Book 3/12

I just finished reading another book...

The funny thing about this is I thought I was ordering a different book by the same author. (Beyond Survival) Anyway this ended up being a great read. This book is about having abundant-life while homeschooling teenagers. I just so happen to have a teenager!!!

"A harvest takes time... and effort and patience and sun and rain and diligence and love. So does raising children" Diana Waring

Part One: Tilling The Ground

• Teenagers can be the greatest blessing in your life or the greatest curse in your life. The difference between whether your child will be the greatest blessing in your life or the greatest curse is... what you do with them from here on out... how you raise them everyday from now on.

• Spending time together as a family is absolutely without a doubt one of the most important parts of this journey.

• Really listen to them and show them that their opinions count.

• Create an atmosphere and an attitude where hearts, dreams, and concerns can safely be revealed.

"God has been at work in them, in the deep and hidden places of their hearts, and we will never know anything about it if we don't shut our mouths and quit directing their EVERY step, and just listen to them." (p. 16)

Proverbs 14:1, The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down. (This is one of my favorite verses.)

Part Two: Sowing The Seed

• A Young person's guide to self-motivation. (This is meant to read with your teen.)

• How to eat an elephant! One bite at a time, of course. (my personal favorite saying.)
  

There are many sections in this part that would make great family devotions to read to all of your kids.

Part Three: Reaping The Harvest

The earth is the LORD'S and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it. Psalm 24:1

• "So, if the entire world belongs to God, if our God is the Lord over heaven and earth, how does that impact our hoeschooling endeavors? For me, it has put everything into perspective. The really important subjects are no longer math, science, history, literature... but humility, obedience, faithfulness... before the Lord. This is not a case of "either/or". This is "both/and," though in the right order! It's not a case of academics OR character. It is both academics AND character, but character changes position and takes the lead: character AND academics." (p. 159)

• "The really important goals of homeschooling are no longer an impressive university, a high-paying job, or an ability to impress people with big words used correctly but God-breathed Christianity lived out in a life of service to the Lord." (p. 160)

• "It is through education that we can either open students up to the wonder of God's world and His personal care, or close them up in a meaningless, mechanistic universe. It is through education that we can display the reality of a student's worth and value by teaching them in a way they can understand, or manipulate and destroy them by rigid, unyielding methods that leave them feeling stupid. It is through education that we can broaden a student's horizon and inspire them to greatness, or train them to do mindless work with no questions asked. Education is powerful." (p. 182)

Okay... I think you get it... I love this book and will be referring to it often. I leave you with just one more quote from Diana

WINGS
To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven.
A time to change diapers, A time to give diplomas;
A time to chauffeur, A time to hand over the car keys;
A time to call them in for a nap, A time to take a nap yourself;
A time to discipline, A time to let the Lord correct them;
A time to hold on, A time to let go;
A time to give roots, A time to grant wings.

~Diana Waring, 2001

Boy, do I have a lot to learn!