A friend and I talked today about what it means to be a good mother. Although the specifics of the meaning may vary from mom to mom, it seems obvious that some characteristics of a mom are essential for the proper functioning of a successful society. Moms nurture families and create environments that foster spiritual, intellectual and physical growth of all family members, including herself. When any of these aspects of a mom's life break down, the mom herself begins to breakdown and experience feelings of remorse, shame or guilt.
What is a mom to do? First of all, as a Christian wife and mother, I must constantly remind myself that without Christ, I can do nothing. So, if I begin to have problems fulfilling my roles, I must ask myself where is the Christ in my life. Secondly, I must ask for continual guidance and the molding of my will to God's will as I am working to accomplish all that I do each day. If I am feeling that life is too stressful, chaotic or just unfulfilling, I must find out why that is happening. Jesus came that we should have life and have it abundantly so a life limited by frustration is surely not in His will. Am I actually doing what it is that God has for me to do? Or I am doing too much or too little? Moving too quickly or too slowly? Only through prayer and time with my Bible can I get myself straightened out again.
Most importantly, Moms must remember that although our hearts may be pure, we will still make mistakes. We will sin. We are not bound by our sins. Jesus died on the cross for our sins. If we are willing to ask forgiveness and move in a different direction away from the sin, we can leave that sin behind and live the life that God has planned for us.
Many complain that life for moms is unfair. Too much is expected from moms and moms do not get enough support. "Why should I be expected to play all of these roles? What is in it for me?" The answer we must live the lives that God wants us to live to support his Kingdom. What we get in return is no less than eternal life. And never forget, moms have plenty of support. God will always "have your back" and he will be there for you no matter your circumstance. A lot is expected from moms because we have a lot to give. God will never ask us for more than he knows we can give and he will never place on us more than we can bear.
Our merciful and forgiving God will never shame us or send guilt and condemnation to our door. That is the work of the enemy and should be resisted as such. We may feel convicted to change our ways, leading to a positive move towards God. Feelings of guilt and punishment, however, serve to move us away from God, feeling unworthy of his love and forgiveness.
Today, as we approach Mother's Day, it is my prayer that all the moms reading this blog will grow closer to him so that we might glorify him and server him and our families well all the days of our lives.
Thank you for reading.
Saturday, May 7, 2005
Friday, May 6, 2005
Violence in Schools Improving?
This article discusses the "overall improvement" in the rates of school violence in New Jersey.
For all the talk about zero tolerance, the tone of this article feels much like a pat on the back for slight reductions in certain types of violence even while there was an increase in gang and weapon violence.
For an overall reduction in violence of 9%, the education officials interviewed seemed to be fairly satisfied. Of course, remember that these statistics are self-reported (read under-reported) by the individual school districts.
But even if we take the numbers at face value, is this level of violence acceptable? Is any level of violence acceptable in an institution that is mandated to protect our children as it becomes a surrogate parent of sorts?
An even better question is: what if it your child was assaulted in school? I wonder if the improvement in statistical indicators of violence would mean much to you and your family if the unthinkable happened.
For all the talk about zero tolerance, the tone of this article feels much like a pat on the back for slight reductions in certain types of violence even while there was an increase in gang and weapon violence.
For an overall reduction in violence of 9%, the education officials interviewed seemed to be fairly satisfied. Of course, remember that these statistics are self-reported (read under-reported) by the individual school districts.
But even if we take the numbers at face value, is this level of violence acceptable? Is any level of violence acceptable in an institution that is mandated to protect our children as it becomes a surrogate parent of sorts?
An even better question is: what if it your child was assaulted in school? I wonder if the improvement in statistical indicators of violence would mean much to you and your family if the unthinkable happened.
Even Rocket Scientists are Doing It
Interesting interview with a NASA scientist who is homeschooling his children.
Cool airplane photos too!
Cool airplane photos too!
Homeschool Blogger Group Forming
Hat tip to Thicket Dweller over at Today's Lessons for letting me know about a new google group for homeschool bloggers.
I have signed up. Do the same if you are interested.
I have signed up. Do the same if you are interested.
Victory in Courts for Homeschoolers
The court has dropped its actions seeking to invalidate homeschooling as a method of approved education for those receiving benefits from the Veterans Administration.
To summarize in my non-legally educated way: A father was seeking benefits for his son that were available to those receiving an approved education. Homeschool will now be considered an approved education by the VA. For all the legalese details, click here.
I take this victory to be another sign that like it or not, homeschooling is moving into the mainstream.
I pray that veteran homeschoolers will be welcoming to the next wave of diverse homeschoolers. I know that where there is diversity, there can be tension. My prayer is that even though newer homeschoolers may have a variety of reasons for homeschooling and a variety of perspectives, veterans of the movement will be welcoming and supportive.
We can not put the toothpaste back in the tube! Those who fought for homeschooling freedoms won the right for all to homeschool. I hope that all will join us!
To summarize in my non-legally educated way: A father was seeking benefits for his son that were available to those receiving an approved education. Homeschool will now be considered an approved education by the VA. For all the legalese details, click here.
I take this victory to be another sign that like it or not, homeschooling is moving into the mainstream.
I pray that veteran homeschoolers will be welcoming to the next wave of diverse homeschoolers. I know that where there is diversity, there can be tension. My prayer is that even though newer homeschoolers may have a variety of reasons for homeschooling and a variety of perspectives, veterans of the movement will be welcoming and supportive.
We can not put the toothpaste back in the tube! Those who fought for homeschooling freedoms won the right for all to homeschool. I hope that all will join us!
Thursday, May 5, 2005
Help a Potential Homeschool Dad Decide
I came across this post on one of the all-time most popular parenting blogs.
This ultra-hip, NYC dad is actually considering homeschooling his daughter.
Well, sort-of.
With considerations such as socialization, sports, influencing his child to think like he does (gasp!) and the trial of living on a single income, he is pretty sure he will not undertake the duties of homeschooling.
Having said all that, MetroDad is very open to comments and suggestions about how to deal with potential obstacles to homeschooling.
If you have a minute, head over there and leave him a tip or two. His daughter will thank you for it!
This ultra-hip, NYC dad is actually considering homeschooling his daughter.
Well, sort-of.
With considerations such as socialization, sports, influencing his child to think like he does (gasp!) and the trial of living on a single income, he is pretty sure he will not undertake the duties of homeschooling.
Having said all that, MetroDad is very open to comments and suggestions about how to deal with potential obstacles to homeschooling.
If you have a minute, head over there and leave him a tip or two. His daughter will thank you for it!
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