Best Laugh of the Week

By MAD21

Have you ever noticed that if someone around you is smiling or laughing about something, that it's hard to resist? Kind of like the whole yawn-thing, once you see someone do it, you feel inclined to do the same.

A good friend of mine sent me a link to this video yesterday. If this doesn't brighten your day, nothing will.

The New Miss Manners

By Alan

Back in the day when Emily Post was the ruler of all things polite, and her book Etiquette was the definitive work on how to conduct yourself at home, business, and even politics. Her syndicated column (currently written by her great-grandson has been read for over 70 years, and many of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and even great-great-grandchildren all have decided to follow in her footsteps.

However much people try to think about how politeness and manners are outdated, and out of fashion, they are not only relevant but even more important than ever.

Imagine if we had civil and polite activity in politics? Shouting over top someone during a national speech would be impolite, and therefore avoided. Listening while someone else is talking would be the standard. Incorporating the ideas of the counter-party in points of your own during healthy debate would show that each was paying attention to the other.

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The Bible's Definition Of A Good Education: Part 2 - Understanding

By Jason, M.Ed., M.A.R., Headmaster

“For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” (Proverbs 2:6, NKJV)

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” (Proverbs 9:10, NKJV)

Just a reminder before we begin: God calls parents to the responsibility of educating their children.  Whether you home school or send your children to a school outside your home, you are still responsible before God for how your children are being educated.  Each one of us who is called to be a parent is also called to be an educator.  This series of articles deals with “academic” things, but they are things relevant to every parent and everyone who ever hopes to be a parent-- or anyone who wants to learn anything faithfully.

In Part 1, we explored the first component of a Biblically faithful education: knowledge.  Knowledge must be the first step in learning anything. In order for us to develop understating and wisdom about a subject, we must first know it.  In order for me to understand the causes of the Civil War properly, I must first know that there was a Civil War and the major events leading up to it.  In order for me to understand the major themes and the flow of the argument of Romans, I must first know that the Book of Romans exists and I must know its basic content.  Understanding without knowledge will always be unsound and incomplete. 

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Jumping In, Taking Risks, Trusting God

By MAD21

When you have an idea to do something new, it can be very scary to take that leap. Especially when it's something that the world can see. If you do well, that's great! If you fail, well, everyone will see that, too.

This entire blogging experience has been a total walk of faith for me. I had no idea where God was going to take it [or will continue to take it!]. After only five months, it has already grown into something so much bigger and better than I had ever anticipated. It has been such a blessing to me. To say I have enjoyed working with the friends who help to contribute to it would be an understatement. I honestly pray that this experience has blessed them as much as it has me.

One of the greatest things that has happened since beginning this blog, is meeting new friends and building a community. I love reading all the comments and blogs of our new friends. It seems we all share in the desire to show the world that one at a time, we all can Make A Difference.

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Homeschooling In Tough Times

By Sandra

I’ve been talking to my children lately about the economy and why we need to prioritize, cut back, or consolidate car trips around town to make good use of our gasoline.  The country’s economic plight has provided a framework for regular discussions at our home--practical lessons in conserving, planning instead of doing things impulsively, and seeking wise counsel before making big decisions.

Friends of ours, fellow homeschoolers, have been struggling with finances over the past six months, and now find themselves grappling for a “Plan B,” due to the now-likely scenario of job loss.  What happens to homeschooling families in these times?  How does a financial earthquake rattle the foundation of a family, even a tightly-knit one, during unstable times?  Is my family prepared for this kind of curve ball?

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