Thankful Thursday: Vision to Homeschool or Be Holy?

It's Thankful Thursday, and I'm very, very grateful for the family times we've had together lately, and the way I see God working in my two grown children. (Visit Iris at Grace Alone to read other thankful posts--Thanks, Iris, for hosting this month!)

I'm so thankful for prayer, and that the Holy Spirit works in each of  us, including my children--it's not going to be me, but His Spirit, that changes or produces Godliness (holiness or the desire to be holy) in them!  He does such an infinitely better job than me!  Why do I even try to do His job?!  We watched two thought-provoking videos together this week (both made by Homeschoolers, incidentally).  The first was

Heartstrings.

The Story

"While prior Siblings episodes found the Moore family at home, Heartstrings takes us on the road.  During a family road trip, the Moores' vehicle breaks down outside a bed and breakfast, where they choose to spend the night.  Jeff Moore soon notices that Jim Morton, the owner of the bed and breakfast, seems troubled.  Before long, Gator's curiosity and sleuthing abilities find him crossways with a mysterious stranger in the middle of a secret treasure hunt, trying to unlock a family mystery.  The adventure, comedy, and drama of Heartstrings make this film a real treasure families can enjoy!"

My opinion:

Heartstrings challenges fathers to intentionally tie "strings" every day to their children's hearts (a message every father needs to hear) that eventually will be so strong that they can't be broken. Though the movie is somewhat "amateurish" appearing, the concept and challenge within was "point on", and my favorite character, Gator, was great, as usual.  He steals the show!

The second DVD we watched was

Homeschool Dropouts.

From the producers of Return of the Daughters and Father to Son comes a revealing documentary featuring Homeschool graduates who take a critical look at how to preserve the modern home education movement. Their findings may surprise you. Homeschooled children have unique advantages as well as a unique legacy. Will they build on it, or drift back into the spiritual wilderness? What will tomorrow’s Homeschool graduates do with the vision, the foundation, and the freedom that their parents have provided for them? Careful research by the seven Botkin children opens a window on the true state of American Homeschooled youth ages 15-30, revealing six specific sins that could lead to the death of the Home Education experiment if not dealt with directly by second-generation Christian Homeschoolers. This controversial documentary addresses the spiritual threats to the movement, and explores how faithfulness can be maintained for a hopeful future. 

This film challenged the "2nd generation" Homeschoolers to embrace a vision of not only Homeschooling their own children, but of being holy! This excellent film was produced by the Botkin family's children.  They identified key elements in the potential "failure" in passing on the baton of Homeschooling from one generation to the next.  But the proof of the excellence of this documentary, and its success in its objectives, at least for me, was in the reaction of my family after it ended!  Jerry, Dane and Kelsey all were so charged up to invite everyone we know to watch it, and they were talking about who to invite--who "needs" to see it--and discussing the subject matter further!  I definitely am thankful when a movie that has a meaningful and deep message grips my family's heart like that!  I thought the movie was sobering and challenging, but it made me very grateful for my own two children, and their vision for holiness...and Homeschooling!  I see my children pursuing holiness.  Most blessed was I this week, as well, when my daughter turned to me, and passionately expressed, "Thank you for Homeschooling me!"

You are VERY WELCOME! (Thank the Lord!)