Lessons Learned From Years of Homeschooling

Big Screen Messages

2010-02-01T14:18:00.004-05:00

The goal of the Great Commission is so comprehensive that all lawful areas of dominion must be pursued in order to fulfill its command. One area of dominion that often has been neglected by Christians is serious film making. This past week, I benefitted from two Christian movies where the message of Christian hope was effectively presented.

The first movie, To Save a Life, takes on the subject of teen suicide. Set within the context of a public school, the alienation and isolation of many of the students was successfully depicted. While the movie failed to show that the curriculum and worldview of the public schools significantly contributes to this malaise, it did show the difference that committed Christians could make who care to reach into the lives of those who hunger for the love of Christ.

The second movie, The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry, was more overt in its proclamation that we are all sinners in need of God’s gracious forgiveness. It was beautifully filmed and conveyed the message that people in every stage of life, regardless of their circumstances, are in need of Biblical salvation. By the time the movie ended, I was sad to leave the characters I came to enjoy.

I am convinced that God will use both films to further His Kingdom purposes. I believe that both will have the greatest impact on Christians who desire to share their faith and only need some larger than life examples showing them how. There were aspects of each film that I would have handled differently, and some theological points about which I could quibble. Yet, I walked away from both glad that these Christian filmmakers had put their faith into practice.

This Sunday at church, a young man of the congregation was walking up and down the fellowship area screaming aloud and expressing anger at the injustice in the world. I waited to see if someone would approach him to see what was wrong. No one did. Most were “politely” looking the other way as if to shield him from embarrassment. After having seen two films whose purpose was to encourage and exhort believers to put their faith into action, I could not be silent. I called to him and even though he shouted back that he did not want to talk, I pressed the point and got him to come back and talk with me. Before long, he was calm and sharing with me the reason he was upset. My husband joined us and before our conversation was over, we agreed to share some books and tapes that he might find helpful, and we exchanged contact information so that he could talk to my husband if ever he wished to talk. The three of us prayed together before we left and today I will be sending him some books and tapes to help him better understand God’s justice.

I hope that I would have intervened in this situation even if I had not heard some “movie” sermons earlier in the week. However, it is evident to me, that the Holy Spirit used the impact and message of both to propel me to address the hurting young man in front of me. As both films powerfully portrayed, you do not have to go looking for people to minister to. If you are available to God, He will bring them to you!

Through Heaven’s Eyes

2010-02-01T11:53:00.005-05:00

Often Christian parents who in obedience to God's Word teach their children at home or send them to Christian schools are admonished for isolating their children and failing to have them experience the socialization process that public school allows. The correct answer to such accusations is "Yes, that is exactly what I'm doing. I have no intention of my child absorbing the norms and attitudes of godless education and the results of exposure to it." However, a real question faces Christian families endeavoring to separate their children from the world and to Jesus Christ. That is, how will they function in the world as salt and light if they have not been exposed to it?

Before tackling this question, it is important to note that virtually no Christian family in our culture can totally succeed in preventing external, non-Christian influences from affecting their families. Most children are exposed to non-Christian people, along with attitudes and philosophies just by accompanying their parents to the supermarket, going to the doctor’s office, or interacting with neighbors and non-Christians in their extended families. Therefore, to assume that in 2010 we can ever achieve an isolated environment is naive at best. The ubiquitous nature of mass media also makes it a virtual impossibility.

Many Christian parents are aware that television is a major factor contributing to a morally bankrupt generation that has little respect for itself or life in general. The deliberate non-Christian/anti-Christian themes of most programming are a good reason to boycott the medium altogether. The same could be said for movies, modern music, the local public library, let alone the internet. However, the diligent parent can make use of selective programming and use it as a teaching tool in explaining the antithesis between godliness and wickedness. Films and programs also can serve as windows into the world of our humanistic culture, acquainting Christian children with what others are being seeped within their learning environments.

Family viewing can be an opportunity to apply worldview criticism to various aspects of programming content. Back when my son was nine, The Cosby Show was a popular weekly situation comedy, just as it remains today in rerun syndication. We would analyze and discuss certain episodes from a Christian perspective and I would ask him to identify the philosophy of life he thought the writers were putting forth. We discussed how, for example, the fifth commandment of honoring one's parents was presented. We would analyze how the various characters, when faced with depression or disaster, would resolve their conflicts. Did they draw on God and His Word or on their own ability to cope? Were the children excused for their disobedience or were they required to make restitution for their offenses? Was God’s Word even a factor?

This may seem like a good way to destroy an evening's entertainment; however, if you fail to comment on the contents of a show, you may leave the impression that you agree with what has been stated. This is especially so during the “holiday season” when attempts are plenteous to define Christmas in humanistic terms. Is Christmas a holiday when everyone should forget his or her differences like so many shows suggest? Or, should it be the time when we remember what makes us different?

I have found that going through this process helps children to obtain a biblical perspective on issues, providing them with the opportunity to ponder relevant matters, long before they are interacting in environments predominantly non-Christian. Once a particular program’s worldview is identified, a child is better able to see whether it is really worth viewing or should be abandoned. I saw this occur with my son, who at about age six could no longer bear to watch the Smurfs with their worship of "Mother Nature." Once he identified the ungodly premise, he had no desire to be entertained by it. Later on, he became adept at spotting humanistic premises and presuppositions in much of what he watched. He was able to identify programs that typified definitions of good and evil that were contrary to God’s Word and depicted the "heroes" or "good guys" solving their problems in a thoroughly ungodly way. In this way, I made use of all the resources at my disposal.

I am not advocating that families make television viewing a central part of their day. For those who do not have a television or who do not watch it regularly, learning about sin and its repercussions can be accomplished in a variety of other ways. However, many do watch television and, as with many other activities, television viewing can be utilized as a learning experience. Good Christian education prepares children for their calling under God, and faith gives them the ability to face up to that calling. Watching selected shows and discussing them allows parents additional opportunities, in the privacy of their homes, to teach the application of God's Word to all areas of life and thought. However even the most "innocent" shows often will come up with situations and subject matter that are inappropriate. If you find yourself inadvertently in such a circumstance, use it as an opportunity to discuss topics such as adultery, fornication, or homosexuality, or whatever else, in light of God’s Word.

There are those who criticize this approach as being too "real" with children — not letting them be children — not giving them time to grow up apart from the harsh realities of a fallen world. The same could be said about the book of Proverbs, and Solomon criticized in a like fashion. He made sure his sons knew and understood the ways of a fallen world and used examples from his culture to establish the Word of God as the only path that leads to life. Teaching your children God's Law-Word and instructing them to measure all that they encounter by God's standard will prepare them to let their light shine before men, that they may see their good works, and glorify their Father in heaven (Matt. 5:16).

Who Says Homeschoolers Aren't Socialized???

2010-01-27T01:57:00.001-05:00

College football star Tim Tebow is under attack by pro-abortion feminist groups after CBS agreed to air his 30-second Super Bowl ad celebrating life.

The commercial, paid for by Christian group Focus on the Family, tells the story of his mother, Pam Tebow, and her 1987 pregnancy with a theme of "Celebrate Family, Celebrate Life." The ad is scheduled to be aired on the Feb. 7 broadcast of the Super Bowl at Dolphin Stadium in South Florida.

Pam became sick during her mission trip to the Philippines, contracting amoebic dysentery. She took strong antibiotics to rescue her from her coma. Pam's doctors warned that her baby would be stillborn or seriously ill. They suggested she abort the baby, but Pam refused. She gave birth to Tebow, who would later win the 2007 Heisman Trophy and help his Florida team to two national championships. (more)

Stability in Troubling Times

2010-01-15T02:40:00.000-05:00

Twenty years ago, California experienced the Loma Prieta earthquake. I remember vividly sitting in a karate studio watching my daughter’s class when the ground began to shake. I gathered the children and moved them under the doorframe just in time to avoid being hit by all the trophies that were on a shelf above where I had been sitting. It was obvious that this was not your run-of-the-mill quake—something significant had occurred. In October of 1989, there were no cell phones so I was unable to contact my husband or find out how my elderly mother-in-law, who lived with us, had fared. Instability ruled the hour. (more)

A Model City?

2010-01-15T02:34:00.000-05:00

Education for Freedom

2010-01-08T11:55:00.000-05:00

...[C]hristian education emphasizes that freedom is through Christ’s salvation and in obedience thereafter to the whole Word of God. Instead of teaching freedom as a radical independence from God, the Christian school teaches freedom as a radical and total dependence upon God. It insists on the interdependence of all men under God and in terms of God’s law. It is thus a liberal arts curriculum for which Scripture is the key book, and in terms of which every subject and area is principled and informed. Teacher and student alike are under that binding word; and are free in terms of their faithfulness to it.

…For the Christian, man is responsible to God, and to man under God and according to the Word of God. Freedom is from sin, and therefore it is freedom from ourselves and from other men, and from slavery and bondage to ourselves and to men, to become the covenant people of God in Christ, our Redeemer and King.

Christian education is thus not the curriculum with the Bible added to it, but a curriculum in which the Word of God governs and informs every subject. Only the Christian school, when it is faithful to Scripture, can have a truly liberal arts curriculum.

(Excerpted from The Philosophy of the Christian Curriculum by RJ Rushdoony)

The Righteous Are as Bold as a Lion

2010-01-07T02:16:00.001-05:00

Friendly Fire

2010-01-05T12:35:00.000-05:00

Years ago when I was new to the Christian faith, I was resolute that I needed to be direct and forthright with people when I saw an area of life they were not living according to Biblical standards. At the time I was sure that I was doing the Lord’s work well by pointing out the failings of my fellow man. Later I came to realize that my zeal for the truth was entangled with areas of sin in my own life that needed sanctification.

Over time, I have seen the aftermath of much of my enthusiasm and in many cases, it is not a pretty picture. Instead of showing the patient love of Christ as I talked to people, I wanted to impress them by demonstrating my knowledge of orthodoxy. In other words, my focus was seriously misplaced and often had a detrimental effect.

I remember hearing Dr. Rushdoony answer questions at the end of a talk he gave not long before his death. He was on the platform with two other speakers. Someone asked a question that involved the difficult situation of children being taken from their parents by social workers when it was determined the parents had neglected their children. The other men answered first. Both gave somewhat polarizing answers that left little room for disagreement. When it was Dr. Rushdoony’s turn, he gave a thoroughly orthodox answer but without the divisive tone of the other men. His answer drove his listeners to greater faithfulness to the Scriptures and did not create unnecessary enmity.

Often when Christians embrace a greater understanding of the faith they fail to abstain from firing verbal shots at their brothers and sisters in Christ who seem to lag behind them in knowledge. Many seem to make it a sport, as though they have served the Kingdom by shooting at their listeners. Instead of finding a way to kindly share a point of view, they relish the opportunity to say something theologically biting to demonstrate their greater knowledge and understanding.

Let us never forget that whatsoever we do to Christ’s brethren, we do to Him.

Traveling Mercies

2009-12-30T12:55:00.000-05:00

Everyday before my husband leaves for work we have a time of family prayer, culminating in the Lord’s Prayer. Often the particulars of the day’s events are prayed for and we go to our various activities. Yesterday’s prayer asked for traveling mercies since my daughter and I were driving to the Monterey Bay area so she could practice for an upcoming golf tournament.

Despite the cold and rain, we were blessed by a pleasant day together and were on our way home when a bad judgment call on my part resulted in me backing into another car. So, exactly where were those traveling mercies? Very nearby, as you will see.

I got out of the car, as did the driver I backed into. He had a look of dread on his face, which was surprising since I was clearly at fault. I apologized and let him know that I was taking full responsibility for the fender bender. I asked what he wanted to do, since we were on a public road. Quite sheepishly, he said, “I think we need to call the police.” Since he didn’t have a cell phone, I did the honors and informed the Highway Patrol operator that I had just backed into another car and we needed the police to come. She assured me one would be there soon.

Both Jimmy (my new friend) and I were standing in the rain waiting for the police to arrive. He kept saying, “I don’t see what’s taking them so long. The station is right around the corner.” I suggested that we move our cars to the side of the road, but he wanted no part of that. Because he looked quite vulnerable, I accommodated his request. I soon discovered the reason for his skittishness. It seems that two years prior, someone had backed into his car, but reported that Jimmy had caused the accident. Jimmy was not about to have that happen to him again. I assured him that despite the fact that the only other witness was my daughter, I was taking responsibility for the accident. I told him, “Don’t worry, we may have no other witnesses, but I have to answer to Jesus Christ.”

We continued to wait and I suggested that we exchange information. The only paper that he had in his car was one that said, “Sermon Notes.” I knew that I had backed into a church-going man. I said, “Jimmy, I see you go to church; I do too.” He was not overly impressed with my confession of faith and proceeded to write down my info. Before too long an officer from the nearby state university arrived to let us know that the “real” police were on their way. They suggested we exchange information, checked our licenses and registration, and told us we could wait or we could leave since there was no contest as to how the accident took place.

Jimmy still wasn’t so sure. The campus police, after hearing what had occurred, informed us that I could possibly be cited with a vehicle code infraction if a police report was filled out. I kept silent, and Jimmy perked up, “No, we’re good.” He told me he was fine if we let our insurance companies handle it.

I went home, contacted my insurance company, and did all that was necessary to obtain a claim number. In order to put my new friend’s mind at ease, I called and told him that I could give him the claim number if he wanted. He was astounded. He refused saying that he trusted me. He then apologized profusely for all that happened and told me how sorry he was that this was going to cost me money. He then reminded me what had happened to him two years prior. I let him know that God had been looking out for both of us. We both were the recipients of His traveling mercies that evening, since we both were dealing with a member of the family of God.

In looking back at my day, I see how faithful God was – we had indeed been granted traveling mercies. In addition, I witnessed the effects of years of teaching and discipling my daughter. On the way home, I told her what had happened outside the car during the forty-five minutes we were detained. When I told her about his concerns of blame shifting, she said conclusively, “He doesn’t need to worry. He’s dealing with you.” What a great vote of confidence from a daughter who has experienced through her growing years parents who hold her responsible for her actions – both good and bad.

Be Prepared

2009-12-21T17:31:00.000-05:00

It is a shame that we often do not learn how to do something until we need to know how to do it. Putting out a kitchen fire isn’t best dealt with using Google while flames and smoke engulf your home. Wouldn’t it be great if you could be prepared in advance to handle difficult situations? People used to be prepared for many circumstances when mothers and fathers passed their wisdom on to their children. That was before the advent of “experts.” Everyday people knew how to deal with common household annoyances such as ant infestations, emergencies like fires, and not as common medical issues like shortness of breath. Many laypersons were able to assist women in labor precisely because there often were not “professionals” to contact in a timely fashion. Yet, today we are conditioned to believe that in times of need there will always be an expert available to rescue us. Sadly, this is not often the case, as disasters like Katrina have taught us

When my mother-in-law had intense periods of shortness of breath due to congestive heart failure, I called her medical group for some advice and all they would say was to call 911. I knew she needed assistance, but I knew 911 was not the answer. I was interested in getting some counsel how to make her more comfortable and less anxious, and I knew a trip to the ER was not necessary. Thankfully, my dad (a retired physician) was at home 3000 miles away. He told me to get her into a rocking chair, as that position would lessen her struggle.

Recently I was visiting a friend who was on her deathbed. I wanted to see if I could do anything to help her husband, who was shouldering most of the work in caring for her. I was impressed by his precision in handling her oxygen, changing her bedding, and dealing with a myriad of other tasks. I joked that before long he would be able to get his nursing degree. He smiled and told me how glad he was for his military training as a medical corpsman. Routine tasks like changing the linens of a bedridden patient were tucked away in his mind.

Too few people have the training to handle such assignments. What if church congregations, homeschooling families, or Bible study groups gave opportunities for members to share their expertise with each other so that when service opportunities arose, many were able to lend a helping hand. There would be less reliance on experts and we would be able to bear each other's burdens in a personal, God-honoring way.

So, here’s my idea: begin to educate your family and friends how to deal with illness and make patients more comfortable. If you don’t know how, find those who do. Surely, there are nurses and doctors in most congregations who would be happy to give instruction. More importantly, if you possess these skills, have regular teaching times where you can demonstrate them to others. As medical care becomes more and more bureaucratic, our care for our brothers and sisters will provide an opportunity for those outside the faith to note, “See how they love one another.”

Working Together

2009-12-15T12:11:00.001-05:00

Since my conversion almost twenty-eight years ago, I have had the privilege of producing Christmas programs in a variety of churches. It is always a challenge to my creativity to bring out the message of Christ’s incarnation while utilizing the talents and gifts of my brothers and sisters in Christ.

It is not always easy to get people to volunteer their time and efforts. However, I have discovered over the years that the best people to recruit are those who are quite busy. They are usually quick to give a “yes” to a request that matches their skills and appeals to something within themselves. The challenge of being the producer is to mine these traits and recognize that at each person’s core is a desire to participate in community.

There is a drawback to interaction like this. Inevitably, I step on toes or make a decision or selection that upsets someone. As I have often told my children, “The only perfect people are the ones you don’t know very well.” I tell those who work with me on productions that if I have not offended them yet, just wait, because sooner or later the fact that I am not fully sanctified will become obvious.

Since upsets and disagreements are likely to occur, what is the remedy when feelings are hurt or someone feels slighted? The short answer is the law of God. The developed answer involves knowing the practical application of the Ten Commandments through the case laws that are contained in the Pentateuch. Additionally, the Book of Proverbs is an excellent commentary on these laws and offers insight into the consequences of disobedience. The Gospels and Epistles further expound the way brothers and sisters in the Lord are to relate to each other. Learning to ask for forgiveness and learning to give it paves the way for a strong community of believers.

I have rarely gotten to know someone well until I have worked with him or her on a meaningful project. This is where lasting relationships develop. As I tell longtime friends, “You know me and still love me. That’s the amazing part!”

All people are made in God’s image and likeness. All believers are additionally members of an eternal family. By making it a priority to work together to further God’s Kingdom we grow in our sanctification more than we could on our own.

Giving COMFORT to the Enemy

2009-12-10T16:59:00.007-05:00

Ray Comfort is a man who is passionate about his faith in Jesus Christ. He is smart, personable, and bold as a lion. His latest venture into the world of evangelism involves the republication of Darwin's On the Origin of Species in its entirety. Since the book is in the public domain he was free to do so. However, Ray included a 54-page introduction challenging Darwin's views. If that wasn't bold enough, his evangelistic team of 1200 volunteers distributed 170,000 books at 100 universities. His actions aroused opponents to suggest book burnings at these schools, among other counter measures against this "threat."

Living Waters plans to continue its printing and distribution endeavors across college campuses, although has no plans to give these bastions of atheism any warning as to where and when. Comfort comments:

"Atheists will be trying to find out what universities we're going to visit and when we're going to visit them, but they have more chance of flossing the teeth of a lion at the L.A. zoo at feeding time than they have of getting that information."

The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion. (Proverbs 28:1)

Exposing the Deeds of Darkness

2009-12-09T22:50:00.000-05:00

The Mysterious Islands

2009-12-09T02:31:00.001-05:00

This Vision Forum documentary, The Mysterious Islands, not only provides awesome footage of God's creation, but additionally provides important historical facts and the logical implications of Darwin's theory of evolution. This should be in every family and church library. I highly recommend this film.

Teaching Opportunities

2009-12-08T19:40:00.002-05:00

One of the realities of the homeschool life is that everyday occurrences and situations can be learning opportunities if the homeschooling teacher is prepared to seize them. Years ago prior to terror attacks, when I took my mother-in-law to the airport for her yearly trip to see her niece, I arranged for my son to tour the control tower, even getting an opportunity to wear the headphones the controllers used to do their jobs. Years later when our dog needed an operation, the vet was willing to have my two daughters witness the surgery. I was always on the lookout for openings to give my children tangible examples of people at work. As a result, they had a high regard for those who worked hard to earn a living.

Other situations lend themselves to hands-on instruction. Once when we were buying a car, my husband allowed our two oldest children to participate in the purchase. My son and daughter each contributed about ten dollars of their money. Because of this, my husband invited them to join him in the finance office while the final details of the transaction took place.

Even special occasions can become times of instruction. Family gatherings like weddings, birthdays, and graduations provide the opportunity to teach. Funerals and memorial services do as well.

I witnessed one such teaching opportunity recently at a memorial service. It was a sad day, not only because a death had occurred, but also because the deceased had committed suicide. Seated behind me was a homeschooling family who were friends of the deceased’s brother. The children, all under the age of twelve, listened to various remembrances, reflecting conflicting perspectives regarding the eternal state of the woman who had died. Many of them did not reflect a Christian perspective. This experience gave the parents extensive material from which to discuss the important subjects of life, death, and what happens when we die.

Some would argue that it is cruel to lay such heavy subject matter on children. I wholeheartedly disagree. Who better than parents to discuss such important topics within the context of their Christian faith and a Biblical world and life view? Certainly, there will be varied levels of understanding according to the maturity level of each child. However, precisely because the children witnessed the grief and sorrow of those attending the service the parents were given an excellent opportunity to discuss significant issues of the Christian faith in a real-life context.

The model for home education is one of discipleship, whereby parents discipline their children in the ways of God for the express purpose of furthering His Kingdom. Using the commonplace occurrences of life as the springboard from which to teach makes the homeschooling journey one of endless possibilities.

Heroes and Idols

2009-12-08T13:31:00.000-05:00

Parents are always looking for role models for their children. Whether it is a sports figure, musician, political leader, or other public figure, the temptation is to motivate by means pointing to an exemplary life. The problem is that often those lives are not exemplary and much of what is known about them is crafted fiction. In much the same way that portrait photos can be airbrushed to remove flaws and sound recordings can be mixed to enhance the vocal presentation, much of what popular culture shares about public figures is crafted and arranged to communicate commitment, wholesomeness, and integrity. Very often, those “heroes” turn out to be charlatans, impostors, and flagrant sinners.

That is why our standard of excellence and virtue needs to come from the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is our perfect role model and our inspiration for living an exemplary life. In addition, among His beloved children we often find useful examples of people who live righteous lives. These examples are better represented by individuals we know “up close and personal,” rather than ones depicted in the media with only partial or doctored information provided. When lives can be witnessed day in and day out with personal relationships, it is less likely that fabrication will rule the day.

The example of a woman in my church comes to mind. This young mother makes it a point to assist families who are sick or bedridden. She finds time to help them by babysitting, cleaning, or providing transportation. She also directs the choir, participates in organizing church gatherings, and donates her time and effort as she sees a need. She is also extremely fun to be around. Her desire and willingness to put her faith into action makes any association with her a benefit to all who know her. In the process of serving, she becomes an excellent role model for the young women of the church.

The Bible condemns the worshipping of idols (in whatever form them appear) and discourages seeking out heroes. Rather, the designation given to those who put their faith into action is simply -- the saints. I have described one such saint and know that the building of the Kingdom of God will come from just such persons.

New Facebook Fan Page

2009-12-05T01:25:00.003-05:00

For those of you on Facebook, I now have a "fan page" under the heading of The Homeschool Life with Andrea Schwartz.

Feel free to share it with those homeschooling or considering homeschooling.

Now Parents are Bigots

2009-12-04T10:46:00.001-05:00

A judge has attacked parents, suggesting they are bigots for seeking to opt-out their elementary-age children from a mandatory controversial pro-homosexual curriculum, according to a non-profit law firm.

The parents were represented in California's Alameda Superior Court by Pacific Justice Institute. On Dec. 1, Judge Frank Roesch denied a motion to allow them to have their children excused from the lessons.

According to the group, Roesch blasted the parents for seeking enforcement of a provision of the California Education Code that gives parents a right to opt their kids out of health education. (read more)

Free Speech? I Don't Think So!

2009-11-27T22:49:00.003-05:00

Hearing for homeschooler forced into gov't system

2009-11-25T12:58:00.001-05:00

The New Hampshire Supreme Court has agreed to hear the case of a 10-year-old homeschool girl who has been ordered into a government-run school because she was too "vigorous" in defense of her Christian faith.

As WND reported, a girl identified in court documents as "Amanda" had been described as "well liked, social and interactive with her peers, academically promising and intellectually at or superior to grade level."

Nevertheless, a New Hampshire court official determined that she would be better off in public school rather than continuing her homeschool education. (read the rest of the story)

Pushing the Antithesis

2009-11-20T14:11:00.001-05:00

Turning the Heart of the Fathers to The Children...

2009-11-20T12:50:00.003-05:00

It Takes A School District to Kill a Baby!

2009-11-19T10:06:00.001-05:00

SACRAMENTO – A 12-year-old girl is prohibited from bringing aspirin to California public schools without a note from her mother or father – but in many California districts she may sign herself out of classes, leave her junior-high campus without parental permission, secretly have an abortion and return to school before the end of the day – and her own family may be none the wiser.

Parents and educators across the state have been in heated debate over school policies allowing children to be excused during class time without parental notification for "confidential medical services" such as abortions, birth control, and drug and mental health services.

California's San Juan Unified School District sought to change its own policy from one that prohibits students from being absent without parental knowledge except during medical emergencies to guidelines that would allow a student to leave for a "confidential medical appointment." (more)

What You Can't Say in a Valedictorian Speech

2009-11-18T22:04:00.002-05:00

An Army of Moms

2009-11-17T21:37:00.002-05:00

Last night I had the privilege of speaking to a group of homeschooling moms. No matter how many times I am in situations like that, I am taken back by the determined, dedicated look in their eyes. These women want to fulfill their callings as wives and mothers and are hungry for good guidance and direction. As I normally do, I encouraged them to become excellent students of God’s Word and its application to all areas of life and thought. I directed them to a study of Rushdoony’s Institutes of Biblical Law and the Chalcedon Teacher Training Institute as ways to make them the best teachers for their children.

I always come back very excited from these meetings. My husband commented how energizing the law of God is when applied to specific needs and circumstances. Merely reading God’s law as background material is like learning a foreign language for a country you will never visit; learning how to apply the law of God to all areas of life and thought is like becoming fluent and conversant in all situations.

By God’s grace, I met thirty new women who carry a vision for furthering the Kingdom of God as they train their children. They, as heirs of the victory Christ obtained on Calvary, value their inheritance and are eager to make the most of it.

In my second book, The Homeschool Life, I included a 2007 essay, “The Mother’s War”, by Vox Day* that summed up the importance of mothers. It bears repeating:

Mother's Day is, to be honest, somewhat of an annoyance. It's manifestly one of those tedious Hallmark holidays wherein everyone is supposed to run out and support the revenue stream of cardboard manufacturers in the name of expressing gratitude to mothers, fathers, grandparents and anyone else to whom we might be related.

I imagine it won't be long until Sept. 18 is declared Anonymous Sperm Donor's Day, which will probably be celebrated by giving matching card sets to one's two mommies and lighting a candle for dear old anonymous sperm donor, whoever he might be.

Mothers are not only important, they are absolutely vital due to their position as front-line shock troops in the ongoing, centuries-long struggle for the survival of Western civilization. Despite the fact that their maternal instinct has been harassed, criticized, mocked, belittled and subjected to a 40-year effort to indoctrinate it out of existence, our mothers stubbornly continue doing the only thing we actually need women to do in order for our civilization to survive, bearing and raising children.

We don't need female doctors. We don't need female scientists. We don't need female entrepreneurs. We don't need female producers of PowerPoint presentations. And we really don't need female politicians.

While we can argue about whether such luxuries are beneficial or detrimental to society, there is no arguing the empirical evidence which proves that civilization has survived without them before and could easily do so again.

But without mothers, there is no civilization. Without mothers, there is no future for the civilized.

Europe is in the process of discovering what a world without mothers is like. It is an ugly picture, a brutal picture. It is a probable future that promises to be much worse than the most exaggerated images of past patriarchal oppression ever painted by Betty Friedan or Gloria Steinhem.

Without mothers, there is only barbarism and the choice between the brothel and the burqa.

Motherhood is a sacrifice. It may mean putting off a college education and a career, or even giving them up entirely. It may mean sacrificing a flawless figure. It may mean sacrificing dreams. It definitely means putting two, three, four or more lives ahead of your own. But motherhood is also an expression of hope. Motherhood is a vote of confidence in the future of mankind. Motherhood is the brave voice of a woman saying, "I will not live life for today. I will create life for many tomorrows."

Cards, gifts and flowers are no adequate expressions of gratitude for this living statement of faith.

In the ongoing war against Christian civilization, it is the mothers who matter most. The sterile secularists don't fear Christian intellectuals or Christian pastors, they regard the former as petty annoyances and there's little need to worry about one weekly hour of Christian teaching on Sundays overcoming 40 hours of secular reprogramming from Monday to Friday. But they fear our mothers who can create children faster than they can manage to indoctrinate them. And they are downright terrified of our homeschooling mothers who rob them of their primary means of creating a new generation of secular barbarians.

Every time a woman says "I do," every time a wife turns to her husband and says "let's have another baby," every time a mother hugs her child and says "how would you like me to be your teacher?" she is striking a powerful blow in defense of her faith, her family, her church and God. We should celebrate these bold decisions, these audacious acts, as victories, not just for the family and the faith, but for civilization and mankind.

It is not enough to thank our mothers. We owe them a debt that cannot be repaid. But we can, and we must, love them, honor them, support them and sustain them as they faithfully continue to wage their mother's war.

* used with permission