One of the Hazards of Home Schooling

I've had a wonderful time reading all of the book suggestions this school year that we've had while using the materials through Door Posts.  We use Plants Grown Up and Polished Cornerstones for character training, writing, business, finances and as many other topics we can glean from the materials.

This year my oldest son, DA, decided to study the section on "Loving a Wife."  The section begins with memory verses as follows~

Genesis 2:23
Proverbs 18:22
Romans 13:10
1 Corinthians 7:1-5
1 Corinthians 11:3
1 Corinthians 13:1-8
Ephesians 5:22-33
Colossians 3:19-21
1 Peter 3:7

When I brought DA's list to my husband to review, I asked him if it would be a good idea for us to read those books before he completes this section.  He agreed.  We do this so that if there are issues that come up in our conversations, we will be fully aware of what they are reading as well as where their questions are originating.

While reading through the section, you would see books like Dating vs. Courtship by Paul Jehle, Christian Manhood by Gary Maldaner, Establishing Biblical Standards of Courtship by ATI [converted to be included in the Wisdom Booklets], Youthful Romance: Scriptural Patterns by Jonathan Lindvall [pamphlet now converted to article online],  Passion and Purity by Elisabeth Elliot, and last but certainly not least Preparing for Marriage God's Way by Wayne and Nathan Mack.  This list is in no way exhaustive, but gives you some idea of what needs to be read and studied.

I have read quite a few books this year.  Currently I have at least 5 of them going on at any given time.  I have them tucked in areas where I can access them to read for just a few pages, then move on with other activities.  I've read His Perfect Faithfulness by Eric and Leslie Ludy, Love and Respect by Emmerson Eggerichs, The Love Dare by Alex and Stephen Kendrick and I am currently reading Becoming Heirs Together of the Grace of Life by Jeff and Marge Barth.

You get the idea...

A LOT of reading!

While at the moment, you may be thinking that with all this reading, the reading itself is the hazard which the topic of this blog post is referring.  

Rest assured, the sheer amount of reading is a joy to me.  I love to read.

That means the hazard is something else.  

What could it be?  The hazard of reading all these good books on love, respect, marriage, faithfulness, praying for one's spouse, submission [yes, it's in there!], among a host of other things is sheer

CONVICTION!!!!!

Every year we home school our children, the Lord brings something else to my attention that needs to be addressed within ME.  I am responsible for my own growth and change in to the godly person the Lord would like me to be.  It it my responsibility to listen to His voice.  Ultimately, I will stand before the Lord and answer for all the times I didn't listen to Him and in disobedience, went off to do my own thing and reaped the ever so painful consequences of my own actions.

Last Monday a lady told me that I must have the patience of a saint to home school my kids.  At the end of the week, I had another dear friend tell me that I have such patience with my husband and his needs.  I am here to confess that I have NO patience whatsoever!  With each day that I read and study more, I am faced with my own sin and resolve to do just a little better.  Does it always work?  No!  I lose it on a regular basis!    I am nothing without the Lord's grace, mercy, love and strength.  I home school my children to give them a better education based on their own needs.  I do not have the patience of a saint, but I do have the grace and mercy of God and with His strength, I can do all things.  

How is the Lord convicting you lately?  

Have a blessed day!

Regina