tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11068473831892935362024-03-14T05:19:23.588+00:00Home Education NoviceThe diary of a family with young children beginning the adventure of home educationKondwanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02290415492637315025noreply@blogger.comBlogger171125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1106847383189293536.post-90455040035264744922015-05-17T19:35:00.000+01:002015-05-17T19:35:57.194+01:00A new blog www.anabundantadventure.blogspot.com<div class="MsoNormal">
Three years ago, with a baby and
two two-year olds, we had made the decision to home educate our family. I was
aware this decision might bring challenges, and that it was important to remain
faithful to our convictions and to draw from the wisdom and resources of
others. So we launched <a href="http://www.homeeducationnovice.blogspot.com/">www.homeeducationnovice.blogspot.com</a>.
For three years I have posted here, at least once a week and this site will
remain - hopefully the archive will continue to challenge and encourage, and I will respond to comments. However I have increasingly come to realise that our decision to home
educated is simply one element of our life of faith – desiring to live for
Christ in all things, and not follow the pattern of the world. Whilst home
education will remain a major part of our lives for the foreseeable future, I
have increasingly wanted to write about the life of faith – about global
mission, about serving God as a family, about hospitality and relationships,
about Christians in secular leadership roles, about financial priorities, about
Christian marriage, family life and spiritual growth. So on the third
anniversary of homeeducationnovice, I am launching An Abundant Adventure
(<a href="http://www.anabundantadventure.blogspot.com/">www.anabundantadventure.blogspot.com</a>) <o:p></o:p></div>
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When describing Himself as the Good Shepherd, Jesus promised
‘I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more
abundantly’ (John 10:10). An abundant life is not necessarily an easy life –
elsewhere it is described as entering ‘by the narrow gate’ (Matthew 7:13).
However the twenty two years I have been following the Lord Jesus have
certainly been abundant, and never more so since embarking on parenthood seven
years ago.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It is my prayer that you find the new blog inspiring,
challenging, comforting, refreshing and encouraging.<o:p></o:p></div>
Kondwanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02290415492637315025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1106847383189293536.post-17202977817676534812015-05-06T22:34:00.000+01:002015-05-07T12:26:51.128+01:00Are you content?<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">'Now godliness with contentment is great gain' 1 Timothy 6:6</span></b></div>
<br />
<i>Are you content? </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>What does it mean to be content? </i><br />
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I think many of the problems that our society faces arise from discontent. People want more, and better, education, healthcare, housing, benefits, pensions, employment, leisure, tax credits and public services. And they want these things now. (We are on the eve of General Election here in the UK, but don't worry, I am not going to delve into politics tonight)<br />
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The Puritan writers had plenty of wisdom on this - I would recommend Jeremiah Burrows' <a href="http://www.preachtheword.com/bookstore/contentment.pdf">'The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment' </a>(link is to full PDF of this challenging book). A lot is in the title. It is:<br />
<br />
1) Rare, even among Christians<br />
2) Worth as much as (or indeed far more than!) a precious jewel, and<br />
3) Christian contentment differs from the feeling of general wellbeing that an unbeliever may experience when all is well.<br />
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It might be better to phrase my opening question the other way round:<br />
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<i>What makes you discontent?</i><br />
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In my life, it is often closely linked to covetousness. Dictionary definitions of covetousness vary, as 'to covet' can be taken to mean to earnestly desire something, and that is not always bad. However, more often it is used to describe a 'wrongful or inordinate desire, without due regard for the rights of others'. Covetousness is described and warned against in the Bible through both direct commandment and also through illustrative stories of those who ultimately come to grief though their covetous desires. When Moses was given the 10 command<span style="font-family: inherit;">ments, the final one stated '<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">You shall not covet your neighbour’s house; you shall not covet your neighbour’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, <b><u>nor anything that is</u></b></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><b><u> your neighbour’s'</u></b> (Exodus 20:17)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Why is covetousness such a bad thing? It introduces discontent, and tells the lie that God's provision in your life is not sufficient. This opens the door to many wrong attitudes and actions. Ten examples of where sin can enter through covetousness are listed here (but you may think of more!)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">1) Questioning the nature of God. Either denying His sovereignty, or denying His goodness</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">2) Lack of faith. If God is either not sovereign, or not good, how can I trust Him in future?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">3) Lack of thankfulness - failing to see the good things that God has blessed you with</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">4) Lack of service - my two loaves and five small fish seem inadequate for the task</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">5) Lack of generosity - others have more than me, so they should give</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">6) Lack of hospitality - my house seems small, and others have several spare rooms</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">7) Lack of joy - I don't recognise that God's plans for my life are perfect</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">8) Lack of peace - questioning whether I need to change something fundamental in my life</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">9) Lack of perspective - it can be easier to look at those who have more, rather than less</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">10) Lack of love - my eyes are now on myself and my 'needs' not on others</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Why am I writing this tonight? In response to a challenge in my own life. Last night I attended a Bible study at the new home of a friend. It was large, beautiful, tastefully decorated and incredibly tidy. The kitchen was incredible, like something out of an Ideal Home magazine. I knew I might feel this way, but I was taken a little by surprise at the myriad of churning thoughts that went through my mind.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">THOUGHT: Life would be so much more orderly in a spacious home.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">TRUTH: Life would be almost exactly the same, just with more housework needed</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">THOUGHT: Their lives must be so perfect (or certainly less chaotic than ours) to be able to settle down</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">TRUTH: Actually buying a larger home can bring its own snares. We have financial freedom to travel, move overseas, live with fewer worldly constraints through our choices of where we live. And a building, however nice, cannot solve life's problems</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">THOUGHT: Their children must be really well behaved, well discplined, focussed and achieve everything set before them (rather than spending the best part of a morning to settle down and do some basic reading and writing, as we have done for the past couple of days)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">TRUTH: What a completely illogical thought! Why should a particular size or style of home improve behaviour? Their children, just like ours, are sinners who need to come to an understanding of the grace of God, and also of their need for God's strength to overcome their sinful natures.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">THOUGHT: We could have much better Bible studies and offer much better hospitality in a large and beautiful home</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">TRUTH: We've been having regular Christian meetings and hosting guests (both known to us and strangers) for the last 15 years. That there are five of us living in a three bedroom house does not prevent us being able to open our doors and share. Similarly, our friends believe God has given them their new home to be used by God (and hence last night's meeting was at theirs, as we are trying to hand over the things which had previously taken place at our house prior to moving overseas in a few months).</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">THOUGHT: It would be much better for homeschooling to have all that space</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">TRUTH: Homeschooling can take place anywhere, and the main locations in the house are reading on the sofa or sitting at our large dining table. This would be the same in a bigger home. Actually a lot of our life and schooling takes place outside anyway - in parks, museums, beaches, art galleries, home ed meet ups and so forth</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">THOUGHT: It would be good for the boys to have more space to play</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">TRUTH: It's good for the boys to learn to live closely together. They also need to learn that what we have is enormous compared to most children in the world, as indeed many families live in a single room or very basic accommodation. They need to learn that relationships are more important than things</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">THOUGHT: Maybe we are a little crazy to make the choices we do, when we could 'afford' to move somewhere bigger and more luxurious</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">TRUTH: This one is key. Our choices have been shaped by God's leading and guiding over the past 20 years. Our choice of home is only one example of how we have felt God calling us to have a loose hold on this world, to live as strangers here and respond to His call to serve Him in a range of roles, short, medium and potentially long term in low-resource countries. Yes, we could afford the same kind of home - but that is not the life we have been called to, at least not at this current time.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">THOUGHT: My family would be happier if I had a home like that</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">TRUTH: That may be true! My family (rather than my in-laws) are not Christians and wish we would 'settle down' and do the conventional life thing. But that isn't something to aspire to!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">The reason I write out some of my internal conversation is because a lot of how we respond is a choice. We can choose to be content. The Apostle Paul said it beautifully when he wrote:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">'I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have </span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">plenty</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">. I have learned the secret of being </span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">content</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in </span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">plenty</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> or in want<span style="font-family: inherit;">. </span></span></b></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>I can do all this through him who gives me strength.</b></span></span><b style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">' Philippians 4:12-13</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span>Kondwanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02290415492637315025noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1106847383189293536.post-19740175351817890582015-05-03T21:25:00.000+01:002015-05-03T21:25:42.471+01:00Discipline and Behaviour: Applying the BibleTwo big advantages of home education are:<br />
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1) By constantly being with the children, you are able to identify and seek to correct behaviours and attitudes before these are able to develop into bigger problems<br />
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2) <span style="font-family: inherit;">We can frequently draw from the Bible, which we believe to be <b>'<span class="text 2Tim-3-16" id="en-NIV-29870" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">God-breathed<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29870D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29870D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> and is useful for <u>teaching,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29870E" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29870E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness</u>,</span></b><span class="text 2Tim-3-17" id="en-NIV-29871" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><b><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work' (2 Timothy 3:16-17)</b>. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text 2Tim-3-17" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text 2Tim-3-17" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">There are times when this does not always feel like an advantage! There are days when it feels that we spend so long working on these issues that we don't have as much time as we would like for all the educational activities we would like. There are occasions when I find myself wondering whether the children would therefore be better off in a mainstream educational establishment where there would not be so much time spent on character formation. However it does not take me long to recognise the illogical thought processes of a tired parent. It is precisely because of the days where boundaries are pushed and the boys ask for answers, explanations and sometimes just seem to be testing everything, that a parent with a Bible in hand is best equipped to speak into the situation for the highest good of the child.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text 2Tim-3-17" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text 2Tim-3-17" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Let me give a couple of illustrations from recent weeks:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text 2Tim-3-17" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text 2Tim-3-17" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">1) Lying. It has been quite shocking to us, but all three of the boys have told lies recently, and have often tried to blame their brothers for their own misdemeanours. They have a good appreciation of who God is and that He is holy. Therefore often to bring conviction and confession of what truly happened, one of the key things we need to do is show the boys from the Bible just what God thinks about lying. For example:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text 2Tim-3-17" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text 2Tim-3-17" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><b>Proverbs 6:16-19. 'There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, <u>a lying tongue</u>, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, <u>a false witness who pours out lies</u> and a person who <u>stirs up conflict</u> in the community'</b>. The idea that their actions are hateful to God is very shocking to the boys.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">On other occasions, <b>Hebrews 4:13</b> is helpful: <span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>'</b></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Nothing </span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">in</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">all</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">creation</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">is</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">hidden</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> from God’s sight. Everything </span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">is</span></b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><b> uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account</b>'. They realise that God sees and knows everything, and so that even if they are able to deceive mum and dad, they cannot hide the truth from God. That also often brings conviction.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">2) Blaming others for personal sin. Along with lying comes the excuses that are made for misbehaviour: 'my brother made me do it', 'he gave it to me', 'he was doing it so I just did the same' and so on. Then I often turn to <b>Genesis Chapter 3</b>. The story is well known. God created the heavens and the earth, the animals and the birds and the beautiful garden of Eden and all was very good. God created Adam, and then from his rib made a 'helper suitable for him', Eve. However they were given free choice, and the one thing they were forbidden to do, to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, they did. Of course they could not hide this from God, who asked <b>'Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?' The man said, 'The woman you put here with me - she gave me some fruit of the tree, and I ate it'. Then the Lord God said to the woman, 'What is this you have done?' The woman said. 'The serpent deceived me, and I ate'.</b> The consequences are well known. The lesson I teach the boys here is that each one of us is accountable before God, and even if another person deceived you or otherwise led you astray, we are still responsible for our own actions. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">3) Selfishness. All children display this - arguing over toys, wanting to be the first one to have their book of choice, wanting the yellow cup and plate (for some reason this seems to be the favourite at the moment), wanting to sit on one of our knees (I can manage two on my knee, but all three becomes tricky!) Here, I try to show them how Jesus was our perfect example - there are many many passages of the Bible that could be used here, either specific verses or illustrative stories. I always love <b>Philippians 2: 'Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death - even death on a cross!'</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">4) Sloppiness. When the boys are really engrossed in a task, they can put a large amount of time and effort into the details. We have particularly noticed this with the drawings of our eldest, and have enjoyed watching his style develop. However, there are other times when they seem content to rush through a task they don't enjoy so much, in order to get on to the 'more fun' things. We have to remind them that there are some things which are simply quite hard work and need practice - reading and writing for example. <b>Colossians 3:23-24</b> speaks into this: <b>'Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.'</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">5) Unkindness. I think together with many parents, we frequently draw from <b>Galatians 5:22: 'But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law'</b>. But sometimes that can seem a little abstract. I find it can be more helpful to find an example of a story where somebody displayed the attribute or quality I am trying to teach the children about. Examples might be the parable of the Good Samaritan - where the Samaritan found the wounded Jew on the road and went the extra mile in terms of caring for him, slowing down his own journey, spending money on him (without the hope of having this repayed) and treating him as he himself would have wanted to be treated. Jesus said, <b>'in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets' Matthew 7:12.</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">These are just five examples which immediately spring to mind. These type of 'Bible studies' are daily occurrences in our household. On other occasions, I use the Bible to bring comfort in the face of discouragement or strength in the face of weariness (very often I am reading a passage like Isaiah 40 to them for my own benefit more than theirs, as I am feeling exhausted - but I like to explain to them what I am doing, why I have chosen that part of the Bible for the morning reading, how I then use it to pray and so forth). The Bible gives us hope when we feel that the circumstances in the world around us are so desperate (I am writing one week after the earthquake in Nepal, and after several recent reports of hundreds of migrants drowning in the Mediterranean. There is a humanitarian crisis in Syria, and several of my friends continue to work hard in the Ebola-striken regions of West Africa. The boys are starting to ask questions about things they hear on the radio, and rather than shield them from the harsh realities of life, we aim to provide a biblical lens for their understanding).We use the Bible for thanksgiving. For prioritisation. In praying for others. It is the most loved and read book in our home.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">As a parent, I continue to be challenged that:</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">1) I must know my Bible well. If I am to be able to help the boys use it as a double-edged sword in the diverse circumstances of life, I need to listen to the Apostle Paul as he wrote to Timothy: <b>'Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth'. 2 Timothy 2:15.</b> The more I am familiar with the stories and understand their application, the more I will be able to naturally apply it into our daily lives</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">2) My relationship with God must be fresh and living. The boys see me turn to God in weariness or in discouragement. I talk to them about how I pray, and how I use the Bible. These cannot be theoretical conversations, but rather my relationship with God should reflect to them some of the beauty of being known and loved by God.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">How have you been able to use the Bible in the face of challenges this week?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text 2Tim-3-17" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span>Kondwanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02290415492637315025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1106847383189293536.post-28217961504571853962015-04-20T23:03:00.000+01:002015-04-20T23:03:07.787+01:00TreasureThis morning something happened that I am sure has many hidden lessons.<br />
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I've mentioned elsewhere that my boys are fascinated by ancient history. The eldest (now nearly 6) is confident he wants to be an archaeologist. Everywhere he goes, he finds 'treasure'. Often this is old pieces of wire, broken pieces of pottery, but to him, these are precious and evidence of previous civilisations that capture his imagination. Recently they learnt about Pompeii, and also about some Biblical archaeology which relatively recently has verified things from the Bible which had been questioned by some historians. On a long road trip last week, we listened to an audiobook about pirates, and of course there was hidden treasure there too.<br />
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Whilst scrabbling about in some dirt in Dorset my other 5 year old produced a small coin, about the size of a penny. It just looked like a penny or indeed nothing at all. However, we took it home. We had noticed a slightly irregular margin and wondered whether it could actually be an ancient coin, but it was only this morning as we cleaned it up a little more and inspected it with a magnifying glass that we saw the writing Henri and realised it was a gold <a href="https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=angel+coin+henry+viii&espv=2&biw=1280&bih=622&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=UnU1VenbNZetaeLDgOgB&ved=0CDMQsAQ&dpr=1.5">'angel coin'</a> from the era of Henry VIII. It is actually genuine treasure, which just confirms to the boys that there is treasure everywhere.<br />
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This was all very exciting, and much of the rest of the day was spent looking at coins, learning about the history of money, of hammered coins, of different currencies and uses in different cultures. Even as adults, there was just that sense of excitement that we had found treasure.<br />
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Jesus spoke of 'childlike faith' several times. Now, this did not refer to worldly things such as finding buried treasure (indeed the Bible warns against treasure on earth, reminding us that 'where your treasure is, there your heart will be also'). But there is something about the innocence of childhood that they do not believe anything to be impossible. They take things literally, and if the Bible says it to be true, it must be true. They don't have any difficulty with Jesus healing the sick, raising the dead, walking on water, calming the storm - because they know that He was God and of course He could do these amazing things. Of course He hears and answers our prayers. They have a beautiful acceptance in their faith that adults so often lack. We tend to look at the facts, at the circumstances, at what we think we 'know'. The children simply accept, believe and expect great things.<br />
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As adults it is very easy to dismiss their comments. A couple of years ago in autumn, as we strolled through a very familiar park, one of the 3 year olds said, 'Look at those apples' and our immediate response was, 'Don't be silly, there are no apple trees here'. But of course, they were apples and we went on to find half a dozen wild apple trees in that same park, and each autumn have foraged plenty. Even now I have a spiced apple cake baking in the oven made out of apple puree from last year.<br />
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As parents home educating our children we must be so careful not to quash their innocent questioning and not to dismiss comments that sounds off the wall, because they just might be right. For our boys, I think the fascination with ancient history has been firmly consolidated now, and I don't imagine they will ever forget the day that they genuinely found treasure. Or maybe they are simply thinking, 'of course there was treasure, there is treasure everywhere'. Maybe its the parents who will never forget!<br />
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Whatever is happening this week, I hope you are able to take the time to be challenged by and to learn from your children!Kondwanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02290415492637315025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1106847383189293536.post-46160046296745958762015-04-15T19:20:00.000+01:002015-04-15T19:20:36.121+01:00WorldschoolingUntil last week, I had never heard the word 'worldschooling' until I came across this ironically entitled blog post: <a href="http://www.edventuregirl.com/10-ways-world-schooling-has-ruined-my-childhood/">'10 ways worldschooling has ruined my childhood</a>'.It was an enjoyable and challenging read, written by a sixteen year old girl whose childhood has been on the road with her three brothers and parents who make a living by freelance IT-based work. Her mother actually develops curricula and resources for like-minded families and has a parallel blog <a href="http://edventureproject.com/">here</a>. And you know how it is with blog perusing, one click leads to another and quickly it is possible to amass much information (and for me, often much inspiration).<br />
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Our family has a similar philosophy in many respects, although we do not live simply to travel. Through our work, we often move around for courses, conferences and periods of time (weeks through to years) in different countries. Wherever possible we travel as a family, and embrace the <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2014/10/scottish-history-field-trip.html">educational opportunities</a> that the different countries and cultures present. The boys seem to thrive on this, and do have a very global perspective - it is not unusual for them to have friends who do not speak much English, or to be part of a group of children from many different countries.<br />
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One of the blog posts I read was on just <a href="http://edventureproject.com/faq/">how it is possible for a family to be able to live</a> in a way which allows 'worldschooling' - many of these are <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2014/10/practicalities-of-home-education-on-move.html">principles</a> I share:<br />
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1) Live simply. A lot of what is seen as essential in our (when I say 'our' I am referring to our life in urban Britain) culture is actually not necessary at all. Never before has society been so materialistic. There are constant messages that life would be better or easier with some product or other. If you are frequently on the move, you cannot become too attached to things. When we travel in the UK, if not using public transport, we drive a small Renault (not a 'people carrier'). People sometimes ask how we manage this, but actually it is a blessing - we are forced to consider what we really need, and to travel without clutter.<br />
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2) Eat simply and seasonally. We cook everything from scratch and one of our first tasks in a new place is to find the market and find any local seasonal produce to sample. I say it often, but I believe through cooking and experimenting with ingredients and flavours, <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/embracing-learning-from-daily-life.html">the children learn many useful skills</a> - from literacy and numeracy, through to science, art, technology and hospitality. It is also a lot cheaper this way! Sometimes other families comment to us that their children would refuse to eat this kind of food. For us, it has never been an option - from infancy if they do not finish something on their plate, we don't give them an alternative.<br />
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3) Recognise that <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/charlotte-mason-who-what-why.html">education is a life</a>. Things are learnt so much better through practical experience and engagement of all the senses than through being 'taught' about them. Often it doesn't feel like 'school' or feel like learning, but that is one of the great beauties of all home education, but perhaps worldschooling in particular.<br />
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4) Having a close family unit - when you live and travel in close proximity to one another, any disagreements need to be dealt with quickly. I would be lying if I said my boys always got along in perfect harmony; they do not! But we deal with things quickly. At home, they share a bedroom. There are occasions when I see a short term benefit in separating them, but the longer term benefit of being able to share a room, share a bed if need be, being able to sleep just about anywhere is huge.<br />
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These are just a few thoughts. This month we have been on the move again, and as well as on the move, have experienced weather from snow two weeks ago through to glorious summer sunshine today. We've learnt a lot of geology - from the incredible limestone formations in the Yorkshire Dales, through to the incredible rock formations and fossils of the Jurassic Coast in Dorset. We've been to the largest iron age hill fort in the country, to a Norman castle on the coast, and to two well-preserved castles which have taught us much about how people used to live in different ages. As we have moved from place to place, there has been a continual stream of questions and much soaking up of information. I increasingly appreciate that our choices regarding education are simply a logical step from the worldview and priorities that we share. It has been interesting to read how others have taken home education on the move to a much more extreme level - I don't think our family would do this (although perhaps a road trip from Europe to sub-Saharan Africa is a possibility) but it's been fun to read!Kondwanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02290415492637315025noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1106847383189293536.post-47763889007643341302015-04-02T20:19:00.000+01:002015-04-02T20:19:33.414+01:00Preparing for EasterDo you ever find it interesting that in many countries, there is a long 'advent' period and build up to Christmas, whereas Easter just sort of happens? My boys pointed this out to me after Christmas, when we completed a timeline based on the <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2014/12/jesse-tree.html">Jesse Tree project</a>. They asked to do a <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2015/02/lent-activity-life-of-jesus-timeline.html">'life of Jesus' timeline leading up to Easter</a>, and so for the past 40 days we have been working through it every morning.<div>
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We've enjoyed doing this, but it has been more challenging than the Jesse Tree, for several reasons:</div>
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1) The Jesse Tree tended to focus on clear stories of people who were in the genealogy of Christ. It is quite easy for young children to visualise some of these stories, or to have at least a superficial understanding of who people were, where they had come from, the key events of the story (and possibly how they fitted into the genealogy of Christ - my eldest seemed to understand this more than I expected).</div>
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2) In the Life of Jesus, I have tried to focus on actual physical events (such as miracles, having his feet anointed, finding a coin in the mouth of a fish, events surrounding his betrayal, arrest and trial) rather than on teachings, fulfilled prophecies or other aspects which are important but might seem more nebulous to a child. However, even so, there have been some parts they have found very tricky indeed! For example, John Chapter 3, and the story of Nicodemus going to Jesus at night. They have no problems with Nicodemus going out under cover of darkness, and they quite liked that part. But Jesus' teaching, so familiar to most of us adults, was quite difficult for them. What does it mean to be 'born of flesh and born of spirit'? What does it mean to be 'born again'? Also, Jesus uses irony: 'Can a man enter again into his mother's womb?' - but the boys don't yet appreciate irony and how keep asking whether they could go back into my tummy, and what that would be like!</div>
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3) It challenges me because we try to use the whole of Scripture and not to present 'child-friendly' or diluted versions. The reason for this is that there have been many occasions where we have been <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/learning-styles-simple-lesson.html">stunned by their accurate understanding</a> of areas of our faith that many older people really struggle with. It is very much the <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/out-of-mouths-of-babes.html">'childlike faith' </a>that Jesus commends. In fact, we have found presenting a simplified story, or missing out on some of the less pleasant aspects (such as in the story of Noah, the fact that most people who were alive at that time would have died in the flood) just tends to cause more confusion.</div>
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4) It is delightful to hear their questions and see them trying to bring it all together. We try to provide them with the tools - the Bible in its fullness, a listening and patient parent available to answer many questions and provide clarifications, other resources, books and stories, biographies of believers, sometimes Bible cartoons - to enable them to do so. So perhaps the fact there have been some days when the questions have seemed unending is evidence of them grappling with the most important truths. So perhaps I should rather be rejoicing that the timeline project has stimulated them to think and weigh things up.</div>
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Tonight my five year old wrote a hymn on a piece of paper and secretly brought it upstairs so he could sing it to us at bedtime. It went 'God is good all the time. He is amazing. He died on the cross to save us from our sins', and had a slightly undulating tune. But it was great to hear his spontaneous song of praise. Over the past week my youngest, who has just turned three, has also started to sing these <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/a-new-song.html">'new songs'</a>.</div>
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The boys are asking for the next Christmas timeline, and whether or not we can do timelines in Africa. There is something about the pictorial representation of the stories that builds up day after day until it is complete that really captivates them, and I'm pleased we have found something which can be a simple family tradition.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>How do you keep Christ central at Easter in your family?</i></span></div>
Kondwanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02290415492637315025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1106847383189293536.post-71100423364432070372015-03-22T19:56:00.000+00:002015-03-22T19:56:32.060+00:005 EncouragementsThis blog has <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/what-is-this-blog-all-about.html">several purposes</a>. One is to discuss and share resources and ideas relating to home education, particularly Christian home education. A second is to be a more personal reflection of the challenges and the joys that are encountered - with the aim of encouraging others in what can be an amazing adventure, but also at times a lonely and less travelled road. Thirdly, when life is busy (as it tends to become for all of us) I find it helpful to stop and reflect - to reassess priorities, to celebrate progress, to set goals and to learn and gain encouragement from others. This is one reason why I tend to blog on a Sunday evening - it is a helpful discipline for me to pause and consider.<br />
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This week has brought encouragement from several sources. In no particular order....<br />
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1) Today we invited some students who had recently started attending our church for Sunday lunch. Two of them had been home educated. It was encouraging for us to see young adults who have been home educated, and I think encouraging for them to enter a home which reminded them of their own childhood. Sunday lunch at our house is not often peaceful. My husband is an excellent cook, and there is always an interesting variety of food, but there is noise, mess and then a walk in a nearby park. I used to feel a bit ashamed of not having a model house. However, over the years I have come to realise that what people in our society lack most of all is a welcoming family home. For these students, I think they felt very at home, and I hope left refreshed and encouraged!<br />
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2) Earlier in the week I was introduced to a family who work as Bible translators in an area which is not all that safe for Christians. They are enjoying a short furlough in here, and it is also the first visit to the UK of their toddler son, with whom they are in the process of adoption. Again, it was so refreshing to meet with others who live with their greatest priority being the Kingdom of God. I have noticed that sometimes, once children are on the scene, even well meaning Christians can subtly (or not so subtly) undermine attempts to live sacrificially. Risk taking is seen as negligent, rather than a bold step of faith. <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/global-mission-task-for-whole-family.html">I've written more about this recently</a>. The Bible speaks of the importance of choosing our companions wisely. We are taught to be 'in the world but not of the world'.<b> 'Do not be decieved: Bad company corrupts good character' (1 Cor 15:33)</b> - sometimes it is not the really obviously bad company that I find such a challenge (it can be relatively easy to avoid this), but rather the lukewarm, compromising, worldly Christian company. <b>Proverbs 27:17 reads 'as iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens the countenance of his friend' </b>- as Christians we can challenge, exhort and encourage one another to walk along the narrow path. That does not always need to involve 'deep and meaningful' conversations; for me, sometimes it is simply spending company with those whose priorities are clearly not of this world.<br />
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3) On Wednesday we took our two five year olds to a concert (Peer Gynt by Grieg, then Sibelius then Tchaikovsky). My more restless son was utterly transfixed - I don't think I have ever seen him so still or quiet. This reminded me that children all have their own interests and strengths, and that we shouldn't stereotype them into boxes. (It was also an advantage of home education that we had no issues with them being out until 22:30 on a 'school' night).<br />
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4) Yesterday we enjoyed a long hike (well, long if you are three years old - 7 Km and 450 metres of altitude) with a family who also have three boys. For me, one of the greatest pleasures is being outside in the fresh air. We can enjoy the beauty of God's creation and all the small hassles of day to day life can just be forgotten about for a time. We have been very blessed to meet other families with <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/normal-what-is-normal.html">similar attitudes and interests</a>, because for quite a long time <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/physical-activity-and-children.html">we felt very strange for spending so much time out of doors!</a> It is also encouraging when you see other parents who have similar standards of <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/discipline-biblical-guidance.html">discipline</a>, and who will appropriately reprimand their children should the need arise. I would make similar comments to those under item number 2 above - that often we can encourage one another simply through sharing our lives together. This is an important point - one of the challenges my Christians friends have made regarding home education is that I would not have enough time for <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/challenge-best-use-of-time.html">'ministry' </a>- and often that refers to spending one on one time with younger Christians or those in need, perhaps reading the Bible together or working through a Christian book. I would agree that I don't have the ability to do those things during this season of life. but I do think a whole set of new opportunities open up. I was really persuaded of this during <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/whole-family-ministry.html">several months in a West African village</a>.<br />
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5) And relating to that point, we for a walk by the river with a couple of home educating families that we know from the local group. A friend of mine who is a student was having a tough day, and so we invited her along. It was probably the best thing for her - to be outside with eight young children enjoying the early spring sunshine, fresh air, building sandcastles, getting muddy and just enjoying some freedom. In fact, she told me afterwards that this was more encouraging and helpful than it would have been to sit down and talk about the things that were on her mind.<br />
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So in summary, this week has reminded me of several things:<br />
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1) The importance of living <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/our-highest-aim-for-our-children.html">first and foremost for the Kingdom of God</a>, and of <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/what-do-our-children-see-in-us.html">modelling that to our children</a><br />
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2) The joy of Christian fellowship, and how we can encourage one another through sharing our lives as much as through our words<br />
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3) That our children are intrinsic to our Christian lives and service, and have a vital role in ministering to others. We do them a great disservice if we ever consider them an inconvenience or to be 'getting in the way'<br />
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4) That our children continue to surprise us with their learning styles and aptitudes - that it is not right to try and define them too precisely (yes, I know understanding a little about learning styles can be helpful, but I am meaning that we should not put them into boxes).<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>How have you been encouraged this week?</i></span><br />
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<br />Kondwanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02290415492637315025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1106847383189293536.post-48138432179849307692015-03-15T21:39:00.000+00:002015-03-18T22:47:33.895+00:00Challenge of the weekSo this Sunday evening we've enjoyed some time off together. Sunday is the only day that we don't work (unless we are on the rota for clinical duties, because of course patients still become acutely unwell on the Sabbath, and the Bible is quite clear that if there is a pressing need - the example given is if your sheep were to fall into a ditch on the Sabbath - that it is OK to work). It probably warrants a separate post at another time, because even this evening we were talking about how few people seem to have a correct Biblical understanding of the Sabbath, and how rather than being a rule or ritual, God provides it for our benefit and freedom.<br />
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Anyway, at the time of day when I would usual be blogging, we were sitting by the fire talking about our hopes, dreams and expectations. These last six months have been a little crazy for a range of reasons, and the next few months may be unusual was we both settle into new job patterns whilst preparing for another major move. Tonight seemed like the first time in months that we had just sat and talked. It was a real blessing and encouragement.<br />
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I don't blog a lot about marriage, but a friend of mine,<a href="http://jessconnell.com/"> Jess Connell </a>does. I would highly recommend her blog as she discusses a lot of issues that Christian women need to consider, but which are not always discussed in churches and ladies' meetings. I really enjoyed one of her posts this week, on the opposite of the Titus 2 woman. Her argument is that often you understand something best when you consider the exact opposite of what is being said. So read <a href="http://jessconnell.com/the-opposite-of-the-titus-2-woman/">this post</a>, and be challenged. I certainly was!Kondwanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02290415492637315025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1106847383189293536.post-66696644907146834312015-03-08T20:43:00.000+00:002015-03-08T20:43:06.064+00:00God's compassion for the wearyLately, I have felt tired. Well, to be honest, it has felt a bit more than just tired, more like exhausted. There have been days when my head has felt like being in a fog, where I have been taking part in conversations and not really feeling fully engaged and attentive, and sometimes I have just longed for sleep. I think we all feel this way at times, whether we have children or not, whether our children are young or older; sometimes it is just part of being in a fallen world. In Genesis 3, after the fall of man, God's curse to Adam was that his toil would increase and that by 'the sweat of your brow you will eat your food'; simply living in this fallen world would become <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/challenge-fatigue-and-illness.html">tiring and painful</a>.<br />
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However, God is compassionate and gracious.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span class="text Isa-40-11" id="en-NIV-18432" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; position: relative;">'He tends his flock like a shepherd: </span><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="text Isa-40-11" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">He gathers the lambs in his arms </span></span><span class="text Isa-40-11" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; position: relative;">and carries them close to his heart; </span><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="text Isa-40-11" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">he gently leads<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-18432AI" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18432AI" title="See cross-reference AI">AI</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> those that have young.' Isaiah 40 verse 11</span></span></b></span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="text Isa-40-11" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></span></span>
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Isa-40-11" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span class="text Matt-11-28" id="en-NIV-23488" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">' </span><span style="line-height: 24px;">“Come to me,</span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23488AG" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23488AG" title="See cross-reference AG">AG</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="line-height: 24px;"> all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.</span><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px;"> </span></span></span><span class="text Matt-11-29" id="en-NIV-23489" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23489AI" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23489AI" title="See cross-reference AI">AI</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.</span></span><span class="text Matt-11-30" id="en-NIV-23490" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”' Matthew 11:28-30</span></span></b></span></span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Isa-40-11" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span class="text Matt-11-30" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><br /></span></span></b></span></span></span>
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Isa-40-11" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text Matt-11-30" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">These verses both show how God knows the pressures we may face, and particularly mentions how He is gentle with those who have young. He knows what this season of life can be like. He knows that there will be days when simply getting through the day can feel like a real challenge.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Isa-40-11" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text Matt-11-30" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span>
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Isa-40-11" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text Matt-11-30" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">I take great comfort in that! If you feel worn out this Sunday evening, I encourage you to stop and rest before the God who knows exactly how you are feeling.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Isa-40-11" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="text Matt-11-30" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></span></span></span></span>
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Isa-40-11" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span class="text Heb-4-14" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Hebrews 4:14-16: 'Therefore, since we have a great high priest<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30029S" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30029S" title="See cross-reference S">S</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> who has ascended into heaven,</span><span class="text Heb-4-14" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 22px;"> </span><span style="line-height: 24px;">Jesus the Son of God,</span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30029U" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30029U" title="See cross-reference U">U</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="line-height: 24px;"> let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.</span></span><span class="text Heb-4-15" id="en-NIV-30030" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>For we do not have a high priest<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30030W" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30030W" title="See cross-reference W">W</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30030X" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30030X" title="See cross-reference X">X</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>—yet he did not sin.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30030Y" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30030Y" title="See cross-reference Y">Y</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text Heb-4-16" id="en-NIV-30031" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Let us then approach<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30031Z" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30031Z" title="See cross-reference Z">Z</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> God’s throne of grace with confidence,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30031AA" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30031AA" title="See cross-reference AA">AA</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.'</span></b></span></span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Isa-40-11" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span class="text Heb-4-16" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></b></span></span></span>
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Isa-40-11" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text Heb-4-16" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Jesus was fully God, but He was also fully human. He knew fatigue, loneliness, hunger, rejection, physical pain, grief, temptation and frustration - there are examples of all of these in the Bible that we can learn from. However you are feeling right now - perhaps you may be tempted to compromise, or to question whether the choices you have made are really worth the hard work - look to Jesus. <span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Hebrews 12:1-3: '</b></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span class="text Heb-12-1" id="en-NIV-30214" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30214A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30214A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> with perseverance<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30214B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30214B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> the race marked out for us,</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text Heb-12-2" id="en-NIV-30215" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">fixing our eyes on Jesus,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30215C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30215C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> the pioneer<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30215D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30215D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30215E" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30215E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> scorning its shame,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30215F" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30215F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30215G" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30215G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text Heb-12-3" id="en-NIV-30216" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30216H" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30216H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> and lose heart.'</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span class="text Heb-12-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></b></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text Heb-12-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">I think we can also learn a lot from the story of <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/book-review-having-mary-heart-in-martha.html">Martha and Mary</a>. Particularly when under pressure, I become more like Martha - there seem to be so many things that need doing, in all areas of life, that my tendency is to make more and more lists, to get busier and busier, until eventually I snap (either collapse with exhaustion, become paralysed with <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/what-are-your-sources-of-encouragement.html">feeling overwhelmed</a>, or become emotional over small things). </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text Heb-12-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text Heb-12-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Luke 10:38-42 tells the story:<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b> '</b></span></span><b><span class="text Luke-10-38" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-25402AM" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-25402AM" title="See cross-reference AM">AM</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> opened her home to him.</span><span class="text Luke-10-39" id="en-NIV-25403" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>She had a sister called Mary,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-25403AN" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-25403AN" title="See cross-reference AN">AN</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>who sat at the Lord’s feet<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-25403AO" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-25403AO" title="See cross-reference AO">AO</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> listening to what he said.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text Luke-10-40" id="en-NIV-25404" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-25404AP" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-25404AP" title="See cross-reference AP">AP</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” </span><span class="text Luke-10-41" id="en-NIV-25405" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>“Martha, Martha,”</span> the Lord answered, <span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">“you are worried<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-25405AQ" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-25405AQ" title="See cross-reference AQ">AQ</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> and upset about many things,</span></span><span class="text Luke-10-42" id="en-NIV-25406" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>but few things are needed—or indeed only one.</span><span class="text Luke-10-42" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 22px;"> </span><span style="line-height: 24px;">Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”</span></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span class="text Luke-10-42" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span></b></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text Luke-10-42" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Whatever is going on in your life - whether you are thriving on the bustling activity, or feeling overwhelmed and close to breaking, take the example of Mary and choose the one things which is best.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text Luke-10-42" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text Luke-10-42" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">And on that note, I'll go and find refreshment in the only place where it can really be found.</span></span></span>Kondwanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02290415492637315025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1106847383189293536.post-25913290291739095112015-03-01T20:46:00.000+00:002015-03-01T22:12:04.294+00:00Global Mission - A Task for the Whole Family<span style="font-family: inherit;">On Friday night, we were asked to lead a seminar of about 30 people on global mission - we were asked in particular to talk about how some of this is possible (and not only possible, but <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/whole-family-ministry.html">a great opportunity</a>) with young children. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">When considering what to cover, we decided to let the people attending set the agenda. Sitting around four tables, they created a list of what they might consider 'barriers' to overseas mission - the things that would make them reluctant to go. The list they produced as almost exactly as we anticipated, and we then went through each point in turn, looking both at the Bible, and also our own experiences of serving God overseas. Much of it may have relevance to the readers of this blog, so I will summarise the discussion here.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>1) Health. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This is often top of the list. What would you do if you became seriously unwell overseas? Are there not loads of incurable tropical illnesses? How do you manage without good access to healthcare? Of course the precise answers will depend on exactly where you are and what you are doing, and also might vary depending on whether you have any pre-existing health problems to consider. But we need to remember that God is sovereign - Psalm 139 states 'All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be'; in fact, these words are engraved on my <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/what-god-teaches-through-our-children_2974.html">daughter's</a> grave. God already knows what illnesses will occur. When considering risk, there tends to be an assumption that there is no risk involved in staying at home; this is a very simplistic and naive view, because illness or accident could occur at any point. This piece written by a doctor regarding <a href="http://www.cmfblog.org.uk/2014/10/20/responding-to-the-ebola-epidemic-what-would-jesus-do/">response to the Ebola epidemic</a> makes this point well. Furthermore, I believe health is one of the greatest idols of our current generation. Let me ask you, what proportion of prayer requests at your church are relating to health issues as compared to spiritual issues? Who is to say that God cannot use illness, even death, for His glory. I do not make this point lightly. When our daughter was born, we prayed that God would use her life greatly. We had many ideas and dreams about what that might look like, but we certainly did not expect that it would be through a cardiac arrest at nine weeks of age, evacuation to a South African city where we had never been and knew nobody, and death from brain injury six weeks later. However, through that time I do not think I have known greater spiritual blessing despite the human anguish. Nearby Christians heard of our situation and rallied around - we were welcomed to live with a family with five children. We were lent a car. When we could not change money, gifts were given at just the right time. But more than that amazing physical and practical provision, the gospel was clearly preached. We knew <b>'the peace of God that surpasses understanding' (Philippians 4:6-7)</b>. We knew a <b>'hope that does not disappoint us' (Romans 5:5)</b>. We knew the absolute certain reality of heaven, and that<b> <span style="font-family: inherit;">'<span class="text 2Cor-4-17" id="en-NIV-28877" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.' and that '</span></span></b><span class="text 2Cor-4-18" id="en-NIV-28878" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.' (2 Corinthians 4:16-17).</b> Through conversation and many emails, we were able to clearly describe this hope and confidence to others, many of who did not know God. And at both her funeral and her memorial service, the churches were packed with people we had been praying for for many years. Even now, <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2015/02/living-in-light-of-eternity.html">seven years later</a>, people tell me of how her life impacted on their faith. Yes I <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/recently-couple-of-people-have-asked-me.html">look back with sadness</a>, but without questioning that God's plan here was bigger than I had imagined. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text 2Cor-4-18" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text 2Cor-4-18" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For us, having walked through this, we know that whatever happens, God does not change. Our next child had malaria aged seven months, but recovered quickly. Our next son had some life-threatening infections and at one point was close to death - but went on to make a full recovery. In each of these situations, we have known God's comfort and strength.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text 2Cor-4-18" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><b>2) Children</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 24px;">Often children and health go together - and I can only advise people to be prayerful and seek wisdom here. For example, it may well be better (if resources make it possible) to give birth in a country which has reasonable medical services. In my last pregnancy, I was admitted to hospital eight times and had I been overseas, I would have needed to return home. But many of my other thoughts regarding health are discussed above.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 24px;">The second major issue with children is education. And along with education, <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/book-review-well-adjusted-child-by.html">socialisation</a>. I believe this too to be an idol of our current generation, and I think there is a lot of misunderstanding as to what constitutes a 'good' education and what real-life 'socialisation' might actually look like. Again, I never want to be dogmatic and suggest there is a 'one size fits all' solution; that would be naive, and it is worth noting that the Bible does not speak specifically on this area. Rather we are giving guiding principles. I would encourage parents to consider what the <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/our-highest-aim-for-our-children.html">most important thing is for their children</a>. What are the most important lessons? I would encourage them to be creative in <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/embracing-learning-from-daily-life-walk.html">embracing the opportunities</a> which <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/embracing-learning-from-daily-life.html">present themselves in daily life</a> - these are <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/reflections-from-african-village-life.html">different</a>, but often <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/lessons-from-everyday-life-bible.html">extremely rich</a> in cross-cultural settings. There are many different options - for us, home education currently fulfils our goals for our children, but one could also consider local pre-schools and schools (with the advantages of learning local language and culture) - perhaps with top-up lessons at home. Or for those who are uneasy, it might be helpful to consider a very structured home education curriculum that closely follows the national curriculum of ones home country. I would challenge parents to think outside the box, to talk to several other families who had <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2014/10/practicalities-of-home-education-on-move.html">travelled with young children</a> and to spend time considering resources and materials. Some (ie <a href="https://www.sonlight.com/">Sonlight</a>) have been specifically developed with the missionary family in mind.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 24px;"><b>3) Finances</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 24px;">A huge challenge can be the need to raise appropriate financial support - and the amount required does tend to increase as the family grows. Taking the lead from pioneer missionary <a href="http://www.desiringgod.org/biographies/the-ministry-of-hudson-taylor-as-life-in-christ">Hudson Taylor</a>, many mission organisations have a 'by faith' policy, whereby missionaries must never ask specifically for finances (unless direct questions are asked of them). This has a clear Biblical precedent, but can seem intimidating to many. Again, this comes down to trust in God. I know many testimonies of those who have been down to their last penny when a donation has arrived (the story of <a href="http://www.desiringgod.org/biographies/george-muellers-strategy-for-showing-god">George Mueller</a> is particularly inspiring in this respect). Or of clinics which have run low on essential materials, only to receive an anonymous package, just in time. You might say that God has never provided for you in that way. But have you ever been in that position of need? With finance (and indeed many other resources, such as stamina, strength, faith, wisdom) God does not often give you a 'bank account' full, so that you can look to the future and see that you have accumulated enough for your hour of need! However, He does know all that is needed. Consider the model prayer of Christ: <b>'Give us today our daily bread' </b>- He knows what we need, although it is important to comment that this may differ from all that we <u>want</u>! Read the beautiful words in </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">Matthew 6: 25-33: <b>'</b></span><b><span class="text Matt-6-25" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">“Therefore I tell you, do not worry<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23308AC" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23308AC" title="See cross-reference AC">AC</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?</span><span class="text Matt-6-26" id="en-NIV-23309" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23309AD" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23309AD" title="See cross-reference AD">AD</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> Are you not much more valuable than they?<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23309AE" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23309AE" title="See cross-reference AE">AE</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text Matt-6-27" id="en-NIV-23310" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?</span><span class="text Matt-6-28" id="en-NIV-23311" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin.</span><span class="text Matt-6-29" id="en-NIV-23312" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23312AG" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23312AG" title="See cross-reference AG">AG</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> was dressed like one of these.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text Matt-6-30" id="en-NIV-23313" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23313AH" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23313AH" title="See cross-reference AH">AH</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text Matt-6-31" id="en-NIV-23314" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text Matt-6-32" id="en-NIV-23315" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.</span><span class="text Matt-6-33" id="en-NIV-23316" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>But seek first his kingdom<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23316AJ" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23316AJ" title="See cross-reference AJ">AJ</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.<span style="background-color: white;">'</span></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text Matt-6-33" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>4) Language, culture, loneliness, isolation</b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text Matt-6-33" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="background-color: white;">(And specific things, like 'lack of clean toilets' and 'lack of privacy')</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text Matt-6-33" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="background-color: white;">These are real issues, and again, I think it would be naive to say that they are not. I do not know any overseas mission workers who have not struggled with these things at some time or other. Psalm 37 says <b>'Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart'</b>. Sometimes we think that if we have a strong desire to work in a particular area, then that must be a selfish rather than God-given desire. But that is not how God works! Often He gives a specific skill or vocation to be used for His glory - that is our story, and although we have worked in Africa with a mission organisation, a lot of our work has been in secular institutes, using our clinical, research and teaching skills. God is a loving Father, not an authoritarian taskmaster. Rather,</span></span><b><span class="text Matt-7-9" id="en-NIV-23326" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">“Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone?</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text Matt-7-10" id="en-NIV-23327" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake?</span></span><span class="text Matt-7-11" id="en-NIV-23328" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23328A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23328A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> to those who ask him!' (Matthew 7:9-11)</span></span></b></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">. God knows that work will be tough at times, and gives us the resources to cope in such situations. I have heard many examples of people who have been poor at languages being able to learn quickly when there was a need; this is not invariable - there are times when it proves too difficult. Advice can be taken on this - there do exist language aptitude tests which mission organisations can use to help place candidates in appropriate countries. Regarding <a href="http://www.missionarycare.com/brochures/br_culturestress.htm">culture-shock</a>, this is an almost universal process of adapting to change. The stages are well described, from the initial 'honeymoon period' where everything seems exotic and fascinating, through to the disillusionment and frustration that comes after several months before (hopefully) reaching a new state of equilibrium. There are also then problems of <a href="http://reignministries.org/surviving-reverse-culture-shock/">'reverse culture shock'</a> on return home, and for some (I'd put ourselves into this category) we never really feel <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/strangers-and-pilgrims.html">'at home' on this earth again</a>. This can be both good and bad, depending on how you view it!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><b>5) Lack of a Specific 'Calling'</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">I think great confusion can arise at this point. What does one require as a 'calling'? It may be that you know somebody who has always clearly felt directed to serve God in a specific way in a specific place. You may know another person who clearly felt 'called' to quit their job, and do something radically different in a far corner of the earth. But I believe that both of these are less common. How does God speak? How does God guide? There are many books, sermons and other resources on this topic! (Briefly - through the Bible, prayer, Christian friendships and counsel, circumstances, desires, dreams - and yes, also at times through the supernatural). But I would say that the Bible is clear on a couple of principle</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">s: </span><span class="text Matt-28-18" id="en-NIV-24214" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Jesus said, <b>"<span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24214Q" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24214Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></b></span><b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text Matt-28-19" id="en-NIV-24215" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24215R" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24215R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,</span></span></b><span class="text Matt-28-20" id="en-NIV-24216" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><b><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>and teaching<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24216T" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24216T" title="See cross-reference T">T</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24216U" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24216U" title="See cross-reference U">U</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20).</b> And in the words of the Apostle Paul, <span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>'</b></span></span></span><span class="versenum" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;">for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord</span><b><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28202A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28202A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;">will be saved.” </span><span class="text Rom-10-14" id="en-NIV-28203" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;">How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?</span><span class="text Rom-10-15" id="en-NIV-28204" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span><b>And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” (Romans 10:13-15). </b>Many other passages speak of stewardship of our resources, and serving God with our heart, soul, mind and strength. This means using all that we have to reach out to others with the good news of salvation. The prophet Micah said, <span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>'</b></span></span><b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">And what does the</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 24px;">Lord</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">require of you? </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">To act justly</span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-22657W" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-22657W" title="See cross-reference W">W</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">and to love mercy </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">and to walk humbly</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span></b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><b>with your God. (Micah 6:8).</b> Often, putting all of this into practice will involve using our God-given skills in the hardest, neediest, most spiritually dark places on earth. And that is global mission.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><b>6) More specific questions on training - Bible training, skills needed, courses required</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">These sometimes come up among the first questions asked, but I have put these towards the end for a reason. I believe that if you are being obedient to God, then He will guide you and <b>direct your paths (Proverbs 3:5-6)</b>. By the time you are seriously considering going, the specific place and task may have become clear - and if so, then the specific requirements may well be more apparent now than at the start. As mentioned above, it is highly possible that God has given you a skill or vocation already - medicine (and related fields), teaching, IT, building, project management, accountancy, art, music and many others - that God can use. Or it may be that your role is in church planting ministry - but even here, no skill you have will go to waste!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 24px;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">And if it really is not the right time......</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">God is sovereign and He guides through our circumstances too. It might be that illness, caring responsibilities, other pressures and challenges mean it is not possible for you to seriously consider going overseas to serve God at this point in your life. But you can certainly be involved in Global Mission - and if (as many readers of this blog are) you are educating your children, this is an ideal time for them also to learn. Get old of <a href="http://www.operationworld.org/">Operation World</a> (or the children's version). <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/in-praise-of-living-books.html">Read stories of missionaries</a>. Watch <a href="http://www.historymakers.info/">video clips teaching</a> on global missions. Pray together. Write to missionaries that you support (and if your church does not support missionaries, ask why not!). Get a map of the world and put it on the wall where the children can reach it - show them the journeys which were made by early missionaries. Mark where 'your' missionaries are. Read the Acts of the Apostles. And you will be encouraged by the childlike passion with which these concepts are embraced.</span></div>
Kondwanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02290415492637315025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1106847383189293536.post-58606129144963301492015-02-23T19:49:00.000+00:002015-02-23T19:49:53.497+00:00A childhood on the prairie (Laura Ingalls-Wilder books)I love watching how children learn and develop. My middle son (aged 5) can get a bit restless at times, and does not always know how to express himself well. But when he needs to calm down, one of the best things for him is to get a sharp knife and come into the kitchen and help me prepare vegetables. He does this with an intense focus which would be surprising to those who only see him in a more lively mood. As well as the physical capability, I think he thrives on having a job to do, having a purpose for the activity and feeling special. And as likely as not, he will then want to go and <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2015/01/diaries-boys-writing-and-antarctic.html">write about it in his diary</a>, despite having resisted writing earlier in the day. I read an interesting <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/parenting/wp/2015/02/19/why-schools-are-failing-our-boys/">article from the Washington Post</a> discussing these things (just a shame the author didn't take the plunge and de-register her son!).<div>
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One of our favourite family times is when we read stories aloud together. We've been steadily working our way through the books of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laura_Ingalls_Wilder">Laura Ingalls-Wilder</a> (the 'Little House on the Prairie' series, and the parallel books about her future husband Almanzo's childhood). It's great! The boys are fascinated as they learn how to build different styles of house with different materials, how to produce maple sugar by boiling up the sap over an open fire, how to slaughter animals and use every single part for a specific purpose - different cuts of meat to eat, leather for shoes, fat for lard or candle making and so forth. There are so many lessons there - about where food really comes from, about how dependent we are on the climate and the harvest, and also just how many advancements there have been over the past 150 years. Life was tough (read 'The Long Winter' for quite graphic descriptions of this!) but also rich. Children did not attend school every day -for example if there were more pressing duties at home and tasks that required their help, but there was no question that the children were learning the skills they needed, and were taking mature responsibilities from a much younger age than children today. This is quite similar to childhood in many parts of the world today; not all is good - I am aware of the problems of child labour and abuse - but in many places, children take a real active role in the running of the household and family businesses.</div>
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My reflections on all of this include:</div>
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1) Children often learn best by <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/who-defines-childhood-anyway.html">active learning</a>; particularly being <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/nature-deficit-disorder.html">active out of doors</a>.</div>
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2) Children appreciate being given increasing responsibilities</div>
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3) We should not 'shield' children from the realities of life and only give them happy, fluffy stories</div>
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4) Read-aloud time as a family is wonderful and I hope it continues for many many years</div>
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5) <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/in-praise-of-living-books.html">Living books</a> really do teach children without them even realising it</div>
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6) We should not pack every day full, but rather give children <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/creativity-in-everyday-life.html">time to explore</a> and imagine</div>
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Kondwanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02290415492637315025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1106847383189293536.post-56583909551882580932015-02-22T19:16:00.000+00:002015-02-22T20:21:31.160+00:00Priorities and worldviewI enjoyed today's sermon. It was on <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm+73&version=NIV">Psalm 73</a>. The basic summary is that the psalmist is having a hard time, and looking around and seeing others who seem to have an easier, more comfortable life but who do not know God. At first, he is envious and a bit confused about why God should let '<a href="http://www.desiringgod.org/articles/why-god-doesnt-fully-explain-pain">bad things happen to good peopl</a>e', until he comes into the presence of God and sees the bigger picture. There, he is reminded that what is seen is temporary and what is unseen is eternal. Our life here, for better or for worse, for easier or for harder, is only a small part of the bigger picture.<br />
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It was a helpful reminder. Even though I know these things, there are times when it is easy to look sideways and to covet what somebody else has - whether that be peace, or a <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/contentment.html">seemingly more supportive extended family</a>, or different opportunities, or many other things. But the amazing thing is that God knows what we need, and He knows what He is doing. Sometimes hard things do happen - <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2015/01/challenge-illness.html">illnesses</a>, disappointments, frustrations, <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Death%20of%20a%20child">bereavements</a>, <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/challenge-loneliness.html">loneliness</a>, persecutions, financial uncertainty, challenges in the workplace - and God knows these things will happen. But God does not change, and often through these hardships we have to trust Him more, and focus more on the greatest things of all - not material things, not health, not status or popularity, but God Himself. I enjoyed peacefully reflecting on how good and wise God is, and on His amazing provision and faithfulness to our family through the years. (And I was able to reflect peacefully as my boys are now able to sit well through the service and to listen and learn from the sermon too - something which I am thankful for, and thankful to my husband for making this a priority from when they were tiny - our reasons for this are commented on <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/family-integrated-church-again.html">here</a> and <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/family-integrated-church.html">here</a>).<br />
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I particularly enjoy coming home after church and asking the boys what they have learnt. We ask them to draw something which depicts an aspect of the sermon, and it can be quite interesting to see what the different children come up with. Today we did not have time to draw as we had visitors, but it was a very helpful passage to talk through.<br />
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It has also been interesting to consider sources of encouragement and discouragement. This week I was very encouraged by some text messages from a single friend who really seems to understand why we have made the choices we have with regard to the boys education and the things which we avoid exposure to (such as <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/tv.html">television</a>). Her housegroup had been discussing the saying 'give me a child until he is seven and I'll give you the man', attributed to St Francis Xavier, and some older ex-missionaries had adopted a lifestyle similar to ours - even years ago, seen as counter cultural and a bit odd, but spiritually so profitable. Conversely, I sometimes feel discouraged regarding our choices by people within the church - when we first returned from overseas there were quite a few negative remarks about our house (it is a perfectly well situated three bedroom house with a large kitchen, which God has blessed us with and where we've had much opportunity for hospitality). Lately, because of the stage my husband and I have reached with work, there is also a subtle indication that we would be 'expected' to change lifestyle slightly. It frustrates me because things should not be that way, but frustrates me even more because I realised this morning that I had allowed myself to be subtly influenced by these lies. So this morning's sermon was perfectly timed enabling me to re-set the compass and focus again on what we believe God has called us to. (I must also learn from this too - that it can be easy to cause another to stumble, without necessarily meaning to. And similarly, to remember that we can build up and encourage others who have very different walks of life to our own - all part of the beauty of being part of a family of believers).<br />
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So this evening, I simply want to remind you that God is good. He knows what you need. Read Matthew Chapter 6, and consider how He really does know all your needs, but that your priority is to seek to live for Him first of all, and to trust Him for the rest.Kondwanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02290415492637315025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1106847383189293536.post-13547396617718875832015-02-15T19:17:00.000+00:002015-02-15T19:17:17.728+00:00Lent activity: Life of Jesus TimelineI'm quite excited about a new project that will start this week. When we did the <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2014/12/jesse-tree.html">Jesse Tree</a> for advent, I was really encouraged at how the boys <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2014/12/jesse-tree.html">embraced the concept</a> and looked forward to the Bible story every morning. It was their idea to also make a large timeline showing all the events that foretold the birth of Christ. We still have the timeline on the wall, but after a week or two, they pointed out that it stopped with the birth of Christ. They wanted to do a 'life of Jesus' timeline, and I was looking for some way to lead up to Easter, and so for 40 days from Wednesday, we will do our new series.<br />
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This is how it will work:<br />
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<ul>
<li>As with the Jesse Tree, I have made coloured envelopes with the Bible references written on them to hang along a string, and inside each they have a small symbol or emblem to colour. These will be glued onto the timeline.</li>
<li>This time I have focussed on events in the life of Jesus. As I went through, I could also imagine a parallel activity on 'teachings of Jesus' - I decided that this might work better when the boys are a bit older, whereas the physical events that took place are easier to conceptualise</li>
<li>I've got bigger colouring sheets for each day if they wish to use them, and will try and find appropriate songs that tie in with the Bible passage. </li>
<li>I've got a final column on the schema for additional activities - most likely I will fill this in retrospectively since often it is during the course of a day that things lead on in a logical way, and it is now always easy to plan fully in advance. </li>
<li>I have scheduled readings on Monday - Saturday for a couple of reasons: Firstly, our days tend to be more structured with 'school' type activities which always start with Bible on these days; Sundays can be a bit more random and we try to focus on the Bible teaching from church. Secondly, it adds a sort of 'firebreak' because it can be discouraging to fall behind and then struggle to catch up. </li>
<li>There are two activities on Good Friday - this is because we will aim to spend more time reflecting on the events on Good Friday. It might be that we end up doing more or less on one particular day at Easter itself - and I hope the timetable allows a little flexibility.</li>
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Here is the outline - please feel free to try it too! (And if you can think of a better name for it, I am very open to suggestion). If you find particular activities that go best with a particular reading, I'd also like to hear!<br />
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Date</div>
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Story</div>
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Bible Passage</div>
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Timeline Picture</div>
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Other Activities</div>
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<span style="font-size: 8.0pt;">(Plus songs, colouring sheets etc for
most)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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W 18<sup>th</sup> Feb</div>
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Birth of Jesus</div>
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Luke 2</div>
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Baby</div>
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T 19<sup>th</sup> Feb</div>
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Dedication of Jesus</div>
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Luke 2:21-38</div>
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2 pigeons</div>
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F 20<sup>th</sup> Feb</div>
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Flight to Egypt</div>
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Matt 2:13-23</div>
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Silhouttes on camels</div>
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S 21<sup>st</sup> Feb</div>
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Child Jesus in Temple</div>
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Luke 2:41-52</div>
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Studious boy</div>
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M 23<sup>rd</sup> Feb</div>
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Baptism</div>
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Matt 3:13-17, Mk 1:9-11, Luke 3:21-23</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Jesus being baptised</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
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</tr>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
T 24th Feb</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Temptation</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Matt 4:1-11, Mk 1:12-13, Luke 4:1-13</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Bread basket</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
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</tr>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
W 25<sup>th</sup> Feb</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Calling of first disciples</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
John 1:35-51</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Jesus with disciples</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
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</tr>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
T 26<sup>th</sup> Feb</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Water into Wine</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
John 2:1-12</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Wine jar</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
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</tr>
<tr>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
F 27<sup>th</sup> Feb</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Jesus clears the temple</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
John 2:13-25</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Table</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
S 28<sup>th</sup> Feb</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Nicodemus by night</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
John 3:1-21</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Moon and stars</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
M 2<sup>nd</sup> Mar</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Woman at Well</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
John 4:4-42</div>
</td>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Well</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
T 3<sup>rd</sup> Mar</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Healing of Leper</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Matt 8:2-4, Mark 1:40-45, Luke 5:12-16</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 70.85pt;" valign="top" width="142">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Face with lesion</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
W 4<sup>th</sup> Mar</div>
</td>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Paralytic on mat</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Matt 9:2-8, Mark 1:40-45, Luke 5:17-26</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 70.85pt;" valign="top" width="142">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Man on stretcher</div>
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<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 81.05pt;" valign="top" width="162">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
T 5<sup>th</sup> Mar</div>
</td>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Calling of Matthew</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Matt 9:9, Mark 2:13-14, Luke 5:27-28</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 70.85pt;" valign="top" width="142">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Tax collector</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 81.05pt;" valign="top" width="162">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 62.1pt;" valign="top" width="124">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
F 6<sup>th</sup> Mar</div>
</td>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Beatitudes</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 127.6pt;" valign="top" width="255">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Matt 5-7, Luke 6:20-49</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 70.85pt;" valign="top" width="142">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Mountain</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 81.05pt;" valign="top" width="162">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 62.1pt;" valign="top" width="124">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
S 7<sup>th</sup> Mar</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 120.5pt;" valign="top" width="241">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Healing of centurion’s servant</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 127.6pt;" valign="top" width="255">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Matt 8:5-13, Luke 7:1-10</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 70.85pt;" valign="top" width="142">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Roman soldier</div>
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<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 81.05pt;" valign="top" width="162">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 62.1pt;" valign="top" width="124">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
M 9<sup>th</sup> Mar</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 120.5pt;" valign="top" width="241">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Widow of Nain’s son</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 127.6pt;" valign="top" width="255">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Luke 7:11-17</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 70.85pt;" valign="top" width="142">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Man leaping for joy</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 81.05pt;" valign="top" width="162">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 62.1pt;" valign="top" width="124">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
T 10<sup>th</sup> Mar</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 120.5pt;" valign="top" width="241">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Woman with alabaster flask</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 127.6pt;" valign="top" width="255">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Luke 7:36-50</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 70.85pt;" valign="top" width="142">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Woman with jar</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 81.05pt;" valign="top" width="162">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 62.1pt;" valign="top" width="124">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
W 11<sup>th</sup> Mar</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 120.5pt;" valign="top" width="241">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Jesus calms the storm</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 127.6pt;" valign="top" width="255">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Matt 8:18-27, Mark 4:35-41, Luke 8:22-25</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 70.85pt;" valign="top" width="142">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Boat and storm</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 81.05pt;" valign="top" width="162">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 62.1pt;" valign="top" width="124">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
T 12<sup>th</sup> Mar</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 120.5pt;" valign="top" width="241">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Demon possessed man (and herd of pigs)</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 127.6pt;" valign="top" width="255">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Matt 8:28-33, Mark 5:1-21, Luke 8:26-40</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 70.85pt;" valign="top" width="142">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Pigs</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 81.05pt;" valign="top" width="162">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 62.1pt;" valign="top" width="124">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
F 13<sup>th</sup> Mar</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 120.5pt;" valign="top" width="241">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Jairus’ daughter and woman with issue of blood</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 127.6pt;" valign="top" width="255">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Matt 9:18-26, Mark 5:22-43, Luke 8:41-56</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 70.85pt;" valign="top" width="142">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Girl in bed</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 81.05pt;" valign="top" width="162">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 62.1pt;" valign="top" width="124">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
S 14<sup>th</sup> Mar</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 120.5pt;" valign="top" width="241">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Feeding of 5000</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 127.6pt;" valign="top" width="255">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Matt 14:13-21, Mark 6:30-44, Luke 9:10-17, John 6:1-14</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 70.85pt;" valign="top" width="142">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Loaves and fish</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 81.05pt;" valign="top" width="162">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 62.1pt;" valign="top" width="124">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
M 16<sup>th</sup> Mar</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 120.5pt;" valign="top" width="241">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Jesus walks on water</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 127.6pt;" valign="top" width="255">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Matt 14:22-36, Mark 6:45-56, John 6:15-21</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 70.85pt;" valign="top" width="142">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Jesus walking on water</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 81.05pt;" valign="top" width="162">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 62.1pt;" valign="top" width="124">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
T 17<sup>th</sup> Mar</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 120.5pt;" valign="top" width="241">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Transfiguration</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 127.6pt;" valign="top" width="255">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Matt 17:1-13, Mark 9:2-13, Luke 9:28-36</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 70.85pt;" valign="top" width="142">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
3 radiant figures</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 81.05pt;" valign="top" width="162">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 62.1pt;" valign="top" width="124">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
W 18<sup>th</sup> Mar</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 120.5pt;" valign="top" width="241">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Coin in fish mouth</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 127.6pt;" valign="top" width="255">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Matt 17:24-27</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 70.85pt;" valign="top" width="142">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Roman coin</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 81.05pt;" valign="top" width="162">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 62.1pt;" valign="top" width="124">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
T 19<sup>th</sup> Mar</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 120.5pt;" valign="top" width="241">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
House of Martha and Mary</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 127.6pt;" valign="top" width="255">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Luke 10:38-42</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 70.85pt;" valign="top" width="142">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
House</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 81.05pt;" valign="top" width="162">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 62.1pt;" valign="top" width="124">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
F 20<sup>th</sup> Mar</div>
</td>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Raising of Lazarus</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
John 11:1-46</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Man in grave clothes</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
S 21st Mar</div>
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Blind Bartimeus</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Matt 20:29-34, Mark 10:46-50, Luke 18:35-43</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Eye</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
M 23<sup>rd</sup> Mar</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Zaccheus</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Luke 19:1-10</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Man up a tree</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
T 24<sup>th</sup> Mar</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Mary anoints his feet</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
John 12:1-9</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Woman anointing feet</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
W 25<sup>th</sup> Mar</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Triumphal entry</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Matt 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:29-44, John 12:12-19</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Palm leaf</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
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</tr>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
T 26<sup>th</sup> Mar</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Drives out the vendors</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Matt 21:12-13, Luke 19:45-46</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Praying hands</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
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</tr>
<tr>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
F 27<sup>th</sup> Mar</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Last supper</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Matt 26:17-30, Mark 14:12-25, Luke 22:7-20</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Last supper</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
S 28<sup>th</sup> Mar</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Washing disciples feet</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
John 13:1-18</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Jesus washing feet</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
M 30<sup>th</sup> Mar</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Gethsemane</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Matt 26:30-46, Mark 14:26-42, Luke 22:39-46, John 18:1</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 70.85pt;" valign="top" width="142">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Man praying in garden</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
T 31<sup>st</sup> Mar</div>
</td>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Betrayal and arrest</div>
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<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 127.6pt;" valign="top" width="255">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Matt 26:46-56, Mark 14:43-54, Luke 22:47-53, John 18:2-12</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 70.85pt;" valign="top" width="142">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Man being kissed on cheek</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 81.05pt;" valign="top" width="162">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
W 1<sup>st</sup> Apr</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 120.5pt;" valign="top" width="241">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Trial</div>
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<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 127.6pt;" valign="top" width="255">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Matt 26:57-75, Mark 14:43-72, Luke 22:47-53, John 18:13-27</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 70.85pt;" valign="top" width="142">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
‘Justice’</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 81.05pt;" valign="top" width="162">
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<br /></div>
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T 2<sup>nd</sup> Apr</div>
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Sent to Herod</div>
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Luke 23:6-12</div>
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King</div>
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F 3<sup>rd</sup> Apr</div>
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Tried by Pilate</div>
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Matt 27:15-26, Mark 15:6-15, Luke 23:13-25, John 19:1-16</div>
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Hands being washed</div>
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F 3<sup>rd</sup> Apr</div>
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Mocked by soldiers</div>
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Matt 27:27-31, Mark 15:16-20</div>
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Crown of thorns</div>
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S 4th Apr</div>
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Crucified</div>
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Matt 27:35-56, Mark 15:24-41, Luke 23:33-49, John 19:18-30</div>
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Jesus on cross</div>
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S 5<sup>th</sup> Apr</div>
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He is Risen</div>
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Matt 28:2-15, Mark 16:1-11, Luke 24:1-12, John 20:1-18</div>
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Empty tomb</div>
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<br />Kondwanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02290415492637315025noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1106847383189293536.post-34168107802223359502015-02-06T20:01:00.001+00:002015-02-06T20:32:31.249+00:00Living in the light of eternity<span style="font-family: inherit;">Often you hear about how the <a href="http://themighty.com/2014/12/dear-sibling-to-a-child-with-special-needs-let-me-tell-you-why-youre-amazing/">siblings of an ill or disabled child</a> develop unique strengths of character and frequently enter caring professions. Recently I have been encouraged by how my sons approach having had an older sister who died before they were born (more on our story is found <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/what-god-teaches-through-our-children_2974.html">here</a>, <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/anniversary-of-day-that-changed-my-life.html">here</a> and <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/recently-couple-of-people-have-asked-me.html">here</a>). Tomorrow would have been her seventh birthday. Her birthday brings such mixed emotions - remembering the fresh hope of becoming parents, the hopes and dreams (many of which may have been unrealistic) that we had, but also the sadness of having watched her die. But we do have hope that we will see her again. Yesterday we spoke of how she can't come back to us, but that one day we can go to her - as David said after the death of his firstborn son, <b><span style="font-family: inherit;">'</span></b></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;">But now that he </span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;">i</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;">s dead, why should </span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;">I</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;">go</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;"> on fasting? Can </span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;">I</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;"> bring </span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;">him</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;"> back again? </span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;">I</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;">will</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;">go</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;">to</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;">him</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;">, but he </span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;">will</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;"> not return </span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;">to</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><b> me.” 2 Samuel 12:23. </b>And in the light of that, I'd like to share some encouragements.</span></span><br />
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1) Heaven is a real place - they love the descriptions of heaven in the book of Revelation ie chapter 21 verses 18-21:<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <b>'</b><span class="text Rev-21-18" id="en-NIV-31072" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;">The wall was made of jasper,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-31072AM" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-31072AM" title="See cross-reference AM">AM</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> and the city of pure gold, as pure as glass.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-31072AN" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-31072AN" title="See cross-reference AN">AN</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text Rev-21-19" id="en-NIV-31073" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;">The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-31073AO" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-31073AO" title="See cross-reference AO">AO</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> The first foundation was jasper,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-31073AP" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-31073AP" title="See cross-reference AP">AP</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald,</span><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text Rev-21-20" id="en-NIV-31074" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;">the fifth onyx, the sixth ruby,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-31074AQ" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-31074AQ" title="See cross-reference AQ">AQ</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth turquoise, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst.</span><span class="text Rev-21-20" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;"> </span><span class="text Rev-21-21" id="en-NIV-31075" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><b>The twelve gates<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-31075AR" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-31075AR" title="See cross-reference AR">AR</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> were twelve pearls,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-31075AS" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-31075AS" title="See cross-reference AS">AS</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of gold, as pure as transparent glass.' </b>They ask many questions about how that could be, and I have heard them talking to one another about how amazing and beautiful it must be. I envy their free, childlike imaginations which are filled with awe as they consider these things.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text Rev-21-21" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text Rev-21-21" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">2) Eternity is real. Their questions about what happens when you die are very simple and direct. They want to know! What happens? Does your body rot away? Do worms eat your eyes? Tonight we read Luke Chapter 12: </span><span class="text Luke-12-4" id="en-NIV-25464" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">“I tell you, my friends,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-25464A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-25464A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text Luke-12-5" id="en-NIV-25465" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><b>But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him.' </b>They understand that your soul lives on, and that there will be a time of judgement.</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text Luke-12-5" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text Luke-12-5" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">3) They care about their eternal destiny. Many times in recent weeks they have asked whether they will see their sister in heaven. We have explained that we very much hope so, but that they therefore need to know where they stand before God. As I've <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2015/02/childrens-understanding-of-faith.html">recently blogged</a>, they are increasingly asking questions which encourage me that they are considering these truths carefully. Sometimes it seems like they want to go to heaven just to play with their sister! But on other occasions, they seem to understand that seeing her will be just one of the many amazing things that they get to enjoy.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text Luke-12-5" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text Luke-12-5" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">4) Their questions about resurrection bodies are interesting! The Bible talks of how we will be given a new body - particularly see <b>1 Corinthians Chapter 15 verses 38-38</b>. I don't think it is possible for us to fully understand what this means of what it will look like, but it is clear that there will be no more sickness, pain or death and that will be marvellous. (They also particularly liked how some of these verses are set to song in Handel's Messiah, and we enjoyed listening to this for a time). What I like here is that the children don't consider that there are some parts of the Bible that are 'good for children' and others that are 'more complicated' - instead they ask very real questions, and as parents we seek to provide them with the most honest answers we are able to. We also appreciate that with their childlike faith they may well understand some of these issues better than we do. This is something that I come back to time and again when I consider how we are seeking to raise our family - that we mustn't stifle their questioning, but also how as parents we need to be familiar with the Bible. As Paul instructed Timothy, <span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>'</b></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;">Do your best </span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;">to</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;">present</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;">yourself</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;">to</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;">God</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;">as</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;">one </span><b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"></span></b><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;">approved</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;">, a worker who does not need </span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;">to</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;"> be </span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;">as</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><b>hamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.' (2 Timothy 2:15).</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">5) Illness and pain and suffering are a 'normal' part of life to them. As doctors (and indeed as church members, or individuals within a society) we often see adults in mid-life who really struggle to cope when they face a bereavement, redundancy, serious illness or disappointment. Quite often it is the first time in their life that they have come across a real challenge, and there are often undertones of, 'It's not fair!', 'Why me?', 'I can't live with this situation', 'How can I keep going?' I do not want to minimise pain. However, as the Apostle Peter wrote to the persecuted church, <span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>'</b></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span class="text 1Pet-4-12" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30459U" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30459U" title="See cross-reference U">U</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text 1Pet-4-13" id="en-NIV-30460" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">But rejoice <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30460V" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30460V" title="See cross-reference V">V</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30460W" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30460W" title="See cross-reference W">W</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.<span style="background-color: white;">... </span></span></b></span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">So then, those who suffer according to God’s will<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30466AE" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30466AE" title="See cross-reference AE">AE</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.' (1 Peter 4:12-19) </b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Our boys understand that people do get ill and die. They know that life can bring hardships and pain. These are lessons that many Christian parents will be seeking to teach - and I would also highly recommend Christian biographies which describe how people have brought glory to God through times of trial (reviews of Christian biographies for children are <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/christian-biographies-for-young-children.html">here</a> and <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/in-praise-of-living-books.html">here</a>). It is my prayer that the boys are equipped with the tools they need to stand firm in the face of trial when it hits them.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">Of course it is not always so simple! My two year old nodded wisely as I described heaven and eternity, and then asked whether he could go to heaven now in the car, and take his toy plane with him! One of the five year olds wants to spend most of his time in heaven playing with his sister because of all the time he has missed playing with her here. And because tomorrow would be her birthday (and we always do have a cake, although a simple one with plain icing and no candles), one of them asked whether she would come and join us for cake. As with any children, their questions sometimes make me laugh, sometimes make me sad, and really my prayer is that as parents we have wisdom in knowing how best to make the most of opportunities that arise every day as they ask more and more things.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">How have times of trial affected your children? Can you think of times when hardship has brought spiritual development to your family?</span></div>
Kondwanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02290415492637315025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1106847383189293536.post-38967531426758251032015-02-01T22:17:00.000+00:002015-02-01T22:17:36.593+00:00Childrens' understanding of faith<b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become </span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">like</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">little</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">children</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:3</span></b><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Recently my five year old asked me about baptism:</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><i>'If you grow up in a home where you do not know about Jesus, and then become a Christian later, is that when you get baptised?' </i></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">I said,<i> 'Yes'. </i></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><i>'So, I won't need to be baptised then?'</i></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><i>'No, you can be baptised when you have come to the point where you believe that Jesus is the Son of God who died for your sins, and have repented and made the decision to live for Him alone'. </i></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><i>'But mummy, I do believe these things. Can I be baptised now?' </i></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><i>'No son, we tend to wait for a while for....'</i></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><i>'For what mummy?'</i></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">A similar conversation has taken place during communion these past two weeks after the pastor has explained what the bread and wine are for, and how we must take care to be sure we are right in our hearts before God before taking part.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Can a five year old really understand these things? And if so, why then shouldn't they be baptised? In our situation, we want to see a bit more evidence of true change in his life. As we were discussing today, the boys are a bit more like the book of Judges - saying sorry, but then almost immediately doing the same thing. But one could argue, are not many of us like that? And it doesn't mean we are not truly saved. All of us are sinners saved by grace!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">I have really been encouraged by some of these recent conversations. I have also been quite astonished at times by the way they are putting scripture with scripture. The other morning my two year old wanted to read something from Isaiah. So I chose Isaiah 43, and when it spoke about the 'voice of one crying in the desert', my five year old immediately saw the references to John the Baptist and remarked about the fulfilment of prophecies.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Today in church, the pastor spoke from Deuteronomy 6, on the importance of sharing our faith with our children and living lives which radiate the grace of God. There were many good points, but at times there seemed to be a bit of an assumption that a young child might not understand certain things. I <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/out-of-mouths-of-babes.html">continue to be astonished</a> by what <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/learning-styles-simple-lesson.html">young children can understand</a>, but then reflect that Jesus saw this and applauded it. Little children were welcome to Him, and He saw something <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/a-new-song.html">beautiful in their faith</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Let me encourage you to talk about your faith with your children. <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2014/12/new-year-reflection.html">Read the Bible</a>, and explain any difficult words. Be honest that some parts are more difficult to understand. Show your children how all scripture points to Christ.<br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">I've mentioned on several occasions the <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/advent-jesse-tree-project.html">Jesse tree</a> which we did as an <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2014/12/jesse-tree.html">advent project</a>. The timeline is still on the wall, but the boys have pointed out that it ends with the birth of Christ. So, I am currently designing a 40 day one for Lent, on key events in the life of Christ leading up to Easter. It will again take the form of readings, activities and a timeline and I am excited to explore this project. This is one of the greatest joys of home education - that we can really fulfil Deuteronomy 6, and speak of the things of God when we sit and when we rise, when we walk by the way and during all aspects of daily life. Whilst we learn Scripture, we can cover all kinds of other areas - reading, writing, creativity, art, music, expression, acting, narration, behaviour and character development and so forth. And from what I am seeing in our eldest, there is the development of a strong Biblical<a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2015/01/building-biblical-worldview.html"> worldview</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">I wonder how you have been encouraged this week?</span>Kondwanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02290415492637315025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1106847383189293536.post-6744184545780793962015-01-25T22:40:00.000+00:002015-01-25T22:40:49.649+00:00Building a Biblical WorldviewI like to read Christian blogs, particularly those on Christian parenting and education. I often find encouragement in seeing how other families approach challenges, and come away inspired. This week, I have come away quite challenged!<br />
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I came across a post entitled, <a href="http://christianmomthoughts.com/65-apologetics-questions-every-christian-parent-needs-to-learn-to-answer/">'65 apologetics questions every Christian parent needs to learn to answer' </a> - take a look, and see how you fare! I think I could do more than half without having to think too hard, but there were some, particularly some of the ones relating to creation and the different viewpoints, that I knew less about. By profession, I am a scientist, but in my faith, there are some areas where I am content to simply accept that God is greater than anything than we can understand and find no need to really grapple or be able to present the arguments for and against different perspectives. So I believe that God being God, of course the world could be created in 6 literal days. And God being God, it is hardly surprising to me that the best scientists have not been able to fully explain some of the apparent contradictions in evidence that they find. However, whilst that may be the most appropriate response in my personal faith, I am raising children who ask many questions. I realise that it is indeed important for me to be familiar with these apologetics issues, not so much for my own faith, but to help those who come to me with questions. The great thing is the number of helpful resources available - the blog I have referred to above has many detailed posts on numerous topics - the writer reads extensively as she seeks to address the questions in her own mind, and shares her insights. There are many other links presented such as <a href="https://answersingenesis.org/">Answers in Genesis</a>. I resolve to spend more time considering these things.<br />
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At the same time, I came across a cautionary tale of a woman who had been raised in a fundamentalist Christian home, yet <a href="http://blogs.answersingenesis.org/blogs/georgia-purdom/2012/05/03/answers-in-genesis-and-libbys-journey-to-atheism/">had 'converted' to athiesm as a young adult</a>. The argument given was that she had been raised to believe, almost without questioning, the young earth creationist perspective and that all of Christianity stemmed from that; so when she encountered scientific argument that challenged her view on creation, her whole worldview crumbled. This underpinned to me the importance of being aware of both sides of the argument, and being able to prepare the children for the inevitable challenges of living in a society and age where Biblical truth is often scorned.<br />
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A great advantage of home education is that we can filter what our children read, hear or watch; but it would be naive to think that this will shield them from the influences of the world around them. Indeed, many choose to home educate with the aim that our children will eventually be a productive member of society (and as Christians, our prayer is that they will have a genuine life-transforming faith that shines out to those around them). We need to pray for wisdom in knowing which resources to introduce and at what stage.<br />
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This is one of the reasons I have been impressed with Sonlight. If you read their <a href="https://www.sonlight.com/not-to-buy.html">'27 reasons why you should not use Sonlight' </a>, the presentation of controversial texts is specifically discussed. I met a a family of seven children (aged between 4 and 19 at the time) who seemed well able to weigh up both sides of an argument in order to reach their own view; this was a skill I did not learn until half way through my PhD. When I asked more questions, I learnt how the Sonlight curriculum had equipped them in this way. It is my prayer that the boys grow with this ability to listen, evaluate and formulate a correct view. And as we start to use materials from Sonlight in the near future, I look forward to seeing their questioning develop further.<br />
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Tonight, my challenge to you is this:<br />
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Are you able to answer the challenging questions about our faith? Why does God allow suffering? How did the world begin? Is hell really 'fair'? And so forth.<br />
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If you are challenged that you need to read more on some of these, how do you propose to make changes in your reading in order to achieve this?<br />
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How does your home education schedule enable your children to develop a Biblical worldview?<br />
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How do you teach your children to ask questions and evaluate material to draw a balanced view?<br />
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<br />Kondwanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02290415492637315025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1106847383189293536.post-18693903705208299452015-01-20T22:31:00.001+00:002015-01-21T13:08:10.752+00:00Book Review: The Three R's by Ruth Beechick<a href="http://homehearts.com/teaching-toolbox/beechick-basics/">Ruth Beechick</a> has written much on home education. I picked up a copy of<a href="http://books.google.co.uk/books/about/The_Three_R_s.html?id=vRqGAAAACAAJ&redir_esc=y"> 'The Three R's'</a> at a local home educators meet up. It was a refreshing read!<br />
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There are three sections:<br />
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1) A home start in reading<br />
2) A strong start in language<br />
3) An easy start in arithmetic<br />
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I was encouraged to realise that many of the 'methods' that have naturally developed in our family are in fact considered ideal for the one to one education of young children, in contrast to the more formalised methods that are used in larger classrooms where a teacher has to teach a large group of children with diverse abilities and then obtain some kind of proof that the teaching has been successful. It was also a helpful reminder that many 'methods' have been shaped by trends, subsequently superseded, and often are developed to enable a classroom teacher to work with a large group of children of diverse abilities rather than being the most efficient means to teach your own children at home. I don't want to fall into the trap of thinking that because somebody else validates our own methods that we must right in our approach, but what was helpful to me was this reminder: we know our children better than anybody else, promoting a love of lifelong learning is a major desire, and we seek to use 'real life' to teach.<br />
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<u>Reading and Writing: A Natural Approach</u><br />
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For example, in the sections on reading and writing, she describes a 'natural approach'; this means enabling children to see reading and writing in their natural contexts, as useful tools for communication. Rather than learning by rote, she advocates allowing children to explore and develop and so continue that love of learning and the desire to acquire new and useful skills. The section on writing almost exactly describes what we are currently doing, as I <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2015/01/diaries-boys-writing-and-antarctic.html">blogged just a few days ago</a>.<br />
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I also found her comments on phonics helpful. I have never really understood what people mean when they say they are 'doing phonics' with their children, and I have never really understood what the 'rules' are, and how these are useful. My frustrations with what I have encountered is that stories consisting of words which are phonically simple and regular are often fairly stultifying, and I have seen frustration arising in my boys who want 'real stories'. <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/john-holt-how-children-learn-part-1.html">John Holt</a> has made similar observations. Instead, Beechick suggests that phonically irregular words are simply taught in their own context and the child will learn to recognise them, and perhaps to form their own rules to decode them. To me this makes more logical sense. It is clear that such an approach would be challenging in a large group of pupils, but that for those of us who are educating small numbers of children at home, this is a much more efficient approach.<br />
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(The basic phonic rules are outlined, as are some simple methods for teaching children involving games and charts. The point is that she does not see any special value in phonics programmes, or in following one particular method over another. And some families may find different approaches work better than others.)<br />
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For writing, she encourages children to learn the value of writing to express ideas rather than focussing on spelling and grammar at an early stage. She remarks that every teacher knows that requiring perfect spelling will result in the use of a diminished vocabulary. Instead it is better to encourage the children to write freely, and later to correct their spelling. She suggests grammar be left even later, by which time the child should have a reasonable command of written English and the grammar rules can be learnt more efficiently and in correct context. Whilst encouraging freedom of expression, she makes clear that learning to write does take discipline and is hard work, and recommends that children write something on every day that they are being taught.<br />
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Along with <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/charlotte-mason-who-what-why.html">Charlotte Mason</a> and others, Beechick warns against oversimplification. She suggests the Bible as an ideal source of model sentences; partly because of the beautiful poetry and expressive prose, but also because of the life-changing truths contained therein. This is teaching children to read and write for a real purpose, not simply to pass a test!<br />
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<u>Arithmetic</u><br />
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Over the past few weeks I have been a bit nervous about 'maths' or 'arithmetic' because I felt that whilst we have been making good progress in reading and writing as described above, we haven't been sitting down and following any kind of programme in maths. The book chapter was liberating for me. She describes how children have three modes of thinking when it comes to numbers, and that these develop with maturity and cannot be rushed:<br />
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1) The manipulative stage. For example, asking the two year old to set the table with the correct number of spoons, and then asking him how many spoons we would need if our friend came round. Children can perform quite complex arithmetic tasks through manipulating real life, every day objects - we did a lot of this in autumn when we collected 524 conkers (horse chestnuts) and played games of grouping them and trading 5 conkers for 1 acorn and so forth. Also recommended are tasks like <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/embracing-learning-from-daily-life.html">baking</a>, measuring, craft, helping with the shopping and every day activities which involve number manipulation; all of these are developing numeracy skills in the correct context, rather than rote learning of times-tables or equivalent. It is suggested that one of the biggest reasons people develop a fear or mental block with regard to arithmetic is because this stage is rushed.<br />
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2) Mental image stage. This is where the child works out problems by imagining objects in their mind, and then moving them around. For example, rather than actually holding 10 conkers and dividing them into two equal groups, doing it mentally.<br />
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3) The abstract stage. This is where the child can work directly off symbols such as 4+5, without using mental images. Apparently this stage doesn't occur until the child is about 12.<br />
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She discusses how many workbooks are not appropriate for the developmental stage of the child because they attempt to progress through all three stages within a single lesson, and not always in the right order. For example, writing 3+4, then drawing groups of 3 ducks and 4 blackbirds and asking the child to circle them and work out the total. This is progressing from the abstract to the mental image, when in fact the child may still be at the manipulative stage.<br />
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The reason I felt liberated was that I saw how many 'arithmetic' related activities already take place through our daily lives. We consciously seek opportunity to develop these skills, but for some reason I had acquired a mental concept that maths needed to be formalised and involve worksheets and programmes and sitting at the table. Ruth Beechick would counsel the exact opposite and tell us to keep on doing what we are doing, keep making the most of games, daily opportunities, manipulative objects and then when the children are ready (and she suggests that this will become apparent, and reminds us that home educators know their own children far better than a classroom teacher could know her pupils).<br />
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It was an easy read (two short evenings), a breath of fresh air and commonsense, and I would highly recommend it to those who are home educating young children. (The subtitle suggests grades K-3, but of course our children don't always fall into such neat packages!)Kondwanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02290415492637315025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1106847383189293536.post-74920714314114226152015-01-18T20:38:00.000+00:002015-01-18T20:38:26.336+00:00Diaries, Boys' Writing and Antarctic AdventuresIt seems quite common for boys to be slower to write than girls, and when I read education blogs and research articles, there are <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/boys-and-early-learning.html">clear differences in the methods</a> that are best for the different sexes. Our boys are keen to write when there is a clear purpose in it, but seem a little turned off by worksheets or repetitive 'for the sake of it' type work (whereas I remember as a child that I loved to make rows and rows of 'perfect' letters). For example, writing thank-you letters after birthdays and Christmas, or sending postcards from trips. During our last trip to <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/vibrant-african-life.html">Africa</a>, we started getting them to write a diary (more reflections on the educational opportunities <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/urban-africa.html">here</a>). This is a very simple thing - we ask them to describe something they have done over the past day - this might be a place they have visited, a game they have played, something they have eaten, something they have read. Then we ask them to describe it in a bit more detail, and say what it was about that thing that interested them most - we seek to encourage correct and colourful use of language, and it also helps us guage what they have gleaned from a situation (a bit like <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/charlotte-mason-who-what-why.html">narration</a>). We help them write a sentence, they then copy it into their notepads, and to finish, they draw a picture which goes with what they have written. It has been really interesting to see not only their handwriting, but their use of descriptive language developing. They have particularly enjoyed looking at their last diaries and remembering events, and it is a habit we have continued (in fact that is the main 'language arts' activity we do on a daily basis).<br />
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This past week, my husband was working in Scotland, so rented a cottage on a farm near Dundee. Nearby was the <a href="http://www.rrsdiscovery.com/index.php?pageID=129">RRS Discovery</a>, the ship on which <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Falcon_Scott">Captain Robert Falcon Scott</a> (and 48 other men) sailed to the Antarctic in 1901. The boys were fascinated - the ship was laden with enough food to last 49 men 3 years, but was not actually that large. The conditions faced were hard to imagine. But one of the main ways in which we are able to know these things was through the <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/culture/2010/feb/03/captain-scott-antarctic-diary-online">meticulous diaries, particularly that of Captain Scott</a>. You may well know that after reaching the South Pole (narrowly defeated in the race by the Norwegian Amundsen), all five explorers died on the journey home. We only know the details of what happened, and how they approached the final demise through these diaries. The <a href="http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/scott.htm">final entries</a> are particularly poignant. This experience has consolidated the concept of writing and detailed description as a valuable tool, and whilst we were away they were asking to draw and write of their experiences.<br />
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We were then blessed with some uncharacteristically 'Antarctic' weather - about 10cm of snow and temperatures of -7. We made snowmen and an igloo. They also discovered that it was difficult to play out for much more than an hour at a time because fingers and toes got painful - this helped them understand a bit about how frostbite happens. We were able to discuss how privileged we were to have a warm home, plenty of warm nutritious food, and how we could only imagine what it must be like to face a journey of 800 miles, on foot pulling sledges in temperatures of -40 and blizzard conditions. During a heavy snowfall it was difficult to see, and the sky and ground seemed similar; this also helped them understand why Scott and his companions eventually could simply not leave their tent.<br />
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A couple of days later, in a different part of the country, we were able to go sledging for the first time. As well as being tremendously good fun, it was also a valuable lesson in how physically hard it is to pull a laden sledge up a hill. When we went inside to drink hot chocolate, we wondered what it must have been like to have very limited rations and no opportunity to get fully warm and dry.<br />
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My reflection from this week has been:<br />
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1) How satisfying it is to be able to embrace the unique opportunities that arise (here through <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2014/10/travel-and-opportunity.html">travel</a> and unusual weather) rather than being constrained to stick to a particular 'schedule'<br />
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2) How a hunger to learn skills flows from the appreciation of how those skills are useful - the example here being the ability to record one's own experiences<br />
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3) That tactile, active learning suits our boys far more than simply reading and talking about things (although these are useful things for consolidating)<br />
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4) That children learn things when they are ready (point 5 in <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2014/12/5-encouragements.html">this reflection</a>) - we've been working on writing for a while, but often there is a point at which a key concept is grasped, or a there is a change in attitude and motivation - seeing this happen at different times and different rates in each of our children serves as a valuable reminder not to push too hard, not to compare against a certain 'standard' but rather to provide the resources and opportunity, and let the boys develop at their own rate.<br />
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<br />Kondwanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02290415492637315025noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1106847383189293536.post-75461152571247247732015-01-11T20:50:00.000+00:002015-01-11T20:50:52.190+00:00Communication: A 'language barrier'<b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">Do </span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">no</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">t let any </span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">unwholesome</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">talk</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"> come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29</span></b><br />
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<b><span class="text Phil-2-14" id="en-NKJV-29406" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">Do all things without complaining and disputing,</span><span class="text Phil-2-15" id="en-NKJV-29407" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,</span><span class="text Phil-2-16" id="en-NKJV-29408" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">holding fast the word of life... Philippians 2:14-16</span></b><br />
<span class="text Phil-2-16" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span>
<span class="text Phil-2-16" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">Today I want to consider communication. Rather than a theoretical consideration of what is required for good communication skills, I rather wish to discuss a challenge I seem to face with increasing frequency. The Oxford English Dictionary defines communication as <i>'the imparting or exchanging or information by speaking, writing or using some other medium'</i>. In objective terms, I think my communication skills are reasonable - I have won several prizes for oral presentations and I have been invited to write blog or opinion pieces on contemporary issues facing Christian doctors. Yet in my personal life, I sometimes feel I am speaking a different language entirely.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">Let me illustrate this with a recent example. Two nights ago, I was at work and two colleagues were discussing their young children and the frequency with which they wake through the night. They asked me how often mine woke, and I was quite honest and said that they all woke every two hours until about eight months of age, but that after a breastfeed they would settle immediately. I said this a couple of times, and then both colleagues said, 'You must have got lucky because my baby wakes up crying a couple of times every night'. Did they not hear me when I said my child woke as often or more often than theirs? But I think the difference was that I spoke in an upbeat manner, because to me, waking through the night is a normal part of life with a young child.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">I've reflected several times on this blog about the need to <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/cultivate-gratitude-attitude.html">look at the positive</a> in every situation. I believe this is not only important, but a biblical instruction for how we should speak. I am also aware of the dangers of <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/how-we-speak-about-our-children.html">speaking negatively about our children</a>, rather than embracing our God-given role. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">I do not think Christians should present a false, trouble-free perspective on life, but neither do I see myself as doing this. I continue to speak quite openly about the <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/recently-couple-of-people-have-asked-me.html">pain of having had a child die</a>, and use this as an illustration when talking to others about the need to consider priorities carefully whilst there is opportunity. Whilst discussing the <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2014/10/travel-and-opportunity.html">wonderful opportunties</a> presented to our family through our flexible and international work patterns, I am also frank about the fact that you cannot 'have it all', and that there have been times, particularly over the past few months where my husband and I have both felt quite stretched. When I am amongst Christians, for example at our church mid-week housegroup meeting, I try to be quite honest in describing the current challenges - for example that our family have all been <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2015/01/challenge-illness.html">unwell</a> over recent weeks, or that we are heading for another international move later in the year and there are uncertainties involved in this, or even the fact that my husband and I have only been out for dinner alone together three times over the past five years. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">My difficulty is this: People do not seem to hear me. Sometimes I wonder whether if I were to break into tears or start to drop responsibilities, that maybe things would be different. I sometimes feel as though I am asking for support and encouragement as clearly and directly as I am able, yet those words are not heard. What I cannot find an easy answer to, what I am hoping some commenters on the blog may be able to advise on, is how does one communicate vulnerability and need without moaning, displaying excessive emotion, or showing obvious signs of not coping? </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">In the past, it has been clear that our profession can be a problem. I've been told on more occasions than I can recall that 'it must be easier to have a sick or dying child as doctors because you understand medical things'. I don't really understand that. When my daughter's heart stopped, I knew immediately that the outcome would be death or severe neurological disability to the point where at first I didn't even want to start resuscitation. We were able to accept her condition as terminal more readily than others perhaps, but that acceptance didn't mean it was easy! When our son had septic shock, we were only too aware of what that might mean (although praise God! He is now a healthy five year old). Sometimes I want to tell people in simple terms, 'Doctors are human too. We feel pain. We get tired. We get ill. We get lonely'. But again, with friends I <u>do</u> try to communicate simply the situations, challenges and opportunities that we face, in order to be able to mutually support and encourage one another in our various roles. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">Perhaps homeschooling creates a barrier too. There can be a perception that we <a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/Seven-Things-Homeschoolers-Wont-Tell-You">never get tired or frustrated</a> with our children. And as I know many other home educating parents feel, there is sometimes an unspoken 'you should just put your children in nursery/ school/ childcare' when we do talk about being tired or struggling to do the simple things like attend hospital appointments. Sometimes when you have made a choice to do things differently, others see it as a tacit criticism of their lifestyle (and so become defensive). Or on the other hand, sometimes people see you as being full of perpetual energy, patience and creativity and don't understand that you have vulnerabilities too. I don't know how that could be changed. Certainly meeting up with other like-minded families is a helpful encouragement, but it doesn't always offer practical solutions.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">Today, I am simply left with the question of how to communicate clearly and effectively, without complaining or being emotionally manipulative. (To me, to deliberately show emotion in order to get a response would feel manipulative - I am not saying that public displays of emotion are wrong, or that others who display more emotion than I do are using that to manipulate others. I just know that for me, this would be a deliberate thing, and would not seem right!).</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">Can you relate to this challenge? If so, I am most grateful to hear how you approached things! Last year, a friend challenged me about how <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/community-fellowship.html">our lifestyle lends itself to true community and fellowship</a>. I believe it is possible, but I feel I am facing a language barrier at the moment!</span></span><br />
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<br />Kondwanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02290415492637315025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1106847383189293536.post-47150219655196433292015-01-04T19:43:00.000+00:002015-01-04T19:51:10.702+00:00Challenge: IllnessIt's a challenge when a parent who home educates becomes ill, because you can't just call in sick the way one might do with an external job. It simply does not seem possible to get the rest that you would really like! I've recently reflected on how much I appreciate that <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2014/12/5-encouragements.html">our health</a> is, by and large good. We've had some times of <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/what-god-teaches-through-our-children_2974.html">serious illness among the children</a>, I have a chronic illness that I manage better as I get older, but in general our health is not a limitation during the average week or month.<br />
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These past couple of months have been a <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/challenge-fatigue-and-illness.html">challenge</a> simply because we have faced one virus after another. I had two days when I did need to call in sick from my job, but most of the time it has just been chronic aches and pains and lots and lots of snot. The thing I struggle with then is that I simply don't have the energy to do some of the extra things I would really like to do. My experience with illness (and indeed with most challenges in life) is that God gives sufficiently <b>(2 Corinthians 12:9)</b>. Whilst this giving is often abundant, it is not always in excess of the actual needs presented. And that causes me to stop and consider those things that really matter. We might often use phrases like, 'You can't do it all', but at the same time, continue to burn the candle at both ends, take on extra projects, try to be in several places at one time. But the truth is, we cannot do it all. But as Jesus reassured Martha who was frustrated at her sister Mary's lack of help in the kitchen, 'Only one thing is needed'. (<b>Luke Chapter 10</b>, and a helpful book expanding '<a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/book-review-having-mary-heart-in-martha.html">a Mary heart in a Martha world</a>' is reviewed here). Often as Christians, we can 'know' certain things, but it is times of challenge and trial which really remind us of what is true.<br />
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There are a number of helpful blogs describing how certain <a href="http://parentables.howstuffworks.com/health-wellness/8-ways-survive-homeschooling-when-you-are-sick.html">families</a> have continued home schooling through the illness of<a href="http://www.home-school.com/Articles/homeschooling-even-when-mom-is-ill.php"> one or both parents</a>. (Simply google 'homeschooling whilst ill' and other similar keywords and you will find many hits). It can be helpful to read how other families have approached situations, but there is always that problem that nobody else's situation is exactly the same as your own - sometimes comparisons can be helpful, but sometimes you want to ask, 'What about if we have nobody to ask for help?', or 'what about when X, Y or Z?'. I would encourage you to sit down, to reflect and to pray, both alone and with your spouse, about those <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/our-highest-aim-for-our-children.html">things which really matter</a>. If we are talking about short term illnesses which are part and parcel of being human, then having a list of essential tasks and priorities might be all you need to lift the burden enough to recover. (Of course if you are facing something more challenging - perhaps requiring frequent hospital visits, operations, or treatments that make you feel very unwell for a prolonged period, then the decisions you need to make as a family are different - and I will not attempt to address these here).<br />
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What are the things that really matter? For our family, this could be our list:<br />
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1) Three meals. Whilst we cook everything from scratch, and often seek to involve the children in the <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/embracing-learning-from-daily-life.html">cooking as a great educational opportunity</a>, there is nothing to be ashamed of in having a meal from the freezer, opening a few tins, or having cheese on toast as a main meal. So long as it is not every day! It might be worth freezing batches of meals you have cooked at other times, in anticipation of such 'rainy days'<br />
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2) Bible time. Especially when people are not well, it is important to remember that God has not changed, and that His promises are particularly rich.<br />
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3) Time out in the fresh air - this can be a challenge if you are feeling dreadful. What I have found helpful when I've been less energetic than normal is to take the boys out on their bikes (they are aged nearly 3, 5 and 5) because then I can walk quite slowly around the park whilst they whizz up and down, playing races and all kinds of other games and generally getting cold and tired. It uses a lot of their energy, and conserves some of mine! (And also, a small amount of time in the fresh air is generally helpful).<br />
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4) Stories. Because we use literature-based methods, it can be quite nice to cuddle up on the sofa and read some of our favourite books time after time. I ask the boys to bring me a book each, and this keeps on going as long as their attention holds, which can be a good hour or so.<br />
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5) Free play. The boys all still nap, but the older two for a shorter time. Sometimes, if I am feeling awful, when they get up I let them choose a favourite game or toy (often lego) and ask them to play quietly on the floor whilst I rest on the sofa. I have been surprised at how kind they have been when they realise that mummy isn't well, and how well they have been able to play with little supervision for about 40 minutes.<br />
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6) Something else I keep for such rainy days is you tube Bible stories, such as those from the <a href="https://www.google.co.uk/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=you%20tube%20beginners%20bible">Beginners' Bible</a> which I would highly recommend. We don't have 'screen time' as part of our day to day life, and I am glad for that, but it can have occasional value if the material is carefully selected (wildlife documentaries are also a big hit). I've explained some of my concerns about television <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/tv.html">elsewhere</a>, but heard <a href="http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/television/">this delightful poem by Roald Dahl</a> on the radio this evening, which says a lot!<br />
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And often, then, the day has almost passed. It can feel like survival. It can feel wrong to go to bed at 7.30pm shortly after the children. But we have managed to do the things that matter most, and another day is over.<br />
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I wonder what strategies you use when you feel very unwell?Kondwanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02290415492637315025noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1106847383189293536.post-43694193069243064802014-12-31T19:22:00.001+00:002015-01-01T21:58:50.046+00:00New Year ReflectionDo you set 'new year resolutions'? I used to when I was younger, but over time I have come to realise that if something needs to be changed, the time to start is today. I also know that many goals actually take time to achieve, and to seek to suddenly change habits, bring in a healthier lifestyle, mend relationships, take up a new hobby and always to speak kindly and lovingly to others is simply a recipe for failure, disappointment and discouragement. I believe that as Christians, we are in a process of being transformed into the likeness of Christ - but that this is a lifelong process which will have triumphs and setbacks along the way.<br />
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Having said that, I do like to take time at new year to reflect on the year gone by and broadly consider the year ahead. Recently I've posted on <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2014/12/5-encouragements.html">some of</a> <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2014/12/5-more-advent-encouragements.html">the encouragements</a> we have enjoyed; whilst I believe it is important to think <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/how-we-speak-about-our-children.html">and speak</a> <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/cultivate-gratitude-attitude.html">positively</a>, like every family we face challenges from time to time (and indeed that was one of the reasons <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/what-is-this-blog-all-about.html">I started this blog</a> a couple of years ago).<br />
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Areas of Encouragement:<br />
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1) I am pleased with how Bible education is so fundamental to the structure of our family life. Every day begins and ends with a time of Bible reading, prayer and often singing. No matter what we have planned for that day, or no matter what kind of day it has turned out to be, this is as much part of our daily routine as brushing our teeth or eating. When I read about challenges faced, I realise that many families find a regular family devotional time a struggle. For us, it is important that this never just becomes part of the daily routine with no deeper meaning or value, and it is something we pray about daily. If this is something you struggle with, here are some tips that we have found helpful:<br />
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<li>It can be short. At first, we would just read a psalm together after breakfast</li>
<li>Whilst I try to have the boys sitting with me on the sofa, I sometimes let the two year old play on the floor whilst we read - there are times when it is more important that we have quiet for the older two than try in vain to have all three sitting perfectly. (However, we do try to get them used to sitting together nicely at this time - it reaps dividends on Sunday mornings in church because it is so much part of our daily life.)</li>
<li>I ask the boys what they would like to read - they are coming to know and love many of the Bible stories, and there are days when they want a particular story. When their attention is on it, they can listen for long periods</li>
<li>We use the 'adult' Bible - usually the New King James, but sometimes the NIV. I've commented on <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/out-of-mouths-of-babes.html">this elsewhere</a>, but I think there is a tendency to dumb things down for children a bit too much these days, and if we use a childrens' Bible, they often get distracted by things that are not actually in the Bible (such as one where Goliath shouts to the Israelites, 'I am going to eat you on toast!') - we do have several childrens' Bibles with different levels of English and different styles of illustration, and I think these are a helpful adjunct and we often use these, but when it comes to family devotional time, we find it much easier and less distracting to stick entirely to Scripture</li>
<li>If there is a particular thing that has happened, or something we are struggling with, I try to find a relevant passage - this helps the boys to see that Scripture is timeless and applies to all situations. They realise that our God is a living God who cares about the details of their lives</li>
<li>We try to choose songs that tie in with what we have been reading</li>
<li>At night, we follow more of a structure, reading through a particular book</li>
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2) Their education is taking a bit of shape. For quite a while I wondered whether <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/pre-school-should-i-use-curriculum.html">we should be using a curriculum</a> or just maximising the <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/a-response-to-preschool-post.html">opportunities in daily life</a>. Without really realising it, we have formed a pattern that works well for us - so well that we keep going on <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/summer-holidays.html">Saturdays</a>, or when we are on holiday, very much because (quoting <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/charlotte-mason-who-what-why.html">Charlotte Mason</a>), 'education is an atmosphere, education is a life'. Now, we have reached the point of looking at materials and we are quite excited to be starting <a href="https://www.sonlight.com/">Sonlight</a> in the new year (we have not yet chosen the specific materials, but I've been enjoying their Forums and some local Facebook pages for advice). We have chosen this because our learning tends to be very literature based - we spend many hours cuddled up on the sofa reading, and particularly enjoy <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/in-praise-of-living-books.html">'living books'</a>. I am pleased when I reflect on how things have evolved, because one of the joys of home education is that each family is different, each child is different, and each pace is different - it would not be right to do something simply because others do, or to reach some kind of imposed target, but rather because it is what helps your children learn (and enjoy learning!).</div>
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3) I've written elsewhere about <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/reflections-from-african-village-life.html">travel</a>. For the past 10 years, we have been a <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2014/10/practicalities-of-home-education-on-move.html">mobile family</a>, and to be honest have never really felt 'at home' back in the UK. When I reflect on this, I understand that as Christians, our true home is <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/strangers-and-pilgrims.html">not really in this world</a> at all. The boys are quite content to move between cities and between countries, and I particularly enjoy seeing them grow with a global worldview and perspective. We have some helpful resources from Operation Mobilisation (a map on the wall with statistics and figures, and a childrens' version of Operation World); the children understand how blessed they are with so much materially and a stable family home, and are learning that there are others who have far less. One of our sons was briefly in an orphanage, and now that he is five there are sometimes more questions asked. We receive calendars every year from the charity which tell the stories of other children who have been looked after by the orphanage, and I hope we are providing a balanced perspective of the situation.</div>
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Challenging Areas</div>
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Whilst seeking to focus mainly on that which is good, there are some things which remain quite a challenge:</div>
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1) <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/discipline-biblical-guidance.html">Discipline</a>. There are days when it seems that the whole day is devoted to correcting and disciplining the children. Sometimes it seems we can't even move on with the more interesting educational activities I have planned because there is so much need to talk to the boys as individuals, spank when necessary, sit them on the bottom stair, have them tidy up the messes they have made and so forth. It can seem that we are just getting over one problem when something else happens and round and round it goes. I find these days quite exhausting. I also know that these are the times when I have to watch my own attitudes and motives, particularly if I am tired or unwell. I must take care not to discipline in anger. What reassures me (at least a little) is when I read other blogs or home education pages and realise that other families feel like this at times too. And whilst there are days when I find myself wondering whether they would not be better off out at mainstream school, when I actually think about it, I realise that one big advantage of home education is that we can <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/normal-0-false-false-false-en-us-x-none.html">devote the time that is needed to character formation</a>. And that as Christians, we can pray about all these things and teach the children to rely on the strength that God can give.</div>
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2) <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/challenge-loneliness.html">Loneliness</a>. I think some of it is simply a phase of life. My husband and I both work part time (which can be 30-50 hours in a week, involving antisocial shifts and quite a bit of work in the evenings). (This itself can make us seem a bit different, in both our church/ Christian communities and also in the workplace. The key thing is, that we are <a href="http://jessconnell.com/convictions-choices/">'fully persuaded' </a>that this is the right pattern for our family at this present time) The children are still young and quite dependent, so it can be difficult to have a conversation (by phone or face to face) when they are around, and often once they are asleep, there is other work, or tidying/shopping or planning to be done, so we don't spend much time in relationships. We moved church about a year ago after returning to the UK, and although it is on our doorstep, don't really feel that we have deep, encouraging relationships there either. I don't know how much is because we are a bit different, how much is the pace of our lives, or whether there is something we also need to change. With the coming new year, both of our jobs will change, perhaps becoming a bit more regular. We are praying for wisdom in how we use our time, and that we can build relationships with those around us.<br />
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3) Sleep/ tiredness! I have always thought we had quite good sleep patterns (all 3 have always napped together, and have the same bedtime). But over the past year (or maybe a bit longer?) the middle boy has woken shortly after 5. And once he is awake, he decides the world should be awake with him, and will sing at the top of his voice, make frequent bathroom trips and try to wake his brothers. We spend the next couple of hours periodically getting him to go back to bed until it is really morning. It sounds a small thing, but over time it does get quite exhausting. (We are usually up in the night with the youngest too, but that isn't quite as irritating because it is just for a toilet trip and he then goes straight back to sleep). It is something that can try our patience, and we need to be careful that we get enough rest (and if worn out, try hard not to allow this to make us grumpy!). We don't tend to talk about tiredness (because who isn't tired? And it can so easily degenerate into moaning, self-pity and competitive 'I'm more tired than you' type conversations that never helped anybody). But these past couple of weeks, whilst we've all had a succession of viral illnesses, it has been tough!</div>
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There have been more challenges and encouragements and there is plenty more to reflect upon as the New Year beckons. But for now, I am going offline and plan to enjoy a peaceful evening with my husband! Happy New Year!</div>
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Kondwanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02290415492637315025noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1106847383189293536.post-88674757981732268492014-12-21T21:28:00.000+00:002014-12-21T21:28:08.415+00:005 More Advent EncouragementsAs with last week, we have been busy enjoying Advent and preparing for Christmas. I have not had much time for reading, but as I stop and reflect (sitting by an open fire and listening to beautiful choral music), I am thankful for many things. Some specific encouragement this week have been:<br />
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1) Last night we had two other families round to sing Christmas carols. This was quite a new experience for one of the families. Nine children aged five and under played various kinds of percussion instruments, and it probably sounded quite unusual to anybody who heard. But we did not care, but rather enjoyed rejoicing together as we celebrate the greatest event in history.<br />
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2) Our local Christian home educators' group had a Christmas party. I have greatly enjoyed the fellowship that this group provides. We come from a fairly wide geographical area, but try to arrange something every fortnight. Between us, we have a range of ages of children (probably more younger than teenagers) and use a variety of curricula and teaching methods. Our lives are often quite different, but we share the desire to raise our children to know the Lord and to have a biblical worldview, and it is sometimes encouraging simply to know there are others who<a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/community-fellowship.html"> choose to live this way</a> in our godless society.<br />
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3) Our boys' first Nativity play. A nearby church attended by many of our friends held a 'Nativity from Scratch' today. We dropped the five year olds at 10am with a packed lunch and returned to watch the play at 3pm. This was great for several reasons. Firstly, it was very relaxing for my husband and I to have a day with just our two year old. We were able to talk! Secondly, it was the longest time our boys have ever been without us, and they managed well - this is good for their confidence. Thirdly, it was a lovely, simple, Christ-focussed Nativity play, and the boys really enjoyed being part of it (they were angels)<br />
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4) Peace and security. Listening to the news has been horrible for the past few months - it seems there are so many awful things happening in many parts of the world. Ebola. Terrorism. Ruthless murder of children. Fear. Racial and religious hatred. I am thankful that I can enjoy comfort, warmth, peace, choice, freedom and relationships. It is easy to feel guilty, but I think a better approach is to simply live one day at a time. I know so many families where life has changed overnight. It <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/anniversary-of-day-that-changed-my-life.html">has happened to us</a>, and could do again. But for now, I can rest and be thankful. And we can pray that as we approach Christmas that the message of peace and hope would not be empty, but that it will be heard as a powerful and life-transforming truth to those who are lost.<br />
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5) That my boys do seem to be developing a Biblical worldview that often surprises me. I've mentioned the <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/advent-jesse-tree-project.html">Jesse tree project</a> in several places, but this has been one of the <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2014/12/jesse-tree.html">most worthwhile</a> things we have done, and has taken on a bit of a life of its own. It will certainly become a family tradition. My five year old was asking about the exile to Babylon earlier, and is starting to understand that through history, God had a plan to preserve His remnant, and that even now, in days which can seem dark and godless, His perfect plans have not changes. Jesus would often speak about 'little children' and how we can learn a lot from their innocent trust. I am learning from my boys as they grasp concepts which many older people struggle more with. There have been days when home educating is tiring, and even times when one might be tempted to question whether it really is worth the investment and whether it really is the best thing for the children. Some of the conversations, comments and insights over the past few weeks have encouraged me greatly that there is fruit developing in their young lives.Kondwanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02290415492637315025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1106847383189293536.post-17205200538970738882014-12-14T19:31:00.001+00:002014-12-14T19:31:43.320+00:005 EncouragementsIt's a busy time of year for most families, and we ran into it from a fairly <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2014/10/travel-and-opportunity.html">itinerant schedule</a> over the autumn. But amidst some tiredness, and several weeks of back-to-back viral illnesses, there have been some great encouragements!<br />
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1) Children celebrating the coming Christ! Last year we enjoyed <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/christmas-reflection.html">preparing for Christmas</a> and the boys learned songs and verses, but somehow they didn't really seem to 'get it' (the eldest was only 4). This year there has been a real shift in understanding, and it has been wonderful to see. Our <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/what-god-teaches-through-our-children_2974.html">firstborn never saw a Christmas</a>, and I used to watch other families enjoying noise, mess, craft, songs, and general childlike enthusiasm with a wistful longing; yesterday, as a friend visited with her firstborn baby, I realised we had become that chaotic (but hopefully fun!) family. Having known sorrow and loss somehow makes each moment seem even more precious.<br />
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2) Alongside the excitement, seeing how the boys have a grounding in what Christmas really means. This brings me great encouragement because there are so many conflicting messages from the world around us, and even as we try to avoid exposure to the more blatent of these, there are constant bombardments (the person on the bus who asks them, 'Have you written to Santa yet?', or 'Have you been a good boy this year, so Santa brings your presents?', or 'What are you going to get for Christmas?'; billboard advertisements; conversations of friends and their children.....) It encourages me that it is possible to instill a Biblical <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/what-is-worldview.html">worldview</a> even in today's world.<br />
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3) Friendships - I particularly love the way Christians from all over the world are our brothers and sisters. We have recently had two families (each with three similarly aged children to ours) move to our city from different cultures, and yet we immediately can share rich fellowship. I often think of the descriptions of heaven in the Book of Revelation - that God's people will come from <b>'every tribe and tongue and people and nation' (Revelation 5:9)</b>; one day we will be united with our true family from all around the world and the rejoicing will be incredible!<br />
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4) Health. For these past three or four weeks we have all been generally unwell. Nothing serious, but enough to need time at home to rest and the youngest has lost a bit of strength. As parents, we have had to try and <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/challenge-fatigue-and-illness.html">find enough rest</a> ourselves in between our jobs and looking after sick children. So basically everything non-essential has fallen by the wayside. But now we are on the mend, and as I recover my energy and enthusiasm, it makes me thankful that in general our family does enjoy good health. It makes me appreciate how difficult things must be for parents with chronic, debilitating illnesses, or for parents who are nursing chronically ill children.<br />
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5) The way children seem to learn in a step-wise manner. It probably is not truly that way, but sometimes, after weeks of working on something or trying to explain something, the penny suddenly drops and they embrace the concept. This happened with my older five year old about six months ago regarding drawing detailed pictures of things. It has happened this week with my younger five year old regarding writing - he suddenly sees the value of it, and there have been several times I have found him sitting at the table doing extra writing just for fun. It is a reminder that we need to persevere and continue consistently even when there aren't obvious immediate results.<br />
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I know this time of year can almost become too busy. I pray that you and your family are able to focus on those things that really matter, that Christ remains at the centre of your Christmas celebrations and that you are able to enjoy precious time with loved ones.Kondwanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02290415492637315025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1106847383189293536.post-44109104798647376792014-12-04T19:22:00.000+00:002014-12-04T19:22:01.254+00:00Jesse TreeI recently posted about our plans for advent and to try the <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/advent-jesse-tree-project.html">Jesse Tree</a> project. Four days in, I am really delighted with how well this is going, and would recommend it. The boys come downstairs excited to open the envelope for the day. On a couple of days, I have put extra activities and colouring sheets in with the 'emblems' for the tree, and that has worked well. I have also been surprised and encouraged by how well they are starting to understand Scripture in context. There have been several times where I have reflected that we can tend to stereotype our children in terms of what they <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/learning-styles-simple-lesson.html">might find interesting</a> or what they <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/out-of-mouths-of-babes.html">might understand at a certain age</a>. When talking about the shoot from the stump of Jesse, we started to discuss genealogies, and he absolutely loved the genealogy of Christ in Matthew Chapter 1. In fact he has asked to read it several times. I must confess that this is a portion of the Bible which does not always excite and inspire me (although if I really think about it, I am of course amazed by the perfect plan and sovereignty of God throughout history, throughout the dark times). But my son really seems to understand something from it, and that encourages me. <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/a-new-song.html">This type of occurrence</a> reminds me of all the reasons we are home educating, and I look forward to seeing how they progress in their understanding of the gospel as we systematically look through the lineage of Christ and learn more about God's redeeming work.Kondwanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02290415492637315025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1106847383189293536.post-72481800921665815742014-11-30T18:39:00.000+00:002014-11-30T18:39:15.841+00:00Advent: The Jesse Tree ProjectOne of my biggest joys is the advent season, as we remember and celebrate the birth of Christ our Saviour, the fulfilment of so many prophecies throughout history. One of my biggest frustrations is how Christmas often becomes a celebration of materialism, excess, selfish indulgences and loses almost all of that true meaning. Whilst one would expect that of the world around us, who often simply do not know what Jesus came for, <a href="http://homeeducationnovice.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/christmas-reflection.html">I find it especially hard in church</a> when childrens' (and even adults'!) messages focus more on presents, fun, family, food and sometimes even have adults dressing as Santa in attempt to make the message 'contemporary'.<br />
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As a home educating family, how should we keep the focus on what really matters?<br />
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If your children are older than mine, you may have come across the <a href="http://lifeyourway.net/jesse-tree-ornaments/">Jesse Tree</a> before. (A search engine will provide many helpful links to a range of resources based on this concept). I am surprised I hadn't come across it before, because it is just what I had been looking for.<br />
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The concept arises from Isaiah 11, where it is prophesied that a root from Jesse will ultimately be the Messiah. It then goes back through the pivotal events in the Old Testament that point towards the coming Christ, from creation, the fall, the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph and their descendents) and other key individuals in the genealogy of Christ (Rahab, Ruth, Esther etc). Each day there is a short Bible reading and an 'emblem' which can be drawn, coloured or made to hang on a 'tree'. There is so much potential for how this can develop - often our 'school' activities consist of some reading, writing including copywork, drawing and colouring, narration of a story, acting out a story, reading around the area using either the Bible or reference books, and sometimes watching short youtube clips such as biographies or childrens' Bible stories (the <a href="https://www.google.co.uk/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=youtube%20beginners%20bible">Beginners' Bible</a> is particularly good as it is Bible based and does not have too many distracting features in it).<br />
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I am looking forward to starting this project tomorrow, and am much in prayer that the boys grow in their understanding of advent and what Christmas really means.<br />
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For each day, I have made envelopes with the Bible reference on the outside and the emblems on the inside. This year, I've printed them out and mounted them onto coloured card, and we have a simple branch that is spray painted silver that we will tie them onto. I will use that as the base, and then, depending on interest, energy levels and the schedule for the day, have other related activities up my sleeve. I don't want to push them to do too much, so am needing to temper my enthusiasm slightly with some realism too!<br />
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I wonder whether you do anything special for advent, and if you'd like to share some encouragements?Kondwanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02290415492637315025noreply@blogger.com0