In Him

Every so often I get an email from The Old Schoolhouse (a homeschooling magazine I subscribe to) which does a run down on a certain theme or subject.  This time it was Home Ec.  Todd Wilson is one of the colomnists, his column is called The Familyman.  The following article is what he wrote for this issue.  Brilliant.

The Familyman
Todd Wilson, Familyman Ministries

After a quick Google search, I found that the term Home Economics was coined in 1899. I’m guessing that some pubic school brainiac officials decided that school needed to be more like home. I assume the thinking went along these lines:
    
“Ladies and gentlemen . . . academics are not enough. Our young women need to learn the valuable skills of preparing meals and managing a home. I suggest that we teach homemaking skills and call it something institutional sounding like . . . home economics. Ooo, we could even shorten it to Home Ec. All in favor say, ‘Aye.’”
    
Since then, public and private schools have not only been teaching Home Ec, but in recent times they have also modeled THEIR schools after what we already do in our homes.
    
They let their students build things with wood and metal and call it “industrial arts.” They have turned finger painting into “art class.” They call playing, “gym” and “recess.” They plant gardens, go on nature walks, and teach children how to get along with each other.
    
In short, they KNOW that the best place to teach children is in the HOME and have spent the last 100 years now trying to make their schools more like it.
    
In light of that, why do we homeschoolers try to make OUR homes like THEIR schools?? We need to stop and do what we do best. So, Mom and Dad, let’s teach our children to cook, clean, and care for the needs of our home and those who live in it . . . but please, PLEASE don’t call it Home Ec. It’s just home.

Be real,
Todd

I read this small article in the May edition of the Challenge newspaper.  Some good advice. 

Family Finances

So many of us get trapped into a discontented life by adopting needlessly excessive goals. These goals always boil down to more, bigger, best. And as soon as we accept these sky-high standards, indulgence, greed, and pride can rule our lives.

In our society it is not normal to “step down.” Instead, once a certain level of income (or spending) has been attained, it is considered a failure to step down. But, is the concept of conservation and moderation really a loser’s attitude? Not according to God’s Word, the Bible.

To find true contentment, some basic guidelines must be established.

1. Establish a reasonable standard of living.

Since there is no universal plan that is suitable for everyone, this must be a standard established among husband, wife, and God. Just having an abundance is not a sign of God’s blessings.

2. Establish a habit of giving.

Find out how your family can be directly involved in contributing to the needs of another family. There are many Christian charities and organizations that act as a funnel for such funds. If you can’t be personally involved, this is the best alternative.

3. Establish priorities.

Many people are discontented, not because they aren’t doing well, but because others are doing better. Too often we let the urgent things take priority over the important things.

4. Develop a thankful attitude.

Thankfulness is a state of mind, not an accumulation of assets. We will not have true contentment until we truly thank God for what we have, and willingly accept that as God’s provision for our lives.

5. Reject a fearful spirit.

We can get trapped into hoarding because we fear the “what- ifs?” of retirement, disability, unemployment, or economic collapse. Obviously, God wants us to consider these things and even plan for them, within reason, but when fear dictates us to the point that worry becomes the norm rather than the exception, then we need to rethink our priorities and seek God’s wisdom.

Finding contentment is the solution to reversing the growing debt levels in our society. Contentment does not mean complacency or living according to strict rules. Contentment instead requires a personal relationship with God and finding His plan for our lives.

Lloyd Woodrow - Crown Financial Ministries - crown@crown.com.au
Copied from Challenge Newspaper May 2008 edition
http://www.challengenews.org/showstory.php?i=2008/may&s=story_4&r=2008/may/&l=AU&f=NKNE

Yes I said CD player.  I’m one of the few who doesn’t own, nor intend to own a digital music player.  I like my tapes, records and CDs.

My faves at the moment are (in no particular order).

     Steven Curtis Chapman - All Things New

     Pillar - For the Love of the Game

     Casting Crowns - Lifesong

     Vivaldi - Four Seasons

As you can see I have a varied taste in music from classical to alternative heavy metal, so if you’re into music and like to be surprised, keep an eye on here.  (oh and I have no idea who would be in the top 10 over the past 10 years, so if it’s “popular” music you’re into, don’t bother!!! lol)

Notice the blanket I just finished in the background too.  I started it last year usuing up old scraps of wool from other projects, the finished result is old fashioned with new fashion colours!  I like it and it’s warm on my chair.

As the temperatures are dropping here in Merredin, the opposite side of the world is enjoying the warmth of summer.  I was just reading some emails and one of them from ‘The Old Schoolhouse’ was titled “Summer Fun”.  It struck me as weird as I’m freezing my hands off here, so I thought I’d read it.  One contributor’s article I found valuable, no matter what time of the year or season it is.  Enjoy the read.

It’s Just Common Sense
Ruth Beechick, Curriculum Specialist

I’m not going to add to the summer fun ideas that is the topic for this week. Instead, I’m going to suggest that you turn off your schooling mindset sometimes this summer. Do things for yourself and let the children do for themselves.Homeschool kids aren’t usually the ones who say “I’m bored. What can I do?” But if one ever does, he needs to learn how to get unbored without somebody planning all his time for him.