the internet, facebook and twitter are of the devil ... use with caution - be ready when the Lord returns ... the twinkling of an eye is FAST - journal - never stop going to church ... no, you can't live to God's potential for you without it, no matter what others say - make sure your friends have the same morals and values as you - make sure you know what your morals and values are - if you are born again, God expects you to act like you are born again - get active in your church and community - tithe - make childhood memories - rest your body and mind - limit your exposure to TV - praying is talking to God - physical age has no direct correlation to spiritual and mental maturity ... in other words, people can be real babies - pick your battles - you never get too old to watch cartoons - only eat when you're hungry - drink plenty of water - silence is golden, duct tape is silver - as small as you are in this vast universe, you are big stuff to God - your mom prayed for you for 3 years before you were born - Sunday afternoons were made to rest ... do it ... naps are more awesome the older you get - sometimes, you just outgrow people - sometimes, God removes someone from your life to protect you ... the worst thing you could do is go chasing after them - choose your words carefully - be patient ... but for Heaven's sakes, don't pray for it!!! - some people are down on their luck and some people pretend they are ... trust God to show you the difference - you are made in God's image - laugh - laugh some more!! - never give up, unless God says to - pray for your enemies - never forget Jesus rose again and God is still on the throne!!
God is the only one you can always trust - love people, even when you don't want to - you are known by the company you keep - this earth is temporary, but Heaven is eternal .... your goal should be to get there - satan can't stand it when you speak the name of Jesus and has to flee - everyone doesn't like you, even if you want them to - papaw always said "if they're talking about you, it's because they find your life more interesting than theirs. Besides, while they talk about you, they're just giving someone else a rest" - read the Bible ... every day - forgive, even if they're not sorry - stupid people exist ... and they multipy at an alarming rate ... guard yourself - negative people will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience - no one lives forever ... enjoy each day - pray without ceasing - eat dinner as a family - count it all as joy - find a verse of the Bible and a song .... memorize them and repeat them daily - bad things may happen, but that doesn't mean you're not loved - satan means things for bad ... God will use them for good... ALWAYS - being alone doesn't have to mean being lonely - never find yourself not in the possession of a good book - there is a difference between judging someone's soul and telling them they're wrong - mistakes happen ... learn - someone will always look prettier, skinnier, smarter, or more popular ... they might be .. but it doesn't mean they're happier - jealousy is ugly and contagious - a clear conscience is the best sleeping pill ever made - you are responsible for your own thoughts, speech and actions ... you don't get to blame others if you act like a dummy - pray for your spouse, before you ever meet them - emotional eating has hazardous consequences - expand your horizons, go to a museum or theaterical production, never stop learning - don't argue about the Bible ... it has survived for over 2,000 years without your help - be careful little eyes what you see, ears what you hear, mouth what you taste, fingers what you touch, nose what you stick it into - there is such a thing as too much sarcasm - don't speed... leave on time - be punctual - don't lie ... you never have to remember anything extra with the truth - take pictures of everything important - hold the door open for your elders - use manners ... yes and no ma'm and sir, please, thank you - apologize if you think you need to ... it gets so much easier the more you do it - someone who truly loves you will fall in love with your mind first - follow your instincts and gut ... that's God - if you are uncomfortable somewhere... leave - don't wear your heart on your sleeve...put a helmet on and get over it - life's too short to be miserable - modesty is a necessity - dress for the job you want, not the one you have - the words you speak (and now, type) are permanent - I am firmly convinced the internet, facebook and twitter are of the devil ... use with caution - be ready when the Lord returns ... the twinkling of an eye is FAST - journal - never stop going to church ... no, you can't live to God's potential for you without it, no matter what others say - make sure your friends have the same morals and values as you - make sure you know what your morals and values are - if you are born again, God expects you to act like you are born again - get active in your church and community - tithe - make childhood memories - rest your body and mind - limit your exposure to TV - praying is talking to God - physical age has no direct correlation to spiritual and mental maturity ... in other words, people can be real babies - pick your battles - you never get too old to watch cartoons - only eat when you're hungry - drink plenty of water - silence is golden, duct tape is silver - as small as you are in this vast universe, you are big stuff to God - your mom prayed for you for 3 years before you were born - Sunday afternoons were made to rest ... do it ... naps are more awesome the older you get - sometimes, you just outgrow people - sometimes, God removes someone from your life to protect you ... the worst thing you could do is go chasing after them - choose your words carefully - be patient ... but for Heaven's sakes, don't pray for it!!! - some people are down on their luck and some people pretend they are ... trust God to show you the difference - you are made in God's image - laugh - laugh some more!! - never give up, unless God says to - pray for your enemies - never forget Jesus rose again and God is still on the throne!!
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Lead by Example
We spent this morning at the movies, after our Bible study and spelling test. Homeschool is still a significant amount of work, but what good is it to homeschool if you can't play hookie occasionally, right? Besides, the upside is we can do the rest of our work this afternoon (which reminds me... Math time!!!).
We had a wonderful time, minus the extremely crude "humor" in the movie and the fact that mommy got choked TWICE on popcorn. However, I became extremely saddened as I left the theater. On almost every aisle that someone sat on, there was a mess. Please understand, the majority of the patrons this morning were moms and small children. You expect to see a smidgen of popcorn in the floor. No... it was more than that. Almost everyone had left their trash in the seats, floor and cupholders. Mothers who had picked up those colored booster seats left them laying in the seat and floor. There was popcorn everywhere.
As I left, I commented on the mess to the two employees standing at the door, perched and waiting to begin the frenzied cleaning process that I knew was in store. They weren't surprised, and in fact told me that it can get really, really bad sometimes. I said "no, you don't understand. These were adults!!". They understood - I didn't.
I turned that inward ... what am I teaching my children? Sure - math and science are necessary for a diploma and college degree. There are many exciting things that I will teach them in "the hub". But, what am I teaching them outside that room? We took our trash to the trash can as we left this morning, and I didn't have to tell them that was necessary. They're Wilkerson's - that's the drill. This was not their first rodeo. When you leave your seat, you toss your junk. Simple, right?? I know they've learned that lesson well, but where have I failed them?
I hope that I'm giving them a foundation of treating others the way they want to be treated, but I think I need to go even deeper. I need to teach them to have grace, love and mercy to those who DON'T treat Lukas and Shelby the way they should. One day, one or both my children might work at that theater. Will they do their job with a smile, regardless of how the theater looks? Will they greet everyone with kindness, even if that person left the mess? Will they "talk" about those messy Bessy's in the break room, or will they rise above such childish behavior?? Yes, they will -- IF -- I teach them to do today -- by my words AND my actions. Their life will mimic mine. Is my life worth mimicking?
My prayer today is that my classroom be more than curriculum and books. I want to do mistakes, and "I'm sorry", and hugs, and forgiveness, and love.
We had a wonderful time, minus the extremely crude "humor" in the movie and the fact that mommy got choked TWICE on popcorn. However, I became extremely saddened as I left the theater. On almost every aisle that someone sat on, there was a mess. Please understand, the majority of the patrons this morning were moms and small children. You expect to see a smidgen of popcorn in the floor. No... it was more than that. Almost everyone had left their trash in the seats, floor and cupholders. Mothers who had picked up those colored booster seats left them laying in the seat and floor. There was popcorn everywhere.
As I left, I commented on the mess to the two employees standing at the door, perched and waiting to begin the frenzied cleaning process that I knew was in store. They weren't surprised, and in fact told me that it can get really, really bad sometimes. I said "no, you don't understand. These were adults!!". They understood - I didn't.
I turned that inward ... what am I teaching my children? Sure - math and science are necessary for a diploma and college degree. There are many exciting things that I will teach them in "the hub". But, what am I teaching them outside that room? We took our trash to the trash can as we left this morning, and I didn't have to tell them that was necessary. They're Wilkerson's - that's the drill. This was not their first rodeo. When you leave your seat, you toss your junk. Simple, right?? I know they've learned that lesson well, but where have I failed them?
I hope that I'm giving them a foundation of treating others the way they want to be treated, but I think I need to go even deeper. I need to teach them to have grace, love and mercy to those who DON'T treat Lukas and Shelby the way they should. One day, one or both my children might work at that theater. Will they do their job with a smile, regardless of how the theater looks? Will they greet everyone with kindness, even if that person left the mess? Will they "talk" about those messy Bessy's in the break room, or will they rise above such childish behavior?? Yes, they will -- IF -- I teach them to do today -- by my words AND my actions. Their life will mimic mine. Is my life worth mimicking?
My prayer today is that my classroom be more than curriculum and books. I want to do mistakes, and "I'm sorry", and hugs, and forgiveness, and love.
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