Goodbye to Christmas (Part II): Why?

Welcome back!  This is the second installment to my multi-post series about our family saying "Goodbye to Christmas".  If you are just joining in, I recommend you first read my last post, "Goodbye to Christmas (Part I)",  which I think pretty much explains my heart for these posts. ♥  It's the story of our family's journey in making opposite-world changes and how we celebrate the holidays.

A Confession

How many times have I wished I knew then what I know now; and I'm sure I'll think the same thing about now in a few more years. It's embarrassing to think back on the errors of my past.  I blush at the thought of some of the things I have said in the past (or at least thought)! (a moment of blushing)

I must confess that there has been more than one time in the past that I have probably been too judgemental of those who never seem to acknowledge that "Jesus is the Reason for the Season"; who treated Christmas in a secular fashion -- perhaps via Christmas cards or a store policy where saying "Merry Christmas" was banned from employees.

    

  So now here I am eating crow -- I was terribly wrong!  I thought Jesus was the reason for the season, at least that is what I was always taught, only to find out that He is NOT, not originally, nor should He be now.

A Prompting of Change

Now I understand the arguments... I had them too.
Here are some of the top arguments that I once had and the Bible verses that prompted me to leave Christmas behind.  After all, who can argue with God?
(Special Thanks to 119 Ministries for such cool graphics that fit nicely with what I'm trying to say ~ I like pictures :)). 

1. One might say it was a pagan holiday, but the pagan associations were lost long ago. 

It is widely known and published in hundreds of sources and encyclopedias (both Christian & secular) that December 25th was a pagan holiday rooted in cultic sun god worship; celebrating the "Birth of the Sun" to sun god Mithra worshipers as well as the time of the Saturnalia festivities to Rome's pagan god, Saturn. It's a big day steeped in pagan roots.  And although it may seem a bit out-there around our circle of friends, believe it or not, some pagans still do worship the sun and Mithra worship is now having a rebirth.  Yes, it is very good to think on the LORD any and every day, but to specifically celebrate Christ on a day that was set aside for heathen worship, adopting pagan sun god ways and traditions to worship & celebrate the One True God is totally contrary to God's Word.

"You shall not behave thus toward the Lord your God, for every abominable act which the Lord hates they have done for their gods; for they even burn their sons and daughters in the fire to their gods."  Deuteronomy 12:31

 "You shall not act like this [copy the pagan's worshiped of their idols] toward the Lord your God. But you shall seek the Lord at the place which the Lord your God will choose..." Deuteronomy 12:4-5a  The LORD is very specific throughout His Word as to how and even where we should worship Him!

^"Thus says the Lord, “Do not learn the way of the nations, And do not be terrified by the signs of the heavens, Although the nations are terrified by them;" Jeremiah 10:2

Our same LORD that said He does not change (Malachi 3:6) and Jesus who is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8) does not change His mind.  What was an abomination back then is still an abomination today, God detests it! 

2. We Christianized it long ago -- Jesus is the reason for the season!

Not really.  Here is what happened in a nutshell...The Church of Rome was unable to eradicate the heathen celebration of Saturnalia, so the Church of Rome, sometime in the 4th century (before 336 A.D.), designated a fest of the Nativity to be observed, an assimilation with the Mithraic festival of the birth of the sun.  Basically all the heathen practices in worshiping their false gods were retained; the Catholic Church just decided to label it Jesus' birthday to make it okay -- if you can't beat them, join them, right?  Christmas is an adaptation of a pagan festival and "what hath light to do with darkness?"  But in 1555 it was forbidden again due to such pagan practices.  The Pilgrims who came to America in 1620 were strict Puritans and didn't celebrate Christmas.  Christmas was outlawed in Boston from 1659-1681.  The great reform pastor, C.H. Spurgeon, spoke of Christmas in several of his sermons, "There are no probabilities whatever that our Savior Jesus Christ was born on that day [Dec. 25th] and the observance of it is purely of Popish origin" (1855); "the "holy" days were arranged to fit in with the heathen festivals" (1871).

Another thing worth mentioning is that the world LOVES Christmas, yet Jesus even warned that the world hates Him. Why does the world love Christmas, because of course, it has all to do with the vanity and greed of mankind. Just pay attention to all the ads now days... "Merry Moolah, Happy Honda Days", etc., and then there's Joe Boxer of course (rolling eyes).  One might be hard pressed to find anything that speaks of a Christian holy day because we all know we don't want to offend an Atheist or Muslim with the mention of Christ on a so-called Christian holiday, yet the stores sure don't mind your sales. 

3. The pagan thing, that's not what it means to me...

No, I'm sure it doesn't.  But what we think doesn't mean a hill of beans.  The important thing is what God sees.  If we say we are doing Bible/God things, then we must do them Bible/God's way.  God specifically warns against taking what He calls an abomination and using it to worship Him.

4. Besides, I don't worship a tree...

AnneElliott.com/The Day We Took the Christmas Tree Down

Perhaps not (although just suggest removing it from some homes and you might hear some protest), but why even bring one into our homes and decorate it?  What does a tree have to do with the birth of Christ?  This practice was a carryover from heathen worship.  The One True God of the Bible tells us to not worship & celebrate Him in the same way the heathens worship & celebrate their false gods.    

5. God knows my heart, I'm sincere.

Shall we obey our heart or the Word of God?  Remember what the Bible says about our hearts... "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" Jeremiah 17:9

6. We celebrate the birthday of baby Jesus, "Jesus it the Reason for the Season".

If Jesus is the Reason, why is it not mentioned in the Bible?

Nowhere in the Bible does it state the date of Jesus' birth, but it is well known that it was NOT on December 25 nor in winter for that matter, but in the fall, believed to be at the time of the Feast of Tabernacles (The LORD's Feasts are perfect).  Jesus never instructed us to celebrate His or anyones' birthday.  In fact, birthday celebration only seemed to be the practice of the heathen as seen in the Bible with Pharaoh (Genesis 40:20) and Herod (Matthew 14:6 & Mark 6:21).  The Bible tells us, "A good name is better than a good ointment, And the day of one’s death is better than the day of one’s birth." Ecclesiastes 7:1    

7. Does God care how I worship Him as long as I worship Him?

Yes, God does care very much and it should care to us as well.  All our Christmas traditions are adopted from pagan customs from the worship of their false gods (the tree, evergreens, wreath, yule log, holly, mistletoe, Santa & elves, everything!).  None of it is rooted in truth; but false gods.

"But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him.  God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”  John 4:23-24  

We can't pick & choose what parts of God's Word we should obey or ignore, nor can we worship God any way we choose.  The Bible repeatedly admonishes us against everyone doing what is right in their own eyes.  These words are not just for the "bad guys" but to Christians as well.  The Bible is our Owner's Manual for Life!

8. But it's tradition!  What will our family & friends say?

I know, this is the toughy.  But what is more important, to obey our heart, which remember is deceitful; and family traditions, which are here today and gone in a vapor, or our eternal God? 

"And he said unto them, Full well do ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your tradition.  ...making void the Word of God by your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things ye do."  Mark 7:9,13

So after reading all this some may be thinking like I did, "Oh Bummer, now what do I do?" 

Well, that's between you and God, but one thing is for certain, you cannot ignore the Truth.  We are all accountable before God.

One thing I might suggest is don't just take my word for it, but be a Berean...

 "Now these were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of the mind, examining the Scriptures daily, whether these things were so" Acts 17:11

There's a ton of sources on the internet and in hard print that can take you into further study about the subject and far more eloquently than I.

One source that I particularly like is the 2-part online video series (also in transcript) called "Sunburned" by 119 Ministries.  

  

 

 Sunburned - Part 1 | 119 Ministries
http://119ministries.com/sunburned-part-2

Another SUPER one is "Truth or Tradition" by Passion for Truth Ministries.
This teaching on symbols of Christmas, Easter, and Churches will SHOCK You as it did me!
I wish everybody would watch this one.

http://passionfortruth.com/media/video/ouf86082/j4a7qg1g

   I guess for me personally, it wasn't what any one person said, but what the Word of God said that was so convincing to me.  If I truly say that I wish to take God at His Word, then I better put my words into action.  After all, it's all for Him, right?  If people reject me for this, well then, that's nothing compared to what He went through for me. ♥




Family, friends, and strangers won't understand such a 180°.  Some may be offended thinking we just want to appear holier than Thou, which is far from our intent.  Seriously, I wouldn't care if anyone knew what we were doing (it sure would be easier), but I wanted to share as I know some of my readers are traveling down this same road or thinking about it.  And I have to say, I am certainly not anyone's Holy Spirit, nor do I want to be.  I'm too busy trying to get my own life straight to worry about yours.  (uh, that sounded uncaring didn't it?  But I hope you know what I mean.  I'm not preaching at anyone.)

Just because we don't do Christmas doesn't mean we don't LOVE the LORD, nor does it mean that we don't love those that do Christmas.  I don't go crazy over it -- if someone wishes me a Merry Christmas, I'll still smile big and return a hearty greeting.  We still love joining the extended family for food and fellowship, just don't expect me to initiate a "Christmas-themed tea", as fun as that might be :).

Alright, I've went on way too long.
Next time I'll post about what we do -- Hanukkah.

Love you guys!
jane 

Goodbye to Christmas (Part I)

 Goodbye to Christmas (Part I)

What I'm about to share is just that... I'm sharing...

 our journey.
I'm not here to argue with or belittle anyone ~ or cause division or hard feelings.  I'm simply sharing

the story of our family.
It's yet another opposite-world change we have been making at our home for over the past ten years -- undergoing a huge transformation as we attempt to weed out many of the teachings, customs, & traditions of today's Christian faith that are simply not Biblical; that is, either not in the Bible, or often contrary to God's teachings.



No, Mr. Grinch & Mr. Scrooge did not come to visit; nor was it the result of an eggnog-induced whim.  What took place at our house this past week has been a long-time brewing... ten years to be exact!  And although I'm more of the visionary/impulsive one in our family & apt for change, as we all know, most families don't operate that way nor does God usually work on the hearts of everyone in the same way at the same pace.  However, over the years we have ever-so gradually changed our family's Christmas (& Easter) traditions until finally last week we loaded up the van with our artificial tree and Christmas decor and headed to the thrift store.

I can't say this was super easy; no, no tears were shed, but it was the end of an era for our family.  It was saying goodbye to some long-time traditions wrapped up in fond memories and putting the final nail in the coffin (as to speak) -- sealing our decision.  And, I must admit, there were a couple of items that weren't cheap... someone is going to get a great deal. :)  Yet it was very freeing at the same time.



  Now I have to admit, there is a strong draw to the allure & romance of the season for sure.  The malls & main streets are just so festive with all the lights & music -- everyone is caught up in the shopping and giving/receiving of gifts.  People are smiling and everything is decked out in it's finest.

But, as hard as this is to say (and believe me, I really don't wish to sound this harsh), isn't that just like satan to pull out all the stops to entice even the best of us?  (Speaking to myself here as I, more than anyone, can get so caught up in the romance, the decor, and the festivities of the season.)  Yet, as our family began to really learn the pagan meaning behind everything Christmas, the allure began to fade.  By the time Christmas rolled around last year, even with the very little bit of decorations we still had left from years of purging, the whole idea of putting up a tree became more of a dreaded chore for the girls -- our hearts just weren't in it.

Next time you will hear a confession and a little about what really spoke to me/us that prompted such a 180° change in our holiday celebrations

Celebrating the Fall Feasts

As promised, here is my little post continuing on how we celebrated Yahweh's (the LORD's) Appointed Feasts this year.







As a bit of review, there are 7 Feasts, 4 in the spring and 3 in the fall.  The spring feasts look back at what our Messiah has already fulfilled: the fall feasts look ahead to what soon will take place.
  

In an effort of trying not to repeat myself on why our family celebrates the Feasts and/or to see how we celebrated the Spring Feasts, here are links to my previous posts which I think covers it fairly well (click on images) if you wish to read:



 

Passover 2014

Counting the Omer Project 

So now we will focus on the Fall Feasts, they are:

 

Yom Teruah (aka Feast of Trumpets & Rosh Hashanah) Lev. 23:24

Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) Lev. 23:27

Succoth (aka Sukkoth or Sukkot; Feast of Tabernacles or Booths; The Feast of Ingathering) Lev. 23:34

 

~~~~ Purpose of the Feasts & What we did ~~~~ 



 

Feast 5: Feast of Trumpets/Rosh Hashanah:  Observed with trumpets (shofar), rest, and offerings!  Trumpets & Day of Atonement  are considered the holiest days of the (Jewish) year.  Trumpets is the beginning of 10 days called "High Holy Days" or "Days of Awe" and ends with Yom Kippur.  The Father commanded us to blow the shofar (ram's horn) on this Holy Day, however does not state why -- perhaps as a memorial.  Trumpets were used for several reasons throughout the Bible.:

• Calling the Congregation Together on Holy Days: Yom Teruah (Heb. for "Head" of the Month & Rosh Hashanah ("Head" of the Year)  is the Jewish New Year, this is now year 5775.  We celebrate the creation/birthday of the world.  The feast of Trumpets is to be observed on the first day of the seventh month.  This feast is observed as a day of rest on which a holy convocation (assembly) is held, memorial trumpets were/are blown and offerings were made.
• Announcing God!:  It is also somewhat of a Coronation Day anniversary -- just as kings blew trumpets to let it be known of the anniversary of the beginning of their reign, so we celebrate the Kingship of the Creator with the blowing of the shofar.
• Offerings/Sacrifices on Holy Days:  Temple sacrifices ceased in 70AD and our Messiah was the supreme sacrifice for our sins, but God's Word does tell us that to obey is far better than sacrifice.  The sound of the shofar is a wake-up call to hear & obey God's teachings!  When Ezra returned to Jerusalem from exile in Babylon, he read the Law to the people on the Feast of Trumpets.  The Levites were there to help the people understand what was read.  The people listened closely to the Law, blessing the Lord and worshipping Him.
• Call to battle; sound an alarm; sound a victory.
• The trumpet will announce the return of our Messiah (many believe this will be during the Feast of Trumpets).
• The blowing of the shofar reminds us of the great Day of Judgment, that we may all fear the LORD, as it is said in Zeph. 1:14-16.  During the Great Tribulation there will be 7 trumpets sounded to announce seven judgments.

"The great day of Yahweh is near, it is near, and hasteth greatly, even the voice of the day of Yahweh: the mighty man shall cry there bitterly.  That day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of wasteness and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness, a day of the trumpet and alarm...." 

 

What we did:

Centerpiece of Olive Branches with Shana Tovah (Good Year) Banner
surrounded with Apples & Pomegranates
(if you follow my FB, you may recall the donuts had to do with a flat tire incident)



Okay, so this year our Rosh Hashanah didn't quite go as planned.  We had visited my mother that day (Rosh Hashanah beginning at sunset) and it's a long story, but ended up with a flat tire, upon which my husband had to come rescue us (change the tire) -- it was a long, tiring day and we ended up eating at the Pizza Ranch (which is a really nice Christian pizza/chicken buffet), but not quite as I planned.  Somewhere along the way, maybe the following evening, Jeff blew the shofar and we had apples and honey for a sweet new year, and a nice meal.


Feast 6: Yom Kippur/Day of Atonement:  The Days of Awe is a time of Spiritual Awakening & Renewal.  A solemn observance with spiritual introspection, repentance -- of admitting sin & wrong, turning from it, and returning to God; rededication, and growth; ending with Yom Kippur, a High Holy Day of prayer, fasting, and renewal; a time of forgiving others and asking for forgiveness.
 

Another source gave a 4-finger “Spiritual Accounting” similar to a New Years’ Resolution…

1. Achievements: What did I accomplish this past year?
2. Efficiency: Am I careful not to waste precious time?

3. Community: Am I involved in contributing to bettering the world?

4. Forward: What are my goals and aspirations for the coming year?

 

 

What we did:

 

 As in all the Feast Days, there are various ways to observe Yom Kippur.  Our family generally chooses not to  follow Jewish tradition and the Talmud (oral law of the rabbis) as we do not want to add-to, take-away,  legalize, or delineate in any way from what is purely instructed in the Bible or lose sight of the true meaning of what/why we are observing.  Some years we may choose to add some Jewish tradition if we feel it can give even more meaning to the day, but we don't feel bound to do so, nor to do the same thing every year -- only what's in the Bible! 

Yom Kippur is not a big party day like other Feasts; but somber & personal, so that is how we kept it -- in rest, personal prayer, and Bible study.

         

Feast 7: Sukkot/Feast of Tabernacles: Sukkot is a very fun/joyful time, a time of family & friends, a time of feasting and thanksgiving.  In fact, it is believed that when the pilgrims had their first thanksgiving her in America, that it was actually the Feast of Ingathering (harvest) at Sukkot time.

Sukkot is to be observed from the 15th to the 21st day of the seventh month.  The first and eighth day are days of rest.  It is marked by dwelling in booths to remember when the children of Israel lived in booths after God had brought them out of Egypt.  It's a time of offerings, so many give to charities at this time.   We rejoice in how God has blessed us and give as the Lord has provided.  We read the Law and learn to fear the Lord just as Yeshua (Jesus) went to Jerusalem during this feast and taught in the Temple.  God desires to dwell/tabernacle among His people and in the book of Revelation we see that the day is coming when God will tabernacle forever among His people and we will worship Him as our God.

What we did:

Sukkot is one of my favorite feasts.  Unfortunately, here in Minnesota, the weather most usually doesn't cooperate with having a temporary structure, but we keep trying...

The first couple of days the wind was strong and there was no way we
could put up our booth, so we used our sauna haus.

       

Often our Feast days involve learning about the Feast, Biblical instruction, our Messiah in the Feast, and traditional observances.  One of the customs of Sukkot is with the Lulav & Etrog... In Leviticus 23:40 (part of the Sukkot verses) we read: "And ye shall take you on the first day the boughs of goodly trees, branches of palm trees, and the boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook; and ye shall rejoice before Yahweh your Elohim seven days."  I could write a whole post just on this custom, but to try to keep it short, "Lulav" is Hebrew for palm branch, "Etrog" is Hebrew for citron.  (Willow & Myrtle branches are also included in the bunch).  The etrog is held separately from the branch bundle and one recites a blessing & waves the species (wave offering).  As you might guess, palm branches are not readily available in a East Central Minnesota small-town farming/cowboy community, neither are citrons for that matter.  So we improvised -- I was able to get some fern branches that look a lot like palm branches from the florist and we do have a few wild willow bushes close to our house so that was easy.  We used lemons for the citrons (there is a difference, but not much), and we just had to forgo the myrtle.  It was a great learning experience!

It's fun making special meals for the Feasts.
This is one of the dishes I made (for a sauna haus night).
Jamie Oliver's "famous" chicken in milk.  It was good, but
I can't say it was as super as everyone raves.  I did like being able
to use some of our fresh sage from the herb garden though.
 

    

After a couple of days, the wind died down some, but we still chose a somewhat sheltered
area in front of our house to put up our Sukkah (Heb. "booth").
Very Fun!

The weather turned better, but still chilly, plus all the table decor had to come indoors each night to protect it from the weather and any animals that might wander through (like munching deer).

 

 

Our barn cat didn't understand the concept of a table outdoors and wanted
to join us. I fixed a big crockpot of stew to help keep us warm -- not fancy, but functional.   

 

We hung my little chandelier in the tent and used a battery-operated volite.


Unfortunately, our little sukkah dwelling was short-lived.  We had been out all day Sunday and upon our return, we saw that the wind had picked up, and picked up our sukkah and moved it several feet, dropping it next to our front step and mangling one of the tent legs (which I now have to see if I can order a new one). ~ sigh

Between the cold & the wind, and breaking our tent, that pretty much put an end to our Sukkot.  It was fun while it lasted!!! And we are always hopeful of a better celebration next year -- perhaps invite friends.  

That's All from our Home!
Now we look forward to Hanukkah
(not a part of the appointed feasts of Lev. 23, but it's in the Bible)

Blessings, jane    

Our 2014/15 Curriculum Choices

Okay, I've tried 3 times to post this to my pages, but I keep coming up with an error, so for now, here it is as a post.  Please forgive me, the spacing copied all wrong, but I'm tired of messing with it.  

 

Our 2014-2015 Curriculum Choices:

It's hard to believe that we are now entering our 16th AND FINAL year of homeschooling here at Prairie Hill Farm. Our baby is graduating Spring, 2015 from our homeschool and we have plum ran out of students. The memories are sweet and we cherish each day with our two Blessings!

This year's theme is "Finish Strong!"
(for more on my theme choice, click HERE)

Labor Day 2014, Start-of-School-Year Family Coffee Outing Selfie
Jeff, Jane, Anna, Amber



We graduated our oldest in May of 2012, who runs her own home business/Etsy shop, Downy & Floral, selling her homemade vintage-inspired creations; as well as picking up neat-o jobs like working at a local U-Pick berry/apple farm, and using her natural gifts in various childcare opportunities to supplement her income. Jobs like these afford her the freedom she currently needs while leading a Bright Lights girls' Bible study and other ministry & volunteer endeavors such as being an Awana leader, volunteering at Operation Christmas Child (seasonal), playing violin for weddings/church, and still helping out around the farm. Oh, and she still enjoys joining us in Hebrew & history dvds, and reads a plethora of books (by/about great men (historians, leaders, pastors, missionaries) such as Wilberforce, Bonhoeffer (Eric Metaxas) 1776, John Adams (David McCullough), Edwards, Spurgeon, Rushdoony, Augustine, etc., and most of all, the Bible.

Our baby, Anna Grace, is now in 12th grade and in addition to carrying a full load of studies in her final year of homeschool, she also helps lead in Awana, volunteers at Operation Christmas Child (seasonal), plays piano, guitar & ukulele, and helps with the farm. Additionally, she started to teach beginner piano this past winter and is exploring additional studies towards a career with animals.

(For our Educational Philosophy & Teaching Approach, and how we started homeschooling, please see my "Homeschool" page, above.)

The Schedule:



Days of the Week are in Hebrew -- Second Day, Third Day, etc....

Our schedule has pretty much kept the same look throughout the years, with only the yearly curriculum change. I don't plug in any "times" for my own sanity, but Anna & I are morning people, so we are usually at it right after 6:30/7 a.m. barn chores & breakfast, so around 8 or 9 a.m.. Subjects are listed in my self-determined order of importance so if our day is interrupted, at least the more important subjects were completed, but subjects are often completed out of listed order for various reasons (ie, we are not a slave to our schedule). This year we start on Tuesday, September 2nd (the traditional day after Labor Day). Every year I think we should really wait until October 1 to start as harvest/canning/freezing is in full swing, but we love school and my daughter is anxious.

You will note that we don't have a separate subject for "Bible". This is because most all our subjects are saturated in Bible and we all have our own personal quiet times as well as family devotions plus extra Bible study time on Shabbat (the Sabbath). One thing I really LOVED when I attended Christian high school/college was the weekly chapel times, so you will see on the schedule that we have a "Video Chapel" once a week.

The Curriculum:

So here we go with this year's curriculum choices (in the order of how they appear on the schedule)....

*Note: I buy almost all my books used, so even though the links might show some pretty pricey books, you might be able to snatch them up for a song like I did. My favorite go-to places are Amazon, Homeschool Classifieds, Ebay, & CBD.   I ALWAYS buy way too much curriculum! Much of this year is a continuation of last year as I knew I had so much material that much of the year had grown into 2-yr. courses. Like last year, we are incorporating a lot of dvds/mp3's into our lessons by people who are smarter and far more eloquent than I. On the down side, with recorded material, Anna will not be able to rush through school like she is accustom -- after all, you can't speed up an hour-long dvd and it still make sense.

Biblical Hebrew (God's perfect language):

This is a continuation of our multi-year Hebrew studies. We first gained a good foundation using Zola's Introduction to Hebrew for a couple of years and then switched to "Biblical Hebrew" (a great study, but it moves a little fast, so I'm glad we had that foundation first). We (Amber joins us) only have two more lessons left in this book (which includes a short lesson from me and the accompanying workbook, dvd, and cd songs) and then we move on to Part 2 of the book with Hebrew Songs Copybook.

Biblical Hebrew

Once they have completed the lessons & songs, they will move on to the curriculum's Jonah Copybook: An Interlinear Hebrew Translation Workbook where they will translate the entire book of Jonah using the Copybook and Hebrew Bible.

Hebrew Lit.:

As part of the Biblical Hebrew study, we also do read-alouds (LOVE these books!):

Listening to the Language of the Bible by Lois Tverberg, Bruce Okkeman (started last yr.)

The World Jesus Knew by Anne Punton

Stones of Witness: Images of the Holy Land by Stewart Custer

History of Christianity and the Christian Church:

We began with Genesis and move chronologically until modern times in America. This was started last year and we ended the year at Luther, so this year we will do a short review and then forge ahead. I know the below list of curriculum looks rather intimidating, but I am listing everything I plan on using just so I don't leave anything out (for my records). Most of these are not used on a daily basis and many don't begin until later in our studies. Although a continuation from last year, I have not pictured what we completed last year (mostly Vision Forum & Drive Thru History dvds/cds - Super Great Stuff) and some fails (Sonlight & it's accompanied reading). Amber often joins us when we watch the dvds.

History of the World 2006 Mega-Conference with BC/AD by Vision Forum (10 dvds & 40 mp3)

The History of Christianity and Western Civilization by VF (over 50 mp3 & dvd lectures)

History of America: A Christian Study Course by Vision Forum (10 dvds & 60 mp3s)
Sketches From Church History by S.M. Houghton (text & workbook)

Homeschool In The Woods: Renaissance & Reformation Project Passport (started last yr)

History Through the Ages: Record of Time (Timeline book - I print out my own online images)
Reformation Time Line by Rose Publishing
Drive Thru History American History Series (Episodes 1-12)
Drive Thru History Foundations of Character study guide & dvd

100 Most Important Events in Christian History by Curtis, Lang, Peterson

Trial and Triumph: Stories from Church History by Richard M. Hannula
50 People Every Christian Should Know by Warren W. Wiersbe
From Jerusalem to Irian Jaya: A Biographical History of Christian Missions by Ruth A. Tucker

and Bible Geography:



Trail Guide to Bible Geography and Bible Lands Activity Maps from Geography Matters ♥♥♥ Love this Study so much I'm doing it too!!!

Hammond Atlas of the Bible Lands (out of print, but worth the hunt)

Soul Winning & Inspiration of Scripture:

Soul Winning Elective by ACE/School of Tomorrow (1 Pace/57 pgs);
once she has completed this Pace, then she will move on to
The Inspiration of the Scriptures B160 by Landmark's Freedom Baptist Curriculum (1 book/185 pgs)

Christian Worldview:

Understanding the Times by Summit Ministries

We are excited to be starting this study -- the material is excellent! However, it reminds me of the days when some of my college professors seemed to think their class was the only class on earth and would pour on the homework. Yes, your child can earn college credit for this course (I recommend purchasing the course early to understand the requirements -- essays/research papers, tests, exams, extra credit service projects, etc. if you wish to go that route), we don't care about that though. Just to give you an idea of how labor-intensive this course is, in the first 7 days alone, Anna will be reading 50 pages in the college-level textbook, plus 14 pages of essays & questions in the Student Manual, plus writing a 1-2 page essay, plus watching the dvd-ROM (not in that order). Oy! We will see if we can keep up with this one, so far Anna is doing fine and even a little bit ahead.

Economics & Civics:

Economics and US Civics
ACE/School of Tomorrow
Each course is 6 Paces/30 Pages each for a 1/2 yr credit of each course



 ACE Paces are rather de jevu for me as the Christian high school I attended also used ACE. It's good solid Christian instruction that covers the material. Anna will be doing Economics the first half of the year and then switch over to US Civics when Economics is complete. If she does 3 pgs/day, she will finishing in fine shape.

Music:

Amber

Amber took violin lessons for over 14 yrs.. She now enjoys playing for pleasure and when she has time, will play for ministry, special events, and weddings.






Anna

Anna started in violin, but now prefers guitar, ukulele, and especially piano. Although she has taken piano for only a couple of years, she has quite an ear for it and sometimes teaches beginner piano and may do more teaching.

Anna instructing her cousin.

Anna just started a 6-wk. online course for Piano Teachers.
Coursework includes piano methodology, pedagogy, repertoire choices, and business sense.

Vocabulary:

High School Vocabulary (1 word/day from a list I have from Inge Cannon)
Writes word in a notebook, finds definition, writes a sentence using the word, and discusses it with mom.

Math:

Landmark's Freedom Baptist Curriculum Business Math (LFBC)

Last year we combined two great math curricula, MUS and LFBC. Anna completed most of the work in both, but preferred LFBC as she believed they explained things better.  (I love Mr. Demme, however the material seemed to assume the child had already experienced buying a car or getting a job where taxes are withheld.)   So this year she will just be finishing up (14 weeks left) the second workbook of LFBC which concentrates less on consumer math and perhaps more on the business end. I like LFBC because they delve into the spiritual and moral aspects of some math issues; for example, they not only teach about taxes, but address the issues of whether Americans should even have a "Social Security". Love that!

Science:

See that stack of magazine on Anna's headboard -- they are all animal related!

Don't tell her I drug out all magazines for a photo shoot.
Some teens read Glamor, some Teen Beat, my daughter reads Natural Dog, :).

Anna has always had great natural ability and interest in animals that hasn't wained over the years. She reads and studies college-level zoology books just for the fun of it and always takes the initiative in doing extra farm chores and researching natural remedies for our own farm animals -- she's always been my go-to person for all things animal. She would really like a business or career in the animal industry and is exploring additional studies that doesn't compromise our young-earth creationist and holistic beliefs.

More casual reading.

Anna may be looking into some/all of the following certification & training:

• American Red Cross Dog First Aid and CPR
• American Red Cross Dog First Aid and CPR certified instructor
• Understanding Canine Body Language and Other Communications Signals
• Jan Fennell Foundations Course in Pack Behavior and Canine Communication
• Jan Fennell Advanced Course in Pack Behavior and Canine Communication
• Pet Care Services Association (PSCA) – Level 1 Pet Care
• PCSA – Level 2 Pet Care
• How Dogs Play Course
• Off-Lease Play Groups Course
• How to Safely Manage Doggie Daycare Course
• Pet Boarding and Daycare Educational Expo
• PCSA Annual Educational Conferences
• ABKA Certification
• Possible online college-level zoology courses
• Other CEU course work
• Part-time work in an animal-related facility such as Stone Mountain Pet Resort

Art:

See the Light Art Class by Pat Knepley 1 day/wk (a 9-volume dvd Christian art class by a master artist)- continuing from last year. Anna has nice artistic ability, but since art always seems to be the one subject that gets pushed off, we press on.

Tada! That about covers

Finishing Strong!

Some new curriculum -- just a fraction of the material we will be using in Anna's 12th grade of homeschool.

Finishing Strong!
(words from my heart)

Just the mere title of today's post brings tears to my eyes for three reasons...
(besides the fact that I'm a highly emotional person anyways)

First, this will be our 16th year of homeschooling and our baby bear's 12th grade of formal education. (sob, blubber)  Our youngest child will be graduating from our homeschool in the spring of 2015 and I have plum run out of children to teach. (sigh)  Both of our girls have been homeschooled all the way through and it has been nothing but pure delight!  Oh sure, there have been a few tears along the way, but the girls have always been so compliant and self-motivated -- they love learning at home and I have loved every moment of being their mom and teacher.  We have built wonderful memories to cherish for a lifetime and I don't regret a second of it.

 

Unfortunately, it's that bittersweet time of life when we are happy for our children that they are growing as God intended and looking forward to what God has for their future, yet it's oh so hard to turn to the next chapter in our lives -- loving and leaving behind what has become sweet memories; knowing things will never really be the same ever again.

 
bittersweet

And although I would like to think that I could keep up this way of life for at least another 16 years (nevermind that I'll be in my early 70's), God knows our future and I know He will guide and direct my every step. ♥  Thankfully, although the girls are growing up, at least we don't have to say good-bye on top of that.  As most will agree, just because one has a diploma in hand doesn't mean they stop learning & being a vital part of the family.  Amber, who graduated in spring of 2012 still runs her home business of Downy and Floral, sometimes picks up additional jobs like recently working at the local berry farm (and sometimes has to turn down job offers), leads a girls' Bible study from home, still plays violin & wants to get a mandolin soon, reads a plethora of books (by/about great men (historians, leaders, pastors, missionaries) such as Wilberforce, Bonhoeffer (Eric Metaxas) 1776, John Adams (David McCullough), Edwards, Spurgeon, Rushdoony, Augustine, etc., and most of all, the Bible), and helps me a great deal.  Likewise, Anna is taking additional on-line course work towards her future, plays piano, guitar, & ukelele, serves, and is a big help around the home & farm.

 

 Secondly, on a more somber note, the term "Finishing Strong" makes me think about all the events that are currently going on in our nation and around the world and wonder how much more time we have left here on this planet.  It grieves me to think that our children will not see and fully experience the same life we had growing up -- where God, family, and country were honored by most Americans and people were kinder and more courteous.  Our faith and our way of life is becoming increasingly threatened from all sides.  To me, the term "finishing strong" means that now is not the time to freeze or numb ourselves in mindless sports and entertainment that is of no value in light of eternity, but now is the time to make every moment count!  Share our faith.  Walk in Truth no matter the cost!  Teach our children as if it may be our last year/week/day/words with them; for our lives are short, but eternity is forever.

 



 

Lastly, the term "Finishing Strong" has a particularly dear meaning to me in that it was the title of the sermon a dear pastor friend preached at my beloved daddy's funeral back in the fall of 2000.  Although the timing of that sermon title came somewhat amusingly as Pastor Morton had just prepared the sermon, or at least the basic concept of the sermon, to preach to the Minnesota Vikings football team that same week, and although it was no doubt very applicable to the Vikes, yet, God knows, the sermon was also very applicable to my daddy in that he was a man of faith throughout his life and although very weak in body the last few years, yet a spiritual giant and example in my heart & mind forever.  May I not falter but be that same example.

 

 

 

May I, and our children, Finish Strong!

 

II Timothy 4: 1-8

I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; ² Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine. ³ For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; ⁴ And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.  ⁵ But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.  ⁶ For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.  ⁷ I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: ⁸ Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

 

For the Glory of God.