Notes from Jeannie Fulbright's talk

As promised (even though it's a bit delayed), I am posting my notes from our recent homeschool support group meeting, when Jeannie Fulbright, author of Apologia science curriculum, was our speaker. It was so nice to meet her in person and hug her neck after knowing her in blogland and on facebook. :)

I think I have heard or read all of these verses before, but it's not possible to have them in front of me too often! Especially when considering them in light of parenting and home-teaching. (Just the other day, I came across the phrase "home-teaching" and immediately decided I like it better than home-schooling. It just seems to have a different connotation. But that's for another post.) Our job as parents, of course, is not just to keep our kids out of trouble or give them good study skills; God has entrusted them to us, and we are to disciple them. Jeannie shared these verses: 

• Proverbs 22:6 -- "Train up a child in the way he should go..." In this passage, the word for "train" really means "dedicate," as in being devoted to a particular purpose. "Way" means path or journey, and we must send them down this path chosen for them by God according to their unique "bent."
  
  
• Ephesians 2:10 -- At the creation of the world, God planned what each of our children would do. Just think about that! When God created the world long ago, He planned what YOU would do, and He planned what your CHILDREN would do! That is mind-blowing, humbling, and reassuring.
  
  
• Colossians 1:9 -- live worthy of the Lord. In everything.
  
  
• Romans 12:1 -- be a living sacrifice. Do not conform to the patterns of this world! This one in particular hit home for me. This was right at the time when Ken and I were praying about what to do in relation to Lindsey's schooling. Having her in the two-day/week hybrid homeschool program was a huge blessing because we could legally do that even before her adoption was final (we had to have permission from the state of Georgia for anything other than public school) and we believe it was a great transition from public school. Many of our friends have children in this program, and it is a great program. Lindsey wanted to be in public school. All these things were weighing on our minds, and it's easy to look to others to see what is working in their families, but God didn't call us to parent based on what the world -- or our friends -- are doing. Parenting (and homeschooling!) is not a one-size-fits-all kind of thing! I needed to hear this to have the courage to make what was likely to be an unpopular decision. 

We don't have to figure it out on our own; God will lead and guide us!
"The LORD will guide you always..." (Isaiah 58:11); "You guide me with Your counsel..." (Psalm 73:24); "Guide me in Your truth and teach me..." (Psalm 25:5); "I am teaching you the way of wisdom; I am guiding you on straight paths" (Proverbs 4:11); "the Spirit... will guide you into all truth..." (John 16:13).

It is our job as parents to help our children learn to walk in His will.
How do we do this?

1. Pray and earnestly seek God to reveal their calling. We must consider what comes naturally to them, but use discernment about whether this is what they have been called to do.
   
2. Impart a vision to them that they were created for a purpose, and that they have great value. Encourage them and build them up. Jeremiah 29:11 is written on Lindsey's bedroom wall, and it's a verse we've memorized around here: "For I know the plans I have for you... plans to give you a hope and a future."
3. Provide opportunities for your children to develop their gifts and talents.
   We don't want to fall into the trap of giving them a "general education" like in public school; homeschool allows for specialization. (And don't do things just because their friends -- or our friends -- do it!) There is no reason to take time out of our days for things we can do at home; save that time for specializing. Be purposeful. Jeannie's example was about her eldest daughter, who is soon to leave home to train to be a professional ballerina. If they had spent time running around town to do the science class all of her friend attended (not her daughter's bent), they would not have had time to allow her to pursue ballet.
   
4. If your child is not passionate, don't push it. If we have to push it, it is not a true passion. Her example here was about her son playing baseball. He enjoys it, and they currently have time for it, but it is merely a pleasant past-time for him, and something he can do with his dad; it is not a true passion.
   
5. Don't fight every battle for them. Allow them to experience natural consequences. Obviously, there are times we need to step in, but we need to help prepare them for life as an adult.
   
6. The thing to focus on is spiritual growth; don't fall into "academic attack."
   The point of homeschooling is their walk with God. My friend Jenifer has said that she doesn't care if her kids grow up to be doctors or janitors, as long as they love the Lord with all their heart. Amen to that! Spiritual maturity produces excellence in ALL things, so if we focus on that, everything else will fall into place. Focusing on the academics is putting the cart before the horse, so to speak. Remember Ephesians 5:15-16: "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil."
   
7. Believe these truths in your heart and live accordingly!
   Psalms 138:8 -- "The LORD will fulfill His purpose for me... [and your children!]"

I hope this blessed you as much as it did me!