Biblical Homeschooling - Is there an absence of God in your schooling?

Q. I really respect your blog and wanted to know what you think about this...I am just starting to homeschool my son and have been connecting online with other local moms. The question of whether we should form a co-op has come up. I felt led me to ask whether the co-op will be Christian and Bible-based. Of the responses I received, some said that they would really prefer it to be Christian based but didn't want to exclude people of other faiths...that we didn't need to have all subjects Bible-based, like sewing, art or cheese making (thought that last one was funny!).

And it's interesting that I had just read your posts about associating with those continuing in sin and the scripture about bad company breeds bad company. I was also just looking now at your Philosophy of Education post and reading about how you want to instill godly principles within your children.

I think my thoughts on this is that I'd rather it be Christian based. And yes, sewing is not Christian (as odd as that sounds), but its the whole approach and application that needs to be Christian based, focused and directed, and this is where the real teaching is. Also, wouldn't there be logistical issues when we are trying to decide whether school will be closed for Ramadan or celebrating birthdays (issue for Jehovah Witnesses..) etc.?

So anyhow. what are your thoughts and sorry for the ramble. - Erin

A. Well, before I could respond to Erin's question and comments, I read her wonderful blog post on the subject.

...on the need for exclusivity within a homeschooling co-op

It's well worth the read! I encourage all of you to take the verses she refers to in the post and file them in your long-term memory so that you can access them for when you face a similar situation.

Each parent instills a worldview in their children. Whether this process of instilling a worldview is purposeful or accidental on the part of the parents, a worldview is passed down to their children nonetheless.

Be careful which pair of worldview spectacles you choose to look through. Which pair of glasses do you regularly choose to look through from the pile that the world (and the devil) has to offer? Do you consider how the influences that surround you affect the way in which you see the world? If you surround yourself with sin (even in small amounts) or things that have an absence of God and His principles, then you are doing a variety of worldview-altering things.

First, you are telling yourself and others that God is boring or that His ways, commands, or instruction somehow waters down true wisdom and knowledge. Second, you are desensitizing yourself to sin by allowing God's principles to be pushed to the backburner and the world's principles to take presedence, which allows you to become more and more accepting of that which God hates. Lastly, your choice to engage the world in the ways that you do, pushing God into the shadows, demonstrates to your children that God is not the center of life, and that God is not interested in the "small" things that we enjoy or learn about in life. You are telling them that it is okay exclude God (which is what you are doing by allowing Him to remain absent) as long as we are doing something beneficial for acquiring "wisdom".

What is wisdom? Solomon, the most wise man that has ever or will ever live tells us in Proverbs 1:7 that "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge..." Our knowledge or wisdom in life begins when we learn to fear or display reverence for God. The Bible says also, in Psalm 111:10, "The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all they that do his commandments."

So, what does God, Whom we fear, command? "This is the command...Love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. These words that I am giving you today are to be in your heart. Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Bind them as a sign on your hand and let them be a symbol on your forehead. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates." [Deuteronomy 6:5-9] We are to teach our children to fear God, to love God with all our being and to TEACH this to our children...when? ALL THE TIME.

So, tell me...how can you separate this command from walking in the Truth of God's Word every minute of every day? You can't. We all need to search for God's truths in everything we do, learn about, and explore. There is no end to where God and His truth can be found! This is His world. All within it points to the Creator. If God is the supremecy of all human knowledge, why in the world would we want to look for knowledge anywhere else to begin with?

The Faith of a Child! A Small Miracle at the Abortion Clinic!

TWO babies were saved from abortion this past Friday while we ministered at our local abortion mill! Our children, along with the Wilson children, prayed for this nasty music to stop (played by a father to drown us out). Within 2 minutes of the children starting to pray, the music started fading in and out. Then, it STOPPED completely within 4 minutes. AMAZING! PRAISE GOD! See the video below.

"...and a child will lead them." Isaiah 11:6

Blanket Training

School time in a homeschool can be tough when you have little ones at everyone’s feet wanting to be in everyone’s school work. When you finally feel you have an older child ready to begin seatwork or a project, little Johnny or Suzie comes over to scribble on his or her older sibling. Though this is cute, and can be good training in developing a favorable attitude toward learning in the younger child, it can frustrate mom and the older child. It can cause the rest of the day to be stress-filled and unsuccessful in terms of the older child retaining information and learning concepts. What’s the solution? There are a few different suggestions, but the one I’m focusing on today is blanket training....READ THE REST HERE!

What's Your Homeschool Schedule with 9 Children? How do you do it?

The most-asked question our larger-than-average family gets is this: "How do you handle all those kids AND homeschool?" Well, to be completely honest, we probably get the "How many kids do you plan on having anyway?" one even more often, but you'll have to ask God for the answer to that one. :) I, however, will attempt to explain how we do all that we do with 9 kids, all while keeping the peace and order in our humble abode! So, here we go! Mark and I have 8 blessings on earth so far (and 7 in Heaven), ages: 18, 11, 10, 9, 6, 5, 3, 2 and a newborn.

Below is our usual schedule, but with a newborn and a preschooler and life in general, this can all change at a moments notice. Overall, I like having a schedule so that the kids know what to expect and when, but I do NOT let it rule me. It's just a guide. It helps tremendously that we school year-round! It allows for extended holiday breaks and breaks throughout the year when I feel "burnout" coming. :) I am also a firm believer that just because a schedule works well for one family it might not work well for another, so keep that in mind when trying to create one of your own!

Our Schedule

7:00 - wake-up, get dressed, make bed, tidy up rooms, put away night clothes and eat

7:45 or 8:00 - kitchen chores (95% done by children) and teeth brushed

8:15 - Preschool! The older kids teach younger ones preschool (it is really neat to have the older ones learn to teach their siblings...it develops their abilities in so many ways!)

8:15 - Schoolwork (math/English/spelling history/science/geography/typing - different requirements on different days). Annalise (graduated) blogs, Facebooks, keeps an eye on kids or bakes. To see our curricula that we use, click on Our Homeschool Tools (above).

12:00 - Everyone has finished school USUALLY.

12:00 or 12:30 - Lunch

After lunch - outside play time/educational games/reading/educational DVD's or YouTube unit studies (this varies according to my whim...ha)

2:30 - Judah naps until 3:30 or 4:00

4:00 - Kids are inside or start afternoon chores (feeding chickens, sweeping, weeding, sweeping/tidying garage, vacuuming stairs, cleaning bathrooms, etc.). Reading time begins when chores are completed.

5:00 - Get ready for Daddy's homecoming (vacuum, set table, ready dinner, etc.)

6:00 - Dinner kitchen cleanup by kids while Mark and I discuss our days (this is GREAT therapy for Mommy)

7:30 - Family Worship (Click Here to Read More)

8:00 - Bedtime for everyone, except Annalise. She will go downstairs to the boys' area/playroom and take a shower and read, blog, etc. until she goes upstairs to go to sleep.

When do you feel as though you've actually ACCOMPLISHED all that you need to accomplish?

I would say that I feel as though I have accomplished everything I needed to accomplish if I have homeschooled the kids, done at least 1 load of laundry, done some everyday chores (dusting, vacuuming, counter tops, general upkeep, etc.), prepared a good meal, had the kids learn life skills of some kind, and I have basically "worked at home" all day. It varies so greatly what I do each day that I would say that if I felt as though I have been a worker at home, according to Titus 2. I am to be loving my husband, loving my children and being busy at home. If I've done that to the best of my ability, then I've accomplished a lot. However, it can get monotonous and it can feel as though I haven't accomplished much, BUT drudgery is part of motherhood and that's all part of God's perfect plan. See this post! The Proverbs 31 is an ideal woman, accomplishing A LOT. I don't believe that any woman could accomplish all that she did every day, and we need to keep that in mind or we'll drive ourselves crazy! BUT Proverbs 31 is a GREAT outline to use overall!

Any organizing tips or secrets?

1. Never leave a room empty-handed. Always return something to its proper place.

2. 30 second rule....If it takes less than 30 seconds to put away, do it immediately!

3. Have pick up time before Daddy gets home and before lunch time!

4. Teach kids to do chores and to pick up as they go (30 second rule with them, as well)

Any tips on how to get the kids to clean up after themselves?

As I've mentioned time and time again, we are big on "chore training". My kids all have chores. We use this age appropriate chore list as a guide. Our kids have chores as soon as they can crawl and they will pass them on to a younger sibling when the younger sibling is ready. The younger sibling will become the "apprentice" and the older becomes the "master or teacher". The younger will watch the older do the chore between 2 and 5 times before they attempt it themselves. Then they move onto doing the chore themselves, with the older one watching and instructing PROPERLY (no bossing allowed...Mommy's listening in). After about 2-5 times of the younger doing the chore under the older's supervision and instruction, the younger will do that chore on their own. From that point on, Mommy checks up on them randomly to see if it was completed properly. If it was not, then Mommy instructs the younger on how to correct it. Of course, age is always factored in.....I don't expect my two year old to wipe the table the way I would. BUT, they should be doing it to the best of their ability.

How old should a child be when they begin having chores?

Our kids start chores as soon as they can crawl, and although it's tedious to Mommy in the beginning, I've found that it pays off BIG TIME in the long run!!! What does God think about chores?

Shouldn't kids just be kids?

Unfortunately, today's society has taught us that life should be easy, kids should be kids, take the easy way out in life, but in all reality I can't find where it says any of that in Scripture. In fact, Scripture says that LEADERS and SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE will work hard! Shouldn't we be training up the future leaders of tomorrow's familys and world? Using the below Scriptures when teaching children about chores and hard work will mold their spirits now and train them for their futures! This is why we believe that children should regularly contribute to household maintenance.

*Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and never succeed. Proverbs 12:24

*He who works his land will have abundant food, but he who chases fantasies lacks judgment. Proverbs 12:11

*All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty. Proverbs 14:23

*Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Colossians 3:22-24

What are the consequences for not completing chores?

We have just recently (within the last year) paying for extra chores (not cleaning rooms or such as that....those are "normal chores" and do not receive payment. Nor do they receive payment for extra chores if their "normal chores" are left undone.). Right now "Extra Chores" are required to be done as follows:

Annalise (18) - Meal prep/cooking, Kitchen upkeep, cleaning and keeping organized the guest and children bathrooms (toilet, floors, door handles), mopping with Kaitlyn.

Kaitlyn (11) - Some meal prep/cooking, vacuuming the stairs twice a week, cleaning and keeping organized the guest and children's bathrooms (sinks, counters, mirrors), mopping with Annalise.

Ethan (10) - Tidying/organizing/sweeping garage (a little each day), collecting and taking out trash weekly or as needed, feeding and cleaning up after chickens.

Trey (9) - Sweeps all areas outside (a section each day...covered patio, front porch, walk to door, walk to storage shed, driveway), blow basketball "patio/court"off on weekends, feeds the dog and washes dog bowls once a week.

Jake (6) - Brushes dog weekly, puts towels on our dining room chairs prior to meals (to prevent stains on the fabric from the smaller children), helps Ethan with garage cleaning and upkeep, Swiffers under sofas when I vacuum.

Julia (5) - Folds two towels that go on our dining room chairs prior to meals after meals, cleans the fronts of appliances (dishwasher, fridge, microwave, oven).

Ellie (3) - Folds two towels that go on our dining room chairs prior to meals after meals.

Judah (2) - Collects cloth napkins after meals and puts them in or in front of the washer and puts away the dining room chair towels after meals.

More chores will be added soon or reorganized, as the children become proficient in the chores they've been given. These might not seem like a lot of chores, but this would not include regular chores (setting tables, clearing tables, cleaning rooms, making beds, vacuuming and dusting their bedrooms, doing their laundry, helping with "buddies" and doing seasonal/odd chores as requested by me).

This system has worked really well and, honestly, we rarely have an issue with attitudes or chore completion. They know that Daddy and I mean business. They also are used to having chores, because they start doing chores as soon as they can walk. In fact, the older ones are so used to doing their chores and do them with a proper attitude that the younger ones CAN'T WAIT to go into an "apprenticeship" under the older ones to learn the chores! Now, yes, chores get repetitious, but they do get done with correct attitudes and without being told (the majority of the time, anyway - no one's perfect).

I hope this was of some help and an encouragement to you! May you all be WORKERS AT HOME and follow God and His Word in all you do!

The Homekeeper's Woes - If Only I Could Keep This House Clean for 20 Minutes!

Do you ever wish that you could keep something in your house clean for more than 2 minutes?

Do you ever wonder why the kids can't keep their sticky hands off of the walls or their muddy shoes off of your newly mopped floor?

Are you ever incredulous as to why your husband has to rifle through the neatly organized sock drawer looking for a pair of socks that were on top to begin with?

I know that we have all thought these thoughts, as homekeepers, at least twice every day! I've been there myself many times. However, how can we think like that if we realize what we have and what rewards we are reaping in the process of this entire homekeeping experience? Think of Proverbs 14:4 "Where no oxen are, the manger is clean, But much revenue comes by the strength of the ox."

Labor has its rough, unpleasant side, yet it ends in profit. So also, the life of contemplation may seem purer, "cleaner "than that of action. The outer business of the world brings its cares and disturbances, but also "much increase." There will be a sure reward of that activity in good works for him who goes, as with "the strength of the ox," to the task to which God calls him. (from Barnes' Notes)

What if we had no "oxen"? Yes, our homes would be neat and clean. We'd be able to sit down with our cups of coffee or tea and read a good book for hours each day. The floor would only need to be mopped once a month. And, come to think of it, sock drawers would never again have to be organized because we would always keep them the way we had so meticulously arranged!

What if the Lord had not given us a husband or children? What would our lives be like anyway? They would certainly be much different. Would you really trade all that for a clean floor, clean walls and a bit of simple organization? I wouldn't dream of it!

I know that someday I will wake up to find that God has closed my womb. My children will have grown up and gone to raise their own families. Yes, my house will be clean and tidy. Yes, I can take a coffee break any time I choose. Maybe I'll still be taking care of my husband and meeting his needs in the area of keeping our home, but maybe he will have gone to Glory ahead of me.

We never know what the future holds. We need to appreciate the tasks set before us NOW by God! We need to take pride in our God-given roles of wife and mother! When we get discouraged, we really need to focus on what life would be like without our precious children and husband. I doubt that any of us would truly be willing to sacrifice all that we have for a little relaxation and ease. Think of our reward when we have raised Godly children for Jesus and helped our husband, as God had called us to do! How great is our reward!

Remember...."Where no oxen are, the manger is clean, But much revenue comes by the strength of the ox." Proverbs 14:4

Nagging Your Children About Chores?

Solution: "Inspect what you expect"! - Large Family Logistics

After your children know what's expected and can properly accomplish their chores, INSPECT WHAT YOU EXPECT....and do so DAILY! Wow, what a novel idea!

Love that book! Click on the image below to order your copy....great instructional book for moms of large [or small] families!

Ear Trainers - Part 2

Part 1 HERE

"Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?"
(Galatians 3:2,5)

Have you ever thought of the words, "the hearing of faith?" Before we
have faith, we must hear first. Faith is not an airy fairy thing that is
based on nothing! It is only true faith if it is based on the Word of God.
Romans 10:17 says, "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by
the word of God."

This is why it is so important for mothers to be ear trainers. We must
train our children to hear and obey us so they can hear and obey the
Word of God. We must train our children not just to hear words, but to
get into the habit of listening with their heart and inner ears.

Not only do we train them to have obedient and prompt ears, but we
train them how to listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit as He speaks
through the hearing of the Word of God. Timothy came to faith by
listening to the Scriptures as a child. 2 Timothy 3:15 says, "From a
child thou hast known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee
wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus." We don't
wait until our children are older to read them the Word of God. We
start from when they are babies. The little babe nursing at the breast
can hear the God's words at Family Devotions every evening and
morning. The little toddler rocking on his mother's or father's knee at
Family Devotions is being prepared for salvation as he listens to
living words of God.

In his book, How to Have a Family Altar by Norman V. Williams
states, "Babies have ears to hear with! They have hearts to believe with!
The Holy Spirit who holds the reins of that child's mind and heart is
mightily present to bless when you give the Word of God! ...It is your
duty to exhort your child daily with the blessed Word of God. If you
do that, you will be amazed to see what the Holy Spirit will do in that
little heart! ... This is the family altar-bringing our children to Christ in
His Word that He might touch them!"

Paul also speaks to Timothy about being "nourished up in the words of
faith" (2 Timothy 4:6). We will nourish our children in the words of
faith as we teach them how to listen. The more they hear (listening
beyond words to the voice of the Holy Spirit illuminating the Word),
the more they will walk in faith. We don't want our children to know
"the letter of the law" but the anointing of the Spirit of God upon the
Word, because "the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life"
(2 Corinthians 3:6).*

Jesus reprimanded the people for having "dull ears"
(Matthew 13:15-16). The writer of Hebrews could not reveal the
"strong meat" to his readers because they were "dull of hearing."
(Hebrews 5:11-14) May God save us from having dull ears. May
He save us from raising children who have dull ears.

"The hearing of faith" also shows us how important it is to encourage
one another with the words of God. This is why we should not forsake
"the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but
exhorting one another: and so much the more as ye see the day
approaching" (Hebrews 10:25).When we confess the truths of the
Word of God to one another's ears we build one another up. That'sThe more
we come together and affirm the truth to one another, the more we
increase each other's faith. why we need one another.

Hebrews 12:25 says, "See that you do not refuse him who speaks. For
if they did not escape who refused him who spoke on earth, much
more shall we not escape if we turn away from him who speaks from
heaven."

Love from NANCY CAMPBELL

PRAYER:

"Dear Father, please help me to nourish my children up in the Word
of God by reading it to them daily. Help me to teach them how to
listen to me so they will know how to hear words from heaven. In
Jesus' name, Amen."

AFFIRMATION:

I am teaching my children how to hear the One who speaks from
heaven!

Many women like to save these devotions. They print them out and
keep them in a folder to read over and over again. Some print them
out and pin them on the fridge with a magnet to read through the
week. If you are printing this devotion and need it to be smaller,
highlight and change to a smaller font.

If you know others who would be blessed by these devotions, you
are welcome to forward them or let them know they can subscribe
by sending a blank email to wlmailhtml:%7B552712D4-9F57-4472-926F-30CA275CA659%7Dmid://00001001/!x-usc:mailto:subscribers-on@aboverubies.org

Ear Trainers - Part 1

"The ear that hears the reproof of life abides among the wise. He that refuses instruction despises his own soul: but he that hears reproof gets understanding." Proverbs 15:31-32

What is the first thing we should teach our children? When
I ask women this question at seminars they give me lots of
very good answers, but usually not the one I am looking for.
What is my answer? I believe that the first thing we teach
our children is how to listen.

If children do not learn how to hear, they will not learn to
obey. If they do not learn to listen, they will not learn to
hear the voice of God speaking to them. If they do not learn
the art of listening, they will not learn to acquire knowledge.
If they do not learn how to hear, they will not come to faith,
because "Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word
of God" (Romans 10:17). How you train your children to
hear will determine their relationship with God!

It is possible to hear but not really hear. That's why Jesus
constantly said, "He that has ears to hear, let him hear." We
have to learn to listen with our ears but this takes training.

All parents are ear trainers. By the way we parent; we train
our children to have obedient ears-or, disobedient ears, lazy
ears, dull ears, defiant ears, resistant ears, gullible ears or
even forgetful ears. What kind of ears are you training your
children to have? When you ask them to do something but
they take no notice of you, you are training them to have
defiant ears. When you ask them to do something but they
delay doing it, they have dull ears. When you ask them to
do something, but they don't bother doing it until you have
asked for the sixth time and by now you are shouting, you
are telling them that they do not have to obey until the sixth
time! You are producing lazy ears. What will God have to
do to get their attention?

What kind of ears does God want our children to have?

SHAMA EARS
When God told Solomon that he could ask God for anything
he liked, Solomon responded by asking for "an
understanding heart" (1 Kings 3: 9). The margin in my
Bible gives "hearing" for "understanding." The Hebrew
word is shama and means, "to hear with attention and
obedience, to give undivided listening attention." This is
what Solomon wanted more than anything else, more than
riches and fame-a hearing heart. May God give us wisdom
to teach our children how to have hearing hearts.

The word shama is synonymous with obedience. Proverbs
25:12 says, "As an ear ring of gold and an ornament of fine
gold is a wise reprover to an obedient (shama) ear."

Proverbs 1:5 says, "A wise man will hear, and will increase
learning." There is no way we can teach our children to be
wise without teaching them to hear with undivided attention.

QASHAV EARS
When King Saul disobeyed the word of the Lord, the prophet
Samuel came to him and said, "Hath the Lord as great delight
in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of
the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to
hearken (qashav) than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as
the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and
idolatry." (1 Samuel 15:22-23).

The word qashav describes acute hearing. It means "to prick
up the ears, sharpening them like an alert animal." Children
with qashav ears will be ready for God to use as soldiers in
His army.

TACHUS EARS
James 1:19 says, "Let every man be swift (tachus) to hear."
This Greek word means, "prompt or ready." Most Bibles
translate it as "quick to hear." It describes instant
obedience. True hearing results in immediate action. I
used to say to my children, "Delayed obedience is
disobedience."

How do we teach our children this kind of hearing? As soon
as they can understand a command, we teach them to obey
that command. But before they can obey, we must make
sure that they have heard us. Sometimes, you may have to
get your little child to repeat your command to make sure
they have heard you. Don't yell commands from another
room. Always give commands eye to eye and face to face
so that you know your children have heard what you ask
them to do. When you know that they have heard, teach
them how to obey straight away. Don't accept anything less.
This takes time and effort, but remember, mother, you are
an ear trainer! This is one of your most important tasks as a
parent!

May God help us to be parents who train prompt and
obedient hearers.
Love from NANCY CAMPBELL

PRAYER:
"Oh God, please forgive me for not diligently training the
ears of my children. Please help me to train children who
have obedient ears. Amen."

AFFIRMATION:
I am a diligent ear trainer!

Many women like to save these devotions. They print them
out and keep them in a folder to read over and over again.
Some print them out and pin them on the fridge with a
magnet to read through the week. If you are printing this
devotion and need it to be smaller, highlight and change
to a smaller font.

If you know others who would be blessed by these devotions,
you are welcome to forward them or let them know they can
subscribe by sending a blank email to
subscribers-on@aboverubies.org

Tips for keeping the household peace while just having small children!

Q. Hi Lisa! I could use a little Titus 2 help from some one who has been there, done that.I have 2 small children. Olivia is 2 and a half. And my son, Wesley, just turned one. Ever since he became mobile (last 6 months or so, I feel like I am on a roller coster)! Some days are GREAT! The last 2 days have been quite enjoyable. I am a realtively new mom, and I am constantly learning more about discipline. I am not organized by nature (and I AM trying to work on that, it just doesn't come naturally). They do not entertain themselves well, which can make housecleaning, making dinner, etc. a challenge. This also makes popping in a dvd very tempting. We don't have cable, and we are very selective on the dvd's they watch, but I don't want to over use it. Many days I just feel like I am surviving motherhood- but not thriving. I do realize this is just a season, and they will grow up (but I have a feeling we will always have a toddler around here for a long time). However, in a few years, my oldest will be of more help. Any tips for the meantime? Thanks! ~ Paige T.

A. You are SO RIGHT in that this is just a season. Honestly, this could very well be the biggest obstacle in your mothering career! When they get older, IF they are trained right, they will be such a "hands-on" blessing to you! Just train them well and diligently NOW and you will reap so many rewards in just a short time! I promise!

First, try to develop a routine for yourself (with housework, etc.) and then for them. If they see you enjoying your household tasks and including them when you set forth to accomplish them, they will develop a positive attitude toward chores and work. Also, don't underestimate how little ones can help you in the kitchen or while doing daily chores and tasks. Yes, it will make your jobs take longer right now, but I PROMISE you that when you teach them how to do small tasks and chores that you will be developing their work ethic and their willingness to help out around the house, which will in turn make your workload lighter down the road and your household more peaceful. When they feel needed in accomplishing your daily tasks (even at those ages!), you will find that they are more joyful about being around you when you work or cook, and this will be so beneficial NOW and later on down the road.

Secondly, if you train your children to think that they "need" you in order to be content and happy, you will end up with lots of grief (for instance, when making dinner). I would definitely begin now in training them to play contentedly by themselves...or together...just for a few minutes. Start out with 10-15 minutes twice a day. Have them play with each other and entertain themselves. If they whine or act needy, reprimand them by going to their eye level and speaking sternly. Explain to them that they need to play together right now while you do _______, and that you’ll be finished in just a few minutes. Even if they don't fully understand what you're saying, they'll eventually learn that whining and demanding attention in whatever ways they do, will get them nowhere and soon enough, they'll be playing contentedly on their own!

Also, have you heard of the book Raising Godly Tomatoes? If not, PICK UP THEIR BOOK! It's excellent for child-rearing. I really think you'd benefit a lot from reading it!

Hope that helps!

Welcoming Home Daddy!

• How can we lay a welcome mat of love for our husbands after a long day of hard work?



• How can we make our homes inviting places where Daddy longs to be at the end of a long day?



• How can we involve our children in this process and teach them to show reverence to their Daddy?
  
  A Titus 2 Wife’s Jobs When Welcoming Home Daddy!
  
  “…so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be self-controlled and pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored.” Titus 2:4, 5 (NAS)
  
  Homes are a wife’s responsibility and domain, according to Titus 2. Making our homes a welcoming place for our husbands, when they return home from a hard day of work, is just one way of fulfilling our duties that are laid out clearly in God’s Word.
  
  As “workers at home” we should be striving to have our homes be places of refreshment and rejuvenation for our husbands. All must be done while being self-controlled. We must be diligent in what we do, not complaining about our God-given jobs.
  
  We are to do all for the Glory of God. If we choose to disobey God, we are showing the world a very poor example of what Christian wives and mothers should be. This causes criticism to abound and, therefore, God’s Word is dishonored. Keeping our homes and laying out a welcome mat of love for our husbands are just two ways to make sure that the Word of God will not be dishonored.
  
  Homemade Hospitality
  
  Why do we consider hospitality to be shown only to guests and strangers? Shouldn’t we also be showing hospitality to the provider and king of our home? Show your husband that you appreciate him and all of the hard work he does in providing for your family. Demonstrate your appreciation by looking forward to his homecoming. Show homemade hospitality!
  
  To better understand what hospitality truly is, let us look more closely at the definition and antonyms [opposites] of the word.
  
  Hospitality is a “cordial and generous reception; an act or service of welcoming; hospitable treatment, reception, or disposition; hospitality constitutes a key ingredient of family life.” Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “Hospitality [is] a little fire, a little food, and an immense quiet.”
  
  The opposite of hospitality is “hostility; inhospitality; unfriendliness; nneighborliness or unsociableness.”
  
  As the manager of your home, you need to consider whether or not you and your children desire to demonstrate and live out hospitality when welcoming home Daddy?
  
  The first thing that needs to be done in order to properly meet the needs of your husband is to find out what those needs are, as they can be different with each man. Generally, men have a need for honor, love, respect, quiet atmosphere and FOOD!
  
  Seek out your husbands desires and needs. Ask him what he would like to happen upon his arrival; in what order would he prefer things like the meal, clean wife and kids, clean home, time to rest or change clothes, etc. This will make him feel so loved, respected and included in the planning of your day!
  
  Look at this beautiful passage.
  
  “Be kindly affectioned one to another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.” Romans 12:10-13 (NKJV)
  
  Ask yourself if you and your children are showing the specific biblical traits found in this passage to your husband and father.
  
  1. “Be kindly affectioned one to another…” This word affectioned is used nowhere else in the New Testament. It means “tender affection”. Are you showing your devotion and tender affection to him? Are you teaching this to your children?
  2. “…give preference to one another in honor…” Are you giving him preference and honor?
  3. “…not lagging behind in diligence…” Are you showing diligence in cultivating new habits that convey honor, respect and godly hospitality?
  4. “…fervent in spirit...” Are you doing all for the Glory of God? “Do nothing at any time but what is to the glory of God, and do everything as unto him; and in everything let your hearts be engaged. Be always in earnest, and let your heart always accompany your hand.” (from Adam Clarke's Commentary)
  5. “…serving the Lord…” All must be done in an attitude of servitude to the Lord!
  6. “…rejoicing in hope…” Are you grumbling or complaining about the workload (especially in front of your children)? “Use hospitality one to another without grudging.” (1 Peter 4:9) Put on a spirit of rejoicing, renewing your mind (Romans 12:2) throughout the day!
  7. “…persevering in tribulation…” Are you persevering even when it’s difficult to make sure you give your husband a warm welcome?
  8. “…devoted to prayer…” Are you praying for your husband throughout the day? Have you taught your children to pray for him?
  9. “…contributing to the needs of the saints…” Are you contributing to his needs of food, drink, and quietness? Have you asked him what his needs are in order of importance?
  10. “…practicing hospitality…” Are you practicing hospitality by welcoming the king of your earthly home?
  
  Why not commit that passage of Scripture to memory or hang it, along with those questions, in a place where you will see it often? This will help you to shape your attitude and to mold your children’s attitudes when preparing for your husband’s arrival at the end of the day.
  
  A Quiet Resting Place
  
  “And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places." Isaiah 32:18 (NKJV)
  
  What are some ways to make your home a peaceful and quiet resting place? Why not let Daddy unwind or relax after dinner? Could the children wait to come to him until after the kitchen and dining area are cleaned and they are ready for bed? Maybe after this time of relaxation he will feel rejuvenated enough to lead everyone in family worship! This can really produce a peaceful atmosphere, as well as have Daddy take the role as spiritual leader and priest in his own abode.
  
  Meditate on these verses about peace, rest, righteousness and sure dwellings.
  
  "Righteousness and peace have kissed each other." Psalm 85:10b (NAS)
  
  "In returning and rest shall you be saved, in quietness and confidence shall be your strength." Isaiah 30:15 (NKJV)
  
  "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)
  
  An Inviting Palace for the King of Your Home
  
  What is a home?
  
  o Shelter – Something that provides cover or protection
  o Haven – a harbor or anchorage or sanctuary
  o Refuge – a comfort in times of trouble
  o A place providing security and happiness
  
  What should a home provide?
  
  o Love
  o Peace
  o Safety
  o Fellowship or friendship
  o Acceptance
  o Comfort
  o Health
  o Healing
  o Rejuvenation
  o Refreshment
  
  One important aspect of a home is cleanliness and orderliness. Shouldn’t we want Daddy to arrive home to a clean and orderly palace? After all, clutter causes stress and the home should be a place of peace, and cleanliness provides an optimum environment for health and healing. Now, don’t get me wrong, this does not mean that your home needs to look like a contender for the feature article in Better Homes & Gardens, but it should be somewhat neat and orderly upon Daddy’s homecoming.
  
  Put the Plan into Action!
  
  Prayer
  
  Have you taught your children by example the importance of praying for Daddy? Praying for your husband is a sweet example of how much we care for and love him. What a display of godly affection for your loved one who works so hard all day for his family!
  
  So you want to begin cultivating this daily routine, but don’t know quite where to start? Begin by having the children hear you pray for your husband. Pray, using his actual name (not Daddy) and let your children see what a praying Titus 2 wife really can be. This will really influence your sons and daughters to do this when praying for their spouse someday! What a generational impact this could have for some time to come!
  
  Teach your children to pray for their Daddy on their own. You can start out by having each child can take turns praying for one thing concerning Daddy. It is okay to prompt them as they pray when they are learning how to pray. As you continue to make this a habit, each child might move on to have their own day each week praying for their father. Can you imagine what kind of things you are able to battle on behalf of your family’s husband and father through this intercessory prayer?
  
  Godly Attitudes
  
  As you work toward making Daddy’s homecoming precious each day, teach your young ones about a true servant’s heart. Show them by way of demonstration and verbal instruction that Jesus told us that to be great in God’s Kingdom we must be a servant of all [Mark 10:44]. No task should be carried out with a grumbling spirit or mouth. All things must be done to the glory of our God!
  
  Quick Pick Up
  
  About an hour before Daddy gets home you and all the children should start getting ready for Daddy’s homecoming! Each child should have set chores or tasks to complete in order to ready the home and their spirits for Daddy! Children as young as 1 year old can have jobs to do.
  
  There should be a quick pick up of the house. Toys put away, things straightened, etc.
  
  Children should all help in setting the table for the evening meal while you get dinner completed either on your own or with children who are ready to start learning the art of cooking. It would be extra nice for the children to have something in which they can take pride in, such as learning to fold napkins in a special way, making place cards, or arranging a special centerpiece! They should also all learn the basics of setting a table properly.
  
  The children and you should be washed up with clean faces and hands. A husband desires a wife who does not look frazzled, even though she might feel like it at times. Seek to please your husband by your personal appearance. At the very least, have your hair combed and have fresh breath!
  
  When the door opens, Daddy should be greeted and welcomed with smiles and warm attitudes! Consider having the children put away his briefcase or hang up his coat for him. Make him feel like the king that he is!
  
  Give Daddy the opportunity to get comfortable before dinner. Let the dinnertime conversation be relaxed. Be sure to instruct the children to first ask Daddy about his day before sharing their stories. Mealtime rules and manners should be established and enforced in order to ensure the tranquility of dinnertime.
  
  Last, but not least, if the children are old enough (I’d say have at least one child who is 8 or older – although any age can help), let them clean up after dinner while you talk one-on-one with your husband. This can prove to be the finishing touch to the gracious reception of your prophet, priest and king! It can also refuel and encourage you to keep fighting the good fight and persevering in your job as a Titus 2 Wife and Mother!
  
  Work on One Thing at a Time
  
  Now, don’t expect results overnight. Work on mastering one of these things at a time. Daddy will appreciate the obvious efforts of you and the children and, most importantly, the Lord will be pleased with the intentions of your hearts, as you learn to grow and walk in Him as a Titus 2 Wife and Mother!
  
  “The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever." Isaiah 32:17 (NIV)
  
  May you seek to be a righteous wife and mother, finding peace through working diligently in Welcoming Home Daddy!

EMT's - Community Outreach Day

This is the Metzger's first "official" community outreach project of the school year! We made cookies and delivered them to our local EMT's, who were happy to have the chocolate...and the company!

Weekly Community Outreach Day

This year, we plan on schooling 4 days a week and making Fridays our COMMUNITY OUTREACH DAY! We have really been doing it all summer, but are really just now starting to plan somethingin addition to what we've been doing.We, as North Carolinian homeschoolers, have such freedom to conduct school as we see fit, as long as it complies with NC homeschool laws. And since all our children are 1-2 years ahead of where they are required to be age-wise, it allows us the freedom to take days off when we can enjoy the outdoors OR donate our time to helping others - through community service!

Galatians 5:13 says, "You, my brothers, were called to befree. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love."

Just as the above verse says, we have the freedom in our method of homeschooling to do much. We could waste our time on selfish desires OR we could spend one day a week serving others in love. We have chosen to donate one day a week for the Lord's work....to serve others as He served others on earth!

My Helpers...well, some of them!

Our family is "big" on chore training. The Bible tells us that learning to work hard in ones youth is key to the growth and development of leaders. It is also very neat for all the members of the family to feel needed no matter how young they are. Yes, training is hard in the beginning and always takes tweaking, but overall it pays off, especially when they ASK to do chores! All the photos below are VOLUNTARY chores! Every one of them ASKED me to do them!

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Judah (19 months) helped Mommy vacuum!

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Making stewed tomatoes right from our garden (Trey, Ethan, Kaitlyn, Annalise) for winter chilis and soups! Mmmm!

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Annalise making spinach lasagna for Jake's 6th birthday

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"Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and never succeed."

Proverbs 12:24

"He who works his land will have abundant food, but he who chases fantasies lacks judgment."

Proverbs 12:11

"All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty."

Proverbs 14:23

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."

Colossians 3:22-24

Can I Start Chore Training when My Kids are Older?

Reposted from February 7, 2010

Yes! You can! However, each home is so unique that I hate to say that there's a set method or a formula for everyone regarding chores. I would definitely try to get all the kids with a good-sized chore list. Check out my Age Appropriate Chore List for some ideas.

Definitely rely on your older children for help around the house. Don't feel at all badly about it! You're training them for REAL LIFE, which is what homeschooling is all about anyway. Let them know that they are in training, because they are young adults! After all, children became adults at 12 in the Bible and they had a lot more expected of them then than we expect form our teens now.

I would also try to instill a sense of duty, responsibility and such with the older ones. If you have girls, you might want to have them start thinking about a hope chest (we gave our 16 year old one for her b-day, but she's been planning for what will go in it - forever!). Instead of having the girls collect material objects right away to put in this "future hope chest," have them collect skills to put in it. After all, every woman/wife/mother needs to know how to do daily chores, such as cooking, cleaning, babysitting, etc. The guys still would benefit from mastering the same skills. After all they might need to rely on them in the case that they are bachelors for a time or when their wife is sick or on bed rest. Their wives will appreciate your training TREMENDOUSLY! Plus, each child needs to feel part of the "team"! They need to feel that they are needed and that their participation makes the house run smoothly.

When you decide who's to have what chores, call a family meeting and “lay down the law”. Let them know what's expected, when it's expected, how the chores will be given to a younger sibling when the time is right and the consequences for not doing the chores correctly (without a correct attitude and/or having to be reminded). Then, stick with it! I really think you'll see things change rather quickly. It will take time to train them, but it will be worth it in the long run!

We have our kids take over cleaning the ENTIRE kitchen and dining room after dinner so that Mark and I can have some time talking about our day. Boy, has this been SO NICE! We started this when my oldest was 12. Even our 1-2 year olds have chores of cleaning the booster seat and clearing the napkins and salad dressings. It's so doable!

Having the kids take naps or go to bed/have quiet time at a certain time frees you up to complete your chores! This is vital to the smoothe running of your home. Do your kids have a regular bed time? If so, great! If not, you'd better start one. At least have them be quiet by reading or having computer time after, say 8:00. For us, we have all the kids 12 and under in bed at 8:00. Annalise (16) goes down to the playroom to read and sew until 9:30. Mark and I have our quiet time from 8:00 on. This is also a great time to have some Bible study time.

I would also definitely work on setting an afternoon nap schedule if you still have kids who nap! My kids phase out of naps around 4-5 years old, but you can still utilize a schedule if your 5 year old takes a nap. My 15 month old takes a morning nap and afternoon and my 3 year old just takes an afternoon nap. So, I have both littles down from 3-5:00 which helps a lot. My 4-year-old actually had naps cut out before he came to live with us last year, so that's why he's not down with them.

The key to chore training is to be consistant. Kids love to know their boundaries and they find peace in knowing the consequences for disobedience, even the older ones. So, make a plan and STICK WITH IT! You will see a difference in no time at all! Oh, and this is not an indentured servitude or slavery! Ha! It's a system used to help the household run more smoothly for all AND it's a system that creates responsible young adults with hard work ethics! What's not to love?


Lisa Metzger

Chore List by Age!

REPOSTED From February 7, 2008

I came across this years ago and I LOVE it. Now, all the chores don't apply to our family, but we do use this as a guide. We believe in starting chores at 9-12 months. Yes, 9-12 MONTHS! They can start doing chores with you at that age (putting books and toys away and such as that). The earlier you have your kids doing chores, the easier it will be for you and your household later on...trust me! We are reaping the benefits now! Our household runs so smoothly with 8 kids, now that all of them help with daily chores! They have good attitudes about it and do them without being told (well 98% of the time anyway). :)

~ Lisa


9 - 24 months
a.. Putting dirty clothes in hamper.
b.. "Helping" with grocery shopping (putting items in basket and on
check-out counter, handing things to mom to be put away at home.)
c.. Cleaning with mom (give child a dust rag, child size broom, empty
spray can/windex bottle for "pretend" cleaning).
d.. Watering plants (with pre-measured amounts!).
e.. Beginning to help make beds - (begins with handing the pillows to mom
until later).
f.. Yard work (helping collect trash and toys, etc.).
g.. Simple errands ("bring the diaper to mommy, please," etc.).

2 - 3 years
a.. As language develops, requiring politeness on a regular basis ("Yes
ma'am", "No sir", "May I please be excused", greeting, etc.).
b.. Generally including child in every-day activities on a regular basis
(cleaning, shopping, etc.).
c.. More complicated errands ("Take this towel and put it in the hamper",
etc.).
d.. Laundry (beginning to help with sorting by mom handing him things to
put in appropriate piles, transferring clothes from dryer to basket, etc.).
e.. Learning more specific neatness qualities (putting toys in proper
spots).
f.. Taking his dishes to the sink and helping to clear table.
g.. Carrying groceries in from car (give child one light item or a small
bag).
h.. General errands (carrying diaper bag into meeting, carrying mom's
purse to the car, etc.).
i.. Simple decision-making ("Would you like juice or milk to drink?").
j.. Put books and magazines in a rack.
k.. Place napkins, plates, and silverware on the table.
l.. Clean up what they drop after eating.
m.. Toilet training.

3 -4 years
a.. Making bed (begins with watching mom -- mom helping child -- mom
watching child) standards must be clear and reminders frequent.
b.. Keeping room neat and taking daily responsibility for it.
c.. Regular morning routine becoming established (getting dressed,
cleaning room before breakfast).
d.. More complex decision-making ("Would you like to wear the blue or
green pants?").
e.. Becoming "other-oriented" (drawing pictures for someone, making
encouragement notes to dictate to mom, thank you notes for birthday gifts).
f.. Learning to use the telephone properly.
g.. Established and regular responsibilities (bedroom, getting the mail,
emptying bathroom trash cans, etc.).
h.. Helping wash the car.
i.. Simple hygiene - brush teeth, wash and dry hands and face, and brush
hair.
j.. Undress self - dress with some help.
k.. Carry boxed or canned goods from the grocery sacks to the proper
shelf.

4 - 5 years
a.. Taking his laundry to designated place on laundry day.
b.. Sorting laundry with supervision.
c.. Begin learning to fold laundry and put it away.
d.. Hang socks, handkerchiefs, and washcloths on a low line.
e.. Vacuuming/sweeping.
f.. Cleaning table after meals.
g.. Helping with meal preparations (learning to measure, stir and use
small appliances).
h.. Spread butter on sandwiches.
i.. Prepare cold cereal.
j.. Help mother prepare plates of food for the family dinner.
k.. Make a simple dessert (add topping to cupcakes, pour the toppings on
ice cream).
l.. Hold the hand mixer to whip potatoes or mix up a cake.
m.. Setting the table.
n.. Taking out the trash.
o.. Helping make decisions about meal choices, outings, time with friends,
etc.
p.. Carrying groceries in from the car and putting them away.
q.. Help with grocery shopping and compiling a grocery list.
r.. Polish shoes and clean up afterwards.
s.. Follow a schedule for feeding pets.
t.. Help do the dishes or fill the dishwasher.
u.. Dust the furniture.
v.. Share toys with friends (practice courtesy).
w.. Tell parent his whereabouts before going out to play.
x.. Play without constant adult supervision and attention.
y.. Polish silver.
z.. Polish car.
aa.. Sharpen pencils.

5 - 6 years
a.. Unsupervised responsibilities (making bed, washing out trash cans,
etc.).
b.. More complicated meal preparations (making frozen juice, toast,
scrambling eggs, cutting with blunt knife, baking).
c.. Make own sandwich or simple breakfast, then clean up.
d.. Pour own drink.
e.. Prepare the dinner table.
f.. Tear up lettuce for the salad.
g.. Helping with younger siblings (changing diapers, helping with bath,
bottle feeding, entertaining while mom is out of the room, feeding/dressing
toddler siblings).
h.. Laundry (sorting, learning to use the washer/dryer, measuring
detergent,fold clean clothes and put them away.) .
i.. Cleaning (using cleaning supplies properly, cleaning unsupervised
areas like bathtub or polishing furniture, clean mirrors and windows).
j.. Sons -- carrying "heavy" things for mom and helping with yardwork.
k.. By this time child will begin to carry out responsibilities unasked
and begin to offer help in areas parents don't require help in.
l.. Make bed and clean room.
m.. Dress on own and choose outfit for the day.
n.. Learn to tie shoes.
o.. Answer the telephone and begin to dial the phone.
p.. Yardwork.
q.. Pay for small purchases.
r.. Help clean out the car.
s.. Take out the garbage.
t.. Decide how he wants to spend his share of the family entertainment
fund.
u.. Feed his pets and clean the living area.

6 - 7 years
a.. Simple meals prepared (making sandwiches for lunch, preparing drinks,
fixing breakfast for mom and dad, preparing salad for dinner, peel
vegetables).
b.. Regular quiet time becoming a part of daily routine.
c.. Totally unsupervised laundry responsibilities when needed.
d.. Increased responsibilities for younger siblings (dressing
infants/toddlers, entertaining them for longer periods by reading to
them/playing records, etc., helping school them).
e.. Learning the purpose and beginning usage of tools (lawn mower, hand
tools, etc.) and helping with home maintenance.
f.. Shake rugs.
g.. Water plants and flowers.
h.. Prepare own school lunch.
i.. Help hang clothes on the clothesline.
j.. Hang up own clothes in the closet.
k.. Gather wood for the fireplace.
l.. Rake leaves and weed.
m.. Tie own shoes.
n.. Care for his own minor injuries.
o.. Keep the garbage container clean.
p.. Clean out inside of car.
q.. Straighten or clean out silverware drawer.
r.. Oil and care for bike.
s.. Take phone messages.
t.. Run errands for parents.
u.. Sweep and wash patio area.
v.. Water the lawn.
w.. Wash dog or cat.
x.. Train pets.
y.. Take pet for walk.
z.. Carry in the grocery sacks.
aa.. Get self up in the morning and go to bed at night on own.
ab.. Learn to be polite, courteous, and to share; respect others.
ac.. Carry own lunch money and notes back to school.
ad.. Leave the bathroom in order.
ae.. Do simple ironing.


8 - 10 years
a.. Complete responsibility for their rooms on a daily basis (bed making,
dresser drawers, closet, vacuuming, etc.).
b.. Unsupervised yard work (i.e., lawn mowing, edging, clean-up,
gardening).
c.. More complex meal preparations (pour and make tea, coffee, and instant
drinks, using sharp instruments, baking, using appliances, beginning meal
planning).
d.. More difficult cleaning projects (scrubbing kitchen floor, windows,
cleaning appliances).
e.. Summer jobs (lawn mowing, dog sitting, babysitting, odd jobs for
vacationers).
f.. Financial planning (computing percentages for saving, tithing,
offerings, gift-giving and assuming responsibility with parental oversight).
g.. Beginning car maintenance (helping dad with minor repairs, learning
tool usage, washing/waxing).
h.. Help rearrange furniture. Help plan the layout.
i.. Run own bathwater.
j.. Help others with their work when asked.
k.. Shop for and select own clothing and shoes with parent.
l.. Change school clothes without being told.
m.. Fold blankets.
n.. Sew buttons and sew rips in seams.
o.. Clean storage room.
p.. Clean up animal "messes" in the yard and house.
q.. Cut flowers and make a centerpiece.
r.. Pick fruit off trees.
s.. Build a campfire, get items ready to cook out (charcoal, hamburgers).
t.. Paint fence or shelves.
u.. Help write simple letters.
v.. Write thank-you notes.
w.. Help with defrosting and cleaning the refrigerator.
x.. Feed the baby.
y.. Polish silverware, copper, or brass items.
z.. Clean patio furniture.
aa.. Wax living room furniture.
ab.. Change sheets and put dirty sheets in hamper.
ac.. Buy groceries using a list and comparative shopping.
ad.. Cross streets unassisted.
ae.. Keep own appointments.
af.. Receive and answer own mail.
ag.. Wait on guests.
ah.. Plan own birthday.
ai.. Simple first aid.
aj.. Do neighborhood chores.
ak.. Sew, knit, or weave (even using a sewing machine).
al.. Do chores without a reminder.
am.. Learn banking and to be thrifty and trustworthy.
an.. Handle sums of money up to $5.00.
ao.. Be alone at home for short periods.
ap.. Take the city bus to selected destinations.
aq.. Proper conduct when staying overnight with a friend. Pack own
suitcase.
ar.. Responsible for personal hobby.
as.. Handle self properly when in public places alone or with peers.

11 - 12 years
a.. Join outside organizations, do assignments, and attend. Able to take
responsibility as a leader.
b.. Put siblings to bed and dress them.
c.. Clean pool and pool area.
d.. Respect others' property.
e.. Run own errands.
f.. Mow lawn with supervision.
g.. Help Father build things and do family errands.
h.. Schedule himself time for studies.
i.. Buy own sweets or treats.
j.. Responsible for a paper route.
k.. Check and add oil to car under supervision.

13 - 15 years
a.. Determine how late he should stay up during the week. Also determine
how late he should be out for evening gatherings (through mutual
parent-child discussion and agreement).
b.. Responsibility for preparing family meals.
c.. Social awareness: good health, exercise, necessary rest, correct
weight, nutritious food, physical examinations.
d.. Anticipate the needs of others and initiate the appropriate action.
e.. Acceptance of capabilities and limitations.
f.. Self-respect or individual worth.
g.. Responsibility for one's decision.
h.. Mutual respect, loyalty, and honesty in the family.

Annalise's New Blog - Blossoming In Grace!

Go check out our daughter's website - Blossoming In Grace (www.blossomingingrace.com)! Annalise, 18, just sarted writing a few days ago, but everything she has on there so far is well-written, including her own adoption story! Go HERE to visit ANNALISE!

Lisa Metzger

Recyclables!

This morning I was explaining to Trey where the recyclable bin was located and what kinds of things go in it, because he'd been putting trash in the bin instead of items that could be recycled. After explaining the recycling process to him he said, "You mean like Jesus had them? Jesus' recyclables (disciples) loved him very much!" Ha ha ha ha! Too cute!

Just Do It!

1 Chronicles 28:10, 20, "Solomon my son. Take heed now; for the Lord hath chosen thee to build a house for the sanctuary: be strong, and do it... Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the Lord God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work."

It was not enough for David to encourage Solomon to build a house for the Lord, but he also inspired him to do it! We can get great ideas and dreams of what we want to do, but it is another thing to do them. We must not only be hearers of the Word, but doers!

There is more yet. David exhorted Solomon, not only to do it, but to finish it! Not only do we have to get stuck in and do what we have to do, but also finish the task. But there is even more yet! David said, "I have prepared with all my might for the house of my God." It is not enough to do the job. It is not enough to finish it. We have to do it with all our might! Ecclesiastes 9:10 says, "Whatsoever your hand finds to do, do it with thy might." And Colossians 3:23 says, "Whatsoever you do, do it heartily."

These are three important principles that we need to implement into our daily lives in the home. There are many tasks that need attending to-laundry, dishes, cleaning up the kitchen and other tasks on our "to do" list. You want to do them, you plan to do them, but you just have to do them. That's all there is to it. You have to get up off your seat and start tackling the job. I have made this a habit in my life-not to look at something and think about doing it, but to get up and do it! It's the only way things get done! Many times I don't feel like doing it, but I make myself get up and do it.

We need to teach these principles to our children too. They are God-like principles. God lives by this principle. He states, "I have purposed it, I will also do it." (Isaiah 46:11)

Even Jesus Himself put this principle into action. He exclaims in Psalm 40:7-8, "Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me, I delight to do thy will, O my God; yea, thy law is within my heart." Jesus didn't come to study God's will or to meditate upon it, but to do it! None of us will ever understand how hard it must have been for Him to fulfill the plan of the ages to come and suffer and die for our sin. He asked God to take the cup from him, but He faced it and did it.

During the time of Ezra's ministry, he discovered that the Israelites had not separated themselves from the people round about and were doing according to their abominations. He repented before God on the behalf of the people. But that was not enough. He needed to exhort the people to repent and separate from the evil. In Ezra 10:4 Shechaniah encouraged Ezra, "Be of good courage, and do it." They did.

Exodus 19:8 says, "All that the Lord has spoken we will do." Is this our response? (Exodus 24:3)

Genesis 31:16, "Whatsoever God has said unto thee, do."

Proverbs 3:27, "Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it."

James 4:17, "To him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin."

Are there necessary things waiting to do in your home? Is there some task that you have been putting off? Don't think about it any longer. Just do it!

Love from NANCY CAMPBELL

PRAYER:

"Lord, please help me to do what I need to do. Please give me your strength. Amen."."

AFFIRMATION:

I am not just a hearer, but a doer!

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Organization with Chore Cards

I read from another blogger about how they use index cards to list daily chores. I always have my kids doing their "chore training" throughout the day, but this idea just hit me......it would make MY life easier if they followed cards, instead of having me watch over their shoulders to see if chores were getting done.

Well, after a few weeks of using these chore cards, I have found that I can no longer live without them! What a great and simple idea! Why didn't I think of this?!?!

I took 3x5 cards and labeled them with each child's individual name and the chore to be completed. When the chore is completed, the child "checks it off" by putting it back in the index card box. I also made dividers for each section of cards. I would put the part of the day that particular chores would need to be completed by each child along with their name. Ex: Annalise -Morning Chores, Kaitlyn - Afternoon Chores, etc. I also made a divider for misc. chores. I take those misc. cards and place them in a stack for a child on a day that the particular chore needs to be completed (take trash out to the curb, clean bathrooms, wash windows, etc.)....in other words, things that aren't done on a daily basis. I have EVEN gone so far as to make "School Chores." I put them in their regular "morning, afternoon and evening dividers" when I think they should be done. For example: Math Game, Geography Game, Seat work, Reading, etc. That has worked wonders too with attitudes! They love to see a "game" card in their pile!

This system is EASY and AWESOME! My kids are even excited about this system. In fact, they told Daddy that they "get to do" the chores! Wonderful! Love it!