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Save 15% on All Homeschool Curriculum

Tue, 21 May 2013 01:00:00 +0000

As our Spring Sale continues, Air AOP travels to Illinois to meet the Nickels family and learn about Mellisa’s academic success with LIFEPAC.

“When the public school system failed my daughter, we were in great need for an answer. The answer we found was LIFEPAC, which enables my child's confidence and learning through strong biblical curriculum. It not only builds a solid education, but also individual character to prepare her for the real world. Thank you, AOP. You saved my daughter’s future.”
- The Nickels, homeschool family

Now through May 31, save on all five of our homeschool curriculum options: LIFEPAC, Monarch, Switched-On-Schoolhouse, Horizons, and Weaver. Plus, orders of $50 or more ship for free!*

Save Now! or Call 800-622-3070

*Applies to standard ground shipping within the continental United States on orders over $50.

Unseen Sacrifices

Tue, 21 May 2013 00:00:00 +0000

"But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God" (Hebrews 10:12).

Homeschooling is so exciting because it provides spontaneous opportunities to learn. Such was the case the day my son worked on his Bible assignment. As he looked up Scripture passages on prayer, he noticed "The Praying Hands" plaque hanging on our wall and asked, "Whose hands are those?"

As we began researching, my son and I discovered an amazing story of sacrificial love. Albrecht Durer and his brother Albert both had a dream to become artists. However, living in a family of 18 children, they knew their father could never afford to send both of them to art school. As they discussed the problem, they decided one brother would work in the mines to support the other while studying art. Then, when that brother had completed his studies, he would return the favor and work to support the other. Albrecht won the toss of the coin and went to school first, while Albert went to work in the mines.

Albrecht's talents were remarkable, and by the time he graduated, he was earning large fees for his commissioned works. Returning home a successful artist, he said to Albert, "Now it's your turn to go to school, dear brother."

With his body worn out from years of hard work in the mines, Albert replied, "No, it's too late for me. My fingers have all been smashed at least once, and my arthritis is so bad I could never hold a pen or brush to a canvas. No, for me it's too late." As the tears streamed down Albert's face, Albrecht realized the great sacrifice his brother had made. Moved by this incredible gift of love, Albrecht painstakingly painted a portrait of the hands that had given him so much. Immortalizing his brother's hands, "The Praying Hands" became Albrecht's most well-known masterpiece!

After reading this remarkable story with my son, I was overcome with emotion. Thanking God for His divine guidance in teaching us a different lesson, I realized again that every sacrifice made to homeschool was worth the joy of seeing my children grow in their faith. What a privilege to give my all to help them achieve their best!

Lord, thank You for Your sacrificial death on the cross that offers eternal life and hope to all who believe. Please, show me how to lay down my life daily to homeschool my children with the same sacrificial love. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Why I Love Homeschooling

Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Why do I love homeschooling? Let me count the ways:

• I love homeschooling because fixed hours aren't required to learn a subject. When I discovered God had given me a night owl who loved to sleep in, I simply adjusted and made a schedule that worked best for our family.

• I love homeschooling because there are so many fun things to learn. Not only are there great curriculums for covering the main subject areas, but there are also countless extracurricular topics and activities to explore. We once spent an entire week studying birds of prey when we found a wounded hawk in our yard after a severe wind storm.

• I love homeschooling because I have the flexibility to adjust our day depending on what God brings. If my child is grasping concepts quickly and wants to know more in language arts, then I'll keep going and forget about doing history that day. If Dad has an impromptu meeting in another city, I can take advantage of the opportunity and schedule a family field trip.

• I love homeschooling because it gives me an opportunity to really know my children. As a teacher and a parent, I see both their hearts and ther minds, and I have the blessed privilege to develop both in the Lord.

• I love homeschooling because I don't have to wait until school's out to receive a hug and a kiss. I have the joy of loving and being loved by my children throughout the entire day.

Why do you love homeschooling? Start your own list of reasons today and place it somewhere to remind yourself of homeschooling's many blessings. When Satan tries to steal your faith and discourage you, you'll be prepared to stand strong. Instead of asking, "Now, why was it that I wanted to homeschool?" you'll have answers that prove homeschooling is the best job in the world. "Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked" (Ephesians 6:16).

Lord, thank You for giving me the opportunity to teach my children. Even though tough days will come, I know Your presence will guide us. Help me to appreciate the blessings of teaching my children each day. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Birthday Surprises

Sun, 19 May 2013 00:00:00 +0000

"Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward" (Psalm 127:3).

My birthday present came early the year I turned 25. The afternoon before my birthday, God gave me the gift of a new baby boy. Like all pregnancies that go past their due date, I worried about the new life inside me. However, when my son was finally born, there was no doubt he was healthy and strong. With a full head of red hair, a ruddy appearance, and weighing in at 9 pounds and 15 ounces, my bouncing baby boy looked like a tough outdoorsman as he greeted me with a smile.

Parenting this "easy keeper" was fun right from the start. My son slept, ate, and played exactly the way a mother would want. As he grew, he was ever the complacent child and never demanded or drew attention to himself. Humble in heart, he approached life with an inquisitive mind and sensitive spirit. As we homeschooled, my son was active, observant, and creative, and I knew his life was going to be different. John the Baptist was his biblical mentor, and like John, my son was happiest serving God while living in the great outdoors.

Twenty-five years later on my 50th birthday, my outdoorsy, archeologist son surprised me with another blessing. He bought me a new pair of durable hiking sandals, so I could accompany him on the mountain trail near his home. Crying, I read his words of love and the Bible verse he picked just for me: "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth" (Isaiah 52:7)! Birthday surprises never cease! Praise God for His glorious gift of children!

Father, I lift my heart in praise to You for the wonderful blessings of children. Thank You for the privilege of being a parent and knowing the joys of a child's love. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Spring Cleaning

Sat, 18 May 2013 00:00:00 +0000

"Ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out" (Numbers 32:23b).

Spring was here, and my children were wrapping up their schoolwork for the year one subject at a time. With fewer hours spent homeschooling, new projects were needed to direct my children's energy elsewhere. Since we had several dilapidated buildings on our farm that were shedding siding, shingles, nails, and small pieces of glass, I decided to "hire" my children to clean the mess. Giving them each a small bucket, I informed them that they could receive one cent for every nail and piece of glass they collected. Excited to earn their own money, they all agreed to do this new job.

Taking their new employment seriously, they reported to me daily with bucket in hand. Dumping the contents, I painstakingly counted each item and paid them accordingly. However, as the days went on, the contents of their buckets grew smaller as they became distracted by playing games and riding their bikes. Not expecting much in my son's bucket, I was surprised the next day when he came to be paid. His bucket was almost full with broken pieces of glass, and he was expecting to make a lot of money. Smiling he said, "Let's count these right now, Mom!"

"OK honey," I replied. As we dumped the entire contents, I noticed something odd about the glass. Like the pieces of a puzzle, the edges all seemed to match one another. Suspiciously, I looked at my ten-year-old son and said, "Did you break a larger piece of glass into smaller pieces to earn more money?" Shocked that I had discovered his scheme, he looked at me and quietly admitted the truth. Inside, I laughed at his ingenuity, but outwardly we discussed the reasons why he wasn't getting paid that day.

As Christians, Satan tempts us into thinking there will be no repercussions for deceitfulness. When we fail to tell the store clerk that she's given the wrong change, use an outdated coupon, or try to return merchandise we've damaged saying it was a manufacturing flaw, God knows the truth. Like Achan in Joshua 7, your sin will find you out, and God will reveal the truth. What about you? Is there some spring cleaning the Holy Spirit needs to do in your life?

Father, forgive me for those sins I excuse as little white lies. Help me to say "no" to Satan's foolish temptations to get ahead and deal honestly with others and You. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Nominations Are Now Open for the 2013 Homeschool Social Media Awards!

Fri, 17 May 2013 07:00:32 +0000

When it comes to finding advice and encouragement, who are your favorite online homeschool personalities? Here’s your opportunity to show your appreciation for the best bloggers, tweeters, and commenters on the web with your nominations for AOP’s 2013 Homeschool Social Media Awards contest.

This year, nominations for ten different categories will be accepted until midnight (PT) on May 31, 2013. Individuals may be nominated in multiple categories, and we’ve made the process more fun with personal avatars. Voting begins shortly after the nomination deadline ends, so watch AOP’s social media sites and emails for further details and dates. Prizes include bragging rights with award badges, as well as a grand prize where the nominee with the most overall votes at the end of the event will win a full grade-level set of curriculum in any AOP brand.

Who gets nominated for the Homeschool Social Media Awards depends on you, so voice your choice! You may nominate as many people as you would like, and you can nominate the same person in multiple categories. You can even nominate yourself, so nominate your favorites now!

NOMINATE YOUR FAVORITE ONLINE HOMESCHOOLER NOW!

Social Media Award Categories Include:
• The Lesson Planner
• The Double-Take
• Homeschooling Juggler
• The Sage
• Most Inspirational
• The Side-Splitter
• The Homeschool Dad
• The Vlogger
• The Thrifty Thinker
• Shutter-Happy

Nominations End 5/31/13

When God Says No

Fri, 17 May 2013 00:00:00 +0000

"In the day when I cried thou answeredst me" (Psalm 138:3a).

Our family was considered poor while we homeschooled. Living on one income left us with little money, and trips to the grocery store were made only for milk, flour, eggs, and other staples. We baked our own bread and supplemented our food budget with a bountiful garden. Thankfully, we always had something to eat, and my children never went to bed hungry. However, there were times during our homeschooling when I didn't understand why God allowed our financial situation. I longed for the convenience of prepackaged foods and thought, "It's not fair. Other homeschooling families don't have to cook from scratch, and they have so much more time for field trips and fun days."

My frustration continued until I taught my children the inspirational story of Amy Carmichael. Amy was a Christian missionary in India who founded an orphanage for thousands of children who otherwise would have suffered a bleak future. As a child, Amy prayed to have blue eyes instead of brown. When the color never changed, she was desperately disappointed that God hadn't answered her prayer. Amy's mother lovingly explained that "no" was an answer to prayer, too, and years later, Amy discovered the reason for God's answer. To rescue the abused children in India, Amy had to disguise herself as a native. Dyeing her skin with coffee, Amy was able to keep from being recognized as a foreigner because her eyes were brown, not blue. After reading Amy's story to my family, I thought, "Maybe God has a reason for telling me 'no,' too."

As time went on and my children grew into adulthood, I finally understood God's reason for those hours spent cooking in the kitchen. Because our resources were limited, my children had enjoyed a healthy diet of homegrown, homemade food. They were fit and strong, and they had also learned how to be good cooks themselves. What I had considered a detriment to our homeschooling had actually been a huge blessing.

What do you do when God answers your prayers with "no"? Satan will tempt you to pout as you see greener grass on the other side of the fence, but don't believe him. God's perfect plan for your life will only be fulfilled as you learn to follow Him in obedience, including those times when He says, "no." "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end" (Jeremiah 29:11).

Father, thank You for answering prayer. I confess that only You know what's best for my life. Like a child, help me to trust You when You say "no" and realize that it's always for my good. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Create Visual, Interactive Homeschool Projects Using 4 Online Tools

Thu, 16 May 2013 07:29:54 +0000

For students who are used to surfing the web and using technology for everyday and academic tasks, glue-stick projects may not stimulate their creative learning ability. Several online tools can bring homeschool projects to life by creating visually appealing and interactive word collages, videos, stories, and posters.

Wordle is a tool that can be used to add a splash of color and flair to a presentation or slideshow. It generates “word clouds” from text or web links submitted by users, which can be edited with different fonts, layouts, and color schemes. Students can print a Wordle or save it to share with other learners. Wordle can also be used to artistically display favorite scriptures or encouraging quotes around the schoolroom or in your homeschool binder. The Wordle below is created from text on the Alpha Omega Publications About Us webpage.

For storytellers, young authors, and bookworms, Storybird is an online tool that can be used to create and discover visual stories for writing assignments. Learners can craft a fun, interactive story in minutes using artwork from illustrators and animators that bring the story to life. Storybird can be used to illustrate short stories and poems written in notebooks lying around the house.

Glogster is applicable to any homeschool project, whether it is for history, creative arts, or Bible class. Students can create interactive posters called Glogs by adding text, photos, audio, videos, and special effects to an online poster. They can be shared on social networks or saved on the computer. For academic use, a Glog can be used to showcase a recent field trip or unit study.

Does your leaner enjoy making videos? Go!Animate is an easy-to-use tool that can help illustrate homeschool projects or create animated videos just for fun. The website offers a variety of characters, backgrounds, and props in a drag-and-drop format, as well as options to insert external audio, images, videos, and flash files. Students can record their own voice or use the text-to-speech feature to make their videos unique. Go!Animate is a tool for learners who want to create professional-looking videos without the cost or stress.

What online tools does your learner use to create homeschool projects?

Spring Sale Continues on All Homeschool Items

Thu, 16 May 2013 01:00:00 +0000

Air AOP breezes into Chicago to meet the Fields, a long-time Horizons family, as the Spring Sale continues with 15% off & free shipping* on all homeschool items.

Monarch
Take your homeschooling online! Enjoy 24/7 access to your child’s schoolwork in this PC and Mac-friendly curriculum, filled with media-rich lessons that keep your student engaged.

Switched-On Schoolhouse 2013 Edition
Make homeschooling easier with this CD-ROM curriculum that automatically grades, plans lessons, and keeps records for you. Multimedia and learning activities help your child thrive.

LIFEPAC
Give your child a sense of pride with self-paced worktext units that encourage independent learning. Plus, integrated lesson plans lessen your own homeschooling load.

Horizons
Captivate your child with colorful, Bible-based lessons that make learning fun and meaningful. You’ll love the high child/parent interaction and in-depth teacher’s guides.

The Weaver Curriculum
Take a flexible, topical approach to teaching all of your children at once with this unit-based curriculum that includes traditional binders to organize activities for each grade level.

Visit AOP’s Flight Log for details on our Spring Sale adventures.

*Applies to standard ground shipping within the continental United States on orders over $50.

A Walk in the Park

Thu, 16 May 2013 00:00:00 +0000

"For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation" (Psalm 149:4).

Are you too busy completing your curriculum to let your homeschooler play? During my first years of homeschooling, I foolishly lived under the pressure of completing our workbooks. I traded my children's playtime for finishing every problem and watched as they became more frustrated with this routine. Realizing something was wrong, I thought, "Why aren't they enjoying school anymore?" The next day as I struggled to finish math with my son, I saw we were getting nowhere. Finally, I stopped and said, "Why don't we just go for a walk and play in the park this afternoon?"

Immediately, my children's countenances changed, and they excitedly responded, "Really, Mom? Yes, let's go!"

Leaving schoolwork behind, we packed the car and headed to the park. After playing only a few minutes, I saw my children's stress levels drop as they enjoyed the slides, merry-go-round, swings, and teeter-totter. Laughing and giggling, the smiles came back, and I knew the answer to my teaching problems. Homeschooling was more than just completing workbooks. It was also taking time for a walk in the park.

As Christians, we forget that God enjoys spending time with us, too. We get involved in doing things for God, when all He wants is for us to enjoy being with Him. Yes, serving the Lord is wonderful, but we must also take time to walk with God and experience the sweet joy of His loving presence. If you find yourself doing too much, perhaps it's time to take a break and enjoy a Mary moment at Jesus' feet.

Lord, thank You for Your love and the joy of being Your child. Teach me to relax in Your love and enjoy every moment with You. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Upward Thoughts

Wed, 15 May 2013 00:00:00 +0000

"O how I love thy law! it is my meditation all the day" (Psalm 119:97).

Homeschooling families have incredible opportunities to train their children in righteousness. Without public mandates restricting our actions, we can enjoy daily devotions, prayer, and the Bible's wonderful truths. Just as exciting is the unlimited moments we have to direct our child's thoughts toward God. Throughout the entire school day, biblical applications can be interjected as they apply to our Christian curriculum or the problems of daily living. Growing in the Lord, our children's faith becomes vibrant and powerful as they learn to "think on these things" (Philippians 4:8b).

King David also learned the art of directing his thoughts toward God. Throughout the Psalms, he demonstrated how to daily meditate on God and His Word. Whether fighting giants, killing bears, herding sheep, or playing his harp, David focused his thinking toward God as he remembered His faithfulness and blessings. Even when running for his life from Saul, David trusted in God's protection and remained focused on what God could do rather than the hopelessness of the situation.

What about you? Is Satan bogging down your mind with homeschooling worries that cause you to forget God's blessings? If you're having trouble keeping your thoughts fixed on God, remember what He has already done. As you count your blessings every moment of the day, you'll find the strength to trust His promises for the future. "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things" (Philippians 4:8).

Father, thank You for the wonderful way You've blessed our family as we've homeschooled. Remind me of Your promises and strengthen me to hold fast to the joys of teaching my children at home. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

See Why the Duggars Love Switched-On Schoolhouse

Tue, 14 May 2013 01:00:00 +0000

For a family that is 19 and counting, time and money matter! That's why Switched-On Schoolhouse is the curriculum of choice for the Duggar family from Tontitown, Arkansas. Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar rely on SOS for time-saving features like automatic grading, as well as solid academics, Bible-based content, and money-saving benefits, including the ability to use SOS for multiple students.

Best of all, with 15% savings and free shipping*, now is a great time to reclaim your family time and ease the stress on your pocketbook by choosing Switched-On Schoolhouse! Call 800-622-3070 or shop online today to be the next homeschool family that loves SOS.

"I like the way that my children are able to learn, and I don’t have to spend hours grading papers!"
- Michelle Duggar, 19 Kids and Counting

'I have really enjoyed learning with SOS. The curriculum presents everything in a way that is fun and easy to understand."
- Josiah Duggar

Now through May 31, stock up and save on your favorite Alpha Omega Publications homeschool curriculum, including Switched-On Schoolhouse, Monarch, Horizons, and LIFEPAC. Spend $50 or more, and we'll pay the shipping.*

*Applies to standard ground shipping within the continental United States on orders over $50.

You Want It When?

Tue, 14 May 2013 00:00:00 +0000

One reason parents choose to homeschool is the advantage children have in learning at their own pace. However, even homeschoolers must learn how to meet a deadline. Balancing these two approaches to learning required creativity as I prepared my lesson plans. Since I knew deadlines would teach my children to manage workloads, I assigned specific projects and assignments to complement their curriculum. Whether they expounded on a science concept by researching a hypothesis or wrote a lengthy paper for a composition, they learned to gather the information and materials necessary to finish their assignment by a fixed date. Years later, they thanked me as they saw the importance of meeting deadlines in the workplace.

The Bible also tells of a spiritual deadline for all mankind that is soon approaching. Some day Christ will return as Lord and King to judge the world. In Mark 13:32-33 Christ says, "But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is." Unlike deadlines in this life, God in His wisdom chooses not to reveal the specific time or hour of Christ's return. Jesus simply tells us to watch, pray, and be ready. Unfortunately, many will miss the joys of heaven because they wait too long. By failing to heed Jesus' warning to respond now to the Gospel message, they will be lost for eternity and suffer eternal separation from God.

Are you telling others about God's final deadline? Although the message may not be popular, the promise of Christ's return is sure (2 Peter 3:8-10). Without a doubt, those who come to know Christ due to your witness will be sure to thank you one day when you stand together in the presence of the Lord. "Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts" (Hebrews 4:7).

Lord, thank You for the promise of Your return. Please, help me boldly share the message of Your love and forgiveness with as many people as possible before that final day. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Quiet Testimonies

Mon, 13 May 2013 00:00:00 +0000

"And be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear" (1 Peter 3:15b).

Homeschoolers have different ways of promoting the joys of homeschooling. Some share homeschooling's rewards on a grand scale, while others promote them by a quiet, willing testimony. When asked why we homeschooled, I offered explanations that included our belief in Deuteronomy 6:5-7 and the example of our everyday homeschooling experience. Those people truly interested would respond, "Boy, that's great! I wish I was able to do that!" Even my children's friends responded to a quiet testimony in a positive way. After coming over to play, they would leave saying, "I wish my parents would homeschool me!" The benefits of homeschooling were easily revealed as they heard and saw homeschooling for what it was — a better way to learn.

Although the Bible gives examples of great leaders whose witness changed the lives of thousands, it also shares stories of men and women whose testimonies only affected a few. Andrew brought his brother Peter to Jesus, Philip told the Ethiopian ruler how to be saved, and Ruth's faithful actions to her mother-in-law, Naomi, were a witness in themselves. Impacting the lives of just a few, their quiet testimonies had far-reaching effects that accomplished great things for God.

What about you? Do you ever feel your witness is insignificant? Don't doubt the power of your quiet testimony to make a difference in the lives of others. Although you may never be a talented speaker on a stage, your faithful words of love and encouragement can be the tool God uses to win a lost soul to Christ!

Father, thank You for every opportunity I have to tell others of Your amazing love. Use me today to encourage both my own family and others. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Mother's Day Memories

Sun, 12 May 2013 00:00:00 +0000

"Her children arise up, and call her blessed" (Proverbs 31:28a).

Mother's Day was always special for me as a homeschooling mom. Each year, my children went the extra mile and demonstrated their love with thoughtful homemade cards and gifts. One Mother's Day, however, stands above the rest in my memory. That year, a well-known restaurant chain in our town sponsored a Mother's Day poetry contest for all the young writers in the community. The contestants were required to submit a short poem sharing what their mother meant to them. After seeing the contest and prizes listed in the paper, my 12-year-old daughter decided to enter and submit her poem.

Several days later, a special envelope arrived in the mail from the restaurant. Upon opening the letter, my daughter discovered that she had won the grand prize of one dozen red roses for her mother, a monetary gift of $25 for her, and a complimentary meal for our entire family at the restaurant. In addition, her poem was to be published in the local newspaper, and a special copy of the poem was to be printed and framed just for me. Enjoying the prizes was exciting, but even more wonderful was the message that my daughter wrote in the poem. How blessed I was to read these words of love:

For My Mother
by JoAnna Tatman

Before even time began
My mother for me was planned.
She brought me unto the earth
Through the miracle of birth.

As a child in this world anew
She gave me guidance, wise and true.
She picked me up when I fell down
And kissed away my tears and frowns.

When I failed, she loved me anyway.
Her trueness lasts even to this day.
As a child and a mother
We will always have each other.

Even when life takes us apart
We from each other will not depart.
For she is the goodness inside my soul,
A strength on which I will forever grow.

Homeschool mom, do you know how deeply your children love you? Although you may not see their affections demonstrated every day, your children really do appreciate and love you for the sacrifices you make when homeschooling. You are the object of their affections, and if they haven't done so already, someday they too will rise up to call you blessed.

Lord, so many days I feel like my acts of love go unnoticed. Teach me to remember that every kind word and deed is making a difference forever in the life of my child. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Nothing More to Give

Sat, 11 May 2013 00:00:00 +0000

"It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect" (Psalm 18:32).

Do you ever wake up and feel like you have nothing left to give as a homeschooling parent? During one quiet morning as I looked out the kitchen window, I felt exhausted physically, financially, and emotionally. I just wanted my house to be clean, but as I looked around the house, each task I had accomplished seemed to have been replaced by ten others. Laundry, dishes, and dirt seemed to be everywhere. Added to this overwhelming burden was a mountain of schoolwork waiting to be graded and lessons needing to be planned. I felt depleted to the point of despair and prayed, "Lord, I'm so tired. Will I ever finish all this work?"

The struggle to find strength for the battle is nothing new. We can quit homeschooling, but if countless other Christians have remained steadfast through their difficult times, we can too. Clearly, believing the old saying, "When life gets tough, the tough get going," isn't the answer. As Christian homeschooling parents, we already know we don't have the ability to conjure up strength on our own. The strength lies in our attitude toward God and acknowledging our dependency on Him. Like Paul, we must learn "for when I am weak, then am I strong" (2 Corinthians 12:10b). Like a little child strengthened by his parents to lift objects much too heavy for himself, we can rediscover God's strength to move mountains of housework, schoolwork, or whatever comes our way.

If you are experiencing homeschool burnout and finding yourself shutting down, God is waiting for you. Your all-powerful and loving heavenly Father has the strength you need to face today, tomorrow, and even eternity. Stop thinking about what you can't do. Start depending on God and find out what you can do through Him today. "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" (Philippians 4:13).

Lord, homeschooling is impossible without You. Show me how to cling to You and lift me above the weight of each day's tasks. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

The Consequences of Complacency

Fri, 10 May 2013 00:00:00 +0000

"Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind" (Luke 10:27b).

Complacency was creeping into our homeschooling, and my son's attitude toward his math was growing more apathetic. Realizing he would never finish his entire curriculum by the end of the school year, he decided to face the problem with an "I don't care" outlook. Walking past his room one day I heard him say, "I'll be glad when school's done next week. Then, I won't have to think about geometry anymore."

"Wrong," I thought to myself. "You're not getting off the hook that easily!" As Memorial Day approached, my son saw the green lights of summer flashing before his eyes. However, what he failed to notice was the stop sign in my hand called summer school. With workbook in hand, I informed him that school was still in session. Each day we would be completing two lessons in math until his work was finished.

Complacent Christians are of no use to the Lord. Weighed down by sins or entangled in the affairs of the world, their effectiveness for Christ is nullified. Allowing Satan to lure them to sleep, they no longer have the passionate fire for serving Christ. Assured of salvation and wanting only enough of God to get by, they live life to please themselves rather than to serve God. In Revelation, God clearly states His feeling about lukewarm Christians: "I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth" (Revelation 3:15-16).

Has complacency wrapped its ugly fingers around your heart? If you haven't felt a burden for the lost, gone to church, or even spent time in prayer and Bible study for ages, chances are good that your fire is almost out. Before "I don't care" becomes a permanent part of your spiritual vocabulary, heed God's warning and let the Holy Spirit fill you anew. "That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind" (Ephesians 4:22-23).

Lord, forgive me for letting the things of this world take precedence over my love and devotion to You. Rekindle my love and expose those things that have taken me away from You. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

15% off Everything All Month Long

Thu, 09 May 2013 01:00:00 +0000

Stock up and save 15% on all homeschool brands, including Horizons, during our Spring Sale at Alpha Omega Publications. Plus, spend $50 or more, and we’ll pay the shipping!*

Did You Know? Horizons is used in 49 countries throughout the world and offers courses in Preschool, Math, Phonics & Reading, Penmanship, Spelling & Vocabulary, Health, and Physical Education.

Save Now! or Call 800-622-3070

*Applies to standard ground shipping within the continental United States on orders over $50.

Asparagus Hunts

Thu, 09 May 2013 00:00:00 +0000

"And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost" (Luke 15:9).

Hunting the roadside ditches for asparagus was a favorite springtime activity for our homeschooling family. Every year, my oldest son was the first to ask, "When are we going to go looking for asparagus?" He loved eating this tasty vegetable. As if hunting for a treasure, he would map out our favorite wild asparagus locations on the county atlas. Harvesting asparagus appealed to his hunter/gatherer spirit that loved finding each spear hidden within the ditch grasses. Watching him walk down the ditch with paper bag in hand, I said, "I'm not sure which you enjoy more, eating asparagus or hunting for it."

Smiling, he replied, "Oh, definitely hunting for it!"

As Christians, we should have the same intense desire to reach lost souls. Unfortunately, many of us turn away from such opportunities to spread the good news of Jesus Christ. Safe in our own little environment of believers, we fail to see the hurting hearts of the unlovely and unwanted. Isolated and protected, we remain in the salt shaker and fail to be the salt the Lord desires (Matthew 5:13). God challenges us to go looking for the lost. Like the parable of the lost sheep and the lost coin (Luke 15), we are to walk through life with eyes open to see the hearts of those needing the saving message of Christ's love and forgiveness.

When was the last time you shared the love of Jesus with someone in need of salvation? In the end, all that will matter are the lives of those who came to know Christ because of your witness. Will you seek the lost?

Father, please open my eyes to see those who are in need of Your saving grace. Grant me boldness to share the message of hope and forgiveness, so they might find eternal life in Your name. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Save 15% Every Day in May!

Tue, 07 May 2013 01:00:00 +0000

Don’t miss another month of markdowns on all AOP homeschool curriculum. Plus, spend $50 or more, and we’ll pay the shipping!*

Did You Know?
Parents can log into Monarch and see their students’ schoolwork from any place in the world, whether they’re on a business trip, stationed overseas in the military, or at work.

Save now online or call 800-622-3070.

*Applies to standard ground shipping within the continental United States on orders over $50.

Food for the Ages

Tue, 07 May 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Since home cooking was quickly becoming a lost art, food preparation was an important part of our homeschooling. Although gourmet delights were appreciated, what our family enjoyed eating most were old-fashioned meals prepared with organic, farm-fresh meats, vegetables, and grains. Recipes for this type of cooking, however, weren't found in commercial cookbooks. Rather, these recipes came from the godly women who shared their culinary skills in the church cookbook. Gleaning from their expertise, we baked cakes, breads, and pies from scratch and learned the resourcefulness of using our garden's bounty for casseroles, soups, and salads.

In addition to helpful and healthy recipes, these wonderful cookbooks also held small nuggets of seasoned advice from gray-haired grandmas. Like Solomon's proverbs, these insightful sayings were sprinkled throughout the pages, giving my children and me food for thought as we cooked. Here are a few of my favorites:

"Church members are either pillars or caterpillars. The pillars hold up the church, while the caterpillars just crawl in and out."

"If you want to be original, be yourself. God never made two people exactly alike."

"Love isn't blind. It just doesn't tell all it sees."

"A gossiper is like an old shoe — its tongue never stays in place."

"Food without seasoning is like talk without reasoning."

"Work is the yeast that raises the dough."

Whether it's cooking, cleaning, or homeschooling children, a younger woman needs the experienced knowledge an older woman provides. However, you have to be willing to share the recipes God has taught you. If you're a seasoned homeschool mom, is there someone whom you can bless with the many things the Lord has taught you? "The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children" (Titus 2:3-4).

Lord, thank You for the women you've placed in my life to help me raise my family and care for my home. Use me now to be a blessing, so others might be encouraged to follow You as they homeschool. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Second Starts

Mon, 06 May 2013 00:00:00 +0000

"It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness" (Lamentations 3:22-23).

Homeschooling was even harder during the 1980s than it is today. Starting out strong, I was determined to be the best homeschooling parent, but that was before I faced opposition. Some days, my relatives attacked with hurtful comments highlighting my inability to teach. Other days, public school officials sent threatening notes of truancy. Daily, strangers challenged me with infamous questions like, "Why aren't your kids in school?" Without the benefit of experienced homeschoolers and organizations to help me through these confrontations, I vacillated in my homeschooling commitment. Succumbing to the pressure and ignoring God's call, I stopped teaching my children and said, "God, I can't do this. This is too hard!"

In Acts 12:25, John Mark started out strong, too, as he accompanied Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey. Near the city of Pamphylia, however, the pressures of the trip became too great, and he turned around and headed back home to Jerusalem (Acts 13:13). Perhaps it was the angry Jewish leaders trying to imprison the followers of Jesus or the long days and short nights with little food and comfort. Whatever the reason, John Mark quit, and Paul had nothing good to say about him (Acts 15:37-38). When Barnabas wanted to take him on their second missionary journey, a conflict arose and Paul "thought not good to take him with them" (vs.38b).

Fortunately, God was gentler with me than Paul was with John Mark. Reminding me why I was homeschooling, He gave me another chance. As He confirmed the burden originally put on my heart, I went on in His strength to teach my children through high school. Like John Mark, I rejoiced in God's loving patience and the opportunity to start again.

What about you? If you've ever failed at homeschooling or living the Christian life, God is waiting to help you begin anew. Just pray right now and ask Him for the help you need. Whether it's strength to keep homeschooling or strength to find victory over a particular sin, God wants to show you grace, mercy, and love. He truly is the God of the second chance. "Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him" (Psalm 103:13).

Father, thank You for Your great mercy. Please, show me how to start again and be obedient to what You've asked. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Who Gets the Credit?

Sun, 05 May 2013 00:00:00 +0000

"A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit" (Proverbs 29:23).

Feeling pride in my son's accomplishment of graduating summa cum laude from a state university wasn't difficult. As a homeschooling parent, watching my son receive his degree in anthropology was the culmination of years of schooling. No parents could have been prouder, and we rejoiced in our son's outstanding achievement. The years of homeschooling had been worth the sacrifice, and my son's award proved again that a child could be successfully educated at home.

As I thought about the days, hours, and minutes involved in homeschooling my son, I realized God was the One who should receive the greatest award. Without His loving care, protection, and provision, we would have never survived homeschooling. God's loving guidance and wisdom taught countless lessons that were never recorded on my son's report card, and the many extracurricular opportunities my son enjoyed were divinely orchestrated by God's loving hand. God knew my son's hands-on learning and creative enthusiasm would have been stifled in public school. By convicting me to homeschool, God kept my son from joining the ranks of bored underachievers. "Yes, God should be taking the credit today," I thought to myself. "He kept every one of His promises and was everything we needed as we homeschooled."

During times of success and recognition, it's easy to forget God. The story of Herod in Acts 12:20-23 is a perfect example. Not only did he steal God's glory, Herod went one step further and took credit for being God. Allowing the people of Tyre and Sidon to praise and worship him, Herod did nothing when they began shouting, "It is the voice of a god, and not of a man" (vs. 22). Herod's haughtiness and pride led to a surprising and sudden death: "And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost" (vs. 23).

Are you tempted to puff yourself up and take credit for your child's educational success? Even though you've invested time and effort, God is the One who is going before you. He gives creativity to your lesson plans, spiritual insights to apply His Word, and the resources and physical health to accomplish each day's tasks. Simply said, your homeschooling is nothing without God. "But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord" (2 Corinthians 10:17).

Father, forgive me when I steal Your glory. You alone deserve the praise for what our homeschooling family has become. Today, we lift our voices in thanksgiving for Your goodness and love. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Unlimited Power

Sat, 04 May 2013 00:00:00 +0000

"The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much" (James 5:16b).

Even with all the technology available in the world, the most powerful tool we have as Christians is prayer. Amazing, isn't it? When we pray, God's power strengthens us. Teaching our children how to access this source of strength is paramount, for no other aspect of Christian living is as important as knowing how to talk and listen to God. However, some homeschool lessons are better caught than taught, and such is the case with prayer. The best curriculum for teaching prayer is simply praying out loud with your children and allowing them to see and hear you talk to God.

Because praying was such a personal matter, I first shied away from letting my children hear my prayers. Sure, I let them hear me give praise and thanks for food and other blessings, but I knew communing with the Lord involved much more. My children also needed to hear me confess my sins and intercede for others honestly and humbly. They needed to learn that prayer was more than vain repetitions (Matthew 6:7). I hoped as they listened that they would learn there's no limit to intimacy with the Creator of the universe. They could talk to God anytime about anything.

What about your prayer life? Would your children know how to pray after listening to you talk to God? If not, perhaps it's time to come to the Lord like the disciples and ask, "Lord, teach us to pray" (Luke 11:1b). Jesus knew the disciples would never survive without a powerful prayer life. Do you think your children are any different? "Therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: That thou mayest love the LORD thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life, and the length of thy days" (Deuteronomy 30:19b-20a).

Father, thank You for the power of prayer to find strength for every difficulty in life. Help me to teach my children how to pray by bringing them into Your presence. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Monarch Enhances Essay Writing Feature

Fri, 03 May 2013 13:00:00 +0000

In response to feedback from customers like you, Alpha Omega Publications has improved Monarch's essay feature. Students can now conveniently do the following with essays, projects, and paragraph questions in Monarch:

• Add styles and fonts
• Save work and return to it without triggering a teacher notification
• Access editing and printing instructions with a more visible "Instructions" link
• Highlight important pieces of text
• Format quotes to stand out from the text
• Get help by clicking the "?" icon

In addition, teachers will appreciate the more streamlined look of the new essay formatting.

Should you have any questions or need assistance in using this new Monarch feature, please visit Monarch technical support online or call 888-891-4958. Our regular business hours are Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. (CT).

Give Us Your Feedback!
At AOP, we're listening! Visit our Monarch feedback report to help us continue to improve our online Christian homeschool curriculum.

The Microscope

Fri, 03 May 2013 00:00:00 +0000

"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God" (Romans 12:2).

My children weren't the only ones who learned character lessons during the course of our homeschooling. Daily, I came under the same instruction as my children, and I struggled to show patience, kindness, and love in my actions. One particular day of character building (or the lack of it) stands out clearly in my mind. I had just given my son an expensive hand-held microscope for his birthday. I envisioned him enjoying hours of inspecting bugs, plants, and rocks with this new educational toy, but my dreams were short-lived. As I walked into my son's room that afternoon, I found the microscope lying on his desk completely disassembled. Parts were everywhere, and before my son could offer any explanation, I immediately accused him of ruining the microscope. When my barrage of hurtful comments chastising him to be more responsible ended, he looked at me and said, "I'm sorry, Mom. I took it apart to use the light bulb in my science experiment. I was going to put it back together when I was done."

The ability to live godly is something every Christian seeks to attain. As I examined my actions that day under the light and focus of God's Word, I realized how undisciplined I was in showing patience. My tongue was severely in need of being bridled (James 3), and I found myself coming to God and my child to ask forgiveness for my sinful foolishness. Although I could have hidden behind fatigue and other excuses, the clear picture of who I was without the Holy Spirit was more than evident.

What about you? Have you taken a good look lately at your attitude and actions during the course of your homeschooling day? We all fall short of the glory of God, but are you allowing God to change you as He reveals those areas in your life that need to come under His Lordship? Like the lens of a microscope, what is God's Word revealing about the true state of your character?

Father, I humbly bow before You and confess my sin. Too many days I reflect my old nature rather than the new life in Christ You have given me. Increase the fruit of righteousness within my life that my character might reflect Your glory. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Mother’s Day Giveaway

Thu, 02 May 2013 01:00:00 +0000

In celebration of all homeschool moms, AOP is holding a Mother’s Day Giveaway, in which 25 moms will receive a free copy of the NIV Homeschool Mom’s Bible.

All the energy mothers spend encouraging their children can leave moms drained of any words of wisdom for themselves. It sometimes seems as if no one is cheering mothers on as they lead lessons, cook meals, clean house, and teach everyone from the kids to the cat to listen up, forgive others, and respect the upholstery. That’s when the NIV Homeschool Mom’s Bible comes in handy. A collection of 365 thoughtful and heartfelt daily devotionals dispersed throughout the Bible inspire moms to remember that, no matter how heavy a homeschooling load may feel, God will see them through.

Entering our Mother’s Day Giveaway is quick and easy.

Enter Now

AOP’s Mother’s Day Giveaway Rules

1. How to Enter: No purchase necessary. Go to https://www.research.net/s/aop-bible-giveaway to enter by filling out a registration form. Each entrant for this sweepstakes has the option to opt out of inclusion on Alpha Omega Publications’ mailing list. Limit one entry per household.

2. Prizes: Twenty-five (25) winners will be chosen. Prizes: One (1) NIV Homeschool Mom’s Bible. Retail Value: $34.99.

3. Eligibility: Entrants must be 18 years of age or older. Employees of Alpha Omega Publications^® or any of its affiliated or associated companies (collectively AOP), and their immediate families with whom they reside are not eligible to win. The definition of immediate family as it pertains to these rules includes mother, father, brother, sister, spouse, and child.

4. Entry Closing Date: The entry closing date is 11:59 p.m. (CT) on May 9, 2013.

5. Selection of Winners: A drawing will be made by AOP at or about 11 a.m. (CT) on May 10, 2013. The first twenty-five (25) entries selected at random will be declared the potential winners. The potential winners will be contacted by email at the address indicated on the selected entrants' entry forms. In the event that a winner is unable to be reached in that manner within 48 hours of the drawing, another eligible entry will be drawn, and the process will be repeated until all winners are declared.

6. Probability of Winning: The probability of winning a prize will depend on the total number of eligible entries received before the deadline in accordance with these rules.

7. No Substitutions by Winners: Each prize must be accepted as awarded without substitution and cannot be transferred. Each prize has no cash equivalent.

8. Decisions Final: All decisions made by AOP with respect to all aspects of this sweepstakes are final and not subject to challenge. These rules may be amended at any time by AOP without notice. AOP expressly reserves the right to take any steps it deems necessary in its absolute discretion, including the limiting of entries and the exclusion of entrants in order to ensure that the sweepstakes is conducted in a fair way for all entrants and AOP.

9. No Liability: AOP and its employees, agents, and representatives shall not be responsible in any way for any loss or damage arising from the use of the prizes awarded in this sweepstakes or the entry by participants herein. AOP assumes no responsibility or liability for any risk associated with the acceptance or use of the prizes awarded as part of this sweepstakes or any liability associated with online or electronic entries, and expressly disclaims liability from loss or damage to a participant’s computer system, however caused, arising from bugs, viruses, or technical failures in any way associated with or arising from online or electronic entries.

10. Entries Belong to AOP: All entries become the property of AOP and will not be returned.

11. Lost Entries: AOP is not responsible for any lost, misdirected, or delayed entries.

12. Consent to Use: By entering the sweepstakes, entrants consent to the use of their name, address, and email address by AOP for the explicit purpose of expanding the AOP database of customers or potential customers. Entrants may receive the following from AOP employees or representatives: catalogs, specials, promotional offers, postcards, fliers, or other advertising material.

13. Applicable Laws: This sweepstakes is subject to all applicable state and federal laws and regulations, and any dispute relating hereto will be determined by a Maricopa County, Arizona, court applying Arizona law. Void where prohibited.

14. Personal Information: The personal information obtained from the sweepstakes entry form will not be used or disclosed by AOP for any purpose whatsoever other than general sweepstakes administration and the purpose set forth in these rules.

Homeschooling with the Coopers

Thu, 02 May 2013 00:59:00 +0000

We recently had the opportunity to chat with homeschool mom Jessica Cooper, who just began her homeschooling journey with three-and-a-half-year-old Cody and Horizons Preschool. Mason, 17 months, learns along with his big brother at their home in Ohio. Here’s what Jessica has to say about homeschooling.

AOP: You just started homeschooling. What are the pros so far?
Jessica: Oh, wow, the pros are never-ending. One that led us to homeschooling is that if one of our children needs a little extra time to master a concept, we can give him that time without the typical pressure of group school of falling behind or being measured or compared to peers. We strongly believe every individual is unique and different in learning style and interests, and having individualized education allows them greater freedom to reach their true educational potential. On the flip side, if they are more interested in a particular topic studied, we can give them the extra time to dig deeper into what interests them.

School can be integrated into life. We don’t have to have a set schedule every day where we are sitting at a desk learning the alphabet or numbers. When we are out shopping or just cooking dinner, we can count with our three-year-old. Every time he points out letters, he recognizes a teaching opportunity. Another pro of homeschooling, we hope, is that our kids will not get discouraged with education and the rigidness of schedules and attendance polices. Although rules and abiding by policy are important to learn, by schooling at home, we can institute and teach those concepts when they are ready to learn them, without adding unnecessary pressure at young ages, when learning should only be exciting and a time of discovery. Also, they are not exposed to social pressure when they may be too young to deal with it.

Homeschooling also seems to help foster a strong family unit for us. We live together, learn together, take care of each other, etc. My husband often travels for work, and having the flexibility to pack up our school stuff and go with him not only allows our family to stay together, but we can also find cool field trip opportunities along the way.

As a parent, I don't have to miss a moment of my child's growth – the twinkle in his eye when he learns something new or discovers the colors in nature or the wonders of the world. I can't imagine giving that up to someone else for seven hours a day, five days a week.

I can get hugs and kisses all day long. Reading stories is more fun cuddled up on a comfy couch. We can take our books outside on a pretty day and work on the deck or in the grass. I know where my kids are and how safe they are 24/7. If we are running late, we can skip putting shoes on, or just wear pajamas all day. If we had a special event that went late the night before, we can just start school later the next morning so everyone can sleep in if needed.

Another plus is that I will be forced to face my shortcomings and weak subjects, like spelling and history, when teaching those concepts to my kids, although I am excited to have a second chance to learn those tricky concepts alongside my kids.

AOP: What are your homeschooling challenges?
Jessica: The only one I have found so far is the pure exhaustion I feel some nights when my head finally hits my pillow. But it is a peaceful exhaustion, one of complete contentment that I am doing what’s best for my kids, and I enjoy every tiring moment of it. The other challenge we are working through is finding the homeschool networks in our community. They are there and they are vast, and once we found one, it was like a huge underground community, much larger than we imagined. Of course the critics of homeschooling will always present a challenge, but my husband and I are solid in our decision to homeschool and ready to defend when appropriate or confidently accept the criticism.

AOP: How do you teach?
Jessica: I use Horizons Preschool as the basis for my daily lessons. I outline the lessons the night before, and then expand or adapt from there. I try and let Cody decide the order or type of activity we start with, so he learns decision-making skills, and I get an idea of his preferences. I have researched many other curriculums, but found AOP to have the most diverse options for the future and a more colorful PreK curriculum. Cody loves school and asks to “do school” just about every day. The retention of a preschooler amazes me. Mason tries so hard to keep up with his bother. He loves being included in everything.

AOP: What makes you unique?
Jessica: I don’t think I’m much different from many moms. I wake up every morning, and I’m grateful for one more day with my kids. I cherish every moment I have with them. Although I get frustrated and overwhelmed with the hectic nature of life and raising toddlers, I try very hard to continually look at my kids as a blessing that I only have a short time with before my job with them is done and it will be time to send them off into the world, and hope and pray I did well as a mother. I want to raise well-adjusted children who grow into the type of adults who are admired and respected, contribute to their community, love their family, and are happy. I want them to appreciate the important things in life: family, relationships, and the love they share with others.

Prepare Your 3-Year-Old for Preschool

Thu, 02 May 2013 00:58:00 +0000

Prep your toddler for learning with Horizons Preschool for Three’s, a program precisely designed to address your child’s cognitive development, pre-reading and numeracy skills, language acquisition, and school readiness.

Developmental Highlights

Coming this fall, Horizons Preschool for Three’s gives young students practice in language skills, matching, sequencing, counting, and more. Featuring 40 weeks of lessons and activities in one student workbook, a workbook companion, a teacher’s guide, and a brightly illustrated Bible story reader, the curriculum highlights the following developmental areas:

• Foundations for reading, writing, and math are built through gospel stories, alphabet and number games, worksheets, creative art, music, and new vocabulary.
• Social skills are acquired through interactive play. As children begin developing a sense of identity and character, group exercises and character-building activities allow them to explore personal interests and achieve positive self-esteem.
• Fine motor skills required for writing are strengthened through cutting, painting, and coloring.

What Makes Horizons Preschool So Effective

An expansion of the Horizons Preschool program, Horizons Preschool for Three’s also strengthens children’s social, emotional, and spiritual development by leading three-year-olds to know that God made them and gave them great gifts. The curriculum accomplishes several other objectives, including:

• Enhances development through multi-sensory activities
• Develops a foundation in phonics and mathematics
•Themes of activities planned in a sequential manner
• Promotes character qualities, citizenship, and community awareness
• Adapts to a variety of daily schedules and program objectives with a flexible organizational structure
• Reinforces concepts with games, songs, poems, drama, and multimedia
• Preparation for kindergarten in a Christian environment
• Aligns closely to state objective requirements

Horizons Preschool for Three’s is available for pre-order at Alpha Omega Publications for $69.95. Order during our Spring Sale, and enjoy an extra 15% off through May 31.

What do you look for in a preschool curriculum?

Pin It on Homeschooling

Thu, 02 May 2013 00:57:00 +0000

It’s highly visual, totally free, and growing by the second. Pinterest provides homeschoolers with a wealth of free tips, activities, and inspiration. It’s a fun online spot to share and find content and graphics on almost any topic.

A content-sharing site where users can “pin” images linked to websites, Pinterest can be the answer to long, rainy days and moments when you are scraping the bottom of your creativity bucket. In fact, once you understand how to use Pinterest to its full potential, it will quickly become a part of your homeschool tool belt. Here’s how.

Find Learning Activities. When you need an activity to coincide with a lesson, your students are bored, or you need to vary a school day, Pinterest is the place to go. It houses hundreds of easy activities requiring everyday items you can pick up cheaply at general retail stores. Start by searching a broad topic, such as “spring.” If the results don’t show an ideal activity, narrow your search by adding related words, such as “activities,” “crafts,” and “lessons.” Plus, the DIY & Crafts section includes a lot of learning activities that you can tailor to your topic.

Get Inspired. If you’ve had a long homeschool day or are bracing for one, a little encouragement may be in order. Pinterest is a great source for Scripture and motivational quotes for homeschoolers. Alpha Omega Publications has an Inspiration board with quotes and scriptures that you will want to pin on your own boards, or even your refrigerator.

Get Field Trip Ideas. Whether you’re looking for new places to go and things to do or you’re taking a road trip, Pinterest will show you the way. Just type your city into the search bar, and click Boards or Pinners at the top of the page. This will give you more specific results than clicking Pins, which searches all of Pinterest. Vary your search terms with words like “activities,” “field trip,” “homeschool,” “Christian,” or “fun,” to find specific educational activities.

Follow the Crowd. To get the most out of Pinterest, follow others, such as your local chamber of commerce, activity center, or fellow homeschoolers. When you find a pin you like, note who pinned it, and follow that person. Eventually, you won’t have to search for as many ideas, because they will automatically show up on your own wall and boards.

Be sure to check out AOP’s Homeschool Pinterest page for fun and inspiring homeschooling pins, sales, and a lot more.

How do you use Pinterest in your homeschool?

The ABCs of Gardening with Homeschoolers

Thu, 02 May 2013 00:56:00 +0000

This spring, consider introducing your child to gardening. Not only can you provide a unique educational experience, but gardening also allows you to enjoy the outdoors and homegrown food together.

Before planting the garden, take a trip to your local grocery store and purchase a variety of fruits and vegetables with numerous types of seeds. Look for a few your child hasn’t seen before. At home, have your child predict what the seeds in each fruit or vegetable will look like. Give your child a journal so he or she can record these predictions and track the garden’s progress throughout the summer. Encourage your child to describe the size, color, shape, texture, and number of seeds he or she expects to find in each item. Then, help your child cut open the fruits and vegetables and compare the seeds and predictions. Record differences in the journal.

Conduct research with your child to determine which foods will grow best in your area and plan to include them in your garden. In the journal, have your child predict the amount of time it will take each fruit or vegetable to reach maturity. When the weather is right, plan your plot and start planting.

Throughout the course of the summer, talk to your child about the wonder of God’s creation as you watch your garden grow. Have your child record plant dates, sprout dates, weekly plant growth, and daily weather trends in the journal. Encourage your child to compare numerical data on a graph for easy comparison.

When the food is ready for harvest, incorporate the homegrown fruits and veggies into a recipe. Challenge your child to practice math skills by changing the size of the recipe. Ask your child to determine how many utensils to set on the table by multiplying the number of people in your family by the number of utensils each person will use. Cooking together is an excellent opportunity to teach about nutrition. Then, enjoy a homecooked meal as a family.

Do you have ideas for encouraging your child’s green thumb?

Healing a Nation

Thu, 02 May 2013 00:00:00 +0000

"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority" (1 Timothy 2:1-2a).

As a homeschooling parent, do you have a burden for your child's future as a United States citizen? As I watched the decay of morality in our nation during my short lifetime, my heart grieved for my children and what they would face during their adult years. Sin's influence has been accepted and legislated into laws that wreak havoc in families, businesses, and governments. Today, homeschoolers, as well as all Christians, have the privilege to unite during the National Day of Prayer. Together, we can proclaim our faith in God and the need for prayer to bring our country back to "one nation under God."

Throughout the Old Testament, we read how God removed His hand of blessing when Israel failed to worship God as He commanded. Forgetting He was the source of their blessings when times were good, they repeatedly "did that which was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25b). Today, the world is not much different. Society makes its own rules for what is right and wrong, and the nation suffers, as people put their trust in men rather than in God. God continues to call out as in days of old, "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land" (2 Chronicles 7:14).

What about your family? Do you actively pray for those in authority in your city, state, and federal governments? If ever our country needed prayer, it's now! Take a moment now to pray as a homeschooling family. "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof" (2 Timothy 3:1-5a).

Father, like the prophets of old, we cry for mercy and forgiveness for a nation that has forgotten You. Bring our country back to You in repentance and use our homeschooling family to intercede for those who have the power to make the changes that will glorify You. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

AOP’s Spring Sale Continues! Save 15% in May!

Wed, 01 May 2013 00:00:00 +0000

The month of April has come to an end, but the annual spring sale at Alpha Omega Publications has been extended to give you an additional opportunity to save. For the entire month of May, enjoy 15% off our Christian homeschool curriculum, including Monarch, Switched-On Schoolhouse, LIFEPAC, Horizons, and The Weaver Curriculum. Plus, get free shipping* on every order over $50!

To take advantage of this continuing offer, simply shop online or call 800-622-3070 by 5/31/13!

*Applies to standard ground shipping on orders over $50 within the continental United States.

Kudos to You

Wed, 01 May 2013 00:00:00 +0000

"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us" (Hebrews 12:1).

Homeschooling is a challenge, a commitment, and a lifestyle of love and devotion. As a fellow homeschooling parent, my heart goes out to those who continue to faithfully teach their children at home. You are not alone in your efforts. I, along with thousands of homeschoolers who have run this race and reached the finish line, cheer you on each step. At times, homeschooling can be tiring and seem like a thankless job as you face hurdles of opposition, but those of us who have run the race know what you're doing is important. With great respect, we pray you'll keep going to the end to experience the wonderful blessings of helping your child rise to his gifting by God.

As Christians, Hebrews 12:1 tells us that we also have another crowd cheering us on. The great men and women of faith in Hebrews 11, along with thousands of other believers are cheering you on in your spiritual race. This cloud of witnesses watches and knows the blessings waiting for you in this life and in heaven. Like young Timothy following in the footsteps of Paul, "Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses" (1 Timothy 6:12).

Is your faith being tested today? Do you feel like giving up instead of standing firm in what you know to be true according to God's Word? Don't despair! You have a great cloud of witnesses who have gone down this same path before you. Let the Holy Spirit and the encouragement of their faithful lives fill you with the strength you need to finish your spiritual race.

Lord, thank You for the countless lives of missionaries, martyrs, and believers who have remained true to You and Your Word throughout time. Encourage me today to take heart and stand strong as I face the daily battles of homeschooling. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Today’s Your Last Day to Save 20%!

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 12:00:00 +0000

Today’s your final day to save 20% on all AOP Christian homeschool curriculum during our spring sale, including SOS, Monarch, LIFEPAC, and Horizons.

Call 800-622-3070 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (CT) or shop online until midnight (PT).

*Applies to standard ground shipping on orders over $50 within the continental United States.

Putting Down Roots

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0000

After you've lived somewhere like the windy, western plains of Nebraska, you begin to appreciate the value of a tree. Inspired by the founding father of Arbor Day, Julius Sterling Morton, my young son decided to make some changes in our barren landscape. Using seeds from his grandparents' ash trees in northwest Iowa, he planted hundreds in different locations on our ranch for a homeschool science project. My son faithfully watered each seed for several months, but soon discovered the climate and poor quality of soil were unfit for starting a new tree. Discouraged, my young son said, "I guess Iowa seeds simply won't grow unless they're in Iowa dirt."

Having the right soil is also important when planting spiritual seeds. In the parable of the sower in Matthew 13, Jesus taught His disciples the principle of planting God's Word in people's hearts. Many individuals with hard-packed hearts, rocky and shallow faith, or thorny and overcommitted lives miss the benefits of God's blessings. Only one soil is fit to nurture the seeds of God's truth. With the good soil of repentant hearts, these people experience salvation and forgiveness and bring forth thirty, sixty, and even a hundredfold harvest for the kingdom of God (Matthew 13:23).

What about you? Have you noticed any spiritual harvest in your life since you were saved? If not, perhaps it's time to take a soil sample to evaluate the content for PBS (Prayer and Bible Study). As you spend time in the Word and on your knees, God will enrich your life and give you the strength to remove rocks and pull weeds. "Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness" (2 Corinthians 9:10).

Father, forgive me for not bearing the fruit You desire. Plant those things in my life that give You glory and cleanse me of any rocks and thorns blocking Your will. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

20% off Sale Ends Tomorrow!

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 01:00:00 +0000

Only two days remain to get 20% off and free shipping* on homeschool orders over $50 during the annual spring sale at Alpha Omega Publications!

Order online until midnight (PT) on Tuesday, April 30, or call 800-622-3070 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (CT) on Monday and Tuesday.

*Applies to standard ground shipping on orders over $50 within the continental United States.

The Joy of Children

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 01:00:00 +0000

"As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them" (Psalm 127:4-5a).

Call me crazy, but I just love kids. Therefore, making the decision to homeschool our four children wasn't difficult. It was simply a result that grew out of love. What did seem crazy, however, were the countless, negative remarks I received from people who felt bogged down by the responsibilities of parenting. Such comments like, "Why in the world would you want to stay home with your kids?" or "I can hardly wait until they're ready for school, so I can enjoy my life again," seemed as crazy to me as my homeschooling did to them. In response I thought, "Why wouldn't you want to spend time with the people you love most?"

Treasuring the blessings of children is a foreign concept to most. Although many couples love and enjoy their children, there are also couples who view children as an inconvenience. Wanting to get ahead in the world, they only have time to enjoy their children in small doses and pass off the major responsibility for their children's care, education, and entertainment to others. However, the Lord's view on children is different. God calls them blessings and "rewards" (Psalm 127:3). Through the eyes of children, you appreciate the wonder of God's world and maintain a heart that is soft and compassionate. Children also teach you to forgive easily, love unselfishly, and enjoy the blessings of the moment.

How are you feeling about your children today? Do you view each one as a blessing, even in the toughest times? Admittedly, homeschooling your children is a huge responsibility that requires a great deal of self-sacrifice. However, even in the worst of your homeschooling moments, the blessings they bring far outweigh any burden involved. Ask parents who have been homeschooling more than a few years, and they'll tell you the same story — their children are their greatest treasures. What about yours?

Father, forgive me when I take the world's view toward my children. Just as You treasure me as Your precious child, humble my heart and teach me to love my own children, too. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

3 Days Left to Save!

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 01:00:00 +0000

Only three days remain to get 20% off and free shipping* on homeschool orders over $50 during the annual spring sale at Alpha Omega Publications!

Order online until midnight (PT) on Tuesday, April 30, or call 800-622-3070 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (CT) on Monday and Tuesday.

*Applies to standard ground shipping on orders over $50 within the continental United States.

Focused Homeschooling

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0000

"Pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

Distractions. Every day you face them as a homeschooling parent. Although some may seem good in themselves, they can steal time from your family and destroy your homeschooling schedule. Learning to recognize each interruption as either a divine rescheduling or an evil diversion takes discernment that only comes from the Holy Spirit. Whether it's a long phone call from your mother or sister or an invitation to enjoy an impromptu outing with another homeschooling family, you must prayerfully consider what daily activities are best for your family.

Going with the flow and failing to pray for guidance caused many problems for people in the Bible, too. Even Joshua, God's chosen leader after Moses' death, was distracted and made the mistake of believing the Gibeonites. After seeing the destruction of Jericho and fearing for their lives, the Gibeonites sent representatives disguised as travelers from a distant land to make peace with Joshua. Instead of coming before the Lord in prayer to verify their story, Joshua made a covenant with them, not knowing they were his neighboring enemies (Joshua 9:14-15). Held to his oath, Joshua was forced to let them live. He made them "hewers of wood and drawers of water for the congregation, and for the altar of the LORD" (vs. 27).

Have you learned how to discern God's will for your homeschooling day? Only as you walk in the power of the Holy Spirit will you be able to know the difference between a dangerous detour and God's window of opportunity. Taking the time to pray for wisdom each morning and throughout the day will save your homeschooling from disaster. "Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God" (Proverbs 2:3-5).

Father, only You know what's best for our homeschooling today. As we face distractions, please help me to discern what is Your perfect will for us and adjust our homeschooling schedule accordingly. In Jesus' name, Amen.

The Lone Tree

Sat, 27 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0000

"And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper" (Psalm 1:3).

Attempting to find a few moments with the Lord before the beginning of our homeschooling day, I hiked the ragged bluffs in the pasture near our ranch. As I walked through the dry stubble, sage brush, and yucca plants, I came across a small cottonwood tree. With no other trees of any kind close by for miles, it looked completely out of place. The rocky ground in which it grew offered little nourishment, and I knew months had passed since any rain had fallen. "How does this little tree stay alive out here all by itself?" I asked myself.

Reflecting on the tree's life, I began to see it as a symbol of my own. For the past ten years, I had been homeschooling our children and had felt like a loner. Not only was homeschooling going against the flow, but it was also completely out of the main stream. I found no encouraging nourishment from family or church friends and wondered, like I did about this little tree, how much longer I could survive. But then the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart and showed me something amazing. I noticed a difference in the soil's color near the tree's base. As I looked closer, it became evident that this tree's roots went down many feet below the surface. I remembered then what my son and I had learned when studying the topography of the area. Deep below the surface, there was an aquifer, an underground river bringing life-giving water to this little tree. I smiled and said, "Thank You, Lord," as I learned God's lesson for the morning.

For the next several years, I remembered the lesson of the lone tree whenever I felt lonely or homeschooling became difficult. Each time I felt used up and dry, I stretched my roots of faith a little deeper and found the nourishing water of God's love. Even though I couldn't see Him, the Holy Spirit's peace was always present. Best of all, this isn't just my story. If you are a homeschooler finding yourself alone in the middle of a dry day, the same life-giving water is waiting to bless you, too. "But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life" (John 4:14).

Lord, thank You for refreshing me when I am empty. Teach me to reach for You whenever homeschooling leaves me feeling afraid or lonely and fill me with Your strength and love. In the wonderful name of Jesus, Amen.

Hen and Peck

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0000

"Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth" (Luke 15:10).

One of our homeschooling family's favorite springtime activities was visiting the local feed and seed store to see the new baby chickens and ducks. Every year the store converted several small aluminum water tanks into warm, cozy homes for these little creatures. My children never tired of watching their antics and especially enjoyed their baby peeping noises. As my young daughter leaned over the tank to pet their soft downy feathers, she looked at me with questioning eyes and said, "Mom, can I have one?"

Normally, I would have said "no," but this year I sensed the Lord leading in a different direction. Smiling, I said, "Yes, honey, you and your brother can pick one of the baby chicks to take home." My daughter's delight in my reply knew no bounds, and she and her brother set about choosing the perfect new little friend. Before we left the store that day, Hen and Peck were aptly named and adopted into our family.

New life is always a cause for rejoicing, especially when it's in the family of God. Whenever a person repents of his sin and receives new life in Christ, the Bible says the angels rejoice. Imagine thousands of excited angels shouting and praising the Lord for the new life that has just been recorded in the Book of Life (Revelation 20:15). What a glorious time that must be!

As a Christian homeschooling parent, you have the wonderful privilege and responsibility to lead your baby "chicks" to the Lord. Every Bible lesson, Scripture verse, and godly character trait you teach your child lead to the moment when they, too, are born again into God's family. When the Holy Spirit convicts your child and he prays, "Lord, forgive me; I'm a sinner," a new life in Christ begins. However, one question remains. Who will be rejoicing the most, you or the angels in heaven?

Father, thank You for the awesome responsibility and joy of teaching my children about Your forgiving love. Please, touch their hearts with the conviction of the Holy Spirit, so they too will experience the joy of a new life in You. In the saving name of Jesus, Amen.

Only 6 More Days to Save 20%

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 01:00:00 +0000

Meet a LIFEPAC family from the Midwest during our Spring Sale on all homeschool curriculum and products.

“We will most certainly stick with LIFEPAC. The material is both Mommy and student-friendly. I know my son is learning, and I love to see him get excited about what he’s learned!”
- The Hollingsworths, South Dakota

From five-subject sets to single courses and resources, snag 20% off all products at Alpha Omega Publications through April 30! Plus, get free shipping* on orders of $50 or more. Shop online or call 800-622-3070.

*Applies to standard ground shipping within the continental United States on orders over $50.

Follow our Spring Sale adventures on the Air AOP Flight Log.

Cutting Remarks

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0000

"If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you" (1 Peter 4:14a).

If you've ever been slandered by someone as a homeschooler, you know the difficulty in forgiving hurtful words spoken in ignorance. As a homeschooling parent, rising above cruel remarks was a constant battle. Dealing with misinformed statements like "Homeschoolers don't educate their children; they simply brainwash them and turn them into non-thinking Christian zombies," required the supernatural love and forgiveness of God. Unfortunately, many years went by before I finally realized the lesson God was teaching me — how to love others in the face of opposition.

While Christ lived on Earth, He was repeatedly reviled by the world. People slandered Christ's holy name and works and said He was a drunkard (Matthew 11:19), a blasphemer (Matthew 9:3), and a rebel (Luke 23:2,5). Christ warned the disciples that they also would be reviled and suffer verbal attacks for their faith in Him. In Matthew 5:11, He said, "Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake."

Are you hurting inside today from someone's malicious gossip? Slander never feels good, but God knows your pain. He cares about your feelings and will send the loving encouragement you need to keep homeschooling. Don't let someone's foolish talk rob you of the wonderful joy of teaching your children. "Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear. Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ" (1 Peter 3:15b-16).

Father, help me to forgive others when they put down our homeschooling. Show me how to respond with a heart motivated by love and keep my conscience clear as I represent You. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

The First Loaf

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0000

"And the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit" (Ecclesiastes 7:8b).

My daughter's first attempt at baking bread in our home economics class served as a stark reminder of the importance of patience. Although she carefully measured and followed the recipe's directions when making the dough, her lack of patience in waiting for it to rise paid a stiff penalty. Thinking she could hurry the process along, she only let the dough rise 15 minutes instead of an hour. Later, as she removed the bread from the oven, she discovered the consequence of her actions. Each loaf was flat and too hard to eat.

Patience is more than a virtue. It is a fruit of the Spirit that must be developed in our children's character (Galatians 5:22). As we teach our children to discipline their selfish emotions, they learn to wait on God and trust Him for all their needs. However, leading our children through this growing process requires a patience of its own. As homeschooling parents, we may find ourselves failing to demonstrate the very patience we are attempting to instill.

What about you? Are you speaking crossly, acting perturbed, or responding negatively to your child's request for help during the day? Homeschooling requires an intense amount of love and patience that only comes from walking with the Lord. The next time you find yourself growing cross after a long homeschooling day, remember that impatience can ruin more than just a loaf of bread. It can also ruin your relationship with your children and your home. "I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love" (Ephesians 4:1-2).

Father, help me to practice what I preach and demonstrate patience with those I love. Let my words be seasoned by Your grace and let me rise above the homeschooling problems in the power of the Holy Spirit. In Jesus' name, Amen.

1 Week Left to Save 20% on Everything

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 01:00:00 +0000

Order by April 30 to land money-saving deals on all Christian homeschool curriculum and resources at AOP, including Switched-On Schoolhouse, Monarch, LIFEPAC, and Horizons! Call 800-622-3070 or shop online. Orders over $50 qualify for free shipping.*

*Applies to standard ground shipping within the continental United States on orders over $50.

Going for the Gold

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0000

"Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things" (1 Corinthians 13:7).

My oldest son loved the old West stories in our U.S. history curriculum. He seemed to identify with the early settlers who left the comforts of home and family in the East for adventure and gold in the West's unknown frontiers. Because my son's interest in this chapter of history ran deep, we decided to celebrate his tenth birthday with a tour of a working gold mine in Colorado.

My son's eagerness to find gold was contagious. Exchanging our caps for hard hats, our entire family accompanied him as he proceeded down the mine. Our guide's expert commentary gave my son a new understanding of the methods used in locating and extracting gold underground. Although the first prospectors easily became rich, many who followed faced hours of difficult work to compile even an ounce of this precious metal. At the tour's conclusion, my son was given a pan to search for his own gold in a nearby riverbed. After panning in several spots for more than an hour in hopes of finding his fortune, my son looked at me and said, "Mom, they sure had to work hard for just a little bit of gold, didn't they?"

Finding the gold in homeschooling also takes time. The first years usually involve sifting out mistakes like using the wrong curriculum, over-scheduling activities, and becoming intimidated by homeschooling opponents. However, if you faithfully continue teaching in God's strength, you'll soon observe the sparkling flakes of educational knowledge and Christ-like character shining in your child. If you've been thinking about giving up as a homeschool parent, now's the time to dig deep and discover the best in your homeschooling family. Go for the gold! "And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the LORD, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel" (Isaiah 45:3).

Father, nothing of value ever comes easily. Please, give me the strength and wisdom to remain faithful, while You show me the gold You've placed in each of my children's lives. In the precious name of Jesus, Amen.

High Waters

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0000

"Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh" (Matthew 24:44).

We had seen the dark cloud in the distance. Knowing we were in for another soaker, our family prepared for a torrential downpour. Just as we completed our preparations, however, it seemed like some invisible hand reached out and moved the cloud. After not even receiving a drop of rain, the sun came out and we thought the storm was over, until we heard a flash flood alert on the radio. Apparently, eight inches of rain had fallen in the neighboring town, and a three-foot wall of water was headed our way.

Looking out the window, I saw our neighbor working in his low-lying pasture. Knowing he was unaware of the strange events taking place, I sent my son on his bicycle to warn him. Having recently moved his herd of cows and newborn calves to the fresh green grass near the dry riverbed's edge, our neighbor had placed them right in the flood's path. As I continued to homeschool my other children, my son soon returned and said, "Mom, I tried to tell him, but he wouldn't listen." Thinking we were overreacting, our neighbor ignored my son's warning and went about his business repairing the pasture fences.

A few minutes later, we watched as the fast-moving flood waters approached. From our ranch's hilltop view, we saw the wall of water etch its way toward our neighbor's cattle. Frightened and running in all directions, most of the cattle barely escaped to higher ground. However, several calves became disoriented in the confusion and found themselves being carried away in the water's swift current. Saddened by the scene, my son turned to me and asked, "Mom, why wouldn't he listen?"

"I don't know," I replied, "but this reminds me of what it will be like when Christ returns."

Someday Christ will bring judgment on today's sinful world. Those who have ignored the message of salvation are in great danger. Like the people in Noah's day, they go about their business and assume they have everything under control until it's too late. Are your loved ones ready for the day when Christ returns as King of Kings and Lord of Lords? "For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be" (Matthew 24:38-39).

Lord, someday You will return as King. Please, use our homeschooling family to share the good news of Your forgiveness with as many people as possible before that day comes. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Flying High

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0000

"Unto thee, O LORD, do I lift up my soul. O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed" (Psalm 25:1-2a).

The annual kite flying day was only two weeks away for our homeschooling group, and my oldest son was looking forward to winning the category for the highest flying kite. For several months, he had been preparing the perfect design. Using the old box shape, he believed that his kite would fly higher and better than any other kite in western Nebraska's strong, spring winds. His balsa wood frame was tightly wrapped in light-weight flour sack cloths, and with his father's help, he tested the kite's lift and drag performance several times.

When the anticipated day finally arrived, we set out for a fun day of picnicking and kite flying with our homeschooling friends. The wind was steady and blowing at 15 to 20 mph. After a wonderful lunch and game time, each child brought out his kite for the contest. When my son ran down the pasture's gentle slope, his kite lifted effortlessly. Eagerly, we watched his kite climb farther and farther into the blue sky. A smile grew on his face each time he let out more of his line, and we all sensed the outcome. His hours of effort and work were paying off, and when he reached the end of his line, everyone cheered. His kite was flying hundreds of feet above the rest.

Watching God bless my son that day, I learned a spiritual truth from the Lord. Homeschool worries had been dragging me down. Were my children learning what they needed? Was my husband's paycheck going to be enough? Would I ever have time to feel pretty again? As the breeze blew against my face, I sensed the Holy Spirit saying, "Let out your line and let Me show you just how good homeschooling can be." Trusting His promises, I said, "Yes, Lord." I realized then how intimately God wanted to be involved in our daily homeschooling. After I took that step of faith, I saw a new view of my children's futures from God's heights.

How about you? Are you weighted down from homeschooling in your own effort? Fly high today and trust God for His perfect plan for your family! "For in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee" (Psalm 143:8b).

Lord, You are my King, and I bow my knee to Your holy name. Praise to You for dying on the cross to release me from the doubt and fears that plague my homeschooling heart. Lift me above the problems and help me to trust You again for everything we need. In the name of Your resurrected Son, Amen.

Early Morning Singers

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0000

"O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth" (Psalm 96:1).

Their greeting surprised me that morning. As the sun rose, their warbling song filtered through the window and lifted my spirit with the hope of spring. My patience had been running thin for the past several weeks, and God knew that I needed a boost to finish our homeschooling year. With their joyful melodies ministering to my soul, I listened in amazement and smiled as I watched them sing. Their tiny bodies shook and resonated with sound, appearing as if they used their entire being. "Amazing," I thought to myself. "These little wrens do a better job of praising the Lord than I do."

Of all God's creation, humans seem to have the hardest time consistently praising God. Homeschoolers grow tired near the end of the school year and forget that God is in control. With impatient hearts and complaining spirits, we trudge on in our own effort as we push to the final homeschooling days before summer. Instead of singing praises to God for the homeschooling joys He has given, we forget our blessings and simply focus on getting through our schoolwork. Satan smiles as he realizes that he has succeeded in robbing us of our song.

How about you? Has it been awhile since God heard a song of praise from your lips? If you're experiencing difficulty in finding joy during these last days of homeschooling, you would do well to learn the lesson of praising the Lord from God's little wren. "The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him" (Psalm 28:7).

Lord, forgive me for failing to praise and thank You for Your many blessings. Put a new song in my heart today and let me rejoice in the goodness of Your love. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Elect to Save Big This Spring

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 01:00:00 +0000

Kindle your homeschooler’s curiosity and broaden his knowledge base with enriching electives from AOP. Get spring sale prices on these courses and all AOP products through April 30! Orders over $50 qualify for free shipping.*

Shop Now! or Call 800-622-3070

More Choices. More Learning. More Fun.
Go beyond the basics and find the perfect electives to give your child a well-rounded education. Check out the choices in your favorite curriculum and save on all one-semester and full-year electives.
• Monarch
• Switched-On Schoolhouse
• LIFEPAC
• Horizons

SOS Office Applications I - New!
Instill software skills needed in the workplace or college with this new one-semester elective that teaches homeschool students how to use Microsoft® Office® 2010 Word®, PowerPoint®, and Publisher® to design, develop, edit, and share business documents.

SOS Office Applications II - New!
Enhance your child’s resume for employment and college with this dynamic new elective, which offers high school students lessons on data entry, formatting, formulas, functions, charts, and more using Microsoft® Office® 2010 Access® and Excel®.

SOS Small Business Entrepreneurship - New!
Let your high school student learn about the development and organization of a small business and the challenges and benefits of being one’s own boss with this new one-semester course. Future entrepreneurs are inspired by interactive, computer-based lessons, tests, quizzes, and multimedia.

Monarch Small Business Entrepreneurship - New!
Inspire future entrepreneurs with this one-semester overview of business management. This new interactive elective for students in grades 9-12 covers topics like the creation, development, and organization of a small business and the challenges and benefits of being one’s own boss.

*Free shipping applies to orders in the continental U.S. that total $50 or more.

Painful Reminders

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0000

"Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness" (2 Corinthians 6:14)?

The morning started with the warmth of a spring sun and God's prompting to take the children outdoors. Winter had been long, and I knew their spirits needed refreshment. Calling homeschooling off for the afternoon, I sent each child his separate way to enjoy his individual interests. My youngest set out to watch the ants as they built their new home, my oldest started down the road for a bike ride, and my two middle children walked to the paddock for a leisurely horseback ride.

After working in my garden for a few minutes, I looked up to see a riderless horse running past me with broken reins dangling from its bridle. As I wheeled around to find my children, I saw my son running toward me with a panicked look on his face. Just then, my daughter appeared staggering and incoherent, holding what was left of the reins in her hands. I quickly took her inside the house to help her lie down. As my son followed us, he proceeded to tell me what had happened. Deciding to ride bareback together, my daughter rode in front with my son sitting behind her. However, as they started to trot, my son lost his balance and fell, grabbing his sister as he went down. Together, they had slipped off the horse's back, and in the fall, my daughter had struck her head on a large rock. After a visit to the doctor, we spent the next three days anxiously watching as my daughter recovered from a concussion and amnesia.

Many things contributed to my children's accident that afternoon. Their horse was overly frisky, they failed to ride with a saddle, and most of all, they shouldn't have been riding double since my son was an inexperienced rider. My daughter's painful lesson was verbalized when she recovered and said, "Sorry, I wasn't thinking. I should have never let him ride with me."

Too many Christians have also learned the same painful lesson — yoking yourself to the wrong person is sure to bring you down. Although we are to reach the lost with the love of Christ, God exhorts us to remember that we are His temple (2 Corinthians 6:16). There's only one way to reach the world yet remain separate and holy unto God. We must yoke ourselves to Him. "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me" (Matthew 11:29a).

Father, teach me how to love the lost without losing my love for You. Purify my life and use me for Your glory. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

To the Finish

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0000

The end of the school year was getting closer. The calendar wasn't the only source that revealed that fact. The quality of my children's schoolwork was also an indicator. With the finish line in sight and carefree summer days just ahead, my children rushed through their lessons. Poorly written compositions, half-answered history questions, and math papers with high percentages of incorrect answers confirmed that spring fever had hit our homeschool. I needed to find something to motivate my children to finish the school year working to the best of their abilities.

Christians can also suffer from a time of spring fever. Being tempted to compromise God's standards of holiness, we halfheartedly obey and slack off when it comes to maintaining the spiritual disciplines of prayer and Bible study. Living the Christian life in our own strength, we fail to see our vulnerability and fall prey to Satan's temptations. "Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall" (1 Corinthians 10:12). To run in the heavenly race in which God has placed us, we must run with self-control and discipline. To finish the race, we must buffet our bodies and run in such a way as to receive the prize — a crown incorruptible (1 Corinthians 9:25).

What about you? Your children are looking to you as an example of how to finish this year's homeschooling race. If spring fever is tempting you to be lazy and lax in disciplining your day's schedule, you can't expect your children to be much different. Pray and ask God to replace your lost motivation with a new fervor to finish the homeschooling task He has given you. "Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain" (1 Corinthians 9:24).

Lord, thank You for the joys of homeschooling my children. Please, help me to maintain our focus to accomplish Your best for this year and give me the strength to finish strong. In Jesus' name, Amen.

20% off Everything in April during AOP’s Spring Sale

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 01:00:00 +0000

Join us as we hang with the Coopers and discover how this new homeschool family is using (and loving) AOP.

“We chose AOP because of the many different curriculums and deliver methods offered. I like the idea of unit studies in the future and the online or CD-ROM curriculum. This, we feel, gives us the broadest potential to find curriculums that target each child’s learning style.” - Jessica Cooper, Ohio

Stock up and save on your favorite Alpha Omega Publications homeschool curriculum, including Switched-On Schoolhouse, Monarch, Horizons, and LIFEPAC. Orders of $50 or more qualify for free shipping.* Save now online or call 800-622-3070.

Follow our Spring Sale adventures on the Air AOP Flight Log!

*Applies to standard ground shipping within the continental United States on orders over $50

Side by Side

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0000

"Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:2).

Would you like to know a successful homeschooling secret? My children did their best schoolwork when I sat next to them as they completed their assignments. Sounds too simple, doesn't it? I thought so, too, until I tested my theory. No matter their age, the difference was remarkable between the days when I quietly sat nearby and the days when I was busy with chores in another room. Apparently, my presence empowered them with the reassurance that I was there to help if they had a question.

Having someone by your side to help you through life's problems is a blessing from God. In Exodus 17:8-13, Moses was blessed to have two men by his side, his brother Aaron and Hur. When Moses sent Joshua to fight the Amalekites, the Israelites prevailed in the battle as long as Moses held up God's staff in his hand. However, as the day progressed, Moses' hands became so heavy he could no longer hold them up alone. Sitting him down on a rock, Aaron and Hur stood by Moses' side and held up his hands until sunset. Without their help, Moses' hands would have dropped, and Israel would surely have been defeated.

Do you feel alone in facing your homeschooling battles today? Praise God, His love and strength are as close as your next prayer. When you need an extra hand to get through a particularly tough day, He knows and cares. God loves you so much that He'll send the exact person you need to hold you up. If you find yourself in a heavy situation, pray and watch as God proves Himself mighty in sending the encouragement you need. "Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand" (Psalm 37:24).

Father, thank You for watching over me and taking care of my every need. I lift up these homeschooling problems to You! Please, help me. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

I Think I Can, I Think I Can

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Like the little blue engine, my chant each morning during my early years of homeschooling was "I think I can do this!" I'm sure if others had heard my thoughts, they would have laughed. Trying to gain the confidence I needed for homeschooling, I thought that if I said the words enough, I would eventually believe them. Truthfully, I wasn't quite so sure I could homeschool. The idea of teaching my five-year-old seemed easy enough, but that was before I started teaching phonetic sounds. Since I had learned to read with sight words, teaching phonics was a whole new experience. Already, I was facing a roadblock of insecurities, and my homeschooler was only in kindergarten! What was I going to do when we got to high school?

Joshua knew the insecurity of facing new challenges in his life, too. Taking over where Moses left off, he inherited the responsibility of leading God's people into the Promised Land (Joshua 1:1-2). Can you imagine how overwhelmed he must have felt following in Moses' footsteps? Understanding his fears, God reminded Joshua three times to be strong and courageous (Joshua 1: 6, 7, and 9). Encouraging him further, God also told Joshua, "There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee" (Joshua 1:5).

Are you feeling insecure today while you lead your children in their education? If God has led you to homeschool, the same words He spoke years ago to Joshua apply to you as well. You can become a courageous homeschooler, but it won't come from tooting your own whistle and saying, "I think I can." Instead, you must realize that God is the One who powers your engine to climb any homeschooling hill. In His strength, you'll arrive at the wonderful destination of successfully homeschooled children. "Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest" (Joshua 1:9).

Lord, some days being responsible for my children's education scares me. Remind me that You alone give the strength and wisdom to stay on track. Please, encourage me now and help me to be courageous in the Holy Spirit's power. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Dandelion Bouquets

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 01:05:00 +0000

"Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have" (Hebrews 13:5a).

The money shortages we experienced while homeschooling gave our family plenty of opportunities to discover life's simple pleasures. My husband and I enjoyed inexpensive dates, and we found activities for our children that cost very little money.

One springtime activity we enjoyed most was having the first picnic of the year and walking barefoot through the new green grass. After a long winter, the grass felt so good under our feet, and our children loved creating craft projects from the dandelions. My oldest daughter especially liked making dandelion rings and stringing them together into a necklace. My son streaked his face with yellow war paint made from the blossom's pollen, and my youngest daughter picked as many dandelions as her little hand could hold, giving them to me as a beautiful bouquet. Years later, when listening to my children speak of their favorite childhood memories, I found they remembered these simple, ordinary things the most.

Learning to be content with what you have is a secret few discover in this life. The apostle Paul is a wonderful example of someone who knew the contentment of having much or little when he said in Philippians 4:12, "I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need." The success of his ministry to the Gentiles wasn't dependent on his paycheck from tentmaking; rather, it was dependent on God. In today's language, Paul learned to be happy eating steak or eating macaroni and cheese for supper. Either way, he knew that God was with him providing exactly what he needed.

Would you like to feel more content homeschooling? Learn the art of appreciating life's simple pleasures. If you constantly struggle to give your child the biggest and best, you'll not only deplete your pocketbook, but you'll also deprive your children from enjoying ordinary, everyday blessings. Adding more outside educational activities to supplement your curriculum is not always the answer either. Spending time loving each other with the blessings that God has already given is the homeschooling joy that you and your children will remember most.

Lord, please give me wisdom to understand what my children really need. While we homeschool, help us to enjoy each other's love every day and the simple things in life that You provide. In Jesus' name, Amen.

I Forgot

Sat, 13 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0000

"I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways" (Psalm 119:15).

How many times have you heard your homeschooler say, "I'm sorry, but I forgot to read that lesson" or "I forgot to get my assignment done"? When my children were little, saying "I forgot" meant exactly that. Their young minds were still developing and learning how to organize and remember. However, as my children grew older, I realized that "I forgot" was more often an excuse for being lazy or procrastinating. The unintentional forgetfulness they experienced during childhood stood in stark contrast to the forgetfulness of sidestepping their responsibilities as an adult.

The nation of Israel is a perfect example of a people who chose to forget the Lord their God. Time and again, the Bible says, "And when they forgat the LORD their God" (1 Samuel 12:9a). I can only imagine God's displeasure with His forgetful children. After blessing them and proving Himself with mighty miracles, they still disobeyed and forgot to follow His commands (Psalm 78:10-11). Not valuing God's provisions, they made their excuse and followed their own desires instead of keeping their commitment to the Lord.

As Christian homeschoolers, forgetting to stay in the Word of God daily can ruin your spiritual walk with God, too. Homeschooling is hard enough without having God's Word to guide you. Don't allow laziness, procrastination, or even the daily diversions of life to rob you of the strength you need for each day's tasks. There is simply only one way to combat forgetting, and that is remembering. "Beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour" (2 Peter 3:1b-2).

Father, without Your Word to guide me, our homeschooling is doomed for failure. Help me to prioritize and make time to remember the truths of Your commandments. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Bitter Roots

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0000

"The heart knoweth his own bitterness" (Proverbs 14:10a).

"I can't believe it, Mom!" cried my son. "Look at this!" Walking to the flower bed where my son was standing, I looked down and shook my head. Sure enough, the noxious weed that we had been trying to eradicate was back in our flower bed again. Frustrated, I realized the problem was my fault. When we had first moved to our home several years before, I had thought this weed was a flower. Unfortunately, after watching the other flowers choked out by this weed's entwining, tubular roots, I knew I had made a mistake in letting it grow.

"OK, that's it!" I said exasperated. "Let's dig two feet down and turn over the soil and maybe we'll find all the roots to kill it this time." For the next two years, our flower garden project for homeschooling suffered, as my son and I attempted to prevent this weed from damaging any more of our tulips, irises, columbines, and other perennial flowers.

The Bible warns Christians of another root that can destroy in a far greater way — the root of bitterness. In Hebrews 12:15b, the writer says, "Lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled." As believers, we must forgive those who hurt or offend us. When we refuse to forgive, bitterness grows, intertwines itself around our Christian witness, and chokes out our joy in Christ. Our lives become sour, and we see the world through critical eyes and speak with skeptical and sarcastic remarks. Not only is the Holy Spirit grieved, but also those we touch are affected by the ugliness of bitterness.

Has bitterness taken hold in your life? Perhaps you have a family member or friend who has hurt you deeply and you've refused to forgive him. Be careful that the anger you're holding onto doesn't lead to bitterness. Why not let God uproot the pain and renew your bitter heart with a flowering heart of forgiveness and love? "And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you" (Ephesians 4:30-32).

Lord, I know I need to deal with the hurt and anger I feel. Give me the strength and desire to forgive as You forgave me. Please, help me to lay the pain at Your feet to find Your peace and joy again. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Spring Sale | Save 20% Sitewide in April

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 01:00:00 +0000

Whether you need curriculum or homeschool resources, you'll find fantastic savings on all AOP items this month. Plus, get free shipping* on orders over $50.

Monarch
Get 24/7 access to lessons in this online curriculum with over 50,000 multimedia elements, automatic grading, and customizable courses. Monarch offers you five Bible-based core subjects and over 35 electives for grades 3-12.

Switched-On Schoolhouse
Digital learners love the media-rich lessons in this CD-ROM curriculum, and parents love the automatic grading and lesson-planning! Choose from five Bible-based core subjects for grades 3-12, as well as over 35 electives.

LIFEPAC
Give your student a sense of accomplishment with this self-paced K-12 curriculum. Each Bible-based core course consists of 10 manageable worktext units and integrated lesson plans. LIFEPAC also offers 15 electives.

Horizons
Engaging, hands-on lessons use an effective spiral learning method to teach your child through introduction, review, and reinforcement. Colorful, Bible-based lessons accompany your step-by-step lesson plans in this teacher-directed curriculum.

The Weaver Curriculum
Take a flexible, topical approach to teaching all of your children at once with this unit-based curriculum. Binders organize Bible-based activities for each grade level, with year-long volumes for K-6 students and coordinating supplements for grades 7-12.

To save 20% at AOP through 4/30/13, call 800-622-3070 to order by phone or shop online. Also, follow Air AOP’s Spring Sale Flight Log this spring

*Applies to standard ground shipping on orders over $50 within the continental United States.

Homeschooling Comfort

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0000

"Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God" (2 Corinthians 1:4).

Let's face it. Some mornings you wake up as a homeschooling parent and say, "If I have another day like I did yesterday, I'm going to lose it!" Between your little ones fighting and your older children taking the lazy way out of their schoolwork, you're tired of being a policeman. Ironically, those discouraging days seem to be the very ones when someone calls wanting your encouragement to start homeschooling. You feel like the proverbial blind leading the blind and think to yourself, "If she only knew!"

The stressful pressures of life can tempt anyone to give up. The apostle Paul discovered that fact about his situation when he wrote in 2 Corinthians 1:8, "For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life." Clearly, Paul was out of his comfort zone, but he didn't quit. Trusting God for everything he needed, Paul learned how to rise above his circumstances, even when facing death! With the comfort he received from God, he encouraged others to remain faithful in suffering for Christ (2 Corinthians 1:4-5).

Are you experiencing a "crunch time" in your homeschooling? Hang in there! Many have gone before you and survived the stress of being homeschooling parents. The difficulties you're experiencing will get easier, and someday the pressures won't feel as strong. Even when you feel like you can't cope, God's presence is with you to guide you and give you comfort. "Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work" (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17).

Lord, Your Word says I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Strengthen me today and help me to obediently follow You to accomplish Your will in our family. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Kids to the Rescue

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0000

What do you do when you homeschool and the teacher gets sick? Not long after we first started homeschooling, I woke up one morning with an aching fever. "Great, now what am I going to do?" I thought to myself. My parents were out of town, and realistically, caring for my two toddlers was all I could handle for the day. Calling my two older children into my bedroom, I weakly said, "Mom's really sick today. You'll have to work on your schoolwork by yourself or just read books and play."

Not batting an eye, they surprised me when they replied, "That's OK, Mom. We can take care of everything." What was even more surprising was that they did! Throughout the day they brought me juice and medicine and helped me keep their younger siblings happy. When the babies and I took an afternoon nap, my seven and eight year old grabbed their school materials and did all the work they could by themselves. Smiling, I realized my children were learning more than academics in our homeschooling. They were learning character qualities like responsibility and kindness.

Children are great helpers, and throughout the Bible, we read stories of when God used them in special ways. Consider young Samuel serving God in the temple (1 Samuel 3), Naaman's servant girl who directed him to Elisha for healing from his leprosy (2 Kings 5:2-3), the boy who shared his lunch with Jesus to feed 5,000 (John 6:9), and little Rhoda who told the other believers that Peter was knocking at the door after his angelic escape from prison (Acts 12:13-16). Although they may seem small and insignificant, each act was great in the eyes of God.

Are you ever tempted to underestimate the value of your child's obedience and faithfulness to the Lord? Every time he speaks with kindness to a sibling, remembers Grandma with a special hello when she comes to visit, or invites a friend to Sunday school, he is doing God's work on a grand scale. Like the disciples who thought the little children were wasting Jesus' time, don't become a stumbling block to your child's small acts of love. "But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea" (Matthew 18:6).

Father, thank You for my children. Forgive me for underestimating what You can do through their prayers and acts of love and help me to encourage them to love You more. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Take 20% off Switched-On Schoolhouse and All AOP Products

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 01:00:00 +0000

“SOS has made subjects more interesting for all three children and took the pressure of grading off us.”
- The Deans, Virginia

This April, follow AOP’s adventures on our Flight Log and take 20% off Switched-On Schoolhouse and all AOP products in April. Orders of $50 or more qualify for free shipping*.

Shop Now or call 800-622-3070.

Multimedia and Learning Activities
Captivate your student with thousands of multimedia elements, including interactive movies, maps, avatars, and learning games like All Right, Quiz Bowl, and Farmer Frank.

Automatic Grading and Lesson Planning
Do more hands-on teaching while SOS grades 85% of your student’s work! You can also access grades and reports on one page, preview assignments, review lessons, print detailed report cards and transcripts, create your own assignments, and add, delete, and re-order lessons.

Switched-On Schoolhouse 2013 Edition
Streamline your administrative duties and engage your digital learner with this CD-ROM curriculum for grades 3-12. SOS offers the five core subjects of Bible, history and geography, language arts, science, and math, plus over 35 electives and three CTE courses for 2013.

*Applies to standard ground shipping within the continental United States on orders over $50.

Too Much Love

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Every morning I wondered what new discoveries laid ahead for my children as we homeschooled. Although I had the day's schedule planned, God always seemed to lead with His divine lessons. As my son and I walked to the barn for chores one spring morning, we noticed several cocoons hidden beneath the boards on the door. The cocoons were large, and as we examined one of them more closely, we saw a slight movement. Slowly, the cocoon began to crack open, and we could see something struggling to get out. "Mom, what is it?" cried my son. "Let's cut the rest of the cocoon, so it can get out!"

"No, honey," I replied. "You don't want to do that. If we interfere, the creature inside will be hurt. We have to let it struggle on its own." Postponing my scheduled lessons, we sat and observed the beginning of this new life. Over an hour went by as we watched it emerge from its winter home. Still unsure what exactly was inside, we were totally surprised when the creature burst through the cocoon's covering. There, in all its glory, was a huge cecropia moth! We watched as the moth vibrated its velvety red and brown wings in the sun. The five-inch wingspan was impressive, and the whole scene was a breathtaking sight that my young son would never forget.

I know my son learned a valuable science lesson that day, but I learned a valuable lesson, too. As I watched the struggling moth, I understood how my past actions of motherly love had interfered with our homeschooling. I realized that I needed to be firm and expect my children to do their own schoolwork without asking for help on every question.

Do you ever find yourself trying to help your children more than you should? Your children's education can suffer if you don't learn to balance the dual role you play as teacher and parent. Spelling out every answer will be detrimental to the development of their reasoning and thinking processes. Be careful. Don't destroy the new life God is using you to shape. "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it" (Proverbs 22:6).

Lord Jesus, thank You for the privilege of teaching my children. Show me how to educate them with a healthy balance of love and discipline and not remove the struggles that will cause them to grow in knowledge. In Your name, Amen.

Hide and Seek

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0000

"Be sure your sin will find you out" (Numbers 32:23b).

One of my favorite rewards of being a homeschool parent is that my family had so many opportunities to play games. Of course, the usual game our younger children chose was Hide and Seek. With the help of their older siblings, my little ones actually became very good at hiding completely out of view. However, even though they managed to hide their bodies, they usually couldn't control their giggles when I said, "Come out, come out wherever you are!" After locating their hiding place, it was my turn to laugh when they asked, "Mommy, how did you find us so fast?"

Although we may smile at the innocent attempts of our children to hide, God the Father does not. Ever since Adam and Eve ate of the Tree of Knowledge in the Garden of Eden, man has been trying to hide his sin from God's almighty view. In fact, like Adam, we play games with God and foolishly think He doesn't see us when we sin. Worse still, we even try to play Adam's great cover-up game and cloak ourselves in the flimsy leaves of good works. Although we continue in our sinful ways, God never sees our sin as funny. When He calls out and asks, "Where are you?" as He did to Adam, we feel the conviction of the Holy Spirit. With our sin revealed, we learn that there's no place man can hide from an all-knowing and omnipresent God. King David expressed it best when he said, "Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence" (Psalm 139:7)?

Are you playing games with God right now? Is there a known sin in your life you think He doesn't see? Maybe you've lied to your children or deceived your spouse on what you spent on homeschool curriculum this year. However big or small the sin, confess it to Him now before you quench the Holy Spirit's work in your life. Stop playing the game! Come out of sin's shadows and be found in the light of Almighty God.

Lord, how foolish I must seem when I sin and try to hide from You! Today I confess my sin, so I might be close to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

No Place Like Home

Sun, 07 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0000

"In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you" (John 14:2).

When it comes to schooling, there's no place like home. To a homeschooling family, home is more than just a school. It is a church, a playground, a museum, a rest area, a trauma unit, a business office, a hospitality center, a safe place, and more! The home is the hub of the family and a place where we live life together.

The home is really God's idea, a wonderful structure that Satan has worked hard at destroying. The evils and perversions of a sinful society have eradicated God's perfect plan of one man and one woman marrying and living together under His authority with their children. Refusing to believe the mandates in God's Word, the world conjures up theories and philosophies based on human reasoning and sidesteps the issue by counterattacking with offensive statements directed toward intolerant Christians.

Thank God no human can redefine the home in heaven that God has prepared for those who love Him. Next to salvation, Jesus' promise to prepare a place for us to live with Him in eternity has to be the greatest hope for every Christian (John 14:3). Each night we lay our heads on our pillows, we can have the peace of knowing that tomorrow brings no fear. We either spend it walking with Him on Earth or walking with Him in heaven. Life is simplified when you remember that heaven is your true home.

Have you forgotten about your home in heaven? Homeschooling has a way of pulling your eyes off the One who is preparing a mansion just for you. Don't let the cares of lesson plans, household chores, and endless tasks make you forget who is waiting for you at home!

Lord, You are beautiful and marvelous, and I can hardly wait to get home to see You. Thank You for this opportunity to make a home on Earth for the family You've given me. May we always glorify You in our homeschooling and our daily lives. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

The Best Medicine

Sat, 06 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0000

"A merry heart doeth good like a medicine" (Proverbs 17:22a).

To a child, there is only one thing worse than being sick in the winter, and that's being sick during the summer. After all, who wants to lie on the couch when everyone else in the family is having fun playing outside? As I looked at the purple, yellow, and red bottles of medicine in my bathroom cabinet, I heard my young son cry out from the living room couch, "Mom, please don't give me any of those terrible tasting things. They're just going to make me sicker." Although he had been running a fever through the night, I realized my patient wasn't as ill as I previously thought. Ignoring his pleas, I continued to administer the necessary medicine and turned to go back to my work in the kitchen. Grabbing my hand, my son said, "Mom, do you think you could just sit with me for a while?"

"Sure," I replied. "How about if I read one of your favorite books to you?" Nodding his head in agreement, I proceeded to sit on the floor in front of the couch and spent the next half hour reading The Pilgrim's Progress. After reading several chapters and talking with my son, I noticed a smile on his face and his relaxed posture. "Are you feeling better now?" I asked.

"Oh yes, Mom," he responded cheerfully. Giving him a hug and a smile, I realized the best medicine I had given him that morning was a happy attitude, my time, and love.

Everyone needs someone to sit and listen when life brings difficult times. Whether it's facing an illness or some other problem, an understanding ear and a kind word go a long way in relieving the suffering of a friend. Unfortunately, that type of medicine can't be purchased from a store. Rather, it comes from a sensitive and loving heart that truly cares about the needs of others.

Is there someone you know who is ill or hurting from life's problems? Chances are you're the nurse God could use to make that person well. Go to the medicine chest of God's Holy Word to find just the right encouragement. Then, sit and take all the time necessary to administer the best tasting medicine. "Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones" (Proverbs 16:24).

Lord, You are the Great Physician who knows all our hurts and pains. Please, help me to bring Your healing words of love and encouragement to my family and friends today. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Juliette

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0000

"For there is no respect of persons with God" (Romans 2:11).

Of all the cats my family loved during our homeschooling years, there was never one we loved quite like Juliette. If ever a cat could be perfect, she was. Unlike most cats that are somewhat indifferent and independent, Juliette was a socialite and loved being right in the middle of the action. Best of all, she never played favorites. Juliette made the rounds and spent equal time loving everyone in the family. One moment we would find her faithfully sitting on my older children's laps as they read their school assignments, and the next moment, we would find her being dragged around the house by my toddlers as they played with her like a doll. At nighttime we would find her snuggling in the bed covers as she made the circuit from one bedroom to the next. Wherever and whomever she was with, Juliette loved them pur-r-r-fectly by giving them her utmost devotion.

Although Juliette was only a cat, God used her loving ways to teach me a valuable spiritual lesson. God's love is equally available to all mankind, and He shows no partiality (Galatians 2:6). In Christ, there is no distinction between rich and poor, Jew and Greek, or male and female (Galatians 3:38). God desires that everyone come to repentance and be saved (2 Peter 3:9). Unfortunately, this simple lesson was easier for a cat to learn than it was for me. Although I was a Christian, I found myself turning away from sharing God's love with those who were different, unlovely, or broken. Praise God that the unequal treatment and rejection I experienced when homeschooling showed me how foolish I was. In wanting others to love and accept me, I finally realized the same need in the hearts of those whom I had been ignoring.

Do you find it difficult to minister to the people the world rejects? While Christ was on Earth, He spent His time loving people whom others forgot. Just as Christ's unbiased love took Him to the cross for everyone's sin, He wants you to love impartially. Don't let someone's social status or appearance keep you from extending a hand of love. Reach out and let Christ's golden rule be your guide. "And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise" (Luke 6:31).

Lord, forgive my selfish pride and preconceived ideas that keep me from seeing each person through Your eyes of love. Please, help me to lay down my fears and misconceptions and be willing to share Your love with everyone I meet. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Homeschoolers Get More Sleep

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 01:00:00 +0000

If you’re concerned that your school day starts too late or that your teenager sleeps in too long, don’t despair. A new study shows that homeschoolers are happier, healthier, and perform better academically and socially because they get more sleep than their public and private school peers.

Led by Lisa Meltzer, a sleep psychologist at National Jewish Health, the study examined the sleep patterns of 2,612 teenagers, including nearly 500 homeschoolers. It found that homeschoolers sleep 90 minutes more per night and wake up an average of 18 minutes after the first bell sounds at high school.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, adolescents need between 8.5 and 9.25 hours of shut-eye each night to function best. Meltzer’s study found that over 55 percent of homeschool teens get the ideal amount of sleep each week, compared to just 24.5 percent of traditional school students. Only 16.3 percent of homeschoolers said they don’t get enough sleep.

Attempting to coax a teen into an earlier bedtime isn’t necessarily the answer to sleep deprivation, however. During puberty, adolescents’ biological sleeping and waking patterns move forward by about two hours. Due to this shift, it is natural for a teenager to hit the hay around 11 p.m., according to the NSF.

“It’s not that they don’t want to go to bed, but physiologically they simply can’t fall asleep earlier. So, the logical solution is to allow them to sleep later,” said Meltzer.

While homeschoolers typically have the flexibility to adjust their school day schedules to allow for extra a.m. snoozing, high schools are fielding protests that students aren’t alert enough for a 7:15 a.m. roll call.

“Academics, and the ability to learn, concentrate, and pay attention is all diminished when you haven’t had enough sleep,” Meltzer said. “But more than that, a lack of sleep can also impact a teenager’s mood.”

In the NSF’s 2006 “Sleep in America” poll, 73% of teenagers who reported feeling unhappy, sad, or depressed also reported not getting enough sleep at night and being excessively sleepy during the day. Sleep deprivation can even lead to aggressive or inappropriate behavior, such as yelling, impatience, irritability, and loss of temper.

Sources: National Jewish Health, sleepfoundation.org

What time does school start for your teenager? Have you had to adjust his or her schedule?

Diagnosing ADHD

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 00:59:00 +0000

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the most commonly diagnosed behavioral disorder of childhood.

In fact, we often incorrectly identify difficult children as having ADHD and overlook those who do suffer from it. With all the confusion surrounding the disorder, how does a parent of a “wild child” know whether to attribute the fidgety behavior to ADHD or a mere lack of patience and focus?

The first point to consider is the child’s age and stage of development. Is his or her behavior out of the normal range? If so, certain signs can help you spot potential ADHD. In his article “Untangling the Myths of Attention Disorder,” Perri Klass, M.D., lists three groups of symptoms: inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsive behavior.

Inattentive symptoms:

-Fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork
-Has difficulty keeping attention during tasks or play
-Does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
-Does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork or chores
-Has difficulty organizing tasks and activities
-Avoids or dislikes tasks that require sustained mental effort (such as schoolwork)
-Often loses toys, assignments, pencils, or books needed for tasks or activities
-Is easily distracted
-Is often forgetful in daily activities

Hyperactivity symptoms:

-Fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat
-Leaves seat when remaining seated is expected
-Runs about or climbs in inappropriate situations
-Has difficulty playing quietly< br />-Is often “on the go,” talks excessively

Impulsivity symptoms:

-Blurts out answers before questions have been completed
-Has difficulty awaiting turn
-Interrupts or intrudes on others (butts into conversations or games

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) offers three guidelines for diagnosing ADHD:

1. Children should have at least six inattentive symptoms or six hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms, with some symptoms present before age seven.
2. The symptoms must be present for at least six months, be seen in two or more settings, and not be caused by another problem.
3. The symptoms must be severe enough to cause significant difficulties in many settings, including home, school, and in relationships with peers.

Any child who exhibits these symptoms should be evaluated by a doctor.

Discover Your Family’s Homeschooling Style

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 00:58:00 +0000

There are many ways to cook an egg, earn a living, tell a story, and teach a child.

When it comes to homeschooling, styles range from strict adherence to traditional teaching to complete freedom for the student to follow his or her interests, and everything in between.

Whether you’re new to homeschooling, looking for a different approach, or a seasoned schooler, exploring the ways in which the estimated 2 million homeschoolers learn can help you refine your own technique and open your eyes to other schools of thought.

Consider these common homeschooling methods and where you fit in.

Classical
Susan Wise Bauer, co-author of “The Well-Trained Mind,” introduced the Latin trivium -- grammar, logic, and rhetoric -- to homeschoolers in 1999. Built around the study of history, this method stresses memorization, reading, and writing.

Charlotte Mason Method
In the 1800s, Mason advised parents to teach their children at home using living books, not textbooks, and drew heavily on nature.

Eclectic
Not really a style, eclectic homeschooling is a catch-all method for families that borrow useful elements from several approaches. Eclectic homeschoolers use what fits best with each child’s interests and abilities.

Montessori Homeschooling
Founded by Maria Montessori, this method advocates observing your child, removing obstacles to learning, and providing children with real, scaled-to-size tools to use.

Multiple Intelligences
Howard Gardner's 1983 theory outlines strengths besides math and language, including spatial, physical, musical, and naturalist. This approach presents material in a way that matches a child’s strengths, for instance, giving a tactile learner letters cut from sandpaper to trace with his finger, or making a song out of the times table for a musical child.

School-at-Home
The goal of school-at-home is to do what schools do, only better. Families who follow this style may set up a part of their home just like a classroom, right down to the blackboard and flag. They generally use textbooks or programs, online or print, that closely resemble the ones used in schools. And they usually judge their children's progress using quizzes, exams, assignments, and standardized tests.

Unit Studies or Project-Based Learning
With the unit studies method of homeschooling, one topic or goal becomes the starting point for every subject from math to literature to science to social studies. Project-based learning approaches learning in a similar way. Students select or are given a problem or goal as the focus of their studies.

Unschooling
Also known as interest-led homeschooling, unschooling lets the child lead the way. Popularized by John Holt in the 1960s, unschooling is rooted in the theory that children learned this way throughout most of human history. The style also incorporates daily life into learning. Radical unschoolers also use it as a template for all aspects of parentin.

Waldorf
Rudolf Steiner’s early twentieth century philosophy prescribes the benefits of movement, art, handicrafts, music, and stories. It emphasizes storytelling and discourages the early use of technology.

What homeschooling method do you use, and why?

Now Boarding for Spring Sale Flight 2013

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 00:57:00 +0000

Take a seat on Spring Sale Flight 2013 as Air AOP maps out a money-saving adventure this April and May.

As we venture through AOP’s most highly anticipated homeschool event, Air AOP is gearing up for a cross-country journey of discoveries and savings. Aboard Spring Sale Flight 2013, you’ll meet new and veteran homeschool families from the Midwest to Dixie, and one bunch of ramblers who homeschool on the road. Along the way, you’ll gather fascinating facts about each Alpha Omega Publications curriculum. Plus, you’ll receive plenty of opportunities to save 20% off all AOP products and resources in April and 15% off in May. Order $50 or more, and Air AOP will transport your items for free.

Thanks to all the families who are featured in our Spring Sale Flight 2013 adventure and to our big AOP family of homeschoolers in Christ.

Buckle in, relax, and enjoy the savings!

Protecting the Planet

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 00:56:00 +0000

As Earth Day approaches on April 22, we become more aware of how critical reducing, reusing, and recycling are to the planet. But protecting the environment can easily become a money-saving and family-bonding effort every day of the year. Here are some simple ways to help your family become more earth friendly.

Reduce your family’s consumption, garbage, and budget.
• Buy items in bulk to reduce packaging waste. Skip paper and plastic bags by bringing your own cloth shopping bag to the store.
• Trade bottled water for filtered water in a reusable water bottle and use washable rags instead of paper towels when cleaning your home.
• Decrease energy usage by turning off lights when you leave the room and unplugging noncritical electronics.

Reuse items in fun ways.
• A swap party is a fun way to share gently used goodies, such as books and clothing, while spending time with family and friends.
• Create new meals using leftovers. Last night’s chicken breast can become tonight’s chicken noodle soup.
• Find new uses for items instead of throwing them out, such as cutting old T-shirts into rags.

Recycle plastic, paper, aluminum and glass.
• Set up color-coded bins for recyclables and use a chart to track your family’s recycling.
• Teach your children to look for items with the recycling symbol. Practice recycling scrap paper and empty plastic bottles in your homeschool.
• Start a recycling program at your local homeschool co-op, or offer to teach a class. If available, be sure to take advantage of your city’s curbside pickup.

How does your homeschool family observe Earth Day?

Boundaries

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0000

"For thou hast been a shelter for me" (Psalm 61:3a).

Growing up in the country, my children spent just as much time outside as inside when homeschooling. For their safety and my sanity, we established an invisible boundary around our farm where they could play and explore without my supervision. Expanding upon this concept, we decided to apply this same principle when visiting Grandpa and Grandma's lake home. Since my four-year-old son was still learning how to swim, his boundary had been set within the beach area only. After one reminder, we let him play in the sand, while we continued to observe him from my in-laws' porch only a few feet away.

However, as every parent knows, children are notorious for testing boundaries. Seeing his older brother and sisters enjoy the water slide attached to the dock, he couldn't resist going out to join them. Each time he started down the dock, we yelled out his name and firmly said, "No!" Frustrated, he waited several minutes before he tried once more. This time, I said to my husband, "Wait, let's not do or say anything and see what he does." Agreeing, we watched as our son approached the spot on the dock where we had told him "no." Expecting us to tell him "no" again, he stopped, turned, and said, "What?" before we could do or say a thing. Laughing inside, we saw that even a four year old is capable of knowing his boundaries and disciplining himself to observe them.

God gives adults boundaries, too. He knows our sinful nature and has given us loving guidelines to keep us safe from evil. As Christian homeschooling parents, we have an even higher need to discipline ourselves from Satan's tantalizing tidbits. However, keeping ourselves pure from sexual sins, greed, jealousy, and other sins is getting more difficult. The world continues to move the boundaries to remove their guilt for participating in these activities. What about you? Will you observe God's boundaries and stop, turn, and say, "What will you have me do, Lord?"

Father, You are a holy God who hates sin. Thank You for giving me such wonderful blessings within the confines of Your loving law. Help me to understand Your boundaries are a good thing and not resent the disciplines necessary for following You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

You Can't Have It Both Ways

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0000

"No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon" (Matthew 6:24).

Our children were often frustrated when we first started homeschooling because they didn't know whether to listen to Dad or Mom. Our team-teaching approach was seriously lacking, and after the first year, we realized the problem. Although my husband wanted to help with teaching, he simply didn't know where the children were in their studies. When he attempted to answer their questions in the evening, he actually made things more confusing. Making adjustments, my husband and I decided he should be in charge of teaching only one or two subjects and leave the rest to me.

Having two masters in charge rarely works, but serving more than one master is even harder. According to Luke 16:13, there are no fence riders in the kingdom of heaven. The choice is plain and simple. Either we choose to submit our lives to Christ, or we live for money and the pleasures it provides. Ironically, the lack of money can actually make homeschooling parents value money as much as a greedy person living in abundance. By making every penny count, we overdevelop our focus in purchasing necessary items for our home. We also begin to see our husband's paycheck as our salvation, instead of trusting the Lord for provision. Money becomes our master — not because we have it, but because we don't.

How much time do you spend thinking about money during your homeschooling day? Do you wonder how you will make ends meet? If you're anxious or overly concerned about your financial situation, you'll only waste valuable teaching and family time. God knows what you need. Let His Word from Matthew 6:31-32 encourage you again this day: "Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things."

Lord, You know I am trying to handle our finances carefully. Forgive me for stressing out and putting too much importance on where the next meal is coming from. You've always provided, and I choose to look to You again for all that I need. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Spring Sale Flight 2013, Day 2

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 00:01:00 +0000

Today, Air AOP meets Our Mothership Adventures, a Monarch family that homeschools on the road, letting their travels map new learning experiences.

“Our family needed a homeschool curriculum that was comprehensive, light for traveling, easily customized, and with automatic grading. We found all that, and more, in Monarch. Whether we’re on the road in our RV or at our camp in Maine, we can homeschool without interruptions. Monarch allows us this crazy, nomadic lifestyle.”
- Our Mothership Adventures, Florida

Follow our Spring Sale adventures on the Air AOP Flight Log to discover big savings during AOP's Annual Spring Sale. All month long, save 20% on Monarch, as well as other AOP curriculum and resources!

Call 800-622-3070 or shop online. Orders of $50 or more qualify for free shipping.*

*Applies to standard ground shipping within the continental United States on orders over $50.

If Walls Could Speak

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0000

"For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not" (Romans 7:18).

If your homeschool walls could speak, what would they say? What secrets would they tell others about your homeschooling family? My walls would tell of quiet times reading books, excited times when science experiments went south, creative times of nightly puppet shows from behind the couch, and joyful times when a child received a hard-earned A+ on a semester test. Unfortunately, my walls would also tell secrets of not-so-nice times when conflicts led to unloving acts or laziness led to procrastination.

Every homeschooling parent knows he falls far short of being the perfect Christian parent. The temptation to allow selfishness, greed, jealousy, and even laziness to take over our lives is strong. Homeschooling is only successful when we listen to the Lord instead of our flesh and submit to His constant love and guidance.

What about you? Have you been focusing on your failures more than your successes? Take heart! We all fail in our efforts to be the best parent and teacher of our children. The true battle that turns our defeat into a homeschooling victory lies in saying "no" to the flesh, so the Holy Spirit can control our every thought and action. "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me" (Galatians 2:20).

Lord, thank You for providing the way to have a homeschooling family who glorifies You. Teach me how to say "no" to my whiny flesh and listen to You and Your promises instead. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Spring Sale Flight 2013, Day 1

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 00:01:00 +0000

Join us as we fly across country meeting AOP families and discovering fun facts about your favorite homeschooling products. Throughout our annual Spring Sale adventures, save 20% on everything at AOP in April. Plus, get free shipping* on orders over $50!

To order, call 800-622-3070 or shop online.

*Applies to standard ground shipping within the continental United States on orders over $50.

Who's the Biggest Fool?

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0000

"But a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother" (Proverbs 10:1b).

We experienced a problem in our homeschooling family as my oldest son grew into his teens. Wanting to be accepted, my son started associating with a new group of friends. At first, I was happy to see my introverted son making new buddies, but then I noticed the beginning of undesirable qualities in his character. My son became more reckless and started showing off by taking foolish risks with his personal belongings, including his car. When my son started fooling me to participate in activities we wouldn't allow, it was time to address the situation. I realized I had been the biggest fool for not putting a stop to his foolishness sooner.

God's Word has nothing positive to say about fools or foolishness. Endless Scripture passages in Proverbs verify that claim, as well as a story in Acts. Apparently, the new believers in Christ had been fellowshipping and sharing their belongings (Acts 4:32). Barnabas, one of the believers, decided to sell a portion of his land to help the group and gave the money to the apostles. Two other believers, Ananias and his wife, Sapphira, did the same thing, but for whatever reason, they decided to keep a portion of the money for themselves (Acts 5:1-10). Attempting to fool the apostles, Ananias and Sapphira told them that they had given the full amount. God's response to this deception was quick and severe. Within three hours, both Ananias and Sapphira fell over dead for trying to fool the Holy Spirit.

What about your homeschooling family? Have you noticed any foolishness creeping into your children's actions? Be careful! Left unchecked, foolishness has the potential to destroy your child's life. Although the world may celebrate a day when people deceive and pull embarrassing practical jokes, God's Word says something entirely different about foolishness: "The thought of foolishness is sin" (Proverbs 24:9a).

Lord, show me how to discipline my children when they start acting foolishly. Give me the wisdom to train their immaturity into responsible actions that glorify You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Farmer Boy

Sun, 31 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000

"Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh" (James 5:7b-8).

I think every parent secretly hopes that his children will share his passions. My passion was gardening, but each year gardens came and went with only a limited interest from my older children. Yes, they enjoyed the flowers and the fresh vegetables, but I never saw that "look" in their eyes when they surveyed a freshly tilled patch of ground. Years went by before God surprised me with my youngest son's interest. When he was old enough to start helping, I saw that far-off look that sees a future garden flourishing and yielding its fruit. I saw the excitement that said, "Let's try a new variety this year," or "Can we till up another patch of dirt to plant more?" For the next several years, my son and I happily pursued our green thumbs together.

As Christian homeschooling parents, we have a deep desire for our children to share a far greater passion. We desire them to share our same love for the Lord. Like a faithful gardener tending to his crops, we take our children to church, teach them Bible stories and memory verses, and pray for the day when they realize their need of Christ as Savior. When that day finally arrives, we rejoice as we see the Holy Spirit's sparkle in our children's eyes. Plus, we share the excitement of serving the Lord in this life as a family, and we share the hope of a future home in heaven for all eternity.

What about you? Are you still waiting for your homeschooler to make a personal decision to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior? Don't give up! Keep planting those things into his life that will yield the fruit of righteousness in due season. Most of all, don't lose that passionate look in your own eye when you speak of Christ's forgiving love. Your children are watching and waiting to see what you really love most.

Lord Jesus, thank You for the privilege of being a homeschooling parent and teaching my children about You. I lift up their lives to You and pray for Your divine touch to bring them into a personal relationship with You. In Your holy name, Amen.

The Deepest Need

Sat, 30 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000

"The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me" (Psalm 118:6)?

If someone gave you a blank piece of paper and said, "Write down your greatest needs as a homeschooling parent," what would you write? Would you write a few short sentences, or would you fill the entire page with a huge list of items? As unique as each homeschooling parent's needs may be, if you truly look inside your heart, chances are you'll discover your deepest homeschooling needs are love, significance, and acceptance. These needs aren't easily met, however, since the world considers homeschoolers different and shies away in rejection. Even your own family can fail to give you the encouraging and positive feedback necessary in homeschooling. So, where do you go to fill your emotional void?

Praise God we have a loving heavenly Father who is more than enough to meet our deepest needs. The story of Noah in the Old Testament is a perfect example. Imagine the rejection and ridicule he must have experienced for obeying God when building a boat bigger than a football field! In a world filled with violence and corruption (Genesis 6:11), I'm sure Noah was probably threatened as well. Yet, Noah had it right, didn't he? Even though the people probably mocked him for days, it wasn't Noah who was on the wrong side of the door when it began to rain! God's acceptance of Noah's faith was demonstrated when He spared Noah and his family from the flood.

Have you been building your homeschooling ark, but you still find yourself being mocked by the world? Take courage. God's acceptance, approval, and love are all you need. Even though others will never understand the many benefits and blessings of homeschooling, you know the truth. Remain steadfast in teaching your children about the Lord, so when He returns, you'll be standing on the right side of the door. "What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us" (Romans 8:31)?

Father, some days, teaching my children seems as huge a task as building an ark. Thank You for Your love and acceptance that encourage me to go on homeschooling. Please, strengthen me to hear Your voice clearly each day. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Whom Do You Believe In?

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father" (John 14:12).

When people attain a measure of success in the public spotlight, what words do you normally hear them say when they are interviewed? That person usually says, "Because my ______________(fill in the blank — grandmother, mother, father, sister, friend, etc.) believed in me, I was able to accomplish what I've done." Amazingly, one person's faith in another person's ability inspires great achievement.

Christ demonstrated this fact when He chose Peter as a disciple. Recognizing his potential (Matthew 16:16-20), Jesus challenged Peter to follow Him. After Christ's death and resurrection, the Lord's words about Peter were fulfilled when the Holy Spirit transformed his life on the day of Pentecost. Even though Peter was uneducated and untrained, his confidence and willingness to die for the sake of the Gospel amazed the elders, rulers, and scribes (Acts 4:13-14). Because Christ patiently loved and encouraged Peter, he was able to perform miracles and change the world with the message of Jesus' love and forgiveness.

Does this same underlying principle lie at the root of every homeschooler's success? Since most homeschooling parents only have a high school education, what else could account for the incredible results in academic success? Apparently, learning is only part of the equation in a child's ability to achieve great things. The other part lies within a loving parent's heart. When you see God's potential within your child and encourage him to reach out and obtain it, you'll be amazed at what your child achieves, too.

Lord, forgive me for limiting my child because of my unbelief in his abilities. Help me inspire him to greatness by believing in what You've created him to be. In Jesus' name, Amen.

AOP’s Spring Sale Takes Off in 4 Days!

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 15:00:44 +0000

Starting next Monday, pack in the savings on your favorite homeschool curriculum during the annual spring sale at Alpha Omega Publications!

Beginning April 1, save 20% on everything at Alpha Omega Publications and get free shipping* on orders of $50 or more. To enjoy these once-a-year savings during April, call 800-622-3070 or enjoy the convenience of 24/7 online shopping.

Switched-On Schoolhouse 2013 Edition
Give your child a vibrant, multimedia-rich learning experience with animations, learning games, and video clips in this popular CD-ROM curriculum for grades 3-12.

Monarch
Release the wonder of learning with AOP's online curriculum for grades 3-12. Monarch is compatible with Windows® or Macintosh® and features engaging multimedia and cutting-edge teacher tools.

LIFEPAC
Make homeschooling a snap with student-directed, mastery-based lessons in this time-tested, consumable worktext curriculum for grades K-12.

Horizons
Cover the fundamentals of math, language arts, health, and more with print-based workbooks and creative activities in this colorful curriculum for grades PreK-12.

The Weaver Curriculum
Bring learning to life with PreK-12 unit studies that use teacher-selected lessons and activities to reinforce biblical themes woven throughout multiple subject areas.

Follow Our Blog
From how-to articles to homeschooling tips and spiritual encouragement, AOP’s blog is a practical source of tips for homeschooling, activities, spiritual encouragement, and more.

*Applies to standard ground shipping within the continental United States on orders over $50.

Spring into Science

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 07:25:05 +0000

When the birds start chirping, the flowers start opening up their delicate faces towards the sun, and the snow begins to melt, you know spring is coming. Another sign of spring is science activities! Science does not always have to be a somber, excruciating experience. Instead, use spring as a springboard for activities and lessons:

Choose any springtime topic and see how you can integrate science ideas, lessons, or activities with the topic. Some science topics to study include:

• Plants.
• Birds.
• Butterflies. Take Alpha Omega Publications’ Live Butterfly Garden elective to supplement a fun butterfly study.
• Fossils and records in rocks.
• Weather patterns.
• Global warming.
• Animal life cycles. Bring science to life with the Grow-a-Frog homeschool resource. Learners will observe a tadpole grow into a frog and study the science behind it.
• Erosion.
• Photosynthesis.

Use your own backyard or community park for a science lesson. Make your pond the classroom for the next couple of weeks as winter loses its tenacious hold on us. Identify what kind of creatures call the pond home and do a separate study on them. Examine the fresh, new animal tracks in the mud and learn how to classify the paw prints. Even though spring’s return also means the appearance of many creepy-crawly insects, they can provide a science lesson for your homeschool day once you are aware of the prime bug projects that are at your fingertips.

Take the topics that students are learning in their weekly academics and create a separate activity or study of them. Topics like earth science and climate change from Alpha Omega Publications’ 7th grade Monarch General Science 1 can mesh well with coordinated outdoor activities.

What spring science studies will you do this spring? What science topics would you add?

Unhealthy Competition

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000

"And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all" (Mark 10:44).

I never encouraged competition between my four children while homeschooling, but it happened anyway. In fact, I only wanted my children to give their best each day and suggested forgetting grades altogether. However, their need to rate themselves against each other and other children their age dictated a request for a report card. Their human need to know where they were in the scheme of things filtered its way into their mindset and manifested itself during schoolwork. They simply had to know if they were smarter or better in a particular subject than their siblings or someone else.

Christ's disciples weren't any different. When following Jesus on Earth, a great debate arose among them. Wanting to know where they fit into the future scheme of things, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, foolishly asked Jesus if they could sit on either side of Him in heaven (Mark 10:37). Hearing this request, the other ten disciples became indignant, and Jesus took the opportunity to teach them all a valuable lesson in servanthood.

Are you comparing your homeschooling performance to other families, or are you simply giving your best and expecting the same from your children? God has uniquely designed your family with gifts and abilities, and your success in homeschooling isn't dictated by what other families are doing. God only expects you to seek His guidance and obey Him, so He can show you how to let go of unhealthy competition and focus on serving others instead.

Father, forgive me for trying to compete with the homeschool down the street. Teach me to listen to the Holy Spirit and depend on the truths of Your Word as I homeschool each day. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Counting the Cost

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000

"For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it" (Matthew 16:25).

Sometimes learning a new skill and information requires a painstaking effort. Such was the case when my five-year-old son saw the new phonics chart hanging on the schoolroom wall. Looking at all the phonics rules he had to learn and memorize, my son looked at me with wide eyes and said, "Mommy, there are too many. Can't we skip some and just do the first ones?"

"No, honey," I replied. "Each one is important in helping you become a better reader. Just think, after you learn them all, you'll be able to read really hard books."

Looking at me skeptically, he answered, "Can I just learn to read easy books, Mom?"

Whether you're learning to become a better reader or a follower of Jesus Christ, you must count the cost and recognize the sacrifices involved. In Matthew 26:6-13, Jesus rebuked His disciples for their indignation toward a woman's sacrificial act of love. Instead, Jesus commended her for bringing a vial of very costly perfume and pouring it on His head, even though the poor would have benefited from its value. Giving such an expensive gift probably cost this woman everything, but what a perfect picture for us! There is a great cost involved in becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ.

What has it cost you to homeschool your children? Are you thinking now that the price is too high? Like the honor given to the woman for her costly gift (Matthew 26:13) or the reward promised for being Christ's disciple (Luke 18:29-30), God will honor your faithful homeschooling sacrifices of time, energy, and money. Will you hold fast to what God has shown you to be true? "So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple" (Luke 14:33).

Lord, convict me of my need to give back all that I am to You. Guide me as I homeschool today and remind me that this sacrifice is nothing compared to Yours when You died on the cross for me. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Making the Homeschool Day Special

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 06:56:51 +0000

“This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”- Psalm 118:24

Pull out the balloons and the confetti! If you homeschool, everyday can be an educational party, but also a celebration of life and freedom in schooling. If you have been homeschooling for a long time, it can become tricky to make each homeschool day a fun and special moment while still teaching. The memorable day doesn’t have to include going on an elaborate field trip or creating world peace. Instead, you can focus on filling each day of the school week with learning in fun, new ways.

Monday Mission: Have each member of the family select a nonprofit organization, conduct research on it, and give a verbal report. Mission Monday can help your children build social awareness and an understanding of how Christians can have an impact on the world. Some organizations have different ways people can volunteer, whether it’s in the form of donating clothes, money, or your time. Keep the nonprofit in your prayers all week and perhaps even schedule a time in the next couple of weeks to participate with the organization.

Tuesday Tidbit: Have the kids dig deep into books or the depths of an online search engine to find obscure facts about their favorite subject. Gather everybody together on Tuesday and share the tidbits with the family. When it is shaped as a treasure hunt, the research doesn’t even seem like a learning exercise. Children can have fun hunting for an unknown tidbit!

Wednesday Word: Build up your vocabulary on Wednesdays. Have each member of the family share a fun, relatively unknown word and its meaning. Practice using the words in sentences, and then have a contest to see who can correctly use the words most often throughout the day. This activity sharpens and expands vocabulary with a touch of competition!

Thursday Devotions: Christian homeschooling allows us the opportunity to set aside each Thursday for devotions. Pick a specific devotion each week, whether it’s in the form of a DVD, podcast, or book. Make the devotions relevant to your children, their ages, and their interests. Families with pets, for example, might enjoy The One Year Devos for Animal Lovers. Paste the main scripture used in the devotional throughout the house all week on the refrigerator, notes, and planners.

Friday Fun: It’s almost the weekend on a Friday, and for homeschoolers the weekend can come early! Take this day of the week to go on field trips or do special activities that coincide with what you have been learning during the week. Also consider taking simple outings that you have wanted to go on as a family. Have each child give an idea for an outing or activity and vote for the most preferred choice. Let the stress of the week go and enjoy Fridays by doing something that everybody in the family enjoys.

Homeschooling mixes educational moments with unforgettable bouts of laughter each day. Make homeschool special by celebrating each day as a new day that God has made.

What are some ways that you make the homeschool day special?

Daffodil Days

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000

"Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase" (Proverbs 3:9).

Every year the daffodils were the first to push their green leaves through winter's cold earth in our flower bed. My daughter and I both looked forward to their annual spring arrival after homeschooling all winter. Not only were we blessed as the army of bright yellow blossoms began to form, but we also anticipated the joy of sharing their beauty with others. Short on finances, giving away our daffodils was one simple, but welcomed way that our homeschooling family could bring hope and love to family and friends. Our motivation to keep them fertilized and free of weeds came from the promise of future smiles we would see from those who would receive a bountiful bouquet.

Using what we have to be a blessing to others is a reoccurring theme in the Bible. As a homeschooling parent short on money, but big on ideas, I loved encouraging my children to bless others with the resources at hand. My favorite Bible stories to illustrate this lesson came from the widow who fed Elijah bread with the last of her flour and oil (1 Kings 17:12), the poor widow who had only two small coins to give to the church treasury (Luke 21:1-4), and the young boy who gave his two small fish and five loaves of bread to Jesus to feed over 5,000 people (John 6:9). Each is a clear example that God can use anything to bless others if we simply give it to Him.

Do you feel like you have nothing to give toward Christ's work because your finances are limited from homeschooling on one income? Don't despair! Look around instead and open your heart to God's creative ideas. Maybe you can bake fresh homemade meals, sew or crochet handmade kitchen towels, or just give sacks of your children's outgrown clothes to a needy family. Let the Lord lead and use what you have to be a blessing to others. When you see a smile appearing on a face, you'll realize that you have received the greater blessing.

Lord, thank You for the blessings You've given to my family. Help me to teach my children to think of others and open our eyes to see the storehouse of resources that You've made available to bless them. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Litter Bugs

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000

"Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people" (Proverbs 14:34).

Every spring after the snow thawed in the ditches near our home, the ugliness of winter's past sins would be revealed. An endless disarray of empty glass liquor bottles and aluminum beer cans lined both sides of our country road for more than a mile. Looking at the mess, my young son shook his head in disgust. "Mom," he said. "Why do they have to throw their garbage in our ditch?"

Understanding his displeasure, I replied, "I don't know, but can you imagine the mess their lives are in if what they've left behind looks like this?"

The Bible doesn't pull any punches when it reveals God's attitude toward sin's ugliness. The Scriptures say sin is an abomination to the Lord (Proverbs 6:16), and He hates those who do iniquity (Psalm 5:5). No matter if the sin is great or small in our mind, we suffer when we choose to disobey God. Our sinful actions and choices trash not only our lives, but also the lives of everyone they touch.

As a Christian homeschooling parent, do you take your sinful failings seriously? Proverbs 14:9 says, "Fools make a mock at sin." Each time you choose to lose your patience, make unloving remarks, or fail to discipline your children, you leave a mess in your own family, as well as the world. Left unchecked, sin's filthy effect will split your family apart and give the world cause to look on homeschoolers and Christians with disgust. Start picking up the mess today by coming before the Lord and seeking His cleansing from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).

Father, forgive me for not hating sin like You do. Help me to deal with those seemingly "little" sins that make my life ugly and ruin Your best in my life. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Precept upon Precept

Sun, 24 Mar 2013 00:59:00 +0000

"Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little" (Isaiah 28:9-10).

I'm not sure what I expected from my children when we first started homeschooling. I guess I thought they would be accomplished mathematicians and readers by the time they were in second grade. As we continued to homeschool each year, however, I realized that children grow intellectually the same way they grow physically — a little bit at a time. Even though I felt like we weren't accomplishing much each day, every new phonics rule, spelling word, grammar rule, or math fact was actually building upon itself and laying a foundation that would lead to their educational success.

Spiritual maturity is a step-by-step growing process as well. Too many times we look at older, more mature saints and wish that we had their walk with God. However, we fail to see the years of lessons (sometimes painful lessons) that brought them to their point of maturity. Each lesson learned in faith, prayer, and scriptural truths builds upon the last to produce a shining, godly character.

What about your spiritual life? Does it seem like there are so many lessons to learn before you become a person of faith? Maybe you even find yourself relearning the same lessons like patience, a pure thought life, or gratefulness over and over again. God is the master builder of all things (Hebrews 3:4), and He is setting the bricks of your faith one at a time. Trust Him, and you'll become a shining example of His love to your homeschooling family and the world. "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ" (Philippians 1:6).

Lord, thank You for each lesson You've used to teach me more about You. Increase my faith and keep teaching me that my life might glorify You. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Parent and Teacher

Sat, 23 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000

"For whom the Lord loveth, he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth" (Hebrews 12:6).

Like most homeschoolers, the first few years were a struggle as I taught my children at home. The initial problems were not from a lack of quality curriculum, lesson planning, or teaching methods. Rather, the problems that tempted me to quit came from poor parenting skills. My children had the upper hand. I was bombarded with laziness, silliness, selfishness, and uncooperative spirits, and unfortunately, there was no super nanny to call to set things right. I needed to enforce the rules, so my children could learn to the best of their abilities. Boundaries needed to be set with a firm, but loving hand of correction. When I finally realized that parenting and teaching were synonymous, our homeschooling changed for the better.

Many times Christians slide backwards in their faith because they fail to understand God's nature as both a loving, heavenly Father (1 John 4:8) and a lover of justice (Psalm 37:28). We quickly see God as "the big meanie" when He corrects us in our foolishness and sin. Wanting to bask in His love as friend and Abba Father, we forget that God is also holy and just. When we realize God is all powerful and disciplines us because He wants us to share in His holiness (Hebrews 12:10), our spiritual understanding of God's love changes for the better.

What about you? Do you doubt God's love because you're suffering from the consequences of a past sin? God cares more about making you more like Christ than letting you have your own selfish way. Why not turn to Him and learn the lesson He is setting before you today? "For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness" (Hebrews 12:10).

Lord, You hate sin, and I know You want me to be more like Christ. Work in my heart and change my bitterness and doubt to praise and trust in Your goodness and love. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Keeping Christ in Christian Homeschooling

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 09:07:32 +0000

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6).

One of the many reasons parents choose to homeschool their children is because they can incorporate their faith into their children’s daily lives and academics. Christian homeschooling allows us the freedom to “train up a child in the way he should go.” It gives parents a priceless opportunity to educate their children about important biblical concepts that can be skewed in other educational systems and to pour Christ’s love into their youngsters.

Take advantage of the flexible homeschool schedule by establishing daily or weekly devotions with the whole crew. Set aside a planned time for devotions and don’t let the busyness of life get in the way. Incorporate as many family members as possible into devotion time to create a unified and trusting bond that can bring families together. The Daily Focus Homeschool Book provides inspiring and uplifting devotions that are an encouraging read on difficult days and helpful in guiding family discussion.

Instead of throwing your hands up in aggravation as your child gets angry after reviewing a concept for the third time, incorporate encouraging and powerful scriptures into the day. The hopeless and exasperating moments that occur in homeschooling are windows of opportunity to show your child what it means to preserver and overcome the mountains in life. Show your child the power of prayer and quoting scripture in times of personal disappointment and frustration. Place scripture-filled notes around your student’s study space or on your student’s laptop desktop as a constant reminder of the comfort scripture can provide.

In addition to learning scripture, bring the Bible to life in your homeschool day by mixing acting class and Bible class together. Study parables by having your children act them out. They will learn the concepts and be able to apply them better by having a tangible way of understanding the biblical lessons.

Identify the main biblical issues that are integral to your faith and are often misrepresented in the media and other academic institutes. Teach your child scripture and the viewpoints of Christian leaders to back up the faith-based stance. Help your child identify false teaching and ways to search for biblical answers.

It can be easy to become comfortable in the daily routine of homeschooling. Remember to put the Christ in Christian homeschooling by being intentional in all you do and say. Enjoy the precious time you are given to teach your children about the Bible and how to live its teachings out in daily life.

How do you keep Christ in Christian homeschooling?

What AOP Has In Store for Your Homeschool in 2013

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 12:37:31 +0000

In addition to the 2013 Edition of Switched-On Schoolhouse, we’re releasing new electives and features for SOS and Monarch this spring, as well as the NIV Homeschool Mom’s Bible. Then, AOP will introduce a Horizons preschool program for three-year-olds this fall.

Switched-On Schoolhouse 2013 Edition
Coming April 1, the improved Switched-On Schoolhouse includes first-time features and three new Career and Technical Education (CTE) electives for high school:
• SOS Office Applications I: Tutorials for Microsoft® Word®, PowerPoint®, and Publisher®
• SOS Office Applications II: Tutorials for Microsoft® Access® and Excel®
• Small Business Entrepreneurship.

Monarch
AOP’s online curriculum has gained free upgrades and a new Career and Technical Education (CTE) elective for high school. Small Business Entrepreneurship is a one-semester course that covers topics like the creation, development, and organization of a small business and the challenges and benefits of being one’s own boss.

Horizons Preschool for Three’s (Available: Fall 2013)
Featuring 40 weeks of lessons and activities, this program addresses your three-year-old’s cognitive development, pre-reading and numeracy skills, language acquisition, and school readiness. Horizons Preschool for Three’s also strengthens children socially, emotionally, and spiritually by leading them to know that God made them and gave them great gifts.

NIV Homeschool Mom’s Bible
Alongside the text of the NIV Bible, find spiritual nourishment for homeschooling with a year’s worth of heartfelt and practical readings by a veteran homeschool mom. Featuring the popular Daily Focus devotionals, this book discusses how to stay motivated to homeschool, avoid burnout, and grow spiritually while juggling educational and household duties.

Learn More about What's New at AOP

How to Use Pinterest in Homeschooling

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 06:45:03 +0000

You have an endless source of Christian homeschool ideas, tips, and encouragement right at your fingertips and you may not even know it. Pinterest, a content sharing site where users can “pin” images linked to websites, can be the answer to long, rainy days and moments when you are scrapping the bottom of your creativity list. Once you understand how to use Pinterest, it will become a part of your homeschool tool belt.

Field Trip: Whether you just moved to a new location, are wondering what is new in your area, or are going on a road trip, you can use Pinterest to find fun ideas for local field trips. Simply type your city into the search bar and browse through a rampant amount of ideas. Don’t get stuck searching under the “pins” section, which the site automatically searches. Click the “boards” and “pinners” search options on the top of the page to narrow your search. Try adding different keywords to your search, such as “activities, field trip, homeschool, Christian, or fun,” to find specific, enjoyable educational activities wherever you want to go.

Inspiration: If you have had a long homeschool day or are bracing yourself for one, sometimes all you need is a little encouragement. Pinterest is a good source for finding relevant scriptures and motivational quotes for homeschoolers. Boards such as Alpha Omega Publications’ Inspiration Board have quotes and scriptures that you will want to pin on your own account and even on your refrigerator!

Activities: When you want an activity to coincide with a science lesson, your learners are bored, or you need a spark in homeschooling, Pinterest is the place to go. You can find hundreds of easy activities to do with objects around the house or cheap items you can buy locally. Start by searching a broad topic, such as “spring.” If the results are not showing an ideal activity, focus your search by adding additional related words, such as “activities, crafts, and DIY.” Searching under the “DIY & Crafts” section also brings up fun activities and crafts that you can tailor to your topic.

Follow: An important part of using Pinterest and reaping the benefits is following other accounts. Follow your local chamber of commerce, activity center, or favorite homeschoolers. When you find a pin that you like, check out who pinned it and follow them. Eventually, you won’t have to search for as many ideas because they will automatically show up on your own wall and your own boards.

Check out AOP’s Homeschool Pinterest account for craft ideas, homeschool tips and facts, sales, free stuff, and more!

Do you have a Pinterest account? How do you use Pinterest for homeschooling?

How to Make Homeschool Conventions Worthwhile

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 15:36:15 +0000

Homeschool convention season is upon us once more. With many conventions to choose from, selecting the right one for your homeschool needs can be a daunting task. You may wonder if attending a convention is even worth the hassle. Before ruling them out, consider the pros and cons of attending conventions, and strive to find one that fits your individual homeschool needs.

First, examine the advantages of participating in conventions. Conventions provide families with the most current homeschooling information available. Whether you are considering homeschool for the first time or are a veteran within the field, obtaining accurate, up-to-date information is of utmost importance when planning for a new school year.

Conventions are also a great place to see vendor products firsthand and snag great deals on curriculum. The value of interacting with and asking questions of vendors directly cannot be overlooked. And discounts, no matter how small, are always a blessing.

Meeting other families who live the homeschool life can also benefit convention-goers. It can be comforting to realize that other families are experiencing struggles and successes similar to your own. Networking can also provide you with fresh ideas to try with your own children.

Despite the perks, it’s not uncommon for the stimulating convention atmosphere to overwhelm some attendees. In fact, it’s easy to feel swamped with so many things to see and do. To avoid feeling defeated by all the commotion, commit to doing your homework before registering for an event. Convention hosts post schedules, fees, and other important information online prior to the event. Take the time to find a convention that suits your family’s needs. Then, make a list of the important speakers, vendors, and other events you want to attend to avoid feeling stressed on convention day.

Registration fees and travel expenses can also influence your willingness to attend an event. It’s important to remember that conventions come in all sizes and price ranges. When weighing the pros and cons of conventions, be honest with yourself about your time and budget. By carefully considering such important details, you can research and book a convention that is practical for your family.

What do you look for in a homeschool convention?

By Hand

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 13:23:18 +0000

"Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart" (Psalm 26:2).

When my four children reached long division in their math curriculum, several weeks of resistance and conflict resulted during our homeschooling days. The painstaking process seemed unending and laborious to my high-tech children. "Mom, why do we have to do this by hand?" they cried. "Why can't we just figure this out on the calculator?" Taking the time and effort to show their work on every quiz and test in division was even more agonizing. To them, the quick and easy method of using the calculator's brain instead of their own seemed the best answer to solving math computations.

Taking the easy way out is common for today's Christians. Most saved people consider the testing of their faith something to be avoided or eliminated. Instead of walking through life's trials with God, many bypass the challenge and supersede God's will with manmade answers. However, James 1:3-4 gives us God's perspective for trials: "Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing."

Is homeschooling stretching you to the limits and trying your patience? God is working in your life and your children's lives. He knows how demanding each day can be and wants you to trust Him "by hand." Place your hand in His today. Waiting on God for answers is never easy, but the spiritual lesson of endurance is only learned by going through the process. Allow Him to teach you to "let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing" (James 1:4).

Lord, how quick I am to give up when homeschooling gets hard. Teach me endurance and patience as my children and I learn academic and spiritual lessons together. In Jesus' name, Amen.

3 Lessons I Learned While Homeschooling

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 21:13:08 +0000

If you ask a group of homeschooled children why they are glad they are homeschooling, they will probably say that pajama parties, home cooked food, and the lack of heavy backpacks are highlights of learning at home. But you want your children to take away more from the years you taught them at home than the memory of doing science experiments in their pajamas. You may have a niggling worry in the back of your mind and wonder if your children will look back and know that homeschooling was the best decision for them.

As a homeschooler who did not get to choose to learn at home, I can confidently say that I am glad my parents chose to homeschool me because it taught me three main lessons.

Valuing Family: Homeschooling gives the family a once-in-a-lifetime chance to bond. Even though we were all varying ages, my sisters and I learned together, ate together, and played together. Spending time with siblings and parents provides an opportunity for children to learn how to get along with other personalities in an open, non-threatening environment. The close time with family during homeschooling taught me to value time with my family and to cherish the characteristics unique to every family member, even after I graduated high school.

Christian Homeschooling: Having been raised in a Christian environment all my life, I never realized how saturated my life was with the Bible until I graduated and was placed in different situations. The chance to teach your children about God through their daily learning is priceless. As a parent, you do not have to combat outside teaching. Instead, you can give your children a biblical foundation that will last the rest of their lives. Christian homeschooling means you can teach your children how to live a godly life in every situation from the time they get up in the morning, through academics, during music lessons, to the moment you tuck them in bed.

Cultivating Skills: Imagine if you did not homeschool your children. What activities would they be missing? What God-given talents would not be cultivated daily? If my parents had not chosen to homeschool me, I would not have pursued music as thoroughly because I would have been too busy to set aside the practice time. My value of family would have been cheapened, not treasured. My love for book reading would not have flourished. Many days occurred when I was frustrated with an academic subject, so I would practice my flute. My mother would let me begin school an hour or two late when I was in the midst of a reality-fading book. Homeschooling offers children a chance to cultivate the skills they have and enjoy discovering new passions in life.

Why did you choose homeschooling? What do you want your children to say that they enjoyed most about Christian homeschooling?

The Right Answer

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 14:20:54 +0000

"He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him" (Proverbs 18:13).

I learned an important homeschooling secret after many years of teaching — it's more important to ask the right questions than it is to give the right answers. Too many times I piled tons of information on my children that was neither of interest or necessary. My "be prepared" teaching philosophy, which attempted to include every detail on a subject, was burning out my children's love of learning. Clearly, one carefully worded question sparked my children's interest far more than providing all the answers.

Needless to say, this same flaw also caused difficulty for me when witnessing to others. Because the Bible is the answer to people's problems, I attempted to provide all the facts and answers to show them their need for Christ. As I began down the "Romans Road" or shared the "Gospel Hand," I quickly spat out verses thinking I would change their lives. However, the Holy Spirit showed me that it is He who does the convicting in a person's heart. I needed to be sensitive to His leading when witnessing to others. Asking a person carefully worded questions is much more effective in leading someone to the Lord than providing all the right answers.

Do you have a tendency to give more information than necessary when you witness to others? Instead of trying to convince people of their need for Christ with your biblical answers, listen to the Holy Spirit instead. He is the One who has the perfect question to ask that will spark someone's interest in our loving Lord.

Jesus, lead me as I tell others about Your saving love. You have the right answers to everyone's problems, including mine. Help me to ask the kinds of questions that will spark others' interest in You. In Your name, Amen.

Customer Appreciation Sale Ends Today!

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 13:08:47 +0000

Only hours remain to save during AOP’s Customer Appreciation Days. Call 800-622-3070 by 5 p.m. (CT) or order online by midnight (PT) to take 10% off all products and get free shipping* on orders of $25 or more with coupon code NTJUST4YOU.

What Customers Are Saying:
“With Monarch, my children are more engaged, and anything that makes education more fun for them is a winner in my book!”
- Heather B., Texas

“SOS has really freed me up. I am saving hours by not having to plan everything.”
- Elaine D., Virginia

“LIFEPAC is the most organized and efficient homeschooling curriculum that I have come across.”
- Joe B., Florida

“Horizons math is the best math I have used. The spiral learning is so helpful, and it teaches my children in such small steps it is so easy for them to understand it.”
- Rebecca C., Colorado

*This offer does not apply to Alpha Omega Academy® tuition and fees. The shipping offer only applies to standard ground shipping within the continental United States on orders over $25.

Unfair Labels

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 16:11:32 +0000

What labels have been placed on your children because they homeschool? During our years of homeschooling, my children faced innuendos that ranged from mental retardation to religious fanatic. Today, the media still portrays homeschoolers as naive, unfashionably dressed nerds. Even though studies prove the contrary, public educators also insist that homeschoolers are deprived of proper socialization. Why does the word "homeschooling" bring out such nastiness in people?

Unfair labels are nothing new. When Christ lived on Earth, He suffered from being misunderstood by the multitudes, Jewish leaders, and even His friends and family. Unfair labels like trouble maker, demon possessed, and foolish fanatic were placed on Him as He told the world about the kingdom of God and His love. Although the label placed above Christ's head on the cross was intended to mock Him, it was the one label the world got right when it read, "THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS" (Luke 23:38b).

So, how do you live in a negative, anti-homeschooling world and not become negative yourself? As Christian homeschoolers, we seem to receive a double whammy from the world — unfair labels for our faith and unfair labels for our homeschooling. As hurtful as these labels can be, Christ can help us forgive and move beyond the painful remarks when they come. Jesus' example of love on the cross showed us the way when He said, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:24).

Lord, strengthen me to stand against the world's opinion of homeschoolers. Teach me to love as You loved when You died on the cross. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Am I Socialized Yet?

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 14:12:42 +0000

“I homeschooled for seven years.”

“Oh. So, you didn’t have any friends.”

This is a typical conversation between me, a college student and Christian homeschooler, and a “non-homeschooler.” Let’s admit it. You have had this conversation before with someone who has not homeschooled.

The conversation usually ends with me outlining the list of activities I was involved in and reassuring others that I was not an awkward, un-socialized kid who couldn’t even carry on a boring discussion about the weather. But after those predictable conversations, I am left with a thought: “Am I really socialized?”

We define a socialized individual as someone who gets along with everybody, has a good reputation, and knows the appropriate thing to say in an awkward, hear-the-cricket, oops-that-was-the-elephant-in-the-room moment. In a Christian homeschooling environment, you are training your child to be adept in any social situation. You have promised yourself you will break the stereotype of un-socialized homeschoolers and teach your children the proper way to act in a group of strangers, during a 5-course meal, when being asked on their first date, and when accepting a job offer.

That’s the goal. But do we ever hit the wavering target of socialization?

I like to think of myself as being social and presentable to the outside world. I have had numerous job interviews, been to two etiquette classes, created steady relationships with college roommates, and learned to find a commonality with people after two moves at a young age.

However, I still slurp my spaghetti, laugh loudly in inappropriate circumstances, and say things at the wrong moment. The target that I have always aimed for seems to be wavering in the distance; a goal that is unattainable.

That’s because I am not fully socialized. I never will be. Your children never will be. You never will be. Take a deep breath—you have not failed!

Instead of focusing on a target that is always beyond reach, realize that becoming socially skilled is a journey that takes a lifetime to complete. As we go through life, we learn new social skills. It is a continuing chronicle of our lives. As we meet new people, learn new skills, and become aware of new ideas and interests, our level of socialization morphs and grows.

No. I am not socialized. And that is a good thing. It means I enjoy life to its fullest and mark each unique adventure with my own stamp instead of fitting into the world’s definition of being socially acceptable.

Get rid of that socialization target you have created in your mind for your children. They will never become fully socialized. Instead, they will live, laugh, and love with each new adventure and moment God places them in.

How do you define socialization?

Customer Appreciation Sale Ends Tomorrow!

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 13:17:49 +0000

From five-subject sets to single courses and resources, save 10% on all products at aophomeschooling.com through midnight (PT) tomorrow, March 13. Plus, get free shipping* on orders of $25 or more with code NTJUST4YOU.

Monarch online curriculum - Windows® and Macintosh® compatibility, subscriptions run for 18 months, secure data storage for seven years, available for grades 3-12

Switched-On Schoolhouse on CD-ROM - Windows compatibility, chosen by homeschoolers as the best complete computer-based curriculum**, available for grades 3-12

LIFEPAC print worktexts – Mastery based lessons divided into units, student-directed, purchase only what you need, available for grades K-12

Horizons print workbooks – Spiral learning method, teacher-directed, colorfully illustrated and engaging worktexts for PreK-12

To order, simply use coupon code NTJUST4YOU when you call 800-622-3070 or shop online.

*This offer does not apply to Alpha Omega Academy® tuition and fees. The shipping offer only applies to standard ground shipping within the continental United States on orders over $25.

**2012 Excellence in Education Awards | The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine

Lost

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 13:09:07 +0000

"For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found" (Luke 15:24a).

The day had started expectantly for our family as we left on a field trip to Denver, Colorado. My children were looking forward to visiting the planetarium and seeing artifacts and rocks on display at the museum of natural history. Wonderfully, the entire day had lived up to our hopeful expectations, and only one stop remained before beginning our long drive back home. With a time limit of one hour or less, my husband dropped us off at the Christian bookstore.

My three oldest children left for the music department to listen to CDs, while my four-year-old son and I proceeded to shop for gifts for upcoming birthdays. Normally, I'm very attentive to my children's whereabouts while shopping, but after reading the verses in several cards, I looked down and saw that my son was gone. Thinking he had rejoined his older siblings, I began to look around for the four of them, but neither they nor my young son were in sight. After scanning the store, I located my older children, but our perfect day came to a terrible end as I realized what every mother fears most — my son was lost!

Circumstances in life can change so rapidly. One day we think we are safe and secure with money in the bank and food on the table, and the next day brings devastating problems that bring us to our knees. Like Job in the Old Testament, problems can hit us like a tsunami and wipe out all our joys in a single moment. Fortunately, my tidal wave of terror ceased that day. After searching with my three oldest children for over an hour, we finally found my youngest son asleep in the back seat of our car with his father fast asleep in the front.

Are you filled with uncertainty while you homeschool? Do you feel on top of the world one day and down in the valley the next? If you are just beginning to homeschool, it may seem like a rollercoaster ride for several months or even a few years. Hang on! God will help level out your teaching days with His loving care and guidance, and He will help you find your way. "O LORD God of hosts, who is a strong LORD like unto thee? or to thy faithfulness round about thee? Thou rulest the raging of the sea: when the waves thereof arise, thou stillest them" (Psalm 89:8-9).

Lord, here I go again. I feel so lost in our homeschooling. Teach me to trust You for the wisdom I need to be the best teacher I can be for my children. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Totally Discouraged

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 14:44:58 +0000

"And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed" (Deuteronomy 31:8).

Homeschooling can bring out the worst and best in you. As I sat on the kitchen floor crying, I knew that today was one of the worst. I had put the children to bed early, and my husband was working late. I was hoping a good cry would relieve my stress from the week of teaching, responsibilities, and housework. My inabilities to be supermom seemed immensely larger than the homeschooling blessings, and I felt like I was constantly disappointing my husband, my children, my extended family, and myself. Failure waved its ugly banner over me, and I was tempted to cut my losses and give up entirely. God seemed far away, and I felt alone.

Just when my pity party peaked, I felt a pair of little hands touching my face. Looking up, I saw my youngest daughter looking at me with deep blue eyes and concern on her face. "Mommy," she said. "Don't cry. I love you." In that moment, I sensed the Lord encouraging me through my little daughter's love. Homeschooling was for her and my other children. God would strengthen me to teach them.

Is today one of your bad homeschooling days? Have the failures seemed greater than the successes? Don't lose sight of the reason for homeschooling. God has called you to teach your children, and He has promised, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" (Hebrews 13:5b).

Lord, help me to remember You are everything I need. Show me again how to claim Your strength to homeschool and sense Your encouragement every day. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Homeschool Messes

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 14:16:31 +0000

"Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin" (Proverbs 20:9)?

Do you ever feel like you pick up messes all day? As a homeschooling parent, I quickly learned not to wait until the end of the day to clean the house. Walking through each room throughout the day, I continually organized and put a few things away as my children were studying. If I didn't, I knew I wouldn't have enough energy left to tackle the mountains of laundry, dishes, and clutter before bed.

Keeping our lives clean from the messes of sin also takes a continual effort. In the Old Testament, only the clean were allowed in the temple to worship before the Lord. Today, we must come before the Lord daily and allow Him to cleanse us of all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). Keeping short accounts with God keeps the messes of sin from building into mountains and destroying our relationship with Him.

Is your spiritual life full of clutter and messes? Are there issues that God has prompted you to clean, such as seeking forgiveness from a family member or disciplining yourself to live a healthier lifestyle? Don't wait until tomorrow, next week, or next year to start obeying the Lord. Start today and rediscover the joy, power, and strength that come from living a clean life before the Lord. "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin" (1 John 1:7).

Father, forgive me for letting the messes build up in our relationship. Please, speak to me again and show me those areas in my life that need to be cleaned by Your forgiving love. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Dr. Seuss Rhymes Lead to Reading

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 20:23:25 +0000

Between the ages of three and five, most youngsters go through a burst of creative expression, marked by nonsense words and silly songs culled from their imaginations and daily lives. For parents, this is an especially fun phase in a child’s development. To cultivate your youngster’s blossoming creativity, celebrate National Reading Month this March and take a cue from the master of wacky words, Dr. Seuss.

What’s a wocket? And how did it get in my pocket? Decades of children have grown up with zamps in lamps, jertains behind curtains, and nooth grushes in toothbrushes. Despite some critics’ contention that Seuss is simply too silly to take seriously, rhyming actually teaches kids to spell and recognize words, leading to reading.

“Research has proven that rhyme is crucial to learning how to read. With some beginning readers, including those with dyslexia, teaching reading through rhyme works better than phonetics,” said LiveScience writer Stephanie Pappas in her article, “Oh, the Places You’ll Go with Seuss’ Rhymes in Tow.”

Rhyming first helps children develop phonemic awareness and realize that words are composed of separate sounds (phonemes). Children can then group rhyming words by listening to the similarities of the endings.

Take, for example, this passage from Fox in Sox:

“When beetles fight these battles in a bottle with their paddles
and the bottle’s on a poodle and the poodle’s eating noodles
they call this a muddle puddle tweetle poodle beetle noodle bottle paddle battle.”

In two couplets, Seuss fit in four separate sets of rhymes (battles/paddles, poodle/noodles, muddle/puddle, tweetle/beetle), two of which are repeated.

“Once a child understands that words share segments of sounds (mock, rock, sock), he can grasp through studying rhymes that these words also share spelling sequences. Learning to read one new word, therefore, leads to learning several more,” said Usha Goswami, Director of the Centre for Neuroscience in Education at Cambridge University.

To make the most of rhymes, try these five tips from Karen Whiting in her article “How Rhymes Help Children Learn.”

1. Teach them to a child one line at a time.
2. Have fun adding motions and enjoying the rhyme.
3. Appreciate the child's efforts and successes at repeating the words.
4. If a child has difficulty, try having him or her simply echo the last word of each line.
5. After learning a rhyme, chat about the words that sound alike and what other words sound similar.

So the next time your little one reaches for The Cat and the Hat or Green Eggs and Ham, read it knowing that your child is processing far more than silly tongue-twisters.

Seuss gave his audience just what they need:
Sing-song-y rhymes that help kids learn to read!

Top 10 Dr. Seuss Books
1. Mr. Brown Can Moo! Can You?
2. How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
3. Dr. Seuss’ ABC
4. One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish
5. The Cat in the Hat
6. Green Eggs and Ham
7. Oh, the Places You’ll Go
8. Hop on Pop
9. Fox in Socks
10. Horton Hears a Who!

What’s your child’s favorite Dr. Seuss book? What other books do you recommend for rhyming?

3 Family Activities for Easter

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 20:23:12 +0000

When it comes to the Easter holiday, the death and resurrection of Jesus is the very reason for the season, but how do you teach the story and concept to a child? Get ready for March 31 with these three family activities that teach children about the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

1. Read about the Crucifixion and Resurrection.
As a family, be sure to spend time in God’s Word reading the story of Jesus Christ’s final week on Earth and reflecting on what He has done for us in conquering death and saving us.

The Triumphal Entry (Palm Sunday) - Matthew 21:1-11
The Crucifixion - Matthew 27:31-32, Mark 15:20-40
Jesus speaks during the Crucifixion - Luke 23:26-49, John 19:17-30
Jesus is buried and is raised. - John 19:31-42, Matthew 27:59-28:8
The Empty Tomb - John 20:1-20:18
Jesus appears to many. - Luke 24:13-53, John 20:19-21:25, Acts 1:4-11, 1 Corinthians 15:6-8

2. Learn an Easter Poem Together.
Joanna Fuchs’ poem about God’s love is short and simple enough for most children to learn.

“His Love”
God sent His Son to take the punishment
For all the thoughtless, sinful things we do;
Jesus gave his life because He loves us;
His love is boundless, sweet, forever true.
On Easter morn He showed He is our Savior;
His resurrection proves He is our Lord.
That is why we tell you, “Happy Easter!”
He secured our heavenly reward!

3. Make Resurrection Story Cookies.
Celebrate Easter with this kid-friendly recipe that not only fills up tummies with tasty treats, but also teaches about the hope we have as Christians in our risen Savior, Jesus Christ.

What are your family’s Easter traditions?

Coming Soon from AOP

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 20:22:50 +0000

Check out what Alpha Omega Publications has in store for your homeschool in 2013! In addition to the 2013 Edition of Switched-On Schoolhouse, we’re releasing new electives and features for SOS and Monarch this spring, as well as the NIV Homeschool Mom’s Bible. Then, AOP will introduce a Horizons preschool program for three-year-olds this fall.

Switched-On Schoolhouse 2013 Edition
Coming April 1, the improved Switched-On Schoolhouse includes these first-time features and new electives:

Three New Career and Technical Education Electives for High School
• SOS Office Applications I, Tutorials for Microsoft® Word®, PowerPoint®, and Publisher®
• SOS Office Applications II, Tutorials for Microsoft® Access® and Excel®
• Small Business Entrepreneurship

Answer Finder - Locate quiz and test answers quickly by linking directly to the lesson where the material is presented.

Attendance Tracking - Quickly track student attendance right from your homepage.

Enhanced Teacher Mode - See scores and assignments you need to grade in the lesson plan area. Plus, view and print your student’s reading and activity logs by selected date ranges.

Recyclable Custom Assignments - Get more out of your customized assignments by using them multiple times in the same unit, the same course, or even different courses.

Today’s Schoolwork - Students can quickly see starred assignments and know they are due today.

Monarch
AOP’s online curriculum has gained free upgrades and a new course that homeschool families can look forward to in 2013:

Monarch Small Business Entrepreneurship - Inspire future entrepreneurs with this one-semester overview for grades 9-12 that covers topics like the creation, development, and organization of a small business and the challenges and benefits of being one’s own boss.

Enhanced Essays - Monarch’s new and improved essay-writing tool saves students’ work, allowing them to revise and review their work over time before submitting it for grading.

New Voices for Text-to-Speech - With all-new voices, the updated text-to-speech function allows students to hear lessons and passages read aloud with improved clarity and comprehension.

Teacher Notifications - New teacher notifications alert parents of key events like completed tests to help them keep track of their student’s grades and performance.

NIV Homeschool Mom’s Bible
Alongside the text of the NIV Bible, find spiritual nourishment for homeschooling with a year’s worth of encouraging daily devotionals written by a veteran homeschool mom. Featuring the popular Daily Focus devotionals, these heartfelt and practical readings cover topics such as finding the strength to stay motivated and focused on homeschooling, avoiding burnout, and growing in your relationship with Jesus Christ while juggling educational and household responsibilities.

Horizons Preschool for Three’s (Available: Fall 2013)
Featuring 40 weeks of lessons and activities presented in one student workbook, a workbook companion, a teacher’s guide, and a brightly illustrated Bible story reader, Horizons Preschool for Three’s addresses your child’s cognitive development, pre-reading and numeracy skills, language acquisition, and school readiness. An expansion of the Horizons Preschool program, Horizons Preschool for Three’s also strengthens children’s social, emotional, and spiritual development by leading three-year-olds to know that God made them and gave them great gifts.

Spring Cleaning Tips from My Dutch Grandmother

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 20:22:35 +0000

Spring is here, and it's time to give your house a clean sweep after a long winter of homeschooling! However, if the words "spring" and "clean" make you break into a cold sweat and imagine housework horrors, perhaps these helpful tips taught by my Dutch grandmother will help make cleaning a breeze. To give your home a breath of fresh air, try the following suggestions:

Assess the Mess - Before you lift a hand, walk through each room of the house and take stock of what needs cleaning. Is the problem clutter, dirt, or both? In my grandmother's day, deep spring cleaning usually involved more work since homes were heated with messy coals and fuel oil. Today's modern homes usually don't require as much spring cleaning, and if you clean regularly, you may get by with a good old "lick and a promise." Calculate the time needed in cleaning each room and schedule a weekend or time off from school to complete the work.

Pool the Tools - Thankfully, we have more modern cleaning tools than Grandma did in her day. Gather the following supplies in a central location to make cleanup easier:

• Sturdy laundry baskets or boxes for collecting "misplaced" things. (Throw away broken laundry baskets and buy new ones for every member of the family).
• Plastic storage tubs
• Vacuum cleaner and broom
• Cleaning tote filled with the following: paper towels, window cleaner, spray disinfectant, toothbrush (for scrubbing stains and hard to reach places), putty knife (for chipping off tar, gum, dried food, or whatever crusted-on item can be found), kitchen-size garbage bags, toilet cleaner, spray bottle with white vinegar/warm water mixture (¼ cup vinegar to 1 gallon water), furniture polish, oven cleaner, air freshener, and cotton rags (worn-out, white cotton socks or t-shirts work best).

Recruit the Troops - Grandma's famous quote from the Bible was, "If you don't work, you don't eat" (2 Thessalonians 3:10)! Don't feel guilty about enlisting help from your children. They contributed to the mess, and they certainly can help in cleaning. Consider this cleaning experience as part of their education in home economics. Many hands make light work, and you can reward your recruits with a special night out at their favorite restaurant after the work is done! If your children are young, ask their grandma or a friend to baby-sit or have your older children supervise their play.

Clear the Clutter - Grandma always said, "A place for everything and everything in its place!" When homeschoolers face the task of spring cleaning, removing the clutter is half the battle. To combat this problem, simply gather all those loose items (toys, books, clothes, games, school papers, keepsakes, etc.) into a new laundry basket and remove them from the room. After you've finished cleaning, you can have each person in the family put their things away or reorganize their items into clear, plastic tubs. (I've always liked the flat tubs with wheels for storing items under the bed).

Proceed to Clean - Grandma always cleaned by starting from the top of the room down, as she worked clockwise around the room. This eliminates the need to re-clean the floors and furniture and assures that no inch of the room is missed. With cleaning products in place and a "cleanliness is next to godliness" philosophy, this was her procedure (with a few minor additions from today):

• Windows - Remove curtains or drapes first. If curtains are not soiled, "fluff" them in the dryer on low for a few minutes to remove the dust. If they are dirty, wash and hang partially wet (curtains will iron themselves). Heavy draperies need to be shaken outside by hand or dry cleaned. Vacuum window sills, tops of doors, and doorway moldings. Then, wash the windows (inside and out) with ammonia water or window cleaner. Clean screens outside with a stiff bristle brush or a vacuum.

• Light fixtures - Remove (if possible) and clean with warm soapy water or window cleaner.

• Walls and floor boards - Push furniture away from the walls, vacuum cobwebs, and wipe down walls with a damp rag. Wipe the floor boards and wood trim with a vinegar mixture to remove fingerprints. Then, lightly apply furniture polish with a cotton rag.

• Beds/couches/recliners - Remove all bedding (quilt, sheets, blankets, and mattress pad). Wash and dry outside for a fresh clean smell. Vacuum mattress and box spring, flip or rotate mattress, and remake the bed. Vacuum couches and chairs (flip cushions when finished and spray with an air freshener).

• Floors - Vacuum floor around the walls first. Push the furniture back into place and finish the remainder of the room. (Since you're already moving furniture, you may want to shampoo badly-stained carpets).

• Furniture - Polish and clean out junk drawers. Remember, if you haven't used it in the last two years, it's time to throw or give it away!

• Closets and dresser drawers - Remove clothes, vacuum, and replace winter clothing with spring and summer items. Place most frequently worn clothes in lower drawers where little hands can reach them. Bag worn-out clothes for rags and outgrown items for younger children or a donation. Place sachets or scented stick ups with your favorite fragrance in drawers or closets.

• Kitchens and bathrooms - Cleaning these rooms takes a little more "elbow grease." Use the same top to bottom procedure as above. For kitchens, wash the insides and fronts of cabinets with warm, soapy water. Use spray disinfectant to clean counter surfaces, sinks, and tiles. Reorganize cupboards and drawers and discard outdated food and mismatched food containers. Clean dirty ovens with heavy duty foam cleaner and paper towels. Vacuum dusty refrigerator coils. Wash the inside of the refrigerator with warm, soapy water after removing the food. For bathrooms, use toilet cleaner and/or pumice stones on stools and clean the sink and tub with spray disinfectant. Scrub shower doors or wash the shower curtain in the tub and hang back up to dry.

Like everything else you do as a homeschool family, spring cleaning can be a fun learning experience. While you reclaim your house, put on upbeat music, open the windows, and dress the part (have your girls wear aprons and the boys wear overalls). Play cleaning games like "Beat the Clock" and don't try to accomplish more in one day than you can handle. Best of all, once you've finished spring cleaning the entire house, you can celebrate your major achievement. Purchase a new welcome sign or flag and proudly hang it in front of your freshly spring-cleaned home!

What tips do you have for spring cleaning?

Facebook Poll Results

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 20:04:24 +0000

As a homeschooling parent, would you rather have an all-expense paid field trip, a month of free house cleaning, a year’s worth of free curriculum, or something else?

Curriculum – 52%
House cleaning – 22%
Other – 15%
Field trip – 11%

View all the responses to this question on Facebook or add your own in the comment field below.

5 Practical Skills to Teach Your Child Before Graduation

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 14:44:04 +0000

When your child is learning at home, you have a prime opportunity to impact your children and teach them far more than just academics before graduation. Take advantage of the time you have together to invest in their lives and adequately prepare them for life after homeschool with these five practical life skills.

1. Managing Money: Though your child may have mastered Monopoly, it takes some good old fashion teaching to learn real-life finance skills. Teaching your child about setting up and managing a simple budget, tipping at a restaurant, handling a credit card properly, using a parking meter, filling out a deposit slip, and using an ATM are vital abilities that help the transition of growing up go smoother. The homeschool resource Checks and Balances from Alpha Omega Publications is a good tool to use for teaching personal finance skills with a hands-on activity kit.

2. Maintaining a Car: When your child graduates, a car will undoubtedly come into the picture. The lack of car knowledge may be blaringly obvious after the first flat tire or oil change. Have your child start filling up the family car with gas, washing the vehicle, and understanding the general layout of what lurks under the hood. Also, be sure to teach your child about car insurance and give them an appreciation for the car manual.

3. Grocery Shopping: Once your child leaves the family dinner table and the comforts of Mom’s and Dad’s cooking, the rows upon rows of cereal and spaghetti sauce can seem daunting. Teach your child how to compare prices, pick out fresh produce, realize the difference between generic and store brands, and shop using the weekly store ads.

4. Learning Basic Conversational Skills: Because you homeschool, you can expand on your child’s conversation and relational skills even more than a child who is not schooled at home. Help your child understand how to guide a conversation, create rapport with a stranger, and observe and interpret body language. Having the ability to adapt to any social situation and relate to others is important once your child is placed outside his comfort zone.

5. Cleaning: Whether your child is male or female, it is extremely beneficial to know how to keep a residence clean. From cleaning an oven to removing a stain on the carpet, cleaning skills are vital to maintaining a healthy home and lifestyle.

What are some additional practical life skills you think are important to teach your child before graduation?

What Are You Waiting For?

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 14:09:27 +0000

My children were looking forward to their grandparents' visit one weekend. They had worked hard homeschooling all week, and by Friday noon, they had completed all of their assignments. As I started to prepare supper for my parents' arrival, I decided to make good use of time and straighten up the living room, too. To my surprise, I found my youngest daughter sitting on the couch looking out the window.

"What are you doing?" I asked.

"I'm waiting for Grandpa and Grandma," she replied.

"Oh honey, they're not going to be here for another five or six hours," I said.

"I know Mom, but can I just sit here and wait?" she asked.

Returning to the kitchen to finish my preparations for supper, I stole a glance from time to time to see how my daughter was doing. Most six-year-olds have trouble sitting still for five minutes, let alone five hours, but each time I looked, I was amazed as my daughter sat staring out the window awaiting her grandparents' arrival.

Waiting is not something any of us do well in today's world. In our fast-paced lives, we expect immediate responses to our daily needs. Fast food, fast lanes, and fast everything make us a nation of impatient people. Unfortunately, we carry over that same philosophy to our spiritual lives, and we want fast answers from God, too. However, God is in control, and He has His own timetable. As agonizing as it may seem, waiting is actually beneficial to us spiritually because it forces us to focus on God instead of our request.

Have you been waiting for a long time for God to answer one of your prayers? Maybe you have a family member who doesn't know Christ as Savior, or you have a financial burden or physical illness that seems overwhelming. The Lord may want you to focus your attention completely on Him, so He can reveal His power to you at just the right time. Will you let Christ redirect your thoughts, so He becomes the center of your focus while you wait? "My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning" (Psalm 130:6).

Lord, forgive my impatient heart that fails to wait on You for the answers to my problems. Let my anxious prayers turn into praise as I remember what a mighty God You are and what You can do. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Customer Appreciation Sale on Print Curriculum

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 19:13:51 +0000

Now through March 13 during Customer Appreciation Days at AOP, take 10% off LIFEPAC and Horizons courses and electives. Plus, any order over $25 qualifies for free shipping.*

LIFEPAC Christian Worktext Curriculum - AOP's first and most traditional curriculum for grades K-12, self-directed units called worktexts, five core subjects of Bible, History & Geography, Language Arts, Math, and Science, over 15 electives

Horizons Christian Workbook Curriculum - Teacher-directed curriculum, courses in Preschool, Math (K-8), Spelling & Vocabulary (1-3), Penmanship (1-5), Phonics & Reading (K-3), Health (K-8), and Physical Education (PreK-12)

To order, simply use coupon code NTJUST4YOU when you call 800-622-3070 or shop online.

*This offer does not apply to Alpha Omega Academy® tuition and fees. The shipping offer only applies to standard ground shipping within the continental United States on orders over $25.

Dinner Disciplines

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 14:56:45 +0000

The life of a homeschooling parent requires discipline. Unfortunately, two areas that were totally undisciplined in my life were cleaning and organizing my home. At the end of each homeschooling week, my house was the perfect reflection of that lack of discipline.

There seemed to be no solution to my problem until God gave me a new motivation to care for my home. Because we desired more social opportunities for our children, we began a Sunday noon ritual of inviting guests for a pot roast lunch. Our children took turns inviting their friends over, and we all benefited from the time together. Our children enjoyed playing with their friends, we developed friendships with their friends' parents, and my house was cleaned and organized in the process. When it was time for deeper cleaning, God disciplined me further by using extended stays of visiting family members to motivate me to spring clean.

Living a godly life as a Christian also requires discipline. We all struggle with areas that cause us to stumble in our walk with God. However, God knows the discipline we need to overcome these temptations and find the victory that will glorify Him. Satan would have us continue living in the dirt and clutter of our fleshly lusts, but God commands us to be controlled by the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:16). Like cleaning and organizing, no discipline seems to be pleasant, but God's Word does promise that discipline will yield the fruit of righteousness after we have been trained by it (Hebrews 12:11).

How disciplined are you? How you teach is closely related to how disciplined you are in following God. Homeschooling will force you to make changes in your spiritual life as you depend on God for wisdom and strength. Perhaps that is one reason why God called you to homeschool in the first place.

Lord, thank You for the blessing of homeschooling my children and the discipline it brings to my life. Fill me with the Holy Spirit and teach me to stay close to You as we walk together on this homeschooling journey. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Ask and You Will Receive

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 14:39:34 +0000

What would you ask for as a homeschooling parent if you could have anything you wanted? Most homeschoolers might ask for more curriculum, a maid, or even unlimited hours to sleep. As wonderful as receiving each of these requests might be, the great responsibility we have in teaching our children should move us to ask for something of far greater value — wisdom. After all, who of us can ever teach and lead our children with only our limited understanding?

In the Old Testament, King Solomon realized his limitations in leading the nation of Israel, too. When God visited Solomon in a dream in Gibeon, He told him to "Ask what I shall give thee" (1 Kings 3:5). Solomon could have asked for long life, his enemies to be destroyed, or riches untold, but he didn't. Instead, Solomon asked for an understanding heart and discernment to judge the people (vs. 9). God was so pleased with this request that He not only gave Solomon the wisdom he asked for, but He also gave Solomon what he could have asked for as well.

Do you ever wake up in the morning and wonder what you should teach your children? Homeschooling requires time and effort in preparation, but it also takes a supernatural wisdom that only comes from God. He knows the lessons that are most important for your children to learn, and He wants to lead you as you teach them. God gives a wonderful promise in James 1:5 for those who lack wisdom in homeschooling: "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." Why not claim His promise today? Ask and you will receive more wisdom and blessings than you can imagine.

Lord, thank You for the privilege of teaching my children. I humbly come before You and acknowledge that I need Your wisdom. Fill me with Your understanding and show me the best way to homeschool my children. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Smooth as Honey

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 14:38:25 +0000

"Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked" (Psalm 82:4).

I heard voices quietly talking in my daughters' bedroom as I put the laundry away in the hall closet. My oldest daughter was coercing her younger sister into trading something with her. Because I couldn't see what was going on, I assumed they were trading old stuffed animals or some other inexpensive toy. As I walked past the door to their room, however, I saw my younger daughter replacing her piggy bank on the shelf. Questioning the transaction, I went on with my work and waited until my older daughter left the room. When my younger daughter was alone, I quietly asked, "What did you just trade with your sister?"

"Oh, she just traded a whole dollar for my new doll!" she replied excitedly in her little girl voice.

"What?" I cried. "Your new doll was worth more than a dollar, and your sister knows that!" Disgusted, I called my older daughter back into the bedroom. Our homeschooling was going to have to wait. Apparently, a discussion on deceitfulness was of first importance today.

Taking advantage of the young, old, innocent, or the less fortunate is detestable in God's sight. Joseph's brothers discovered that fact after their aged father suffered emotionally from their lie. For years, they had let Jacob believe Joseph had been eaten by a wild animal (Genesis 37:33). God eventually exposed their sin and deception in selling Joseph into slavery and brought a similar mental anguish into their lives as they stood before an angry official in Egypt. Not knowing the official was their brother, they feared for their lives as Joseph dealt severely with them after they had come to Egypt to buy grain.

What about you? Do you look for ways to protect the needy from being taken advantage of by others? Have you taught your children to do the same? Greed, jealousy, and lust are powerful forces that cause others to use people for their own gain. God needs you to stand in the gap when you see little ones or the elderly being mistreated. Will you be their advocate today? "Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction. Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy" (Proverbs 31:8-9).

Lord, thank You for the loving protection You provide our family each day. Use us to shield and shelter those who are unable to defend themselves from being mistreated by others. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Teaching Art to Your Stick Figure Drawer

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 16:39:59 +0000

Most homeschoolers have probably experienced it at some point. You look at your child’s artwork and wrongly identify a dog as a fiery bush. Teaching art in homeschool to your stick figure drawing child can be a harrowing experience. However, just because you’ve already thrown your Leonardo Da Vinci expectations out the window, doesn’t mean you can’t still have fun teaching art. Here are three tips to keep in mind the next time you whip out a blank piece of paper for your child’s next masterpiece.

Start with the basics.
Don’t forget to start with the core basics of art, including learning how to draw circles and shadowing. Once young artists learn the techniques of drawing a 3D box, they can understand how it can be used at a higher level. LIFEPAC Drawing Basics with renowned artist Thomas Kinkade is an excellent elective for teaching the fundamentals of drawing.

Offer Variety.
Now that your child has mastered drawing a circle beyond comparison, circles are likely to start showing up in books, the dirt, and even the syrup. Next, throw in some variety to stretch and grow your child’s budding artistic skills. An art resource like Art Ideas by Alpha Omega Publications gives over 200 ideas of what to draw using a variety of artistic tools and step-by-step directions. Also, go online to find free step-by-step tutorials of how to draw almost anything your child desires.

Encourage.
When children draw, they are creating a story from what they see in their minds’ eye and using art as a creative outlet, so the most important thing you can do in teaching art is encourage your young artist in each drawing, painting, sculpture, or coloring. Even though a stick figure drawing may not be the next Mona Lisa, encourage your child and value each unique piece of artwork that is placed on your refrigerator.

How do you teach art in homeschool? What have you mistakenly identified in your child’s artwork?

The Truth of the Matter

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 14:42:12 +0000

OK, so here it is, straight up. If you homeschool your child, there is no 100% money-back guarantee he will turn out to be a straight "A" student with prestigious colleges knocking on his door when he's finished with high school. That scenario could happen, but it might not! As much as you want the best this world has to offer for your child, God may have something different planned for his life. Your child could go to the mission field or work at an ordinary job living a faithful, God-honoring life in his home and community.

I had over-exaggerated expectations for my children's futures until my husband rebuked me one day while homeschooling. "Why are you pushing so hard?" he asked. "What if the girls just want to be stay-at-home moms like you? Is that so bad?" As I began to think about my husband's question, I realized that my dreams for my children and God's dreams for them were two different things. I wanted them to be intelligent and successful, but God's main concern was that they be obedient and Christ-like. My foolish pride had taken me off God's straight and narrow homeschooling path for my children's futures.

How do you envision your child's life at the end of his homeschooling days? Are you teaching him to follow God's will for his future or yours? A good way to double-check is to ask yourself this question: "Is my child more concerned about pleasing me and trying to live up to my expectations or God's?" Be careful that your dreams for your child are not leading him off God's path for his life. "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths" (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Lord, help me to see my child's future as You do and give me wisdom to lead him in the direction You seek. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

From the Beginning

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 14:08:35 +0000

Every mother is a teacher. I was no exception. God used me to teach our baby how to eat with a spoon, say words, play catch, and dress himself. Daily, I taught our little one everything he needed to know to succeed at home. Then, the school years arrived, and I doubted if I would be able to teach him everything he needed to know to succeed in school. I wanted to homeschool, but people intimidated me about obeying God's call to homeschool. When they said, "You're not smart enough to teach your child," I was tempted to believe them. After all, I didn't have a four-year college degree. Disregarding their comments, however, I decided to relinquish my fears and trust Christ for the wisdom and knowledge necessary to continue teaching my child from home.

Fear is a successful tactic Satan uses to make Christians disregard God's call for their lives. It causes them to doubt God's love and provision, even though they started out strong in their faith. The inspiration given by Jesus to walk on the water is lost, and like Peter, believers find themselves sinking under the waves.

What about you? Are the waves of opposition getting high and beating fear into your decision to homeschool? If you've been walking on water and experiencing God's blessings in teaching your child at home, don't look down now. Keep your eyes on Jesus and cry out like Peter, "Lord, save me!" Jesus knows what you need, and you can trust Him to offer His loving hand to lift you to safety. After all, hasn't He been right there with you as you've taught your child from the very beginning? "And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God" (Luke 9:62).

Lord, forgive me for doubting You and listening to the lies of the evil one. Give me Your hand of strength and lift me above these fears as You calm my heart to faithfully homeschool. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Following Directions

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 14:12:25 +0000

"Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip" (Hebrews 2:1).

What was I going to do? My son had studied all week long for this test, and if I accepted the way he had answered the questions, he would receive a score of 100%. However, there was one huge problem troubling my grading — he hadn't followed the directions. Although I had reminded him to read the instructions thoroughly, he had written his response in the blank instead of circling the correct answer. So, what was more important? Did it matter more that he knew the answers or that he had failed to follow the directions?

After praying, I decided to let my son be his own judge. Surprisingly, he was tougher on himself than I would have been and said, "Mom, it wouldn't be fair for me to get an A on this test." Together, we decided he should be penalized by receiving one grade lower for his failure to pay attention to the directions.

Not following the directions usually has a more severe consequence in real life. That fact was first discovered by Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. When dealing with a Holy God, you simply can't skip over important details in His directions like don't eat from "the tree of the knowledge of good and evil" (Genesis 2:17). Today, Christians continue to skip God's commandments when they feel they restrict their way of life. Thinking they're able to do God's will their own way, they fail God's test because they don't follow His directions.

Is your life one that reflects God's divine instructions from His Word? Do you skip over those passages that test your character like "wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord" (Ephesians 5:22) and "love not the world, neither the things that are in the world" (1 John 2:15a)? God doesn't give instructions to make your life more difficult. He gives directions because He loves you and wants you to succeed in living for Him. Choose today to follow His direction in those areas you've been avoiding and receive His grade of "well done, thou good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:21)!

Lord, forgive me for thinking I can ignore Your directions and not suffer as a result. Cleanse my life today of those things that shame Your name and help me to walk in a manner worthy of Your love. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Customer Appreciation Days Continue

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 14:06:43 +0000

Now through March 13 during Customer Appreciation Days at Alpha Omega Publications, take 10% off Switched-On Schoolhouse and Monarch courses and electives. Plus, any order over $25 qualifies for free shipping.*

Available for grades 3-12, both of our computer-based curriculums offer five core subjects, over 35 electives, automatic grading, and interactive lessons.

Monarch online curriculum - Windows and Macintosh compatibility, single student subscriptions that run for 18 months, secure data storage for seven years

Switched-On Schoolhouse on CD-ROM - Windows compatibility, can be used for up to five students, chosen by homeschoolers as the best complete computer-based curriculum**

To order, simply use coupon code NTJUST4YOU when you call 800-622-3070 or shop online.

*This offer does not apply to Alpha Omega Academy® tuition and fees. The shipping offer only applies to standard ground shipping within the continental United States on orders over $25.

**2012 Excellence in Education Awards | The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine

The Power of Prayer

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 14:35:21 +0000

"But we will give ourselves continually to prayer" (Acts 6:4a).

Did you really pray for your children today? Although you may be the first to say that your prayers are important, how much time did you actually spend praying — one, five, ten minutes? Were your prayers more than "bless them" and "keep them from harm" prayers? As homeschooling parents, we forget that prayer is the most important thing we can give our children each day. More than our human love and academics, earnest prayer can help our children above anything else in this life.

My routine and unimpressive prayer life were challenged when my children and I studied the life of David Brainerd, a missionary to the American Indians in the early 1700s. David Brainerd usually spent several hours a day in prayer and frequently devoted an entire day fasting before the Lord. As my children and I read his biography and diaries, the example of his selfless life challenged my personal lack of prayer for my own family and others. In one diary entry on June 14, 1742, Brainerd wrote about fasting and praying so fervently for an ingathering of souls that he was completely covered in sweat. Obviously, this man's passionate prayer life was something I needed to emulate in my life.

What about you? Are you willing to come before the Lord of the universe in the middle of the night or earlier in the morning to intercede on behalf of your children and your homeschooling? Don't wait for a crisis or tragedy to find yourself in the place where God wants you to be every day — on your knees in prayer. "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints" (Ephesians 6:18).

Lord, forgive me for not taking prayer seriously. Teach me to pray and help me to earnestly intercede on my family's behalf. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Packing Light

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 21:14:02 +0000

"So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple" (Luke 14:33).

"OK, I think we are just about ready to go," I said to my husband as I set the last backpack and the lunch cooler by the front door.

Looking at all the items that needed to be loaded into the car, he shook his head and said, "Do we really need all this stuff just to go on a field trip for the day?"

"Yes," I replied. "The children need to work on their schoolwork in the car, and you never know what we might need once we get there. This way we will be prepared for whatever comes along."

Reluctantly, he carried each of the items to the car, even though he knew they would probably be carried back into the house without being used.

The early disciples of Christ were much better at traveling than I am. They packed nothing as they went out two by two preaching the good news of the kingdom of God. Leaving the comforts of home behind, Jesus specifically told them, "Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes" (Luke 10:4a). Freed from the weight of personal baggage, they came and went quickly as they preached and healed others in the name of Jesus. Their ministry was much more effective without the burden of lugging stuff around, and they discovered a total reliance on the Lord for everything they needed.

As homeschoolers, we can carry extra baggage that weighs down our homeschooling efforts. Instead of trusting the Lord for what we need to teach our children, we compare ourselves to other homeschooling families. We see what they are doing, and we complicate our lives by adding their activities and events to our day, robbing ourselves of simple homeschooling joys. Although these activities may be good in themselves, we risk losing the spontaneity in teaching our children because we are locked into a full schedule. Why not leave the suitcases in the closet and rediscover your freedom in homeschooling?

Lord, forgive me for placing such a burden on my children and me with all our activities. Help us prayerfully consider all that we do as we homeschool, so we don't lose the joy in the homeschooling journey. In Jesus' name, Amen.

3 Tips for Teaching Extroverts and Introverts

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 17:51:59 +0000

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb” (Psalm 139:13). NIV

God created each child uniquely. Even in the same homeschool family, how each child learns best can vary greatly. Knowing if your child has an extrovert or introvert personality can help you better understand your child’s learning style and make your homeschool days a little brighter and smoother.

Identification
Swiss psychiatrist C.G. Jung proposed and developed the concept of extraverted and introverted personalities. An easy way to determine if your child has more extravert tendencies or introvert tendencies is how he or she recharges and gets energy. Some characteristics distinct to introverts and extroverts include:

Extrovert
• Gets energy from a group of people and does not require a large amount of alone time
• Is confident in unfamiliar social situations
• Has a tendency to make an instant decision before evaluating the situation

Introvert
• Requires time alone to recharge and refocus
• Is comfortable being alone and does not mind doing enjoyable activities unaccompanied
• Needs time to mull over a situation before making big or small decisions

Homeschool Application
Whether in a group or all alone, homeschoolers are constantly learning wherever they go. However, what works for one child does not always work for the other. Discover 3 tips on how to help your child with an introverted or extroverted personality learn best.

Extrovert
1. Make sure your child has enough social interaction needed in the day and week. Get involved in a homeschool support group and in activities he or she enjoys.

2. Give group activities or assignments where interaction with others is required. Respect your child’s independence and allow him or her to explore ideas in unconventional ways.

3. Help your learner work through a decision and rationally process it. Talk through an assignment with your child before he or she enthusiastically begins. Give an extroverted learner homeschool assignments where creativity and spontaneity are applicable.

Introvert
1. Be conscious of when your child has had too much social interaction, even with siblings and close friends. Alone time is necessary to recharge.

2. Don’t be afraid to give your child a homework assignment and let him or her go off alone to complete it. Does your child like to do a nature study outside all alone? Know that is how learning soaks in for him or her.

3. Allow your learner enough preparation time before giving a quiz or having him or her make a decision. Depending on the timeline, let your child process or observe a situation on his or her own. Later, ask about his or her feelings throughout the situation.

Is your child an introvert or an extravert? How do you personalize homeschooling to fit his or her learning style?

One Step Behind

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 15:10:05 +0000

"That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak" (Colossians 4:4).

My youngest son was in trouble, and I didn't know how to help him. Daily, he tried to communicate with his older brother and sisters in a group setting during our homeschooling, but he always seemed to be going in different directions in his conversation. Because he processed information more slowly, his contributions to the discussion seemed disjointed and off topic. Frustrated, he began to withdraw and keep his thoughts to himself.

I knew I had to do something to help him with his communication skills, but I didn't know what. As I prayed and asked the Lord for guidance, He gave me the perfect visual to help my young son. Using a basketball, I simultaneously passed the ball and said, "OK, we are going to practice a speaking skill today that will help you communicate better. As you pass this ball back to me, you have to say something back in response to what I've just said."

"OK, Mom, I think I get it," he said as he passed the ball back. For the next ten minutes, we talked and communicated easily as he learned to pass the conversational ball back and forth. Next, I told him that if he was going to change direction and introduce a new topic, he needed to clearly indicate that before he passed the ball; otherwise, I would drop it. At that point, he understood the difficulty other people were having in following his conversation. After practicing this exercise several times, my son finally gained the understanding and confidence he needed to effectively communicate.

As Christians, we can also drop the ball when telling others about Christ. How many times have you been frustrated in not knowing how to explain salvation to others? Although the Holy Spirit does the leading, you also need to be prepared with memorized Scriptures and a clear presentation of the Gospel. If you're tired of seeing that confused look on people's faces as you attempt to tell them about Christ, ask a pastor for guidance or read a Christian book on witnessing. Acquiring the necessary skills to be an effective witness for the Lord just takes a little practice! "That therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak" (Ephesians 6:20b).

Lord, I know I've failed so many times in sharing who You are with others. Lead me to the help I need to clearly communicate the message of Your love and forgiveness. In Jesus' name, Amen.

For the Long Haul

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 17:35:31 +0000

Faithfulness can be described as being true to one's word, promises, or vows. Faithfulness, then, according to homeschooling, is persevering in teaching your children even when you're criticized by a well-meaning person who is worried about your child's socialization. Faithfulness also means spending countless hours preparing for daily lessons, teaching a concept until your child gets it, learning to live on less sleep and money, giving more of your time to your family than yourself, and following the One who gives you the strength to do it all: Jesus.

God's Word provides many examples of people who remained faithful to the Lord in their work or call, but God Himself is the best definition of this character quality. As Creator God, faithfulness is an attribute of His very nature. He demonstrates that attribute each day as He lovingly cares for us and meets our needs. The Bible describes God's faithfulness as infinite (Psalm 36:5) and everlasting (Psalm 119:90). Every morning, the Lord's faithfulness is new (Lamentations 3:23) and unfailing (Psalm 89:33). Even when we fail to be faithful to God, He remains faithful to us (2 Timothy 2:13).

Faithfulness is a character quality not easily found today. Homeschoolers, as well as Christians in general, approach too many commitments with the option of, "Well, if this doesn't work, I can always get out of it." When life gets tough, we are tempted to escape from our responsibilities, but faithfulness means not forgetting the Lord in the good times and not blaming Him in the bad. No matter where we go, we will have difficulties of some kind. What about you? Are you in this homeschooling journey for the long haul?

Father, only You can give me the strength I need to remain faithful in homeschooling. Fill me again this day with Your power and help me to remain true to You and the commitment of teaching my children. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Customer Appreciation Days | 10% off and Free Shipping

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 14:07:35 +0000

For over 35 years, AOP has prospered due to the dedication of homeschooling families like yours. Now, it’s our turn to give back to you. During our Customer Appreciation Days event, take 10% off all curriculum and resources, and get free shipping* on orders totaling $25 or more.

Check out with code NTJUST4YOU when you call 800-622-3070 or order online from February 19 to March 13.

*This offer does not apply to Alpha Omega Academy® tuition and fees. The shipping offer only applies to standard ground shipping within the continental United States on orders over $25.

To God Be the Glory

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 22:24:17 +0000

"So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase" (1 Corinthians 3:7).

One reason for the success of our homeschooling was the fact that my husband and I complemented each other in our personalities and abilities. He was the explorer and adventurer who loved to take the children on impromptu field trips to see and experience new things. I, on the other hand, loved staying home by the stuff with the comfort and familiarity of the day's homeschooling schedule. Our children loved both aspects of this team-teaching approach, including the secure, repetitive learning environment of my teaching and the surprise learning experiences Dad created. Homeschooling was never a one-man show. We both shaped our children's lives, and we both felt the rewards of seeing their educational success.

The apostle Paul realized, too, that he was not the only one who successfully preached the Gospel message to the early churches. Although he certainly could have taken credit for much of the work, Paul recognized the work of Apollos and other disciples. Rebuking the Corinthians for taking sides, Paul said, "Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man" (1 Corinthians 3:5)? Each did the work God gave him to do, "but God gave the increase" (1 Corinthians 3:6b).

Are you ever tempted to think your family's homeschooling success lies solely on you? Just as the responsibilities are not yours alone, neither are the blessings. As a family, you come together and learn from each other and God. The credit for whatever success comes from your homeschooling efforts really belongs to God. He is the One who gives the increase and the One who should receive the glory!

Lord, help me humbly remember I am only a vessel used by You to teach the hearts of my children. You are the reason we homeschool and the reason for our success. I praise You and give You all the glory. Because of Jesus, Amen.

4 Lessons I Learned from Switched-On Schoolhouse

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 20:05:10 +0000

I grew up on Spelling Bees, Tiny Tutors, and automatic grading. For Switched-On Schoolhouse users, these words ring a homeschool bell. For a highlighter-fanatic like me, the highlighting tool was liberally used and created a kaleidoscope of colors in each lesson. Throughout elementary, middle, and high school, I used Alpha Omega Publications’ SOS curriculum for seven years. Now a junior in college, I credit many of my academic and personal successes to Switched-On Schoolhouse. For me, SOS was more than just a homeschool curriculum that taught me how to use a microscope and the meaning of split infinitives. It also taught me four important lessons.

1. Writing Skills—Being able to communicate in an array of manners is perhaps one of the most important skills a child can form in school. I attribute my love of words, reading, and writing to Switched-On Schoolhouse. I was able to take the Spelling Bees and vocabulary games as many times as I wanted, and I learned how to paint a picture with my words in every form of writing, including poetry, creative stories, research papers, and book reports. When it came time to write a literary analysis in college, I was prepared. When I had to write a captivating feature story, I wielded my words like Picasso’s paintbrush.

2. Computer Aptitude—Yes, this is the 21st century. Yes, tablets and smart phones are rampant. Yet, the everyday use of technology as children does not always adequately prepare them as college students or young professionals for the level of comfort and knowledge of computers that is required. While I still took notes in a notebook to maintain my penmanship, I became comfortable with writing a paper on the computer and learning how to conduct online academic research at varying levels at a young age. For students whose minds think faster than they can handwrite, becoming a rapid typist is a useful tool.

3. Personal Insight—When I was in school, I knew I was not going to be the next Albert Einstein, Charlotte Brontë, or Christopher Columbus. Yet, I have never lost any sleep over that fact because I was given the opportunity to excel at my own pace and pursue my God-given talents. I worked lessons, units, and then a grade ahead in English. In subjects that I struggled in, such as math and chemistry, I would re-take a lesson as many times as needed to comprehend the topic. I learned to admit and not be ashamed when I did not know something and ask for help. In fact, I called AOP’s academic support so often I should have had their phone number set on speed dial.

The ability to admit my lack of knowledge makes me unabashed to raise my hand in my college class or ask my classmate for help. I still push myself to become a better student in life and a better writer and communicator because I was given the opportunity to work ahead and pursue my passions in Switched-On Schoolhouse.

4. Working Independently—As a goal-setter and a competitive person in nature, I did not like the idea of waiting for every homework problem to be graded by my mother. The automatic grading and advanced lesson planning gave me the opportunity to work ahead without waiting for a problem to be graded, and it taught me that if I have the opportunity to work ahead, I should seize the opportunity.

What about you? What have you learned from Switched-On Schoolhouse?

Isabelle Faletti is a social media assistant for Alpha Omega Publications. A former homeschool student for 7 years using Switched-On Schoolhouse with her two sisters and numerous cats, she is now a junior public relations student at Northwestern College in St. Paul, Minnesota.

SOS Awarded Best Computer Curriculum by The Old Schoolhouse

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 20:04:46 +0000

Rock Rapids, IA (February 15, 2013) – Published by Alpha Omega Publications, Switched-On Schoolhouse was recently awarded The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine’s 2012 Excellence in Education Award for Best Computer Curriculum.

Awards were based on nominations submitted by 1,786 readers of The Old Schoolhouse who were surveyed about their favorite homeschooling curriculum and products. Participants manually entered their votes, which were submitted in almost every award category and area of study, said Liz Koon, executive assistant to the publisher and E-Book project manager.

Switched-On Schoolhouse is a Christian homeschool curriculum available on CD-ROM from Alpha Omega Publications. Created for students in grades 3-12, SOS offers computer-based lessons with Windows^® compatibility and thousands of multimedia elements, including interactive games, maps, movie clips, and timelines, as well as time-saving benefits like automatic grading, recordkeeping, and lesson planning, The curriculum consists of the five core subjects of Bible, history and geography, language arts, science, and math, as well as over 35 electives.

Switched-On Schoolhouse has previously been honored in Cathy Duffy’s 100 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum, Practical Homeschooling Magazine’s Software Reader and Interactive Learning Awards, Homeschooling Parent Magazine’s Homeschool Friendly Stamp of Approval Awards, and the 2008 Excellence in Education Awards for Best Computer Curriculum from The Old Schoolhouse.

The 2013 edition of Switched-On Schoolhouse will be released on April 1 to coincide with the beginning of the annual spring sale at Alpha Omega Publications. In addition to new features and benefits, the 2013 edition will feature three new electives, including Office Applications I and II, as well as Small Business Entrepreneurship.

Timeout for Mom

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 14:24:27 +0000

"I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me" (Psalm 57:2).

Did you wake up this morning wishing you could just have a few hours or an entire day to yourself before homeschooling? Imagine the possibilities with that amount of unscheduled time! You could read a book, soak in the tub, actually fold the clean clothes on the couch and put them away, polish your shoes, weed the flower bed, window shop, take a friend you haven't seen in months to lunch, or spend a full hour with the Lord in prayer for your loved ones.

Every homeschooling mother treasures moments for herself when they come, but the problem is they rarely come on their own. If we want to stay emotionally and spiritually healthy to enjoy homeschooling our children, we must make taking time for these moments a number one priority. Without them, we shrivel up and die within, and homeschooling becomes one repetitious day after the next. The Lord Jesus Christ needed timeouts to get through His day (Luke 5:16). Often, He left the disciples and the crowds to be alone and find strength from His Heavenly Father. A wise homeschooling mom will say "no" to the false guilt she feels for "stealing" a few hours for herself and learn from Christ's example. Besides, your children will enjoy homeschooling much more, too, with a content and happy teacher.

Is today your day to rejuvenate and find yourself again? Don't wait for help to fall from the sky. Humble yourself and ask for it. Call a fellow homeschooler and ask her if you can trade watching each other's children every other week. Maybe your parents or grandparents have promised to teach your children a new skill and today's the day to cash in on that promise. Maybe you could ask your husband to use half a vacation day and homeschool the children. (Don't worry. They'll still learn, even if he doesn't teach them the same way as you!) God knows you can't homeschool on your own. Trust Him for the right answer to help you take a timeout for Mom! "Blessed be the LORD, because he hath heard the voice of my supplications. The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped" (Psalm 28:6-7a).

Father, take my tired spirit and provide the moments I need to be filled with Your strength. Please, send someone today who will support me in homeschooling. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Looking for Love

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 14:19:39 +0000

This wasn't the first time my teenage daughter had brought up the topic of boys. Like any normal young woman, she dreamed of the day she would meet Mr. Right!

"Mom," she began. "How am I ever going to meet anyone if we're homeschooling?"

Remembering my own daydreams of meeting someone special who loved only me, I tried to be patient as I answered, "Don't you think God is big enough to bring the right person to you at the right time? If you're supposed to meet someone, homeschooling won't stop God's plan. In fact, it may even help you meet a young man who truly loves and cares for you."

Young girls are constantly bombarded by the media's hype to be loved and wanted, and they envision their prince arriving someday on his white horse to whisk them away to happily ever after. They're encouraged to paint and decorate themselves in the hope of attracting that special someone. However, God's Word has something different to say about attracting someone with only our outward appearance: "Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price" (1 Peter 3:3-4). God wants us to care about the way we look since we are the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19), but the best way for a young girl to make herself truly beautiful is to develop inner character qualities that reflect the beauty of Christ.

As a Christian homeschooling mom, what message are you communicating to your teenage daughter about love? Has your daughter learned to care more about the clothes she wears and the way she does her hair to attract a young man than caring for the things of the Lord (Matthew 6:33)? Have you shown your daughter where to find true love? End her search and point her again to the One who already thinks she is beautiful: Jesus. His love is true, and He will meet every need she has for love.

Father, help me to teach my daughter to listen to Your voice and find the love she's looking for in You. Convict me of anything I'm doing that communicates the wrong message about the true meaning of love. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Overwhelmed

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 14:48:26 +0000

"My confusion is continually before me" (Psalm 44:15a).

Do you ever stand over your young children while they are sleeping and feel that overwhelming sense of love for them? Their sweet, innocent faces conjure up deep feelings to cherish and protect each moment together. However, when the morning light comes and you are in the middle of another homeschooling day, you may also feel another overwhelming sense. This time you are overwhelmed at your inability to be their teacher. Who can keep up with their energy level and all of their questions while they learn?

If anyone ever had the right to feel overwhelmed by his inabilities, it was Moses. Imagine being given the responsibility to lead millions of stubborn, foolish people hundreds of miles to a new country. Yet, Moses learned the secret to staying sane in the midst of this chaos — to continually pray for wisdom to make each decision. Because of Moses' obedience, God parted seas, provided food and water, and performed miracles time after time to deliver His cherished people from their difficulties. Moses' continuous trust in God stands as a shining example for those who feel overwhelmed when homeschooling.

Do you look ahead into the future and feel overwhelmed at the thought of homeschooling for the rest of this year, next year, or the next 12 years? Take a step back and look again to your pillar of cloud by day and pillar of fire by night (Exodus 13:21-22). Let the presence of the Holy Spirit light your path and protect you from the unknown as you take this homeschooling journey. "When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path" (Psalm 142:3a).

Lord, I stand in awe of You and the task You have given me. Help me look to You for every answer I need to homeschool my children the way You want. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Enjoy Sweet Savings This Valentine’s Day!

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 15:52:58 +0000

Let Alpha Omega Publications sweeten your Valentine’s Day with popular homeschool products on sale now! Through 2/20/13, save 10% on all Christian homeschool curriculum, must-have homeschooling resources, family-friendly DVDs, Christian music CDs, and more. Plus, get free shipping on orders over $50.

Use coupon code NTVALENTINE when you call 800-622-3070 or shop online.

*This offer applies to standard ground shipping on orders over $50 within the continental United States and does not include Alpha Omega Academy tuition and fees.

Surprise, Surprise

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 15:52:35 +0000

"And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to usward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power" (Ephesians 1:19).

One thing you know for sure as a homeschooling parent is that you can never be sure what your children are going to say or do. Every day holds a surprise or two that makes teaching your children anything but boring. At least, that's what I reminded myself as I walked into my son's room one day. Always the practical joker, my son had made a look-a-like mannequin with his clothes and placed it in the middle of his bed. With the mannequin's back facing the door, I thought it was really my son sitting on his bed studying until I touched its body and the head rolled off the bed. If someone had visited our home and walked in the door at that moment, he would have heard me scream and thought our homeschooling family was crazy. For me, it was just another day of laughing with my children and enjoying their creative imaginations.

As a Christian, walking with the Lord is never boring either. The disciples discovered that fact as they followed Jesus on Earth. They saw Christ control the wind, heal the diseased and lame, feed the multitudes, and even bring people back to life from the dead. The disciples learned that Jesus was capable of anything, and they were continually surprised at His unlimited, mighty power.

What surprises does God have for your family today? He knows the homeschooling day that lies ahead and has already orchestrated divine encounters and blessings just for you. Your challenge is seeking His wisdom and obediently leading your children into that divine plan. What an awesome adventure you'll experience as you learn to expectantly follow the Lord! "Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not" (Jeremiah 33:3).

Father, You are life itself, and without You there is no meaning or purpose. Thank You for the many surprise blessings You give each day that reveal what a loving God You are. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Flea Friendships

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 15:43:13 +0000

"Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbour's house; lest he be weary of thee, and so hate thee" (Proverbs 25:17).

When we first started homeschooling, receiving support and encouragement from other homeschooling families was crucial. Without it, we might have given up in our attempts to teach our children at home. However, as time went on with our small homeschooling support group, I noticed there seemed to be one or two families who always wanted someone else to do the work of homeschooling for them. They loved their children and the idea of homeschooling, but they repeatedly left their children in someone else's care or advocated having other homeschooling families educate their children in a co-op class. Although I was happy to help, I realized later that these families were simply taking advantage of others. When the problem repeatedly robbed my family of the care and homeschooling they deserved, I said "no" more often.

The apostle Paul experienced a similar problem when he exhorted the Thessalonians. "For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat" (2 Thessalonians 3:10). Paul used his own disciplined life as an example of working hard to not be a burden to others. Paul furthered his exhortation to those who look for the easy way out with a definite command in verse 12: "Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread." Although Galatians 6:2 tells us to bear one another's burdens, we must realize there is also a difference between helping and enabling. Sometimes, love must be tough enough to say "no."

What kind of homeschooling friend are you? Do you take more than you give? Maybe today you should consider running to the Lord with your insecurities and needs instead of automatically going to another homeschooling family. People do love and care about your burdens, but we all have our own homeschooling cross to bear. Homeschooling is hard work and takes an enormous amount of time, energy, and prayer. The Lord wants you to depend on Him first because in Him, you will find the true strength you need.

Jesus, help me to discipline my life, so our homeschooling will be a blessing to others instead of a burden. Teach me to bring my problems to You first and spend as much time talking to You about them as I do with others. In Your name I pray, Amen.

Blame Game

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 17:50:23 +0000

"OK," I asked my daughter. "Where is the book report you were supposed to have done today?"

"Oh, that was due today?" she responded innocently.

"Yes, you knew it was due today. I reminded you last week, remember?" I replied.

I could see another excuse beginning to form in her mind, and from past experience, I knew what was coming.

"Yes, I remember," she answered, "but I had to do all those extra chores last week because the other kids were sick, so I didn't have time to finish writing my book report."

Not letting her off so easily I asked, "What about all the extra time you seemed to have to read other books and go for bike rides?"

"Oh, yeah, I guess I could have done it then," she reluctantly admitted.

Looking for someone else to blame when things go wrong in life is a common escape route from accountability. King Saul's response to Samuel in 1 Samuel 15 is a classic example. God had commanded Saul to utterly destroy everything when he went to war against the ungodly nation of Amalek. Instead, Saul kept livestock and other spoils for himself and the people. When Samuel heard the bleating sheep and asked Saul if he had obeyed God's command, Saul put the blame for his disobedience on the people. Eventually, when his back was against the wall, Saul admitted he was responsible for disobeying God's command.

Do you blame others for your foolish actions and bad choices? Do you point the finger and say, "If they hadn't been so...I wouldn't have...?" Whether in friendships, marriage, or homeschooling, God holds you accountable to faithfully obey Him in what He has commanded you to do. Blaming others is really trying to hide your own failings from God. The blame game first started in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve, but you don't have to keep playing it in your home. Confess your sin instead and be healed! "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy" (Proverbs 28:13).

Father, thank You for Your forgiveness You freely give to me. Help me to acknowledge that the fault lies with me when I sin and keep my heart clean before You. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Print and Personalize a Free Valentine’s Day Card

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 14:06:47 +0000

Follow seven simple steps to print a free Valentine’s Day card for your homeschooler to personalize and give to a special family member or friend!

1. View and print your free Valentine’s Day card

2. Fold the card in half twice along each of the two dotted lines.

3. Cut out the dotted heart on the cover to leave a peek-a-boo hole.

4. Color and decorate the card.

5. Adhere a small photo to the back of the front cover, so it shows through the heart.

6. Write a special message inside your card and sign on the line provided.

7. Present the card to your Valentine!

Top 10 Reasons We Love Homeschooling

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 14:06:28 +0000

How do we love thee, homeschooling? Let us count the ways. From the opportunity to spend more time with our kids to perks like sleeping in and teaching in PJ’s, these are a few of our favorite responses to a recent Facebook poll question that asked, “What do you love about homeschooling?”

1. More Family Time.
“Being with my children. Watching their relationship with Christ and each other grow stronger. I know this is such a special time in all our lives.” – Dana Price Casey

“My kids’ being able to hug me whenever they want!” – Brenda Greenhow

“Having my kids home with me ... I love having them here where they brighten up my day.” – Karen Marshall

2. Flexibility.
“Flexibility with our schedule, what we learn, how we learn, and when!” – Dan'nJill Fuhrman

“I have the flexibility to use whatever curriculum I decide what works for each child. Flexibility to spend our days doing things our way.” – Martie Hawkins

3. Freedom.
“We love not being tied down to a strict time schedule. There is so much freedom in homeschooling to enjoy learning and all the experiences of living.” – Kim Smith

“The freedom of what to teach my children.” – April Williams

“Deciding when we want snow days!” – Rebecca Stoudnour King

“Schooling in our pajamas!” – Jayme Swearingen

4. Learning Side by Side.
“Sleeping in! I also love that I am constantly learning along with my kids. They say you learn the most by teaching a subject to others, I think that means we as homeschoolers are becoming brilliant.” – Bernadette Barron Audet

“I appreciate the lessons God is teaching me through my kids! I am so thankful I have this freedom.” – Kristy Teesdale

5. God in the Lessons.
“I think the #1 thing I love is being able to begin all knowledge in respect, love, and fellowship with God.” – Sandy Novotny

“Being with my kids, writing our own schedule, teaching to my kids strengths, taking as long as we need to on a subject, safety, morals, values, and most importantly, God is included in everything we do! We are so blessed!” – Melissa Perry George

6. Light Bulb Moments.
“Enjoying that moment when they grasp a new concept and cheering them on!” – Kimberly Chandler-Portzline

“Being with my kids and seeing their eyes light up when they ‘get it.’” – Kristine Cannell Dubielak

“Spending more time with my daughter and helping her learn! It brings great joy to me to see the look on her face when she gets something right!” – Cheryl Gilbert 'Price'

7. Home Safe.
“Having the kids at home safe and being able to use Christian literature for the children.” –Willie Marie Reeves Evans

“My kids are safe at home.” – Joann Gillman-Lentz

8. Content control.
“Knowing what they’re learning and controlling it. If I have an issue, I don’t have to call for a conference with the teacher just to find out how my kid spends the day.” – Nicole McCall

“Being able to have my family together, to be able to teach what I feel my son needs.” – Lori Foutch-Denton

“Not having 6-8 hours of influence of kids being taught the opposite of what I am trying to instill in them.” – Crystal Bauman

9. No Guessing.
“Knowing what my kids are being taught.” – Tammy Godwin Roberts

have to worry about who is around her or what she is learning.” – Crystal Dison Lee

10. Raising Individuals.
“Not having some teacher tell me my child is a problem or is not performing well because he does things differently.” – Paige Pitcher

“Watching my kids learn and grow. Knowing they get individual attention and master all skills and are not being pushed through.” – Jessica Lynn Guinn

“We don’t have to look perfect or be perfect every day. Growing in grace and shedding off perfectionism in relationship with Jesus is my favorite personal benefit. Oh, and spontaneous dance breaks in the middle of the living room.” – Leah Cornwell

What do you love about homeschooling? Please share your thoughts in the comment field below.

What Is Unconditional Love?

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 14:06:09 +0000

It flows as instinctively as we draw a breath of air. It carries no qualifiers or provisions. No matter how frustrated we may become at their refusal to follow rules, adhere to a schedule, or show some measure of behavior in public, we love our children unconditionally, just as God loves us.

In Deuteronomy 7:7-8, God demonstrated unconditional love toward the rebellious nation of Israel: “The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people: But because the LORD loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the LORD brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.”

The Old Testament book of Hosea tells of a prophet’s steadfast love in the face of infidelity. After obeying God’s command to marry Gomer, a harlot, Hosea learns that Gomer has been unfaithful. Rather than shunning her, Hosea redeems Gomer from the slave market.

In his book The Joy of Knowing God, Richard L. Strauss wrote that because of God’s unconditional love, nothing we do can make it disappear.

“He loves us when we’re grouchy just as much as when we’re glad. He loves us when we sin just as much as when we don’t. He loves us when we open our mouths and say things we know we shouldn’t have said. He loves us when our wives or husbands or parents or children are not treating us as though they love us. He loves us when we’re feeling as though nobody in the whole world loves us. He loves us even when we don’t like ourselves. He never stops loving us.”

While human expressions of romantic love in novels and movies may tug at our heartstrings, the unconditional love God bears for us and we for our children is unquestionably the truest of loves. As Valentine’s Day approaches, consider re-committing yourself to this love, using these affirmations as guidelines:

• I will be present to my child and take time to observe, appreciate, and understand his behavior, both positive and negative.

• I will show genuine respect and interest in my child through my expressions, speech, and body language.

• I will acknowledge, value, and encourage him to feel comfortable being himself in my presence and in the presence of others.

• I will demonstrate love for my child in addition to verbalizing it.

• I will delight in what a unique character my child is.

Being mindful of the impact unconditional love has on our children not only makes us better parents, but it also creates more confident and loving children.

What affirmation would you add to our list of guidelines for unconditional love?

15 Fun Facts about Valentine’s Day

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 14:05:53 +0000

Learn 15 fascinating pieces of trivia about Valentine’s Day that you may not know.

1. Valentine’s Day is a $14.7 billion industry in the United States.

2. Children between the ages of 6-10 exchange more than 650 million valentine cards a year.

3. Teachers receive the most valentines, followed by children, mothers, and wives.

4. Pope Gelasius established Valentine’s Day in A.D. 500 in an attempt to appropriate the ancient pagan Roman fertility festival, Lupercalia, into Christianity.

5. Throughout history, there have been approximately eight Saint Valentines. The two who most likely inspired Valentine’s Day are Valentine of Terni and Valentine of Rome.

6. Saint Valentine is the patron saint of lovers and engaged couples. He is also the patron saint of epilepsy (which he is said to have suffered), greetings, travelers, young people, and bee keepers.

7. The first American valentine was produced in 1834 by New York engraver Robert Elton.

8. Approximately 85 percent of Valentine’s Day cards are purchased by women, according to the Greeting Card Association.

9. In 2010, 25% of adults bought flowers or plants as a Valentine’s gift. Of these, 60% were men and 40% were women. Men mainly bought flowers for romantic reasons, while women bought flowers for their mothers and friends, as well as their sweethearts.

10. Candy conversation hearts have a shelf life of five years. Nearly 10 new candy conversation heart sayings are introduced each year. Recent additions have included “Yeah Right,” “Puppy Love,” and “Call Home.”

11. The most popular flower on Valentine’s Day is a single red rose surrounded with baby’s breath. The red rose was the flower of Venus, the Roman goddess of love.

12. Different colored roses have different meanings. Red means love, yellow means friendship, and pink means friendship or sweetheart. Red carnations mean admiration, white carnations mean pure love, red chrysanthemums mean love, forget-me-nots mean true love, primrose means young love, and larkspur means an open heart.

13. In Germany, girls would plant onions in a pot on Valentine’s Day, and next to the onions, they placed the name of a boy. They believed they would marry the boy whose name was nearest the first onion to grow.

14. On Valentine’s Day, Oregon and Arizona were admitted to the Union (1859 and 1912), James Polk became the first president photographed while in office (1848), UPS (United Parcel Service) was formed (1919), the League of Women Voters was established (1920), Aretha Franklin recorded “Respect” (1967), Richard Nixon installed a secret taping system in the White House (1971), and Voyager I took a picture of the entire solar system (1990).

15. On Valentine’s Day 2010, 39,897 people in Mexico City broke the record for the world’s largest group kiss.

5 Poetry Apps for Students

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 14:05:32 +0000

Encouraging your middle-school or high-school student to enjoy poetry can feel like an exercise in futility. To many teenagers, reading and writing poetry is about as cool as shopping for clothes with their parents.

While Whitman, Dickinson, and Shelley may not speak to your 21st century teen, there’s hope yet through a medium that does speak to them: technology. To make poetry fun for teenaged techies, education technology writer Laura Bates lists five noteworthy examples in her article “5 Brilliant Poetry Apps for Students,” published at fractuslearning.com.

1. The Poetry App
Cost: Free

Objective: To draw students into a parallel universe of over 100 poems explained by Josephine Hart’s essays and introductions

Top Features: A collection of video and audio narrations performed by famous U.K. actors and a favorites library that lets students access saved works on or offline

What Bates says: “If anything will convince them poetry isn’t outdated, this will!”

2. Poet’s Pad™
Cost: $9.99

Objective: Creative writing tool for poetry and spoken word

Top Features: Idea-generating tools inspire students who have writers’ block or anxiety about creating their own poetry for the first time, and an audio recorder allows students to capture their poetry in spoken word form.

What Bates says: “This beautifully designed app will give students an immediate creative boost with its evocative scroll-like background and elegant script.”

3. Verses
Cost: $1.99

Objective: To encourage students to jot down poetry whenever and whenever they’re inspired

Top Features: A rhyming dictionary where students can input words to be provided with potential matching rhymes and a virtual notebook to write and save poem and lyric ideas on the go

What Bates says: “Making the creative process simpler, more accessible, and more fun!”

4. Instant Poetry
Cost: $1.99

Objective: To help students create their own poetry by providing random words that can be moved around the screen to make a poem, similar to Magnetic Poetry

Top Features: Students can use their own photos as backdrops to their poetry and change fonts and colors

What Bates says: “Great for encouraging reluctant students.”

5. Poetry
Cost: Free

Objective: Take thousands of poems wherever you go using the free mobile library containing thousands of classic and contemporary works

Top Features: The search function allows students to search by something as simple as a single line they remember hearing, and they can find new poems and try exciting new poets with a single shake of their mobile device.

What Bates says: “A great tool for introducing students to a wide range of poetry all in one place.”

Do you use apps with your homeschool students? Share one of your favorites in the comment field below.

Free Training Webinars for Monarch and SOS

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 14:05:12 +0000

Find out which computer curriculum is right for your homeschool family through a free training webinar from Alpha Omega Publications®! Hosted by a friendly educational specialist, AOP's webinars give you valuable, hands-on information to answer all your questions about Monarch™ and Switched-On Schoolhouse®.

Hosted by a friendly educational specialist, these live workshops are conducted over the Internet with specific start and end times. Unlike a webcast that only transmits information in one direction, a webinar is interactive and allows audiences to communicate directly with the presenter. As presenters speak over a telephone line, they demonstrate information on a computer that the participants simultaneously see on their computer screens. The webinar audience members can then respond with real-time questions or comments over their own phones or on their computers.

All that's necessary to participate are a telephone and a computer with Internet access. (A high-speed Internet connection is recommended). To get started, just click on the link below of interest to you and follow the directions to choose a time that's convenient for you.

View Monarch Webinars

View SOS Webinars

As your partner in Christian education, Alpha Omega Publications wants to make your homeschooling experience richer and more enjoyable with quality curriculum training. If you have any other questions about AOP's homeschool curriculum options, please feel free to contact Monarch technical support, Switched-On Schoolhouse technical support, or call AOP customer service at 800-622-3070.

Take 10% off Any Academic Support Package

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 14:16:20 +0000

There when you need it, AOP's academic support makes your homeschooling easier! Whether you need help teaching a difficult subject or your child is stuck on a problem, our academic support ensures a successful outcome to all your homeschooling lessons. Plus, AOP's academic support offers these great benefits for you and your child:

• Step-by-step lesson explanations and solutions to your questions.
• Flexible options that include one, three, or eight-session packages
• Convenient, 30-minute sessions available by appointment.
• Stress-free support for Monarch, SOS, LIFEPAC, and Horizons subjects.
• Dedicated academic advisors who offer friendly, one-on-one attention.

To save 10% on any support package now through 2/13/13, call 800-622-3070!

Academic Support Packages:
1 session (30 minutes): $30
3 sessions (90 minutes): $85
8 sessions (240 minutes): $216

"We have used the academic support feature and have had great success. My 8th grade daughter has had many tearful days learning math. We scheduled an appointment, and my daughter hung up the phone a happy child. She understood math!"
- Lori W., Florida

Cleaning Day

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 14:25:45 +0000

About once a month I would shake my head in despair when I looked into our homeschooling supply closet. "How does this get messed up so quickly?" I would think. "I just cleaned this a few weeks ago, and now it looks like a tornado hit again!" Staying organized and keeping things put away were endless tasks for me as a homeschooling parent. Multiply four children times six to eight subjects apiece with accompanying teacher's guides, quiz and test papers, and answer keys (plus endless art and daily school supplies), and it's no wonder I couldn't keep ahead of the mess. Even though I tried to pick up and straighten things out daily, the added monthly task of a major clean-up day was always necessary.

God understands the necessity for major overhauls, too. Once a year, He commanded Aaron the high priest to come before the Holy of Holies and offer a sacrifice for himself and the sins of Israel (Leviticus 16). Using a live scapegoat, the high priest would lay his hands on the goat, confess the sins of the people, and send the goat into the wilderness. Even though individual sacrifices were observed by the people for their sins, the Lord also required this yearly sacrifice to clean up the nation's spiritual mess. Years later, God would fulfill the need for all sacrifices by sending His Son, Jesus, as the final payment. "Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us" (Hebrews 9:12).

Does your spiritual life need a major clean-up? Have you allowed seemingly little sins to enter your daily life? Some actions like telling half-truths, laziness, and over-indulging in shopping or eating may appear acceptable in your eyes at first, but if unconfessed for too long, they may begin to make a total mess of your daily walk with God. Isn't it time to clean up your actions with the Lord's forgiveness and reorganize your spiritual walk with Bible study and prayer? "Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God" (2 Corinthians 7:1).

Father, how did I get back into this place of spiritual apathy again? Forgive me for not coming before You each day in prayer and seeking the strength I need from Your Word. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Unanswerable Questions

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 14:24:48 +0000

"He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him" (Psalm 91:15a).

Do your younger children drive you crazy with all their questions each day? With an insatiable desire to know "why," they ask a barrage of unending questions that homeschooling parents are forced to answer as best they can. Some questions like "Why is the sky blue?" and "Where do babies come from?" might set us back for a few minutes as we think of the best way to answer. However, other questions like "Why did Grandpa die?" and "Why did God let my sister get cancer?" pose a much bigger challenge. Sometimes, questions are simply unanswerable, and the "whys" of life's problems have no answer keys for us.

Like little children, countless men and women in the Bible also asked questions when they struggled through the "whys" of life's difficulties. Job's life is one such example. After suffering horrific loss of belongings, family, and health, he sat down and asked God "why" in Job 31. God never gave Job an outright answer, but He did counteract Job's question with a few questions of His own, including "Where were you when I created the world?" Confessing his ignorance in questioning a Holy God, Job reached the point of submissive humility and brokenness. "Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not" (Job 42:3).

Are you looking for some answers to the "whys" in your life? Are the pain and suffering you're experiencing causing you to wonder, "Where is God? Doesn't He know what is happening to me?" Perhaps God is taking you to a new level of trusting in Him, or He is trying to teach you a deeper truth. Either way, God has not left you. He sees your every tear and will deliver you in His time. Continue to hope in Him and wait for His answer! "Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God" (Psalm 43:5).

Lord, I acknowledge that You alone are God. I lay my burden at Your feet and ask You to strengthen me to face this problem in my life. Even if I never know why, I will continue to trust in You and Your love for me. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Enjoy Big Savings Today Only!

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 14:10:28 +0000

Let Alpha Omega Publications brighten your new year with popular homeschool products on sale now! For one day only, take advantage of AOP's lowest prices of the year with 20% discounts and free shipping on orders over $50. Save big on Christian homeschool curriculum like Monarch, Switched-On Schoolhouse, LIFEPAC, Horizons, and The Weaver Curriculum. Plus, grab great savings on must-have homeschooling resources, family-friendly DVDs, Christian music CDs, and more.

Shop now for an engaging new elective, next year's homeschool curriculum, or that special item you've been wanting to supplement your child's education. Ordering is easy and only takes a few minutes. Simply call 800-622-3070 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (CT) or shop online until midnight (MT). Order now while there's still time to save!

*This offer applies to standard ground shipping on orders over $50 within the continental United States only.

Test Days

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 14:09:52 +0000

"The LORD trieth the righteous" (Psalm 11:5a).

Test days brought varying responses from my homeschooled children. My oldest daughter was ready to tackle whatever was thrown at her with aggressive confidence. My oldest son faced his tests pensively and held a quiet, inner confidence as he matched his knowledge against the written questions. With the fearful apprehension of a person facing the gallows, my youngest daughter dreaded the challenge, and my youngest son just shrugged off the pressure and simply gave tests his best shot. Surprisingly, test days not only revealed what my children knew academically, but they also revealed their character.

The tests in life also have a way of showing a person's character. Christ's disciples proved that to be true when Jesus was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane. Peter boldly came at the temple soldiers with a sword as he cut off the ear of the high priest's servant (John 18:10). John quietly stood back and followed Christ to the high priest's court to see what would happen to his beloved Lord (John 18:15). The other frightened disciples ran away, fearing a sure death for following Christ (Mark 14:50), and Judas' greed was shown when he betrayed the Lord with a kiss (Matthew 26:49).

What do the tests that come from those who oppose homeschooling reveal about your character? Are you defensive and ready to attack? Do you quietly sit back, do your own thing, and hope others will leave your family alone? Does fear make you constantly worry about possible problems with school authorities? If God is in control of your homeschooling, He wants you to reflect His character to the world. When the infamous socialization and legality questions are thrown at you and you're tempted to speak your mind, trust God instead to give you the right answers. Only He can make you shine like Christ as you tell an unbelieving world of the joys of homeschooling. "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear" (1 Peter 3:15).

Lord, sometimes I get so tired of defending our homeschooling. Help me to seek Your wisdom and love in responding to those who don't understand the blessings found in homeschooling. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Reflections

Sat, 26 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0000

"Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God" (2 Corinthians 3:5).

As my eight-year-old son and I observed the craters on the moon for science class, his simple observation of the moon's reflection left a profound teaching on both our minds.

"Mom," he asked. "The moon really has no light of its own, does it?"

"No," I replied. "It simply reflects the light from the sun. If the sun was gone, the moon wouldn't shine either."

Thinking deeply, he looked at me and said, "That's the same way we would be without Jesus."

Amazed at his understanding of the two concepts, I answered, "Yes, that's right honey."

As homeschooling parents, we like to think that we are the ones who teach our children. However, anyone who has homeschooled for more than a few years knows this fact: apart from Christ, we are totally inadequate to teach our children. No college degree, teaching certificate, or earthly intelligence can prepare you to teach your children the right lesson at the right time or how to incorporate into your lesson the true wisdom that comes from God. Like the moon without the sun, we have no understanding on our own to impart the truths that will forever change our children's lives.

Yet, the good news is that you have Christ, the "light of the world" in you (John 9:5). Not only are you filled with His presence for teaching your children, but you also have the ability to reflect God's love to others by shining hope and encouragement into a very dark world. Just as Moses needed his shining face veiled after being with God (Exodus 34:29-35), your challenge as a homeschooling parent is to live in close obedience to God to reflect His light into your family and the world. "Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee" (Isaiah 60:1-2).

Lord, let me reflect Your love and wisdom as I homeschool my children. Reveal any sin in my heart that would block Your light from shining in my life. In Christ's name I pray, Amen.

A Big Sale Is Fast Approaching!

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 19:00:00 +0000

Get ready to cash in on the biggest savings of the year during AOP's Winter One-day Sale on Monday, January 28! For one day only, enjoy 20% off and free shipping* on orders over $50 for your favorite homeschool resources, products, and Christian curriculum from Alpha Omega Publications, including Monarch, Switched-On Schoolhouse, LIFEPAC, Horizons, and The Weaver Curriculum.

From exciting electives and fun-filled science projects to family-friendly DVDs and Christian music CDs, AOP has all the homeschool items you've been wanting at just the right price. Circle January 28 on your calendar and prepare to save big this Monday!

To order on 1/28/13, simply call 800-622-3070 before 7 p.m. (CT) or
shop online until midnight (MT).

*Applies to standard U.S. ground shipping on orders over $50 and does not include Alpha Omega Academy tuition and fees.

Making Do

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0000

"Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have" (Hebrews 13:5a).

Contrary to public opinion, you can homeschool your children without spending a large amount of money. Like most homeschooling parents, I considered "cheap" and "free" my favorite two words when looking for curriculum and resources for our homeschool. Many times I was forced to make my own teaching aids for phonics, math, and science concepts. Surprisingly, my children never minded my homemade visuals. In fact, they became inspired to design their own teaching tools for playing games together.

Making the most of what you have is a missionary mindset the apostle Paul illustrated well in Philippians 4:11-12: "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need." Paul had learned the art of being content no matter what material blessings God provided. At times, God provided for Paul's needs by giving him the opportunity to earn his own living (1 Thessalonians 2:9). Other times, God used the charitable giving of Christians to meet Paul's needs. Whatever the situation, Paul knew God would provide if he was in the middle of God's will, even if God's will placed him in the middle of a sinking ship (Acts 27)!

God promises that you will not lack in the work He has for you to do (2 Corinthians 9:8). If He has called you to teach your children, He already knows the costs involved and the resources you need. Don't get into trouble financially by falling for the bigger and better mentality in regard to purchasing homeschooling supplies. Pray and seek the Lord's choices for teaching your children. Perhaps you're failing to notice the untapped resources He has already given you. Isn't the Bible, the best curriculum any child can use, the best place to start?

Lord, forgive my greediness in wanting homeschooling trips and resources I cannot afford. Open my eyes to see the provisions You've clearly laid before me to teach my children what they need to know. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Homeschooling Blunders

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0000

"And a fool's voice is known by multitude of words" (Ecclesiastes 5:3b).

My daughter glared at me from across the room, and I knew I had done it again. I had embarrassed her by speaking for her when my friend asked her what she had learned in school that day. This violation of her individuality and personhood ranked quite high on her top ten list of homeschooling blunders, and Mom was the worst offender! As she informed me that day, "Mom, I am 13 and perfectly capable of answering questions on my own!"

Speaking on our children's behalf is a common offense of many homeschooling parents. Perhaps the teacher in us births an over-exuberant desire to convince others of homeschooling's benefits, or the mother in us seeks to protect our child from any uncomfortable confrontations. Regardless, this blunder robs our children of the opportunity to express themselves and can cause future problems in their adult lives. The ability to formulate an opinion and express one's views is a quality every child needs in order to live a successful life.

Christians make similar blunders in their spiritual walk with God. Many times, we attempt to speak for God and expound our knowledge on doctrines and theologies when helping people in need. With no thought of the person with whom we are speaking, we impart our wisdom on biblical topics and fail to speak to the needs within that person's heart. People hear wonderful words of "Christianese," but they never hear the words that will lead them into a relationship with the Creator of the universe. Instead of allowing the Holy Spirit to speak through us, we puff up our flesh and speak on God's behalf with our own human understanding.

What about you? Do you repeatedly make spiritual blunders and speak to others on God's behalf? Are you sharing your own thoughts and problem-solving remedies, or do you pray for God to speak through you with the right words? "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver" (Proverbs 25:11).

Lord, forgive me when I run ahead of You and talk on Your behalf. Teach me to pray first and listen to You before I speak to the needs of those who are hurting. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Undeserved Love

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0000

"But by the grace of God I am what I am" (1 Corinthians 15:10a).

The email was waiting for me when I arrived at work. The message was short, sweet, and simply read, "I love you forever, Mom!" Instantly, I was taken back in time to my blond, blue-eyed, five-year-old daughter as she stood in front of me with pigtails, a toothless smile, and a book tucked under her arm. I smiled and thanked God again for the privilege of homeschooling my children. What a blessing they had been and were continuing to be in my life!

Tears filled my eyes as I read again my daughter's expression of love. This time, my thoughts flew back to another young girl who had treated her parents quite differently. Painful choices and foolish rebellion had put her parents through misery. I was that young girl, and I heard again the hateful words I had said to my father in anger. My past actions stood as a stark contrast to my daughter's declaration of love. I realized again how deeply I had hurt my family. How undeserving I was to have been given a daughter who was such a joy!

Does Satan ever remind you of your shameful past to make you feel unworthy of love? You don't need to listen to his accusations anymore! No sin is bigger than the depths of God's love and grace. "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1a). If you have confessed your sin before God in repentance and received His forgiveness, your sins are removed as far as the east is from the west, and God remembers them no more (Psalm 103:12). Praise God for the immeasurable grace He freely gives to all who are in Christ Jesus! "In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace" (Ephesians 1:7). The next time Satan comes to remind you of your past, just remind him of his future and Christ's blood that was given for you!

Jesus, thank You for dying on the cross for me and lifting my burden of sin. I stand amazed at the many undeserved blessings You've given me and humbly worship and thank You for Your forgiveness. In Your holy name, Amen.

Who's Your Child's Hero?

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0000

"And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord" (1 Thessalonians 1:6a).

Who are your children's role models? Do they wish to emulate movie stars, sports heroes, or rock stars? Homeschooled children are no different from other children. They also can gravitate toward today's personalities and assimilate their qualities and characteristics. However, the people who stand out in the media often reflect values and beliefs far different from those we wish to see in our children.

So, where do homeschool parents go to find positive role models who will influence your children's minds for good? One place we chose was the pages of history. Using God's Word filled with examples of great men and women of faith in Hebrews 11 and historical biographies of famous church leaders, missionaries, scientists, and explorers, we found ample material to fill our children's minds and hearts with godly inspiration. In fact, our oldest daughter was so inspired by the story of Florence Nightingale that today she is a registered nurse.

However, perhaps the greatest role model who will ever affect your children's lives is you! Whether you are aware of it or not, you are being watched every day. Your attitudes and character, whether good or bad, are being imitated and incorporated into your children's lives. Such accountability to live a godly life challenges homeschooling moms and dads to a higher standard in their Christian walk. Are you able to say like Paul in 1 Corinthians 11:1, "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ"? If not, recommit yourself and your home to the Lord and watch as a new generation of Christian superheroes is born!

Lord, what an awesome responsibility it is to be a parent! As I teach my children, make my actions and words a reflection of You. Please, direct me to people who will inspire a more Christ-like character in my children. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Something Big Is Coming!

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 01:00:00 +0000

Something big is coming to Alpha Omega Publications on Monday, January 28! You don't want to miss what's happening next Monday at AOP. Be on the lookout on our blog for more details coming soon.

The Proof Is in the Pudding

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0000

I take a strong stand in the beliefs I hold about homeschooling. Perhaps after 25 years of educating my children at home, I have earned the right to stand on my soap box and state clearly why I know homeschooling works. I know it works because my children have proved it works. They have graduated from college with honors, they know how to socialize, and they are able to function well in the work world and their communities. More importantly, each of them knows the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior and the truths of His Word.

Anyone is capable of teaching his children at home if he really wants. I have found that if you really want to follow the Lord and do what He asks, He will even overcome homeschooling obstacles like being a single parent, financial limitations, or a physical handicap. As God's Word says in Romans 8:31, "What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?"

Are you questioning today whether or not to continue homeschooling? Perhaps you are in your first or second year of schooling and thinking, "Maybe there's something better that I could be doing with my life." I encourage you to remain faithful in homeschooling. You are making a difference in this world. You're loving your family and teaching them to follow Christ. Your purpose for being a homeschooling parent is treasured by God. The rewards will come, but you must be faithful. Don't give up! "Therefore, my beloved (homeschoolers), be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord" (1 Corinthians 15:58).

Jesus, just getting through this homeschooling day, let alone this year, seems like an enormous task. Please, empower me again by the Holy Spirit to stand firm in what You have shown me to do. In Your name I pray, Amen.

Death at My Door (Part 2)

Sun, 20 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Somehow we arrived at the hospital within minutes, even though it was 12 miles away from our house. We ran through the hospital doors to the emergency room and found the doctor waiting for us. Immediately, he began force feeding our daughter a charcoal mixture to neutralize the strychnine's effects. Since strychnine is normally fast acting, the next half hour was agonizing as my daughter suffered through gulping more of this mixture in between terrified sobs. Expecting the worse, we all watched and waited. After two more hours of this treatment, the doctor believed our daughter was out of danger. No visible effect of the poison was apparent in my daughter's body, and we became hopeful she was going to be all right. Miraculously, her condition seemed to indicate she hadn't swallowed any of the poison. However, the doctor gave strict instructions to monitor her through the night.

A sleepless night followed after returning home from the hospital as I observed my daughter for any effects of the poison. With the morning light, I was deeply thankful to God that my daughter was still alive. As I stepped outside for some fresh air, I saw the answer to what saved our baby girl from a sure death. Lying dead near the back door of our house was my young daughter's favorite kitten. Apparently, after opening the bottle of poison, my young daughter's fingers had been wiped clean from petting the kitten's fur. The kitten then licked itself and died from ingesting the poison left on its fur.

My daughter's near death experience changed the way I viewed life forever. I saw the demands of homeschooling in a new light, and I realized that academics were really of low importance in comparison to the hearts and souls of my children. My children's lives were precious to God, and He was giving me the privilege of teaching them about Him. Every moment we shared together was His gift, and I had no right to assume or expect that tomorrows would be guaranteed. God's Word tells us our lives are but a vapor (James 4:14) and, at best, a mere breath (Psalm 39:5). Are you living and homeschooling with the passion that today might be your last day to tell those you love about Christ? "So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom" (Psalm 90:12).

Lord, we are so frail and our very breath is held in Your hands. Teach me to number my days and use every moment to guide my children to You. In the name of Your dear Son, Jesus, Amen.

Death at My Door (Part 1)

Sat, 19 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0000

"What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee" (Psalm 56:3).

One evening after hosting a Bible study for homeschooling friends around a campfire, my observant son noticed a small amber-colored bottle lying on the ground. Walking up to me with the bottle in his hand, he began to read the letters on the bottle's torn label, "S-t-r-y-c-h . . . what's this, Mom?" he asked.

The next five minutes were a blur. I had seen a white powder on my two-year-old daughter's clothes and assumed she'd been in the ashes of the campfire. However, I quickly realized the white powder on her clothes matched the contents of the bottle that my son had just found. My heart stopped as I spelled out the letters again, S-t-r-y-c-h . . . Strychnine! This was an old bottle of poison my grandfather had used years ago to kill rats on our farm! Somehow, we had missed seeing it when we had cleaned out the old shed before converting it into a playhouse. "Oh my!" I cried. "My daughter's been playing with poison!"

Every mom knows toddlers are forever putting things into their mouths, and I could only imagine how much of this poison my young daughter had ingested. Running into the house to call 911, I frantically prayed, "Please, help me Lord!" The anxious tone I heard in the voice of the poison control person gave me no reassurance. "Get her to the hospital as fast as you can," he said. "Strychnine doesn't lose its potency!" Looking at my husband's frightened face, I knew he was thinking the same thing as me — our precious baby girl was going to die!

(To be continued in tomorrow's Daily Focus)

Father, when disaster looms, I run to You, my Rock and my Strong Tower. Show me how to trust You even in the worst of circumstances. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Mother of the Year

Fri, 18 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0000

"For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ" (Galatians 1:10).

Sometime after the third or fourth year of homeschooling, I finally gained enough confidence to believe that I was capable of teaching my children at home. I could see my children were actually learning, and I was excited to be involved in their day-to-day learning adventure. Everything was clicking with our curriculum, and we actually seemed to be in a rhythm with our daily routine and homeschooling schedule. Still, something seemed to be missing.

As I gave in to my doubt, depression began to cloud my thinking with "poor me" thoughts like "No one appreciates you," "You're just a mom," and "Everyone thinks you're nuts and could care less about what you're doing!" My self-defeating talk continued and many times was substantiated by attitudes and remarks of those in the community who didn't approve of homeschooling. Each day I seemed to take one step forward and two steps backward in recognizing my value as a homeschooling mom. Wasn't there any reward, recognition, or encouragement for faithfully loving and homeschooling my children?

Then, God's gentle rebuke spoke to my heart one morning during devotions. "Why are you still seeking the world's approval instead of mine?" He asked. Ashamed, I wondered how many times I would need to learn the lesson of Colossians 3:23-24: "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ."

Feeling renewed after confessing, I walked into the kitchen to prepare breakfast. Sitting on the counter was a carefully wrapped package from my loving husband and children. Surprised, I opened the gift and found a sparkling, professionally made plaque engraved in gold. Below my beautifully scripted name read the words, "Mother of the Year — in recognition for selflessly loving your family." Tears filled my eyes as I hung the trophy on the wall. Satan was wrong! I was valuable to God and my family, and that was enough.

Father, I praise You for the constant reminder of Your love in Your Word. Teach me again to always run to You first when I feel discouraged and claim Your promises as my strength. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Rack up the Deals on Homeschool Curriculum and Resources!

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 13:00:00 +0000

For one week only, save 10% on all homeschool resources and curriculum at Alpha Omega Publications and enjoy free shipping* on orders over $50. Find markdowns on favorite math resources like Understanding Mathematics: From Counting to Calculus and the Math Problems and Solutions Guide, discover deals on resources like Teach Yourself to Play Piano and Model 3000F Student Microscope, and be encouraged by the Daily Focus devotional book for homeschool parents.

You only have a week to take advantage of this discount, so don't delay! Simply call 800-622-3070 or shop online by 1/23/13 and use code NTTOP10.

Resources on Sale:
History
Language Arts
Math
Music
Science
Other Resources

*Applies to standard ground shipping on orders over $50 within the continental United States.

Strength under Fire

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0000

"The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid" (Psalm 27:1)?

An emergency in my brother's family required me to give up our normal homeschooling day to watch his children. Looking out the window, I observed his children and mine playing together in the big tractor tire sand box. Considering that seven children were crowded into one small area, they were getting along quite well. Then, the inevitable happened. One of my brother's sons got upset because his space was violated, and he pushed my oldest daughter out of the sand box. Amazingly, my four-year-old son stepped up to defend his big sister. Raising himself to full height, he said, "You can't treat my sister like that!" My son never even considered the consequences of defiantly challenging his older cousin. The love for his sister filled him with a righteous courage that was ready to take on someone twice his size!

Defending our family is something we all experience as homeschoolers. Although we don't intend to take a defensive posture, many times the world pushes us around or throws punches that require us to take a stand. However, in Christian love, we must allow the Lord to be the One who speaks through us. Like Jehoshaphat as he stood before the armies of Moab and Ammon in 2 Chronicles 20, we need to defend ourselves from those who oppose homeschooling in God's strength instead of our own. "Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's" (2 Chronicles 20:15b). When the Lord is in the battle, all we need to do is sing the praises of homeschooling and let God do the defending.

Has homeschooling put you in the middle of a battle? Maybe you're ready to take things into your own hands to protect your family from unkind remarks or attacks. Don't let Satan tempt you to fight in the flesh. Let the Lord give you the words to say and the wisdom to respond in a way that glorifies Him. "And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves" (2 Timothy 2:24-25a).

Father, thank You for being a mighty God who is perfectly capable of protecting my family. Give me the wisdom to know what to say and how to respond when others do not understand homeschooling. In the name of Your Son, Amen.

God's Increase

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0000

"For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God" (2 Corinthians 9:12).

When you discover the joy of homeschooling your own children, God usually gives you a burden to teach other children about His love, too. Many homeschooling parents can be found teaching children other than their own in Sunday school, mid-week church youth groups, vacation Bible school, or backyard Bible clubs. Maximizing your efforts by first teaching a Bible lesson to your own children and then sharing it with others only makes sense. Like the young boy who brought the two small fish and five loaves of bread to Jesus (Matthew 14:19), God is able to take the lesson you prepared for your family and use it to bless many more children as well.

Many times while Jesus was teaching His disciples on Earth, His message blessed more than the 12 chosen men. His parables and sermons not only instructed His faithful followers, but they also taught the same truths to the multitudes who were within hearing distance (Matthew 5-7). The lives of many hurting bystanders were changed, and seeds of hope and faith were planted in their hearts. Even the outcast Gentiles were blessed as they heard and saw the power of God in Christ's miraculous healings and teachings.

You may not realize this fact, but the same Bible story you've taught your children may be waiting to be heard by hundreds of other boys and girls. Whether it's a Bible story about Zaccheus, a topical lesson on salvation, or some aspect of Christian growth, the knowledge you've learned from the Holy Spirit during your study and preparation time is possibly the exact truth needed by the boys and girls in your church or neighborhood. Won't you share that same lesson God has given you for your own children with other young people who desperately need it? "How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher" (Romans 10:14)?

Jesus, as I homeschool I see the spiritual needs of so many children from other families. Like the disciples, I don't know how to feed them all. Please, take the Bible lessons I've prepared for my family and use them for Your glory. Help me to be faithful in sharing Your message of love and forgiveness wherever and whenever You give me the opportunity to teach. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Daily Walks

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0000

"If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit" (Galatians 5:25).

Taking a walk after supper became a guarded ritual for our homeschooling family. Each night, the entire family walked together down our country road to a creek a quarter mile away. Since our youngest daughter wasn't capable of such a long hike, we improvised and included her in this family time by pulling her along in our little red wagon. As we walked, we talked about whatever came to mind and observed the wonders of God's creation in nature. We never knew where the conversation was headed or what discoveries we would see along the way. We simply enjoyed the exercise and looked forward to this unhurried time of being together as a family.

One morning during my usual rushed devotion time with God, the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart and convicted me. I cried as I realized I had been shortchanging my time with God and quenching the intimacy of His love. Instead of a quiet, unhurried walk with my God in Bible study and prayer, I had been running down the road to the day's activities and problems. I had given up fellowshipping with my loving Lord for feeling more organized and in control of my day. I shook my head at my stupidity and said, "If my daily walks with my homeschooling family on Earth are important for maintaining a close relationship, my daily walk with God is certainly even more important!"

What about you? Do you hurry through your quiet times with the Lord to get a jump on the busyness of the day's activities? Take a bit of hard-learned advice and learn the lesson of walking daily with the Lord. He really is so much fun to be with as you relax in His love. Best of all, you never know where the conversation may lead and what new spiritual truths He will give you to face each day. "Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more" (1 Thessalonians 4:1).

Lord, slow me down and teach me to walk hand in hand with You as I homeschool my children each day. You are the most important part of my life. Help me to treasure every moment of every day with You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

That Little Voice

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0000

"The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly" (Proverbs 20:27).

My normally outgoing son had been acting sheepish for two days. He had been avoiding me as much as you can in a homeschooling family, and he was definitely dealing with something.

I could see the Holy Spirit working on his conscience, so I prayed my usual "sick 'em" prayers — you know, asking God to work on your child's heart until he turns back to Him in repentance. I wondered how long my son would struggle and if he would hide, ignore, or confess his problem. I didn't have to wait long. The very next day, the Holy Spirit's conviction weighed so heavily that he couldn't take the stress any longer.

"Mom," he said. "I need to tell you something."

"Yes," I responded. "What is it?"

"I took some money from your purse without asking you," he quietly confessed.

As Christians, we also avoid God after we've sinned; however, the Holy Spirit's job of convicting us of sin (John 16:8) brings us back to a right relationship with God. Even King David, "a man after God's own heart" (1 Samuel 13:14), attempted to ignore his conscience when his lust first caused him to sin with Bathsheba and then set up her husband's untimely death on the battlefield (2 Samuel 11). David finally yielded to God's correction when the Holy Spirit convicted David's conscience through a prophet and a touching story that reached his ex-shepherd's heart.

What about your conscience? Is it sensitive to God's correction and leading, or have you hardened your conscience with unconfessed sin? Aren't you tired of the anxious tension that has replaced your fellowship with your loving heavenly Father? If God has been speaking to you about your speech, your anger, or your thought life, stop running away from Him. Since He already knows your sin, run into His arms instead. He's just waiting for you to listen to "that little voice" and rediscover the strength of living in obedience to Him. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).

Lord God, I confess today that I have been living in disobedience to You. Forgive my rebellious heart and discipline me in Your love. Lead me back to You and restore to me the joy of my salvation. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Balancing Acts

Sun, 13 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0000

"Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it" (Proverbs 3:27).

I'm sure that if others had peeked through my windows during my first years of homeschooling, they would have laughed at my antics. Many days, I felt like the circus performer who balances the spinning plates on top of a pole as I attempted to balance the needs of each person in my family. On any given day, I tried to spin my husband's plate with affection and undivided attention as he came through the doorway after work. I also worked hard to spin my creative son's plate with assistance in science experiments and projects that held his interest. I knew I needed to stop the wobbling of my oldest daughter's plate and run to the kitchen to help her as she learned how to cook. Finally, to top it all off, there were always toddlers fussing and needing their plates spun with a clean diaper and companionship for playtime. I knew that at some point I was going to run out of energy trying to keep each of their plates turning and wondered, "Who's going to spin my plate to keep this whole homeschool act going?"

Praise God, the plates never did crash, but I did learn how to keep them spinning with someone else's energy other than my own. That someone was Jesus, and it was to Him that I ran each morning for the power to keep my own plate spinning. Knowing I only had so much strength, He showed me when and how to spin the plates of the family members who needed it most. I realized, too, that as much as I loved and wanted to help each member of my family, I was not responsible for making everyone happy or fulfilling each need. The power was simply not in my hands! Just as I had gone to the Lord for strength, they also needed to learn to cast their cares on Him. "Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee" (Psalm 55:22a).

Do you feel like you're teetering on the edge of disaster in homeschooling your children? If so, you may need to hand off those spinning plates into the hands of the One who can balance them much better than you. "Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy" (Jude 1:24).

Jesus, I'm so tired from trying to make our homeschooling successful in my own strength. Help me to find the balance I need this new year to meet the unique needs of each family member with Your wisdom and strength. In Your name, Amen.

Spicy Motivation

Sat, 12 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Developing strategies for motivating your homeschooled child is like being a good cook with the right spices. The basic salt and pepper seasonings of affirmation and discipline need to be added to every homeschooling day, but ingenuity and divine inspiration are required when motivating your child to learn challenging subjects. Although some homeschooling families may disagree, I never felt guilty about motivating my children with the special spices of a well-deserved gift or a day off from school when completing a difficult assignment or lengthy unit study.

God tried to motivate His people with an extra incentive when they faced the difficult challenge of conquering the Promised Land. He instructed Moses to send out spies to survey the land, and the fruits they found proved that it was indeed a land flowing with milk and honey (Numbers 13). In fact, one cluster of grapes was so large it needed to be carried on a pole between two men (vs. 23). However, because the difficulties of this assignment seemed larger than the promises and blessings, the people of Israel shied away from conquest.

God also knows what you need to stay motivated when facing the difficult challenge of homeschooling your children for 12 or more years. Sometimes God's recipe for your homeschooling day will include the basic salt and pepper joys of seeing your children learn and play together as a family. Other times, God will give flavorful opportunities to take unusual field trips or meet unique individuals to inspire both you and your children. Best of all, God will sprinkle the spice of the Holy Spirit into your heart to motivate you to face the major giants of homeschooling, such as mountains of laundry, disorganized school rooms, and a shortage of personal time. However, like the nation of Israel, you have a choice to either respond to God's continued loving motivation or turn away in fear and discouragement. Which will you choose? "O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him" (Psalm 34:8).

Lord, only Your sweet love can keep me motivated to face the enormous challenge of homeschooling. Please, let me see Your hand at work again today and whet my appetite to enjoy each of your blessings. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Dead Pencils

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0000

"Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone" (James 2:17).

My children hated pencils without erasers. Being a thrifty homeschool parent, however, I couldn't understand the thought of throwing away perfectly good pencils just because they didn't have an eraser. Purposely, I left these "partial performance pencils" in the supply cabinet; however, each morning when we started to homeschool, I would hear my children rummaging through the pencil can until they found a pencil with at least part of an eraser. Even though I bought new replacement erasers to put on the ends, nothing changed. The substitute erasers would crack or fall off within a few days, and unfortunately, I had to admit my children were right. There was simply no use for a pencil that couldn't write and erase.

Like pencils without erasers, so are Christians who have lost their saltiness. Christ tells us in Matthew 5:13 and 16 that we are the salt of Earth, and we should demonstrate our faith in Christ to the world through acts of love and service. If we don't, we are as useless as salt without taste or pencils without erasers. "Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men" (Matthew 5:13).

What about you? Are you known like Dorcas in Acts 9:36b for being "full of good works and almsdeeds?" Even though your days may be full as a homeschooling parent, God still desires for you to share your faith with your hands, as well as your lips. Why not let the Lord use you today to bless someone in need? "But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth" (1 John 3:17-18).

Lord, so many days my energy is gone after homeschooling, and I have nothing left to give to anyone else. Give me the desire to see the needs of others and fill me with Your strength to reach out in love. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Save on Materials for the New Semester!

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 01:00:00 +0000

Stock up for the new semester! For a limited time, save 10% on everything from Alpha Omega Publications and enjoy free shipping* on orders over $50. Snag sales on all curriculum, including Monarch, Switched-On Schoolhouse, LIFEPAC, Horizons, and The Weaver Curriculum. Plus, find deals at every grade level, so you can save on curriculum and resources for every student in your homeschool family!

You only have a week to take advantage of this discount, so don't delay! Call 800-622-3070 or shop online from January 10-16 with coupon code NTSAVEALL10.

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The Bigger Picture

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0000

The year was 1981, and for two weeks I had been struggling with an important writing assignment. Enrolling my children into a homeschool satellite program to escape truancy charges from the public school was dependent on this statement of homeschooling faith. Although I was frustrated with how much time and effort preparing this statement required, this document became my doctrinal guideline for homeschooling for the next 25 years. Frequently, I referred back to my God-given declarations contained in its pages and reminded myself why we were teaching our children at home.

The Bible contains many examples of individuals who verbalized or wrote down their convictions to solidify their commitments. Jacob made a verbal covenant with Laban by setting up a stone altar in Genesis 31:44-45. Joshua set up a memorial of stones from the Jordan River to serve as a testimonial of God's provision to future generations (Joshua 4). Greatest of all, God set His Word literally in stone for Moses and the nation of Israel when He carved the Ten Commandments into two tablets (Exodus 24:12).

Do you know why you are really homeschooling? Isn't there a bigger purpose than simply getting your children out of public school for academic or safety reasons? Have you formulated God's purpose for your homeschooling, so you are not tossed around by each obstacle that comes your way? Perhaps writing a declaration of homeschooling might also help you bring all your thoughts together into one single-purpose statement. The beginning of our family's statement, inspired by Deuteronomy 6:5-7, might help you get started. "As Bible-believing Christians, we are convicted that the ultimate responsibility for our children's education is ours, the parents."

Father, whenever we do Your will, we face opposition from Satan. Help me to see clearly the purpose You have for our family's homeschooling and guide me to preserve that message for our strength in the days ahead. In Jesus' name, Amen.

One Day at a Time

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0000

"Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof" (Matthew 6:34).

The best advice I received when I first started homeschooling was, "Take one day at a time!" These words were easy to say, but they were very hard to do. Borrowing tomorrow's trouble is a learned family trait, and many times I had to come before the Lord in repentance. Many people like to think they are organized and prepared for the unknowns in life, but homeschooling four children has a way of changing that mindset. Each day I needed to erase the failures of yesterday and realize that God was providing His strength and creativity one day at a time.

Seeking God daily for strength is a lesson the people of Israel had difficulty learning as well. Each day for 40 years, God rained manna from heaven to feed the Israelites (Exodus 16:4). The organizers in the group thought they could run ahead of the Lord and gather extra, possibly planning ahead for those unknowns. However, any amount the people gathered that was more than they needed for that day spoiled. God's provision of manna was not only for nourishment, but it also was a test. God wanted to see if the people would obey His commandments and trust that He would provide for their daily needs. God had commanded them to collect only enough manna to last for one day's needs. Only on the day before the Sabbath had God commanded the people to gather twice the amount.

One other motivating factor also played a part in the gathering of this daily bread. The people had to gather the manna before the heat of the day (vs. 20-21). In this way, God showed them that they needed strength before the day's problems began.

Do you miss the joy of homeschooling your children today because you've run ahead to tomorrow? If you continue to look only at the forest of your child's academic goals, you will miss the many wonderful moments of the trees today. Perhaps that is why Jesus taught His disciples to pray, "Give us this day our daily bread" (Matthew 6:11).

Jesus, You are the bread of life, and without You I can do nothing. Teach me to wait on Your daily provision of strength and help me to find the blessings in homeschooling every day. In Your name, Amen.

Save up to $200 or More at Alpha Omega Academy!

Tue, 08 Jan 2013 01:00:00 +0000

Make your at-home schooling journey a success with the support of Alpha Omega Academy. A convenient distance learning school, AOA offers open year-round enrollment, so you can start at any time. Whether you enroll full-time or sign up for just a few select courses, you can enjoy 10% off tuition when you call before 1/31/13 and reference code TUITIONAOA.*

The more you enroll, the more you save. Sign up part-time to save up to $200 or become a full-time student at AOA and save even more!

Find peace of mind in knowing your child is receiving an accredited education with qualified teachers and 150+ courses for grades K-12. Call 800-682-7396 today to see how much you can save during AOA's January Tuition Savings Event or visit AOA's website to learn more!

Who should enroll in AOA?
• Parents who need help in teaching their child one or more subjects
• Parents looking for accredited distance learning courses for grades K-12
• Parents who want a flexible, at-home Christian education

"The academy is working wonderfully for us. I am thoroughly enjoying my new role as helper and encourager."
- Kim H., Parent of AOA Student

*Students must enroll in AOA courses within the first 30 days after the registration date or be subject to a $340 tuition down payment to ensure placement. This discount cannot be combined with any other offer.

Disciplines

Tue, 08 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0000

"It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes" (Psalm 119:71).

Mopping the kitchen floor and washing dishes have always been my two least favorite jobs. Because of the obvious health hazard and the fact we needed to reuse them, I daily set my mind to rid the kitchen counters of the accumulated piles of dishes. However, procrastination would set in when the time came to mop the kitchen floor, especially during the snowy days of winter. I justified my laziness with the demands of homeschooling and counteracted with vacuuming daily and passing the "take your shoes off at the door" law. Unfortunately, even this new rule failed to eliminate the need for a daily or even semi-daily mopping of footprints and sticky patches from spilled food. If the teaching role had been reversed and my young children had graded me on this task, I definitely would have received an "F."

My laziness and procrastination affected other areas of my life as well. Scripture memory was incorporated into my children's Bible curriculum, but disciplining myself to "hide God's Word in my heart" was an area in which I was sorely lacking. Again, I justified myself by saying, "I make time for daily prayer, Bible study, and devotions. I can't do everything. As a homeschooling mom, there isn't time!" However, God simply didn't give me an "F" in Scripture memorization and leave me alone. He challenged me with His truth in Psalm 119:99-104 and led me to a topical system of memorizing His Word. I soon discovered the blessing of really knowing God's Word and its power to change my life and others. In fact, He even showed me how to memorize Bible verses easily — by combining mopping and Scripture memory at the same time!

When was the last time you memorized a Bible verse? You'll never start if you don't make a lesson plan for yourself. Why not find an accountability partner (maybe your own child) to memorize Scriptures with and discover the strength of God's Word in your heart and mind? "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15).

Lord, please forgive my laziness in handling Your Word. Teach me again to love Your Word and meditate on its truths. In Jesus' name, Amen.

A Mother's Fury

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0000

"The LORD preserveth all them that love him" (Psalm 145:20a).

If you want to see a homeschooling mother riled, just let someone ridicule her child for being homeschooled. Between being protective and having a firm belief in the value of homeschooling, even the most loving and gentle of us feel the hair rising on our backs when our children are mocked. As a homeschooling mom, I also found myself saying, "Let people criticize and attack me for homeschooling all they want, but don't mess with my children!"

Moses' mother, Jochebed, felt more than just the rejection of her son by Pharaoh. She was facing her baby boy's death sentence and needed to use all of her motherly instincts to protect him (Exodus 2). God honored Jochebed and spared her son's life. Through an unusual rescue by Pharaoh's daughter and the clever bravery of his sister, Moses and his mother were reunited, and they were able to spend more years together before he went to live in the palace.

Do you know that God is keeping you in His care today? Even though you may feel alone as you homeschool, He hasn't left you. Like a mother who cannot forget her nursing child, He wraps His arms of love around you and provides the strength you need to face the criticisms of homeschooling. The trials may seem great, but God knows and cares about every battle you face. "The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore" (Psalm 121:7-8).

Lord, thank You for Your loving kindness toward me every morning. Strengthen me today to fulfill the call You have placed on my life to homeschool. Set Your hedge of protection around our family and save us from those unseen evils that seek to destroy us. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Homeschool Bed and Breakfast

Sun, 06 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0000

"Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine" (John 21:12).

One of my greatest pleasures as a homeschooling mother was giving my children a hot breakfast with a warm "good morning" each day. My sense of nurturing was satisfied as I watched sleepy-eyed yawns turn into energetic smiles. Cornbread, pancakes, waffles, omelets, French toast, apple muffins, and the like provided the necessary brain power for them to learn their homeschooling lessons. However, just as important as the nourishing food was the encouragement and love expressed when the food was served with a hug and a kiss.

Jesus knew all about the encouragement that comes from a good, hot breakfast. In one of His appearances after His resurrection, He had a great breakfast cooking for the disciples after their long, hard night of failed fishing. In the twilight, the disciples didn't recognize Jesus at first when He asked about their catch, but when Christ performed a miracle and filled their empty net, John realized it was Jesus. How wonderful they must have felt to see their Lord again as they shared a morning meal together!

Someday, the Lord will serve another important meal. Christ is coming back for everyone who has trusted in Him as Lord and Savior, and we will share in His kingdom forever. "And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb" (Revelation 19:9). I can only imagine the joy of fellowshipping with my Lord every morning and throughout eternity with the warmth of His love. What about you? Is your name on the invitation list? "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20).

Jesus, how I long for the day of Your return! What indescribable joy there will be when I see You face to face! Use me to lead my children to You, so together we can experience Your love forever at Your marriage supper. In Your holy and loving name, Amen.

Prove It!

Sat, 05 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Finding all the necessary documentation for my daughter's admission to college was a nightmare. Not only did we need two forms of identification, proof of health insurance, long-lost medical immunization records, and GED and ACT scores, but now we also needed an official high school transcript. Thankfully, I had saved her grades during the past four years and had prepared a transcript in the event we needed it. Sorting through my files on the computer to find the transcript, I shook my head and thought, "Why do I still need to prove my daughter's high school grades when she received such great ACT scores?"

God is also no stranger to providing proofs to an unbelieving world. Some people wrestle with believing God exists, even though creation has shown He does exist (Romans 1:19-20). Others, like the people in Christ's day, refuse to believe unless they see the proof of "signs and wonders" (Matthew 12:38-39 and John 4:48). Then, there are those who think they no longer need any proof of God at all because they have simply declared, "God is dead."

However, unbelievers are not the only people who foolishly place a burden of proof on the Lord. Sometimes, we Christians demand proof, too. Our fragile faith also causes us to ask God for signs and wonders before we step out and do what He clearly commands in the Scriptures. Repeatedly, we miss the blessings of being used because we are still waiting for some additional sign from God. God must shake His head in heaven and think, "I've given them the truth of my Holy Word, the example of my Son, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. What other proof do they need to obey me?"

Have you been asking the Lord for more proof before you serve Him (Deuteronomy 6:16)? Dear child of God, the burden of proof doesn't lie with God — it lies with you. God uses those who are willing to believe and obey Him. Won't you prove you are not only a hearer of the Word, but also a doer? "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves" (James 1:22).

Lord, forgive me for doubting Your provision to do all that You ask. Increase my faith and help me follow You each day in the truths You teach through Your Word. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Spiderman

Fri, 04 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0000

"I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well" (Psalm 139:14).

We were expecting company one night for supper and were a long way from getting a meal prepared. In fact, I hadn't even bought the groceries yet. I decided a quick trip to the grocery store was necessary during our afternoon homeschool break to save myself from being unprepared for our evening guests.

When I returned home from the store, I noticed the house was unusually quiet. A red flag went off in my mind, and I checked on my children. Three of them were all fine and busy doing the work I had left for them. However, when I went into my oldest son's room, I found a surprise that was quite unbelievable. Even today, I am not quite sure how he managed to accomplish it.

We had been studying about spiders in our science lessons that week. He had read his workbook, answered his worksheet questions, and studied for his quiz the next day. He had even turned an old aquarium into a nice little home for two, big barn spiders he had found. Yet, today he went one step further. He wanted to know what it really felt like to be a spider. Using every spool of thread in my sewing can, he had weaved a web within his entire room. The web extended in all directions from the ceiling to the floor, and he really looked like a spider waiting for some unsuspecting prey as he sat on his bed in the middle of the room. Smiling, he quoted from Mary Howitt's poem, "Will you walk into my parlour?"

My first inclination was to be upset at the wasted thread, but then I had to smile at my son. He had done a far better job of teaching himself about spiders than I had done. In addition, I learned a valuable lesson that day. My son didn't learn like his sisters and brother. God had uniquely created him to learn differently. My lesson plans were going to have to change, and fast, to match him!

Father, what an awesome God You are! How can You create so many people in the world and not have even two who are alike? I humbly come and ask for the wisdom I need to teach each of the children You have given me. Thank You for the unique blessing each one is to our homeschooling family. In Jesus' name, Amen.

9 New Year’s Resolutions from the Bible

Thu, 03 Jan 2013 01:00:00 +0000

"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed" (Proverbs 16:3).

Setting goals for self-improvement each year is a personal process, the results of which we don't always care to share. While telling your spouse that you plan to clean out the basement by February holds you accountable, it also makes you feel even lazier if March rolls around and it's still a mess.

Having a partner who knows your new year's resolutions can be both a blessing and a curse, unless that partner is God. Talking to Him about your goals will give you peace of mind and an opportunity to ask for wisdom (whether your plan is in your best interests and others') and guidance (how to reach your goal).

This year, consider these Bible verses and have peace in knowing that if it is God's will for your resolution to be fulfilled, He will enable you to accomplish it.

1. Teach with intelligence. "Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness" (2 Timothy 2:23-24).

2. Pray for guidance. "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him" (James 1:5).

3. Forgive those who have hurt you. "Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you" (Colossians 3:13).

4. Take care of yourself. "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body" (1 Corinthians 19:20).

5. Love others. "The most important one, answered Jesus, "is this: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these."

6. Be a role model. "Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity" (Titus 2:7).

7. Don't be discouraged by failures. "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9).

8. Value your friendships. "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone?" (Ecclesiastes 4:9-11)

9. Help those in need. "Then the king will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.' Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?' And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me'" (Matthew 25:34-40).

What resolutions have you set this year? Please share them in the comment field below!

Are There Multiple Ways to Define Intelligence?

Thu, 03 Jan 2013 00:59:00 +0000

"We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us" (Romans 12: 6a).

Just as gifts come in all shapes and sizes, so do areas of giftedness. However, we don't always recognize our gifts for what they are, especially in education where grades and standardized test scores too often are used to define intelligence.

In 1983, Harvard education professor Dr. Howard Gardner published the theory of multiple intelligences, which proposed eight categories of intelligence:

Linguistic Intelligence: The linguistic learner is likely to enjoy poetry, journaling, creative writing, storytelling, and alphabetizing. Your linguistic child may enjoy teaching you a concept.

Logical/Mathematical Intelligence: The logical-mathematic learner is likely to enjoy activities that include problem solving, diagrams, classifying, and puzzles. This child may also enjoy scientific experiments, cooking by following a recipe, sequencing, and measuring.

Musical Rhythmic Intelligence: A musical learner enjoys music, of course, but she also likely enjoys reading or writing poetry, music, and lyrics. This child can also easily hear, recognize, and repeat patterns.

Bodily/Kinesthetic Intelligence: The kinesthetic learner enjoys science experiments, working with manipulatives, and using computers. This child likes to dance, act, perform, build, or play sports. It is important to keep a kinesthetic learner "busy."

Spatial Intelligence: People with spatial intelligence enjoy painting, drawing, making collages, murals, and posters. A spatial child may enjoy creating a film or video as an alternative to a written report.

Naturalist Intelligence: The naturalist is excellent at recognizing and classifying items in nature. A naturalist is interested in ecology and enjoys visiting zoos, taking walks, farming, and gardening.

Intrapersonal Intelligence: The intrapersonal child enjoys silent reading and journal writing. He or she may also enjoy reading autobiographies and using imagery and dreams in writing.

Interpersonal Intelligence: The interpersonal learner is outgoing. He or she likely enjoys interviewing people, teaching others, cross-age tutoring, and problem-solving.

Though not widely accepted in the education realm, the idea of multiple intelligences is something Christians everywhere should embrace, as we are all uniquely created by God with different talents and abilities we can use to serve Him.

In addition, the freedom of homeschooling makes it a perfect setting in which to explore your child's multiple intelligences. To identify your child's strengths and your own, take a quick quiz on multiple intelligences. Then, take that knowledge and discuss how your child can use his or her gifts to glorify God.

"If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead,do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully" (Romans 12: 6b-8).

What are your own intelligences? Share the results of the quiz in the comment field below. Then, take a moment to share your thoughts on how these results may impact your teaching style.

Name Brand or Generic?

Thu, 03 Jan 2013 00:58:00 +0000

Many of us have stood at a store shelf and hemmed and hawed about buying a name brand product or the generic version right beside it. If the situation sounds familiar, do you generally grab the product you recognize from commercials, or do you reach for the alternative?

Attitudes toward name brands and generic or store brands have changed in recent years, said Kimberly Danger, author of 1,000 Best Baby Bargains. While some consumers will always choose the familiarity and comfort of a name brand, an increasing number of people are uncomfortable being so exclusive.

As more shoppers buy off-brands, retailers offer more store-branded products than ever before. These items are typically made with the same ingredients and by the same manufacturers as the more expensive products they're duplicating.

Therefore, consumers typically do not sacrifice quality by going generic, said Consumer Reports.

In a blind taste test of name brand and off-brand foods conducted in October 2009, the participants' palates generally could not decipher between the two.

Our wallets know the difference, however. National brands cost 25 to 50 percent more than similar-quality store brands, Consumer Reports said.

"Name brands cost more because those companies spend money on research, development, as well as advertising, and generics ride their coattails, so to speak," said Robyn Moreno, author of Practically Posh.

Before you buy, Danger suggested, compare ingredients on each label, then do a blind side-by-side taste test at home to see if your perception of taste and quality was influenced by labels.

"The answer varies from product to product," she said. "Since most store brand products cost less than premium brands, they're certainly worth a try."

How much do you know about name brand and generic products? Test your knowledge.

What generic products do you recommend over their name brand versions?

Make an Electromagnet at Home

Thu, 03 Jan 2013 00:57:00 +0000

Have fun building your own electromagnetic at home with the help of Science Bob and a few common household items. While a permanent magnet, like those we place on refrigerator doors, never loses its magnetic quality, an electromagnet is a temporary magnet that only works when electricity flows through its wires. You can also watch a video of the experiment.

Materials
1. A 3" iron nail
2. About 3 feet of thin-coated copper wire
3. A new "D" size battery
4. Several paper clips
5. Tape

Directions
1. Leaving about eight inches of wire loose at one end, wrap the wire around the nail. Try not to overlap the wire.
2. Leave eight inches loose at the other end. Cut the wire if needed.
3. Remove one inch of plastic coating from each end of the wire.
4. Attach one wire to one end of a battery and the other wire to the other end of the battery. Caution: do not touch the wires now, as they can become very hot.
5. Now that you have an electromagnet, test it by holding the pointed end of the nail over a few paper clips to pick them up. Try other small magnetic objects.
6. Remove the wire from the battery when you conclude your experiment.

Questions to Consider
1. Does the number of times you wrap the wire around the nail affect the strength of the nail?
2. Does the thickness or length of the nail affect the electromagnet's strength?
3. Does the thickness of the wire affect the power of the electromagnet?

Source: sciencebob.com

Grammar Matters

Thu, 03 Jan 2013 00:56:00 +0000

In a day when people communicate by smart phones, emails, and instant messages, is teaching good grammar to your homeschooler important? Do young people who spend countless hours texting need to learn nouns, verbs, and prepositions? Quite simply, if you want your homeschooler to succeed in the future, the answer to these questions is yes. Here are four reasons why grammar still matters:

Future relationships - Next to his outward appearance, your child's use of grammar gives others the quickest impression of his abilities and personality. People form judgments based on the way others communicate. Good grammar makes them appear more intelligent and thoughtful, while poor grammar makes them look careless and uneducated.

Future educational opportunities - College scholarships based on ACT and SAT scores are at risk for a homeschool child who fails to use grammar correctly. The optional essay section on these tests, which is quickly becoming a requirement for entrance into most colleges, will make or break your child's final test scores. Scholarships are often awarded on the basis of these test scores, and your child's poor grammar could prevent him from receiving scholarship money that might help him attend the college of his choice.

Future career opportunities - Competition in the work force is tough. Poor grammar in cover letters, résumés, and applications is a sure-fire way to see your child lose an employment opportunity. Career advancement possibilities are also killed quickly by sloppy logic, misspelled words, and disorganized thoughts in emails and other business correspondence.

Companies are also not interested in your child's generation of high-tech Internet English. Knowing how to write a properly constructed sentence without abbreviations or text messaging jargon is a highly sought after skill by employers. The business world knows that potential customers and clients are lost by employees who fail to use proper grammar because they portray the company as less than polished and professional.

Future Christian witness - Possibly the greatest reason for learning proper grammar is to effectively communicate the love of Christ. Without a thorough understanding of the eight parts of speech and other grammar rules, your child will be unable to verbalize or write a clear presentation of the Gospel. God may want to use your child to spread the Gospel, but without good grammar skills, he will be limited in communicating God's truths clearly. "So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air" (1 Corinthians 14:9).

Good grammar isn't a thing of the past. Like learning to eat vegetables, your children may groan as you teach it to them, but someday they'll thank you for making them turn off their cell phone and teaching them how to communicate in real English.

The Dangers of Disrespect

Thu, 03 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0000

"Honor thy father and thy mother, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee" (Deuteronomy 5:16a).

Disrespectful actions of children, no matter their age, are abhorred by God, and there's no place that's worse to see the disrespectful actions of children than in a homeschooling family. This serious offense robs parents of their authority to teach and destroys the family unit. Repeatedly, God warns children to honor their parents with loving hearts of obedience (Exodus 20:12, Ephesians 6:2). Mouthy and sarcastic children who demean or belittle their parent's leadership and decision making are clearly on a path to destruction.

King David's son, Absalom, is one such example in the Bible. The tragic story of this young man's disrespect toward his father is recorded in 2 Samuel 15-18. Absalom not only disrespected his father by defying him, but he also attempted to usurp David's reign as king. Secretly, he won the hearts of the people and eventually drove David from Jerusalem in fear of his life. The total defiance of Absalom toward his father culminated in the public act of sexually violating his father's wives on a rooftop. Fortunately, King David had enough loyal followers to stop his foolish son, but it came at the cost of his son's life.

What about your children? Do they know the boundaries between respectfully disagreeing and disrespect? Because homeschooling families interact 24/7, we have even more opportunity to let this problem begin in our relationships. As parents, God wants us to deal with this form of rebellion in our children as soon as it arises. After all, if children cannot learn to respect their parents, chances are they will also have difficulty respecting the Lord.

Father, sometimes it seems easier to look the other way or laugh it off when my children fail to respect me. Help me to realize the importance You place on correcting this problem when my children challenge me in ways that are inappropriate. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

Wed, 02 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0000

I stood looking at the photographs pasted on the outside edge of my daughter's bedroom mirror. What had started as a few pictures of a look-alike movie star had now turned into a collage of movie-star photographs that left only one small space for her reflection in the middle of the mirror. I sighed as my heart cringed.

Apparently, the homeschooling curriculum I had used to teach my daughter her value in God's eyes wasn't working. Satan's lies were convincing my daughter to identify herself with the world's definition of beauty. I cried as I thought of the depression she seemed to display each morning. "No wonder," I said to myself. "Who could compare to each of these air-brushed beauties?" How could I teach her that Proverbs 31:30 was true. "Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised."

If there ever was a beauty in the Old Testament, Esther was it! Chosen from the most beautiful women in Persia to be the wife of King Ahasuerus, the meaning of her name came true: she was a "star." Although she wasn't in a major motion picture, God cast her for a part that would save the entire nation of Jews. The true beauty of her character, which lay in her faithfulness to Jehovah God and His people, shone when she chose to listen to God instead of her fears and claimed, "If I perish, I perish" (Esther 4:16).

Someday I look forward to meeting this beautiful woman in heaven, for it was her story that turned around my daughter's life. Praise God for the wisdom to teach our children the truth and the mighty power of His Holy Word that is tested and sure, never returning void. "So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it" (Isaiah 55:11).

Jesus, make my heart sensitive to my children's needs and lead me as I teach them Your truths. The world's ways seem so much stronger at times, and it is only by Your hand that I know what to do. Thank you, Jesus, for being the most beautiful thing in my life. In Your precious name, Amen.

The Passion of Homeschooling

Tue, 01 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0000

"Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways" (Psalm 139:3).

What makes people invest 20 years or more of their lives to homeschool their children? Ask homeschooling parents anywhere, and they'll tell you that it's for the joy of seeing their children learn. Watching your child discover God's creation creates a passion that transcends any cheap shot from uninformed critics. Daily, you have the opportunity to discover, play, and learn what God has planned for your family. You share love, devotion, loyalty, and faithfulness as you work toward educational goals and a deeper faith in Christ. Perhaps the question should be, who wouldn't want to experience a life homeschooling their children?

As Christians, Christ desires a far greater passion from us as we live for Him. Lukewarm love is something He detests in His children (Revelation 3:15-16). Every day we have the opportunity to love and learn from the Most High as we read His Word and pray. Confessing our sins daily (1 John 1:9) keeps our hearts close to the Father, so the Holy Spirit can guide and fill us with His presence. God's jealous love desires an intimacy with us that transcends any love known in this world.

Have you experienced the passion of Christ? He gave His life for your sins and wants to give you an abundant life full of His love. "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly" (John 10:10b). Rediscover the joy of being called His child this new year and yield yourself to His Lordship. "And he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him" (John 14:21b).

Jesus, thank You for Your wondrous love and the joy of being in Your family. Teach me to love You more fully and help me to yield my life to You in every area. In Your name I pray, Amen.

Meeting of the Minds

Mon, 31 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000

"The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise" (Proverbs 12:15).

Our homeschooling days would never have survived without incorporating family meetings. Every week, we sat down for a discussion time with our children to ask for their feedback about our homeschooling schedule and activities. Curriculum choices that weren't working were replaced with options that met each child's learning style. Unrealistic goals based on prepackaged teacher's keys were adapted to fit the abilities of each child. The enlistment of our children's insightful and creative opinions helped to keep our homeschooling interesting, workable, and fun.

The early Christian church would never have survived if a meeting of the minds hadn't happened as well (Acts 15). There was a big division between the Jewish and Gentile believers about the matter of circumcision for salvation. The apostles and the elders in Jerusalem needed to agree on the truth of the Gospel message of Christ. Fortunately, several apostles kept the church from dividing by presenting Scripture that brought these two camps together (vs. 1-12).

Are you sensing some issues in your homeschool and the need for change in the new year? Plan a meeting of the minds with your children. You'll be amazed at their ideas and insights and find the unity in homeschooling that God desires for your family. "Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established" (Proverbs 15:22).

Lord, forgive me for failing to counsel with my own children about homeschooling. Give me wisdom to hear Your voice as You speak through their heartfelt needs. In Jesus' name, Amen.

My Unknown Angel

Sun, 30 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000

"Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 18:10).

We had been camped out for almost three hours waiting for the arena doors to open. We had come early to get in line for a free concert of our family's favorite Christian artist. Normally, I avoid crowds, especially when I have four small children to navigate through them, but this opportunity was too good to miss. My children had worked so hard homeschooling through the spring, and this outing was the rewarding finish to a productive school year. We were all looking forward to praising the Lord with wonderful music and meeting new Christian friends.

Finally, the time came for the doors to be opened. We were only 20 rows from the entry, and we knew we'd get the choicest seats available. With thousands of people around us, my husband and I huddled the children between us as we inched our way forward. As soon as the doors opened, however, we felt a change come over the crowd. Like a crazed flock of sheep, everyone wanted to be the first into the building and began pushing forward. My husband and I looked at each other in panic and realized our children were getting crushed by the force of the crowd. We both tried to push back, but it was no use.

Then something happened that I'll never forget. An enormous man standing behind us saw our dilemma. Making a barrier between us and the crowd with his huge, football-player frame, he turned and shouted at the crowd, "BACK OFF! You're hurting these children up here!" Immediately, everyone stopped their pushing, and we continued filing our way through the door. As we passed through the entrance, I turned to thank this wonderful man who had delivered us, but he was gone. I quickly scanned the crowd in both directions thinking he would be easy to spot, but I never saw him again.

I suppose some would say we exaggerated the details in our minds or think this gentleman simply slipped by us without us seeing him, but I still believe, even to this day, that God used an angel to protect our children from being hurt. "For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways" (Psalm 91:11).

Lord, thank You for Your protective love that cares for my family each day. Even when I cannot see it, help me remember that You will never lead us where Your love cannot keep us. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Transformations

Sat, 29 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000

"When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things" (1 Corinthians 13:11).

Everyone needs to grow up, including the children of homeschoolers. However, sometimes we make the homeschool nest so comfortable that our children stave off responsibilities they should be assuming as adults. We need to stop pacifying them with material comforts and encourage instead their desire to provide for themselves. After all, homeschooling means teaching our children to learn how to work, as well as how to think.

Sometimes we like our comfortable spiritual nest, too, and fail to grow into mature believers. The apostle Paul had much to say to the new Christians living in Corinth. He was looking for followers of Christ who were ready to feed on the meat of the Word; instead, he found selfishness, jealousy, and strife (1 Corinthians 3:1-2). The writer to the Hebrews was also concerned about the lack of spiritual maturity in believers when he penned: "For every one that useth milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil" (Hebrews 5:13-14).

What about you? Do you want just enough of Christ to get into heaven, or have you grown up in the Lord? The testimony of your salvation experience is not the only thing you should be sharing. If you are chewing on the meat of God's Word, your prayer life will be vibrant, and your testimony will reflect what God is teaching you in your life today! "But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3:18a).

Lord, thank You for Your patient love that pushes me to trust You more. Give me a new hunger for You and Your Word today, so I will become the mature person in Christ whom You desire. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Robbing God

Fri, 28 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000

"Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings" (Malachi 3:8).

When our children were young, we felt convicted by God to teach them the principle of tithing. We incorporated this lesson into our homeschooling and purchased little, white glow-in-the-dark church banks in which they could place their dimes, quarters, nickels, and pennies. When they earned money for chores or received money as gifts, we taught our children how to determine one tenth of the amount and place it into their bank. They loved the sound of the dropping coins and felt so grown up as they placed their own money into the offering plate each Sunday at church.

As time went by, we thought the habit of tithing had been firmly established in our children. We expected them to be diligent in giving part of their hard-earned money from part-time jobs to the Lord. However, the temptations to buy new CDs, videos, clothes, and teenage toys proved to be too strong. One day I noticed all my son's new purchases, and I wondered where the money had come from to buy them. I questioned whether or not he had been tithing, and he sheepishly confessed that he had not.

Stealing from God isn't a new temptation. Years ago, the sons of Eli the priest in 1 Samuel 2 thought they could steal God's portion of the offerings being presented by the people of Israel. Although the priests were entitled to receive a portion of the offering for themselves (Leviticus 7), Eli's sons were confiscating the choicest part of the offering, which was to be given to God. God's rebuke for this sin was a judgment that was swift and sure. Both of his sons saw death on the same day (1 Samuel 2:34). What about you? Are you robbing God of His portion of your family's income? With all the bills and homeschooling expenses for each month, the temptation to steal what belongs to God is just as strong today. Take God at His Word instead and claim the promise of Malachi 3:10: "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it."

Lord, give me strength this day to make a change in the way we spend our money. I know all the blessings we have are from You. Guard my heart against the temptation to take Your portion for me and let my actions and faith honor You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Stay Fit and Save in 2013

Thu, 27 Dec 2012 01:00:00 +0000

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Health Quest
Designed for grades 4-7, this one-semester elective covers topics such as personal hygiene, fitness and exercise techniques, personal and ecological stewardship, body growth, mental and emotional health, basic food groups, emergency planning, and more.
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High School Health
Designed for grades 8-12, this entertaining course teaches relevant topics for today's youth, including spiritual, social, emotional, and environmental well-being with in-depth studies on tobacco and drug use, first aid, nutrition, and responsible Christian living.
Monarch High School Health
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Horizons Health
Teach your homeschooler practical health lessons and healthy living as a form of godly obedience. Available for grades K-8, this sequential curriculum builds knowledge of healthy eating, first aid, human anatomy, diseases, spiritual living, and more.
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Horizons Physical Education
This action-packed curriculum covers exercise techniques, important fitness skills, healthy living habits, various sports and games, motor skills, and teamwork. This activity-based curriculum is divided into four teacher's guides, covering grades PreK-12.
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Fit Family Fun Circuit
Develop a family routine that strengthens the body and spirit. Created by fitness instructor Tonya Larson, this enjoyable workout DVD encourages families to march, kick, jump, dance, balance a ball, and stretch together in two circuit routines and a relaxing cool-down.
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*Applies to standard ground shipping within the continental United States on orders over $35.

Dying Hope

Thu, 27 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000

I found my daughter crying in her bedroom holding her cat for comfort. Lying on the bed was her literature workbook opened to the homeschool assignment she had been scheduled to complete that day. Not knowing the source of her pain, I offered a hug and waited for her to express her heartache. "Mom, that story was so sad," she cried. I looked at the page she had been reading and saw she had finished O. Henry's "The Last Leaf."

Her compassionate heart had connected with the surprise ending for which O. Henry is noted. Seriously ill with pneumonia, a young woman lay in the hospital waiting to die. She knew she was near death and was determined to die when the last leaf fell from the vine outside her hospital window. Her close friend, roommate, and fellow artist had spoken to the doctor, and the doctor told her that her friend had little chance of surviving unless she could convince her dying friend to want to live. Yet, no amount of encouragement would change the dying girl's mind.

Distraught, the friend went to the old man who lived in the apartment underneath theirs for help. This self-imposed guardian of these two young girls and washed-up artist, who was always "waiting to paint his next masterpiece," discovered the answer to give hope to the dying girl. However, in the process, the story takes a surprising turn of events.

We all like to read and hear stories of noble characters who remain faithful through difficult times with sacrificial love, but the most moving story is found in God's Word when Jesus faced death on the cross for our sins. As He said to Peter in Matthew 26:53, He could have called on 12 legions of angels to spare Him from such a horrible death, but He didn't. Instead, He stayed on the cross through each nail that was hammered into His hands and suffered each agonizing breath until He said, "It is finished" (John 19:30).

Does the story of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross move you to tears? Take a moment today to reread chapters 22 and 23 of Luke and remember what a loving Lord we serve. Then, don't forget to read the best surprise ending ever written in chapter 24. Hallelujah, Christ arose!

Lord, like the faithful servant who invested his talents wisely, I want to be found faithful when You return. Help me to sacrificially love and teach my children every lesson they need to learn to become people of character. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Greater Than, Less Than

Wed, 26 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000

I thought my daughter was going to pull out her hair when she said, "Mom, I just don't get this!" We were studying the concepts of greater than, less than, and equal to in math, and she simply couldn't remember which sign to use when there was a lesser value. I explained, "A simple way to remember is that the sign should point to the smaller value." My daughter smiled as she began to understand and exclaimed, "Mom, you're so smart!"

Unfortunately, the concepts of greater than and less than do not work in the spiritual matters of our lives. Many times we try to make our sins appear less by comparing them to the sins of others. If we haven't murdered, stolen, or used drugs to harm our bodies, we may think we're not too bad. However, comparing our sins to others doesn't make them less or greater. James 2:10 tells us, "For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all." No matter if you've told a little white lie or you've just robbed a bank, in God's eyes your sin is sin. We may try to point our finger at someone else to think we are better, but like the old story goes, pointing at the sins of others always leaves three fingers pointing back at you!

Do you try to justify your "little" sins by saying they're less than someone else's sin? According to the world, you might have the right answer, but not according to God. Christ died an agonizing death on the cross for you because His love was greater than any of your sins, big or small. Stop comparing and start confessing your sins to Him today.

Jesus, forgive me for thinking there is such a thing as "little" sin. I know each of my sins nailed You to the cross, and I bow before You today in repentance. Please, cleanse my heart and fill me with the Holy Spirit. In Your name, Amen.

A Christmas Love Letter

Tue, 25 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000

I see you sitting there tired, worn out, and empty. Another year of homeschooling has used you up. You feel helpless like a baby. That's OK. I know all about being a baby. I was born one for you many years ago. I know the ache you feel to be held and loved, and that is why I came. I knew you would be sitting there in the future, praying and asking me to hold you, and I am, dear one. Let me give you a special Christmas gift of love as I breathe new life into the center of your soul.

Do you know that I think of you every moment of every day? I watch you patiently homeschool the children I gave you, and I know how badly you feel when you fail and lose your temper. I forgive you, my child, just as you forgive your children when they make a mistake. "It's OK. We'll try again," you say to them, and I'm telling you the same thing. I'm so proud of you and how you've followed me when I asked you to teach your children about me at home. Your sacrifice says that you love me. I know all about that, too. I left everything that was mine when I came from heaven. I know how you feel when the Father asks so much of you.

Look at me, my child. You may feel beat up, but do you know that you are still beautiful? I see that smile. Yes, you're still as beautiful as the day I created you. I love who you are, and I'm whispering your name. Can you hear me? Remember, my child, this is not your home. You really belong here with me in heaven, but I want you where you are now to love this family I gave you. Don't give up. I want you to trust me. I won't let you down. Every promise I've made is true, and someday, I'm coming back for you. For now, rest in my love, and tonight and even tomorrow when you wake up, I'll be here watching over you. I love you. Merry Christmas.

"Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities" (Hebrews 4:14-15a).

Jesus, thank You for the best Christmas gift I could ever receive, Your forgiveness and love. My heart sings with praise to You for understanding my every need. I love You, Jesus, and offer You my life again to use however You choose. In Your name I pray, Amen.

Peace on Earth

Mon, 24 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000

"He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me" (Psalm 55:18a).

The words on the Christmas card and the noise coming from our school room stood in stark contrast to one another. "Peace on Earth," the card read. "My, wouldn't that be nice?" I thought. I guess every homeschooling parent longs for a peaceful home, but hearing the crescendo in my children's voices, I knew that peace wasn't happening today at our house. Still, Christmas was coming, and I could hope, right?

As I thought more about peace on Earth, I wondered what Christ meant in John 14:27 when He said, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." Then, the truth of this verse dawned on me. True peace is not the absence of arguments, violence, or wars. True peace is experiencing God's love instead of His wrath because we receive the forgiveness of sins through the blood of Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. That means fighting children, threats of war, and even interruptions to homeschooling days need not change to experience the presence of Christ's peace in my life.

Would you like to find peace this Christmas? Don't look for the absence of problems. Look instead to the peacemaker whose birth made the angels of heaven proclaim, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men" (Luke 2:14). Let the power of the Holy Spirit fill you this Christmas and give you the peace of Christ. Shalom! "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).

Jesus, I praise You for the love, forgiveness, and peace You give to all who trust in You. Please, walk with me this Christmas and give me the peace of Your presence in my life. In Your holy name, Amen.

No Peeking

Sun, 23 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000

"The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant" (Psalm 25:14).

Christmas is such a fun time for secrets. At our house, our four children were not allowed to look into the closets or under our bed until all the gifts were wrapped. Since we were homeschooling, enforcing this rule was not too difficult. However, even after the presents had been wrapped, determining what was inside was sometimes easy for my children to figure out, especially as they got older and smarter. I learned that if I wanted to surprise them at Christmas, I needed to cleverly disguise the box in which the gift was wrapped, even if disguising it meant adding a brick for extra weight.

Have you ever wondered why Jesus disguised His spiritual truths in parables when He lived on Earth? Although He spoke to the multitudes, the gift of His truths about the kingdom of Heaven was hidden from those with hard hearts and ears who refused to listen (Matthew 13:10-15). The meaning of His message was only understood by those who sought the truth with repentant hearts.

Do the truths of God's Word seem hard to understand to you? When reading the Bible, you must realize the Scriptures "are spiritually discerned" (1 Corinthians 2:14b). That means unless you are born of the Spirit and filled with the Spirit, you will not understand God's Word. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the meaning of what you are reading in the Bible today. He promises to show you if you come with an obedient heart. "And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart" (Jeremiah 29:13).

Father, open my mind to understand the truths of Your Word. I want to do Your will, but I need Your guidance. Speak to my heart in the power of the Holy Spirit and reveal what You are teaching me from Your Word today. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Christmas Cheer

Sat, 22 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000

"She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed" (Proverbs 31:26, 28a).

"Let's go, Mom. Everyone is waiting for us in the car," cried my daughter as she ran out the door for the Christmas Eve program at church. I smiled at her enthusiasm and thought back to days when I was a young girl looking forward to Christmas. My Christmases were filled with relatives, oyster stew, chocolate covered cherries, Christmas programs at church, and opening gifts in knee-deep paper with my family of nine. Yet, my most cherished memories of Christmas were the hours my mother and I spent beforehand wrapping gifts for my family.

My mother had an insatiable love for celebrating Christ's birth. She shared God's love through brightly lit decorations, great food, and presents. Yes, my mother loved to give presents, and she chose me to help her wrap them. Together we spent hours making perfect bows and wrapping "just one more box." I considered helping her a great honor because she trusted me not to tell my brothers and sisters what was in their packages.

When I grew older, I realized why my mother and I had so many gifts to wrap each year. Knowing she couldn't give us much, my mother cleverly wrapped each part of a gift into as many boxes as possible. She knew our young minds couldn't comprehend value, but we could count. To a young mind, the more presents you had, the better.

Tonight, I stood in my mother's place. My homeschool family was smaller, but our money to make Christmas special was just as short. As I turned to shut off the light and walk out the door, I smiled as I saw the huge pile of gifts waiting to be opened when we returned. My daughter and I had just finished wrapping them. Some Christmas traditions are just worth passing on.

Lord, thank You for the sacrificial love of mothers. Like the Proverbs 31 woman, give me wisdom to love my family with special acts of kindness. Teach me how to make every day a special gift with the same love that was given to me. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Broccoli Soup

Fri, 21 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000

"A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit" (Proverbs 29:23).

The snow was gently falling as we sat down to enjoy our Christmas Eve supper of soup, sandwiches, and cookies. The candles were lit, and the light from the flickering flames made each homemade Christmas ornament hanging from the windows twinkle. The house was cozy and warm from a full day of cooking, and the fragrant aromas tantalized our taste buds. Four young faces were eagerly anticipating opening their Christmas gifts after the meal, and my husband and I smiled in satisfaction at God's blessings. With Grandpa and Grandma's arrival earlier that afternoon, the perfect Christmas scene was now complete.

I had worked so hard to make everything just right and wanted to impress my in-laws with a memorable Christmas. I had made this meal many times and felt confident as I dished out the two different choices of soup: chili or broccoli-cheese. As we closed our eyes and my husband offered a prayer of thanks to God, I looked down at my bowl. I couldn't believe my eyes. There, swimming on top of my broccoli soup, were a dozen gnat-like bugs. I whispered to myself in agony, "Where did they come from?" Then, I remembered. I had forgotten to wash the broccoli before putting it into the soup. I could feel my heart sink with embarrassment even before my husband finished his prayer. This was going to be a memorable Christmas, all right, especially for my mother-in-law who had just been served buggy, broccoli soup.

Many times our motives for wanting things are so wrong. We want to impress instead of bless, and pride is waiting to bring us to our knees. What about your petitions? Are you selfishly asking God for things just to make you look good? If you're doing most of the talking during your prayer time with God, there may be a problem. Let the Holy Spirit correct your attitude today and don't wait to be served your cup of humble soup. "Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished" (Proverbs 16:5).

Lord, this Christmas, give me the same attitude that was in Christ Jesus when He emptied Himself to be born a man and die for my sins. Teach me again how to be a servant and care more about others than myself. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Get Your Devotionals for Next Year!

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 01:00:00 +0000

Begin your homeschool year in God's Word with devotional books and DVDs from Alpha Omega Publications! Best of all, if you order by 12/26/12, you'll save 10% on each devotional item and get free shipping on orders over $35. Simply use code NTDEVOTE when you order online or call 800-622-3070.

Daily Focus Homeschool Devotional Book
Be inspired with devotionals written specifically for homeschool parents! Discover hope for each day as you read real-life homeschooling experiences that relate to God's Word. Available in a soft-cover book or an eBook on Amazon Kindle, the Daily Focus has 365 devotions that include Bible verses (KJV) and Internet links to share your thoughts online with other homeschoolers.

The One Year Devos for Animal Lovers
Make devotions more fun for your family as you discover cool things animals show us about our Creator. Written by best-selling author Dandi Daley Mackall, this soft-bound book features 365 devotionals filled with fascinating fun facts about various animals that are tied in with a Christian message to help children ages 8-12 connect with God.

Watch & Talk DVDs
Hosted by GRAMMY Award-winning Christian musician Rebecca St. James, Watch & Talk is an exciting series with devotions that are fun, open-ended, and Bible-based. Each DVD comes with a study guide and includes five short parables for growing your family's faith. Each short film has a specific theme intended to drive change in viewers' lives.

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The Christmas Bean

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000

I'm not sure how the tradition got started. I think my daughter first started the idea since she was the best cake baker in our homeschool family. Every Christmas we baked a small cake for a birthday party in Sunday school for Jesus. Using only half the dough, my daughter decided to use the other half for individual cupcakes for our family. She thought decorating these cupcakes for each person at our Christmas Eve dinner would be fun, and then she had an inspiration. Why not hide an uncooked kidney bean in one of the cupcakes? The person who found the bean baked in his cupcake would be the first to open his gifts at Christmas.

Even today my daughter continues this Christmas tradition. In fact, our family's Christmas wouldn't be complete without it. That's how traditions get started, isn't it? Most times, traditions make our lives more meaningful. They give us a sense of security and a sense of roots and familiarity.

Unfortunately, traditions can sometimes sap the very life from us. When we allow the traditions and rituals in our worship to replace a vibrant relationship with Christ, we quench the Holy Spirit. Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for this sin when He said, "But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men" (Matthew 15:9). God desires a circumcised heart that is tender and humble in worship. Paul warned the Colossians of the same problem: "Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ" (Colossians 2:8).

Any tradition can replace true love and heartfelt responses, but we must be especially careful not to approach our holy God only with token rituals begun by man. Christ's response to the woman at the well says how we should worship best: "But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth" (John 4:23-24).

Lord, forgive me when I think I've worshiped You simply by going to church or offering up a prayer. Help me remember that in the family of God, You desire a heartfelt love in my worship. I offer my love to You anew. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Arise, O Sleeper

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000

"Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light" (Ephesians 5:14).

Waking up my children in the wintertime usually brought an unwelcomed start to our homeschooling day. Most mornings my children were dead to the world because it was still dark outside. They responded like bears in hibernation — in lethargic slow motion. I felt like the evil stepmother in Cinderella as I forced them out of their beds to do their list of morning chores before breakfast. I was always glad for the change of seasons and embraced the longer and happier days of summer sunshine.

Waking up those who don't know the Lord can be a difficult task as well. Because they are dead in Christ, they can only be convicted of their sin by the power of the Holy Spirit. Our job as Christians is to shine the warmth of God's love on their lives and enjoy the privilege of telling them what Christ has done for us. However, according to Jude 22-23, we may face resistance: "And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh." Sometimes the Holy Spirit may use us to kick, pull, or drag people out of their beds of sinful stupor.

God is a loving Father, and He desires that none perish (2 Peter 3:9). As we listen to the Holy Spirit's leading, we must be careful to do exactly as He leads to help others know the forgiveness of sins. Has the Lord laid someone on your heart who needs awakening from his sinful state? Don't be surprised if he initially rejects the joyful Good News of Christ's salvation. Some people are as crabby as an old bear, but God wants to change their hearts, too. Don't give up! Keep shining the warmth of God's love and seek His guidance. He will show you how to win over their hearts.

Lord, use me this Christmas season to show Your love to my stubborn neighbor. Let Your love shine through me and warm the coldness of his hard heart. Show me what to do and give me the words to say that will challenge him to hear Your voice and change his ways. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Dream Stealer

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 00:59:00 +0000

"No," I said again to my daughter for the hundredth time. "We don't have the money to buy a horse." As I heard myself saying the words, I felt like I was bursting her bubble, although I knew what I was saying was true. Any homeschooling family living on one income knows the careful planning and budgeting that has to be implemented just to pay for day-to-day living expenses.

A heart without dreams is like a house without windows, and I was beginning to realize the truth of that saying every time I told my daughter she couldn't have a horse. Then, an important question came to my mind. "Was I limiting and superseding what God may want?" Instead of automatically saying "no" to my daughter, I decided to go with her to God in prayer. We placed her dream of a horse into His hands and waited for God's answer.

Two months later, I received an unusual phone call from a lady in our town. She wanted to know if she could have permission to give her grown daughter's old 4-H horse to my daughter as a Christmas present. I couldn't believe what she was saying and was humbled by God and her offer. Needless to say, that Christmas was one my daughter never forgot. Not only did she receive a new horse, but this same lady also bought my daughter a new bridle, breast collar, halter, and matching saddle pad!

I don't know who learned the greater lesson that Christmas, my daughter or me. She had tenaciously hung onto her dream, and I had learned that God is much bigger than my faith or pocketbook. What about you? Are you automatically saying "no" to your children, or are you leading them to the Lord and saying, "Let's pray"? "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory" (Ephesians 3:20-21a).

Father, what a great and mighty God You are! Forgive me for failing to lead my children to You, the Creator and giver of every good and perfect gift. This Christmas, open our eyes to see Your love and give thanks again for the gift of Your Son, Jesus. In His name we pray, Amen.

Repeat Lessons

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000

"Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever" (Hebrews 13:8).

Young children love consistency in homeschooling lessons. Playing the same game or reading the same book repeatedly gives them a sense of accomplishment. Repetition helps them master letters, words, and mathematical operations and provides a strong foundation for their future learning. Because these foundational lessons are so important, we can be thankful young children are willing to learn through repetition.

God, too, repeatedly teaches us the same lessons in life. Just when we think we've mastered a spiritual truth, such as obedience and submission, Satan comes and tricks us. We forget what we have learned from God's Word, and we fall into sin. Because God never changes, He lovingly takes us back to the beginning and shows us again how to live for Him.

Are you finding yourself relearning an old truth you thought you'd never forget? Don't let prideful thinking cause you to ignore this repeated lesson. Humbly acknowledge again that you need His love and wisdom to win over sin's temptation. "Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall" (1 Corinthians 10:12).

Father, sometimes I seem to continue to battle the same sins over and over again. Thank You for Your forgiving love. Please, help me remain faithful in what You have taught, so I might glorify You today. In Your Son's name, Amen.

Feeble Excuses

Sun, 16 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000

I was listening to my daughter as she gave me the feeble excuse, "But Mom, the rest of the homeschool group is going!" I already knew my answer was going to be "no" to this unchaperoned activity of co-ed young teens, but her words caused me to think about the need we all feel to be like everyone else. I remembered using the same poor excuse with my parents and hearing the same "would you jump off a cliff if everyone else did it, too" lecture. Why do we have such a need to be like others?

God had been leading His people ever since He brought them out of Egypt. Why did they think they needed a king now? Moses, the judges, and the prophets had protected, exhorted, and provided directly for His people, but now the people wanted Samuel to find a king to rule over them, so they could be like the other nations around them (1 Samuel 8:21-22). Samuel tried to warn them what having a king would do to their lives, but they wouldn't listen. God's response in 1 Samuel 8:7b is probably the answer to all the generations of young people who have ever used the "but everyone else is doing it" excuse: "For they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them."

What excuse are you telling God to justify your sinful actions? Do you find yourself participating in activities and making purchases so "you can be like everyone else"? If you are His child, He has a different plan for your life than to go with the flow. He wants to set you apart to be holy unto Himself. "As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy" (1 Peter 1:14-16).

Jesus, I stand convicted of my sinful selfishness. I yield my life to Your correction and ask You to cleanse me of those things that do not glorify You. My body is Your temple, and I give You all that I am today. In Your precious name, Amen.

Dying to Self

Sat, 15 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000

"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me" (Galatians 2:20).

Homeschooling is not what you thought. Those images of perfectly happy children soaking in your words of wisdom have evaporated. You feel like you have bitten off more than you can chew. You are reevaluating. Homeschooling involves sacrificing more of your precious day than you intended. "What about time for me?" you ask.

God commands us to sacrifice all that we are to Him. Romans 12:1 says, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." Living to please yourself should no longer have a place in your life. God wants you to move beyond the immediate to the eternal and trust Him to lead you by faith. Your flesh will continue to cry out, "What about me?", but as you nail those desires to the cross, you will experience a new dimension to your homeschooling and your personal walk with God. His plan for you is much bigger than a new outfit, a new house, a trip, or whatever you think makes you feel content. Let Him teach you how to homeschool and bring those things into your life that will make you truly happy.

Lord, forgive me for thinking that this world is all about me. Show me how to say "no" to those things of the flesh that cause me to want my own way and give up homeschooling. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Dedicated Dads

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000

"And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord" (Ephesians 6:4).

If you're a homeschool mom, you've probably experienced the feeling of being unappreciated by the world, right? Imagine then, what your husband must feel like as he quietly contributes to your family's homeschooling day. Even though you get some credit for doing the majority of teaching, he usually receives no recognition at all. He remains unnoticed by both friends and family (sometimes his own). Perhaps it is time to consider some of the ways he faithfully supports your children's educational success, such as the following:

Providing the working capital to keep your school from going in the red. Because of his hard-earned income, you are able to buy curriculum and go on field trips.
Being the substitute teacher who gives you a breather. Without the extra support of reading stories, practicing spelling words, or teaching a particular subject area, you would certainly burn out as a 24/7 mom and teacher.
Serving as principal of the school. Knowing that Dad is waiting to talk to them will provide that added discipline needed to curtail even the most disruptive or disrespectful child.
Supplying an endless array of shop classes that will benefit your child later in life. Lessons in carpentry, mechanics, or plumbing will save your child the expense of having to pay for these services when he is an adult.
Being the spiritual leader who guides your children into the most important truths they will ever learn — God loves them and sent His Son, Jesus, to be their Savior.

This Christmas, have your children show appreciation to their father. Why not give him the praise that's due and thank him for all his sacrificial acts of service and love with a thoughtful card or gift? Make this Scripture true in his life: "As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them" (Psalm 127:4-5a).

Lord, forgive me for taking my husband for granted and not acknowledging his homeschooling efforts as I should. Thank You for the countless hours of love and support he provides every day. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Year-end Electives Sale!

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 01:00:00 +0000

Offering one-semester and full-year electives, Alpha Omega Publications has the perfect courses to give your child a well-rounded education in the new year. Plus, when you order by 12/19/12 with code NTELECTIVE, you’ll save 10% and get free shipping* on orders over $35. Call 800-622-3070 or shop online today.

Monarch™
Create more depth and variety in your child's studies with over 35 Monarch electives, including Civics, Trigonometry, Elementary Spanish and French, Speech, and Business Computer Information Systems. Compatible with Windows® or Macintosh® operating systems, Monarch's online lessons let learning soar with animations, audio and video clips, learning games, web-related links, and more.

Switched-On Schoolhouse®
Enhance your homeschool studies with over 35 Switched-On Schoolhouse electives, including The Civil War, Personal Financial Literacy, British Literature, Health, and College Planning. Using today's technology, these CD-ROM courses contain a variety of eye-catching multimedia and hands-on learning activities that keep students excited to learn.

LIFEPAC®
The perfect complement to any Christian curriculum, LIFEPAC electives offer a balanced homeschool education. Over 15 mastery-based courses promote critical thinking skills in independent learners with structured, concept-building lessons in subjects ranging from math, art, and world languages to literature, business, and home living.

Horizons
Boost your child's understanding of health and physical education with Horizons electives. Horizons Physical Education is divided into four teacher's guides for grades PreK-12 and teaches exercise techniques and lifelong healthy habits from a Christian perspective. Horizons Health builds a firm foundation in wellness and fitness for students in grades K-8.

*Applies to standard ground shipping within the continental United States on orders over $35.

Time for Recess

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000

"Better is an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit" (Ecclesiastes 4:6).

Somewhere during my teaching career as a homeschooling parent, I came up with the "brilliant" idea of cramming all our schoolwork into half days. By eliminating our mid-morning playtime, we could school for four to five hours straight and finish the day early. My reasoning for this decision was to provide more free time and field trips for my children, but later, I was forced to admit that my idea was really meant to make life more convenient for me. Every time we attempted this cramped schedule, my children became stressed. Praise God, they were smarter than me on this issue and said the trade off was simply not worth the strain. Time for recess was just as important as school time.

God made us, and He knows that the human body is frail (Psalm 103:14). I think He also knew that mankind would overextend itself, so He gave us the commandment for a Sabbath day to worship Him and rest from our labors (Exodus 20:8-11). This rest not only focuses our attention on our Creator God, but it also replenishes our body physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Like everyone else, homeschooling families are tempted to rob time from play and relaxation to keep up with the world's hurried pace.

Is your homeschooling schedule allowing time for breaks? Even homeschooling parents need time to walk away from the work for a few minutes. Don't just send your children outside to play — go with them! Let the Lord refresh you and take away the pressures of your homeschooling day. God is in control, and He will help you accomplish all that needs to be done. "There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his" (Hebrews 4:9-10).

Lord, show me again how to discipline myself with the right amounts of work and relaxation. Forgive me for making my day bigger than You've planned. Help me to pray and seek Your will each morning. In Jesus' name, Amen.

The Thorn

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: . . . and a time to heal" (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 3b).

The pain in my daughter's palm was first apparent while practicing her piano lesson for school one day. A small discoloration and swelling was visible, but they seemed insignificant against the healthy flesh. As time went on, however, I observed the difficulty my daughter had while holding her pencil during schoolwork. I applied my own home remedies to help with the discomfort, but they brought little change. Eventually, a cyst was diagnosed by a specialist, and surgery was scheduled to remove it.

The night before her surgery, my daughter and I got home late after spending the evening roller skating with a group of homeschooling families. As I came to say goodnight, I looked at her hand one last time, since she had fallen and bumped her hand while skating. Amazingly, a crack had appeared in the swelling. Gently pulling the skin apart, I could just see the tip of something. Grabbing my tweezers and a flashlight, I proceeded to do "surgery." I stared in amazement as the cyst turned out to be an inch-long cactus thorn.

The incorrect diagnosis of my daughter's pain made me realize that we also misdiagnose the emotional problems in people's lives. Many times we fail to address the deeper issues of why a person is acting a certain way and simply respond to their outward displays of unloving behavior. Perhaps if we saw their problem through the eyes of the Great Physician, we would know how to help their healing process. Christ's actions illustrate this best when He didn't debate or argue with the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4:7-26. Instead, He saw into her heart and addressed the pain of her failed relationships with men and the need she had to be forgiven and loved.

Is there a prickly person God has placed in your life? You know, one of those people who can't be pleased no matter what you do. The behavior he is displaying could be the result of many hidden, painful experiences. Instead of reacting negatively or avoiding him, respond in love. If you ask the Lord for wisdom to see into his true problems, He will show you the loving surgery that may help heal his pain.

Father, please help me love the unlovely people You've put into my life. Give me understanding to see the real thorn that is causing their pain and the desire to reach out with Your love. In Jesus' name, Amen.

The Cottonwood

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000

"For I am the LORD, I change not" (Malachi 3:6a).

The enormous cottonwood tree had stood for years outside the upstairs bedroom window of our farmhouse. As a young girl, I grew up playing in its branches and hiding behind its trunk during games of hide and seek. Its shade covered and cooled our house in the summer, and its branches protected us from the fierce north winds of winter. Now, as an adult, I looked out the same window and watched as my young daughters played the same childhood games during recess from homeschooling. A third generation had come to this farm home, and somehow the cottonwood had remained the same — strong, protective, and majestic.

Very few things remain the same during one's lifetime. Perhaps that is why we feel insecure and uncertain many times. As Christians, however, we can find comfort in knowing, "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever" (Hebrews 13:8). No matter what difficulties we face or what changes may come, God's constant and faithful love will never be different than it is today. We can always depend on the promises of His Word and the power of the Holy Spirit to guide and direct our lives.

What things in life are you counting on to always be around — a loved one, your money, your health, your children, a home? My old farmhouse is now torn down, my children are grown and have moved away, and the cottonwood is no more. The most important homeschool lesson has taken 25 years for me to learn — the only thing that will ever remain the same is the Lord. "Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands. They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed: But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end" (Psalm 102:25-27).

Father God, I stand before You with thanksgiving and awe for being such a great and mighty God. Thank You for being the one thing in life on which I can always depend. I give You my worship and praise today. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Homeschool Hazard Signs

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Like the road signs that warn us of impending danger, there are also warning signs for parents on the road of homeschooling. We can either take heed to the dangers that they clearly indicate lay ahead, or we can choose to disobey these common hazard signs and end up in a homeschooling wreck.

When you see the "Slippery When Wet" sign of tears in your discouraged child's face, chances are you're leaving out the loving encouragement needed when teaching academics. Pay attention to the "High Wind Warning" sign and give your child the godly correction and discipline he needs when you hear the floors pounding and the windows rattling from his rebellion. Don't ignore your child exceeding the posted "Speed Limit" sign. When you see him hurrying through schoolwork or skipping devotions to run to another extracurricular activity, you will need to take your child to parental court to reevaluate what's important in his life. Rest assured, disregarding these hazards and setting your homeschool on cruise will cause an accident.

God tells us to watch for warning signs in our spiritual lives, too. When we start to see the evidences of "adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like" (Galatians 5:19b-21a), we are headed down the dangerous road of living life in the flesh. Before you are pulled over by the Holy Spirit, take the next exit and pray. Turn your heart back to the Lord and heed His warnings to keep your life headed in the right direction.

Lord, help me recognize the danger signs of evil in my life and turn back to You. Teach me to stay close to You and Your Word, so I stay on the path that leads to righteousness. In Jesus' name, Amen.

How Much Wood?

Sun, 09 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Living and homeschooling on one income forced our family to heat our old farmhouse with wood for the winter months. Although our money was limited, the endless supply of wood available in our grove and the groves of neighbors was not. One math lesson my children wished they could have skipped learning was the dimension of a true cord of wood — 4' x 4' x 8'.

Since we needed seven or eight cords of wood each winter, we had to begin our work during the summer months. Working together as family included big hands, medium hands, and even little hands to put up our needed supply. However, one year, our wood cutting plans were changed by an unexpected course of events. My husband, who was the first link in our wood cutting regime, was hurt when cutting down a tree. As the tree fell, it twisted and hit him in the head, knocking him unconscious and leaving a huge gash in his forehead. My children and I were able to get him to the doctor, but we now faced the chore of cutting wood alone.

I normally cry when I am faced with overwhelming responsibility, but there was no time for tears. That fall, I forced myself to learn how to operate the chainsaw as proficiently as my husband. My children stepped up and took on my usual tasks, and somehow we completed all the work. We finished and stacked the last piece of wood just before the first snow.

Have you ever wanted to cry when facing the enormous challenge of homeschooling? Teaching our children, maintaining a home, and fulfilling the duties of a wife can bring you to tears. The responsibilities are just too much! Where will the strength come from to knock down each day's work? God is the One who will pick you up and give you the skills you need to teach your children. Even when you face topics or concepts you don't know, He will lead you to the right person to help. God has a burning passion for His children, and He won't leave you out in the cold. "And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed" (Romans 5: 3-5a).

Lord, thank You for being bigger than any giant I may face in homeschooling. Teach me how to be the best possible teacher for my children. I love You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Daisy

Sat, 08 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000

What picture comes to your mind when you hear about a cow named Daisy? Do you see a soft-eyed jersey with a sweet, calm nature? That's what my son and I were hoping for when we adopted a baby twin calf from our neighbor one spring for a homeschooling project. Although she was not a jersey, she did have the sweetest face with big eyelashes that looked like the petals on a daisy. Thus she was named, and a new adventure in raising a baby calf began for my son.

My misconception of the nurturing abilities of small boys was blown away as my son faithfully cared for his new little friend. Dutifully, he mixed bottles of calf milk replacer for her to drink. Outings with friends were postponed to keep Daisy on a regular feeding schedule, and school assignments were done in the barn, so she wouldn't feel alone. Like a mother hen with her chicks, my son proved to be the ideal parent of this little life.

However, Daisy didn't stay little. With all her expert care, she began to grow stronger. At 300 pounds, I knew Daisy needed to be taught how to lead, so we could take her out to the pasture to eat grass. Accomplishing this task proved to be successful at first, but then at 500 pounds, Daisy started to push her weight around. Many times I watched my frustrated young son dragging and being half drug by Daisy as he took her from the barn to the pasture. When Daisy's weight reached 900 pounds, we had a real problem. Daily, she would jump the pasture fences to be near our house. No matter if flowers or gardens were in her way, Daisy went wherever she wanted. The time had come to sell Daisy, so she could discover her own nurturing abilities. However, one problem stood in the way — the love of my young son for this once little, but now huge cow. How do you sell your "child" and watch her leave?

Sending your children off into the world isn't easy for homeschoolers either. As we teach our children, we forget that someday they will need to leave our home. Keeping the right perspective and preparing yourself and your child for that day takes a determined effort. God's example of cutting the strings best demonstrates how we can face that day when our children need to leave. He sacrificed His only begotton Son when Christ came to this sinful Earth (John 3:16), so we could receive forgiveness. Praise Him "that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all" (Romans 8:32a).

Father, thank You for the blessing of homeschooling my children. Help me to remember they belong to You, and someday, they will serve You on their own. Give me wisdom to know when that time has come. In Jesus' name, Amen.

No More

Fri, 07 Dec 2012 00:59:00 +0000

When we first started homeschooling, I was so excited to give my children every learning opportunity available. My schedule included lofty ideas of weekly field trips and my children's involvement in any sport, music, or church activity they desired. After all, we wanted to make sure no one accused us of isolating our children. However, after homeschooling three to four months, I realized my sanity was at stake if I continued to run my four children out the door to each of their daily activities. The half-completed projects and academic assignments that were left behind added additional proof that we had a problem. That's when I decided: no more.

New changes were made at our house, and we began to reevaluate what was important to our children's education. We simply did not have enough time to participate in everything that was available. Even worthwhile activities within our church and homeschool group had to be analyzed and required prayer. "Simplify" became my theme, and I rediscovered the joy of homeschooling our children again.

Moses was a great leader in the Bible, but even he had to learn how to simplify his life. After leading God's people out of Egypt, Moses had the awesome responsibility of making this mass of people get along with each other. Imagine dealing with the issues created by millions of people living together in the wilderness. Moses was burning out fast, trying to keep ahead of all the demands. Fortunately, Jethro, his father-in-law, noticed what was happening and gave him some practical ideas to get his life back (Exodus 18:17-27).

What about your family? Are you running from activity to activity and missing the whole point of homeschooling — you know, the schooling you're supposed to be doing at home? Life already has enough demands on us to hurry and miss the joy of loving relationships. Don't let the world pull you off the track God has given you in homeschooling. Guard your time together and pray before you say "yes" to one more thing. Remember, we're not isolating. We're equipping our children to grow in their walk with Christ, and that simply takes time. "See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is" (Ephesians 5:15-17).

Lord, our family is on overload, and we need Your help. Programs and activities have replaced people and relationships, and we need Your discernment to rediscover why we are homeschooling. Bring us back to our first loves — You and each other. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Why Jesus Is Better Than Santa Claus

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 01:00:00 +0000

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved" (John 3:16-17).

With the busyness of the holiday rush and the constant bombardment of commercialism at this time of the year, it becomes easy to lose focus on what is truly important. Put things in proper perspective with this lighthearted look at the real reason for the season.

Why Jesus Is Better Than Santa Claus - Author Unknown

Add your own creative comparison in the comment field below.

Bust Your Student's Boredom

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 00:59:00 +0000

"I'm bored," announced my friend's four-year-old, Kennedy, last week.

From the doorway of her daughter's bedroom, Stephanie took inventory. Activity desk. Play kitchen. Shelves packed with picture books and preschool materials. A fully populated and furnished dollhouse. Cash the Daschund, wagging his tail on the daybed.

Stephanie scratched behind the dog's ears while she waffled with how to address Kennedy's frustration.

Reasons for boredom are as varied as our children's personalities. If claiming boredom gets our attention, some kids may take the position to see us scramble. In Kennedy's case, she simply hasn't learned how to entertain herself yet.

A certain amount of boredom is not only inevitable, but perfectly normal, said Teresa Belton, a researcher for the School of Education and Lifelong Learning at the University of East Anglia in the United Kingdom.

"[Boredom] is a common human experience, and in reasonable doses, and with a constructive response, it can help a child to develop self-reliance, creativity, imagination, thoughtfulness, and observational skills," Belton said in a research article titled "Boredom and schooling: a cross-disciplinary exploration," which was published in the Cambridge Journal of Education.

While Stephanie waffled with how to address her four-year-old's frustration, Kennedy grew bored with being bored and, just as Belton theorized, the idle child's imagination kicked in. An impromptu puppet show appealed to Kennedy's fondness for telling silly stories, and the plot took half a dozen directions by the time Dad arrived home to watch a girl with yellow yarn hair ride a moose named Cash to a grocery store on the moon for pizza.

While some children become bored with no clear agenda, others are restless because they're not challenged intellectually. If you're homeschooling a student who seems bored with lessons, consider taking the interest-led approach, or self-directed learning. Homeschooling has the freedom for students to work ahead or delve deeper into whatever fascinates them, be it the history of baseball, the human anatomy, or British lit. As long as you're content that your student is still getting enough core material, let him loose to learn what he or she loves.

Still others may be bored because school isn't challenging. Rather than getting frustrated over your child's lack of motivation, take a moment to re-evaluate your homeschool curriculum. You may need to switch gears and change to more hands-on lessons or a different homeschooling approach that better meets your child's learning style.

If you suspect some courses may be a grade level or two below what can be handled, get a gauge by watching your student work through lessons, quizzes, and tests in each subject and review his or her grade reports. If you see patterns of consistently high scores, your student's boredom may be because he or she should be taking more advanced courses. Asking questions like, "Do spelling and English feel a little too easy to you?" can help you determine whether or not you need to look into a change. In addition, AOP's free placement tests can accurately measure your child's true grade level.

In order to combat boredom, children of all ages need to look for ways in which to challenge themselves beyond the lesson plan or playground. Whichever strategy you choose to bust their boredom, remember to mix it up and work in a few surprises along the way. Lastly, don't dodge an opportunity to improve your teaching. As Ignacio Estrada suggested, "If a child can't learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn."

What methods do you use to keep your student engaged?

Christmas around the World

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 00:58:00 +0000

While no two countries celebrate Christmas with identical customs, people throughout the world observe Christmas as the birth of Jesus Christ and a joyous time for caroling, feasting, and gift-giving. Here are a few examples of how believers in other parts of the world observe Christmas.

Christmas in France
The celebration of Christmas in France varies by region. Most provinces celebrate on December 24-25 with family gatherings and giving gifts and candy to children and the poor. On Christmas Eve, the French attend a Midnight Mass followed by le Réveillon, a grand feast and a symbolic awakening to the meaning of Christ's birth. A prominent feature at Le Réveillon is a Christmas cake in the shape of a Yule log, buche de Noel.

Sapin de Noël, a tree filled with apples, paper flowers, and ribbons, adorns many French homes, streets, shops, offices, and factories at Christmastime. However, the central attraction in most homes is the crèche, a nativity scene with small clay figures called santons ("little saints"). Living crèches in the form of plays and puppet shows based on the nativity are commonly performed to teach the importance of Christianity and the true meaning of Christmas.

French children place shoes in front of the fireplace on Christmas Eve in the hopes that Père Noël will fill them with gifts. Kids believe that Père Noel travels with his stern companion, Père Fouettard, who tells Père Noël about the behavior of each child in the past year. In some parts of France, Père Noël brings gifts for children on St. Nicholas Eve (December 6) and again on Christmas. In other parts of France, le petit Jesus brings the gifts. Adults usually wait until New Year's Day to exchange gifts. "Merry Christmas" is said, "Joyeux Noel."

Christmas in Russia
Because Russia's church still uses the Julian calendar, Russia celebrates Christmas 13 days behind America. Most Christian Russians belong to the Eastern Orthodox Church and are accustomed to fasting until after the first church service on Christmas Eve. For centuries, Russia observed the feast of St. Nicholas on December 6. The Communist revolution suppressed the celebration until the fall of Communism when it was again revived.

The Russian people adore St. Nicholas. The legend surrounding St. Nick is that in the eleventh century, Prince Vladimir traveled to Constantinople to be baptized and returned with stories of miracles performed by St. Nicholas of Myra. \

Christmas Eve dinner is vegetarian and typically includes kutya, a porridge made of wheat berries or other grains, which symbolize hope and immortality, and honey and poppy seeds, which symbolize happiness, success, and rest. Russians often hold a home blessing ceremony, eating kutya from a common dish to symbolize unity. At one time, some even threw a spoonful of kutya on their ceilings. According to tradition, if the kutya stuck, there would be a plentiful honey harvest.

For many Russians, a return to religion represents a return to their old roots and culture. After Christmas Eve worship services, people parade around the church with candles, torches, and homemade lanterns, just as their grandparents and great-grandparents did.

Christmas in Africa
Christmas day begins with groups of carolers walking through their villages and along the roadways, spreading song. Many take a love offering in honor of Jesus to the Christmas morning worship service and lay their gifts on a raised platform one at a time.

Africans enjoy a summer holiday filled with many varieties of cultivated and wild flowers. South African homes are decorated with pine branches and a fir tree surrounded by presents for the children. On Christmas Eve, children hang up their stockings for presents from Father Christmas. Liberians decorate oil palm trees and exchange gifts like cotton, cloth, soap, sweets, pencils, and books before attending a church service to reenact the nativity and sing hymns and carols. Liberians observe Boxing Day, December 26, as a national holiday.

Africa's traditional Christmas meal consists of turkey, roast beef, mince pies, or suckling pig, as well as yellow rice with raisins, vegetables, plum pudding, crackers. People dine in paper hats and spend the day outdoors, playing games and watching fireworks.

Christmas in India
India celebrates Christmas with pomp, gaiety, and devotion. Festivities begin on Christmas Eve and continue until New Year's Day. Christians mark the birth of Jesus with church services, Christmas cake, decorated trees, family reunions, gifts, and new clothes. In several parts of India, especially metropolitan cities like Delhi and Mumbai, people of all religions celebrate Christmas.

Customs vary due to each region's culture. In south India, Christians light clay lamps on the rooftops and walls of their houses. In northwest India, tribal Christians sing their equivalent of carols throughout the night for one week straight. Several states decorate banana or mango trees instead of traditional pine trees, and the large population of Roman Catholics in Mumbai traditionally stage nativity scenes and decorate their homes with big stars. "Merry Christmas" is said, "Shub Christu Jayanti."

Christmas in Sweden
Swedes celebrate Jul on Christmas Eve with a special meal of ham, herring fish, and brown beans. A popular tradition in Sweden is the Julklap or "Christmas knocking." On Christmas Eve, families go throughout their houses, knocking on doors and shoving presents into rooms. Each family member must then find his or her present.

Christmas in Australia
Whereas the northern hemisphere is in early winter, Australia is enjoying temperatures up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit by Christmas day. However, the warm weather allows Australians to enjoy a tradition which began in 1937, Carols by Candlelight, when tens of thousands of people gather in Melbourne on Christmas Eve to sing. Visits with Santa Claus often take place on beaches, with Santa arriving on a surfboard or lifeboat.

Some Australians and many tourists have Christmas dinner at a local beach. A traditional meal includes a turkey dinner with ham, pork, mince pie, and a flaming Christmas plum pudding. In the Australian gold rushes, Christmas puddings often contained a gold nugget. Today, a small favor is baked inside that symbolizes good tidings for whoever finds it. Another custom is decorating with Christmas Bush, a native plant which has little red flowered leaves.

Christmas in Chile
Chile's Christmas is a religious celebration centering on Jesus. Activities include attending daily church services and midnight mass, singing carols, and reading Bible passages related to the nativity. Chileans decorate their homes with lights, nativity scenes, and Christmas trees, on which they place pesebre, tiny clay figures representing the Holy Family and other religious characters. Some spend Christmas day enjoying sports and nature at a beach, rock-climbing, or surfing. That evening, families share a holiday dinner, unwrap gifts, and celebrate late into the night. "Merry Christmas" is said, "Feliz Navidad."

Do you incorporate Christmas customs from other parts of the world into your homeschool?

DIY Advent Calendar

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 00:57:00 +0000

Make this Christmas about family with a handmade, activity-themed advent calendar.

First, trace and cut a large Christmas tree out of solid green fabric. Next, make 25 pockets by sewing, hot gluing, or stapling 25 squares of fun Christmas fabric to the tree. Leave the tops of the squares open for your advent cards and print or paint numbers one through 25 under each pocket, starting at the top with number one.

Then, collect 25 pieces of cardstock, construction paper, or index cards. Make the cards shorter and narrower than your pockets so they slide out easily. Next, write one family activity on each card and place it in a pocket on your tree. Hang the tree and have a family member draw the card from the corresponding pocket each day of December.

Mix the family activities with planned events and unexpected treats. Your children will love the daily surprise, and you'll love having a schedule.

Advent card ideas:

Source: Pinterest

Share your family's own advent activities in the comment field below!

Lose the Stress This Christmas

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 00:56:00 +0000

Staging the perfect Christmas is an annual attempt that can leave even the most energetic homeschooling parent exhausted and stressed. Decorating your home, coordinating family and church activities, and tracking down the perfect present for everyone on your gift radar all take time away from teaching, spending time with your family, and completing a list of endless errands. So, no matter how much Christmas cheer you radiate, here are a few tips to reduce your holiday angst and help you successfully cross everything off your to-do list.

Study the Season. As any teacher knows, holding a child's attention once the pumpkin pie leaves the table and the carols hit the air waves can be a challenge. Fortunately, if you've reached your teaching target for the month, you can take a slight detour in December without sacrificing academics. For example, consider setting aside your student's standard subjects after Thanksgiving and creating a Christmas-themed unit. Fill your homeschool calendar with symphony concerts, plays, and craft workshops and complement them with seasonal reading selections, such as the story of Christ's birth (Matthew 1 and Luke 2:1-20), and classics like A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens and O. Henry's "The Gift of the Magi." You can also teach history and geography by exploring how Christmas is celebrated around the world. Your child will love the change in pace, and you'll relax knowing you're not rushing through critical concepts.

Set Limits. Abandon your ambitious plan to synchronize the blinking lights on your house to the tune of "Feliz Navidad" and pinpoint your holiday priorities. If an activity can double as a learning experience for your child, such as crafting handmade Christmas cards or reading aloud to terminal patients in a children's hospital, hand over the markers and bookmarks. Be flexible in following your homeschool calendar and don't be afraid to delegate duties, especially if your family is eager to help.

Shop Wisely. Many homeschooling families get by on just one income, which can be especially stressful at Christmastime. One way to avoid the money pit of overspending is to take a step back from the gift barrage this year. Set a budget and only spend cash on hand or in your bank account. If you're worried about the power of plastic, stash credit cards in a safe spot until after the holidays. You can also spend less and relieve stress by shopping online, where the only crowd you'll have to contend with is web traffic.

Give Back. Too often people channel their holiday enthusiasm into what they want under the Christmas tree, rather than helping those who are far less fortunate. Try alleviating holiday stress with the joy you get from giving to others. Missions, shelters, food pantries, and soup kitchens are excellent places to volunteer. You can also participate in groups that represent the homeless, orphans, the elderly, single moms, veterans, or prisoners. In addition, Operation Christmas Child, Angel Tree, Toys for Tots, and World Vision's Gift Catalog are a few charities worth exploring.

What makes you stress over the holidays?

Down, but Not Out

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000

You know your homeschooling day hasn't gone well when your husband comes home from work and finds you crying. Some days being a Christian and a homeschooling mom puts you into situations that tear you down and bring you to tears. The rejection by others overwhelms, frightens, angers, and discourages you. The world does all it can do to convince you that you are a fool for following Christ and His call to educate your children.

Opposition to following God's plans is nothing new. In the Bible, Nehemiah faced ridicule for carrying out God's plan to rebuild the broken wall around the city of Jerusalem. Led by the Lord to return to Jerusalem after years of exile, Nehemiah faced a huge task and the negative harassment from enemies like Sanballat and Tobiah (Nehemiah 4). The secret of Nehemiah's success in rallying the workers and overcoming his enemies' discouragement is said in verse 16a: "And it came to pass from that time forth, that the half of my servants wrought in the work, and the other half of them held both the spears, the shields, and the bows, and the habergeons." Praying to the Lord and setting their mind to work, Nehemiah grouped the people together to build the portion of the wall nearest their homes. With half of the people standing guard and half of the people building the wall, the work was soon finished in the face of those who opposed them.

As homeschoolers, we need to set our minds to the work of educating our children. Divide the task of homeschooling your children. Enlist the prayer support of your spouse, homeschooling friends, and others who will guard your back with the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17) against Satan's fiery darts of discouragement. God's strength is available to succeed, but you must set your mind to work and pray.

Father, the task of homeschooling seems huge, and the discouragement I am facing today seems even larger. Help me set my mind toward the work of homeschooling our children today and send prayer warriors who are willing to defend me. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

My Life's a...

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000

I tried to listen to the deeper message my high school daughter was communicating as she went on about all the terrible things in her life. Her list continued to lengthen until she stopped mid-sentence and said, "My life's just a pain." Most of her issues involved trusting God for future provisions and the challenge of waiting on Him for these unknowns. I could see her faith being stretched, but I was bothered by her ungrateful response to what God had already given her. Couldn't she see all the blessings around her? Didn't she know and appreciate how much we had sacrificed to give her the best education at home?

Just as I started to have a pity party, God stopped me and spoke to my heart. "Dear one," He said. "Don't you know that you complain to me every day? I gave you everything I had when I sacrificed my life on the cross to save you, yet you grumble about this and that and forget the price I paid to call you my child." Wow, God doesn't pull any punches. He was absolutely right! Many times throughout our homeschool years, my actions and words had failed to communicate a loving trust in His provision. Perhaps my own daughter's struggle was simply reflecting my own failings in trusting God. I was doubly convicted of my ungrateful heart.

Together, my daughter and I turned to God's Word. We let the anxious thoughts go as we laid our problems before the Lord. Instead of whining and complaining, we brought our petitions before God with thanksgiving for what He had already given us (Philippians 4:6). God had already blessed us with so much, and He opened our eyes to trust Him for the unknowns that laid ahead.

Are you struggling with the future? Do you feel like you'll never reach any of your dreams? Turn around and look at every blessing He has given you in the past, and you'll be amazed! God has done so much. Can't He do even more? Trust Him to meet your needs today. "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee" (Isaiah 26:3).

Father, forgive me for doubting Your loving care for me. I know You have everything under control and will reveal Your will to me at the proper time. Help me defeat the discouraging doubts when they come and cling to You for all I need. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Save on All Online and CD-ROM Courses!

Tue, 04 Dec 2012 01:00:00 +0000

Go digital next semester with electronic courses from Alpha Omega Publications! Available for grades 3-12, Monarch and Switched-On Schoolhouse both offer five Bible-based core subjects and a wide variety of enriching electives, including one-semester courses like Elementary French and Spanish, State History, College Planner, and Speech.

Order by 12/12/12 with code NTDIGITAL to save 10% on each electronic course. Plus, get free shipping on SOS orders over $35. Call 800-622-3070 or visit our online store to learn more.

Monarch Online Courses
Compatible with Windows® and Macintosh®, Monarch features over 50,000 multimedia elements and time-saving teacher tools like automatic grading and secure date storage. In addition, content updates make sure you have the most current lessons. For example, certain Monarch history courses already include the results of the 2012 presidential election.

Switched-On Schoolhouse CD-ROM Courses
A Cathy Duffy Top 100 Pick, SOS is a favorite with homeschool families because it offers quick installation, automatic grading and lesson planning, daily work reports, and customizable lessons. SOS also includes a fun mix of digital lessons with dynamic multimedia, learning games, and off-computer projects, and you can reuse it for up to five children.

*Applies to standard ground shipping within the continental United States on orders over $35.

Treasures in Heaven

Tue, 04 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000

"For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also" (Luke 12:34).

My 12-year-old son's favorite pastime after our homeschooling day was looking for hidden items in the ground with his metal detector. Searching for money, old bullet shells, jewelry, and other items consumed hours of his time. At first, I loved seeing his excited face as he came running into the house with each latest treasure. Soon, however, I noticed a change in his attitude. Like a gambler placing his next bet, he seemed to be driven to find the next treasure that might be worth hundreds of dollars. Greed had taken over, and we needed to bring his hobby under Christ's lordship.

As Christians, we spend hours looking for purpose and meaning in the treasures of this world, too. Sadly, these treasures begin to lose their value, and we start to look for bigger and better cars, homes, cameras, clothes, and pleasurable items. Like the foolish man in Luke 12:16-21 whose life was cut short, we may find someone else enjoying the very treasures we were storing for ourselves. "But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided" (Luke 12:20)?

What about you? Is your treasure in heaven, or are you building bigger barns for more treasures on Earth? Heed God's warning today and think about making yourself rich toward God instead of pleasing yourself. "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal" (Matthew 6:19-20).

Father, every day I feel bombarded by the temptation to want more. Help me to concentrate on the things on Earth that are truly important and search the Scriptures for the treasures of Your promises. In the name of Your Son, Jesus, Amen.

What Should I Do?

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 00:56:00 +0000

"A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps" (Proverbs 16:9).

Do you ever wish you could wake up in the morning and let someone else figure out how your homeschool day is supposed to go? My indecisiveness in homeschooling was usually generated by the fear of making the wrong decisions. What if we were using the wrong curriculum? What if my children weren't getting enough social interaction? What if my children weren't learning what they needed to know to be successful in college? Wasn't there someplace I could go to find all the answers, so I didn't have to second guess myself anymore?

Gideon had a problem with deciding what to do when God called him to defeat the enemies of Israel, the Midianites. He wasn't so sure he saw the warrior in himself that God claimed him to be in Judges 6:12. How could he fight against these men trained in war when all he had known was farming? However, Gideon learned the secret to defeating indecision. He simply brought the problems of fighting the battle to the Lord and left the choices up to Him. He only needed to obey and do what God showed him. Even when his faith was small and he had to ask for God's guidance a second time, God lovingly answered with the fleece of faith that was first wet and then dry.

Are you wringing your hands with indecision and wondering if you have what it takes to be an effective homeschooling parent? Remember the story of Gideon. You may not be a certified teacher, but you know the Lord is mighty. If He has called you to homeschool, He will tell you the answers to every question you have about how to teach. He will make you a mighty warrior in the education of your children and perform amazing miracles of provision when you need them most. You can leave all the decisions to God, and He will show you the way. "And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left" (Isaiah 30:21).

Father, I really need Your help to know what to do today when homeschooling my children. Show me what lessons to focus on and what lessons to leave for another day. Guide me with Your Word and bring those circumstances into our lives that reveal Your divine hand of guidance. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Are You Listening?

Sun, 02 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Like many homeschooling mothers, I sat working at the kitchen table as my children worked on their schoolwork. Although I was supposed to be teaching, I was also doing several other jobs at the same time — washing clothes, cooking supper, and grading papers. As I snipped fresh green beans from our garden for our evening meal, my son asked me a question about his math. He was having difficulty with factoring numbers, and he needed my help.

"Mom," he said. "Are you listening to me?"

"Yes, I'm listening," I replied, not looking up from my work.

"But Mom, would you please listen to me with your eyes?" he quickly responded.

Looking up, I understood what he was really saying. He wanted my undivided attention.

Many times we, too, fail to give God our undivided attention. How many times do you coordinate the noon meal and the following day's activities in your mind while listening to the Sunday morning sermon? When you are praying with people in a Bible study group, does your mind wander to work and worries, or do you actually pray with the person who is speaking? Not focusing our thoughts on the sermon or the prayer requests can cause us to miss an important message.

Are the day's responsibilities distracting you from hearing God's voice today? Do your prayers seem to get stuck on the ceiling? Do you find yourself re-reading what you just read in the Bible and not getting anything from the passage? Stop and look up. Focus your eyes on the One who loves you most. He is waiting for your undivided attention, so He can teach you great and marvelous things. "For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him" (2 Chronicles 16:9a).

Lord, forgive me for my halfhearted attempts at prayer and devotions. Teach me to honor You by diligently seeking You with all I am, so I may walk in Your perfect will today. In Jesus' name, Amen.

'Tis the Season to Save

Sat, 01 Dec 2012 01:00:00 +0000

All month long, enjoy savings of 10% off and free shipping on everything at Alpha Omega Publications, including Monarch, Switched-On Schoolhouse, LIFEPAC, and Horizons homeschool curriculum. Plus, get ready for the second semester and find great savings on one-semester electives like Elementary French and Spanish, State History, College Planner, and Speech: Essentials of Communication.

Fill your cart with courses and homeschool resources before this year comes to an end. Simply use code NTCHEER when you call 800-622-3070 or shop online by 12/31/12 to save!

Big Sky, Big God

Sat, 01 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000

"Thou makest the outgoings of the morning and evening to rejoice" (Psalm 65:8b).

Living in western Nebraska, where the sky is bigger than the ground, our homeschooling family developed a particular love of studying the clouds and the sky. On countless occasions, one of my children would come running into the house and say, "Mom, you've got to come and see this!" Walking outside together, we would stand and watch as God painted a breathtaking scene just for us on the canvas of His sky. Each inspiring sunrise or sunset seemed to make all the homeschooling problems of the day fade into insignificance.

For the next several years, I learned the art of enjoying God's beauty. Each time I felt the four walls closing in on my homeschooling day, I would walk outside to view God's multicolored and intricately patterned sky. The kaleidoscope of colors that surrounded me in the vastness of His sky reminded me of my smallness and God's greatness. I realized I was totally dependent on my infinite Creator for all things, including the courage and creativity I needed to face another homeschooling day.

Are the pressures of homeschooling squeezing the life out of you today? If so, step outside, look up to the sky, and drink in His beauty. God is waiting to revive you today with the glory of His presence and the wonder of His magnificent creation in the heavens. "O LORD, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens. When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him" (Psalm 8:1, 3-4)?

Lord, how great You are! I give You the glory today for being such an awesome God! I praise You for the beauty of Your creation and the reminder that I am in Your constant care. In Jesus' name, Amen.

What's Next?

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0000

"But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering" (James 1:6a).

One technique I commonly used to motivate my children when homeschooling was the cliff-hanger. I would entice my children's appetite to learn by only presenting enough information to get them excited. Reading only to a climatic part in a story, I would stop and say, "If you want to find out what happens, you'll have to read the rest for yourself!" This tactic was a great motivator, especially for my oldest daughter who couldn't stand not knowing the ending.

As adults, not knowing the ending can be frustrating, too. Who doesn't want to know what is going to happen next? If we had our way, we'd love to have God spell out the answers and endings to life's problems. However, like the men and women of faith listed in Hebrews 11, we must learn how to trust God. Tucked away in this great chapter is the secret that will enable us to keep going when we don't know what we should do — diligence. Hebrews 11:6 says, "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." We sacrifice faith's reward too easily!

Do you believe God will show you what to do when you need an answer? Are you diligently seeking Him each day believing that He exists and hears every one of your prayers? Read far enough into His Word today until you find a promise just for your problem. Then, trust His Word to light your path (Psalm 119:105)! You may not know the answer or see the ending to the problem you are facing right now, but like the men and women of faith who have gone before you, you know the One who is leading you. He will reward you with understanding and wisdom to face every cliff-hanger you may have.

Father, thank You for not abandoning me. Some days I have no idea what to do to handle the day's homeschooling problems. Please, hear my prayer of faith today and reveal the answers I need. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Monarch Updates History Courses with Election Results

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 07:00:00 +0000

Less than a month after the 2012 presidential election, Alpha Omega Publications has updated the course content in Monarch for 8th Grade History and Geography (Unit 9 - Lesson: The United States in the 21st Century) and American History (Unit 9 - Lesson: America in a New Century) to include the re-election of President Barack Obama.

Committed to offering homeschoolers the best in online education, AOP is proud to ensure that Monarch students are using the most up-to-date and accurate materials. Should you have any questions, please visit Monarch technical support online or call 888-881-4958. Our regular business hours are Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. (CT).

Give Us Your Feedback!
At AOP, we're listening! Visit our Monarch feedback report to help us continue to improve our online Christian homeschool curriculum.

Hiding Out

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Do you feel empty today? Is the idea of homeschooling your children overwhelming? Some days, you just don't feel like being profound and inspirational. You would rather hide in bed under the covers or lock yourself in the bathroom for several hours. The last thing you have is your act together, and you don't feel like disciplining yourself to keep going. Saying "yes" to your selfish feelings and jumping into irresponsibility would be so much easier.

Wait! Stop and think about those who are depending on you. Just as you expect your children to fight off feelings of laziness and complacency, you, too, must reach up to the One whose purpose and plans are so much higher than yours. God has put you in this place of leadership for a reason. To be the leader of your children's education, you must ask God for the strength you need to make homeschooling decisions.

Saul was no different in accepting his leadership role in the Old Testament. Instead of assuming and looking forward to being the first king of Israel, he was found hiding by the baggage (1 Samuel 10:21-22). Samuel had already anointed him privately as king (1 Samuel 10:1), but when the time came for Saul to be announced publicly as king, Samuel had to bring all the tribes of Israel forward to find him. Saul, too, wanted to escape his responsibilities and hide.

Will you jump into the arms of God today or the arms of irresponsibility? My prayer is that you will find the courage you need to continue being faithful in your homeschooling. May you believe the same promise God gave Joshua when he faced his responsibilities of leading God's people into the Promised Land: "Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest" (Joshua 1:9).

Heavenly Father, my homeschooling responsibilities are weighing me down today. Please, lift me up and give me the courage I need to keep going. Fill me with the Holy Spirit and show me how to lead the precious children You have given me. In Jesus' name, Amen.

The Real Deal

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0000

"Brethren, pray for us" (1 Thessalonians 5:25).

Seated with my children in the living room, we had just begun our homeschooling day with devotions. The morning had been hectic like usual, and I wasn't in the best of moods. No matter how hard I tried, the starting time for school seemed to be getting later each day. Feeling incompetent as a teacher and trying to make up for lost time, I quickly asked my children, "Is there anything we need to pray about?" Several needs were expressed by each of my young children, which I hurriedly wrote down. However, as I started to pray, my son interrupted and asked, "Mom, what about you? Is there something you need prayer for today?"

As usual, his little emotional monitors had seen right through me and perceived my anxiousness and lack of sincerity. Nobody has time for a fake, especially children. Now was the time to admit the truth about what I was really feeling. "Yes, honey," I answered. "I need God to help me slow down and enjoy the day with you."

Exposing our hearts can be a struggle. Homeschooling parents think they have to be spiritually strong for the family, and they forget that sometimes the best prayer warriors in the family can be their own children. Although we must be careful to share appropriate prayer requests with younger children, their simple, trusting prayers might be the ones that encourage and bless us the most.

Living behind perfectly painted smiles and "I'm fine" responses isolates us from the love of others, including our children. Don't deny them the privilege of interceding in prayer for your needs. "Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous 'child' availeth much" (James 5:16).

Heavenly Father, I humbly come before You and thank You again for giving me such wonderful children. I truly am blessed to be loved by them and You. Help me appropriately share my weaknesses and find strength today from their caring prayers. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Tough Teaching

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0000

"But Mom," my son cried. "I know I already did these math problems! I don't want to do them over again. My paper has to be somewhere!"

"I'm sorry," I replied. "You may have done them, but they're not here now. We've spent 15 minutes looking for your math worksheet, and it's nowhere to be found. You'll have to do them again."

Frustration crossed my son's face, but I resisted the temptation to let this missing assignment go unaddressed. Another precedent was being set, and my son needed to realize he was responsible for maintaining and organizing his work. My actions seemed tough, but I was considering the future. No college professor or employer would tolerate an excuse like "I had it somewhere, but I can't find it now."

Sometimes God has to be a tough teacher to us as well. King David's attempt to bring the Ark of the Covenant back to Jerusalem in 2 Samuel 6 is a prime example. Although the Bible doesn't explain the reason, David neglected to transport the ark according to God's holy laws — on poles carried on the shoulders of the high priests (Exodus 25:14). Instead, David placed the ark on a cart, and Uzzah suffered death when he reached out to steady the ark when the oxen nearly upset it. David had done the right thing, but not in the right way. His irreverence for God's commands and holiness brought about God's response of tough correction.

How about you? Are you in the middle of the consequences of your selfish sin and God's tough love? Quit trying to fix things your own way. Let yourself be trained by His righteousness. You may have to suffer for a while, but even though you've failed, God's unconditional love will guide you to the next step. "Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed" (Hebrews 12:11-13).

God, forgive me for trying to fix my mess on my own. Strengthen me to learn from this mistake by Your firm but loving hand of correction. In Jesus' name, Amen.

AOP's Holiday Sale Ends Today!

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 00:01:00 +0000

Enjoy one more day of 10% off everything and free shipping on orders over $35* with code NTSHOPALL. Call 800-682-3070 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. (CT) or shop online until midnight (MT) to save on everything at Alpha Omega Publications.

*Applies to standard ground shipping on orders over $35 within the continental United States.

Fleshy Teaching

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Do you remember the day you decided to homeschool? You knew you needed to make a change in your child's education, but you had no clue how to get started. You felt helpless and utterly dependent on God's guidance, and you waited on His leading to know where to go and whom to talk to for advice.

Now that a few years have passed, your dependence on the Lord has begun to wane. You're homeschooling more each day in your own fleshy effort, and you've forgotten about your total dependence on the Lord. Left unchecked, your homeschooling efforts are headed for a major failure without God's strength and wisdom each day. "Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD" (Jeremiah 17:5).

How would you rate yourself as a homeschool parent today? James 3:1 reminds us that teaching our children is a great and awesome responsibility: "My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation." The judgment that falls on us as teachers is stricter than if we had chosen not to teach. Christ illustrated this point to the disciples in Matthew 18:6: "But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea."

What you teach each day influences and shapes your little ones. Be careful not to teach in your own efforts. Go to the Lord and ask for the Holy Spirit to give you the confidence of being in His will instead of controlling things yourself. "Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts" (Zechariah 4:6).

Father, forgive me for homeschooling in my own strength. You have a perfect lesson plan for my children each day. Help me to seek Your face every morning in prayer, so I can teach my children what they need to know. In Jesus' name, Amen.

In High Places

Sun, 25 Nov 2012 00:59:00 +0000

"For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God" (Romans 13:1b).

Standing in the rotunda of our state capitol, I knew this homeschooling field trip was going to be a memorable day for my children and me. We could feel the history of past generations all around us as we visited our state senator, a long-time family friend. We had come to see the compelling process of how a bill becomes a law, and we weren't disappointed.

Sitting on the floor of the legislature, our senator taught my children many things that day. He showed them how bills are introduced on the floor, how they are voted upon, and how bills get pigeon-holed because of amendments or filibusters. However, the most important lesson he taught them came when he humbly shared his faith in God and said, "All these honored congressmen and women are just ordinary people put in high places by God."

Jesus chose 12 men to represent Him to the world before He left Earth. These disciples started out as ordinary fishermen, tax collectors, and laborers, but Christ gave them all power and authority to be His witnesses (Mark 3:13-15). Although they didn't work in capitol buildings making laws, they were able to change the world through their faithful testimonies and God's mighty power.

Maybe you're feeling unimportant and insignificant today as a homeschool parent. Are you wondering if what you're doing really makes a difference? Although you may never stand before legislators or kings, God has given you an audience that He values very much — your children. These precious gifts have been given to you to teach, and He wants you to lead them into a personal, godly relationship with Him. Besides, who knows what great and mighty things will be accomplished through their ordinary lives?

Father, thank You for using ordinary people in this world to do great things. Strengthen me to be faithful in the place You have given me to be Your witness — my home. Show me how to teach my children to follow Your leadership, so You can use them mightily. In Jesus' name, Amen.

AOP’s Holiday Sale Continues All Weekend!

Sat, 24 Nov 2012 01:00:00 +0000

Gobble up savings on great gifts like Christian DVDs and the Daily Focus devotional. Use code NTSHOPALL by 11/26/12 to get 10% off and free shipping* on everything at Alpha Omega Publications.

Order online this weekend and until midnight (MT) on November 26 or call 800-622-3070 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. (CT) on Monday only.

*Applies to standard ground shipping on orders over $35 within the continental United States.

Five Kernels

Sat, 24 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0000

"I will greatly praise the LORD with my mouth; yea, I will praise him among the multitude" (Psalm 109:30).

My children loved studying the heroic story about the Pilgrims in our homeschool history class. The Mayflower voyage, Squanto's corn planting and hunting lessons, and the first Thanksgiving all captured my children's deepest interest; however, the one story of the Pilgrims that most affected my family was the story about the "Starving Time" during the spring of 1623.

Imagine going through the cold, New England winter living off a slim, summer corn crop and a few fish. Every person suffered daily from hunger and watched as the food supplies continued to dwindle. Tradition says that eventually all that was left for this band of Pilgrims to eat each day was five kernels of parched corn. Certainly, this is a stark contrast to the Thanksgiving most of us experience!

Because my children's compassionate hearts were touched by this story, we began placing five corn kernels by each of our plates for our Thanksgiving meal. We used this tradition to remember the Pilgrims' sacrifice and reflect on the many blessings God had given us. One by one, we each took our five kernels and offered thanks for five blessings. This ceremony came to be the most meaningful time of our Thanksgiving meal.

What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving? God has blessed you with so much — salvation, health, children, and a home. Perhaps you can use five kernels to encourage your own children to be thankful this Thanksgiving. Count the kernels and count the blessings from our loving Father. "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights" (James 1:17a).

Gracious Father, what a loving God You are! I praise You for all the good things You have given me. When I get discouraged, help me remember Your goodness every day of the year as I count my many blessings. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Shop Online This Weekend at AOP’s Holiday Sale!

Fri, 23 Nov 2012 00:01:00 +0000

Gobble up the savings this holiday weekend with deals on everything at Alpha Omega Publications. Save on all your favorite homeschool curriculum like Monarch, Switched-On Schoolhouse, LIFEPAC, and Horizons. Plus, get discount prices on great Christmas gifts, including family-friendly DVDs and the Daily Focus homeschool devotional book!

To enjoy savings of 10% off and free shipping* on every order over $35, simply use code NTSHOPALL during AOP's Holiday Sale. Order online all weekend and until midnight (MT) on November 26 or call 800-622-3070 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. (CT) on Monday only.

*Applies to standard ground shipping on orders over $35 within the continental United States.

The Pit Hours

Fri, 23 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0000

"Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved" (Psalm 55:22).

The toughest time of the day for homeschool moms of young children has to be from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. For some reason, God chooses to give children a second wind after supper, but He forgets to include the moms. We have to collect the pieces of a long homeschooling day that lie strewn throughout the house and also give baths, read nighttime stories, and put the children to bed. With our energy levels already running on empty, all of this work seems like a formidable, medieval castle. Where are our knights in shining armor to rescue us?

Praise God, my knight was my wonderful husband. He developed a system that knocked down these chores with one swift blow. While I cleaned the kitchen after supper, he managed the bath time, pajamas, and book reading. Together, we would both be finished in time to tuck each child into bed with prayers and kisses. Without my husband's loving help, I'm sure the dragons of homeschool discouragement would have eaten me alive.

Are you facing the nighttime dragons of homeschool despair? If so, ask God to send you the help you need. If your husband isn't available to help, perhaps there is another family member who can help you face this time of the day with courage — grandparents, older children, others? God knows you need extra strength. He will redeem you from the pit and send the knight you need. "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness" (Isaiah 41:10).

Jesus, I'm so tired! Please, help me find the strength I need to finish all that needs to be done. I trust You for the provision I need today. In Your name, Amen.

Get Ready for Holiday Sales!

Thu, 22 Nov 2012 01:00:00 +0000

"In every thing give thanks" (1 Thessalonians 5:18a).

Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks for great customers like you! Browse ahead, fill your online cart, and watch for upcoming holiday sales from Alpha Omega Publications.

White Dog - Black Dog

Thu, 22 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0000

"I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD" (Psalm 116:17).

A new day to homeschool waits in front of you, but already your restless mind is walking you through the countless problems and chores left over from yesterday. You feel the negativity crawling up your back like an impending viral cold. Once again, you face the choice of feeding the white dog of hopeful expectations and thankfulness or the black dog of despair and complaining. Which dog will you choose to feed with your thoughts?

To feed the white dog of thankfulness is really a choice each of us makes. After all, doesn't everyone have issues to deal with in life? Maybe the issues involve wayward children, a lack of finances, hurt feelings, or the loss of a loved one. Whatever the problem, God asks us to continue to look to Him and express a heart of thankfulness. "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you" (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

There were ten lepers in Luke 17:13 who needed healing and cried out, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!" Yet, why was there only one who came back to thank Christ when He healed them of their dreaded disease? Apparently nine of them hadn't yet learned the lesson of feeding the white dog of thankfulness. Selfishly, they went on their way enjoying their good fortune. However, one leper understood like Job that it was God who gives us everything we have: "The LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD" (Job 1:21b).

How about you? Which dog is barking at you the loudest today? Will you choose to feed the white dog with thankful thoughts for your children, home, and other blessings, or will you feed the black dog with your thoughts of frustration, failure, and anxieties over what you do not have? Both dogs want to grow stronger in your life. Which will you feed?

Jesus, forgive me when I feed the black dog of my sinful and selfish nature that says, "Life isn't fair!" Forgive me for whining like a puppy and help me express a heart full of thankfulness in praise to You today. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Anger Management

Wed, 21 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0000

You never mean to use anger to discipline your children, but sometimes it becomes part of your homeschooling day. Perhaps you're too tired to get up again to reinforce your correction for the millionth time, or maybe you subconsciously model the parenting you received when you were a child. Whatever the reason, you find yourself caught in the deadly trap of yelling at your children to make them obey.

I'm sure my yelling must have made God cringe as He heard me destroying my children's tender hearts. Unfortunately, when they ignored the rough words, I felt like I was losing control, so I used even tougher words. I justified myself in the name of discipline, but I knew this wasn't the right way to correct a child. I knew I needed help. My anger was beginning to control more than my children. It was beginning to control me!

Finally, conviction came to me one day when I "lost it" with my young son. I still remember the day on the stairsteps to his room. Time stopped as I saw my son's frightened eyes in response to my anger. How could someone so small and innocent be blamed for bringing out the huge ugliness inside me? I never thought that pressure from situations beyond my control would push me to such actions, but God certainly revealed the worst inside my black heart. I quickly needed to learn some anger management!

James 1:19-20 brought me to my senses, "Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God." On January 5, 1983, I realized my anger for what it was. I found the gentle forgiveness of God's correction and earnestly applied this same forgiveness to my children for the rest of their homeschooling days. Disciplining my children remained, but my anger no longer had a place in it. Instead, house rules and accompanying consequences for violations were decided upon as a family and posted on the refrigerator.

Does anger play a role in disciplining at your house? If so, do not give the devil an opportunity to cause you to sin any longer (Ephesians 4:27). Let Christ's love fill your heart and your home. "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you" (Ephesians 4:31-32).

Father, forgive me today for using my anger when disciplining my children. Convict me of this sin and help me to always discipline in love. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Another Day at the Sink

Tue, 20 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0000

"Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:16).

If homeschool parents had lecture podiums like school teachers, mine would have definitely been the kitchen sink. From this central location, I was able to deliver endless hours of instruction in spelling words, poem memorization, and multiplication facts. Multitasking from this "lectern" proved to be the only way I could complete daily lesson plans and my chores of washing dishes, preparing meals, and cleaning messes.

However, more than academics were taught from this homeschooling hub. The kitchen sink was also the center of holiday activities, political and theological debates, and personal counseling sessions while washing and drying dishes. Although I felt chained to it at times, I realized later that the kitchen sink was the center of our family's home. My children's fondest homeschool memories were seeing their mother happily working in the kitchen and knowing she was available to answer any question they might have.

God wants to be the center of your life, too. His podium is not a kitchen sink, but a great white throne (Revelation 20:11). From it, He is able to answer your prayers, and He loves to instruct you each day in how to live your life for Him. You can come boldly to this throne of grace anytime you are afraid or unsure about what to do. If homeschooling is starting to make you feel chained down, find the secret of success by keeping God in the center of your life. Go to the center of the Bible, Psalm 118:8, and rediscover how you can be in the center of God's will today.

Jesus, I invite You to be the center of my life and home. Thank You for being such a loving God who answers all of my prayers. The strength of Your holy presence brings joy to my soul and peace to my anxious heart. In Your name, Amen.

The Done Box

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Sitting in the corner of our kitchen like a trophy on a mantle was the done box. Each homeschooling year began with a new box to collect each of our children's completed worksheets and lessons. Originally designed to provide documentation of our children's schoolwork to state authorities, the done box came to represent something different throughout the homeschooling years.

The done box became a physical representation of my children's diligence, hard work, and determination to complete their studies. When we became discouraged and thought we had not achieved much in our homeschooling, the piles of paper in the done box became a reminder of our productivity. Seeing what we had completed motivated us to continue working hard to finish our homeschool year.

Many times, we wonder if God is really leading us in our spiritual walk. Like David in Psalms, we need to remember where we have been and how God has led us (Psalm 42:6). Looking back on all God had done for him as king, David could only sing praises to God and look forward to the next step in God's plan.

Do you need to be encouraged in your homeschooling today? Take a look back and see what you have accomplished with your children. Have your children become good readers? Do you see godly character qualities reflected in their behavior? Is your family emotionally close and strong? Thank God today for what He has strengthened you to do and continue looking forward to the next homeschooling step. "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:13-14).

Jesus, I give You the glory for the homeschool blessings You have given to our family. Thank You for all the past victories and encourage me to trust You for our homeschooling future. In Your precious name, Amen.

Author Unknown

Sun, 18 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0000

As I stood in front of the formidable shelves of books in our local library, I wondered where to begin. Finding thought-provoking books with godly and moral values shouldn't have been so difficult, but it was. Frustrated, I prayed and asked God to help me in my search for wholesome literature for my children. "Consider the source" came to my mind. I realized God was prompting me to first study the authors, and then I would find the right books.

No matter how objective an author attempts to be, his beliefs and attitudes are reflected in the words and content he chooses to write. Studying the author's life before reading his book saves hours of reading nonsense and foolishness. I learned I couldn't always judge a book by its glitzy cover, and it was better to flip to the back panel and read the author's biography first.

Praise God, we don't have to worry about trusting the authors' words of the greatest book written, the Bible. Although God used the personalities of 35 different men to pen the words, they only wrote as God moved them: "But holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost" (2 Peter 1:21b). God is the author of every inspired word contained within the 66 books of the Bible (2 Timothy 3:16).

God is not only the author of the Bible, but He is also the author of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). He is the author of love, and we love Him because He first loved us (1 John 4:19). He is the author of forgiveness who died for us while we were yet sinners (Romans 5:8). God even authored the saving work He began in us, and He will perform it until Christ returns (Philippians 1:6).

Is God the author who has influenced you the most in your life? If not, go again to the Bible and rediscover the wonder and holiness of the mighty One who wrote it. His promises are sure, and His words will guide you throughout your entire life. Not only is He the author of our beginning, but He will also be the author of the end. "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last" (Revelation 22:13).

Father, You knew me before I was even born, and I thank You for being the author of my life. Reveal more of Yourself to me through Your holy Word and continue to show me how to live for You until You bring me home. In Jesus' name, Amen.

You Can Do It

Sat, 17 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0000

"Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it" (1 Thessalonians 5:24).

Have you been experiencing setbacks lately while homeschooling? Are your children rebelling or acting bored? Do friends continue to harass you about your decision and worry that your children will be socially inept by the time they graduate? Is all the hard work of balancing time for your spouse, your children, and yourself just too much? Are the unpaid bills or unfinished chores keeping you awake at night? Maybe God never really wanted you to homeschool in the first place? After all, if He did, things wouldn't be so hard, right?

Those are the experiences and thoughts I felt homeschooling four children. Second guessing myself, I was ready to walk away and experience the "good life" of corporate reward and fulfillment. Anything had to be better than the frustration I was going through now. However, each time I was determined to give up and send my children to school, a wonderful day of homeschooling blessings encouraged me again. My spiritual and homeschooling journeys became intertwined, and I learned that any success I had when teaching my children was dependent on my closeness to God's heart.

My days of looking for a way out eventually ended when God gave me my own homeschooling life verse: "Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory" (2 Timothy 2:10). I knew I could endure any homeschooling negatives for the sake of my children's salvation and growth in Christ. I was ashamed and humbled before God with my foolish fears and doubts. Even though I had been faithless and ready to quit to avoid suffering, God remained faithful and encouraged me when I needed the most encouragement (2 Timothy 2:13a).

God is waiting to encourage you today, too. He wants to meet you right where you are and give you the strength you need to be a faithful teacher. Learn from His sacrificial and loving example to faithfully teach you. "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds" (Hebrews 12:2-3).

Jesus, Your love for me amazes me every day. My life is not my own, and I recommit my family and homeschooling to You today. Use me to be a blessing to my wonderful children. Help me stand against the temptation to feel sorry for myself. In Your precious name, Amen.

Monarch Makes Reporting Features More Teacher-Friendly

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 09:20:00 +0000

Alpha Omega Publications has made several improvements to Monarch's reporting features, so teachers can now enjoy more convenience and flexibility when viewing, printing, and submitting student work.

With one click, parents can now access the Report Card, Grade Report, and Daily Work Report on one screen. In addition, the Report Card was upgraded, so data is now cleanly spaced, easy to read, and designed to be printed for recordkeeping. Three centrally-located buttons also give teachers the ability of viewing the card by grade, by percentage, or both.

Additionally, Monarch's Daily Work Report was redesigned, so student work is separated by date and sorted by the day the student completed the work, rather than the day the work was assigned.

Should you have any questions or need assistance in using any of Monarch's reporting features, please visit Monarch technical support online or call 888-881-4958. Our regular business hours are Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. (CT).

Give Us Your Feedback!
At AOP, we're listening! Visit our Monarch feedback report to help us continue to improve our online Christian homeschool curriculum.

My Incredible Journey

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0000

The story of God's people, Israel, in the Old Testament draws a striking parallel to my journey as a homeschooling parent. For years, I had been caught in the bondage of believing that public school was the only way to educate my child. Miraculously, we experienced God leading our family out of this "slavery" and through our "Red Sea" when He provided a path to teach our children through a homeschool satellite program. Chased by the Pharaoh of the school system with threats of truancy, we walked though our difficulty on dry land and watched as the waves crashed over those who worked so diligently to keep us from teaching our children at home.

Like Israel, we sang praises to God for His deliverance and began our journey to the Promised Land of four successfully educated children. We, too, complained about the lack of familiar food and water because finances were short. We tasted the bitter waters of Marah when we attempted to teach our children in our own strength. We slowly learned to look to our cloud by day and pillar of fire by night and felt God's protection from the heat of well-meaning, but critical family members and the cold rejection of an uninformed community.

We would have died from the serpent bites of laziness and anger, but looking to the cross saved us as we saw God's forgiveness for each mistake. We saw parents give up, claiming that homeschooling was too hard, and we watched as their families became swallowed up again by the public school like the rebellion at Korah.

We even doubted God's presence on many occasions and set up a golden calf of making our school look exactly like the public school. However, our Moses was Jesus, and each day He faithfully led us back to where we needed to go. He gave us the Ten Commandments of His Word, and we experienced His loving presence as we obeyed His truths.

Looking back on the journey, I see Jesus' loving hands lifted over our family. I praise Him for the incredible journey we experienced in teaching our children at home. Don't give up on your homeschooling journey. The Promised Land is all that God said it would be!

Father, I pray for the many homeschooling families who are on the adventure of teaching their children at home. Bless them this day and provide the same guidance You gave to us. Show them that You are mighty and able to take care of every homeschooling need. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Supplement Sale

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 01:00:00 +0000

Enrich your lessons with DVDs, science materials, and more! Through 11/22/12, save 10% on all homeschool resources at Alpha Omega Publications with code NTRESOURCE. Plus, get free shipping* on orders over $35. To order, simply call 800-622-3070 or shop online.

Best-selling Homeschool Resources
LIFEPAC Science DVDs
Drive Thru History DVDs
Character Builders DVD Set
Typing Instructor Platinum
Student Microscope
Teach Yourself to Play Piano
Understanding Mathematics
Reading Basics Set
Daily Focus Devotional Book

*Applies to standard ground shipping within the continental United States on orders over $35.

Give Praise When Due

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0000

"Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it" (Proverbs 3:27).

Do you think praising your homeschooled children will cause conceit and pride in their character? Since I received few compliments as a child from my stoic Dutch and German parents, I wondered if my praise would lead to an over-inflated ego in my children. I struggled with this question and searched the Scriptures for an answer until one day I read, "Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do" (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

My children would probably say I was tough on them as a homeschool parent. I didn't grade on a curve, and 96% and above was considered an "A." I used the dreaded red pen liberally in language arts lessons and compositions, and I rarely fudged when playing a board game to let them win. However, even though I was tough, I learned to lavish my children with large amounts of praise. I complimented them whenever they did an excellent job on a paper or whenever they showed initiative and creativity in completing a project. I looked for ways each day to tell them how proud I was of them personally and academically. A few encouraging words made such a difference in their lives!

God created us to give praise — first to Him and then to others. He loves to hear our prayers that proclaim His goodness and our songs of highest praise. God even wants us to bring a sacrifice of praise to Him when life brings difficult times. Are you discouraged today? Is praising the Lord the last thing you feel like doing? Move past your feelings to obedience and bring the sacrifice of praise unto the Lord. God is in control of your life. Whatever the circumstances, He deserves our worship as a holy God. "O let not the oppressed return ashamed: let the poor and needy praise thy name" (Psalm 74:21).

Father, when I look at the problems in my life, I find it so difficult to praise You. Help me turn my eyes upon You now and sing glorious praises to You, my King. I worship You, my great and holy God! In Your Son's name, Amen.

Pouting Pains

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Rebellion has many faces, and the big pout on my daughter's face was definitely one of them. With three other children in our homeschool classroom, she didn't like being the one who had to wait for help with her questions. Watching her body language, I realized there was a much bigger problem waiting to be dealt with than the one in her math lesson.

My daughter's actions brought back memories of the beginnings of my own rebellious days. What had started as simple, little pouting episodes to get my own way had turned into all-out, get-in-your-face rebellion toward my parents as a teenager. Being the last of seven children, my parents were usually too busy to put out the flames of my sinful rebellion when they erupted. Because these seemingly small pouting sessions were left unchecked, they burned a hole in my character and my life. Many years of pain from getting my own way passed before my heart was humbled before a mighty God.

Have you bought into the world's lie that you deserve what you want, when you want it? Dear one, don't go down that path of destruction! Although there may be joy for the moment, pain and suffering will meet you at the end. "An evil man seeketh only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him" (Proverbs 17:11). Jesus loves you too much to let your pouting spoil things. Trust Him to meet every need you have, and you'll never get burned again by the world's empty promises. "For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever" (1 John 2:16-17).

Jesus, I submit my life to You again this day. Forgive me when I try to take control and fail to trust You. Help me fight off the fiery darts of the devil that tempt me to rebel against Your will. In Your name, Amen.

Signs of Christ

Tue, 13 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0000

If your homeschooling family is like most, there are probably many symbols of your faith located in your home. We had several crosses throughout the house that our children made during art class, and our refrigerator was plastered with new Sunday school papers each week. We had the word "Jesus" made with barbed wire and hung on the wall in the kitchen. We even had a screen-saver on our computer's desktop with changing pictures and Scripture passages.

The most unique signs we had of our faith were the computer-generated Scripture plaques my son made for art class. Printed, laminated, and located in strategic places throughout our home, we had God's Word to see and memorize everywhere we went. Scripture passages were on the bathroom mirror, the bed headboard, and the kitchen windows above the sink, and even by the speedometer in the car. These wonderful symbols of God's written promises encouraged us and proclaimed our faith to all who entered our home.

More important than the symbols we have on the outside of our lives is the symbol and seal of the Holy Spirit that we receive on the inside when we become a child of God (Ephesians 1:13). The indwelling Holy Spirit is a reminder of the future inheritance we have in Christ (Ephesians 1:14). We see the power of God as we yield our lives to His control, and He even displays His fruit in us for others to see (Galatians 5:22-23).

How do you display your faith for others to see? What does that cross stand for on the bumper of your car or the front door of your house? Is it just another decoration? If you identify with the One who died upon it for your sins, let His forgiveness change your life. Become a symbol of His unconditional love for the whole world to see! "For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God" (1 Corinthians 1:18).

Lord Jesus, thank You for the cross and Your willingness to suffer and die for my sins. I thank You again today for the Holy Spirit's presence in my life. Let both my home and my life symbolize Your love, so others will see the way to eternal life. In Your blessed name, Amen.

Matters of the Heart

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0000

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil" (Jeremiah 29:11a).

Is there anything more agonizing to homeschooling parents than watching their child struggle when taking a test? Whenever my children went through contortions trying to remember facts hiding in their memory banks, I wanted to run to their rescue. Sometimes, I even went so far as to drop a few hints to help them succeed in their efforts. Surprisingly, my children perceived just the opposite about my feelings. Thinking I enjoyed using my red pen, they didn't understand the ache in my heart when I corrected their wrong answers. As their parent, I didn't want them to fail. I wanted them to triumph in their tests.

What's even more surprising is the misconception many Christians have of their Heavenly Father. Picturing God as holy and just, they forget that God is also merciful and loving. God doesn't look forward to punishing us for what we've done wrong. In fact, just the opposite is true. He wants us to succeed in our Christian walk and discover all the blessings He has waiting for us. Every day when tests come and we can't remember the right answers from His Word, He helps us succeed by sending encouraging hints. Whether a godly friend reminds us of His love or the Holy Spirit gives us wisdom to discern a problem, we can rest assured that "If God be for us, who can be against us" (Romans 8:31b)?

Have you been getting a few problems wrong in the tests of your life? Take heart, dear friend in Christ. The Lord isn't waiting to condemn you (Romans 8:1). He loves you and wants to help you find victory in the power of His mighty name. "How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand" (Psalm 139:17-18a).

Lord, thank You for being a God who loves me more than I can imagine. Lift me today and remind me again of all You've given me as Your child. In the name of Your dear Son, Amen.

Sowing and Reaping

Sun, 11 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Learning to read and enjoying good literature were seeds we consciously planted into our homeschooled children. We cultivated in them a desire to read by first reading to our children when they were young. As they grew older, they mastered phonics rules and eventually became avid readers themselves.

To feed their insatiable appetites for books, the library became our second home. Books were literally hauled to and from the library each week in a large tub. The librarians dreaded our coming and going because of the time involved to process our books. However, taking advantage of this public resource enabled us to nurture a love of literature while subsidizing our homeschool curriculum expenses. Years later, I wasn't surprised when my children reaped the benefits of being good readers by getting their first part-time jobs as librarians.

The law of sowing and reaping applies to our spiritual lives, too. Whether we are children or adults, we plant seeds of righteousness that glorify the Lord (Proverbs 11:18) or seeds that will reap pain, suffering, and death (Proverbs 22:8). Many times, we make choices based on the moment, and we forget that someday there will be a harvest of our actions.

What are you sowing in your life? Are you making choices that produce a harvest of righteousness, or do the seeds of sin seem to be taking over your life? Maybe it's time to step back and let the Holy Spirit pull out the weeds that have begun to choke your spiritual life. "For whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting" (Galatians 6:7b-8).

Lord, help me plant things in my life that glorify You and weed out things that don't. I claim Your strength again today to stop and pray before I make each decision. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Homeschool Hunger

Sat, 10 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0000

The book I was hungry to read had been sitting on my desk for over two months. Stacked neatly in a pile with other half-read books, I wondered if I would ever get to read it. I wanted to be a successful homeschooling parent who remained teachable, but my limited time prevented me from indulging in every subject I loved. Instead, I challenged my intellect by thoroughly researching the subjects I taught my children.

There is another type of hunger, however, that homeschool parents must feed — a hunger for righteousness. We must come to the Lord expectantly each day to learn and digest what He desires to teach us from His Word. "Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name" (Psalm 86:11). Unlike other books, we cannot afford to leave our Bibles unread and stacked on our desks.

Isn't it time to become a student again and learn something new about God and His Word? How well do you know your Bible? Have you ever read through it entirely? Do you know how to cross reference Scripture, memorize verses, use a concordance, read maps, or find the Greek and Hebrew meaning of the words used in the verses? There is so much to learn. Don't stop with what you know. Grow! "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled" (Matthew 5:6).

Father, there is so much I have to learn about You. Restore to me the joy of discovering what an awesome and loving God You are! Teach me something new today and help me to hunger for more and more of Your wisdom. In Jesus' name, Amen.

It's Too Hard

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0000

"Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me" (Jeremiah 32:27)?

Motivating our homeschooled children to learn can seem like a daunting task. Many times we hear them say, "It's too hard," and we are tempted to put off teaching difficult lessons. Whether you are attempting to teach your child how to research material for a term paper or the proper steps for long division, step back and teach in smaller increments to keep him on track. Help your child learn the lesson one step at a time, and this will bring him more success in learning the information.

Joshua had a hard task facing him when he and the nation of Israel finally crossed into the Promised Land God had given them. They had to drive out the nations that were already living there — a very hard and large task, especially since some of the people were giants! City by city and tribe by tribe, God told Joshua what to do, and He gave the people victory in conquering the land.

Sometimes the problems homeschool parents face seem larger than life, too. We tell God, "It's too hard," and we are tempted to give up. Maybe you are faced with teaching your child high school subjects or you have a special needs child who requires extra attention. Ask God to help you break down the problem into smaller parts and show you the solutions you need to find success. You don't have the wisdom to know how to work things out, but God does. Don't despair. Nothing is too difficult for God!

Lord, You are a great and mighty God. I know that teaching our children is Your will. Please, show me how to solve the giant problems that have come because we chose to homeschool. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Unwrap Positive, Family-building Films This Christmas!

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 01:00:00 +0000

Teach your homeschool children valuable lessons with quality family entertainment from Alpha Omega Publications. Use coupon code NTGIFTDVD by 11/14/12 to save 30% on each DVD when you call 800-622-3070 or shop online.

Children's
AOP's colorful animated tales teach values that last a lifetime. Capture your child's imagination and sing along to classic favorites like Music Machine and Character Builders. Also, travel beneath the waves to meet Coral, Splash, and the rest of the Finley family in Kingdom under the Sea.

Documentaries
Explore the history of the United States with the American Heritage Series from renowned Christian scholar David Barton, travel to archeology sites with Bob Cornuke in The Bible Explorer Series, and deepen your understanding of God's creation with The Privileged Planet.

Drama
From the beloved film classic Where the Red Fern Grows to the uplifting tale of Second Chances, these films teach viewers to trust in the Lord and His perfect plan for our lives. Seasonal titles like Homeless for the Holidays and The Perfect Gift also make excellent holiday presents.

Educational & Teaching
Ride through time with the popular Drive Thru History Series, create an art masterpiece with Mike's Inspiration Station, or get fit with Fit Family Fun Circuit with Tonya Larson. Also, check out the new Watch & Talk family devotional series with Grammy-award winner Rebecca St. James.

Inspirational
Inspire your children with uplifting, heartwarming tales with positive values. Go on a mystery adventure with popular book-turned-DVD Mandie and the Secret Tunnel, learn the story of brave Revolutionary War heroine Sybil Ludington, and learn the simple joy of family-taught truths in The Way Back Home.

Great Expectations

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Countless times during the day, homeschooling parents are approached by their children with a request. Expectantly, they come for advice, help with a problem, or words of encouragement and love. The thought that you might not have the answer, the time, or the ability to help never crosses their minds. Most homeschool parents gladly respond by doing all they can to meet these great expectations.

If you are a child of the King, you also have the same ability to come before your heavenly Father with your requests. Hebrews 4:16 tells us, "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." Unlike the limitations you face when meeting your child's requests, Jesus has the ability to give you everything you need and waits to show you the "exceeding riches of His grace" (Ephesians 2:7). He never gets tired when you ask Him countless questions or even the same question repeatedly. Christ even loves you with an "everlasting love" and seeks to draw you unto Himself (Jeremiah 31:3b).

Is there a question on your mind that you would like to talk about with Jesus? Are you wondering how to pay your bills on one income, how to find time during the day for yourself, or how to seek forgiveness from your children for losing your patience? Because Christ shed His blood on the cross, you can come boldly before God's throne of grace. You don't even have to wait your turn! God is capable of multi-tasking, and He can meet more than one need at a time. All you have to do is come, ask, and receive. "And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him" (1 John 5:14-15).

Lord, thank You for being such a great God who can meet all my needs. I rejoice that I can come to You each day and find the help, advice, love, and encouragement I need to homeschool. I worship You today! In Jesus' name, Amen.

Showing Off

Wed, 07 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0000

"A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit" (Proverbs 29:23).

My son and daughter had finished their schoolwork early and were heading out the door to go on a long bike ride for the remainder of the afternoon. I was looking forward to the additional free time from our homeschooling day to work in my flower garden. I waved and smiled as they left the yard and said, "Have a nice time." Little did I know, the plans for the afternoon were soon to change.

I watched as my son decided to show his sister that he could ride a bike without using his hands. Showing off, he continued riding until he reached a patch of loose gravel on our road. In an instant, he was airborne like a cartoon character and landed with a thud in the middle of the road. Unfortunately, he didn't bounce back. I ran to pick up his bleeding body and checked for broken bones.

Showing off usually leads to some type of catastrophe. King Hezekiah made such a mistake when he decided to show his possessions to the king of Babylon (2 Kings 20:12-13). Isaiah rebuked him for being so foolish and prophesied, "Behold, the days come, that all that is in thine house, and that which thy fathers have laid up in store unto this day, shall be carried into Babylon: nothing shall be left, saith the LORD" (vs.17). The king of Babylon knew a good thing when he saw it. He conquered Jerusalem many years later and carried away every one of those treasures.

Do you struggle with wanting to impress others? Do you flaunt your possessions or achievements, so other people will think highly of you? Do you doubt your worth in the Lord's eyes so much that you puff yourself up to find value? Don't be like a child and show off. Humble yourself before you are humiliated by your actions. God's Word says, "Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time" (1 Peter 5:5-6).

Lord, forgive me for robbing You of Your glory when I show off in front of others. Everything I have and am is because of You. May You receive all glory and praise. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Hurricane Sandy Prayer Wall

Tue, 06 Nov 2012 12:55:00 +0000

"For where two or three come together in my name, there am I in the midst of them" (Matthew 18:20).

When we're in a devastating circumstance, as many on the East Coast are today due to Hurricane Sandy, it can be difficult to see God's hand at work. In the midst of struggles, we're often blind to the reasons we're suffering. However, after we've emerged from a tragedy, we're often able to gain a new perspective and see the blessings we have.

As you persevere through trials, don't forget that God is with you at every turn. Prayer has great power, so we must talk to God at every opportunity. There's no better time than now to join together as a community of homeschoolers and take a moment to pray for those affected by Superstorm Sandy.

We encourage you to post your prayer requests and your prayers for the hurricane victims in the comment section below.

Dear Lord, we pray for the millions of people affected by Hurricane Sandy, and we ask that you guide the residents and relief workers in their efforts to restore the physical and emotional damage. Please show the people whose lives were touched by this disaster that they are protected by Your love and Your grace will provide a brighter tomorrow. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

Good Intentions

Tue, 06 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0000

"Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread" (Proverbs 20:13).

Another morning was getting away from me. I knew I should have gotten up early when I heard the alarm clock, but the covers felt so good on this crisp, fall morning. Certainly God wouldn't mind if I prayed to Him while lying down under the blankets. As I began my prayers, I felt my body start to drift. Shaking off the sleep, I started once again, but the sleepiness came back. An entire hour later, I was still in bed. I was late to start homeschooling my children and knew I would be playing "catch up" for the rest of the day without God's strength or guidance.

Peter, James, and John lost the same battle of sleep when Jesus asked them to pray in the Garden of Gethsemane. Three times the Lord asked them to pray, and three times they fell asleep and heard His words, "What, could ye not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak" (Matthew 26:40b-41). Falling asleep when Jesus needed them the most, the disciples certainly failed.

Do you have good intentions to have a quiet time with the Lord each morning? Good intentions are not enough! Satan loves to tempt us to listen to the desires of our flesh and miss our devotions. Without the Holy Spirit's empowering, we, too, will fail in our attempts to walk with the Lord, as well as in our efforts to homeschool. Don't be like the disciples or the foolish virgins in Matthew 25:1-13 who fell asleep waiting for the bridegroom. Stay alert and offer the prayers and worship to the Lord that are due to Him. "Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man" (Proverbs 24:33-34).

Jesus, forgive me for being lazy in my efforts to come to You each day. I recognize the importance of Your sweet fellowship and recommit my life to You today. In Your name, Amen.

The Diagram of Life

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Learning how to diagram sentences was emphasized in our homeschool. We always began by diagramming the verb first, the subject next, and then the remainder of the words in the sentence. The constant review of this technique caused my daughter to tell me one day, "Mom, I can't even read a sentence anymore without seeing it diagrammed in my mind!"

If we could diagram success into our lives, we would also have to begin with the verb "saves." When asking, "Who or what saves?" we would locate "Jesus" as the subject. Without this simple beginning, the remainder of our lives will be broken and disjointed. If we accept the subject, Jesus, and the verb of what He can do for us, save, we will find our lives communicating love to the world and glory to our Heavenly Father. "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved" (Acts 16:31).

Father, thank You for sending Jesus to die for my sins. I confess that I have sinned and accept Your free gift of eternal life today. Take my life and use it to glorify You. In the wonderful name of Jesus, Amen.

What's Cooking?

Sun, 04 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0000

What type of food do you serve at your homeschool cafeteria? My children's favorite benefit of homeschooling was the fresh and delicious meals we made together as a family. No canned or prepackaged entrees were allowed. Learning how to cook was a mandatory lesson we incorporated into each child's curriculum. All the family appreciated the tasty A+ lessons of lasagna, stir-fry, oven-baked pot roast, fresh pies, cakes, breads, and salads.

However, teaching your children how to cook also means making messes. Peeling potatoes, mixing batter for cookies, and measuring spices and ingredients led to many accidents. Learning how to wipe up a spill, clean flour off containers, and wash the extra baking dishes were skills that also needed to be learned before enjoying the benefits. Of course, these skills were never quite as fun as the process of preparing the food. Our children wanted the fun of cooking without the hassle of cleaning up.

Our Christian walk is much the same. We want to sit at God's table and enjoy the benefits of the Holy Spirit without going through the disciplines of living a holy life. We make a mess of devotions and prayer times and wonder why God is not using us more. We use canned approaches in witnessing and fail to seek God first in prayer.

Is there an area of your life that needs disciplining — reading magazines and books that honor the Lord, making time for devotions and prayer, or maintaining a pure thought life? Share your area of struggle with a trusted friend and make yourself accountable. Find the help you need to stay disciplined and close to the Lord. "And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway" (1 Corinthians 9:25-27).

Lord, show me the areas in my life that fail to honor You. Please, lead me to a Christian friend who will help me stay disciplined in those areas, so my life will glorify You. Thank You for loving me so much and always forgiving me when I fail. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Who's Responsible?

Sat, 03 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Our monthly homeschool meeting was over, and we were cleaning the house after everyone had left. The young children of several couples had played together with our four children for most of the evening, and there was a trail of toys throughout the house. Walking to my son's room with my hands full of toys, I stopped short as I went through the doorway. I couldn't believe my eyes as I stared at his broken bed. The scene told me that the bed had been converted into a trampoline, and from the look of things, whoever had bounced on it had a good time.

Lining my children up for an interrogation didn't take long. One by one I drilled them with questions, trying to find out who was responsible. My anger at this senseless destruction probably prompted each one to claim innocence in the matter. After 15 minutes of explanations, I realized that "nobody" was at fault. You know, "nobody" is that invisible person who lives at everyone's home — the one who gets the blame when bad things happen.

Our children are not the only ones who avoid taking the blame. We do, too, don't we? Who likes to admit their mistakes or suffer the consequences for their actions? We are all quick to let the blame fall on someone else, especially if there are so many people involved that the obvious offender cannot be found. The sin of Achan in Joshua 7 is a prime example. Not until God literally lined up the entire nation of Israel tribe by tribe did Achan finally confess his sin of stealing gold, silver, and a beautiful garment from the city of Ai. Caught in his deception, Achan and his family, as well as all of his belongings, were destroyed for violating God's holiness.

What about you? Do you weasel out of your mistakes by letting others take the blame for your actions? Do you have enough integrity to stand up and say, "I was responsible"? Whether the issue is big or little, don't wait until someone has to back you against the wall before you admit you've done wrong. "Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed" (James 5:16a).

Father, forgive me for staying silent and letting others suffer the consequences of my wrongs. Help me admit when I have made a mistake and not lie by trying to cover up the problem. In Jesus' name, Amen.

A New Perspective

Fri, 02 Nov 2012 00:59:00 +0000

Imagine going to a job each morning where you can set your own schedule. You arrive when you want, take breaks whenever you want, and leave for an extended lunch hour without anyone breathing down your neck. Answering your phone calls and emails is regulated to a minimum each day, and the work responsibilities and goals you have are varied. There is no dress code or security passes to wear around your neck, and no one cares if you eat at your desk or play your favorite radio station. Your boss is off-site, and you can manage your workload to best suit your needs. Your work is rewarding and exciting, and you usually see immediate results from your efforts. Wouldn't we all love to have a job that fits this description? As a homeschooling parent, you do!

Many homeschooling parents get caught up in the fact that they never receive a paycheck like their working counterparts. However, if you look at the God-given task of teaching your children at home from a new perspective, you begin to see what a blessing the career choice of homeschooling is for you. So many drawbacks of the typical job do not relate to your world. You have the freedom to pursue your position in ways many parents who work outside the home never do.

Too many times in my years as a homeschooling mother, I failed to see the bigger picture of what God was doing in my life and the lives of my children. I needed to have my eyes opened like Elisha's servant who saw the whole army of heaven around him (2 Kings 6:17). From God's perspective, what you are doing as a homeschooling parent has long-lasting and eternal value.

As you homeschool today, picture yourself at the best job you could ever have. The grass is greener on this side of the fence, and your regular paycheck of hugs and kisses from your family is more rewarding than what any company can pay you. Enjoy the freedoms you have as a homeschooling parent and be the successful teacher God intended you to be! "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ" (Colossians 3:23-24).

Jesus, what a wonderful opportunity You have given me! Not only do I get the blessings of being a parent, but You have also blessed me with an awesome career of being a teacher. Help me keep my eyes on You today as I homeschool. In Your name, Amen.

Homeschool Domination

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 01:00:00 +0000

According to a recently published infographic by collegeathome.com, homeschoolers are not just consistently outperforming public schools, but they are blowing them out of the water in test scores, college GPA, and even daily living skills!

Created by: CollegeAtHome.com

Homeschooling with the Hollingsworths

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 00:59:00 +0000

Each day in the Hollingsworth home begins the same. Jennifer distributes chore cards to her roost, which includes Michael (8), Milo (5), and Ellie (3). She then collects the handmade picture cards in their plastic baseball card sleeves, inspects her kids' work, and lets each child choose a treasure from a box of stickers, balloons, and small incentives.

Highly structured yet unpredictably eccentric, Jen does an impromptu chicken dance as she prepares breakfast or makes up a song, a natural for the Sioux Falls, South Dakota, woman whose dreams of becoming a singer-songwriter took a backseat when she and her husband, Jeremy, started a family.

Michael was still a toddler when a teacher in the family asked Jen where she'd be sending him to school.

The question had an odd impact on Jen, then 22.

"I hadn't really thought of school," she recalled, "but all of the sudden I had this feeling so deep in my gut that told me I would not be sending him to school ever."

Jen knew she had to tell Jeremy about her idea to homeschool when he arrived home from work. His response was enthusiastic and reassuring.

"It was the first time we both had the same strong feeling," Jen said. "We're sure it was God because there wasn't any other good reason for it. From that day on, it was settled, and we never thought twice about it."

A natural with children, Jen started an in-home daycare five years ago just as Michael, or "Mikey" as his family calls him, was ready for preschool. God's hand was at work again when a daycare mom introduced her to Alpha Omega Publications.

Jen now uses LIFEPAC for Mikey and Horizons for Milo's kindergarten work. Ellie typically joins Milo and occasionally pipes up with answers before her big brother.

"Having her sit with him helps him sit still," Jen explained. "Strange as that may sound, he enjoys her company, and they work better together, even though they are developmentally at different levels."

Figuring out how to homeschool Milo was a challenge for Jen after becoming comfortable homeschooling her oldest. While Mikey works well independently and loves to read, Milo, a natural athlete, struggles to sit still and learns best in short bursts.

"I let Milo and Ellie play card games like Memory and things that teach math and phonetics," she said. "They love it because they don't think they're learning, and Horizons is set up so perfectly. It challenges them."

Jen said homeschool parents have to recognize their children's different learning styles.

"If it's not working for Mom or child, try a different way," she said. "We do not stay home to be miserable."

Despite homeschooling for the past five years and running a daycare, Jen describes herself as an introvert at heart and openly admits that she sometimes gets burned out being with the kids 24/7. She compensates with quiet time.

"Pray constantly," she advised. "I'm in constant conversation with the Lord about my sanity."

On the days when she's knows she's not at her best, Jen keeps alternatives, such as learning videos she's recently discovered on YouTube, clearly bookmarked.

"I'm the type of person who always has a back-up plan," Jen said, "and I still write music. My kids are my audience."

Eight Ways to Teach Your Child Thankfulness

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 00:58:00 +0000

It doesn't take much experience as a parent to realize that children are not naturally programmed to be grateful. Because we live in a sinful, fallen world, our children inherit our same selfish tendencies (Romans 3:23). Developing an attitude of thankfulness to replace the "me" mentality in our children takes time, so here are eight tips you can use this Thanksgiving and throughout the entire homeschool year to teach your children the truth of 1 Thessalonians 5:18: "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."

1. Be Thankful Yourself
Set a good example by demonstrating thankfulness. Your children are learning to be grateful when you:

- Say "thank you" to God in prayer for the many blessings He has given you, even for simple things like food and clothes.

- Say "thank you" at home to your spouse and children when they do something thoughtful and kind. You can even show them unconditional gratitude by telling them how much they mean to you just for being who they are.

- Say "thank you" to family and friends by writing notes of appreciation for birthday gifts, Christmas gifts, and other acts of kindness.

- Say "thank you" in public as you conduct business with sales clerks, restaurant employees, and other service providers.

2. Let Your Child Go Without
Contrary to public opinion (and probably your child's opinion, too), your child will not suffer if he does not get everything he wants. In fact, overabundance can dull your child's sense of appreciation. If your child's room already looks like a toy store, try giving away some of his things to a needy family or placing half of them in storage to be brought out and enjoyed later.

3. Establish "Thank You" as a Habit
Pick regular times of the day for your child to express thankfulness, such as thanking God for your food before meals and thanking God for blessings at night during bedtime prayers. Also, teach your child the habit of saying "thank you" whenever someone is helpful or kind.

4. Volunteer in the Community
Every child can learn thankfulness by assisting others. Help an elderly neighbor mow his lawn or rake his leaves, bake a fresh batch of cookies for a shut-in member of your church, or serve food at a homeless shelter. The possibilities are endless! Best of all, serving others will help him better understand their needs and appreciate his own blessings.

5. Avoid Guilt Trips
Although younger children need reminders to say "thank you," older children should learn to be thankful without humiliating remarks, such as "You never appreciate anything I do!" or "Do you know how hard I work for you every day?" Using positive reinforcement when they do express their thankfulness, such as "I really like it when you say ‘thanks' to me," will go much further in establishing an attitude of gratefulness.

6. Write a Thank You List
Have your child count his many blessings by naming them one by one. Younger children can even decorate the list and place it on the refrigerator for everyone to see at Thanksgiving. Older children can be encouraged to express their thankfulness through a poem, prayer, or paragraph.

7. Give Something Up
In Matthew 25:35, Jesus tells us to care for the hungry, thirsty, and the stranger, and sometimes that involves giving up something we enjoy. Teach your child to go beyond sharing and give something to others that involves a sacrifice. He can use a portion of his allowance or earned money to sponsor a child overseas or prepare a Christmas box with new toys for a child from a less fortunate family. Make this Thanksgiving different and invite a college student, an elderly neighbor, or a single mom living on a fixed income to your table for a home-cooked meal.

8. Make Your Child Responsible
Without a doubt, children are more thankful for possessions they have earned, so give your child a list of chores he can do to earn cash for buying items he wants. The hard work will not only motivate him to appreciate his belongings, but it will also teach him how to handle his finances better.

How have you taught your child to find a blessing in every event of his life? We'd love to hear about it. Help us all raise more thankful children by sharing your comment below!

Thanksgiving Table Art and Crafts

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 00:57:00 +0000

If you enjoyed the tasty turkey place cards we shared in the Homeschool View last November, your family will have a blast transforming this year's Thanksgiving festivities into a cornucopia of cute and simple crafts that everyone can decorate and share.

Fruity Gourd Gobbler
The Fruity Gourd Gobbler is an attractive table centerpiece and a nutritious snack for the whole family.

You will need:
1 melon (turkey's body)
1 kiwi (turkey's head)
One dozen grapes or berries (feathers)
One dozen cheese chunks (feathers)
2 raisins (eyes)
1 baby carrot (nose)
7-10 bamboo skewers

Break one skewer into sections. Grab your melon and pin the kiwi to one end of your turkey's body, toward the top. This is the turkey's head. Next, pin two raisins to the kiwi using skewer pieces or toothpicks. These are the turkey's eyes. Then, break your baby carrot in half and attach it below the raisins to serve as the turkey's nose.

Now that your turkey's head is complete, you're ready for the feathers. First, make six to eight fruit and cheese kabobs, alternating fruit with cheese. Then, fan the filled sticks across the other end of the melon to make a colorful turkey tail. Be sure to stick each skewer deep into the melon to hold the weight of the grapes and cheese.

Hint: If you don't have fruit or cheese in your fridge, substitute soft candy, like gum drops.

Thanksgiving Tree
The Thanksgiving Tree is a creative way of displaying what you're grateful for this holiday.

You will need:
One large poster board
Construction paper in several colors
Kid-safe paint, crayons, or markers
A black marker
Clear tape

First, ask the artist in your family to draw a large tree with many branches on the poster board. Paint or color the tree and write, "I'm thankful for ..." in black marker on the trunk. Next, using one color of construction paper for each member of your family, cut approximately 10-20 leaves of each color.

Hang the poster on a wall and place the stacks of leaves and marker nearby. Assign each family member a color, and have them write what they are thankful for on the leaves. Compete to see who can tape the most leaves they are thankful for on the tree before Thanksgiving.

Turkey Milk Jug
The Turkey Milk Jug doubles as a fun kids' activity and a game for all ages.

You will need:
An empty plastic milk jug
Kid-safe paints
Construction paper or craft foam
Scissors
Glue
One pom-pom
Two googly eyes (optional)

First, rinse your milk jug thoroughly and cut off the top piece where the lid screws on. Paint the jug (your turkey's body), adding a red turkey gobbler to the handle and wings below. Next, glue a pom-pom to the top of the handle. This is your turkey's head. Then, glue two googly eyes to the pom-pom or make your own eyes out of construction paper. Next, shape a paper or foam beak and place it below the eyes. Finally, cut several tail feathers from construction paper or foam, and glue them to the back of the milk jug to serve as feathers.

Not only do you now have a cute, homemade turkey for display, but you also have a game! Pass out pencils or clothespins, and the person who drops the most into the jug wins. To keep the competition fair, have participants stand over the jug and hold the pencil or clothespin at their own nose level.

Do you have a favorite turkey craft or activity of your own? Please share yours in the comment section below!

You Know You’re a Homeschooler When...

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 00:56:00 +0000

What are the defining characteristics of homeschoolers? Read the real and often hilarious accounts of what makes homeschooling so unique from a poll we posted on our homeschool Facebook page earlier this month.

You Know You're a Homeschooler When...

"You realize you've been wearing your jammies all day and you're okay with it." - Rebecca Emter

"When a complete stranger walks up to and asks you if you homeschool. Then informs you that they just knew it ‘cause all homeschool families have the homeschool walk. Has anyone else heard this? It made my husband and me smile." - Rachel Sowell

"Someone asks your child, ‘What grade are you in?' and your child stares at them with a blank look." - Jennifer Gallegos

"You can take family vacations in the off-season while all the other kids are in school, getting the rock bottom rates and avoiding all the crowds." - Lisa Dawn Chandler

"When it takes you a minute to remember what grade is your child." - Maria C. Arias

"When your kid looks forward to math for the first time because he finally understands it after years of public school." - Melissa Marchman

"You cancel school work because the day is so beautiful, and there is always the weekend to make up for it!" - Debbie Adey

"When you, as the teacher, can declare an ‘I don't feel like teaching school today' day and go swimming with the kids." - Roxanne Loper

"When you hear ‘Why aren't you in school?' every other day." - Amy Harper

"The doctor asks them if they like their teacher this year, and they get that sheepish grin on their face, knowing that's a loaded question with Mom in the room." - Nicki Hunnicutt Jeske

"You sleep in with your kiddo because you don't have to get stuff done at exactly 7:30." - Tammy Taylor

"You look to find a space in your house for another bookshelf." - Dawn Griffith

"You consider your 13-year-old cleaning out the chicken coop part of his life/job skills class. You use time grocery shopping at 9 p.m. to discuss cost per unit and how to find the better deal." - Carrie Bochman Anderson

"You go to a museum and say, ‘I'm counting this as a school day!'" - Gretchen Goodale Bender

"Your house looks like it's been robbed because you have no time for OCD because you are investing your time in your children!" - Kath Willson

"Someone asks what you are doing this weekend, and you say, ‘Wow, it's already the weekend? But it doesn't even matter." - Anna Bagley

"It's almost 8 a.m., and you (the mom) are still sitting around in your PJ's, playing on f/b ... answering questions, and ALL five of your kids are still asleep in their beds, and you have no panicked need to run and wake them :-D" - Paula Greenwood

"When the grocery store becomes a mathematical learning haven!" - Gin Swan

"You don't have to wake up and get ready for everything. You can go to school in your PJ's! (I do!) :)" - Taylor Parker

"Your high-schoolers are job shadowing, and you take the whole day off:)." - Anna Marie Dickerson Disinger

"My 9-year-old son says it's when you wake up in the morning and play with your baby brother for an hour before starting school work. He adds that it's when you stop your schoolwork for the day just because your Gram and Pap came over. I would add it's when your 9-year-old son thinks of learning as a way of life so much that he has taught his public schooled neighbor friend how to incorporate the study of all things into their play!:)" - Kimberly Plotner Wendland

"When God is in every lesson. Oh, and one trip to the grocery store covers health, science, social studies, English, and etiquette." - Juliea Bockenstedt Montague

"When, while at Walmart, my 14-year-old boys are stared at and then asked, ‘Oh, is school out today?' Then they politely say that they are homeschooled." - Becky Ussery

"Your 12-year-old thinks it's cool to almost be done with all his subjects and it's not even 11:30 yet. And we didn't even get started till 8:30." - Michelle May Brundage

"Your housework suffers!" - Kimberly Bayly

"You have your first baby!" - Amy Reinking

"When your kids don't feel pressured to mimic the world, and cool has a way different meaning. It means being yourself, without excuse." - Brandi Rivera Austin

"You decide last moment that class will start three hours late on any given day." - Nicole McCall

"When you are able to watch your children interact with others, and they have a look of shock over the amount of homework and bad manners their fellow peers have. When you are able to go off on tangents that your children have during a lesson and end up with a memorable and more rewarding day. When reading, you and your little ones cuddle together with a blanket and share sweet moments." - Amanda L Jenkins

"Your kids invent fun games using the dictionary. Last night we had company over, and they had a blast blindly finding words that were their temporary new names out of the dictionary! My kids are junior high, and our company was a young couple that said they plan to continue the game at home!" - Angie McLaughlin

"When your kids tell you how many species of lizards are in your back yard and use the term ‘species'!" - Jeannette Le Blanc Hernandez

"When your child exclaims proudly, ‘My mommy is my teacher!' when asked who their teacher is. :-)" - Kristine Cannell Dubielak

"You get to eat lunch w/ your children every day!" - Keisha Matthews

"You see the dotted lines on graham crackers and think ‘fraction manipulatives!'" - Cathy Blake

"People ask, ‘Are you crazy ... use those public school hours for working ..." As if homeschool and taking care of our-home is not a full-time job? I believe God gave me the BEST job in the world! Money is not everything." - Judith LeMaster Blake

"You get to do lessons with your child while curled up under a blanket on the couch :)" - Jamie Stephens

"You're homeschooling during a blizzard!" - Linda Pritchard

"When you don't worry so much about some holidays, and you finish your days (180 in DE) in April, two months before public schools." - Paige Pitcher

"When my child is so observant of the world around her that no matter what each day holds, she learns something important all on her own and then comes and shares it with me! There are days I am truly amazed by her." - Jessica Wright

"When my son asks if we can do a little school, not a whole lot of school. And after lunch it's quick clean-up time, and we get out done in less than 10 minutes." - Sy Hugo Contreras

"When you get up when your kids do." - Elaine Michelle Alba

"When your active boys have recess before schoolwork :-)" - RickyandApril Espana

"We can stay in our pjs and have school." - Carrie Coats-Dierschke

"Take twice as long because you are teaching your children at the same time." - Cari Ipolani Adams Errands

"You arrange your day around teaching obedience and work ethic instead of morally empty skills." - Sarah Hamlin Kimbrough

The Perfect Homeschooling World

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0000

In a perfect homeschool world, your children would greet you with a smile each morning and help prepare breakfast and clean up afterward.
In a perfect homeschool world, there would be no sibling fighting, lost workbooks, or unprepared students.
In a perfect homeschool world, your children would learn their lessons the first time, eliminating any review.
In a perfect homeschool world, you would have brilliant applications and visual aids prepared for every subject area you are teaching each day.
In a perfect homeschool world, the laundry would clean and fold itself, so you could enjoy the evenings with your spouse.
In a perfect homeschool world, there would be enough money to buy all the curriculum you wanted.
In a perfect homeschool world, you would find encouraging notes from your children thanking you for being such a wonderful parent and teacher.
In a perfect homeschool world, you would always have the right answer to every one of your children's questions.

Unfortunately, this world is not perfect. We live in a fallen and sinful world that tempts us (1 Corinthians 10:13). Every day I must go to the One who is perfect for strength, wisdom, and guidance to live my life as a shining example of His love to my family and the world. I am not perfect, but He is (Hebrews 7:25-26)! I rejoice that although my homeschool world is not perfect, I know the One who is. He goes before me each day and prepares the path in which I will walk. Today, I trust Him again to take everything I experience as a homeschooling parent and cause it to work together for good (Romans 8:28).

Lord, I know that I fall short each day in living a perfectly holy life. Help me to be patient and loving toward my family and others when they fall short as well. None of us is perfect, except You. Thank You for being a holy God who loves me in spite of my shortcomings. In Jesus' name, Amen.

I'm Sorry

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +0000

"Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance" (2 Corinthians 7:9a).

I stood in front of the mirror in the bathroom with my makeup case in my hands. There seemed to be a sense of irony in the fact that I was putting on a pretty face for the rest of the world to see, but inside I was an angry and ugly homeschooling mother. The morning had gone from bad to worse with my husband's car that wouldn't start, a broken washing machine, and my mother's "helpful" advice. I should have talked to the Lord when I felt the tremors coming, but instead, my pent up emotions erupted onto my ten-year-old son like a violent volcano when he failed to complete his math assignment. I had quickly said, "I'm sorry" for my outburst, but my son's expression told me I had hurt his loving heart.

As I looked into the mirror, God showed me the truth of what was happening. Between feeling like a failure because we lacked the finances to maintain our appliances and the rejection by my family for homeschooling, I was angry at Him. I had looked for the encouragement and approval I needed in the wrong place and was disappointed when I didn't find it. Taking my frustration out on my son's failure had simply transferred the same feeling to him.

As I opened my makeup case, I prayed the rest of the day would go better. To my surprise, I saw little pieces of paper folded on top of the different colors of eye shadow. Opening each piece of paper, I found the words, "I love you, Mom!" written by my son. Humbled, I knew I should have been the one seeking to restore our relationship. I started to cry and realized I would never get my makeup on that morning. I walked into my son's room and started over again. This time I truly said, "I'm sorry."

Lord, too many times I've said "I'm sorry" without really meaning it. Help me realize what others are feeling when I have hurt them. Place a repentant heart of compassion in me to restore those broken relationships. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Elect to Save on Government Courses and Resources!

Tue, 30 Oct 2012 01:00:00 +0000

Today's children are tomorrow's voting citizens, so teach your homeschooler U.S. history and government with elective courses from Alpha Omega Publications, including Civics and The Story of the Constitution. Plus, expand your child's knowledge with supplemental materials like The U.S. Government activity book and the American Heritage DVDs from renowned Christian historian David Barton.

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Print Supplement

• The U.S. Government

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Snakes in a Sandbox

Tue, 30 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Homeschooling while living in our "little house on the prairie" in western Nebraska was both exciting and dangerous. We lived with sand burs, relentless wind, prairie dogs, harvester ants, coyotes, scorpions, and worst of all, rattlesnakes.

Since you never knew if rattlesnakes would be hiding in the long grass, under a rock, or even in the flower beds, we had to teach our young children to be on a constant lookout during the summer. What made things even more complicated was the fact that good bullsnakes looked exactly like bad rattlesnakes except for the shape of their heads and the rattles on their tails. Our cowboy neighbors tried several times to teach me and our children the difference. I refused to learn this lesson. To me, the only good snake was a dead snake!

Fortunately, my oldest son paid better attention to these identifying marks. When a four-foot rattler was hiding in my children's sandbox one day, my son killed it with a garden hoe. After I recovered from the shock of my son's bravery, we became the typical homeschool family and took advantage of this opportunity. We skinned the snake to examine the anatomy of a reptile for biology, tanned the hide to make jewelry for art class, and studied what living in the West was like during the 1800s for history.

We face many snakes in our spiritual lives, too, and you never know where they may be hiding. Satan's temptations are cleverly hidden and disguised, but we can recognize them and have the courage to say "no" if we claim God's power from the Bible. 1 Peter 5:8-9 tells us to resist the serpent of old because he prowls around like a lion seeking someone to devour. When Satan tempts you as a homeschooling parent to become discouraged and feel sorry for yourself, claim the promises in God's Word to defeat this enemy of God. "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds" (2 Corinthians 10:3-4).

Father, thank You for showing me the truth from Your Word to win over Satan's temptations. Help me stay alert to defeat him through Your power, so my life will glorify You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

No Brainer

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +0000

"Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child" (Proverbs 22:15a).

What seems an obvious choice to us as homeschooling parents is not so easy for our children. When we ask "What were you thinking?" to our children for making foolish decisions, we forget that we, too, found ourselves in difficult situations when we were young. Many times, the only thing that separates our choices from our children's is a few years of wisdom from having been there and done that. What is even worse is when we as homeschooling parents make foolish choices, even when we know the right thing to do.

Saul is an example of this foolishness in the Old Testament. God had chosen him to be king of Israel, and following the Lord seemed like a "no brainer." However, Saul made a bad choice for the last time when he chose to assume the role of a priest. Instead of waiting for Samuel to come and offer the sacrifice to the Lord, he panicked when his army began to disband for fear of the Philistines, and he offered the sacrifice himself. This foolishness and desecration of God's holiness brought the end to his reign as king (1 Samuel 13:8-14).

Foolishness usually seems more obvious in others than in our own lives. Even though we know what we should do, we allow circumstances to force us into making decisions that are wrong. We listen to the voice of everyone but God and wonder how we ended up in debt, in court, or on our backs looking up at the One we should have followed in the first place.

What about you? Have your foolish actions led you down a road you never intended? Do you wish you could turn around and get back to where you started? Just as the prodigal son finally came to his senses in the pig pen after living a foolish life that wasted his inheritance and broke his father's heart, you can come to your heavenly Father and seek His forgiveness, too. He is waiting with outstretched arms to welcome you back. Don't wait! Turn around and come back to Him today!

Lord, forgive the foolish choices I have made because of fear and pride. I submit my life to You in humble obedience. Help me live according to Your Word. In Jesus' name, Amen.

The Call

Sun, 28 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +0000

"As for me, I will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me" (Psalm 55:16).

Receiving "the call" late at night is the dread of every parent — homeschooling or not. Our call came around 12:45 a.m. one early Saturday morning. The officer on the other end of the line told us our son was being held at the police station. As we drove to town, I was thankful our son wasn't dead or injured in a car accident. However, I knew that the discipline his father and I were planning may make him wish he was dead.

Someday there will be another call that will bring dread into the heart of every person who doesn't know Jesus Christ as Savior. Christ will come with His angels and call all the nations to come before Him in judgment (Matthew 25:31-46). Many will claim they knew Christ, but He will say, "Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire" (vs. 41). All opportunity to call upon the name of the Lord and be saved (Romans 13:10) will be gone, and they will be separated from God forever (2 Thessalonians 1:8-9).

Such a horrific moment should motivate everyone to tell others about the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. The idea of anyone being lost for all eternity is heartbreaking. Let the Lord use you and your homeschool to reach as many as possible before that awesome and terrible day of the Lord. "How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher" (Romans 10:14)?

Heavenly Father, move my heart to be the one who "brings the tidings of good news" to the lost, so they can hear of Your saving love. Give me a burden for those who are caught in the darkness of sin. Teach me how to have "beautiful feet" to go where you want me. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Left Behind

Sat, 27 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +0000

I saw the expression on my youngest son's face as the last of his older siblings packed to leave for college. Saying "goodbye" to his sister was going to be very difficult. As the remaining two children left at home in our homeschooling family, they had shared so much together, but our family was transitioning once again. My son was starting to realize that with all his classmates gone, he would have to homeschool alone.

Being the last child to leave a homeschool family is probably more difficult than being the first. Although the benefits of receiving one-on-one instruction, more curriculum, and additional extracurricular options seem desirable, the last child also assumes the negative aspects of homeschooling alone — all the chores, the experienced, watchful eye of parents, and the lack of the "family fan club" at games and activities in which they are involved. Separation from homeschool siblings can add to a sense of isolation and loneliness, or it can propel the youngest child to grow in his walk with the Lord.

David was the youngest brother in his family. He, too, probably watched as each of his three older brothers left to fight in the war against the Philistines. He probably felt the family transitioning pains and bore more responsibility as he cared for his father's flocks of sheep. Fortunately, the years of being schooled by God alone, where he faced the dangers of lions, bears, and a cursing giant (1 Samuel 17), prepared him adequately to become king.

Whom do you run to when life gets tough and you need help? Although spouses, parents, and extended family are a great resource to find encouragement and strength, the first place we should turn is into the arms of our loving God. With His perspective, strength, and guidance, we can face whatever comes into our life and accomplish His perfect will. After all, life changes in a blink, and sometimes the family we love and depend on will not be there. Go to prayer in God's school and let Him teach you lessons on following Him and discipleship. "He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me" (Matthew 10:37-38).

Jesus, I know I've been depending too much on my family for the help and answers I should be seeking from You. Today, I come to You in prayer to seek Your perfect will for the decisions I need to make. Help me to follow You alone. In Your name, Amen.

Dressed to Kill

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +0000

What did you look like this morning as you began homeschooling your children? Were you still dressed in your pajamas or sweats? Did you prepare yourself as if you were working at an 8 to 5 job, or did you skip the time-consuming effort until later? Busy homeschooling mothers don't always have time to put their best foot forward each day, especially with their appearance. We cheat by putting our hair in a ponytail again and wearing disheveled clothing as we stand instructing our children in their schoolwork.

Can you picture yourself going to school where the teachers looked like they were fit to kill instead of dressed to kill? Wouldn't learning be less attractive and somewhat discouraging to see someone stand before you day after day, not caring about what he looked like? So, why do we as homeschooling mothers think we can skip the attention to detail in our appearance before our homeschooled children?

God desires that we do our work to the best of our ability: "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men" (Colossians 3:23). Our job as homeschoolers should be done heartily and not half-heartedly. We need to present both ourselves and the academics we teach in a professional manner that gives glory to God and encourages our children to give their best as well.

Do you know what you are going to wear to your homeschool class tomorrow? Your outfit doesn't have to be the latest fashion, but is it clean, ironed, and honoring to the Lord? Why not take the time to look your best each day to make learning more attractive to you and your child?

Father, help me prepare each day to give homeschooling my best effort. I realize that sloppiness on the outside is a reflection of my attitude on the inside. Remind me to honor You in my appearance each day I teach my children. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Introduce Your Child to French or Spanish!

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 01:00:00 +0000

Introduce your child to a second language with elective courses from Alpha Omega Publications! Choose from French or Spanish courses in online, CD-ROM, or print-based lessons for grades 3-12 and open the door to a world of new words and culture!

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Grandma Goodbyes

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +0000

As Grandpa and Grandma drove out our yard to return to their home nine hours away, my daughter sat looking out the living room window with tears in her eyes. Each time they came to visit, I dreaded the day they were scheduled to leave. The emotional heartache my young daughter experienced made concentrating on homeschooling for the next several days difficult.

The disciples knew such a heartache when Christ was arrested in the garden, put on trial, and crucified. Peter and John, along with the others, wept bitterly when the One they had loved and followed was gone. Even though He had told them He would rise on the third day, they thought Jesus was no longer in their lives. They wondered if they would ever see Him again.

Do you ever feel like God has left you, especially in your homeschooling? Do you think everyone has abandoned you to figure out how to teach on your own. Don't let Satan's lies fool you! Jesus has promised, "For he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" (Hebrews 13:5b). God is lovingly watching and interceding in your life. He knows what you need to teach your children each day and will provide all you need to do it. Keep trusting in Him. Someday, He will even be coming back for you, too. "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also" (John 14:1-3).

Jesus, thank You for not leaving me to homeschool alone. Help me to remember You are as close as my next prayer. I look for Your help today and hope in the promise of Your return. In Your name, Amen.

Gray Areas

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +0000

The quiet time I was experiencing with the Lord before my homeschooling day overwhelmed me with conviction. I watched as the morning sun's rays attempted to burn off the gray cloud of fog that had settled as a blanket over our farm. The cool night air had met the warmth of Earth, and the resulting fog was locked in a battle with the sun's rays. As the strength of the sun's light grew more brilliant, the lesson God was teaching me also became clearer.

The heat from the problems of homeschooling during the last few days had met with the coldness of my disobedient, spiritual heart. Thankfulness had been replaced with grumbling and complaining about all the work I had to do. Gray areas of not knowing God's will had formed like a cloud, and I was confused. I attempted to justify my sinful actions to God based on the world's standards. In the valley of ungratefulness, the foggy cloud was encompassing more of my life. I was beginning to feel completely lost. Then, God's rays of truth in Philippians 2:13-14 burned away the cloud: "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputings."

Do you see gray clouds forming on the horizon of your life? God's Word is the light that will clear up those foggy areas. "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path" (Psalm 119:105). As you read His Word, you will discover that God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5).

Lord, Your Word is such a blessing for finding my way! Thank You for gently showing me Your truth and exposing those areas of sin that cloud my life. Help me stay close to the light of Your love today. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Paralyzed by Fear

Tue, 23 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +0000

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7).

"I'm never going back to the mountains again until we have a better car," I said resolutely to my husband. This trip was the last time I would risk getting stranded because of car problems. Our homeschool field trips to isolated mountain areas in Colorado would just have to wait until we could afford a new vehicle.

Many months went by before the urge to see God's wilderness drove us to try again. With the same car, our family ventured out with a picnic lunch, hoping for a wonderful day of hiking in the woods. As we headed west of Denver, I noticed the engine beginning to sputter. Cars were flying past us as we slowed to almost a crawl on the busy interstate. Both my husband and I wanted to cry as we pulled over again to the side of the road.

Together we said a quick prayer and tried to reassure our four children that all would be well. Opening the hood, my divinely-inspired husband removed the air cleaner from the top of the engine and plugged the hole with a handkerchief to prevent dirt from being sucked into the engine. Restarting the car and pulling back into traffic, we unbelievably regained normal speed. For the remainder of the trip, we had no problems. The easy fix to our car's high-altitude problem mocked me as I thought of all the trips I had forfeited because of fear.

What blessings from God are you missing today because of fear? Are you afraid to fellowship in large crowds, travel to see your family by car, plane, or boat, or enjoy new experiences because of the unknown? God promises in Proverbs 3:25-26, "Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh. For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken." God is in control, and you do not need to be afraid. As Christ calmed the storm for the disciples in the boat, He is more than able to protect you from unknown problems. Will you give your fears to Him today and receive His blessings?

Lord, so many times I miss Your best because I am afraid. Please, walk with me through these fears and help me see You in every situation. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Divine Lessons

Mon, 22 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +0000

"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God" (1 John 4:1a).

Homeschooling that is led and guided by the Holy Spirit proves to be the most successful. Prayerfully choosing curriculum, daily schedules, lesson plans, field trips, extracurricular activities, or even books used for reading or literature class allows God to influence your children's education. God is the best at customizing our children's education because He knows the future plans for each of their lives (Jeremiah 29:11).

God is also the best at customizing your daily spiritual lessons. He wants you to succeed in your walk with Him, as well as homeschooling. In order to make sure you are listening to the right advice, He tells you to test the spirits to find out whether or not they are of God. Anything that does not confess Jesus Christ is not from God (1 John 4:2-3). God will never lead you to do something or teach something contrary to the Word of God. He uses other mature Christians to guide and instruct you, as well as circumstances to point you in the right direction.

God's divine lessons are waiting for you today: "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things" (John 14:26a). The Lord is looking for those whose hearts are completely His (2 Chronicles 16:9a), so He can use them to bring glory to His name. If you desire a deeper walk with God, then start obeying His Word. In obedience, He will show you more of Himself to give you the most exciting life you could ever imagine. "He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him" (John 14:21).

Father, thank You for sending the Holy Spirit to guide me. Speak to me today and fill me with Your Spirit. Show me how to live a life that will glorify Your name. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Time for Church

Sun, 21 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +0000

"Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is" (Hebrews 10:25).

On Sunday morning when you say, "It's time for church," what response do you get from your homeschooled children? Depending on the age of your children, those words bring a variety of responses. Teenagers roll over and want to sleep another two hours, elementary-aged children would rather play and dislike getting ready, and toddlers are too young to care, but they require extra effort in preparing diaper bags.

The Lord told the children of Israel to remember to set aside a day to worship when He gave His people the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20:8-11. One day of the week was to be set apart to keep it holy. Throughout church history, this practice has continued, but today you would not recognize Sunday as being any different from any other day of the week.

What does Sunday look like at your house? Do you find yourself skipping church regularly? Do you take advantage of half-sick children and use them for an excuse to stay home? Is getting everyone to church on Sunday mornings too big a fight? Don't give in and take the easy way out! There is a special blessing waiting for you today as a corporate group of believers: "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them" (Matthew 18:20). God is waiting to meet with you, and He delights in your praises and worship. Don't use this day for shopping or getting caught up on chores. Both you and your children need to learn to discipline your lives. "I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD" (Psalm 122:1).

Lord, forgive me for being lazy. Getting my family to church is so difficult at times. Help me organize this Saturday and prepare to meet You this Sunday with my children. In Jesus' name, Amen.

The Last Thing I Need

Sat, 20 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Learning not to give unsolicited advice to my homeschooled children was difficult as they were growing older. I usually went overboard in my explanations in case something would go wrong. I wanted to save them from failure, expense, and pain. However, I learned that some of the most amazing lessons are taught to our children when we wait to rescue them. As they struggle to find the correct answer or make the right decision, they are being prepared for a life led by the Lord.

Both Mary and Martha were looking for answers in their grief. Their brother Lazarus had died because Jesus had not arrived in time. Jesus could have gotten to Bethany much quicker than He did, but He chose to wait two extra days (John 11:6). Martha responded by telling the Lord that if He had been there, He could have saved her brother (John 11:21). When Christ said to roll away the stone of Lazarus' grave, Martha offered advice the Lord didn't need to hear a second time when she said, "Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days" (John 11:39b). Martha's limited faith was being challenged to become an unlimited faith in Jesus. Christ proved He not only could heal the sick, but He was also able to raise someone from the dead.

Does your faith limit God in what He can or cannot do in your life? Are you willing to be still and know that He is God (Psalm 46:10)? God knows what He is doing, and the last thing He needs is your advice. He is waiting to see if you will trust and believe in Him for the impossible, instead of telling Him what to do. Will you trust Him today for the answers you need?

Lord, You are a great and mighty God who doesn't need my help or advice. Forgive me for telling You what to do and limiting what You want to do in my life. Help me today to trust in Your way and Your will. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Out of Control

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +0000

"The LORD is in his holy temple, the LORD's throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men. The LORD trieth the righteous" (Psalm 11:4-5a).

Learning to drive in our homeschool driver's education class looked much different than the normal driving class most young people attended. Dad's job was to teach our children the laws and rules for operating a vehicle, but what he truly enjoyed was instructing them in driving safely. During his instruction, he showed our children how to steer back onto the road if one wheel slipped onto the shoulder, how to stop in an emergency without locking the brakes (this was before anti-lock brakes), and his favorite — how to drive in icy conditions.

Since our state had long winters, he especially focused on driving on icy roads. He took our children to a huge, abandoned parking lot and put the car into a spin (this resembled the effect of hitting a patch of ice on the road while driving). The panicked look that appeared at first on each of our children's faces was slowly erased as he showed them how to gently steer into the skid to correct the car's out-of-control path. Over and over they would practice this skill until it was mastered. Many years later, my oldest son's life was saved from a serious accident because of his father's thorough instruction.

Our heavenly Father's teaching methods in learning how to live safely in His care also involve repeated lessons. His Word says that He tests and tries us to refine us like gold (Proverbs 17:3). When our poor choices cause self-induced problems, our lives go into a skid. Gently, He shows us how to turn back to His Word to find the answers we need to straighten our out-of-control path. Whether we have allowed ourselves to overspend, overeat, overwork, or participate in ungodly activities, God is able to teach us how to depend on the Holy Spirit to guide us safely back to Him. God's ultimate goal for us is to pass His driver's course and enjoy the freedom and safety of living in Jesus.

Is your life out of control? Are you off the straight and narrow path and headed for the ditch? If so, let the Lord take the wheel and gently steer you back to where you should be. Your very life may depend on it! "Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live" (Hebrews 12:9)?

Father, forgive me for making so many choices that have put me on this path of destruction. Take my life and straighten me out before I cause more pain to You, myself, and others. In Jesus' name, Amen.

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Thu, 18 Oct 2012 01:00:00 +0000

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Daily Reminders

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Brush your teeth, pick up your room, make your bed, do your chores, wash your hands, practice the piano, and take out the trash. The list of reminders we give our children each day goes on and on. Every day we remind our children to do things they should already do without being told.

Homeschooling moms have the added task of spending countless hours reviewing rules and facts and reminding our children what they have already learned in school. Our children may attempt to fly through review lessons, thinking they know it all, when in reality, they have forgotten the material learned. Many times they want to move on to new things and forget about the effort needed to constantly review.

The apostle Peter knew he needed to remind the new believers in Christ of the truths they learned in 2 Peter 1:12: "Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth." Peter knew they needed to practice the truths they had learned and be reminded daily to be faithful to the One who had saved them — Jesus. Moral excellence and holiness were at stake, and he wanted these new believers to apply diligence in their faith. Peter was a great teacher who stirred them up by way of reminder (2 Peter 1:13).

What spiritual truths need to be stirred up today in your life? Have you forgotten to spend time with Jesus? Have you forgotten the power of praise to defeat a negative thought life? Do you remember to witness to the lost who need the Lord? Are you living expectantly, waiting for Christ's return? Open the Word of God today and let the Holy Spirit stir your heart to remember Christ's great love for you. "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you" (John 14:26).

Lord, I confess my memory is not what it should be. Help me remember today the many blessings You have provided in the past and the truths that will keep my heart close to You. Thank You for being such a wonderful Savior! In Jesus' name, Amen.

Wisdom from Above

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +0000

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever" (Psalm 111:10).

We had just spent another day going over practice questions that might be used in the ACT college entrance test. My son was getting tired of the extra school work required to prepare for this important test, but I ignored his grumblings. After all, didn't he know that he had to be the smartest child there? I had high expectations to say the least.

All homeschooling parents desire their children to excel in intelligence. We constantly worry and second guess whether they are learning what they should. We compare our children to those of fellow homeschoolers and students taught in a school. We may even go to the extent of having our children take regular achievement tests - all in the desire to prove our children are learning. All this comparing and testing may prove our children are smart, but does this testing show they are wise?

In 1 Kings 4:31, King Solomon is described as "wiser than all men." He spoke over 3,000 proverbs and 1,000 songs. People from all nations came to hear his wisdom, and his discernment was like the sand on the seashore. Even the Queen of Sheba was amazed at Solomon's wisdom and said how blessed his men and servants were who heard him speak. God's Word tells us in 1 Kings 3:5-15 that Solomon's great wisdom was given as a gift from God. The Lord blessed Solomon because of his humility and desire to lead God's people. Solomon learned that "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom," which is true intelligence.

Do you think you're smart and you know all the answers? Do you figure out problems on your own and think your way is always the best way? Look up and be truly wise! God's wisdom is not according to this world. "Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty" (1 Corinthians 1:20 & 27). As you homeschool this year, live in humble obedience to God and receive the true wisdom from above to pass the tests in life.

Lord, forgive me when I think I'm so smart. I need Your wisdom so much more than earthly intelligence. Humble my heart today and teach me what I need to know. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Compared to What?

Tue, 16 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +0000

My youngest son's discouraged face told me there was more to his frustration in receiving a "C" on his spelling test. I saw there was deep emotion waiting to be expressed. I offered a listening ear and a patient hug, and he began to share, "I'm not as smart as everyone else in this family." He thought he wasn't as good as his siblings, and he wanted to be an "A" student, too. His broken heart reflected my own childhood experience with insensitive teachers comparing my performance in school to high-achieving, older siblings.

Comparing your children can be dangerous. "But they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise" (2 Corinthians 10:12b). God has uniquely gifted each of your homeschooled children and values each one. Encourage them to find their place in the family and then in the world. A sense of self-worth is developed as your children find areas in which God created them to excel. My son's niche was finally found in math, music, and fishing. Hands down, neither his brother nor his sisters could top him in those areas.

How many times a day do you compare yourself to others? Do you wish you looked like someone else, had her home or money, or were as smart as she? God knew this was a problem for all mankind when He gave His commandment, "Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbor's" (Exodus 20:17). Compared to Christ, we all fall short of the glory of God. Let Him lead you into His perfect will for your life and find the joyful niche He has created just for you. There is no better place to be for now and eternity!

Lord, thank You for giving me significance in this life. Help me remember I have value because of the great price that was paid for me on the cross. I choose to look at You today instead of comparing myself to others. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Four-legged Classmates

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +0000

"A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast" (Proverbs 12:10a).

Is there anything sadder than watching a dog say goodbye to his favorite boy or girl as he or she goes off to school? Every day, countless pets are separated from their young masters as they leave for school, but not with homeschoolers. We are the fortunate ones who enjoy the privilege of having four-legged classmates to comfort us and make us laugh.

Since pets have always been a part of our family, making them a part of our homeschool was only natural. Morning and evening chores that involved our pets were incorporated into our children's daily schedule. To make up for any work involved with their care, they experienced the advantages of sharing a good book with a warm kitty or playing together with an effervescent puppy. Only during the winter did our children complain as they faced the cold weather to care for their furry friends.

Animals are not only special to us, but they are important to God as well. The pleasure of naming each of God's creatures was given to Adam (Genesis 2:19-20). After the flood, God made the covenant of the rainbow as a sign to both man and His creatures (Genesis 9:9-13). God also used His creatures to accomplish His specific will — a donkey talked to Balaam, ravens fed Elijah, and a great fish rerouted the rebellious prophet, Jonah.

Do you set a good example for your children in taking care of your family's pets? They need more than food and water. Daily grooming, exercise, and love are essential to their well-being. God values all of His creation, including animals. He requires good stewardship of these creatures and has entrusted their care to you. Keep your four-legged students attending class with your children. Remember, "a righteous man regardeth the life of his beast" (Proverbs 12:10)!

Lord, thank You for the animals You bring into our lives that give so much entertainment and joy. You are such a creative and loving God to think of so many different creatures! Challenge us today to be responsible and not neglect the care of our pets. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Best Friends

Sun, 14 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +0000

"A friend loveth at all times" (Proverbs 17:17a).

Have you ever watched young girls interact? They can be the best of friends one moment and dire enemies the next. Because of petty differences and easily hurt feelings, young girls are notorious for having a new best friend each week. My homeschooled daughter found it difficult to keep up with these fluctuations in her friends. What she wanted most was an "Anne of Green Gables" kindred spirit in whom she could confide (Philippians 2:20).

The Bible gives us a great example of true friendship — Jonathan and David. Willing to lay down their lives for each other, they displayed a standard for us to follow. The example of their loyal friendship shows what is needed to be a friend and keep a friend. "And Jonathan said to David, Go in peace, forasmuch as we have sworn both of us in the name of the LORD, saying, The LORD be between me and thee, and between my seed and thy seed for ever" (1 Samuel 20:42a).

Are you faithful to your friends? Do you work at making and keeping relationships alive, even during your busy homeschooling days? Don't forsake the treasure of a true friend! Schedule time into your homeschooling this week to bless the friends God has so graciously given you. Remember, too, to schedule time for your best friend, the One who sticketh closer than a brother — Jesus! "A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother" (Proverbs 18:24).

Jesus, thank You for all the wonderful people You have brought into my life. Help me to treat each one as a special gift from You. Thank You for being my best friend and giving me the Holy Spirit to remember all You have said. In Your name, Amen.

Sick Days

Sat, 13 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Because of sickness, the winter of 1988 was the worst interruption to our homeschooling days. Chicken pox hit our family hard, and for one long month, homeschooling was set aside as I worked to nurse my four children back to health. Every two weeks, one after another, my children fell ill and laid on the couch to recover. Every day was consumed with making healthy recipes, wiping runny noses, and finding activities for my children to occupy themselves while healing from the red, itchy sores. Quarantined, I wondered, "Will I ever see the outside world again?"

In Leviticus 13, isolation was a remedy for leprosy for God's people. A priest would look for signs on the skin of people or their articles of clothing that showed them to be unclean. Upon the priest's pronouncement, a person would be removed from the rest of the community until that person's body was healed (Leviticus 13:46).

Isolation can also bring healing as you face the sickness of sin in your life. Alone and free of distractions, you can hear the Holy Spirit gently nudging you to make changes that are necessary in your life. Healing and forgiveness from Christ renew your soul and restore a healthy relationship between you and the Lord. You are able to face the world again living a Christ-honoring life. "If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work" (2 Timothy 2:21).

Has the sin of self-pity, impatience, or greed spotted your walk with the Lord and made you sick? If so, isolate yourself immediately and go to Jesus, your healing high priest. He has promised to wash us and cleanse us if we come to Him in repentance. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).

Heavenly Father, forgive me for the things I have allowed to dirty my life. Wash me today, so I might be a vessel fit for Your service, which will bring honor to Your name, Amen.

Under the Bed

Fri, 12 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +0000

I'm sure I wasn't the first mother who had to deal with her child's deception while homeschooling. One day I found toys that were supposed to have been picked up and put away pushed under my son's bed. I sat down on the bed and wished I could escape the correction that needed to take place in my child's life. The mess under the bed would be much easier to ignore than dealing with my child. Thankfully, at least this deception could be fixed, even though the time needed to discipline would rob teaching time from our homeschooling day.

Many years ago, Jacob's deception couldn't be fixed when he fooled his father, Isaac, into blessing him instead of his brother, Esau. At his mother's prompting, Jacob went the full length in deceiving his father by feeling, smelling, sounding, and acting like Esau as he prepared his father's favorite meal. Jacob walked away, stealing the blessing of his father and the firstborn birthright intended for Esau (Genesis 27). Esau anguished in his heart that no blessing was left for him (Hebrews 12:16-17).

However, it was many years before that blessing was enjoyed. In fear of his brother's wrath, Jacob fled to another country and was alienated from his family. After working seven long years for his wife, Jacob experienced Laban's deception when he substituted his daughter Leah for Rachel at the wedding. Although Jacob was allowed to marry Rachel a week later, he was forced to suffer an additional seven years of working for his father-in-law.

Deception always works that way. What seems to be an immediate reward turns out to be an ongoing burden. Are you trying to make your life easier by hiding things "under the bed"? Do you think no one sees the deceptive patterns you've allowed to take over your life, such as little white lies, taking advantage of the goodness of others, or making others look bad, so you can get ahead? Unlike Isaac, God isn't fooled, and He sees and knows what you are doing. Will you confess and repent today and let God discipline you to fix the mess you have made? He's the only One who can.

Lord, search my heart and reveal those things that are dishonoring to You. Forgive me for allowing deception into my life. Help me recognize the temptation when it comes and stand in the power of Your name to fight this form of lying. In Jesus' name, Amen.

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Thu, 11 Oct 2012 01:00:00 +0000

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All Alone

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +0000

"Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me; for I am desolate and afflicted" (Psalm 25:16).

Is the feeling of loneliness hovering over you like a cloud today? Has homeschooling taken so much of your time that you haven't seen your friends for days? Do the piles of housework, schoolwork, and unfinished projects feel like a wall separating you from the rest of the world? Do you and your husband pass each day like two ships in the night? Do you wonder if anybody cares or even knows you are alive? Again, here you are facing another day of homeschooling all alone.

Oh, precious one, do you know how much you are loved by the Lord of the universe? He sees you right now where you are and is waiting for you to look at Him. He holds out His hands in love and says, "Stop crying, my child. I am here for you." He has bottled up your tears (Psalm 56:8) and desires to breathe strength into your heart. He wants you to crawl on His lap and wait for wisdom as He holds you in His arms of love (Isaiah 40:11).

Christ is no stranger to loneliness. Many times in the Scriptures, He left His disciples to pray in a place described as lonely or a desert (Luke 4:42). He knows what you are feeling today and wants to take your loneliness away. Don't allow loneliness to overwhelm you. Instead, let it push you into the arms of your loving Father. He is waiting to bless you and fill you with the drive to homeschool again.

Jesus, here I am — empty and nothing without You. Reveal Your mighty presence to me, Lord, so I may walk in the strength of Your love. Drive the loneliness I feel away and let me rejoice in Your goodness. In Your name I pray, Amen.

Teacher or Mom

Wed, 10 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +0000

As much as I enjoyed homeschooling my children, there were days when I longed to be only a mother. Moms have the fun job of displaying tenderness by kissing away hurts and telling their children they are wonderful, but God had an additional task for me. He also wanted me to be my children's school teacher. I had to take out the red pen and correct their papers to challenge them to study harder. Finding loving ways to critique their work and push them was not always easy. My children were forced to respect and relate to me both as a mother and a teacher.

I feared this dual role would create an emotional distance between my children and me. As the homeschooling years went on, however, I realized those fears were unfounded. The relationship I had with my children as their mother gave me opportunities to minister to their personal issues and concerns. The relationship I had as their teacher provided moments for counseling college and career choices, editing job resumes, and more. I became the resource my children went to first when they needed help, and we grew even closer.

God's multiple roles in our Christian walk amaze me, too. He is our loving Abba Father, Savior, best friend, and holy God. He commands our fear, devotion, love, and respect — all the while teaching us to grow closer to Him. He is the first person we should run to for our needs. He is both a gentle shepherd and a jealous God who loves us with passionate, unconditional love. Praise Him today for being your heavenly Father and all you need!

Heavenly Father, thank You for the many ways You bless me each day! I worship You as my holy God, adore You as my Father, thank You for being my Savior, and treasure You as my friend. Help me to enjoy Your love today and walk in the blessings You provide. In Jesus' name, Amen.

In the Distance

Tue, 09 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Today was especially difficult as a homeschooling mom. I was beginning to believe my three-year-old daughter would be wearing diapers until she was 21. I was also frustrated with my son's lack of understanding fractions. I was ready to give up and let him learn to measure in whole numbers for the rest of his life. My life seemed stuck in the "forever" of this time. My children would never move beyond this point in their education, and I would never do anything different as a woman. Each day would be a repeat of the last with homeschooling, doing the laundry, cooking, and fulfilling church responsibilities. Would there ever be an end to this seemingly endless repetition?

As I loaded the children into the car for another trip to the grocery store, God spoke to my heart in a simple, but powerful way. Looking into the side mirrors for traffic, I suddenly noticed the words written on the glass: "Objects in mirror are closer than they appear!" God was showing me that the end to this homeschooling period of my life was closer than it appeared!

As time went on, I discovered that life was a series of transitions — chapters that are opened, read, and then closed for the next to begin. What chapter of your life are you in as a homeschooling parent — babies, toddlers, teenagers, empty nest? Things will not always remain the same. Enjoy the moment you are in now to the fullest. God is with you and knows exactly what you should be doing. "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven" (Ecclesiastes 3:1).

Father, thank You for life and each experience You provide. Help me take today and make this time a blessing to my family. Show me how to faithfully continue homeschooling and look forward to every opportunity to teach my children. In Jesus' name, Amen.

I Am Not Ashamed

Mon, 08 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +0000

"Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 10:32-33).

Most parents — homeschooling or not — have experienced a time when their children were embarrassed to be with them. The sting of this rejection can hurt our feelings, but if we are to succeed as homeschooling parents, we must move beyond our feelings. We must address the issue of why our child is embarrassed and not become defensive or retaliatory in our response.

The apostle Peter had to suffer the consequences of a broken heart and a guilty conscience when he feared being associated with Christ. Three times he blatantly rejected the accusations that he was one of Christ's disciples. The rooster's crow echoed in his ears as he ran away in shame saying, "I know not this man of whom ye speak" (Mark 14:71).

How about you? Are you embarrassed and afraid to say you are a child of God in certain groups of people? Do you sheepishly keep silent when you should speak up for Christ? Do you fearfully restrain from sharing the Gospel message that may bring salvation to someone who is lost? Don't let Satan deceive you into denying Christ because of embarrassment or fear. The light of Christ needs to be shining brightly in your life and not dimmed by denying your Lord. May you be as bold as the apostle Paul who proclaimed, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth" (Romans 1:16a).

Heavenly Father, forgive me for letting Satan rob me of the greatest privilege I have — saying I am Your child. Help me today to stand up for You and Your Word. I love You, Lord. Let me live today boldly proclaiming You as my Lord and Savior. In Your Son's name, Amen.

Mrs. Clean

Sun, 07 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +0000

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" (Philippians 4:13).

Inside the house, the kitchen sink was full of dishes, and the laundry baskets were piled high with dirty clothes. The floors were full of crumbs, and the windows had enough fingerprints to fill the files of the FBI. Outside, the lawn looked like a herd of horses needed to chew it down, and the children's toys were scattered from one end of the farm to the other. Company was scheduled to arrive for supper, and the meal was not yet prepared. I laughed to myself, wondering which of these tasks I would actually accomplish in addition to our homeschooling day.

Thinking about all the work made me tired and unable to even know where to start. Looking to God, I felt Him gently urge me to begin. I did, and somehow a miracle began. The day became supernatural, and I literally felt like angels were working with me to get every job accomplished. There were no interruptions, no accidents, and no fights. Nothing was lost, and nothing broke. I flew from one chore to the next, while keeping an enthusiastic smile and teaching my children their lessons. I couldn't believe the amount of work I accomplished that day, and I've never had another one quite like it.

Sometimes the numerous issues in our spiritual walk also seem daunting. We wonder how a family member will ever be saved, why we keep falling into the same old sins, and if we can ever forgive our mother-in-law's thoughtless remarks. Temptations and trials attempt to render us impotent. We become discouraged and give up in despair before we ever begin to live for the Lord. You don't need to live under the weight of sin and pain. God sent His Son, Jesus, to deliver us from a defeated life. Jesus arose and left an empty grave as proof that we have access to the same mighty power that raised Him from the dead (Ephesians 1:19). All your burdens can be lifted by the miracle of His grace.

Is life too heavy to bear right now? Jesus says, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28).

Father, some days I wonder if I can take one more problem. Thank You for giving me the strength to bear the weight of my discouraging difficulties and help me begin to fight the spiritual battles around me. In the power of Your name, Amen.

Totally Lost

Sat, 06 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Some days, even the best homeschool teacher has trouble communicating a lesson. Whether you're teaching equations in algebra or diagramming sentences in grammar, a change begins to occur in your child when he does not comprehend the information you are covering. You've seen the look — a blank stare, a squint, eyebrows up in the form of a question mark. The body begins to fidget, and unintelligible utterances come from his mouth. He doesn't have a clue what you are talking about and is totally lost. What are you going to do?

When I was new to homeschooling, I walked away in frustration or assumed my child was not paying attention. I tried repeating the same information or using a louder voice. With infinite variations, the battle went on until I realized the problem was not with my child; it was with me. I was the teacher, and I had failed to teach. I needed to try again and approach the information from a different angle — a new learning style or additional visual aids.

Thankfully, God doesn't lose His temper or walk away from us when teaching life's lessons. When we begin our fussing routine or get that lost look, He gently wraps His arms around us and takes us back to where we last understood. Lovingly, He leads us to godly counsel from Christian friends or words of wisdom from the Scriptures. The Holy Spirit customizes each particular lesson until we grow "in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3:18).

Do you feel lost today? Let the Lord guide you back to where you should be. "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths" (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Jesus, thank You for always knowing where to find me. Without You, I am totally lost in teaching my children. Show our family where we need to be and how to keep our eyes on You. In Your name, Amen.

Let's Play

Fri, 05 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +0000

"The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing" (Zephaniah 3:17).

The favorite words of every young girl or boy are "Do you want to go play?" What homeschooled child can resist an enthusiastic mother or father who wants to ride a bike, hide in tree houses, or dig in sand boxes? Our children love leaving the academic schoolwork behind and spending time together just having fun!

Can you let go of adult responsibilities to have a moment of fun on your children's level? Let your children push you until you're dizzy on a merry-go-round, skip stones on the edge of a lake, play dolls or cowboys, or make tents together out of blankets and the living room chairs on a rainy afternoon. Leave the dirty dishes and unmade beds and go play a board game, work a puzzle, walk outside, throw a frisbee, or swing on the swings. There is still a child in all of us who knows how to play!

God in heaven wants us to have fun being His child, too. Although we need to reverence our Holy God, serious and somber-faced Christians sometimes lose the joy and excitement of living for Jesus. Psalm 17:8 says we are the apple of God's eye, and He delights in us. When was the last time you really had fun being a Christian? Let the message of God's love and salvation in Christ cause you to rejoice again and sing praises today! "O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods" (Psalm 95:1-3).

Jesus, thank You for reaching down in Your greatness to love and forgive me. The joy of knowing I am loved by You fills me with such happiness. Living for You is so much fun! In Your name I pray, Amen.

The Homeschool Vote: Election 2012

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 01:00:00 +0000

Whom the U.S. chooses in the 2012 presidential election might well set the future course for homeschooling in America.

As families who cherish the freedom and right to teach our children with Bible-based homeschool curriculum, we need to be informed and scrutinize the agendas of each candidate. To help you make an educated vote next month, learn where Democratic President Barack Obama and Republican Gov. Mitt Romney stand on key issues.

(Note: The information listed on this page has been provided solely as a courtesy and does not endorse a political candidate).

President Barack Obama at a Glance
Profession - President of the United States, lawyer
Wife: Michelle
Daughters: Sasha and Malia

Gov. Mitt Romney at a Glance
Profession - Former governor of Massachusetts, CEO of Bain & Company
Wife: Anne
Sons: Tagg, Matt, Ben, Craig, and Josh

HOMESCHOOLING

Obama: In his 2008 book, The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream, Obama wrote, "None of these policies needs discourage families from deciding to keep a parent at home, regardless of the financial sacrifices. For some families, that may mean doing without certain material comforts. For others, it may mean home schooling ... Whatever the case may be, such decisions should be honored."

In his prepared remarks for a 2009 back-to-school speech to Virginia students, he said, "When I was young, my family lived in Indonesia for a few years, and my mother didn't have the money to send me where all the American kids went to school. So she decided to teach me extra lessons herself, Monday through Friday at 4:30 in the morning."

Romney: Romney believes parents who want to homeschool their kids should be able to do so. To help them, he will provide a tax credit to help defray the educational expenses of parents who homeschool their kids.

"I also believe parents who are teaching their kids at home, homeschoolers, deserve a break, and I've asked for a tax credit to help parents in their homes with the cost of being an at-home teacher," Romney said in 2009.

EDUCATION

Obama proposes doubling funding for Pell Grants and establishing a college tax credit, as well as:

• Partnering with states to raise K-12 educational standards and rewarding states for participating in the Race to the Top program

• Forgiving remaining student loan balances for teachers and public service professionals after 10 years of service

• Capping repayments on federal student loans at 10% of income

• Calling for incentives to keep the best teachers in the classrooms

• Giving states the flexibility to create their own plans for reform, relieving states from certain restrictions of the No Child Left Behind law

• Expanding and strengthening Head Start and Early Head Start

• Investing in community colleges to provide education and career-training programs

• Ensuring a good future for veterans through the post-9/11 G.I. Bill, which has helped more than 800,000 veterans and their families pursue an education

• Producing the highest proportion of college graduates in the world by the year 2020

• Allocating funds to develop tests that align with common core standards

Romney proposes replacing current regulation with innovation and competition, as well as:

• Allowing low income and special needs students to choose which school to attend by making Title I and IDEA funds portable

• Welcoming private sector participation

• Tying federal education directly to reforms that expand parental choice

• Building on the success of effective charter and digital schools

• Expanding the DC Opportunity Scholarship Program to serve as a model for the nation

• Reforming No Child Left Behind by emphasizing transparency and responsibility for results

• Attracting and rewarding great teachers through increased flexibility

• Strengthening and simplifying the financial aid system

• Rewarding teachers for results instead of tenure

HEALTH CARE

Obama supports increasing the access and affordability of health care, as well as:

• Strengthening Medicare through The Affordable Care Act

• Putting women in control of their health and stopping insurance companies from charging women more than men for the same coverage

• Ensuring access to free preventive care for everyone through Obamacare

Romney proposes repealing and replacing Obamacare, as well as:

• Pursuing policies that give each state the power to craft a health care reform plan that is best for its own citizens

• Promoting free market, fair competition and empowering consumers to make their own choices

• Blocking grant Medicaid and other payments to states and limiting federal standards on both private insurance and Medicaid coverage

• Preventing discrimination against individuals with pre-existing conditions who maintain continuous coverage

JOBS & THE ECONOMY

Obama supports initiating the Recovery Act, as well as:

• Continually adding jobs to the manufacturing industry and encouraging growth

• Eliminating tax breaks for companies that ship jobs overseas and creating incentives for businesses to bring jobs back to America

• Reforming Wall Street and ensuring that big banks operate by the same rules

Romney supports rebuilding the economy through free enterprise and innovation, as well as:

• Reducing taxes, spending, regulation, and government programs

• Increasing trade, energy production, human capital, and labor flexibility

• Relinquishing power to the states

TAXES & THE BUDGET

Obama supports cutting taxes for working Americans, as well as:

• Asking millionaires to pay their fair share of taxes with no household making more than $1 million annually paying a smaller share of their income than a middle-class family pays

• Investing in education, manufacturing, and infrastructure

• Bringing discretionary spending to its lowest level as a share of the economy in more than 50 years

• Reducing the deficit by more than $4 trillion over the next decade

Romney supports a fairer, flatter, and simpler tax policy, as well as:

• Repealing the Alternative Minimum Tax

• Making a permanent, across-the-board 20 percent cut in marginal rates

• Maintaining current tax rates on interest, dividends, and capital gains

• Switching to a territorial tax system

CIVIL RIGHTS

Obama supports equal pay for equal work, as well as:

• Ensuring that women can get birth control, preventive care, and breast and cervical cancer screenings with no co-pay or deductible, which are stipulations of Obamacare

• Allowing women's health care choices to be personal decisions

• Supporting marriage between same-sex couples

Romney supports overturning Roe v. Wade, as well as:

• Barring the use of federal funds for abortions, as outlined in the Hyde Amendment

• Preserving the tradition of marriage between a man and a woman

• Repealing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"

Sources: www.barackobama.com, www.mittromney.com

Facebook Fans Name Top Homeschooling Tips

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 00:59:00 +0000

If you could offer one piece of advice from your homeschooling experiences, what would it be?

Many a wise word was spoken when we posted this poll question on our homeschool Facebook page last month. Here are our favorite down-to-earth and sensible responses.

"One day at a time." - Jamie Hall Văduva

"Relax and trust that God will work it all out for His good!" - Tiffani Bailey McDaniel

"Pray - You may not know what works for your child, but God does. And allow your child to make mistakes." - Doreen Williams

"Seek the Lord first in all you do. Dig deep into His Word. He has all you need. Begin all things in prayer, your HS day, your curriculum choices - everything should be under His guidance and you can't go wrong." - Hearts Home

"Just have fun and don't sweat the small stuff." - Heidi Butt

"Some days just don't go the way you expect. Don't panic." - Lindsey Veek Hasford

"Don't put so much pressure on yourself or your kids! Get done what you can and enjoy your children and teaching them." - Laura Roberts

"Be disciplined and teach them diligently. Your children's education lies in your hands." - Lia Gap

"Don't worry about what other homeschools are doing. Yours will be different." - Colleen Siren Webster

"Things come up so don't stress about them ... enjoy the time you have with your children! They are such a blessing!" - Lori Foutch-Denton

"Expect that sometimes things will not work out as planned, but just keep trying. And have confidence in your abilities to teach your own children. You are your children's first teacher, and you know your children's needs more than anyone." - Patricia Seemayer

"Make learning fun!" - Deanna Kyker

"A good night's sleep is a must! And a good breakfast all around!" - Melanie Kocke J

"Stay organized." - Swan Atopia

"If you see the signs early on, don't put it off. I think we could have had far fewer ‘gaps' had we done it before the 5th grade!" - Sondra Marceleno Allen

"If you are starting at the kindergarten level, start as early as you can in the year. That will allow you a lot of flexibility. It might take a few weeks to get up to doing a full week's worth of lessons in a week." - Stephanie Umpleby

"Be flexible. Learning is not just about what you get from a book." - Elizabeth Hendley Jordan

"Be confident. If you look like you know what you're doing, even if you don't, your kids will be more comfortable." - Amanda Smith

"Don't COMPARE your child's learning experience to anyone else regardless of the pressure people put on you to CONFORM." - Laura Hancock Hall

"Do not compare your kids or your abilities with those around you. God has equipped you to teach your children in the way they need. It is not going to look like some other family's model. Relax and don't sweat the small stuff. Have fun during school and for heaven's sake, laugh bunches. It makes learning so much more fun!" - Sheryl Fowler

"Make it fun!" - Jessica Klug

"Don't doubt yourself!" - Jennifer Thomas Snyder

"In the hard periods (there will be some), remember one thing. You can do it one day at the time with the Lord by your side." - Nancy Kennedy

"Make it fun, and if you have to add a few extra breaks, it's okay." - Melissa Dye

"Every little detail does not always have to go exactly according to plan." - Misty Leslie Hatfield

"Remember why you chose this and that God has equipped you." - Allison Schomber-Looney

"Follow your gut. It's probably right." - Paige Pitcher

"Do what works for your family. There is no single right way to homeschool! You know your family better than anyone else." - Judy Peach

"Relax." - Jill Bauer

"It will probably be one of the hardest adjustments to make but also one of the most rewarding if you stick with it. Anything worth having is usually hard work. Don't stress if you have a day (or more) where ‘school' does not get done ... they are still learning and tomorrow is a new day." - Camille Roark

"Seek God first! Pray and don't stress! Take each day one at a time!" - Angela Litton Cannon

"Be flexible." - Jennifer Major Sklener

"Do not expect that homeschool is just school at home. I've seen so many families do this and end up right back in the public schools because ‘it didn't work.' Why take a system that failed you, invite it directly into your living room, and then be surprised (and maybe even angry) when it only breeds stress and discord? One of the beauties of HS is that you can create individualized education plans tailored exactly to what your family needs and your child responds to. Don't settle for anything less just because someone else packaged it up and called it ‘school.'" - Justina McDonnell Lloyd

"When it's not working that day, don't be afraid to just stop, instead of stressing. Let everyone calm down and have some fun instead!" - RA Hurtubise

"Throw the planner out the window and be led by experiences and joy." - Kim Smith

"Just keep swimming, swimming, swimming." - Heather McDougall Markowski

"Pray." - Julie Trapp

"Lighten up, they learn anyway!" - Tina Marie Coleman

"Pray first! Lots of prayers!" - Shelly Jerde

"Don't be afraid ...wish we started years before the 8th grade ... pray, be flexible, appreciate the time together." - Kathryn Webb Peterson

"Don't be so uptight ... Loosen up a little!" - Kristine Gibson Trofimczuk

"If you can't get a lesson or point across to a younger child let an older sibling, give it a try. Sometimes we use words that kids just don't understand." - Marien De La Rosa

Have any homeschooling advice of your own? Insert your thoughts in the comment section below and click "submit" to share. Thanks to all our Facebook fans who participated!

Learning from a Distance

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 00:58:00 +0000

While distance learning may seem like a trend that has emerged in the past decade, the concept isn't really all that new. In fact, according to the United States Distance Learning Association, the world's first correspondence school was established in Europe in 1840!

Today, distance learning has become a common and acceptable form of schooling and homeschooling. Defined as any type of educational instruction that occurs through the Internet, distance learning has become so fundamental to education that many people engage in it without realizing that watching a training video online or enrolling in a virtual class qualifies as distance learning.

Virtual academies like Alpha Omega Academy can especially offer features and benefits that specifically appeal to homeschool families, including:

Performance
Students enrolled in a distance learning school often outperform their peers. According to a 2009 report from the Department of Education, "Students who took all or part of their class online performed better, on average, than those taking the same course through traditional face-to-face instruction." The study also revealed that students who mix online learning with traditional coursework, a process called blended learning, do even better.

Accreditation
Yet another benefit that attracts homeschoolers to distance learning is accreditation, which guarantees that the school's policies and programs meet quality standards. Alpha Omega Academy is fully accredited by the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI).

Christian Education
While all the benefits of virtual academies make distance learning a viable option for homeschool families in this tech-savvy 21st century, a Christian education rightfully remains at the top of their educational priorities. Celebrating 20 years in 2012, Alpha Omega Academy teaches over 2,300 students from a biblical worldview.

What are your views of distance learning? Pleas share your thoughts and experiences in the comment field below.

Autumn Is for Apples

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 00:57:00 +0000

Nothing says autumn more than juicy, red ripe apples. So, why not take a break from your regular routine and give your homeschooler an exciting learning adventure he'll never forget? Pack a picnic lunch and let your child enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of harvesting apples in a pick-your-own orchard. Not only will you come home with a trunk load of tasty, fresh fruit for healthy snacks and mouth-watering desserts, but your child will also gain practical knowledge and hands-on experience in selecting, picking, and storing God's most amazing fruit: the apple.

Before Your Visit

To make the most of your apple harvesting field trip, you'll want to prepare and study about apples several weeks prior to your outing. For instance, the apple belongs to the rose family and has over 7,000 varieties worldwide. Also, the state of Washington processes over 50% of the apples grown in the United States. You can teach interesting facts like these and explore the entire process of growing apples from blossom time to harvest in the LIFEPAC 3rd Grade History & Geography Unit 3 Worktext from Alpha Omega Publications.

While some apples are best for eating, others are best for cooking. Some varieties even do double duty and are enjoyed both ways. Since many orchards don't grow every variety, it's important to match your visit with the orchard that grows the apples your homeschooling family enjoys most. When choosing what apples to pick, consider the following varieties and their uses:

Applesauce or canning

Baked

Pies

Raw

In addition to finding an orchard with the apple varieties you enjoy, you'll want to prepare by calling ahead to confirm the orchard's hours of operation. Verify if children are welcome and also if you need to bring your own containers and ladder. Plus, be prepared to pick apples in work clothes and shoes that might get muddy. Also, remember that you'll have to either store or preserve every apple you pick when you get home.

At the Orchard

At the apple orchard, your child can pick, sort, wash, and eat apples. You can also make apple cider, learn about how food goes from the farmer to the consumer, and glean many other science, math, and economic concepts that relate to apple growing.

Teach your child how to select firm, bright-colored fruit without bruises or soft spots. Ripe apples should have a fresh scent and be easy to pick with stems that stay attached. When picking, simply roll or twist the apple so its stem separates from the tree. Do not pick apples on the ground, since they were bruised when they fell from the tree. Some orchards also provide picking poles for those perfectly ripened apples high up in hard-to-reach branches.

After Your Visit

After enjoying your field trip and the pleasant experience of harvesting apples in the orchard, you'll want to maintain the quality, juiciness, and crispness of your apples. Handle apples gently and store fully ripened apples in your refrigerator crisper for up to six weeks. However, keep them away from foods with strong odors like onions and never store them with other fast-ripening fruit. Apples emit an ethylene gas that speeds the ripening of soft-skinned fruits, such as peaches, plums, and pears.

In addition to storing fresh apples to eat raw, you can preserve them for flavorful snacks and trail mixes with a food dehydrator. Pie apples can be peeled, cored, sliced, and frozen to use later. To prevent apples from oxidizing and turning brown during this process, just add a small amount of lemon juice to water and place sliced apples in the solution until you're ready to rinse, bag, and place them in the freezer.

Best of all, you can use your freshly picked apples immediately to make delicious tasting treats like applesauce, apple crisp, apple pie, apple muffins, and our homeschooling family's personal favorite:

Danish Apple Bars

2¾ cups white flour
1 cup shortening or lard (soften to room temperature)
½ tsp. salt

Cut shortening into flour and salt with fork until crumbly. Then, mix together.

1 egg yolk (save egg white for glaze) added to enough milk to equal 2/3 cup of liquid.

Add milk and egg to above flour mixture and form into a ball by hand. (If sticky, add extra flour in small amounts until you get a pie dough consistency). Divide dough in half. Roll out one half into a rectangular shape to fit an ungreased 10" x 15" bar pan. The dough should cover the bottom of the pan and go part way up the sides. Next, evenly spread 1-1½ cups of slightly crushed corn flakes on top of the dough.

Mix: 1 cup sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
4-5 cups apples (peeled, cored, and thinly sliced)

Spread apple mixture evenly over the corn flakes.

Roll out remaining dough and place on top of the apple mixture. Pinch the edges of the bottom and top dough together by hand to seal in the juices when baking.

Beat one egg white until frothy and spread evenly over the top crust with a pastry brush.

Bake at 350º for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool. Drizzle with glaze mixture below:

1 ½ cups powdered sugar
½ tsp. vanilla
1 Tbsp. milk (add slowly and adjust amount for a glaze consistency)

Have a favorite apple recipe of your own? Insert your recipe in the comment section below and click "submit" to share the best apple taste of autumn at your homeschool!

Convention Winner Blessed by New Laptop

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 00:56:00 +0000

After collecting entries from 45 homeschool conventions in 31 states, Alpha Omega Publications closed its 2012 convention season by conducting a random drawing and selecting Melinda Johnson of Normal, Illinois, as the grand prize winner of a new Dell XPS 17 laptop.

"Before I had children, I knew little about homeschooling," Melinda admitted. "As we began this journey, God has equipped us with the resources we need, including time, ideas, curriculum, friendships and support, and now a new laptop. It was a great surprise that will bless our school year."

AOP recently interviewed Melinda about homeschooling her family, attending homeschool conventions, and using her new laptop.

AOP: How long have you been homeschooling? How many kids do you have, and what are their ages?
Melinda: This is our second year homeschooling. We have two daughters and a son. They're ages two, four, and six.

AOP: Tell me about your homeschool.
Melinda: This year I am trying to focus more on fun and learning, rather than creating a mini-school in my home. We are doing unit studies that follow the American Girls, and that has been a great way to take history to a new level. We follow LIFEPACs for language arts and Horizons for math. Bible Study Fellowship is an amazing way for our family to study the Bible in-depth together.

AOP: What did you want to get out of a convention, and do you go to conventions often?
Melinda: I look for valuable resources for homeschooling three children of different ages. The speakers' insights and the opportunity to evaluate various vendors make conventions a very important part of my planning. I attend two conventions each year.

AOP: What were you doing when you heard you won the laptop?
Melinda: We were in traffic as we traveled home from a long Labor Day weekend vacation in Michigan. The news made starting a new school year even more exciting and made the traffic not seem that bad.

AOP: What was your first thought?
Melinda: I was so grateful! I am excited to load it up with educational tools for math and language arts. It will also allow me to begin a new Spanish program. We travel to visit relatives, and a laptop will help us take school on the road. As we find more resources online, a laptop will definitely enhance our homeschool.

AOP: Will you go to a convention next year?
Melinda: Definitely! I always leave the conventions more equipped and renewed. The resources available are outstanding, and the speakers provide insights from their experience and expertise. Conventions also provide a sense of community and fellowship.

Do you use a computer in your own homeschooling? How does it enhance and compliment your teaching? Insert your comments below and click "submit" to share!

Homeschool Tattletales

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +0000

"Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins" (Proverbs 10:12).

My son could hardly wait to talk to me one day during our school time. I could tell he had something important to say and was anxiously waiting to share the news. As soon as the words came out of his mouth, I knew where the conversation was headed. Midway through his first sentence, I interrupted him, and a surprised look crossed his face. I asked, "Are you telling on your sister for a particular reason? No one likes a tattletale."

Homeschool children are no different from other children about wanting to "spill the beans" about someone else. By nature, they have a strong sense of right and wrong, but they often misuse this sense by tattling to make their siblings look bad. Parents must teach their children to confess their own sins as easily and learn to help others in their mistakes instead of condemning them. "And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins" (1 Peter 4:8).

Romans 13:10 says, "Love worketh no ill to his neighbour." Do you find keeping a juicy piece of news to yourself difficult? Do you think your responsibility is to expose the failings of others in order to make things better for yourself? Here are two questions you can ask yourself to gauge your actions to see if you are telling or tattling: Do I need to share this information to keep someone from being hurt physically? Am I sharing this news to get someone into trouble or out of trouble?

Remember, love covers a multitude of sins. Ask God for wisdom to know how to help a brother rather than condemn him.

Father, show me how to be full of grace today toward someone who has made a mistake. Convict me of any self-righteousness and use me to lead this person back to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Two Are Better than One

Wed, 03 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +0000

The majority of the teaching in homeschooling falls on the mother. She is the one who usually stays home and oversees the schoolwork. However, what is the responsibility of dads in the homeschool process? How involved do they really need to be? What most homeschooling moms long for is a team teacher in their husband. Teaching at least one or two subject areas or even helping with daily chores, such as washing clothes or making supper, is a big help.

Homeschooling is much more effective when husbands team up with their wives to share in the responsibilities. The Bible says, "Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour" (Ecclesiastes 4:9). Both parents are helped by this team-teaching approach to homeschooling. The children, too, enjoy the diversity of more than one teacher to make learning fun.

There is strength to be found in marriage and life with the team approach, too. In fact, God goes on to tell us in Ecclesiastes 4:10-12 that if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. Two are able to resist, and a cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart. With God, you, and your husband, you will not only succeed at homeschooling, but also at facing the responsibilities of life.

Father, thank You for the power You provide in working together. Show us how to pull together as husband and wife to make homeschooling the best it can be for our family. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Multiply the Savings on Top Math Resources!

Tue, 02 Oct 2012 01:00:00 +0000

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Checks & Balances (Grades 6+)
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The Usborne Illustrated Dictionary of Math (Grades 4+)
This softbound book explains math concepts through clear examples, colorful diagrams, over 500 definitions of key math terms, and helpful Internet links.

Market Math (Grades 3-6)
Real-life situations, colorful menus, and food price lists teach students practical shopping tips.

The Math Chef (Grades 3-6)
Over 60 kid-tested activities and recipes in the kitchen help youngsters learn math and cook up tasty treats.

Math Problems and Solutions (Grades 1-12)
This companion to Understanding Mathematics provides additional examples and exercises to solve math problems.

Understanding Mathematics: From Counting to Calculus (Grades 1-12)
This best-selling book contains step-by-step instructions, non-technical discussions, and pictures that emphasize key concepts.

*Applies to standard ground shipping within the continental United States on orders over $35.

Speed Kills

Tue, 02 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Timed reading tests for comprehension were a killer for my homeschooled children. They really disliked this part of their curriculum. No matter how hard they tried, they always seemed to miss one or two questions because they were not able to read the entire story within the allotted time. My children found timed reading tests quite frustrating because they wanted to get every question correct.

Teaching our children to speed read and retain information quickly is a necessity in our fast-paced lifestyles. Society seems to be in a hurry. We hurry to eat at fast food restaurants, speed in our cars to work and activities, and quickly surf through scores of Internet information and television programs.

There is one thing in life, however, you cannot hurry — a mature faith in the Lord. Spiritual growth cannot be sped up by the wants of any person. Nurtured by the Holy Spirit and God's Word, we simply grow at His own rate. No amount of practice or preparation can cause the process to go any faster. His utmost concern is for us to be rooted and grounded to withstand the storms of life when they come. "As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith" (Colossians 2:6-7a).

Are you in a hurry right now? Is this quick devotional the only time you have planned to spend with the Lord? If so, slow down and enjoy God's presence! Let the Holy Spirit fill you and teach you from the Word, so you can get the answers right on the tests you will face today.

Jesus, forgive me for hurrying from one thing to the next. I know I need to spend more time with You. Slow me down, Lord, so I can discover the strength and wisdom You have to give. In Your name, Amen.

I Quit!

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Now that you have homeschooled for a few months, are you finding it difficult to stay motivated? Is homeschooling not quite what you expected — too much work? Giving up is not the answer — giving in to the Lord is. "Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing" (James 1:3-4).

Homeschool parents don't always realize they are attending classes each day just like their children. God's assignments may not be on a computer or in a workbook, but they are just as real and challenging. The basic courses of Patience for Parents, Forgiveness Forever, Endurance 101, and Sacrificial Servanthood cause us to grow more Christlike in our actions. We study the Scriptures and look for answers to new questions we face each day. We pray at test time, hoping to pass. We pray for God to grade on a curve, or at least to allow a retake.

God knows what He is doing. Both you and your children are being schooled at home. Together you will learn all the lessons of life He has prepared for you. Hang in there — it's always too soon to quit! "But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing" (vs. 4).

Father, I don't know if I have what it takes to keep homeschooling. Stretch me Lord! Help me to see those areas in my life that are slowing me down and causing me to stumble. Thank You for all You've done for me on the cross. Give me the strength and wisdom to keep going. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Playing Hooky

Sun, 30 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Does staying under the warm sheets sound appealing to you this morning? Would you like to sleep in and take the day off to get caught up with all the housework? After all, chores would get done a lot faster with four pairs of little hands to help.

1 Corinthians 15:58 says, "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord." As a homeschool mom, some days you just don't feel like having school. Being super mom lost its novelty a long time ago, and you would just like to have your house be cleaned, organized, and feel like a home again instead of a cluttered schoolroom.

God calls us to obedience in all areas of our life, including homeschooling. As much as you want to check homeschooling off your list today, don't. Your children's future depends on your daily discipline of placing homeschooling as a priority. Dirt and clutter will always return, but not the opportunities to teach your children. God is waiting for you to get up and get going. Be steadfast and throw off those covers. "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men" (Colossians 3:23).

Lord, forgive me for not staying focused on what I should do today. Strengthen me to resist Satan's temptation of doing other tasks before our homeschooling. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Dry Times

Sat, 29 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Have you ever experienced those moments during your homeschooling year when creativity seems to have shriveled? You know your lessons, but the inspiration on how to make them fun has dried up. Your children have already done the suggested activities in your teacher's manuals, and they need something new. You try to think of what to do, but the ideas are just not there.

The only way to find that creativity again is to go to the Creator. Jesus has the market on creative genius! "For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him" (Colossians 1:16).

The Holy Spirit can also help you tap into the juices that can make your homeschooling day exciting again — divine inspiration that is custom-made for your children and you. "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things" (John 14:26a).

Lord, thank You for being such a loving and creative God. I humbly come to You today and ask for Your help with homeschooling. Show me what to do and how to teach, so my children learn what they need to know. In Jesus' name, Amen.

The Ongoing Battle

Fri, 28 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Is homeschooling here to stay? According to recent statistics, over two million children homeschool in the United States. Organized state associations, local support groups, and Internet forums, blogs, and websites give homeschoolers a sense of security that the public accepts home education as a viable educational alternative. In fact, even Justice Clarence Thomas of the U.S. Supreme Court listed homeschooling as a viable educational option in a ruling in Morse v. Frederick.

However, those who oppose homeschooling are still alive and well. Like Tobiah and Sanballat's opposition to Nehemiah's rebuilding of Jerusalem's wall (Nehemiah 6), there are those who war daily against homeschooling and its philosophy. In case you doubt this fact, let me share some comments I've read on blogs about homeschooling:

Christians, too, must realize our war with Satan never ceases. Until Christ returns, we will face daily battles against evil. We may think that once we've received Jesus as our Savior, we'll never deal with adversity again. However, nothing is further from the truth. In 1 Peter 5:8, we are warned to "be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour."

Although Christ has already defeated sin and death, we must earnestly stand against the wiles of the devil to remain victorious in our Christian life. Like the opponents of homeschooling, we must be aware that Satan is ever out to destroy us. Only as we stand strong in God's truths and the Holy Spirit's power will we be able to overcome evil with good. "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil" (Ephesians 6:10-11).

Lord, thank You for the victory that was won on the cross. Teach me to walk in Your truth and power that I might stand against Satan and his lies. In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.

Enhance Reading and Writing Skills!

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 01:00:00 +0000

Boost comprehension and composition while saving on all language arts courses from AOP, including the new Horizons 3rd Grade Phonics & Reading! Use coupon code NTLANGARTS by 10/3/12 for 10% off and free shipping on orders over $35*. Simply call 800-622-3070 or shop online.

Monarch
Monarch Language Arts offers online courses for grades 3-12 that integrate reading, writing, listening, and speaking throughout units. Elementary grades study English skills through an incorporated presentation, while middle and high school grades focus on skill development unit by unit. Monarch electives include American Literature, British Literature, GED Preparatory Language Arts, and Speech.

Switched-On Schoolhouse
SOS Language Arts is a CD-ROM-based program that targets the sequential development of communication skills for grades 3-12. Special topics like visual media, study and research skills, the Bible as literature, and the history of the English language are included. SOS also offers American Literature, British Literature, GED Preparatory Language Arts, and Speech as electives.

LIFEPAC
LIFEPAC Language Arts targets the sequential development of communication skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking through a series of print worktexts that require students to master content before progressing to the next student book. In addition to core Language Arts courses for grades K-12, LIFEPAC offers American Literature, British Literature, and Speech as upper-level electives.

Horizons
This colorful print curriculum offers two phonics-based elementary programs. Available for grades 1-3, Horizons Spelling & Vocabulary allows parents to add words to weekly lists and alter writing assignments to tailor the material to their student's needs. In addition, Horizons Phonics & Reading is a phonetic-based word-recognition and early reading program for grades K-3 with a strong emphasis on comprehension. Horizons 3rd Grade Phonics & Reading was just released this fall.

*Applies to standard ground shipping within the continental United States on orders over $35.

Divine Guidance

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +0000

"In the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom" (Psalm 51:6b).

If ever a parent needed the wisdom of Solomon to resolve disputes, it's a homeschooling parent. Since we live with our families 24/7, we face more instances of sibling conflict than other families. Unfortunately, homeschooled children are no different than any other children and will fight over the most trivial things. Like Solomon, many times you're forced to stand in judgment as you physically separate two children who are arguing. Worst of all, there's no teacher's guide or answer key to give you the helpful information you need to resolve problems. Applying the right discipline to correct your child's behavior requires discernment from the Holy Spirit and wisdom from God's perfect curriculum — the Bible.

Wisdom is not only needed for resolving disputes while homeschooling. It's also necessary in every aspect of the Christian life. Daily, we face problems, issues, and temptations that require divine knowledge in making the right decision or response. How do we know when we're relying on our own smarts or actually following God's divine wisdom? James 3:17 tells us the answer: "But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy."

Does self-ambition or jealousy control your decision-making, or have you discovered God's true wisdom for making godly choices? Whether you are giving your homeschoolers guidance or seeking help for yourself, God's wisdom will always take you in the right direction. Best of all, His wisdom is readily available to anyone who will humble himself to ask for it. "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally" (James 1:5).

Father, forgive me for trusting in my own intelligence when facing life's problems. Please, give me Your wisdom today for all the decisions I need to make. In Jesus' name, Amen.

The Great Pretender

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +0000

"Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do" (Hebrews 4:13).

Someone has once said that children can see right through you. If you doubt, watch as you attempt to teach your children or a class of young people. If you are nervous, scared, or unprepared, they will quickly take advantage of your weakness.

Your credibility as a homeschool teacher will also be compromised when you pretend you know the answers to all the questions your children ask. Admitting you don't know and saying, "Let's find the answer together," will hold more stock than pretending.

God knows when you are pretending with Him as well. You may try to hide behind righteous actions, but He can see the condition of your heart. Christ had much to say about the Pharisee hypocrites of His day when He was on Earth. He rebuked them by saying, "Woe to you!" and called them "white sepulchres" who were clean on the outside but not on the inside. He condemned them for their pretending.

What about you? Are you pretending today? Do you change your speech or actions depending on whom you are with? God can see right through you. He knows your heart and what you really think. What He desires is your broken heart instead of your false worship. "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise" (Psalm 51:17).

Heavenly Father, forgive me for thinking I am righteous because of my actions. I know You paid the price on the cross for my sins, and without Your forgiveness, all my deeds are as filthy rags. Help me to be real today and truly worship You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Pillow Talk

Tue, 25 Sep 2012 00:59:00 +0000

"But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God" (1 Corinthians 2:10).

As I opened my eyes to another homeschooling day, sunlight was just beginning to filter through my bedroom windows. Realizing that I had slept through the alarm, I quickly threw back the covers to jump out of bed and start breakfast. However, as I did, I was surprised to find my two youngest children snuggled in my blankets. Quietly waiting for me to wake up, they were holding a book and eager to continue reading the story we had only half finished the previous day. Smiling, I said, "Okay, let's just start school right now." Tucking each child in the blankets on either side of me, I opened their book, and we began to read together. For the next 30 minutes, we all enjoyed our unconventional classroom, and I thanked God again for the spontaneous joys of homeschooling.

Like the unexpected learning moments that occur in homeschooling, we never know when the Holy Spirit is going to speak to our hearts. As God impresses His Word upon our minds in Bible study or miraculously chooses to answer a specific request when we're on our knees in prayer, we experience a special touch of God's goodness and mercy. As we are snuggled in the warmth of our Father's love, the Holy Spirit teaches us the truth (John 16:13a) and gives us a taste of our future home in heaven (Ephesians 1:14). Even when we are at our weakest and God seems far away, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us "with groanings which cannot be uttered" (Romans 8:26b).

What a wonderful God we serve! Praise Him as He touches your life today with special moments of understanding and love. "That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints" (Ephesians 1:17-18).

Heavenly Father, thank You for the presence of the Holy Spirit in my life. I praise You for the power and divine wisdom that comes from above, and I worship You for revealing Your will in my life each day. Please, draw me ever closer to You! In Jesus' name, Amen.

AOP’s 35th Anniversary Sale Ends Today!

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 01:00:00 +0000

The 35th Anniversary Sale ends today at Alpha Omega Publications. Get 10% off and free shipping* on orders over $35! Call 800-622-3070 from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (CT) or shop online until midnight (PT) to save on everything at AOP with code 35YEARS.

*Applies to standard ground shipping on orders over $35 within the continental United States.

Saving Sammy

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +0000

"Quench not the Spirit" (1 Thessalonians 5:19).

Have you ever had those moments in time when you saw something about to happen, but felt helpless to stop it? I was having one of those moments as I watched my son's black lab take notice of a car coming over the hill about a mile from our home. In that instant, I could see and sense what was about to happen in my mind.

For several months, we had included dog obedience training in my son's homeschool curriculum. Both my son and I had become frustrated with his black lab, Sammy. We had taught him many things, but the one thing we couldn't teach him was to give up chasing cars. Even though we had a long driveway and lived in the country, our space wasn't enough for him. We had even resorted to tying him up, but today we had let him loose to play as we worked outside.

Before I could grab the collar on this 50-pound fireball, Sammy started running toward the car he had seen. Both my son and I ran after him, screaming for him to stop. Everything went into slow motion as I saw that the dog and the car were on a collision course. We did all we could, but Sammy would not obey and stop. He was broadsided by the car at 50 mph.

The disobedience of Sammy provided a significant spiritual lesson for my son. Although Sammy had learned to do many things right, his death was caused by the one vice he refused to give up: wanting his own way. He literally ran headlong into trouble and met death at the end.

God grieves over your sinful disobedience each day, too. You let the Holy Spirit teach you the Word, but you refuse to be disciplined in the areas you are weakest. Because you do not see an immediate consequence, you run headlong into your vices of laziness, selfishness, or criticism, and think they will never hurt you; however, you are always on a collision course when you remain in known sin. The Holy Spirit is quenched by your defiance, and soon you are unable to hear His voice calling you back. Don't wait for a wreck to turn you around. Stop and yield your life to the Lord today! "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service" (Romans 12:1).

Jesus, I can't hear You right now, and it seems like Your voice has been quiet for a long time. Forgive me for allowing sins to remain in my life after You have taught me the truth. I repent today and ask You to fill me anew with the Holy Spirit. In Your precious name, Amen.

Shortcuts

Sun, 23 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +0000

"Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ" (Ephesians 4:13).

Life is full of shortcuts. High-priced technology has changed the way we live and made shopping so easy we can get what we want with a simple click of a mouse or a wave of a debit card. Although technological advances have also made homeschooling easier, there is one aspect to teaching our children at home that can't be fast forwarded — your children's spiritual growth. Developing biblical values and godly character requires a daily, concentrated effort in building God's truths precept upon precept. Money simply cannot buy instant access to Christianity or purchase shortcuts in learning God's lessons in humility, obedience, and submission.

Trying to fast track Christianity has been a problem since the Lord returned to heaven. In Acts 8:13-24, Simon, the ex-magician, thought he could bypass the disciplines of being trained in righteousness. Wanting to impress the crowds and perform miracles like Peter, Simon offered money to find a shortcut to the Holy Spirit's power. Rebuking him for his fleshly attempts to control God, Peter said, "Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God" (Acts 8:20b-21).

What about you? Are you guilty of looking for shortcuts in your spiritual growth? Quick prayers and short devotionals are not enough. Spend time alone with the Lord today in prayer and Bible study and let the Holy Spirit reveal those changes that need to take place in your life. "Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection" (Hebrews 6:1a).

Lord, forgive me for being like a child and looking for the easy way out of Your lessons. Help me to walk with You today and not run ahead of the disciplines that teach me Your truths. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Where Is God?

Sat, 22 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +0000

"Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not. For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be" (Matthew 24:26-27).

My son was only six when our family invested in a quality telescope for star gazing. Star charts and nightly excursions to see the planets and stars became part of our homeschool curriculum. My young son's strong interest in this subject amazed me, especially one night when he asked, "When are we going to see God?" I realized then that he had been expecting to see God in the heavenly night sky through the telescope's lens.

Although my son's idea of finding God in the sky by looking through a telescope was slightly incorrect, the Bible does tell us that Christ's return will be evident to all the world. "Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory" (Matthew 24:29-30). Even the angels announced to the disciples that Christ would return in the same way he left Earth — in the clouds (Acts 1:11).

Christ is returning to Earth someday. Although no one knows when that time will come, we need to live expectantly for that moment. "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9). Are you ready for His return? Have you given your life to the Lord? Now is the time to accept Jesus as your Savior! "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved" (Romans 10:9).

Lord Jesus, You are a great and holy Lord. I believe the promise of Your return is real. I repent of my sins and accept You as my Savior. In Your name I pray, Amen.

Quiet Encouragement

Fri, 21 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +0000

"But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly" (Matthew 6:3-4).

Children love secrets, and one joy I experienced as a homeschooling parent was teaching my children the thrill of being secret gift-givers. Following Christ's illustration in Matthew 6, I encouraged them to ask God's guidance to think of ways to bless their family, friends, and neighbors. At first, this task was difficult, since little ones like to tell everything they know. However, as my children grew older, not only did they become thoughtful and generous givers, but they also became quite adept in disguising any connection with the gift. Countless times, I found myself humbled and encouraged when receiving a gift at day's end without knowing who had laid the treasure on my pillow.

What about your homeschooling family? In a world where most people are trying to take and get ahead, teaching your children to give secret gifts from God can seem quite contrary. Like Christ Jesus who died for us while we were yet sinners (Romans 5:8), help them bless another homeschool family, church family, or unsaved neighbor near you today. Let your children discover the exciting truth of Acts 20:35b: "It is more blessed to give than to receive."

Father, every good and perfect gift is from You, and we can only give away what You have already given to us. Use our family to be a secret blessing to someone today, and may You receive all the glory and praise. In Jesus' name, Amen.

AOP’s 35th Anniversary Sale Ends Monday!

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 01:00:00 +0000

Shop the 35th anniversary sale at Alpha Omega Publications through Monday, September 24! Use code 35YEARS to receive 10% off any item, including Christian homeschool curriculum like Monarch, Switched-On Schoolhouse, LIFEPAC, Horizons, and The Weaver Curriculum, as well as all supplemental homeschooling resources, family-friendly DVDs, and music CDs. Plus, we'll pay the shipping when you spend over $35!*

To take advantage of this offer, simply call 800-622-3070 or shop online. This sale ends in five days, so order now!

*Applies to standard ground shipping within the continental United States on orders over $35.

As Close As It Gets

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +0000

"Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near" (Isaiah 55:6).

As I read the statistic on the Internet, all I could say was, "Wow, praise God!" According to the National Home Education Research Institute's website, approximately 2 million children were educated at home in the United States during 2010. What a difference from when I started homeschooling in the early 1980s! At that time, there were only an estimated 50,000 children being educated at home each year. As I considered the figures and did the math, I realized that since 1985, homeschooling has grown over 4,000%!

The incredible growth of homeschooling in America can be attributed to many factors, but I think the greatest factor is that parents are rediscovering God's original design for the family. Children and parents were never meant to be separated for days (sometimes weeks) with overloaded schedules that keep them passing in the night. How can any family be expected to have loving relationships with that routine? Homeschooling continues to grow because it provides a unique, nurturing environment where families can communicate throughout the day. Loving bonds are formed, and mutual respect is cultivated between siblings and parents. With God as the head, the family functions as He intended, and we reap the rich blessings of family togetherness.

Like our homeschooling families, God never intended for us to live apart from Him. Daily, we must come to Him in prayer and Bible study to continue to grow spiritually. Without the loving and nurturing guidance from the Holy Spirit throughout the day, we lose the intimacy God desires with His children. How about you? Can you remember the last time you had a heart-to-heart talk with Him? If not, "Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you" (James 4:8a).

Lord, forgive me for letting other things pull me away from the most important relationship in my life with You! Help me to hear Your voice and always stay close to Your heart and will for my life. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Broken Promises

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +0000

"Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths" (Matthew 5:33).

"But you promised," whimpered my ten-year-old daughter. "You said we could go swimming if we finished all our schoolwork." Although the words were softly spoken, they echoed in my ears as she left the room.

"Only a little disappointment," I justified to myself. "She'll get over it." Little did I know this broken promise also broke my daughter's faith in her mother's word.

While homeschooling our children, we sometimes make promises we don't keep. Each day we may attempt to motivate or discipline with words we don't really mean. Unkept promises disillusion our children, and unmeant threats instill fear and doubt. Not following through on phrases like, "If you work hard on your math, I'll give you..." or "When your father gets home, he's going to..." leaves children wondering if they can trust their parent's word. So, what can we do as homeschooling parents to guard our mouths from these foolish utterances?

God's Word says, "But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation" (James 5:12). God says not to make promises or threats with your words, especially when you have no intention of keeping them. Your children need to know that you mean what you say. Before you speak idle words again today, stop and consider the price — the broken heart of your child. "But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment" (Matthew 12:36).

Lord, forgive me when I say things to get a quick fix to a problem at home with my children. Help me weigh my words and remember to honor all of my commitments, no matter how small. In Your Son's name, Amen.

Old Mother Hubbard (Part 2)

Tue, 18 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +0000

(Continued from yesterday's Daily Focus)

"And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear" (Isaiah 65:24).

When we were done praying, my children and I got up and started our day. Not even 30 minutes had passed when I heard a pick-up truck coming up our driveway. Unbelievably, our pastor from a town 15 miles away walked to the door and handed me an envelope. The pastor said someone at church had given the envelope to him on Sunday, but he didn't know what was in it. He just "happened to be going" to the town near our home and decided to drop off the envelope. Then, just that quickly, he was gone.

I stood there with the envelope in my hand and opened it. The hundred dollar bill inside may as well have been a thousand dollars to me. I knew the money was God's answer to our prayers. I quickly bundled all the children in their coats and drove to town, following the path our pastor's truck had made in our driveway. God was going to fill all those empty cupboards!

I never knew who our benefactor was, but I did learn a valuable lesson I have never forgotten. God is able to show Himself the mightiest when we are the weakest. "But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him" (1 Corinthians 2:9).

Lord, what a great and mighty God You are! Never let me forget that my very breath is in Your hands. Thank You for always keeping Your promises and providing what I need. I worship You alone. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Old Mother Hubbard (Part 1)

Mon, 17 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +0000

"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you" (Matthew 6:33).

I felt like Old Mother Hubbard as I went to the kitchen cupboards that morning. I don't know why I even bothered to look. I knew there was nothing in them to make a meal for my four young children. The situation looked rather bleak for a cook who could make a meal out of just flour, eggs, and milk, but today I didn't even have those ingredients. I looked out the window at the winter snow that covered my garden — no vegetables to be found there. What was I going to do?

My husband was on a short-term mission in Africa, and I was all alone, homeschooling our children in the middle of winter. I had no money, no food, and no way to even get out from the blizzard that had blocked our long driveway to our country home. I began to think about how we had prayed and asked the Lord for opportunities to serve Him in missions. God had assured us through His Word that He would keep His promises to take care of us, but now I had four pairs of hungry eyes wondering what their mother was going to do.

I don't know what came over me that morning. I opened every cupboard door and the refrigerator. I sat the children down in the middle of the kitchen, and we began to pray. I almost shouted at God when I spoke and reminded Him that He had promised to take care of us. Right now we had nothing to eat, no one to help, and no escape. Just the night before I had read in Psalm 37:25, "I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken nor his seed begging bread." I prayed that God would keep His promises, but things didn't look too good.

To be continued in tomorrow's Daily Focus.

Father God, I'm afraid and cry out to You like David, "What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee" (Psalm 56:3). Show me the way and give me the strength to walk in Your will. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Secondhand Lessons

Sun, 16 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +0000

"Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 18:3b).

Much like the rural, one-room schoolhouse of years ago, homeschooling families enjoy the unique benefits of learning academics together. After practicing our multiplication tables one morning, I quizzed my daughter and asked, "What is four times five?" Expecting her to answer, I was totally surprised when my four-year-old son replied nonchalantly, "20." Sitting on the floor quietly playing with his toy cars, I didn't realize how much he had overheard during our math lesson. Without even knowing it, my young son had learned the same information by hearing me teach his older sister.

Academics weren't the only lessons shared in our home. Dealing with toddler and preteen issues and bringing them under God's lordship were eye-openers for all ages. Not only did my younger children glean biblical wisdom from their older siblings, but my older children also understood God's design involved in rearing a family and the responsibilities of setting a godly example. In addition, the faith of my little ones taught me incredible spiritual lessons of God's love and forgiveness. Truthfully, I know I wouldn't be the Christian I am today without having learned just as much from my children as they did from me.

What lesson is God trying to teach you through your children today? You may think you are the teacher, but as you learn, love, and live together as a Christian homeschool family, God has a few secondhand lessons for you to learn as well. "Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 18:4).

Heavenly Father, thank You for the wonderful opportunities You've given to learn from each other as we homeschool. Help me to hear You speak through my children's hearts and know You're guiding us in Your wisdom each day. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

It's Mine!

Sat, 15 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +0000

"That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate" (1 Timothy 6:18).

The yelling echoed off the walls of our schoolroom for the last time that day. All three of my homeschool students were being sent to different corners for another timeout. I shook my head as I walked away and wondered, "Why is sharing so difficult for young children? They are always worried about getting their ‘fair share' of everything!" The new art supplies we had purchased were an enticement to selfishness, but certainly not worth the name-calling and fighting I had been hearing. Today was another opportunity to help my children understand that God gives us everything we need. We can afford to share with others.

Christ is our best example in teaching sharing. Philippians 2:3-8 says, "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." Christ gave up everything to come to Earth to suffer and take your place for the punishment of your sins. He is the One who willingly shared His life, so you could receive the forgiveness of sin and eternal life. According to Hebrews 12:10, we even can share in His holiness because of the sacrifice He gave in dying on the cross.

Has your house been experiencing the "It's mine" syndrome? Don't allow this attitude to take root in the heart of your child or yourself. Remember, everything we have has been given to us by the Lord. "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights" (James 1:17a).

Father, I know how selfish I can be. You are the One who has blessed me with everything, and I am not my own. Help me to acknowledge my dependence on You and share all that I am with others today. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Homeschool Complaints

Fri, 14 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +0000

"Do all things without murmurings and disputings" (Philippians 2:14).

Is your homeschool infected with the whining disease? Like the early stages of most health problems, you may not recognize its symptoms at first. When assigning schoolwork, especially in your child's least favorite subject, this dreaded disease usually starts with an exasperated sigh. Next, it spreads into a short question such as, "Do I have to do this assignment?" If not diagnosed and treated early, the whining disease finally takes over your homeschool completely until you hear things like, "Why do I always have so much schoolwork to do? I don't want to do this!"

Whining, grumbling, murmuring, and complaining all stem from the same, sinful problem — rebellion. In Numbers 12, God reveals His attitude toward this deadly disease when dealing with the murmuring of Miriam and Aaron. Thinking they knew better than their brother, Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses and said, "Hath the LORD indeed spoken only by Moses? hath he not spoken also by us" (Numbers 12:2b)? God heard their whining and quickly applied His cure. Calling all three to the tent of meeting, He defended Moses' leadership and struck Miriam with leprosy for seven days.

Are you allowing a whining, rebellious spirit in your homeschool? Unfortunately, children are not the only ones who can become infected with this disease. Parents, too, can find themselves easily complaining to God about the sacrifice and work responsibilities involved with homeschooling. Don't allow a negative spirit to destroy your homeschool family. Like Aaron, confess your foolish complaints. Pray for the joy of homeschooling to be restored in your home.

Father, forgive me for murmuring against Your plan for our family. Teach me to treasure each day with my children and give me a thankful heart for both the blessings and responsibilities of homeschooling. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Create Your Recipe for Homeschool Success!

Thu, 13 Sep 2012 01:00:00 +0000

Whether your homeschool recipe calls for adding electives, teaching tools, family DVDs, or a new curriculum to your mix, AOP has the ingredients you need for success! Best of all, enjoy 10% off all items and free shipping* on orders over $35 through 9/24/12 with code 35YEARS.

Monarch (Online)
Release the wonder of learning with AOP's web-based curriculum for grades 3-12. Monarch is compatible with Windows® or Macintosh® and features engaging multimedia and cutting-edge teacher tools.

Switched-On Schoolhouse (CD-ROM)
Give your child a vibrant, multimedia-rich learning experience with animations, learning games, and video clips in this popular desktop-based curriculum for grades 3-12.

LIFEPAC (Print)
Make homeschooling a snap with student-directed, mastery-based lessons in this time-tested, consumable worktext curriculum for grades K-12.

Horizons (Print)
Cover the fundamentals of math, language arts, health, and more with print-based workbooks and creative activities in this colorful curriculum for grades PreK-12.

The Weaver Curriculum (Print)
Bring learning to life with PreK-12 unit studies that use teacher-selected lessons and activities to reinforce biblical themes woven throughout multiple subject areas.

Educational Resources
From best-selling science products to must-have math books, AOP offers a variety of items that work hand-in-hand with your child's core courses and electives.

Family Entertainment
Find inspirational films, documentaries, and Christian children's DVDs for a family movie night or learning tool, such as David Barton's American Heritage sets.

35 Years of Serving Homeschoolers
Savor sweet savings on all AOP products through 9/24/12. Use code 35YEARS to enjoy 10% off and free shipping on orders over $35. To order, simply call 800-622-3070 or shop online.

Hungry for Fellowship?
Join us at the table for tasty homeschooling tidbits on AOP's social media sites.
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*Applies to standard ground shipping on orders over $35 within the continental United States.

By Their Fruits

Thu, 13 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +0000

How long do you need to teach your children at home before you "officially" become a homeschool family? Like the tests that evaluate a child's academic performance, you can assume homeschooling has arrived at your house when the following are true:

You have more books in your house than groceries.

Your children show up for school in their pajamas.

Your house décor consists of timelines, maps, assorted craft projects, and half-finished science experiments.

Your trips to the library require a laundry basket to hold all the books.

Your refrigerator is perpetually covered in art projects and completed assignments.

Your children think reading history is best achieved while lying on your bed with the family's cats.

Your kitchen pantry holds more school supplies than cooking supplies.

Your children's favorite classmates are their siblings.

Christians, too, have distinct marks that help us gauge whether we are growing more like Christ. In Galatians 5:22 we read of fruits that should be displayed if we are truly following the Lord — love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. As these fruits become more evident in our lives, we can trust the Holy Spirit is working to conform us to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29). What about your life? Is there fruit that proves you're a follower of Jesus? "Ye shall know them by their fruits" (Matthew 7:16a).

Lord, thank You for the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. Let my actions demonstrate Your love not only to my family, but also to the world. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Glory Days

Wed, 12 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +0000

"I'm bored," complained my oldest son. "I don't have anything to do." Normally, those words created images of countless tasks to give my son during our homeschool day. However, today I sensed the Lord asking me to teach a lesson from His Word instead.

"Mountaintop experiences don't happen every day," I said. "You'll find that life is usually 80% ordinary and 20% extraordinary. Most of your life will involve being faithful in the normal everyday routine, but when God chooses, He will give something that changes your life forever."

Exciting experiences can be bought in this life, but the life-changing moments that give true satisfaction and fulfillment come only through the power of the Holy Spirit. Think of Mary, the mother of Jesus, who faithfully lived a quiet life until the angel Gabriel told her she would give birth to the Savior. Joseph became ruler over Egypt after years of suffering and separation from his family. Moses met God through a burning bush after 40 years of isolated living as a shepherd.

Looking back on your life, how many extraordinary moments have you had? Faithfully serving God in the ordinary makes you a candidate to serve God in the extraordinary. "His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord" (Matthew 25:21).

Father, help me remember that You have a special plan and purpose for my life. May I be found faithful in the everyday things, so I am ready for the extraordinary moments when they come. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Create Homeschool Memories with Horizons!

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 01:00:00 +0000

Through 9/24/12, get 10% off and free shipping* on Horizons electives with coupon code 35YEARS. To order, simply call 800-622-3070 or shop online.

Horizons Electives
Health (Grades K-8)
Physical Education (Grades PreK-12)

"Your Horizons materials are very well organized and fun, but still challenging and presented in an exciting, kid-friendly format."
- Jean M., Virginia

Tragic Memories

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +0000

There are certain moments in time that people vividly remember in connection with a certain date in history. My mother can recall exactly where and what she was doing when Pearl Harbor was attacked in World War II. I can recall where and what I was doing when John F. Kennedy was shot. My daughter now recalls where and what she was doing the day the World Trade Center's twin towers burned and crashed to the ground. For three days, homeschooling stopped, and we, along with millions of others, watched the awful events of those days. Her thoughts are forever recorded below in her poem written shortly after that tragic day:

September 11, 2001
Out of the clear blue sky,
I saw thousands die.
I saw people jump to their death.
I saw America hold its breath.

I saw the sadness of the world.
I saw the flag at half staff furled.
I saw the grief of a president.
I saw America lose its innocence.

I see the towers fall in my mind.
I think I've seen it a hundred times.
I saw America cry and pray.
I will never forget that horrible day.

I saw acts of the most evil kind.
I know we can never turn back time.
I'll remember those who fight to save
Freedom in the land of the brave.

Even in our darkest moments in time, we can know God is with us. "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:35, 38-39).

Dear God, thank You that even in tragic times when the world is falling down around us, we are conquerors through Him who loves us! In Jesus' name, Amen.

Second Chances

Mon, 10 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +0000

"For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee" (Isaiah 54:10).

How many times in your life have you wished to go back in time to do something over? Maybe you wouldn't have bought that expensive car, chosen that college, or passed up an opportunity to tell someone about Jesus. All of us would like a "do over" in something.

Praise God, He is a God of second chances. He forgave David of his sin with Bathsheba and continued to use him as king over Israel. After Moses tried to deliver God's people his way, God brought Moses back to Egypt to lead His people to the Promised Land. Jonah reached the sinful city of Ninevah with the message of repentance after first disobeying and running away from God.

If you feel like a homeschooling failure, this message is for you. Don't give up! Pray and ask the Lord to show you how to homeschool. Try a different curriculum or change your daily schedule. Homeschooling is flexible. Start over and find a routine that works for your family. God will help you again. "It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness" (Lamentations 3:22-23).

Jesus, my heart cries out to You today. I've been homeschooling on my own for too long. Show me again the right way to teach my children. In Your name, Amen.

Who Speaks for God?

Sun, 09 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +0000

"And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness and of thy praise all the day long" (Psalm 35:28).

During the early 1980s, there were few voices that publicly championed the cause of homeschooling. Fortunately, the men and women who did speak out were effective, powerful, and passionate communicators who left a lasting impact on my life. As a young parent with two preschool-aged children, I paid attention to their knowledgeable research, books, and advice against traditional schooling. Willing to go against the flow, they set the precedent for today's modern homeschooling movement and inspired thousands of homeschooling families just like mine to do the same.

After Christ's ascension to heaven, perhaps no other man furthered the cause of Christ during Bible times more than the apostle Paul. Being willing to go to the Gentiles, he set a new precedent when he shared the Gospel message. The Jewish leaders were upset when Paul established new churches with thousands of Gentile believers who came to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. As these new believers suffered for their faith, they also boldly spoke the truth of Christ crucified, and the world was forever changed.

How about you? Are you willing to speak for God in today's world? Although you may be tempted to succumb to the world's intimidation, you have an opportunity to use your voice to speak out for Jesus. As you homeschool, know your Bible and boldly share its truths. Then, watch as God uses you to make a difference in the lives of your children, as well as countless others. May we all be like Paul when he declared, "That therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak" (Ephesians 6:20b).

Lord, give me courage to declare You as Lord and let me be as the early believers when they prayed, "Grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word" (Acts 4:29). In Jesus' name, Amen.

Holding Grudges

Sat, 08 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +0000

For several days, I had been watching my oldest son and daughter interact. Like a pending thunderstorm, something was definitely brewing between them. The conflict began when my exuberant son ruined his sister’s art project by running excitedly through the room. Although the damage was unintentional, my son’s less-than-sincere apology awakened a vengeful spirit in my daughter’s heart. The conflict culminated the following day when my son again raced through the room and ruined another project of my daughter’s. Exasperated, my daughter responded by intentionally destroying her brother’s history project.

Forgiving others can be difficult for many people, especially when a close friend or family member has wronged you. Are you the type of person who silently waits for an opportunity to get even or relishes the idea of paybacks? “Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord” (Romans 12:17-19).

God sees the wrongs you experience in life. Jesus suffered the greatest injustices when He was on Earth and showed us how to respond to them. “Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously” (1 Peter 2:23). Can you commit the injustice you are now facing to the Lord? Will you let go of the grudge you are holding and forgive? “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you” (Matthew 6:14).

Lord, I know I should forgive the wrong done to me, but something within me wants to hold on to this pain. I realize that keeping this hurt will only make this situation worse. Help me follow Your example and release this pain by forgiving. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Transitions

Fri, 07 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +0000

“And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness” (Isaiah 35:8a).

After the initial excitement wears off, the first year of homeschooling can seem quite challenging. Parents and children adjust to new routines, and things don’t always go as smoothly as planned. Gears grind as schedules get interrupted, children misbehave, and new disciplines are learned. During this crucial transition period, many homeschoolers feel overwhelmed and think they made a mistake. Some even give up and say, “Homeschooling is too hard, and it’s not for me.”

Shifting gears to homeschooling doesn’t have to be difficult if God is in control. Like an automatic transmission smoothly brings a car up to speed, God’s presence and power provide the finely tuned peace and patience that keep your homeschooling successfully cruising down the road. Whether you’re facing bad attitudes, deprogramming your children from public education, or simply learning how to use your curriculum effectively, God’s wisdom will guide you if you ask for it (James 1:5).

What’s the status of your homeschooling today? Is your patience blown like a steaming radiator? Is your engine running rough as you power through the day in your own strength? Don’t call the tow truck to send your homeschooling to the salvage yard just yet. Give God the wheel and let the Holy Spirit overhaul your homeschooling to start enjoying the ride of your life! “Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not” (Jeremiah 33:3).

Father, please guide me today as our family travels down the homeschooling highway. Empower me with the Holy Spirit and fill me with Your presence to keep going when the road gets bumpy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Happy 35th Anniversary, AOP!

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 01:00:00 +0000

In 1977, Jimmy Carter was elected president, a gallon of gas cost 65 cents, Star Wars ruled the box office, and Elvis died. That same year gave birth to Apple Computer, Inc., the U.S. Department of Energy, and Alpha Omega Publications.

A lot has changed in 35 years. While computers have slimmed down from DOS-spewing dinosaurs to lightning-quick laptops no thicker than a notebook, AOP has grown from a fledgling curriculum provider with one print product to an academically and technologically savvy empire with print and digital products, an online academy, and more.

1977. Alpha Omega Publications was formed to meet the need for high-quality and user-friendly educational materials in a fast-growing Christian school movement.

1978. LIFEPAC was born. Written and edited by 187 educators, it offered biblical integration throughout five subjects for grades 1-12.

1986. AOP entered the homeschooling market.

1992. Horizons debuted with two courses, Math 1 and 2, a spiral learning method, lesson plans, and teaching strategies.

1992. Alpha Omega Institute was established to serve students in grades K-8 via mail correspondence. 2012 marks the 20th anniversary of this distance learning academy.

1994. BMG bought AOP. Bridgestone Multimedia Group brought a full line of family videos and an established market relationship with Christian book stores.

1995. Chandler became the company's headquarters. BMG purchased the building at 300 N. McKemy in Chandler, Arizona, and sold its office in Carlsbad, California. AOP sold its building in Tempe, Arizona, closed two remote offices, and moved all operations to Chandler.

1995. LIFEPAC gained color. The project included converting 50,000 pages of artwork to electronic files, re-editing all units, and consolidating teacher's handbooks, score keys, and manuals into one guide per grade level.

1996. Alpha Omega Institute became Bridgestone Academy. AOP also introduced LIFEPAC Gold and placement tests.

1997. AOP released Switched-On Schoolhouse, an interactive CD-ROM curriculum. The 2012 version of SOS is a special 15th anniversary edition of AOP's first computer-based curriculum. Also in 1997, Bridgestone Academy added high school courses.

1998. AOP released The Weaver Curriculum, a unit study, Bible-based homeschool program for students in grades PreK-12.

1998. AOP launched Bridgestone Online Academy.

2000. Bridgestone Academy became Alpha Omega Academy.

2002. AOP partnered with Power-Glide, a foreign language publisher, to release Introductory Spanish and French the following year.

2004. AOP opened its Rock Rapids office. Growth called for AOP to move its distribution, customer service, and technical support operations to Iowa.

2005. Rock Rapids became the headquarters for AOP.

2007. AOP launched Horizons Preschool and division specific websites that offered free resources by email, including the Homeschool View newsletter and NetAlerts.

2010. AOP launched Monarch, AOP's first online curriculum for homeschooling. In addition, gobmg.com was expanded to include a web store.

2012. Horizons Math expanded through Horizons Algebra I. This year, AOP is also introducing Horizons 3rd Grade Phonics & Reading.

Coloring Contest Draws 662 Entries

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 00:59:00 +0000

Alpha Omega Publications' homeschool coloring contest brought in an incredible 662 entries from students in grades K-6, requiring three rounds of judging to narrow the colorful array of artwork down to three winners.

(Click on the names to see the winning entries.)
1st Place
Railey Berney
4th Grade
Shreveport, Louisiana

2nd Place
Chase Williams
5th Grade
Coatesville, Pennsylvania

3rd Place
Alissa Lytle
1st Grade
Fairbury, Nebraska

For their outstanding efforts, Railey received the LIFEPAC Drawing Basics Set with Thomas Kinkade, Chase received the book The Usborne Book of Art Ideas, and Alissa received a set of The Usborne I Can Draw elementary art books.

Eight-year-old Railey was speechless when her mom, Jamie, told her she had won. Also, Deanna Lytle was delighted to hear that six-year-old Alissa had placed in the top three.

"It's awesome. She worked so hard, so this was great for her," Deanna said. "She draws pictures every single day for family and friends. She's always loved coloring, ever since she was two."

Like Alissa, runner-up Chase began displaying artistic talent as a toddler. When the fifth-grader heard she'd taken second in the coloring contest, she beamed.

"It's like Christmas morning!" she told her mom, Denise, who has carved her own creative niche as a commercially successful gourd artist. Chase recently began decorating recycled household jars with small gourds she paints herself, hoping to sell them through her mom's website and donate a portion of the profits to malnourished children. Only eight years old, Chase also illustrates the costumes in a series of Christian children's books that she and her mom co-author.

Honorable mentions in AOP's homeschool coloring contest go to Jordan Carver of Sumas, Washington; Katherine Cortes of Jacksonville, Florida; Kristiana Engel of Evansville, Wisconsin; Benjamin Jones of Accokeek, Maryland; Eden Jones of Edmond, Oklahoma; and W. Josiah Valentine of Fleetwood, Pennsylvania.

Thanks to all the young artists and parents who participated, and congratulations to our three winners!

What other kinds of contests would you like to see AOP hold? Share your ideas in the comment field below!

Six Ways to Celebrate Grandparents

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 00:58:00 +0000

From showering our youngsters with unbridled affection to giving them a better grasp of their heritage, grandparents play an important role in the fabric of our families. On September 9, celebrate National Grandparents Day with these six ways to thank your Nana, Grandma, Oma, Opa, Grandpa, or Paw-Paw for his or her inviting lap, entertaining anecdotes, amazing recipes, and infinite wisdom about life experiences.

1. Invite grandparents to your homeschool class to talk or just observe.

2. Create a custom card wishing Grandma and Grandpa a special day.

3. Make a list of reasons "Why I Love Grandpa/Grandma" and share it with them.

4. Start a tradition with your child and their grandparents.

5. Interview a grandparent and turn it into a story as a writing assignment. Make it a photojournalism project by including images.

6. Design a family tree on poster board or make a scrapbook about your child's grandparents.

What do you most appreciate about your grandparents?

Brook Brown – AOP’s Homeschool Parent of the Month

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 00:57:00 +0000

AOP's September 2012 Homeschool Parent of the Month is Brook Brown of Fort Smith, Arkansas. In recognition of her thoughtfulness and willingness to go the extra homeschooling mile, Brook will receive a $50 AOP gift certificate that's good toward the purchase of Monarch, Switched-On Schoolhouse, LIFEPAC, Horizons, or The Weaver Curriculum.

Have a certain homeschooler in mind whom you would like to nominate for next month's award? Give your friend a month of fame and submit your nominee today!

Brook Brown
Imagine being a pastor's wife, leading a kids' ministry at church, preparing a child for preschool, and potty training a toddler on top of teaching a full load of fractions, grammar, handwriting, history, science, Bible, music, and art, and you've got a handful of the jobs homeschool mom Brook Brown juggles every day.

"Our schedule is wild," admitted Brook, who also helps her husband, Marcus, run the recently launched New Life Church in Fort Smith, Arkansas. "It's definitely a balancing act, but you kind of just have to learn to do it all yourself and let it flow."

While Brook and Marcus always envisioned homeschooling, they didn't withdraw their eldest daughter from Christian school until they realized how much family time Ashlyn was missing - and how much they missed her.

"It kind of felt like it was dividing our family," said Brook, who taught K-12 music before having children of her own. "The seven-hour stretch of them being gone is hard."

Now 9, Ashlyn takes third and fourth-grade courses and adores homeschooling, as does her mom, who thinks she'll eventually homeschool her preschooler and 2-year-old child as well.

"I really enjoy watching Ashlyn's thought process and how God created her," Brook said. "We really have a heart to have them close, and they get a lot of interaction at church and social activities."

In fact, many women in the New Life congregation consider Brook to be a role model.

"She has so much on her plate, and she handles it all with grace," said Jenny Lawson, Brook's homeschooling buddy. "She shows and teaches her children the love of God so much. Her kids come first. She is just devoted."

Despite her chaotic calendar, Brook's philosophy for homeschooling is simple.

"We just don't stress, ‘Are they getting all of it?'" she said. "More than that, we teach them how to function in the world. There are a lot of lessons besides book knowledge. A love for God, people, and learning. Responsibility. Motivation."

"Like Proverbs 31, she is a woman of noble character," Jenny said.

"Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life" (Proverbs 31: 10-12).

Submit Your Nominee
Like Brook's story, tell us why you think your friend should be chosen as AOP's Homeschool Parent of the Month. What makes him/her stand out as a spectacular homeschool parent? How many years and how many children has he/she homeschooled? How does he/she show concern or support for his/her family and other homeschoolers? Is he/she actively involved in his/her community and church? How has he/she personally touched your homeschooling family? Include a photo (optional) and information in 250 words or less that tells us how this individual stands apart as an extraordinary homeschooling parent.

If chosen, your nominee will be awarded a $50 AOP gift certificate that's good toward the purchase of any AOP homeschool curriculum or resource. Don't let this opportunity to recognize a fellow homeschooler pass you by. Submit your nominee today!

Make Math Yummy with Fun Fruit Pizza

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 00:56:00 +0000

Serve a healthy and delectable dessert that you and your child can prepare together in less than 15 minutes with this colorful, no-bake recipe that can double as a learning moment for youngsters learning to count or calculate fractions.

Ingredients
One sleeve of graham crackers
Trans-fat-free margarine, softened
Strawberry-flavored cream cheese
Several fruits (a great combination is bananas, kiwi, blueberries, mangoes, and strawberries)
Low-fat or sugar-free whipped cream (optional)

Directions
Wash and slice your fruits. Next, crumble the graham crackers into a shallow bowl. Add the margarine and stir until thick. Then, press the mixture into an 8" pie dish to form a crust. Spread on a generous layer of cream cheese and evenly place the pieces of fruit across the pie like pizza toppings. Top with whipped cream, slice your pie, serve, and enjoy!

How do you use the kitchen as a classroom? Share your experiences below!

No Other Gods

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +0000

“Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image” (Exodus 20:3-4a).

Somewhere in my homeschooling experience, my children became the focus of not only my day, but also my entire life. I found myself thinking of their needs constantly and became self-absorbed in making their lives happy and successful. Although a measure of this devotion and attention was appropriate, there was a surplus of affection that was being misdirected. My children had become my idols, whom I worshiped with all my energy and time.

Lovingly, God set a course of events to correct me of my mistake. The lesson culminated when I read the story of Abraham and Isaac in Genesis 22. Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son on an altar in worship to the Lord convicted me. I knew I loved my four children too much to let them go. The thought of losing them at a young age was more than I could bear. Somehow, I knew God was asking me to lay them, my greatest treasures, at His feet. Living for the Lord first and serving my family second was the correct order of priorities.

Have your children become your idols? You may not think so, but evaluate your thought life, your daily schedule, and your heart. Who is the object of your worship and devotion — Jesus or your family? Don’t rob God of the devotion due to Him. “Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God” (Exodus 20:5a).

Heavenly Father, forgive me for putting my children before You. All I have is from You, including my family. Today, I’m making You the first priority in my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Homeschooling's Price

Wed, 05 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +0000

“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me” (Galatians 2:20a).

I’m feeling selfish today. I look at the schoolwork waiting to be corrected and this week’s lesson plans still waiting to be finished, and I want to escape somewhere. My life seems like it’s not my own, and I resent the fact that I can’t do what I want, when I want. Homeschooling requires me to be so disciplined, and I’m starting to feel trapped. I want to take a break from housework, diapers, schedules, and endless questions, but I’m the one in charge. I feel like a huge burden is on my back.

Does the above scenario describe you today? Do you wish you could experience the wonderful benefits of homeschooling and escape the responsibilities? Sorry, but it doesn’t work that way. If you want your children to achieve academic, as well as spiritual success, you have to give yourself 100% and commit to homeschooling. Like the man who calculated the cost in building a tower or the king who assessed his army before he went to war (Luke 14:27-33), following the Lord’s call to homeschool your children requires giving your all. Yes, God knows when you need to rest and will show you how to catch your breath, but He also asks His disciples to carry their cross. So, who will you follow today, yourself or the Lord? “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23b).

Lord, forgive my attitude and help me refocus on the call You gave to homeschool. Teach me again that Your will and Your way is better than any life I can conceive. I love You and thank You for my family. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Connecting the Dots

Tue, 04 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +0000

"So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom" (Psalm 90:12).

Dot-to-Dot lessons were some of my children's favorite math worksheets. Each time we used the dot-to-dot method to review counting in our homeschool math lesson, my children excitedly followed the dots and guessed what the picture would be when they were done. However, in their excitement to finish, sometimes they would hurry too quickly. They would count incorrectly, miss a number, and the result would be a distorted picture. Forced to start over, they would begin again and count more carefully until they finally exclaimed, "Look at what I made!"

Like the dot-to-dots in my children's lessons, God also gives us wisdom and guidance one step at a time. Teaching us to number our days and live by faith, He slowly reveals the perfect picture for our lives. As we seek His face each morning and walk in His understanding, He provides what we need to recognize the next step. Even when Satan tempts us to hurry and make life work on our own, God corrects us as a master teacher and gently leads us back where we need to be. Lovingly, He teaches us to follow His pattern to proclaim, "Look what God has made out of my life!"

How about you? Are you counting on your own strength to see you through homeschooling this year, or are you obediently seeking God's wisdom for each day's lessons? Don't let your homeschooling family get off track. Count on the One who has counted every hair on your head (Matthew 10:30) and star in the sky (Psalm 147:4) and let Him guide you in the perfect path. "Doth not he see my ways, and count all my steps" (Job 31:4)?

Lord, sometimes homeschooling seems like a maze, and I don't know where to go next. Please, lead me and show me how to teach with Your guidance, power, and wisdom. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Escape Routes

Mon, 03 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +0000

“The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations” (2 Peter 2:9a).

From the time my children were old enough to understand, fire drills were part of our homeschool safety lessons. Sounding the smoke alarm, I instructed each child how to escape in the event of a house fire. My children always thought it was great fun to climb out their bedroom window and meet outside at our flag pole. In fact, they each learned their escape routes so well that it only took a matter of seconds to vacate the house.

As my children grew into their teens, I realized they faced another danger as hazardous as fire – peer pressure. Knowing they needed an escape route to walk away from ungodly temptations, I said, “Whenever you find yourself in a bad situation and you need to get out, you can use me for an excuse. Don’t let others lead you into sin or just sit there and get burned. Get out as soon as you smell the smoke and say, ‘I have to go home early tonight,’ or ‘My parents need help at home.’”

God also provides an escape route when Satan tempts His children. Knowing we are not able to say “no” in our own strength, God makes a way for us to run from evil before it consumes us. Whether we struggle with procrastination, discouragement, or impure thoughts, 1 Corinthians 10:13 says, “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” Let the Lord reveal your personal escape route from the temptation you’re facing today. Then, get out as fast as you can!

Father, my flesh is weak and sin’s desires seem so appealing. Help me walk in obedience to Your Word and show me the way to escape the temptations that are causing me to sin against You. In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.

One More

Sun, 02 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +0000

“For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me” (Psalm 51:3).

As a homeschooling family, does it seem like your laundry is an endless assignment that never gets completed? As my son and I finished the last load one morning before starting school, my daughter walked in with yet another basket of dirty clothes. With his sense of accomplishment deflated once again, my son turned to me and said, “I think taking care of dirty laundry is like fighting against sin. There’s always one more waiting to be cleaned.”

My son’s analogy may have seemed trite, but the more I thought about it, I realized how much he was correct. Until Christ returns, we will continue to fight temptation as we live in sinful, fallen bodies. Although the Holy Spirit dwells in every believer, the dirty ugliness of sin is constantly revealed in our lives. Like another basket full of unclean clothes, our sins must be confessed daily and cleansed before the Lord (1 John 1:9).

Is it time to start another load of wash in your spiritual life this morning? Even though the battle may seem to never end, take heart. One day we will receive glorified bodies and stand before the Lord washed in the blood of the Lamb. Praise God, there will be an end to sin and the dirty mess it causes! “So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:54-57).

Father God, how I look forward to the day when sin and death are forever defeated! Today, I cry out once again like David, “Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin” (Psalm 51:2). In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Homeschool Firsts

Sat, 01 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Do you remember the first time your baby smiled at you? How about your baby’s first tooth, his first word, and his first step? As parents, we treasure these precious moments and record, photograph, and preserve them in our children’s baby books. However, God has given additional “firsts” to homeschooling parents—our child’s first ABC’s, first time counting from one to ten, first book read alone, and more! All these first experiences with our children are lasting memories that are priceless.

Jesus enjoys us, too, as His first fruits: “Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures” (James 1:18). The blood He gave when dying on the cross was for you. He even recorded your name in His Book of Life when you repented and received His forgiveness of sin. Now and for eternity, you can experience His presence. He looks forward to each new “first” in your growing faith and treasures you as His precious child. Hallelujah!

Lord God, thank You for Your wonderful love for me! I can hardly begin to fathom Your thoughts toward me as Your child. I lift my heart in praise to You, Almighty One! In Your Son’s name, Amen.

No Fear

Fri, 31 Aug 2012 00:00:00 +0000

"Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD" (Psalm 31:24).

Let's face the facts. There are some people who shouldn't homeschool their children. For whatever reason, they lack the resources or ability to teach, and their children would do better in a conventional school setting. However, there is another side to the coin. Many parents who should be schooling their children at home are not. Responding in fearful apprehension, they use the excuse, "It's great others can homeschool, but I could never do that!" The status quo or their own inhibitions have convinced them of failure while God waits for them to believe in His wisdom and guidance for success.

Many great leaders in the Bible faced similar initial fears. Moses, Joshua, and Gideon all experienced anxiety and thought, "This job is too big for me." Afraid to try and wanting to quit before they even started, God challenged them to reach out and trust Him for courage and strength. God graciously gave Moses a spokesperson in Aaron, Joshua was given encouragement at Jericho by God's holy messenger, and Gideon received confirmation of his call through a fleece that was both wet and dry. Stepping out from behind their fearful excuses, they were used greatly by God to accomplish His will.

What task has God set before you that you're afraid to attempt? In addition to homeschooling, is He asking you to work with the church youth group, serve in a short-term mission, or start a Bible study in your home? Whatever His leading might be, don't let fear stop you from stepping out in faith. God is mighty, and He will go before you and help you accomplish great things for His glory. "Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not" (Jeremiah 33:3).

Lord, forgive me for being afraid to follow You. Sometimes what You ask seems too big for me to accomplish. Use me for Your glory and strengthen me now to follow You in obedience. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Shop 35th Anniversary Deals on LIFEPAC Electives!

Thu, 30 Aug 2012 01:00:00 +0000

As AOP's most time-tested curriculum, LIFEPAC remains popular with homeschool families seeking a proven print curriculum. Featuring a biblical foundation and individual worktext units, LIFEPAC contains self-paced, mastery-based lessons to promote independent learning. In addition, LIFEPAC offers a variety of enriching electives to supplement your child's core studies.

Now through 9/24/12, join AOP in celebrating 35 years by saving 10% on every LIFEPAC elective! Plus, get free shipping* on orders over $35. To receive your discount, simply use code 35YEARS when you call 800-622-3070 or shop online today!

*Applies to standard ground shipping within the continental United States on orders over $35.

One Step Back

Thu, 30 Aug 2012 00:00:00 +0000

"Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth" (Psalm 46:10).

Have you ever started your day sensing something was wrong with your homeschooling? As I crawled out from under the covers, I knew we needed to set the academics aside and let the day just happen. Our family relationships had been growing distant, the stress level had been building, and our homeschooling was feeling more like a chore than a blessing. Our family needed to experience the joy of being together again. Phonics rules, spelling words, and algebraic equations could wait. Today, I simply wanted to enjoy my precious children and play.

Our relationship with God can also get misconstrued as we grow in Christ. We forget that God is more concerned about being with us than our concern of doing things for Him. We hurry from one worthwhile ministry to the next and fill our lives with noble schedules for winning the lost or discipling new believers. However, even as Mary chose to worship and sit at the Master's feet, we also must step back and rediscover the simple joy of being with Jesus. No schedules, no events, no projects — just quietly loving our Lord and relishing His presence.

Can you remember the last time you relaxed and enjoyed the day for what it was — a chance to breathe, live, and take in the goodness of God's creation and love? Today's the day to take one step back, turn off the noise, and listen to the silence. Drink in the beauty of your Creator and rejoice as God speaks to your heart! "In thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore" (Psalm 16:11b).

Lord, I love You so much. I bow before You in worship and praise You for Your loving goodness. Hallelujah, I give You this day and rejoice in Your presence! In Jesus' name, Amen.

Obedient Love

Wed, 29 Aug 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Homeschool disciplining would be easier if, like new clothes, our children came with a label. Directions would clearly state whether to use hot (spanking), warm (time out), or cold (grounded) water and when to line dry (take away privileges) or tumble dry (extra chores/community service). Unfortunately, our children don't come with wash and wear tags. We must rely on the Lord's wisdom to guide us when correcting and instructing our children in obedience.

Since all have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23), teaching our children to be obedient is a big part of a homeschooling parent's day. Training in righteousness falls on us, and we must teach our children to embrace the truth of Ephesians 6:1: "Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right." However, building this godly character trait takes time. As homeschooling parents persist in their disciplining efforts, children eventually learn to be obedient both to their parents and the Lord.

Christian parents must also learn to be obedient to the Lord. We may say we love the Lord, but often we fail to prove this love with our actions. Like a rebellious child, we pout, talk back, and demand our own way. God gives us the example of obedience in His Son: "Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered" (Hebrews 5:8). Will you seek to show your true love for the Lord by obeying and doing what He asks? "He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him" (John 14:21).

Lord, like a parent, You lovingly remind me to obey You each day because You wish to bless me. Help me discover the depth of Your love and thoughts of Your heart by honoring You and doing what You've asked. In Your name, Amen.

35th Anniversary Deals | 10% off SOS Electives!

Tue, 28 Aug 2012 01:00:00 +0000

Stimulate your child's learning this coming school year with a Switched-On Schoolhouse elective from Alpha Omega Publications. Offering a well-rounded educational experience, SOS features over 35 specialized courses in world languages, history, math, science, literature, business, health, and more. Best of all, when you purchase any SOS elective from now until 9/24/12, you'll get 10% off and receive free shipping* on orders over $35!

21st Century Learning
Filled with an exciting mix of multimedia tools, this computer-based curriculum captivates students with movies, maps, timelines, interactive games, and hands-on projects.

Endorsed by the Duggars
Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar rely on SOS for time-saving features like automatic grading and money-saving benefits, such as the ability to use SOS for up to five students.

Over 35 Electives
Available for grades 3-12, SOS electives help you customize your homeschool curriculum with topics that fit your child's interests and needs.

Complement Any Curriculum
Whether you order one, two, or more, you'll discover SOS electives complement any curriculum and renew your child's enthusiasm for learning.

Founded on God's Word
SOS builds a Christian worldview with enriching electives that incorporate biblical values into your child's education with inspiring Scripture.

Let SOS Renew Your Child's Love for Learning!
Don't miss your opportunity to take advantage of these wallet-pleasing prices on SOS electives! To receive your discount, simply reference code 35YEARS when you call 800-622-3070 or shop online today!

*Applies to standard ground shipping within the continental United States.

Fresh Starts

Tue, 28 Aug 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Every August, our homeschooling year started the same way. After the brown delivery truck left our driveway, four excited children would eagerly tear open the boxes of curriculum. Workbooks and teacher's guides would be laid on the floor and quickly checked against the packing slip. Then, like opening gifts on Christmas morning, my children would delightfully spend the rest of the day thumbing through the pages of their new curriculum. Inevitably, the fresh, colorful workbooks caused everyone to become so motivated that we began homeschooling the very same day.

Fresh starts are even more exciting in the Christian life. Helping someone come to an understanding of sin and a knowledge of the joy of God's forgiveness is by far the greatest blessing you can experience. The eager anticipation and thirst for God in a new believer is contagious. Wanting to grow and know God more deeply through His Word, these new Christians pass their enthusiasm to older saints and challenge them to grow in their faith as well.

When was the last time you told someone about the saving love of Jesus? If your walk with God seems dry and worn out, today's the day to give yourself and someone else a fresh start in Christ. "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new" (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Lord, thank You for the exciting message of Your forgiveness and love! Help me to share it anew today with someone who desperately needs to experience Your grace. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Hang up the Phone

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Distractions can eat up a day of schooling faster than you know, and there seems to always be plenty of them. Many days I've wondered, "Where did the time go?" The time I lost was usually spent on things that seemed beneficial or constructive. One of these was the temptation to answer the phone. After all, it may be an emergency, right?

A ringing phone for me was like a piece of candy to a child. I couldn't resist answering it. Besides, who can stand listening to a ringing phone? Being on the phone seemed innocent enough until my children needed me. Often, they would have to wait to have their questions answered until I was done talking to a friend. "Just let it ring" became my children's motto.

Do you feel like you are always behind and homeschooling is becoming a burden? Pray to ask God to show you what activities need to be eliminated from your daily schedule. Homeschooling is too important to your children's future to not give it your best effort. Get rid of those distractions that may be worthwhile in themselves, but eat too much of your time each day. "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us" (Hebrews 12:1).

Lord, help me to prioritize my schedule today and not be taken in by those things that distract me. My children are depending on me to teach them, and I need Your wisdom to know what is valuable and what isn't. In Jesus' name, Amen.

If I Had Known

Sun, 26 Aug 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Looking back over your homeschooling experiences, what would you do differently? Enjoy these reflections gleaned from other homeschooling parents just like you:

If I had known that teaching my children would be so much fun, I would have started homeschooling sooner.
If I had known my children were going to grow as fast as older women said they would, I would have treasured our time together even more.
If I had known that my son was going to become an archeologist and dig in the dirt for a profession, I would have never worried about removing the stains when washing his clothes.
If I had known that all my children would go on to receive college degrees, I would have never second guessed my curriculum choices and teaching abilities.
If I had known how unimportant it was to keep a spotless house, I would have gone to bed on time instead of spending countless hours cleaning, organizing, and tidying up for the next day.
If I had known how living on one income would build a solid faith in God, I would have gladly lived with less without all the complaining.
If I could only experience the thrill of one job to last an entire lifetime, I would homeschool my children all over again.

Whatever lessons you’ve learned from homeschooling so far, you’re incredibly blessed to teach your children. Praise God for the wonderful opportunity to be both your child’s parent and teacher! “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end” (Jeremiah 29:11).

Lord, I lift up a grateful heart of praise and thank You for all my homeschooling joys. As we begin a new school year, please help me appreciate the benefits of homeschooling even more. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Call the Yellow Bus

Sat, 25 Aug 2012 00:00:00 +0000

“Well, I guess you’d better quit. Just call the school and have them send the little yellow bus to pick up your kids tomorrow,” I said sarcastically to my friend who was discouraged after a long week of homeschooling. These were certainly not the most encouraging words to say to a fellow homeschooler, but it was effective. Responding with a renewed commitment to homeschool, she sought the Lord’s guidance and changed her curriculum to better fit her daughters’ learning styles.

As homeschoolers, we’ve all been at the place of wanting to throw in the towel. Satan provides numerous temptations and reasons for us to quit homeschooling our children. However, God’s Word says, “No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62b). We need to be steadfast and not give up when our children complain, other people slander, and daily chores become too much. Looking back takes our eyes off the One who can lead us through a difficult time, and we simply need to ask God to make a way through the problems: “For your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him” (Matthew 6:8b).

My friend still remembers that turning point in her homeschooling. Hopefully, you’ll be gentler than me as you encourage other homeschoolers. There is a promise waiting to be received for instructing our children at home — godly children and godly parents! “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise” (Hebrews 10:35-36).

Jesus, my strength to homeschool is in You alone. Only Your wisdom can help me teach Your children what they need to learn. Provide the encouragement I need today and help me hold fast to the promises You give in Your Word. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Truth or Consequences

Fri, 24 Aug 2012 00:00:00 +0000

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge” (Proverbs 1:7a).

Until I became a homeschooling parent, I never knew how obvious a young child looks when telling a lie. Living together 24/7 gives you a distinct advantage in reading your child’s body language and facial expressions, and my children knew I could tell instantly when a lie was coming from their lips. In addition, my children’s respect for our house rules also helped to curtail lies. Knowing they would receive a lessened punishment for telling the truth, they were quick to tell on themselves and confess their wrongdoing.

Having a healthy respect and fear of God will also help a Christian resist Satan’s temptations. When our flesh is strong and urges us to sin, walking away and saying "no" is easier when we consider our accountability to Almighty God. Like our children, our fear of God’s discipline should prevent evil actions from taking place in our lives. As we come to revere God and hate sin as He does, we will seek to live our lives in such a way that pleases Him.

Are you living in some deception today? God already sees and knows the lie you’re living. Don’t stay in your sin and wait to be caught like Achan (Joshua 7). Come to your Heavenly Father now, confess your sin, and let His loving discipline correct the error of your ways. “And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth” (Hebrews 12:5-6).

Lord, forgive me for lying and foolishly trying to hide my sin from You. I confess that what I have done is wrong and ask You to cleanse me from my unrighteousness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

35th Anniversary Deals on Every Monarch Elective!

Thu, 23 Aug 2012 01:00:00 +0000

Enjoy a month of anniversary specials from Alpha Omega Publications! Now through 9/24/12, save 10% on best-selling Monarch electives with code 35YEARS.

American Literature
Twentieth Century American History
Personal Financial Literacy
Spanish I
Family & Consumer Science
Health Quest
College Planner
Speech: Essentials of Communication
Business Computer Information Systems

Browse more Monarch electives!

To enrich your homeschool with a Monarch elective from AOP, simply call 800-622-3070 or shop online today!

Back-to-School Tools

Thu, 23 Aug 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Would you like to know the best back-to-school item to have for a profitable year of homeschooling? No, it’s not a new computer, and it’s not a new microscope, math manipulative, or the latest educational game. In fact, you may be surprised to learn that the most effective tool you have is simply the positive words you use to encourage your child. No high-tech gadget or apparatus can ever leave as profound an effect on your child’s education as saying things like, “Wow, you did a great job on that test!” and “How did you learn that so quickly?” Though it seems too good to be true, affirming your child with words of praise is the quickest way to motivate him to higher academic achievement.

As Christians, God also knows how encouraging words help us achieve success in our spiritual walk. Repeatedly, His Word provides the words we need to hear to encourage us through life’s hardest lessons. Read His promises to those who are in Christ Jesus:

“Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us” (Romans 8:37).

“Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4).

“But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57).

Do you find yourself apprehensive as you face a new homeschooling year? Don’t despair. The tool that will help your children achieve academic success is the same tool God uses to help you. The King of the universe will love and encourage you to achieve even more than you dreamed possible. “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you” (John 14:26).

Lord, thank You for Your encouraging words that fill me with hope and joy. Please, help me to seek You each day as we homeschool to achieve all You have planned for our family. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Letting Go

Wed, 22 Aug 2012 00:00:00 +0000

It happened today. I knew it was going to come someday, but I wasn’t quite ready. My five-year-old son and I were walking back from the barn after doing the evening chores. As we headed toward the house, I felt my hand reach for his to walk back together. In just that instant, my son’s hand pulled away, and I knew he was growing up and letting go.

As homeschool parents, we have even a greater temptation to hang on to our children when they begin to let go. Instead of looking for opportunities to launch our children into the world, our loving and protective nature wants to shelter them from all the hurts and injustices that will come their way. Instead of holding on so tightly, we must let go and allow them to place their hand into the hand of God. Psalm 37:24 says, “Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.”

Are you struggling with letting go? Maybe you feel like Mary, the mother of Jesus, when after she had spent three days looking for her lost 12-year-old son, she heard Him say, “How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business” (Luke 2:41-51)? You can trust God to take care of your child, even when you are not there to hold his hand. God knows his needs and will help your child just like He has done for you. “But I trusted in thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my God. My times are in thy hand” (Psalm 31:14-15a).

God, help me to place my child’s future in Your hands. Remind me of all You have done for me, so I may believe in Your loving care for him. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

AOP’s 35th Anniversary Sale!

Tue, 21 Aug 2012 01:00:00 +0000

Share in the celebratory savings on all of your homeschooling items for this fall during Alpha Omega Publications' 35th Anniversary Sale! Through 9/24/12, get 10% off everything and free shipping* any time you spend over $35 and use code 35YEARS. To order, simply call 800-622-3070 or shop online!

Monarch
Release the wonder of learning with this online homeschool curriculum for grades 3-12! Compatible with Windows® and Macintosh®, Monarch has five core subjects and over 35 electives that are accessible 24/7. Filled with hands-on elements, Monarch includes fun educational games, as well as teacher-friendly tools like automatic grading and lesson planning.

Switched-On Schoolhouse
Stimulate your child's education like never before with an interactive, CD-ROM curriculum that makes learning fun. Packed with cutting-edge multimedia, SOS offers students in grades 3-12 five core subjects and over 35 electives filled with video clips and exciting review games, as well as time-saving administrative features like a lesson planning calendar and automatic grading.

LIFEPAC
LIFEPAC is a proven learning format that offers five core subjects in math, history and geography, science, language arts, and Bible. Each subject includes ten worktext units filled with self-paced, mastery-based lessons and fun activities independent learners love. Promoting critical thinking skills, LIFEPAC provides a Christ-centered education at a price you can afford.

Horizons
Offering colorful, fun, and solid academics, Horizons presents lessons that use a spiral learning approach to keep children engaged and excited to learn about math, phonics and reading, penmanship, spelling and vocabulary, health, and physical education. Plus, with step-by-step lesson plans in each teacher's guide, you'll quickly discover why parents love Horizons, too.

The Weaver Curriculum
Designed to teach multiple grade levels at the same time, Weaver focuses on Scripture and weaves other subjects through the Bible concept of the day. Language arts, history, geography, and science come to life through each unit study, using hands-on activities like experiments, cooking, drama, writing, and other lessons to explore God's world.

*Sale applies to standard ground shipping on orders over $35 within the continental United States and does not include Alpha Omega Academy tuition and fees.

Following Traditions

Tue, 21 Aug 2012 00:00:00 +0000

“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ” (Colossians 2:8).

I hate to admit it, but the first years I homeschooled, I tried to make our homeschooling a carbon copy of what I experienced in a traditional school. Following the same regimented routine I remembered, I attempted to convert our home and teach my children with standards and techniques meant for a classroom of 25 children. Thankfully, God helped me to discover a more robust way to teach our school lessons, and my children became happier in their studies.

Following the traditions he had learned, the apostle Paul also had to change his thinking toward the new believers of the early church. As a devout Hebrew and learned scholar of the law, he saw Christians as a threat to the foundations of his faith. Believing he was preserving the true worship of God, Paul zealously pursued these new believers to eradicate them. Hundreds of men, women, and children died as a result of his actions, until he saw the light and encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus. Years later, Paul confessed his mistake in 1 Timothy 1:12-13 when he said, “And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.”

What about you? Is your faith in Jesus Christ based simply on following the empty traditions you learned as a child, or do you truly know the One who uniquely created you? Jesus loves you and wants to have an intimate and dynamic relationship with you, so you can experience not only the forgiveness of your sins, but also the abundant life He has promised (John 10:10). Ask the Holy Spirit to touch your heart today and let Him show you a whole new way to love the Lord!

Father, forgive me for coming to You with empty acts of worship. Take my life and use me for Your glory. Teach me from Your Word and guide me with the Holy Spirit, so I can serve You with a heart that is passionate and alive. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Peaceful Sleep

Mon, 20 Aug 2012 00:00:00 +0000

“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (1 Peter 5:7).

The human body’s need for sleep has always amazed me. God has designed us to literally turn off like a machine for eight hours or more each night. Science tells us sleep is something our bodies need to do. It is not an option. During our sleeping hours, some parts of the brain actually increase their activity dramatically, and certain hormones are produced by many of the body’s major organs and regulatory systems that continue to work.

Unfortunately, as a young homeschooling mom, I was missing out on my much needed sleep. I struggled with daily worries and anxious thoughts like “Will my children turn out okay if I homeschool? How can I teach a subject I don’t even know? How will we pay the bills if I homeschool?” Household chores were also keeping me up late into the night, and I was exhausted as I tried to do too much.

Then one night, I read a promise God seemed to write just to me: “It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep” (Psalm 127:2). What an eye-opener! God only had so much for me to do each day, and what was left undone was not important. All He asked of me was to pray for wisdom to accomplish His perfect will each day. His provision to meet my unfinished tasks would come by sending extra help, inspiring new ways to organize, or miraculously providing whatever I needed.

After that day, my life changed. I was able to lay my head on my pillow each night and not worry about the basket of laundry waiting to be folded or the unfinished lesson plans for tomorrow’s schoolwork.

When was the last time you had a good night’s sleep? Do you struggle with trying to do more than God intended? Bringing your homeschooling worries to the Lord means trusting Him for wisdom and provision for all your needs. Will you rest in Him tonight and experience the peaceful sleep He intended? “Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself” (Matthew 6:34a).

Father, forgive me for not getting the rest I need. Help me to trust You with homeschooling my children, so we accomplish what needs to be done each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Young Love

Sun, 19 Aug 2012 00:00:00 +0000

“Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD” (Proverbs 18:22).

I’ll never forget the day my son declared his future marriage intentions. As we sat in church Sunday morning waiting for the service to begin, a new family filed in and sat in the pew opposite ours. For the next several minutes, I watched as my son observed the youngest female member of their family—a vibrant, freckle-faced redhead with a smile that went from ear to ear. Just as the pastor stood up to announce the first hymn, my son pulled on my sleeve and nodded toward the crimson-haired beauty. With all the earnestness a six-year-old could muster, he proclaimed, “Mommy, someday I’m going to marry a girl just like that!”

Although my young son’s innocence made me smile, I was convicted that day to begin praying for my children’s future spouses. With the world’s philosophy quickly redefining marriage, I realized fewer young people were willing to honor the spiritual truths of Hebrews 13:4a, “Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled.” If marriage was God’s will for my children’s future, I needed to be on my knees in prayer for them. Like Abraham’s concern for Isaac, I knew God desired my children to be yoked equally to another believer (2 Corinthians 6:14).

As a Christian homeschooling parent, what are you teaching your children about marriage? Are you displaying a godly role model and encouraging them to follow the Lord as they wait on His will and timing for a future mate? Six-year-old boys and girls grow up, and they’ll be looking to you for guidance and wisdom. Teach them what God says about true love in His Word, so they can make the right decision that lasts a lifetime. “Charity never faileth” (1 Corinthians 13:8a).

Father, as I homeschool my children today, their marriage and future adult responsibilities seem so far away. Help me to prepare them for life, not only with academics, but also with a clear understanding of Your truths and will for their lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Too Many Loads

Sat, 18 Aug 2012 00:00:00 +0000

“Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved” (Psalm 55:22).

Does your burden seem heavy today? Too many loads of laundry, too many ungraded papers, half-finished art projects, or birthday cards left unwritten? Sometimes we are overwhelmed with all that has to be done as a homeschooling parent.

God sees and knows your burdens. He cares and will provide the strength you need to face each day’s tasks. Matthew 11:28 tells us, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Just when you think you can’t do another thing, trust God to send help in the most unexpected way. Homeschooling forces us parents into knowing that it is not by might, nor by power, but by His Spirit that we are able to love and teach the children He has given us. Take heart and know that He will never leave you nor forsake you. After all, these are His children, and He will keep His promise to lift every burden you have.

Lord, I feel so tired. Please, fill me with Your strength to make it through today. Thank You for Your promises and not giving me more than what I can bear. Please, send the help I need to face all the tasks before me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Homeschool Stereotypes

Fri, 17 Aug 2012 00:00:00 +0000

“Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21).

As a homeschooling parent, you likely know the frustration of being stereotyped. Unfairly, mainstream America has deemed us unfashionable, overly protective, dogmatically religious, and socially backwards. Like other stereotypes that develop from negative assumptions, homeschooling parents suffer from unjust labels with unfounded perceptions of their true character. Added to this misconception is the fact that homeschooled children are also stereotyped.

Breaking loose from these hurtful stereotypes is difficult, but as Christian homeschooling families, we can change how the world views us. Instead of becoming defensive and argumentative when homeschooling adversaries slander our name, we can show God’s love through our Christ-like character and actions. Whether we’re shopping at the mall, attending a community event, or eating at a restaurant, we can erase incorrect images with courtesy, respect, and genuine concern for others. In addition, godly homeschoolers can best illustrate one reason for teaching our own children by displaying a servant’s heart that looks for ways to help others in need. Christ Himself said it best in the Sermon on the Mount: “Bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you” (Matthew 5:44b).

Do you struggle with vengeful thoughts when others look down on you for homeschooling? Don’t let the homeschool stereotype discourage you. Prove those labels wrong and respond to the negative remarks with the love of Christ. After all, isn’t that the most important message we’re trying to teach our children as we homeschool? “For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds” (Hebrews 12:3).

Lord, forgive my anger when others make fun of us for homeschooling. Help me to tell them of homeschooling’s blessings and show the same love You did when mankind mocked and ridiculed You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Thu, 16 Aug 2012 01:00:00 +0000

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Less than the Best

Thu, 16 Aug 2012 00:00:00 +0000

When your children turn in assignments that reflect less than their best effort, what do you do as a homeschooling parent? I can recall a specific instance when my teenage son had, once again, turned in less than his best. Although I could have graded his paper accordingly, his halfhearted efforts were simply not acceptable this time. Scanning his poorly written essay, I asked, “Do you really think this is your best effort?”

“Yeah, I suppose so,” he responded quickly, trying to avoid any further discussion.

Not letting him off the hook, I replied, “You’ve had plenty of time to prepare, and I think we both know you can do better. I want you to study Leviticus 22:17-33 and rewrite this assignment by tomorrow.”

Shuffling out the door, I heard him sigh and mumble, “Okay.”

My children aren’t the only ones who suffered from the temptation to give less than their best. During Old Testament times, God’s people also succumbed to the temptation to offer blemished animals for their sacrifices (Malachi 1:14). God’s requirement to bring a spotless sheep, cow, or goat as an offering for sin was being ignored. Accepting an animal that was less than perfect was not permitted by the Lord (Leviticus 22:20). Today, God’s requirement of giving our best is still the same. He isn’t interested in our halfhearted efforts, and His holiness demands the best we have as we worship and offer ourselves as a living sacrifice.

What about you? Are you giving the Lord the best part of your day in prayer and Bible study, or do you say a few quick “thank-you’s” before you fall asleep at the end of a busy homeschooling day? Do you trade sleeping in and watching TV evangelists for the effort required to become involved in a local church on Sunday morning? Do you give what’s left of your paycheck instead of tithing from the top? Like my teenage son, it’s time to write a new story with your life and start giving the Lord your best! “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service” (Romans 12:1).

Father, You are holy, and I humbly bow before You today. Forgive me for offering my “seconds” and still expecting You to bless my life. Take me and change my heart, so it is wholly committed to You in all I do. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Security Blankets

Wed, 15 Aug 2012 00:00:00 +0000

“For thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety” (Psalm 4:8b).

What makes you feel safe? Is it a clean bill of health from the doctor, a well-stocked pantry in the kitchen, or a large balance in your checking account? We all have things that make us feel protected, but life can throw you a curve. In just a moment, everything can change.

Homeschooling in the early 1980s was a challenging experience. When our family chose to venture into this unconventional form of education, we faced many adversaries. Accusing us of truancy and threatening to take our children away, our local public school superintendent was our worst enemy. Foolishly, we had thought we were safe to teach our children at home because so many hard-fought homeschooling laws had been passed. However, since the language in these laws was unclear, we found ourselves between the proverbial rock and a hard place. We were forced to our knees in prayer.

In the midst of the turmoil, God reminded us He was our security blanket. As Moses was allowed to see the glory of God pass by in the cleft of the rock (Exodus 33:21-22), God proved Himself mighty and showed us His glory by providing a way to homeschool. One of two schools registered in our state to have homeschool satellite programs accepted our children into their program. This provision was our Red Sea experience and the beginning of a journey to the Promised Land of four successfully educated children.

What about you? Are you facing a personal challenge in your life that seems insurmountable—a lack of money, a broken relationship, or a wayward child? Are there voices and circumstances surrounding you that are causing you to fear? God is your refuge! Run to Him and be safe. “The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe” (Proverbs 18:10).

Father, I’m scared. I don’t know how this problem is going to be resolved. Please, keep me safe and wrap Your loving arms around me. Show me Your deliverance and give me the faith to trust in You for the answer. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Great Aspirations

Tue, 14 Aug 2012 00:00:00 +0000

“Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:24).

Have you ever wanted to do something great for God? You know, something great like being a gifted Bible teacher, a talented Christian singer, or an inspirational evangelist? I did, but as a young mother living in a remote rural area with two small children and one on the way, I couldn’t imagine how. I wanted my life to count for God, but for the most part, no one knew I even existed. Our single income left our family with one vehicle for my husband’s use in getting to work. I was isolated and made irregular trips into town for groceries, library books, and church activities. Most of my days were consumed with simply homeschooling, cleaning house, and caring for my family. “Not much opportunity to do great things for God,” I thought to myself as I prepared for another homeschooling day after my morning devotions.

As the years went on and I studied the Scriptures more in-depth, I noticed an amazing fact. More often than not, God used the ordinary lives of men and women to accomplish His will. Mary, the mother of Jesus, was just an average, obedient teenager. Ruth, the great-grandmother of David, was a hardworking daughter-in-law, and Gideon, one of Israel’s greatest judges, was the least in his father’s house. Even several of the disciples were simple fishermen with humble beginnings. Like mine, all these lives were insignificant and obscure, but God used them in miraculous ways to do great things.

Are you wondering if your life would have more meaning if you gave up homeschooling to pursue something more worthy for the Lord? Don’t let Satan deceive you with his lies. Although you may feel like your life is mundane and serving no purpose, God is giving you the greatest opportunity to impact the world right where you are! As you faithfully homeschool your children, their lives will be forever changed by the truths of God’s Word, and great things will happen as countless others come to know the Lord through their future witness. “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time” (1 Peter 5:6).

Father, only You can take the ordinary and make it extraordinary. Take my life and our homeschooling and use them however they will give You the most glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Over the Edge

Mon, 13 Aug 2012 00:00:00 +0000

All of us start homeschooling for a particular reason—some defining catalyst that throws us over the homeschooling fence. Some homeschoolers make the decision to teach their children due to a negative experience with public school. Prompted into action by their children’s negative attitudes and personality shifts, these parents are concerned about meager instruction, the absence of godly curriculum, or a threat to their child’s safety.

Other homeschoolers like me began teaching because of a deep conviction that God had a different plan for their family. I firmly believed in Christian education, but cost factors, doctrinal differences, and maintaining family closeness eliminated a Christian school option. I knew God wanted me to teach academics and spiritual truths according to His Word, so homeschooling was our best choice. What I discovered was the thrill of learning right along with my children. Math, history, science, geography, language, and other subjects all took on a new dimension when the Lord was in the lesson.

If you feel the Lord leading you to homeschool, stop sitting on the fence. Homeschooling is a rewarding career. Homeschool websites, curriculum fairs, and support groups are just waiting to help you get started. May the words in Joshua 24:15 guide you in your choice: “But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”

Lord, I accept Your leading to homeschool and ask You to send the help I need. Please, clearly show me how to prepare our children to live a life that glorifies You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Mission Impossible

Sun, 12 Aug 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Have you been weighing the pros and cons of homeschooling and trying to decide what to do this year for your children's education? Although the idea of schooling your children at home seems like a daunting task, you can successfully teach them. Planning schedules, purchasing curriculum, and making lesson plans may sound foreign to you right now, but God will help you if you simply pray and ask for His leading. Not only will He send the encouragement and support you need from homeschooling families, but He'll also show you where to get the ideas, resources, and supplies you need to complete the task.

Abraham's servant in Genesis 24 also knew about facing a huge undertaking. Under oath, he was sent by his master Abraham to search for the perfect wife for his son Isaac. Imagine trying to find a woman who would be willing to return with a complete stranger from a foreign land to marry a man she had never met! In today's world, that would be considered "mission impossible!" Abraham's servant was no fool and knew the obstacles facing him. Knowing he could never succeed without God's divine intervention, this servant prayed for success and started the long journey in faith. Fortunately, his mission had a happy ending when Rebekah proved to be the answer to his prayers and the right woman for Isaac.

God is waiting to give you success in homeschooling, too, but you must first obey His call and step out in faith. Even if you don't receive the answer to every homeschooling question you have right now, God will prove Himself mighty and guide you each day, one step at a time. As you see the Lord's divine leading and specific answers to prayer, you'll praise God like Abraham's servant. Most of all, you'll be thankful you didn't allow your doubts to cause you to self-destruct before seeing homeschooling's many blessings. "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him" (Hebrews 11:6).

Father, my faith is weak, and I'm fearful about committing myself to teaching our children. Please, show me how to homeschool and lead me to those people who can help me get started. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Foolish Mothers

Sat, 11 Aug 2012 00:00:00 +0000

“Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands” (Proverbs 14:1).

As homeschooling mothers, we hold within our hands the power to create a wonderful school day or a horrible one. Our attitude can dictate a day filled with joy or one filled with tense anxiety. In Proverbs 6:19, the Lord says that strife is one of the seven things He hates. Strife can develop from many situations, including heated debates and unresolved arguments with your husband. Left unchecked, marital strife can cause you to be abrupt and short with your children, and if you aren't careful, seeds of anger, bitterness, and hate could be planted in your children and ultimately destroy your home.

God’s answer to our selfish, “I’m not wrong, so I don’t need to say I’m sorry” attitude is found in Ephesians 4:26-27: “Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil.” God has more than one reason for you not to be at odds with your husband. Your relationship to God Himself will be broken, your relationship to your husband will be hindered, and your relationship to your children will be damaged.

Is there strife in your home today? Are you the one allowing it to perpetuate? Don’t give place to the devil whose goal is to destroy your homeschool and your family. Be reconciled before the sun goes down tonight and seek forgiveness from the Lord and your mate. Don’t be like the woman who tears down her own house!

Lord, forgive me for allowing bad feelings to continue between my husband and me. I know You hate strife, and only in Your strength can I forgive. I want to start again today to build our home Your way. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Wayward Children

Fri, 10 Aug 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Nothing breaks a parent's heart more than living with a disobedient child. After investing so much time teaching godly values and academics, homeschooling parents are especially discouraged when their children refuse to live according to God's Word.

The life of Samson is a prime example of a disobedient child in the Old Testament. Although his parents had raised him according to the Levitical laws of a Nazirite, a life that was to be holy and pure, Samson's life was far from righteous. Following a path of sinful pleasures that led him far from God and his parents, Samson suffered blindness and slavery as consequences of his sin. Eventually, Samson did repent, and God renewed his strength to destroy the Philistines who had tried to destroy him (Judges 13-16).

Is your house in turmoil because one of your children has chosen the wrong path? Do you lie awake at night and pray that God will honor Proverbs 22:6, "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it?" If so, don't stop praying for his heart to come back to the Lord. Your intercessory prayers do make a difference against the evil that would destroy him. Intercede for your child's soul in the powerful name of Jesus and the blood He gave on the cross. "Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins" (James 5:19-20).

Jesus, I don't know what to do for my disobedient child. All I can see today is the pain he is causing our family. Open my eyes to see the battle for his soul and use me to intercede in prayer. Thank You for the victory only You can give. In Your precious name, Amen.

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Thu, 09 Aug 2012 01:00:00 +0000

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Subject to Change

Thu, 09 Aug 2012 00:00:00 +0000

“A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps” (Proverbs 16:9).

If there’s one thing you can count on as a homeschooling parent, it’s change. Like the weather, no two days are ever exactly the same. More times than I can remember, my best lesson plans and organized activities were altered by the day’s events. Whether my children became absorbed in a particular topic and spent more time studying or an untimely interruption caused a delay in teaching a lesson, it was necessary to make adjustments without becoming anxious. Whatever failed to be taught one day was usually made up within the next few days, and I learned not to worry about the setback, as long as we continued to move forward with our studies.

As time went on, I was determined to let God order our daily events. Committing the day to Him each morning, I found peace in yielding to His Lordship and control to follow His perfect plan. The “Serenity Prayer” hung on my kitchen wall as a constant reminder to let the Lord guide our homeschooling.

What about you? Do you stress over the changes that come your way throughout your homeschooling day? Relax! If you’ve given God control over your homeschooling day, He will help you accomplish everything that needs to be done. Besides, God has a few lesson plans of His own for you and your children to learn. “The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD. Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established” (Proverbs 16:1,3).

Father, thank You for guiding us each day while we homeschool. Show me how to rest in Your wisdom and love to teach my children what You want them to know. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

First Words

Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:00:00 +0000

“When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things” (1 Corinthians 13:11).

If you homeschool young children, chances are you constantly correct their pronunciation of many words and verb tenses. Correcting their speech becomes a daily task and one that should be taken seriously in order to instruct them in proper grammar usage. “Hangaber” and “Sgetti” were our children’s first words for hamburger and spaghetti. Although the correct words were eventually learned, our children continued to pronounce these words as they had first said them. Unfortunately, they remain a part of our family’s vocabulary even today.

As Christians, we also have a tendency to retain childish things in our walk with the Lord. However, God wants us to grow into spiritual maturity and do away with childish things. We are to move from speaking, thinking, and reasoning as a child to trusting in the Lord with a mature faith. No longer should we speak impulsively, take offenses easily, or pout when life doesn’t go our way.

What about you? Are you still acting like a child in Christ? If so, now is the time to start growing. “Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men” (1 Corinthians 14:20).

Father, forgive me for acting like a child in my walk with You. I know You want me to grow into the fullness of Your love and blessings. Please, show me how. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Signs of the Time

Tue, 07 Aug 2012 00:00:00 +0000

“So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand” (Luke 21:31).

When taking nature hikes for science, one homeschooling activity my children especially loved was looking for animal tracks in the soft mud or snow. Identifying creatures from their tracks became a favorite game, and my oldest son especially took to the challenge. With a field guide in hand, not only did he learn to identify the shapes of particular animal prints, but he also learned to read other signs as well. Bruised or broken vegetation, hairs snagged on branches, feathers, opened nuts, and scratches in tree bark all provided additional signs in determining an animal’s trail.

As he grew older, my son became more proficient in his tracking abilities and could easily locate my whereabouts on our family farm. Many times after I had walked to a quiet spot to read a book or be alone, my son would sneak up and scare me in fun. Laughing, I would say, “I don’t ever have to worry about getting lost because I know you’ll be able to find me.”

When Jesus was alive on Earth, He also told His disciples about signs that would mark the time before His return. In Matthew 24, Christ’s list of signs included wars and rumor of wars (vs. 6), famines and earthquakes (vs. 7), false prophets (vs. 11), and an increase in lawlessness (vs.12). Jesus also told His disciples that His return would be as evident as the lightning in the sky (vs. 27), and He would return in the clouds with power and great glory (vs.30). Although no one knows the exact hour or day of Christ’s return (Mark 13:32), the signs will clearly mark the trail before that time.

Have you been watching for the signs of the Lord’s return? Are you earnestly anticipating seeing your loving Savior face to face? Don’t let Christ’s return surprise you and catch you unprepared. Live your life today in such a way that you’re prepared to see Him this very moment! “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God” (2 Peter 3:10-12a).

Father, thank You for the joyous promise of Your Son’s return. Open my eyes to see the signs of Your faithfulness and love that guide me each homeschooling day and help me to live in hopeful expectation until I see Jesus. In His name, Amen.

Nearsighted Homeschooling

Mon, 06 Aug 2012 00:59:00 +0000

"A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit" (Proverbs 29:23).

As I drove home from our back-to-school shopping spree, I felt confident that I had finally purchased everything we needed for a successful school year. My schoolroom was ready, the curriculum had been ordered, and now these additional school supplies would complete my preparations for starting our year off right. Smiling smugly to myself, I thought I had everything under control.

Looking out the car window, I noticed a majestic hawk soaring overhead and brought it to my children's attention. Frustrated, my oldest daughter kept peering into the sky, but she couldn't locate the bird at which we were pointing. Stopping the car, I asked her to read the words on the sign ahead, but she couldn't see them. Slowly, I drove closer and closer until she could finally make out the letters. What a revelation of my foolishness! "I sure had everything under control," I thought to myself. "My daughter was nearsighted, and I hadn't even realized it until just now!"

Many Christians also have a tendency to be nearsighted when life is going well. Living in the success of now, we think our current blessings are the result of our own hands. Like the Old Testament nation of Israel, we fail to acknowledge God's hand of divine intervention in our lives. Unfortunately, many times we must experience painful or humbling reminders in order to correct our vision and see the true picture. God is in control, and we are not!

If you're starting your new school year depending on your own abilities, be careful. Only the Lord can show you those things that will make your homeschooling truly successful. As you depend on the Holy Spirit, you will not only discover wisdom to teach, but you'll also have your eyes opened to see all that God desires for your family. "Unto thee lift I up mine eyes, O thou that dwellest in the heavens. Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait upon the LORD our God" (Psalm 123:1-2a).

Lord, forgive me for my foolish pride that fails to acknowledge You as Lord. Open my eyes to see Your plans for our family this homeschool year and teach me to constantly depend on You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Love's Compassion

Sun, 05 Aug 2012 00:00:00 +0000

“That the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy” (James 5:11b).

Parents who teach their children at home have a tendency to sacrifice the fruit of gentleness on the altar of homeschooling. Ever the exacting teachers, we sometimes forget our role as merciful comforters when educating our children. My foolish insensitivity to my children’s needs was revealed one day when my daughter came running into the house. Whimpering, she cried out, “Mom, an ant bit me!”

Knowing her aversion to insects and assuming she was trying to avoid her schoolwork, I ignored the tears and replied, “Oh my, it was just a little ant. It couldn’t have hurt that badly!” As unfeeling as a robot, I hugged her quickly, told her to stop crying, and sent her on her way to finish her studies.

Several days later, I reaped the humbling consequences for my apathy to my daughter’s pleas. Sitting in the sandbox near our new home, I warmed my toes in the sand and watched as my children built towering castles. Suddenly, a sharp pain in my foot made me yell, “Ouch!” I was sure I had been stung by a bee or a wasp, but when I looked down, I only saw an ant. What I didn’t know, however, was that this was no ordinary ant. Native to the area, it was a red harvester ant whose bite was as painful as any bee sting. Showing the true compassion I should have shown her, my young daughter came to me with a genuine hug and said, “It’s okay, Mommy. I’ll help you!”

Have you become so busy or dogmatic in your homeschooling routine that you fail to show compassionate love? Staying on task and accomplishing educational goals is never more important than expressing gentle, heartfelt concern to your children. Whether it’s an emotional hurt on the inside or a painful wound outside, let love’s compassion be your guide in all your actions. “He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young” (Isaiah 40:11).

Father, Your tender love encourages me so much each day. Please, keep my heart soft, so I can express that same love and teach the most important lesson my children can learn — compassion. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Writing on the Wall

Sat, 04 Aug 2012 00:00:00 +0000

My daughter’s feet pounded on every step as she went up to her room. I should have known it was going to be “one of those days” when I saw the mood she was in the very moment she woke up. Everything had been a test—eating breakfast, getting dressed, doing schoolwork. “Why can’t kids just do as they are told?” I thought to myself.

Ephesians 6:4 says, “And, ye fathers [and mothers], provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” Even though I knew this verse to be true, I went into a private pity party instead. Wouldn’t my life be easier if I sent my daughter to public school and avoided all these confrontations? I could be a mom who stayed at home and did her nails instead of a mom who checked schoolwork in the bathroom, gave spelling tests while cooking supper, and folded piles of laundry at midnight. Why was I the bad guy here?

Suddenly, the quietness in my daughter’s bedroom shattered my thoughts. I decided to go upstairs to see what was happening and talk to my daughter about her behavior. Expecting her to be on the bed crying in repentance, what I found was quite the opposite. As I opened the door, there was a mural in black crayon drawn across the yellow-flowered wallpaper in her room. The anger and frustration I had used in disciplining my daughter moments ago was now communicated in her scribbles and marks before me. I knew I had pushed her too far. I saw the writing on the wall.

I wasn’t quite sure who was being disciplined that day. Certainly, my actions had been far from righteous when I had sent my daughter to her room in anger. Truly, the greater lesson had been learned by me. My anger was not the tool to be used in disciplining my children.

What about you? Do you intimidate your children with your size and authority? Stop and think: “For the wrath of [Mom] worketh not the righteousness of God” (James 1:20).

Holy Father, forgive me when I discipline my children in the flesh instead of according to Your Word. Thank You for Your mercy in my mistakes and help me to show that same mercy to my children as we homeschool each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

One Day at a Time

Fri, 03 Aug 2012 00:00:00 +0000

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58).

As a homeschooling parent, do you ever wake up in the morning and want to run away and hide from your responsibilities? Last night’s dishes, last week’s laundry, and yesterday’s schoolwork all clamor for your attention. Your baby’s cry reminds you of yet another need, and your young toddlers seek your affection and time for play. On top of that, your church is having difficulty finding help with Sunday school and the nursery, and you know you should offer your assistance. Exhausted before the day has even begun, you throw the covers back over your head and think, “Why would God give me all this responsibility? Doesn’t He know I can’t take care of everything? Where can I go to get away from all of this work?”

When the pressure of obeying God’s call seems too much, it’s tempting to look for the easy way out. Just ask Jonah. God had given him the task of prophesying to the wicked city of Nineveh, but Jonah decided it was too big of a responsibility. Hopping a boat to Joppa, Jonah worked just as hard at running away and hiding from God’s call as he would have worked if he obeyed. Fortunately, God gave this reluctant prophet another chance to accept the job He had given. After being thrown overboard and spending three days in the belly of a big fish, Jonah decided that being a preacher wasn’t that bad, even if it was in a wicked city like Nineveh.

If the responsibility of facing another year of homeschooling is causing you to run and hide, be encouraged. Although you can’t see the way through the work right now, the Lord promises to uphold you with His wisdom and strength when you need them (Isaiah 41:10). As you obediently follow His will in homeschooling today, He continues to guide you with the next step tomorrow. Step by step, day by day, you will get through the work and accomplish all He has planned for your homeschooling family. “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye” (Psalm 32:8).

Heavenly Father, the responsibility of homeschooling is weighing me down. Please, give me the courage I need to face the new year and show me how to lead the precious children You’ve given me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Pre-Order Two New Horizons Courses

Thu, 02 Aug 2012 01:00:00 +0000

A favorite among many homeschool families seeking a Bible-based, teacher-directed curriculum, the award-winning Horizons line is expanding! Coming this fall, Horizons Algebra I and Horizons 3rd Grade Phonics and Reading are now available for pre-order.

The highly-anticipated Horizons Algebra I explores math through sports and other real-life applications. This upper-level math course covers absolute value, radical expressions, linear equations, and practice problem sets to prepare students for standardized tests.

Also available for pre-order, Horizons 3rd Grade Phonics & Reading reinforces previous concepts like consonant blends and vowel diphthongs while introducing compound words, irregular comparisons, inflected endings, and more.

Best School Supply List for Homeschool Parents

Thu, 02 Aug 2012 00:59:00 +0000

It's back-to-school time and stores everywhere are promoting their merchandise as stuff your kids can't supposedly live without. From backpacks and jeans to notebooks and electronic gadgets, the retail industry clamors for parents to buy, but what do you really need? After polling several homeschool groups on AOP's social media, we've compiled the best school supply list for homeschool parents!

3-hole puncher
3-ring binders
Art smock (an old, oversized shirt put on backwards works great)
Art supplies
Backpacks - (perfect for field trips or on-the-go studying)
Beads, magnets, and other math manipulatives
Bible and concordance
Bookshelves - (you never have enough)
Calculator - (multi functional for older students)
Clear adhesive tape
Clipboards - (for all those learning moments on the couch)
Colored construction paper and tag board
Computer and printer/ink cartridges
Craft table - (it beats having to clean off the kitchen table when you want to eat)
Craft supplies
Dictionary and thesaurus
Digital camera - (record all those precious learning moments)
Drawing paper
Dry-erase board, markers, and eraser (not as messy as chalk)
Electric pencil sharpener and pencils
Erasable year at-a-glance wall calendar
Flash cards
Games (traditional and educational)
Globe and atlases
Glue/glue sticks
Graph paper
Heavy-duty stapler and staples
Index cards
Journal and composition notebooks
Lesson planner notebook or software
Lined penmanship paper (elementary students)
Markers, highlighters, colored pencils, and crayons
Multi-drawer storage containers (store daily to-do lessons or completed work)
Notebook paper
Paint and brushes
Pencil boxes
Penmanship letter charts
Post its
Report binders
Scanner
Scissors
Scratch paper
Sports equipment
Timeline charts

More enthusiasm for your homeschool year can also be created by shopping together with your children and letting them pick out their own supplies. Also, remember to buy reward stickers and other items that encourage your children in their daily work. Most importantly, work within your homeschooling budget and don't let yourself get caught in the hype to buy unnecessary school supply items.

What can't you live without as a homeschooling parent? Take a moment and share your thoughts in the comment section below.

Balancing Your Homeschool Budget

Thu, 02 Aug 2012 00:58:00 +0000

In these days of job insecurity, mortgage crises, and rising cost-of-living prices, now more than ever, homeschoolers need to tighten their belts and use money-saving strategies. As a helping hand in making ends meet, here are a few practical things you can do to stretch your family's finances and balance your homeschool budget:

Conserve gas by combining trips. Be careful about jumping in the car for short trips around town. If you're taking your children to a sports activity, music lesson, or a doctor's appointment, think ahead about the stores you'll pass on the way. Take advantage of being in the neighborhood and stop to shop for necessary items. Make errand lists and combine trips to the library, bank, post office, and grocery store into one outing.

Stash your staples. Doubling or tripling your purchases of regularly-used products eliminates the need to run out for last-minute replacements. Plus, when you add the benefit of purchasing these food and household items when they are on sale, which seems to cycle every 3-4 weeks), you'll save even more. You can also save by joining a food buying club to purchase regularly used products in bulk.

To make this stashing-system work, however, there are two important factors. First, you need to go easy on your family's cash flow and begin stockpiling only a few items at a time. Second, you need to train yourself to remember to buy the items before you actually need them. That requires planning ahead and teaching your husband and children to add the item to your shopping list whenever they open something new. Keeping a handy, magnetic notepad on the refrigerator works great!

Items easily stashed include toilet paper, paper towels, medicine, first aid products, shampoo, soap, personal hygiene items, cleaning products, garbage bags, canned vegetables and fruits, pastas, grains, flours, baking supplies, spices, and frozen meats and entrees. Just remember to use the oldest items first.

Start a vegetable garden. One of the most healthy, cost-saving activities a homeschool family can do is to grow their own food. All it takes is a few, inexpensive seeds, a hoe, and a shovel. With the aid of a vegetable planting guide, you can grow a garden and literally save hundreds of dollars on your food budget. Start small and plant only 2-3 vegetables your family enjoys. Extra produce can be canned, frozen, or sold at the local farmer's market for additional spending money.

Line dry your laundry. Although it involves more work, drying your clothes outside or on a drying rack indoors is environmentally friendly and can save over $50 per month on your electric bill. You can especially save drying your family's jeans and towels.

Tip: To reduce wrinkles, simply place items into the dryer for 2-3 minutes before placing them on hangers to finish drying.

Stop eating out. Not only are home cooked meals cheaper, but they are also healthier than eating out since you can control the fat, salt, and sugar amounts. Plus, home cooked meals pay the added benefit of forming lasting bonds within the family as you communicate around the table. Cooking can become a chore each night, but enlisting every family member's help reduces the workload.

Shop garage sales. Purchasing children's toys and clothing at garage sales can save your homeschool family hundreds of dollars. Plus, young children love the adventure of shopping at garage sales. It's like going on a personal treasure hunt!

What cost-saving tricks have you used to enable your family to continue homeschooling? Take a moment to share your insights and knowledge in the comment field below.

Teaching Kids Good Sportsmanship

Thu, 02 Aug 2012 00:57:00 +0000

In an era of enraged athletes, trash-talking sports fans, deceptive reality TV contestants, and even get-ahead business employees, our children can easily learn a warped sense of fair play. At times it gets so bad that one wonders, "Doesn't anyone adhere to the good, old-fashioned sense of losing and winning gracefully?"

Though some believe the answer to this problem lies in eliminating competition altogether, this approach doesn't prepare young people to face life's challenges as adults. Even the apostle Paul used the analogy of competition when he said, "Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain" (1 Corinthians 9:24).

Whether children are playing sports in a league with other kids or playing a game at home, they need to learn winning isn't everything. Here are a few tips homeschooling parents can use to eliminate the world's "win at all costs" philosophy and revive the lost art of good sportsmanship:

Be a good role model.
You may think you're a good sport, but take a minute to reflect on what you've said during the Olympics or at a game last week? Did you cheer for all the athletes? How did you react when your favorite athlete or team made a mistake? Were you guilty of arm-chair coaching that criticized or condemned an athlete's performance? How did you respond when your team or country won or lost? Your child is watching and learning from you. Does he see you respecting opposing team members, coaches, and referees, even if calls seem unfair?

Set a standard.
Teach your child a love for the game rather than simply a love of winning. Whether playing at home or with other homeschooling friends and family, your child needs to understand character rules like those found in Horizons 6th-8th Grade Physical Education curriculum from Alpha Omega Publications:

Praise your child for who he is.
God has gifted everyone with different talents, and each child has his own personal best. Perhaps you may have been a great volleyball player or track star, but that doesn't mean your child will be. Competing with others doesn't mean one person is less or more. In fact, the outcome of competition usually reveals the humbling fact that there will always be someone better, as well as someone not quite as good, at what you can do.

In the end, it's still possible to be a good sport in today's "me first" world. However, it's time to huddle up and get back to the basics. When good kids are bad sports, we need to seize teachable moments as homeschooling parents and instill Christ-like character that includes good sportsmanship qualities. As the old saying goes, "It's not whether you win or lose that's important, but how you play the game!"

Starting Over

Thu, 02 Aug 2012 00:00:00 +0000

“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever” (Hebrews 13:8).

Almost three years ago, I watched as my youngest son left for college. He was the last of four children, and my homeschooling years had come to a close, or so I thought. The heartbreak I felt in the symbolic finality of his saying good-bye was immense. Sure, I would see my adult children and share wonderful moments together in the future, but our family would never be the same. Added to my overwhelming feeling of loss was the apprehension of a fifty-plus retired homeschooling parent’s future. “What now?” was the question that continued to reverberate in my mind.

I didn’t have to wait long for God’s answer to my question. Moving back to my hometown to care for my aging mother, God took me to a whole new homeschooling experience. Miraculously, He orchestrated an employment opportunity where I could write about the lessons I learned from Him during our homeschooling years. Here I am today, writing to you and praying that my words will help you hold fast through the hard times to discover your own homeschooling blessings. What an opportunity—God is so good! Each day I feel like I’m starting over as He takes me back through the memory banks of my mind to recall moments of success and failure. I see the faces of my children throughout our homeschooling years and remember my past to give you a hope and a vision for your future.

Amazingly, I still fight many of the same spiritual battles I faced as a young homeschooling parent: battles of laziness, procrastination, worry, doubt, and pride. Even at my age, God continues to mold me into the likeness of His Son, and I claim the apostle Paul’s words: “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6). Most of all, I’ve come to realize that no matter if you’re a brand new homeschooling parent at the age of 26 or an old-time retiree, Jesus is the same wonderful, loving protector and provider, “who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God” (2 Corinthians 1:4).

Lord, thank You for the incredible adventure of homeschooling and the strength to see the end rewards and blessings. Please, encourage those who are homeschooling today to remain faithful, so they too may reap the fruit of their years of sacrifice and love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Cup of Water

Wed, 01 Aug 2012 00:00:00 +0000

“Why would you want to stay at home with your kids? Are you NUTS?” Have you ever heard these questions when you told someone you decided to homeschool your children? Most homeschooling parents have at one time or another. We are a different breed that receives little or no recognition from the world for our efforts. Expecting applause or appreciation for teaching our own children are dreams we have long since given up, along with paychecks and promotions. So, how does a homeschooling parent cope with the lack of support and affirmation he needs to continue educating his children at home?

God’s Word gives us the answer in Matthew 10:42: “And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.” Although the world does not value a homeschooling parent, God says that even giving a drink to a thirsty child has a reward. How much more God has planned for us parents who have chosen to sacrifice our dreams for our children’s future!

Knowing that our heavenly Father sees and cares is enough to encourage us to remain faithful. Even though no one else understands, we can choose to respond to His promise: “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:23-24). Let the Lord’s love be enough for you today as you start another year of homeschooling. Someday you will receive a full reward for all you have done. “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time” (1 Peter 5:6).

Father, forgive me when I feel sorry for myself or complain that no one appreciates me. I know You love me and value my obedience in homeschooling my children. Help me to remain faithful and humble to give You the glory in all that I do. In Your Son’s name, Amen.

Get Back-to-School Savings on Monarch!

Tue, 31 Jul 2012 01:00:00 +0000

Enrich your school year with Monarch's Internet-based homeschool curriculum for grades 3-12! With five core courses and over 35 electives, Monarch provides the strong academics homeschooling families expect from Alpha Omega Publications. Through 8/6/12, enjoy 10% off all courses when you use code BGMONARCH10.

Dynamic, media-rich lessons
Filled with learning games, web links, movie clips, animations, and audio clips, Monarch offers the interactive tools students love, brining learning to life with over 50,000 multimedia elements.

Teacher tools
A customizable calendar allows you to easily assign or remove school days and exclude date ranges, while automatic grading and recordkeeping free you from paperwork.

24/7 online access
Lessons can be accessed anytime, anywhere with a wireless connection on either Windows or Macintosh operating systems. Plus, content is updated in real time, and no installation is required.

Secure data storage
Strong password protection guarantees secure sessions, and student data is securely stored and neatly logged for seven years, so you have everything you need to accurately prepare high school transcripts.

Get Started with Monarch Today!
Order by 8/6/12 and save 10% on any Monarch curriculum when you call 800-622-3070 or shop online!

Lost Car - Found Faith

Tue, 31 Jul 2012 00:00:00 +0000

"A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps" (Proverbs 16:9).

My six-year-old son came running to me with crocodile tears in his eyes and cried, "Mommy, I can't find my favorite car! Can you please help me?" Walking with him into the living room, we proceeded to look for his favorite toy race car that he had just received for his birthday. However, our efforts were to no avail as it was not to be found anywhere. I saw the anxious look on his face and knew we had to do something. Taking him by the hand, we sat down together on the couch and prayed.

"Let's ask God where it is. I'm sure He knows," I said.

After we finished our prayer, we returned to our morning homeschool routine. Little did I know, God had already prepared an invaluable lesson for both my young son and me. As we sat back down on the couch to read my son's science lesson, his lost car popped up between the cushions. Excitedly, we thanked the Lord for showing us the car's location, and the answered prayer was forever cemented in my son's mind.

The lesson my son learned was that an all-knowing God was big enough to handle any problem he might have in life. God's lesson for me was that He was the better teacher. He had a syllabus of truths for my children to learn each day. My job as a homeschooling parent was to be sensitive to those Holy Spirit subject areas, so my children wouldn't miss the most important lessons in life.

How about you? Are you so structured in your homeschool day that you cannot allow for any deviations for God's instruction? If so, pray for God's wisdom and will to be revealed. Don't lose the opportunities for you or your children to find the greatest truths in the world. "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths" (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Father, thank You that You know what my children need to learn each day. Help me to listen to Your voice and allow You to instruct our family in righteousness and truth. In Jesus' name, Amen.

At a Loss for Words

Mon, 30 Jul 2012 00:00:00 +0000

One day I found my son sobbing in a tree in our backyard. He had just experienced a heartbreaking loss, and there were no words to comfort him. Our outside farm dog had killed 20 of his 25 chickens. Only eight weeks ago, we had brought them home as a school project. Faithfully, he had raised them from small, fluffy yellow chicks to the young, white-feathered chickens that loved to sit in his arms. He had made a roost and a special feeder for them and was just beginning to enjoy gathering one or two eggs per day.

However, that all changed in a moment when our dog broke into the chicken coop. Going on a rampage, our dog killed all but five of his clucking children. Although living on a farm and seeing other animals die had toughened my son's outlook toward death, I knew only God could help him in his loss as he asked, "Why?"

As homeschooling moms and dads, the Holy Spirit offers us the same comfort when we struggle with the "whys" of life. So many days we feel heartbroken by the worries and pain of the world and don't know how to pray. May you find comfort in knowing that His Spirit is lifting you up before the Father even now, while you can't find the words to express your heart. "Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered" (Romans 8:26).

Father, thank You for the Holy Spirit who understands my weaknesses. Please, intercede for me today because I don't know how to pray. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Principle of Multiplication

Sun, 29 Jul 2012 00:00:00 +0000

In the 1930s, Dawson Trotman founded The Navigators ministry with the belief that everyone who is born into God's family is to multiply. Though Trotman started by sharing his faith with just one sailor, by the end of World War II, thousands of men on ships around the world had learned about Christ and were actively sharing their faith. Being saved himself from a life of drunkenness and corruption, Trotman believed if a person would lead someone to Christ every six months and disciple him until he led another person to Christ, within 15 years over two billion people would be living for the Lord. Billy Graham preached at his funeral in 1956 and said, "I think Dawson Trotman has personally touched more lives [for Christ's sake] than anybody I have ever known." Quite a statement coming from a man whose Gospel message of salvation has since been preached to millions!

As a young homeschooling mother, I felt my life was quite insignificant for many years. I couldn't see God's big picture for my life and the importance of being faithful in teaching and discipling my children in the Lord, but then I read the story of Dawson Trotman and his thoughts of the multiplication principle. I realized more people would be reached by entrusting the truths of God to my children than if I went out and ministered on my own. My first mission field was sitting right in front of me!

How well do you know your multiplication facts? Do you know that your homeschooling will not only reap rewards now, but also in the future? Teaching your children spiritual and academic truths will forever change the lives of many people because of the godly influence your children will have on them. 2 Timothy 2:2 says, "And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also."

Lord, help me to multiply the number of those who will hear the message of Your love, forgiveness, and salvation by investing all my efforts in teaching the children You have given me. Thank You that what I am doing has lasting value in Your eyes and for the harvest of souls You have prepared. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Mr. Stop

Sat, 28 Jul 2012 00:00:00 +0000

It was just a little thing, really. I mean, who would have ever thought a little bird could make such a difference in all our lives? But he did.

He was a red-winged blackbird that always greeted us sitting on the same stop sign whenever we drove to town. Because of the brilliant, red plumage on his wings and the location of his unusual home, we began to refer to this new friend as Mr. Stop. The joyful song he sang encouraged our family each time we passed his home, but it was the simple faithfulness of his presence that left a profound impression on the minds of my young children. Mr. Stop was always there protecting his nest and gathering food for his wife and family.

Every year in the spring, the pattern would repeat itself, and again Mr. Stop would return and come into our lives for the summer months. An unforgettable lesson of faithfulness was being forged into our family's life. We didn't realize how much the consistency of this little bird's presence meant to all of us until we moved away to homeschool in another state.

Do you know the faithfulness of God's presence is surrounding you today in a far greater way than you may think? Psalm 139:7-10 says, "Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me." The God of the universe securely watches over you no matter where you are and faithfully protects and provides all you need to homeschool your children. Take a moment now to stop and enjoy the sweetness of His presence.

Heavenly Father, thank You for always being with me and guiding our family as we homeschool today. I trust Your Word and know I am not alone. In Jesus' name, Amen.

In the Limelight

Fri, 27 Jul 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Did you imagine your role as a homeschooling mother to be quiet and obscure? Did you picture yourself being behind the scenes and working as a support person only? Nothing could be further from the truth! Every time someone asks, "Where do your children go to school," you are immediately thrust into the spotlight and find yourself facing an endless barrage of questions.

Many great women of the Bible also faced the same challenge. They had to stand up or speak up for the cause God placed in their lives. Abigail was led by God to save her family by going ahead of her husband's foolishness and providing a meal for King David and his men. Ruth braved danger in gleaning the wheat from Boaz's field in order to save Naomi and herself. Rahab believed in the God of Israel and put out a scarlet rope to save her family from Joshua and his army. Deborah was a prophetess who went to battle because Barak didn't have enough faith to fight without her.

Take courage and know that the God of the universe is with you. Just as He went before Israel as a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, He will go before you and give you the words to say when you are confronted. Matthew 10:19b-20 says, "Take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you." Trust the Holy Spirit to lead you and be not ashamed of the wonderful opportunity God has given you to homeschool your children.

Lord, make me courageous today and not afraid. Give me the words to say to represent You to a lost and dying world. Lead me today, so I can guide the children You have given me. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Nothing to Wear

Thu, 26 Jul 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Teaching our young children to dress themselves in the morning takes patience. We painstakingly wait as they learn to manipulate buttons, zippers, and shoelaces. However, by far the most agonizing aspect of the morning ritual of getting dressed is the statement, "I can't find anything to wear." As mothers, we realize this statement doesn't mean there is nothing in the drawers and closets, nor does it mean your children have not looked hard enough. What they really are saying is they think the clothes available to them are not good enough for them to wear.

As adults, we dress ourselves in the same fashion. We waste our time manipulating the outward appearance because we worry about what other people think. Instead, we should be going to the closet of God's Word and choosing to dress ourselves according to His wardrobe. "Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness" (Colossians 3:12-14). Do we desire to dress in the "clothes" God has given us, or do we continue to "not find anything to wear"?

Becoming more Christ-like is the ultimate goal for us as homeschooling parents. The Lord does not look on the outward appearance of man, but at the heart, as when Samuel was led by the Lord to anoint David to be king. Choosing to dress ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and love is what He can use the most to influence our children and teach them how to live godly lives.

So, what will you put on to wear this morning? Look to His Word, find the clothes that fit, and reflect God's character to your family and your world. All the academics you teach will not have as lasting of a value as modeling the love of Jesus Christ in your words and actions. "But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof" (Romans 13:14).

Father, thank You for giving me the opportunity to dress in the character of Christ. Show me those areas in which I have forgotten to put on the "clothes" You have provided. Help me to reflect Your Son in all I do and say this day. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Measuring by Messes

Wed, 25 Jul 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Somewhere in the middle of my homeschooling experience, I made the mistake of measuring what activities we would or wouldn't do by the mess involved. I had lost the spontaneous joy of having fun on a child's level and saw those messy learning times as one big chore. Perhaps I lost the joy because I was so tired physically or maybe because I was lazy. Either case, I deprived my children of many enjoyable experiences simply because I didn't want to make a mess.

Keeping our lives neat and orderly is a good thing, but we must also be willing to get our hands dirty. Jesus was willing to grab the towel that washed the feet of His disciples. He also touched and healed the sick and the diseased in body, as well as the sinful, dirty hearts of lost people. He was never afraid to get involved or be in the middle of a mess. Zaccheus, the Samaritan woman at the well, and the thankful leper must have been so grateful for the cleansing joy of His love. "If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him" (John 13:14-16).

Father, forgive me for only wanting to serve You in the comfortable tasks that are nice and neat. Help me to remember You're strong enough to clean up any mess from life's dirty problems. Use me today to be a blessing to the hurting and helpless. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Caught Red-handed

Tue, 24 Jul 2012 00:00:00 +0000

"Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall" (1 Corinthians 10:12).

The red flags were all there. As a homeschooling parent, you would have thought I would have seen the little signs much sooner — struggling in daily work but getting straight "A's" on quizzes and tests, erased answers on tests, the desire to correct their own work, and teacher keys in the wrong place on the shelf. My trust in my children blinded me to the fact that they ever would succumb to the temptation to take the easy way out and cheat. It was a sad day when I found out the truth.

God tempered my discipline of my children that day with the knowledge that I, too, take the easy way out in many areas of my life. I often think my secret little sins of laziness, procrastination, and overeating will not find me out, and I continue ignoring God in the areas of my life where He wants to discipline me.

How about you? Are you cheating on preparing your lesson plans, your devotion time with the Lord, or some personal habit that is robbing God of His glory? "For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted" (Hebrews 2:18). Christ understands what you are going through because He suffered the same types of temptations when He was on Earth. Praise God that He has provided a way for us to win over temptations! "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it" (1 Corinthians 10:13). Look for the way of escape today. Make no provision for the flesh.

Lord, don't let me cheat You out of all You desire for me. Show me those areas of my life that I need to bring under Your Lordship. Thank You for Your forgiveness each time I fail. Help me to see the way of escape and take the strength You provide to be obedient to You and Your Word. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Act Now to Catch the Lowest Prices of the Year!

Mon, 23 Jul 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Now's your time to save big at Alpha Omega Publications! With only hours remaining, don't miss your opportunity to take advantage of 20% discounts on everything and get free shipping* on orders over $35 during AOP's One-day Sale.

Act now before these savings fly by! Get what you need for next year with sky-high savings on all your favorite Christian homeschool curriculum like Monarch, Switched-On Schoolhouse, LIFEPAC, Horizons, and The Weaver Curriculum. To order, simply call 800-622-3070 before 7 p.m. (CT) or shop online until midnight (PT).

*Sale applies to standard ground shipping within the continental United States and does not include Alpha Omega Academy tuition and fees.

Save 20% on Everything!

Mon, 23 Jul 2012 00:01:00 +0000

Super summer savings are finally here! On Monday, July 23 only, get 20% off everything during the one-day sale at Alpha Omega Publications. Plus, if your order totals more than $35, we'll pay your shipping costs!* Find the lowest prices of the year on all our Christian homeschool curriculum, including Monarch, Switched-On Schoolhouse, LIFEPAC, Horizons, and The Weaver Curriculum. In addition, save 20% on supplemental homeschooling resources, family-friendly DVDs, music CDs, and more.

To take advantage of this limited-time offer, simply call 800-622-3070 before 7 p.m. (CT) or shop online until midnight (PT). Don't wait. This sale lasts for one day only, so order now!

*Sale applies to standard ground shipping within the continental United States and does not include Alpha Omega Academy tuition and fees.

Shifting Shadows

Mon, 23 Jul 2012 00:00:00 +0000

"Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me" (Jeremiah 32:27)?

Anyone in our homeschool family can tell you that I got the short end of the stick when it comes to artistic abilities. In fact, the only artistic talent I had was drawing stick people! So when two of my children began to demonstrate drawing skills with their doodling, I knew their graphic artist father was the one to teach this subject. Since Dad was at work more than ten hours a day, I needed to supplement his teaching time with some instruction of my own. Deciding to teach the concepts and leave the technique to Dad, I looked for inexpensive ideas to illustrate my lessons. As we returned home from our afternoon walk one evening, the sun was beginning to set and cast shadows of our figures against the farm buildings. The perfect illustration for teaching drawing perspective, our shadows helped me to explain the concept to my young son and daughter.

However, my children weren't the only ones who learned a lesson that day. As I thought about perspective, I realized I also needed to apply it to my life. Being the emotional person I was, I had a tendency to blow things way out of proportion. My over exaggerated perceptions of a problem had caused difficulty in my family's lives many times. Convicted by the Holy Spirit, I understood that God desired me to see things through His eyes.

What about you? Do you have a tendency to make mountains out of molehills? Don't let your fears and worries cause you to make rash decisions and judgments. Come to the Lord in prayer and let Him show you a new perspective on things. Trust me. You'll be glad you did, and so will your family! "The LORD looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of men. From the place of his habitation he looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth. He fashioneth their hearts alike; he considereth all their works" (Psalm 33:13-15).

Father, thank You that nothing touches my life without Your knowledge. Help me to find Your peace today in the midst of my problems and remember that You have everything under control. In Jesus' name, Amen.

AOP's One-day Sale Is Tomorrow!

Sun, 22 Jul 2012 01:00:00 +0000

Fly high tomorrow with super summer savings during the One-day Sale at Alpha Omega Publications! On Monday only, you can take care of all your back-to-school shopping early and enjoy 20% off everything at AOP, including Christian homeschool curriculum favorites like the ones listed below, as well as our wide selection of homeschooling resources, family-friendly DVDs, and music CDs. Plus, if your order totals more than $35, we'll pay your shipping costs!*

To take advantage of this offer on 7/23/12, simply call 800-622-3070 before 7 p.m. (CT) or shop online until midnight (PT). Enjoy soaring savings on all of your homeschooling items for this fall and make plans now to save tomorrow!

Monarch
Release the wonder of learning with this online homeschool curriculum for grades 3-12! Compatible with Windows^® and Macintosh^®, Monarch has five core subjects and over 35 electives that are accessible 24/7. Filled with hands-on elements, Monarch includes fun educational games, as well as teacher-friendly tools like automatic grading and lesson planning.

Switched-On Schoolhouse
Stimulate your child's education like never before with an interactive, CD-ROM curriculum that makes learning fun. Packed with cutting-edge multimedia, SOS offers students in grades 3-12 five core subjects and over 35 electives filled with video clips and exciting review games, as well as time-saving administrative features like a lesson planning calendar and automatic grading.

LIFEPAC
LIFEPAC is a proven learning format that offers five core subjects in math, history and geography, science, language arts, and Bible. Each subject includes ten worktext units filled with self-paced, mastery-based lessons and fun activities independent learners love. Promoting critical thinking skills, LIFEPAC provides a Christ-centered education at a price you can afford.

Horizons
Offering colorful, fun, and solid academics, Horizons presents lessons that use a spiral learning approach to keep children engaged and excited to learn about math, phonics and reading, penmanship, spelling and vocabulary, health, and physical education. Plus, with step-by-step lesson plans in each teacher's guide, you'll quickly discover why parents love Horizons, too.

The Weaver Curriculum
Designed to teach multiple grade levels at the same time, Weaver focuses on Scripture and weaves other subjects through the Bible concept of the day. Language arts, history, geography, and science come to life through each unit study, using hands-on activities like experiments, cooking, drama, writing, and other lessons to explore God's world.

*Sale applies to standard ground shipping within the continental United States and does not include Alpha Omega Academy tuition and fees.

Quantity Is Quality Time

Sun, 22 Jul 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Many years ago, parental experts were advocating that quality time was all that was necessary for your children instead of quantity time. This belief possibly began to appease the consciences of some women who chose careers over their children and didn't want to deal with the feelings of abandoning their child to the day-care center.

However, my personal experience with organized quality time was quite different. I found that I could not experience quality unless there was also the dimension of quantity time involved with my children. After all, they were not little robots who turned on and off affections and responses when the convenience of the moment fit into my schedule. They came to me at inopportune times and opened their hearts when I least expected.

The favorite talk time for one of my teenage daughters was 11 p.m. Being a morning person, I could feel the lure of the pillow on my bed at 8:30 or 9 p.m. at the latest. Staying up later in the evening to spend time with her was always a challenge. Some nights we would just hang out together and play games or watch TV. Other nights we would have deep theological debates about God, life, and boyfriends. I never knew when those bonding moments would take place, but I knew that unless I made myself available, she would never share her heart.

I learned later that part of the reason for my daughter's responses was a result of her particular love language. She felt the most loved when someone wanted to be with her. Giving gifts, acts of service, words of endearment, and physical touch were important, but having someone who wanted to be with her communicated the most love.

Homeschoolers have a unique environment to provide both the quantity and quality time their children need. Deuteronomy 6:7 says, "And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up." This verse is speaking in regard to instructing our children in God's Word. It also shows the importance of taking advantage of all times during the day to interact.

Are you spending real quality time with your children? Just because you are homeschooling doesn't mean you are connecting with your child's heart. Allow those quantity times to turn into quality times by being available and looking for opportunities to share meaningful experiences.

Lord, thank You for all the special moments of love You provide each day. Help me to see the real needs of my children and continually reach out with a heart of love. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Treasures on the Mirror

Sat, 21 Jul 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Every week when I cleaned the bedroom, I would always run into them. The time and effort needed to move them out of the way to dust became longer and longer. To anyone else, these items probably looked like a lot of clutter, but to me they were treasures from the heart.

What do you do with all those special treasures your children bring to you each day to say they love you? Trinkets like braided bracelets, love poems, bugs, rocks, dandelions, and pencil sketches begin to grow into quite a collection of items, especially since I had more than one child. My solution needed to reflect sensitivity and show how much I valued and appreciated their affection.

My refrigerator door and bedroom mirror became the favorite collecting points for most of the items. Every morning and night I was reminded of my children's love through these thoughtful tokens. I recall hearing one of our children ask her father one day, "Does Mom really like all the things we bring to her?" He wisely replied, "Just go look at Mom's mirror! What do you see?" These treasures of love framed my reflected image each time I looked into the mirror. They represented who and what I was as a homeschooling parent. I was surrounded by a family I loved and who loved me. What greater joy could any parent have?

God has given you special treasures, too, that reflect His love each day. The beauty of His creation in a sunset, the assurance of His Holy Spirit when troubled by fears, the comfort of His promises in the Word, and the joy of His salvation are the trinkets He places on the mirror of your heart. "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God" (1 John 3:1a). You are surrounded by a great and awesome God who loves you so much! What greater joy could you have?

Father, thank You for all these reminders of love from my children. Help me to treasure each one as I treasure the daily reminders of Your love for me. May we all continue to draw closer together as a family and to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

AOP’s 20% off One-day Sale Is Coming Next Monday!

Fri, 20 Jul 2012 18:00:00 +0000

Get ready for soaring savings! On Monday, July 23 only, catch an incredible 20% discount on all your favorite Christian homeschooling curriculum, including Monarch, Switched-On Schoolhouse, LIFEPAC, Horizons, and The Weaver Curriculum. Plus, if your order totals more than $35, we'll pay your shipping costs!

Be sure to mark your calendar for big savings on Monday and shop ahead to save items to your cart. Then, watch our blog this weekend for more details on how you can save 20% on all your curriculum and homeschool resources for next year. Also, don't forget to share this sneak-peek information with your friends and help them get lofty savings, too!

Aren't You Being Selfish?

Fri, 20 Jul 2012 00:00:00 +0000

"Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life" (Proverbs 4:23).

The words were still echoing in my mind. "If every Christian homeschools his child, what will happen to the public schools?" asked a Christian friend as we chatted over the phone. "Doesn't God tell us to be salt and light in the world?"

Although I didn't have a good answer then, I thought about my friend's exhortation and logic. Examining our reasons for homeschooling, I considered the negative effect of continually exposing my child's heart to humanistic and ungodly teaching. Most elementary-aged children lack the reasoning skills to discern truth from conflicting messages, so how would a young child be able to debate with a teacher who didn't value the truths of Christ? After all, didn't recent statistics also prove that even high school students had difficulty in maintaining their faith throughout college? Clearly, expecting my young daughter to be the salvation for the evils of the public school seemed like a gross burden to place on her shoulders. Was I being selfish in caring about my child's needs before those of society? I didn't think so.

God has given parents the priority of first teaching and training their own children. Yes, Jesus wants our children to influence the world, but they can hardly do so until they are prepared. God's Word tells us to keep the heart with all diligence and assures us that a child must be trained in the way he should go (Proverbs 22:6). Therefore, before young people can influence the world for good without being influenced by evil, they must have a plumb line of truth based on God's Word. Unfortunately, homeschooling families are accused of brainwashing their children with religious nonsense and being intolerant to different ideas and beliefs.

As a homeschooling parent, have you been asked the "What about the kids left behind in public school" question? You know your child's heart. Don't let the world's salt and light argument deter you from following God's mandate for raising your child.

Father, thank You for giving me the responsibility to teach my children. Show me how and when to guide them into the world with the Gospel message of love and forgiveness. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Home of Contented Homeschoolers

Thu, 19 Jul 2012 00:00:00 +0000

"And be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" (Hebrews 13:5b).

Because you are a homeschooling parent, chances are your family has given up the two-income dream. You've probably done without in many areas, including new clothes, vacations, and eating out. Have you been noticing how everyone else seems to have much nicer homes and cars than you? Have you been thinking you are being left behind?

If so, don't allow your focus to be blurred. Stand firm against the evil one and his lies. Satan comes to us in our weak moments of frustration and fatigue, and he tries to convince us that everyone else has it better. Maybe if you just got a "regular" job and went back to work, you could get out from under the financial burdens you have. Matthew 6:25 says, "Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?"

Trusting God for all your needs to homeschool involves a faith that will continue to be stretched. The extra expenses involved in buying curriculum and school supplies will even add more to that strain. Knowing God will meet those needs, but not always the wants, is the balance homeschool parents must find. God always provides, even if it is only macaroni and hot dogs. If we don't have the latest in fashion or the best house on the block, we still can enjoy life and the wonderful privilege of teaching our children. May we be like the apostle Paul when he said in Philippians 4:11, "For I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content."

Lord, help me to look to You today for all I need and make me thankful for the many blessings You've already given. Thank You that in Christ, I have all things. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Too Hot to Trot

Wed, 18 Jul 2012 00:00:00 +0000

"Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools" (Ecclesiastes 7:9).

It was day seven of a two-week, 95 degree and above heat wave. I was thinking our homeschool family had done fairly well in not letting our tempers rise like the thermometer's mercury; however, as I walked outside to do the evening chores, I noticed several jobs left undone by my children. Frustrated with their poor performance, I continued to the barn to feed the horses and noticed my daughter riding her horse bareback in the arena. Dripping wet, the horse appeared to be sweating profusely. Angrily, I barked, "Don't you know that you shouldn't be riding that horse when it's this hot outside? Cool that animal down right now and get those chores done like I asked!"

As my daughter cowered and walked past me, I saw the hurt expression on her face. My angry outburst had wounded her spirit, and I knew that I needed to make short order of asking forgiveness. Walking up to her, I said, "I'm sorry, honey. I shouldn't have yelled at you like that."

"That's OK, Mom," she replied. "I forgive you. I'm sorry I didn't get the chores done like you asked. I was just waiting for it to cool down before working outside, and the reason my horse looked wet wasn't from sweat, it was actually from the water that I used to cool her off. I was just riding her from the pasture to the barn to put her in the shade."

Humbled by her loving response to my false accusations of irresponsibility, I asked forgiveness again and said, "I'm so sorry. How foolish I was to get so angry without even asking you a few simple questions!"

Anger may be a real human emotion, but like any other emotion, it should never be dictated or controlled by the flesh, no matter what the temperature is outside. Galatians 5:20 tells us that the Lord views wrath as a work of the flesh, and James 1:20 says, "the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God." God's remedy for controlling anger's destructive outbursts includes bridling the tongue (James 3:5-6) and allowing the Holy Spirit to help us be "swift to hear, slow to speak" (James 1:19). If homeschooling and the summer heat are getting to you, take a step back, count to ten, and pray for God's help to see and hear the problems for what they are: opportunities to display His grace instead of your anger. "He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding" (Proverbs 14:29a).

Father, forgive me when I allow anger to control my emotions and destroy my relationships. Help me instead to be controlled by the Holy Spirit and remember that true love is always patient, kind, and long-suffering. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Ingredients for Success

Tue, 17 Jul 2012 00:00:00 +0000

As a young girl growing up, I was forever shaped by two influences from my parents. These two things not only gave me confidence to make a difference in this world, but they also molded me into the homeschooling mom I am today.

One was the unspoken words in my mother's unconditional love, even for a rebellious, disrespectful daughter. Repeatedly, I broke her heart with all of the foolish choices I made as a teenager. She, however, demonstrated the love of Christ with her patient prayers and knew that somehow God would change my life.

The other influence came one day when I was in tenth grade. I remember handing my report card to my father and seeing the look of pride in his eyes. When he saw the straight "A's" on the paper in his hand, he told me I had the ability to be anything I wanted. I felt so empowered with that blessing. Knowing my earthly father thought I was capable of so much gave me the confidence to face whatever came into my life.

God the Father loves us in much the same way. He gives us unconditional love and significance. As the "apple of His eye" (Psalm 17:8), He tells us we "can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth" us (Philippians 4:13) and blesses us with "every good gift and every perfect gift" (James 1:17). We are His treasured children, and He invites us to call Him "Abba, Father" (Romans 8:15). We have been grafted into His family if we receive the forgiveness He offers through the blood of His Son, Jesus. He has a purpose and a plan for us to succeed, even as homeschool parents.

Father God, thank You for taking my broken life and giving it meaning. Thank You for Your Son's saving grace and the joy of knowing I am loved. Help me to give what was given to me. Help me to love my children unconditionally and lead them to the purpose You have planned for their lives. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Wonderful Words of Life

Mon, 16 Jul 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Sometimes it's not the words you say, but how you say them that can encourage or dishearten your children. Proverbs 12:18 says, "There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health." We as parents must guard the words we choose to say as we homeschool our children. Phrases like "good job" or "I really like the way you did that" are great motivating tools to use with your children.

Unfortunately, we get lazy in our attitudes and think we can say whatever we want to our children and not affect them. My son brought this to my attention one day while I was speaking to a friend on the phone. I overheard him say to his sister, "I wish Mom would use her telephone voice when she is talking to us!" Ouch, that hurt! I realized my son noticed a difference in the choice of words I used and the kindness inflected in the tone of my voice when talking with someone other than him.

I learned a valuable lesson that day. If our families are the ones we love the most, we need to talk with the loving words that will bless instead of discourage them. When our children do not understand a new concept being taught, correction needs to be done in a gentle and loving manner. Using words that make them feel inferior or slow is something we must avoid at all costs. Allow them the dignity to be wrong.

Don't ruin the atmosphere in your home with thoughtless remarks. Nothing will destroy your success in homeschooling quicker than phrases like "Are you still working on that?" or "I don't know why you do not understand this. Your brother learned this right away." Ask for God's grace each day to fill your speech with His words and show the love that will help your children be successful in their studies. Proverbs 16:24 says, "Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones."

Lord, help me choose my words today as if I was speaking to You. Show me how to encourage my children during our homeschooling day in all I say and do. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Dear Diary

Sun, 15 Jul 2012 00:00:00 +0000

"And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full" (1 John 1:4).

As I sat reading my thoughts from my prayer journal, I realized just how much my life had changed from the year before. Our first year of homeschooling had stretched me to the limit, and God's Word had encouraged me time and again. Favorite Bible passages and verses were written in entries on difficult days, and the tear-stained pages reminded me of emotional and financial frustrations. However, also recorded were countless moments of joy and discovery in watching my children grow and learn. Looking back, I saw how God had kept His promises and faithfully led me through the exciting and difficult task of homeschooling. Although some prayers were yet to be answered, my written chronicle was an encouragement to continue trusting the Lord for the next school year.

Maintaining a written record of God's miracles and blessings is an important aspect of any Christian's faith. As you document particular times of growth and blessing, you begin to understand God's purpose and plan for your life. Like seeing the bigger picture on a big screen TV, you become more aware of the specific details and events God is using to shape your life. Not only that, but any homeschooling parent can also tell you the very act of writing down information aids in memory retention. Each time you write, God's spiritual lessons become cemented in your mind to increase and strengthen your personal faith.

With summer almost over and the new school year quickly approaching, why not try the best advice I ever received from a seasoned homeschooler? Purchase a personal diary for this year's homeschooling adventure and let your thoughts and reflections take you to a new appreciation for homeschooling and the wonderful Lord you serve! "He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer. This shall be written for the generation to come: and the people which shall be created shall praise the LORD" (Psalm 102:17-18).

Heavenly Father, what a joy to read and remember Your faithful presence as You upheld and provided for all our homeschooling needs! How great and good You are! Please, show me how to lead my children to You, so they can learn the same incredible lessons You've taught me. In Jesus' name, Amen.

World's Worst Critic

Sat, 14 Jul 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Homeschooling parents can be their own worst critic. Because the teacher inside strives for truth and accuracy, most have a tendency to judge themselves too harshly. Whenever I failed to teach a lesson perfectly or didn't have an immediate answer to my children's questions, I felt like a failure. After all, wasn't a teacher expected to know everything about every subject and have all the answers right at his fingertips? Thinking back, I now laugh at my foolish, unrealistic expectations of myself during those first years of homeschooling. Surprisingly, the hardest lesson learned in our homeschooling family was learned by me — no one's perfect, so learn from your mistakes and move on.

As Christians, we also have a tendency to be too hard on ourselves. We should seek holiness in our daily lives and strive to crucify the flesh's desire to sin, but we must also realize a very important fact — only Christ is perfect, and we are frail and but dust (Psalm 103:14). Since we inherit a sinful nature (Romans 3:23) and are susceptible to temptation, Christ knows us better than we know ourselves and challenges us to "watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak" (Matthew 26:41). Although God knows how to "deliver the godly out of temptations" (2 Peter 2:9a) and provides a way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13b), He also forgives us when we make mistakes and fail to listen to Him. As we come in repentance, Christ chooses not to deal with us according to our sins. Instead, His compassion removes our sin as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:10-13).

How about you? Are you beating yourself up over a past sin you've already confessed to God? Dear child of God, you no longer have to be under Satan's false bondage of guilt. If you've confessed and repented, Christ has forgiven you. Learn from your mistake and smile again knowing you're a child of God. Claim for yourself one of the greatest promises in the Bible: "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit" (Romans 8:1).

Father, thank You for giving me new hope whenever I fail to follow You completely. Thank You for Your mercy and loving kindness that always encourage my heart to try again. In Jesus' name, Amen.

You Be the Judge

Fri, 13 Jul 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Let's face it. When you live together 24/7, a homeschooling family is bound to have disagreements and disputes. Our family was no exception. Daily, I found myself settling conflicts between my children over insignificant issues. While they were young, I realized my direct involvement was necessary in helping my children talk out their differences. However, as they grew older, I encouraged my children to resolve more and more of their own conflicts. Instead of me listening to their complaints and acting as a judge and jury, they learned to take responsibility for their actions and resolve their hurts and disagreements in Christ-like love. As my role became less, my children learned a valuable lesson — judging their actions honestly before God usually eliminated others from having to do so.

As Christians, the Bible also commands us to judge ourselves. To judge ourselves rightly, we must lose the total self-life that seeks only to please itself. Judging our actions and thoughts in the light of God's Word, we become Christ-conscious, not self-conscious. Just as importantly, we become Christ-controlled rather than self-controlled. All that is selfish is laid at the feet of Jesus as we recognize that in our self "dwelleth no good thing" (Romans 7:18). Judging ourselves also involves valuing others as better than ourselves (Philippians 2:3) and becoming selfless instead of practicing self-esteem.

What about you? Do you have trouble with your fleshly nature that cries out to please itself? Homeschooling can bring out the worst in our character as we face the daily pressures of raising a family and teaching them at home. If you find yourself demanding that everything go according to your plans in order to make your own life easier, you may want to follow some good advice: "For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged" (1 Corinthians 11:31).

Lord, examine my selfish heart and reveal those things that fail to honor You. Please, forgive me when I fail to act like Your servant and show me again how I can consider the members of my own family as more important than me. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Free Tools to Improve Your Homeschool

Thu, 12 Jul 2012 01:00:00 +0000

Alpha Omega Publications understands how overwhelmed you can feel when trying to figure out the right homeschool curriculum for your family. That's why we made it easier, faster, and less stressful to find what you need with these free diagnostic resources and tools:

Attend a webinar.
Enroll in a live training webinar hosted by a qualified AOP trainer. Learn the benefits and find out if an online or CD-ROM computer-based curriculum is right for your homeschool family.
Monarch Webinars
SOS Webinars

Gauge your grade.
Take the guesswork out of placing your child in the right grade level with accurate, easy-to-use placement tests that eliminate learning gaps and keep learning fun.
Placement Tests

See the scope.
Check out what your student will learn with AOP's scope and sequences. Select a curriculum, grade, and subject. Then, click the icon for an in-depth look at the content.
Scope and Sequences

Play a presentation.
Select Monarch or SOS, a grade level, and a subject. Then, click "View On-Demand Presentations" to experience the sights, sounds, and feel of AOP's electronic curriculum.
View Videos

We're here to help!
Set your mind at ease with an AOP educational advisor. With experienced help just a phone call away, you'll find answers to all your questions and get the perfect curriculum for your homeschool family's needs. Call us today at 800-811-8066.

Fueling the Flame

Thu, 12 Jul 2012 00:00:00 +0000

"Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit" (Psalm 51:12).

Sadly, a homeschooler's passion to teach his child sometimes begins to fade. The daily demands of caring for a household and the intense effort required in homeschooling drains even the most dedicated parent. When the homeschooling fire begins to die out, many may choose a halfhearted approach or adapt a martyr, make-it-through-the-day mentality. Others may stop homeschooling altogether and send their child back into a traditional school setting. The wise homeschooling parent, however, will see the coals growing dim and find the fuel necessary to rekindle the flame of passion first given by God. Yet, how does one go about finding that fuel?

To reignite the vision of his child's education, the best thing a worn-out homeschooling parent can do is ask the Holy Spirit to come and control him anew. As a parent deals with his own personal walk before the Lord, the time spent in self-examination and repentance will show areas in his character that need strengthening. Prideful attitudes are adjusted, and total dependence on God's guidance is reestablished, allowing Him the right to reign over the entire homeschooling process. Most of all, the Holy Spirit is able to clearly reveal Satan's discouragement and remind us what was happening when the passion was last burning brightly.

Have trials and discouragement stolen your first love of homeschooling? The fiery conviction you once felt for your child's education will die if you don't find the right fuel source to keep it on fire. Stay faithful to the call God has given and let the Holy Spirit lead and strengthen you today. As you read your Bible, memorize God's Word, and pray for the Holy Spirit's wisdom, you'll be amazed as God provides everything you need to keep the home fires burning! "Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them" (1 Timothy 4:15-16a).

Lord, please rekindle the love of homeschooling in my heart. Remind me of the many blessings we have already experienced as a family and strengthen me to remain faithful as we face the upcoming school year. May You be praised in all we do. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Lessons from an Aspen

Wed, 11 Jul 2012 00:00:00 +0000

"But now are they many members, yet but one body" (1 Corinthians 12:20).

Summer vacation was a great learning adventure for our homeschooling family. As we took trips to the mountains, my children experienced lessons from nature that made both science and Scripture come alive. One lesson in particular came from a large stand of beautiful aspen trees. As we hiked past their white trunks, my son shared a fact he had learned from his schoolwork. "Mom, my science worktext says that aspen trees grow from one common root. Is that true?"

"Yes," I replied. "Every one of the individual trees you think you see is actually one big tree."

Excitedly, he ran from one tree to the next and cried, "Mom, look! This one tree must be over two miles long!"

Talking further, we discussed the similarity between the aspen tree and the body of Christ. "Each believer is like the individual aspen tree and plays a unique role in God's family," I said. "However, we all grow from one common root, Jesus Christ, and we must work together in the body."

Smiling, my son replied, "Yeah, I get it Mom. If we all do what we're supposed to as Christians, we'll show God's beauty like this bunch of trees . . . I mean tree," he laughed as he quickly corrected himself.

Do you know where God has placed you in the body of Christ? Although some gifts may seem more important than others, they're not (1 Corinthians 12:23-24). Each believer contributes to the well-being of the body by faithfully using the gifts God has given. Whether your spiritual gift is teaching, serving, or showing mercy, you can bloom where you're planted and give God the glory as you depend on the life-giving root of Christ's forgiveness and love. "Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving" (Colossians 2:7).

Father, thank You for my place in the body of Christ. Use our homeschooling family for Your glory and let us praise You with lives fully committed to Your purpose and plans. In Jesus' name, Amen.

The Daily Focus Devotional Book Goes Digital!

Tue, 10 Jul 2012 01:00:00 +0000

Starting your day with meaningful quiet time just got easier! Keeping up with today's generation of readers, Alpha Omega Publications has made the heartwarming Daily Focus devotional book available in an affordable new eBook for homeschoolers.

In less than one minute, you can download 365 real-life homeschool stories that rekindle your joy in homeschooling and deepen your Christian walk with the Lord. Don't wait to find the encouragement you need to keep going as a homeschooling parent.

Download your copy today!