Transitions...

Well, some of you may know that my hubby and I have decided to enroll our sons in the Christian school in our town. It is a very good school, and we feel peace about them going there. While homeschooling is a wonderful way to teach children, I just feel that is not something that is for us right now. I made it through the year, and for that I am grateful. There were many aspects that I certainly enjoyed about homeschooing, and many that I frankly despised. Mostly, what I despised was the 100%commitment to it that I just did not have.

I know many women who are so devoted to homeschooing, and they do it well. There seems to be a joy and a fulfillment in it, but it just wasn't that way for me. I love the interaction and the closeness my children and I have forged, and that is something that I am thankful for. Also, homeschooling was a tough school for me as well, teaching me many hard lessons about my own heart. The Lord certainly showed me and "taught" me more than I probably taught my boys!

But I am excited about this new transition. I want to share some points that I found in a book which were really encouraging, whether a person chooses homeschool, Christian school, or public school for their children. When these fundamentals are in place, I believe the Lord will be in the midst of the family.

1. Christ is the head of the home.
2. A loving, kind, just, father (or mother) is the head of the family.
3. The family shares a devotional experience in the home each day.
4. The parents (parent) put the Bible into practice in their lives.
5. The children see their parents (parent) depending upon the Lord for everything.
6. The father and (or) mother have control of their children with dignity.
7. The parents (parent) carefully supervise the close friendships developed by their children.
8. The family is characterized by strong bonds of love, unity and togetherness.
9. The children can talk freely with their parents (parent) about problems.
10. The standards and rules for the children are fair, clear, and are enforced consistently.
11. The mother and (or) father show affection for each other and for their children.

The key when it comes to deciding what type of education to give your child is the same key that we need for every major decision in life...prayer. We need to seek the Lord's wisdom for our families and listen to His voice regarding what direction He wants us to take. Families are not cookie-cutters of one another. Families, men and women have different callings. We need to be led by the Spirit, not by man's theology or ideas. Just my two cents tonight. That's all I've got, just two!!!!