THE GREATEST OF THESE IS LOVE (Previously Published)

"I LOVE YOU!" How many times in your life has someone said these words to you? How did these words make you feel? Did you believe the person who said them? Did you reject their words because you thought that you were not worthy of their love? Each and every one of us wants to be loved. If anyone says they don't care if they are loved, then you know immediately that they have been hurt so many times that they have put up a protective wall around their heart. God created us to love; to love Him, to love others and to love ourselves.

Along the way, we receive messages that damage our ability to give and receive love. This month's blog looks at these three avenues of love and comes in two parts.

LOVE FOR GOD

THE 10 COMMANDMENTS OF LOVE

“…which is the great commandment in the law?: Thou shall love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind…Thou shall love thy neighbor as thyself" Matthew 22:36-39.

How do you love God? You don’t have to look far for the answer, because He’s already told us in John 14:15, “If you love me, keep my commandments”

Commandments 1 through 4 show us how to love God.

#1 – Do not put anything or anyone else above Him
#2 – Do not worship idols (inanimate objects)
#3 – Do not use the Lord’s name in an inappropriate or disrespectful way
#4 – Remember the Sabbath day and do not work or transact business on that day

Commandments 5 through 10 show us how to love others.

#5 – Treat your parents with respect and those whom God has placed in authority
#6 – Do not do anything that kills life
#7 – Do not engage in an extra-marital affair, either physical or emotional
#8 – Do not take what does not belong to you
#9 – Do not be deceptive with what you say or what you withhold
#10 – Do not desire other people’s possessions

LOVE FOR OTHERS

A CHRISTIAN'S CONFESSION AND PRAYER

“He that says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness even
until now. He that loves his brother abides in the light, and there is none
occasion of stumbling in him. But he that hates his brother is in
darkness, and walks in darkness, and knows not whither he goes, because that
darkness hath blinded his eyes.” 1 John 2:9-11

Before coming to my new church (a multi-cultural congregation), I didn’t realize that I was walking in darkness. The darkness had blinded my eyes and I didn’t know where I was going. Being in a predominantly one-race church, I didn’t have to deal with or worship with the people against whom I was prejudiced. Snap judgments were made about everything from their style of worship to the way they raised their children. I made disparaging remarks about them--God’s children—without realizing the shroud of darkness that surrounded me.

Lord, today I confess that I have hated my brother. That’s probably why it’s been difficult to receive his love toward me. Free me from the bondage of hate and prejudice. Open my eyes to the love that unites us. Open my heart to the love he has to give. Open my heart to your love that binds us (2 Corinthians 5:14).

PROVERBS 5 FOR DECEMBER 5, 2010

Solomon encourages his son, “My son, attend unto [pay attention to] my wisdom, and bow [incline] thine ear to my understanding; that thou may regard discretion.”

Then he tells him where this wisdom is most useful, “For the lips of a strange [immoral] woman drop as a honeycomb [drip honey], and her mouth is smoother than oil: But her end is bitter as wormwood [in the end she is bitter], sharp as a two-edged sword. Her feet go down to death; her steps take hold on hell.

He continues, “Hear me now therefore, O ye children, and depart not from the words of my mouth. Remove thy way far from her, and come not near the door of her house: Lest…

(a) …thou give thine honor unto others, and thy years unto the cruel: (you lose your usefulness and lifework)

(b) …strangers be filled with thy wealth; and thy labors be in the house of a stranger (financial loss and possible ruin)

(c) …And thou mourn at the last, when thy flesh and thy body are consumed (physical weakness from a possible venereal disease)

(d) And say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof; and have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed me! (regret and mental anguish for not having listened to wise counsel)

(e) I was almost in all evil in the midst of the congregation and assemble (almost losing social standing)

Then Solomon tells his son where to get his needs met—-with his wife. “Let thy fountain be blessed; and rejoice with the wife of thy youth. Let her be as the loving hind [deer] and pleasant [graceful] roe; let her breast satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished [intoxicated] with her love.”

He ends by questioning the rationale of sexual immorality, “for the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and he ponders all his goings.”

GOD'S WOUNDS CURE, SINS KISSES KILL

“God’s wounds cure, sin’s kisses kill” - William Gurnall

God is a wise disciplinarian. Concerning the difference in Adam and Eve’s consequences for sin, it is significant to consider what are generally topics of interest and value in each sex. Men usually find their greatest sense of significance in their work while women find it in their relationships. Adam’s discipline was associated with his work, increasing its challenge and difficulty. He had taken (with practically no effort) what did not belong to him to eat. His punishment was related to his sin in that now he must work very hard for what it was his right to eat.

Eve’s sin involved a breakdown in relationships—first with God then with her husband. Her discipline involved experiencing pain in the closest relationship—mother with child. The pain of childbearing is the pain of separation. This is symbolic of the pain Eve caused when she separated from God. (Patriarchs and Prophets, Ellen G. White, pgs. 58-60)

THE GARDEN IN EDEN: EARTH'S FIRST FAMILY

During the week of creation, God planted a garden and put the man Adam whom he had made.

A river that had four openings, flowed out of Eden to water the garden.

In addition to the trees that God made to provide food, two special trees were put in the garden.

One was the Tree of Life and the other was the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil.

God gave man another job, to take care of the garden.

God told Adam that he may eat from any of the trees that were for food, but not to eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.

God warned him that in the day he ate from that special tree, he would surely die.

Remember what Adam’s other job was, to name the animals, fish and birds?

Well, while he was naming them, he realized that they all had a partner, but he didn’t have one.

God already knew that it was not good for man to be alone, but now Adam knew it too.

God put Adam to sleep and performed the first surgery by taking a rib from Adam’s side and using it to make a partner for him.

Adam called her woman and she became known as Eve, the mother of all living.

During that time, the man and his wife didn’t wear any clothes, but they were not embarrassed and did not seem to notice.

Since there was no sin on the earth, this family could have lived happily every after.

(C) Leuanna N. Matheson 2007

COUNTRY LIVING (Part 2)

Country Living continues...

Good things about being in the country

Tasting treasures out of your own garden that you planted and that the earth yielded
Seeing deer for the “umpteenth” time and still being excited
Feeling the cool morning air while the dew is still on the ground
Smelling fresh cut grass (one of my favorite smells)
Hearing the happy laughter of our children playing with the garden hose

Bad things about being in the country

Tasting a recipe experiment that did not quite come out like the cookbook
Seeing the evidence that something’s eating your collards
Feeling the loving, sincere hugs from your family
Smelling banana skins left out to be put in the compost bin
Hearing muffled rifle shots in the far distance as another deer loses its life

IT'S THE LITTLE THINGS

When moving, it's the little things that take up most of our time and make packing and moving a lenghty chore

In a conflict, it's the little words we say that turns simple disagreements into a full blown war

In our character, it's the little things that keep us from a total surrender to our Redeemer

SELF IN ACTION

SELF (That selfish spirit that threatens to take over in any situation or conflict)

When SELF shows up, you have...

-Problems in the workplace - bosses and employees are only concerned with their individual responsibilities and fail to see their job as part of the larger organization

-Problems in parenting - one parent says x, while the other parent says y, and the children are left confused as to which parent to obey

-Problems in marriage - each spouse feels strongly about his/her position and is relentless in proving that they are right

-Problems in ministry - each saint has a different method of evangelizing and they don't let the Holy Spirit lead

-Problems with neighbors - each neighbor fails to have concern for each other and only look out for their family or property

-Problems in relationship with God - God has a way He knows is right, but you have a way you think is better

MONEY DOES BUY HAPPINESS...

...AT LEAST SOME KINDS

But for those like me who can't always afford the things that make me happy [a good meal, a vacation, a babysitter or getting my hair professionally done], there is hope.

Today I experienced some of God's blessings that money can't buy:

Over three hours of sunlight
Spending time outdoors with my family
Fresh Air
Birds Chirping
My husband working with the children to prepare meals so I can complete a 1-day fast (something I've attempted to do several times in the past six month, but failed)
A refreshing shower
Peace that passes all understanding

LIFE IS A BUFFET

LIFE IS A BUFFET; CHOOSE WISELY

This thought came to mind this morning as I lay in bed, unable to go back to sleep. A situation occurred yesterday with the children when I was eating something and they asked for some. My intention was not to give them any (a parent must be able to enjoy some things by themselves). Their request pricked my conscience and I decided to "share." Then after giving them each a bite, I proceeded to finish it and they asked for some more. Of course I became irritated and regretted giving them any in the first place.

As I lay in bed this morning, the situation came back to my mind and the realization that my lack of self-denial has influenced the children. I feel that I must have everything my heart desires, regardless of whether it's beneficial or healthful or not.

We were at a church potluck and each side of the table had various visually appetizing selections of the same kinds of food (starch, vegetable, meat substitute and salad). My children wanted to try everything from both sides as we've grown accustomed to doing. I was impressed in that moment, that this was not a healthful practice, so I instructed them accordingly. Of course when they went back for seconds with my permission, they ended up at the other side of the table to "sample" the other foods before I realized what they were doing. My conscience was dull to what just happened--until now.

My epiphany: life is a buffet. It has many opportunities and offerings, some good and some evil or put like Paul, "not expedient"; some have immediate outcomes while others have eternal consequences. We shouldn't have it all. We should choose wisely. We should choose only those things that are beneficial and healthful for us as the Lord directs us. In so doing, we model and teach our children also, that they should not have everything that they want.

This lesson, if learned early, will save us, and them, from many hurtful situations and will secure us a place among the faithful, for self-denial is a key ingredient in the gospel of salvation.

Jesus said, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me." (Luke 9:23)

"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God [thought equality with God as something to be grasped]*: but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." (Philippians 2:5-8)


*emphasis added

COUNTRY LIVING

Good Things about Being in the Country

Seeing purple mountains in their magestic glory
Hearing the snow falling on the ground
Smelling hickory wood burning
Tasting farm fresh produce
Feeling the sun on a cold winters' day

Bad Things about Being in the Country

Seeing a cigarette butt in the woods
Hearing the hurtful, angry words spoken between family members
Smelling kerosene which signalled that the unit was running dry
Tasting savory food which needed salt, and not having any
Feeling frozen toes indoors

THE NIGHT IS FAR SPENT

The hours of Earth' history are passing away. Everything we do now has to have an eternal purpose. It's too late to play around. "And that, knowing the time, that it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed*" (Romans 13:11).

"The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk honestly as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof" (Romans 13:12-14).

Based on the prophecies of Matthew Chapter 24, the enemy knows that his time is short. We see the signs. He is working ever so feverishly to seek, to kill and to destroy as many people as he can. Don't think that all the Devil wants to do is wreck your marriage, mess up your children, disrupt your finances or ruin your health. What he ultimately wants is to kill you in your sins or better yet, for you to kill yourself.

If you die in your sins, you are lost. If you confess your sins, the Lord is faithful and just to forgive your sins and cleanse you from all unrighteousness (see 1 John 1:9). Make confession and repentance a daily priority in your day. See King David's example of a prayer of repentance in Psalm 51.

*History tends to repeat itself. In 1844, Christians of varying denominations eagerly awaited Christ return. When He didn't come as expected, many abandoned their faith and mocked those who still held on to theirs. Let us take heed lest we fall into the same temptation. In the fall of 2008, many predicted a financial collapse and many were stirred to action. 2009 is about to end and we have fallen into a false sense of financial security.

Don't go to the analysts for confirmation of what will occur, go to God's Holy, infallible, never-changing, reliable Word--The Old and and New Testament Scriptures.

HOW I WAS DISOBEYING GOD'S COMMANDMENTS

The following are some of the ways I was disobeying God's commandments, but didn't realize it.

1. My gods were the TV (Law and Order; Cold Case; The Practice; Seinfeld; Wheel of Fortune...

2. My house had the graven images (statues and works of art), that were worshipped (strategically placed for display and so they would not be meddled with or broken because they were so "precious".

3. Saying I'm a Christian, but in my private and public life, misbehaving and acting like Satan's servant.

4. Forgetting that the Sabbath was coming and failing to make necessary preparations (cleaning, cooking and planning so that our time would glorify God); Keeping my mind on, and initiating or entering into conversations that drew the focus from God, to self and worldly things

5. Not calling or visiting my parents as I should; treating them with indifference and/or disrespect; speaking ill of them and complaining about their parenting during my childhood

6. Speaking words to my husband, children or neighbors that kill

7. Defrauding my husband and finding fulfillment in other people; engaging in hobbies and selfish pursuits that draw my mind or time from my wifely duties

8. Taking office supplies without asking; not speaking up when I'd been undercharged; not alerting the cable company that we were getting more then we were paying for

9. Making up stories (filling in the blanks or guessing about something and making it a fact

10. Wishing that I had a marriage relationship, a home, vacations or talents like other people

THE CLASH OF WILLS

First thing this morning, before the cock crew, I had a clash of wills with one of my children. It was a hard fought battle, but once entered in, it had to be won by me. The challenge was to guide the will of my child without loud-voiced commands, threatenings or force.

Immediately, Child Guidance, by Ellen G. White came to mind and I had to pick it up for encouragement. The chapter entitled, "The Will a Factor in Success" helped me greatly and pointed me to pray to the Lord for strength at that moment. Before that, in my carnal state, prayer had not even entered my mind. In humility, I bowed my head in prayer and asked the Lord's strength, to which He mercifully and lovingly supplied. Not only did He strengthen me, but as I felt my anger melt away, He also worked on my child to bring her into compliance.

So, with a more surrendered spirit, she went to perform the word that had gone out of my mouth. She even asked for my assistance, which I reluctantly gave. Here the Spirit was calling me to surrender to Him again.

"Thanks be to God who giveth us the victory through Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 15:57).

AGE OF ACCOUNTABILITY FOR YOUTH

Why is the age of twenty a much more mature time for a young person to go to college or to do an apprenticeship program?

The following information is taken from an article from "Family Circle" entitled, "The Young and the Reckless." "Using MRI scans to track changes over 10 years, scientists at the National Institute of Mental Health announced in 2004 that the teen brain is actually going through an intense period of rewiring and isn't fully mature until about age 20. Even more startling, the last part of the brain to come completely online is the prefrontal cortex, the center of reasoning and judgement. 'If a teen were a car, it would be like flooring the accelerator while the brakes are under repair,' says Dr. Walsh. 'Teens can understand information but still tend to act impulsively out of emotion, without thinking ahead.' "

Parents should help their children and youth learn to make good choices of friends when they are still in the maturing stages (1-20 years of age).

HOW WE TRAINED OUR CHILDREN IN BAD BEHAVIOR

BELOW ARE A LIST OF HABITS WE TRAINED OUR CHILDREN IN THAT ARE NOT CONDUCIVE TO A HAPPY HOME. LEARN FROM OUR MISTAKES AND MAKE YOUR HOME DIFFERENT. BY GOD'S GRACE, WE CAN STRIVE FOR HEAVEN'S ORDER IN OUR HOMES.

Stuffing their mouths when eating -- When they were now learning to eat solid food and we were feeding them, we'd full up the spoon, so that the process could go faster because we had other things to do. Sitting patiently and savoring time with our children was not a priority when there were dishes to wash, sports to watch, food to cook, floors to clean and other children to tend to.

Swallowing their food and not chewing enough times -- When we were feeding them, we didn't wait for them to chew their food thoroughly before we had another heaped spoonful ready to put into their mouths. [Now that this is brought to my attention, I [Leuanna] realize that that is the way I eat and it takes effort on a daily basis to correct this wrong habit in myself while trying to re-train our children.

Not respecting when their father, my husband, speaks -- When my husband says something that I disagree with, I'm quick to correct it or voice a better suggestion in front of the children. Over time, they have learned not to take daddy's words seriously or to ask me for my input concerning what he says. I can't be upset with them, I trained them that way. This requires the constant prayer, "Set a watch, O Lord, over my mouth. Keep the door of my lips (Psalm 141:3).

Habits of irregularity -- When they were babies, we didn't have a regular schedule for sleep times, wake up times, family worship, mealtimes, recreation, work or anything else. Everything happened according to our moods, so they grew up with the habits of irregularity. Now that we're trying to maintain heaven's order, it's a struggle, not just for us, but for them, but thanks be to God who giveth us the victory through Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:57).

Not following rules or obeying rules when it was convenient to "self" -- If I [Leuanna] didn't feel like walking the long way, I'd jaywalk; if I wasn't patient, I would not wait for the pedestrian walk signal; if I was late or in a hurry, I'd drive way over the speed limit and the list goes on...

Shouting at each other or conversing too loud -- Because we didn't enforce rules, weren't consistent or didn't make our word law, they grew trained in habits of disobedience or indifference, so that when we needed them to do something, we'd have to shout to be heard. Since there was no order in the home, chaos ensued and everyone naturally spoke in loud tones, not being aware of the volume of their voices, so that became the norm. I [Leuanna] also kept the radio up loud (that's the way I like my music), so we always had to speak loudly to be heard. Now that we want to maintain a peaceful atmosphere in the home, it's requires daily diligence to undo the bad habits.

Hitting when angry -- And of course, this one. When they did something that crossed "self", my first reaction was to lash out, so when they are upset, they lashed out. Sometimes at me (even my sweet, mild-mannered 2 year old had a bout of this disease) or they'd lash out at each other. That's what they say, so that's what they did.

Being restlesss or disruptive in the public places (doctor's office, church, concerts, seminars, etc.) -- We allowed the children from early childhood to do whatever they wanted during family worship, during reading time and during meals. We weren't consistent in encouraging them to sit still for short and eventually longer periods of time. When they ran off or interrupted us whenw we were speaking, we weren't consistent in correcting those habits. The obvious result is lack of self-control, the inability to sit still when necessary and the habit of being disruptive by talking when others are speaking.

I praise the Lord that He has been showing us the truth of our sinful "selves". He doesn't do it to bring us down, but to bring us up to His standard. As we humble ourselves before Him, He exalts us to a higher standard of living that we can be a blessing and a source of encouragement to others. We're encouraged to behold healthy families.

Too many families are dysfunctional and the human heart naturally becomes what it beholds [that sounds like a good topic for another blog about the TV shows we watch and how that changes our minds to accept adultery, fornication, wrath, lies, covetousness, foolish jesting and the like, as normal].

Let's find healthy families and healthy relationships to be our example and make the bad examples a source of fervent prayer.

May God bless your marriages, your children and may your homes (if one inhabitant or more), be a little taste of heaven.

BE CONTENT

The Apostle Paul recorded in Philippians 4:11,12, "I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need."

What does that mean?

If I'm "broke" (just barely having enough to get by each month), I praise Him that He sustains me and that I am able to get by.

If I'm rich, I praise Him for the means to further the spreading of the Gospel and I'll give to ministries that are being faithful to the great commission.

If I'm single, I praise Him that I am able to devote my time to His service without having to check with anyone before I go forward in His name.

If I'm married, I praise Him that He's given me someone to walk with me on this journey and to hold me accountable for the way I live my life.

If I have children, I praise Him that there are little ones that are readily available for me to share His love with.

If I have no children, I praise Him that I can be a "foster" parent to those children who have no one to love them they way should be loved.

PRE- & POST-MARITAL ADULTERY

Books; Visual Media; Self-Gratification (Master...); Sexual Partners; and Other People's Sexual Experiences

All these things stored in our memory, return to our minds and into the marriage bed to defile our relationships. They lead to unfair comparisons and dissatisfaction on one hand and feelings of failure and loneliness on the other and numerous other negative emotions that are not healthy for a marriage.

Some believe that what occurs before you get married doesn't matter or that if your spouse is not directly affected, as in the case of self-gratification or Internet porn, there's no harm. Anything that defiles the marriage, destroys the marriage. Such experiences and the memory of them, or the recollection and continued indulgence of them, cheapens your spouse because it says that "you are not good enough to satisfy me." Anything that robs the affections or becomes more important then your spouse is adulterous.

Evidence is clear that we are a collection of our experiences--good and evil. They shape who we become. By beholding we become changed. It's not too late to start beholding what is profitable for sound character development. David said, "I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes," and Paul wrote "Whatsoever things are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report; if there be any virtue and any praise, think on these things."

Our choices of TV programs, reading material, Internet sites, vacations, hangout spots, friends, family events, etc. are all molding our character--for good or for evil.

Choose Wisely!!!

RESTORING FAMILIES WORLDWIDE

Messages From Current Albums (see RESTORATION INTERNATIONAL'S LINK TO THE RIGHT)

Title Speaker

Our Greatest Battle
Tom Waters
From the album: Steps to Higher Ground



Redemptive Discipline Alane Waters
From the album:The Work That Lies Nearest



The Refiner's Fire Paul Rayne
From the album: Guiding Principles for the Personal Walk



The Mother's Priceless Privilege Carolyn Rayne
From the album: Guiding Principles for a Happy Home

Godly Fatherhood Edwin Nebblett
From the album: Raising Godly Seed

The Language of Encouragement Maria Nebblett
From the album: Heavenly Priorities in the Family

Brothers & Sisters, Best Friends Nebblett youth
From the album: Remember Thy Creator


Messages From Discontinued Albums

Title Speaker
Enhancing Family Life (See also Family Heart to Heart)
1. Preserving the Family Tom Waters
2. The Garden of the Heart Waters family

3. Samuel, Prepared & Willing Waters family
6. Making Sabbath Special Waters family

Finding Joy & Fulfillment as Youth
1. I Want Freedom Allison Waters
2. Improving Important Talents Allison & Emily Waters
3. Sibling Association Emily Waters (now Schlittenhart)


Forever a Family (See also Family Heart to Heart)
1. A Well-Ordered Family Emily Waters
3. Highlights of Motherhood Alane Waters
5. Learning the Language of Heaven Emily Waters
6. Eternal Realities Alane Waters

Talks With Youth

1. Companionship With Christ Tom Waters
3. Repent, Confess, & Restore Tom Waters
4. Taming the Tongue Tom Waters

Youth Panel 2005

1. 2005 OK Family Campmeeting Youth Panel Chantée, Michael, Allison, Sean, Emily
2. 2005 WA Family Campmeeting Youth Panel Kaleb, Elizabeth, Sean, Lisa, & Isaac

Youth Panel 2006
2. 2006 NJ Family Campmeeting Youth Panel Alvin, Emily, Alex, Samantha, Quint

CHOICE OR CHANCE

The outcome of my life will be the result of choices and decisions I’ve made. My upbringing, friends, circumstances and such only serve as influences, but these factors don’t determine the decisions I make. God has given every man (and woman) a measure of the Holy Spirit (1 John 3:24; 4:13). Some people call Him their conscience, the sixth sense, something, someone, etc.

We can have the best of influences and choose to make bad choices or we can have the worse of circumstances and choose to make good decisions. Choice or decision alone is not enough. We have to work toward it. Lay plans in the right direction, etc.
Why my ramblings?

I realize that my children make choices every day, every hour, every minute. I don’t know what they will become. All I can do is pray to the Lord on their behalf, do my best (with God’s help)…

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/