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!)

Who Do You Allow to Stand Before You?

One of my husband's favorite sayings to us is:

"Be careful who you're allowing

to stand before you: to teach you,"

to influence you, as an example for you and your family. 

Everyone you read or listen to, the blogs, on facebook, twitter, the music, the videos, DVDs, movies, magazines, MP3s...every one of them is a "Teacher."  Are they "edifying"?

Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace,

and things wherewith one may EDIFY another. (Romans 14:19)

EDIFY = To construct, build up or establish.

ED'IFY, v.t. [L. oedifico; oedes, a house, and facio, to make.]
2. To instruct and improve the mind in knowledge generally,and particularly in moral and religious knowledge, in faith and holiness.
Edify one another. 1 Thessalonians 5.
3. To teach or persuade. [Not used.]
Ephesians 4:25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.


TEACH
1. To instruct; to inform; to communicate to another the knowledge of that of which he was before ignorant.
He will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths. Isaiah 2.
2. To deliver any doctrine, art, principles or words for instruction. In vain they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. Matthew 15.
3. To tell; to give intelligence.
4. To instruct, or to practice the business of an instructor; to use or follow the employment of a preceptor; as, a man teaches school for a livelihood.
5. To show; to exhibit so as to impress on the mind.
If some men teach wicked things, it must be that others may practice them.
6. To accustom; to make familiar.
They have taught their tongue to speak lies. Jeremiah 9.
7. To inform or admonish; to give previous notice to.
For he taught his disciples, and said--Mark 9.
8. To suggest to the mind.
For the Holy Spirit shall teach you in that same hour what ye ought to say. Luke 12.
9. To signify or give notice.
He teacheth with his fingers. Proverbs 6.
10. To counsel and direct. Habakkuk 2.

Edifying = "Building up in christian knowledge; instructing; improving the mind."

God of Wonders

I have given you many recommendations for good books to read, and I will give you more in the future, but today I want to give you a recommendation for an excellent DVD.





Our family was given this DVD for Christmas, and we watched it together this past week. Well, all I can say is, "It's fantastic!"

"God's wonders surround us. And these marvels reveal much about our Creator. Through creation we glimpse His power and wisdom, His majesty and care. Creation is speaking to those who will listen..."

The cinematography is awe-inspiring, the factual information mind-stretching, and throughout the whole it is faith-building and glorifying to our Awesome Creator!

One of the elements which makes this an excellent DVD to give to your unsaved or questioning relatives and friends, besides having in your own DVD library, is the presence onscreen of obviously extremely intelligent and educated scientists who believe in Jesus Christ, experts in various scientific fields, who relate scientific and spiritual truth and information which supports the Biblical creation story. Homeschoolers note: This is an excellent Science resource!

I highly recommend this DVD for you and your family.

Thankful Thursday: "Courageous" The Movie and The Man

It's Thankful Thursday (visit Laurie at "Women Taking A Stand" to participate).

"Courageous"

Sherwood Productions is coming out with a new movie called "Courageous"--Watch the sneek-peek below in which Alex and Stephen Kendrick talk about the theme of their upcoming film, which is men answering the call to courageously lead their families.

Well, today I'm grateful for my husband, who is 

A Courageous Man!

He is faithfully leading our family, in a time when men who do so are attacked, belittled, put down, and bombarded with messages to do otherwise.  I respect this man of God, and admire the courage he displays everyday to do what is right in the face of tremendous opposition.  Today, I want to express my thankfulness for my courageous husband.

 

"...our fathers have told us.  We will not hide them from their children, showing to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done."

Psalm 78:4