HAPPY NEW YEAR!!?

This is my New Year's Blog. Since this is a time for new beginnings, let me share with you a wonderful revelation in my own life.

Before the story, let me tell you the lessons I learned:

(1) Our sins and bad traits of character are formed over time and if not taken cared of, they get worse

(2) We can become blinded to sin, or worse yet, ignore the sin that is not readily visible to the rest of the world

(3) It takes time and effort to remove sin from our lives and change our bad traits of character

(4) No one else can do for you what you need to do for yourself

(5) It's refreshing to be live victorious over besetting sins and bad character traits

(6) When you are set free, people may not even notice, but that doesn't diminish from the change that has taken place in your life


Now for the story.

There is a 6" space between the kitchen wall and the refrigerator in our apartment. For the past five years since we have been living here, dust and dirt, lost toys and crayons have accumulated between there. In fact, it was downright disgusting.

You couldn't see it unless you purposely looked behind there. Guests hopefully never saw it because they never get that far into our kitchen. Only the occupants of our home would ever notice it.

Yes, we have seen it before. Yes, we knew that it needed to be cleaned. Yes, we knew that it would take effort to get behind there and clean it. Honestly, sometimes we didn't notice it. All this knowledge did not prompt us to do anything about it. I even hired a cleaning crew to come in and interestingly enough, they didn't touch it either.

On day in a fit of cleaning rage, I set out to clean that space. I called maintenance to move the refrigerator, but one guy was too lazy to come and the other one was not on duty. This project couldn't wait. I said a silent prayer, recited Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," and moved the fridge. It felt like it was made of feathers.

The job took longer than I thought it would. There was more dirt that became evident once the fridge was moved. Dust had even clung to the wall.

Let me say that the place is nice and clean and sanitized now. It looks beautiful. Every once in a while, I look behind there and feel a sense of gratitude. I wonder why I waited so long to do it. Some members of my family still have not noticed the difference, but I do and I'm thankful that it is not clean.

That's it! My spiritual lesson for the year. Now the other areas of my life that need cleaning will take the same approach and effort--bridling my tongue (James 1:19,26) and ruling my spirit (Proverbs 16:32; 25:28).

WHAT IS TRUE EDUCATION?

Birth—Kindergarten Program

The work of the parents in the
homeschool begins at birth. Long before
formal schooling is started, you
are already educating your child.
“It is in the home that the
education of the child is to begin.
Here is his first school. Here, with
his parents as instructors, he is to
learn the lessons that are to guide
him throughout life—lessons of
respect, obedience, reverence, selfcontrol.

The educational influences
of the home are a decided power for
good or for evil. They are in many
respects silent and gradual, but if
exerted on the right side, they become
a far-reaching power for truth
and righteousness. If the child is not
instructed aright here, Satan will
educate him through agencies of his
choosing. How important, then, is
the school in the home!
“Upon all parents there rests
the obligation of giving physical,
mental, and spiritual instruction.

It should be the object of every parent
to secure to his child a well-balanced,
symmetrical character. This
is a work of no small magnitude
and importance—a work requiring
earnest thought and prayer no less
than patient, persevering effort.
A right foundation must be laid, a
framework, strong and firm, erected;
and then day by day the work of
building, polishing, perfecting, must
go forward.”*

The most important subjects
taught in these first years are Bible,
Character, Nature, and Practical
Work. It is best to leave the Reading,
Writing, and Arithmetic for a
later time when the child has developed
more mentally, physically, and
spiritually. When the child is more
mature, he will learn more quickly
and easily what would have been
difficult and frustrating at a younger
age. This method helps to encourage
a love of learning and the child
will catch up with or excel beyond
his or her peers.

We recommend the following:

Kindergarten/Pre-school – 0-7 years
First Grade – 8 years
Grades 2-8 – 9-14 or
15 years
Grades 9-12 – 15 or 16-19 years
Apprenticeship – 20-25 years

Curriculum Outline for Sonlight Education Ministry

http://www.sonlighteducation.com/