The Teaching Myth, part 2

Okay, so admittedly part one of this topic was on the sarcastic side. Nothing annoys me more than when the "so-called" higher educated establishment tells us commoners that they know more than we do. That somehow they have a special intelligence to accomplish a task that we could never imagine to do (OK, sarcasm is still there, let me try again).

I am educated as a "nurse". Actually, the title "nurse" is protected by law to ensure that anyone who has not completed the educational requirements cannot use the title for themselves - the conviction of the offense comes with a hefty fine. That, I believe, is a good thing. It avoids anyone misrepresenting themselves to a potentially vulnerable people - those who are looking for a "nurse". However, throughout my career I have known people without the diploma who are able to provide nursing far better than some of my own "nurse" colleagues. You see, the diploma is needed to be a "nurse"(just as the diploma is required for the title "teacher"); but the ability to provide nursing (or teaching) to another generally requires ONLY the heart to do it right.

Homecare in Canada is a big deal. That's where the patient's family or friends are taught the nursing skills necessary to keep and care for them at home. These family and friends (when their heart is in it) put a great deal of effort, practice and love into the nursing they provide. I, as a "nurse", have taught the steps involved in the nursing tasks; however it is these non-nurses that have put in the time and diligence to provide the nursing because they love their patient.

Teaching our children at home is the same. I love my daughter - more than any "teacher" ever could. I want her to grow into a real person who can think for herself; who has all the basics of reading, writing and math but also can find the truths in each situation that may come her way in life. I want her to be a person who when choosing where to place her faith will choose with wisdom - not just follow the crowd. It would not matter how devoted a "teacher" in a public school classroom is, that "teacher" does not have the love it takes to raise up my daughter in this way.

There are some great "teachers" in many different schools (public, private, small, large), but most of the time these great "teachers" only have to concern themselves with the children in their classes for one year. I have been teaching my daughter for her whole life, and will continue to do so for the remainder of mine.

And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart,

and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:

And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

Deuteronomy 6:5-7

A Man

I know a man who leads his family with love, honour and wisdom; a man who is vigilant in his duties to teach his biblical knowledge to his family; a man who examines himself and admits to anywhere he is lacking; a man who I can call my best friend; a man who adores his daughter and does not back away from raising her up for God's glory. This man is, of course, my husband of 13 years.

But, let me tell you this, my husband is not perfect (I will pause here for the moment of shock and awe). He has trouble picking up after himself; he doesn't seem to realize that the toilet has a seat; he truly believes that the garbage can empties itself. Through it all, I thank God for sending him to me.

It is so much easier to accept his shortcomings when there are so many good things about him. There is no denying that God had a plan when He put us together. Where I am harsh on a subject, my husband has mercy; where I can glide through adversity without a lot of thought, he analyzes where improvements can be made to avoid further adversity; where I get bogged down with schedules, organizing and structure, he gives me 15 minutes notice to pack a bag and get into the car for a family adventure week. Because he is good to me, I want to be good to him.

We fit together well in most areas, and when we fight over the other areas - it's usually because I try to get in the way of his leadership. He is forgiving & encouraging, helpful & loving. So...I can pick up his clothes...and empty the garbage...and drop the toilet seat for him. And on the days when it seems I am in danger of getting too involved in his shortcomings, I will come here and read this post over and over!

Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself;

and the wife see that she reverence her husband.

Ephesians 5:33

The Teaching Myth

Anyone who homeschools has heard some form of the statement, "I couldn't do that, I'm no teacher." Even in the Christian community I have listened to parents downplay the responsibility of raising their own children when it comes to schooling. Now in California, if the ruling stands, you really can't do it unless your a teacher.

Has anyone looked at our 'certified' teachers as a whole? In Canada, teachers make a substantial income, their union is strong and active; they complain publically about their workload crawling into their personal home time and they speak out against the government regularly. There are few among this crowd that would qualify as a role model for my child - oh, wait...do I still get to decide who is a role model for her? Do I and my husband, as her parents, have any idea what is best for her? Can we discern what reading materials, social settings, friends and authorities are positive for her growth into a young woman?

Apparently there are those among us who would say 'no!' - because, you see, neither I nor my husband are trained as teachers. We've never even considered putting out the money to attend university; putting in years of time listening to other teachers outline the 'how-to' of:

1. listening to my daughter's interests, desires, fears;
2. sharing God's word with her and learning how it applies to her;
3. pointing her in the way God would have her go;
4. celebrating each victory of becoming a godly young woman;
5. acknowledging her curiosities;
6. encouraging her imagination;
7. growing with her;
8. loving her;
9. forming a life long relationship with her;
10. shaping her into a real person who is capable if discerning the world before her by weighing it with scriptural knowledge.

That is schooling. If anyone can point me in the direction of a teacher's college that certifies parents in those and any of the other fine points of homeschooling - please let me know!

Okay...that all sounds a bit harsh and sarcastic. However, I do believe that the majority of homeschooled children turn out to be viable people - they are taught to discern good information from bad; they have a strong sense of themselves (confidence); they put more into society than take from it. The majority of parents who take on the responsibility to homeschool their children take a dramatically more caring interest in the final result than any public school teacher could or would.

This will be a popular topic for this site as I am so convinced it is the only way to raise children for the glory of the Lord.

So Why am I Here?

As you may discern from my short profile, I was on the fast track to worldly success several years ago. As a nurse in Canada, I could take a job anywhere and make a good income. But, as a nurse in administration - the top position for the facility - I did bring home a significant salary for a 'thirtysomething' woman. This was the kind of life and career that I had been raised to seek out...to be independent, self-sufficient and successful. However, I didn't feel successful. I was married, had just had my daughter and, at that point, was promoted to Executive Director. But I felt trapped, tired, and was growing more miserable by the week.

After allowing myself to mull over my misery for some time, I got around to listening to what God was telling me. What I had wasn't the 'success' that He wanted for me. Just because I was capable of being an Executive Director; just because I had made proper arrangements for someone to care for my child while I worked; just because everyone around me believed I was accomplishing the right things didn't mean that it was expedient for me.

All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be under the power of any.

1 Corinthians 6:12

As one of God's chosen, I had the choice between obeying His plan for my life or keeping one foot in the world while crying "Christian" - that's what Paul is pointing out in this passage. Maybe I wasn't breaking any commandments by being a working wife and mother, but I was certainly losing out on the blessings that are available for following the path of righteousness. And after too much time was lost in my ignorance and selfishness, I finally got it! God had always been showing this truth to me, but I was taking the "lawful" route and following the worldly path. Armed with this new scriptural understanding, and with the support of my husband, I resigned from my position. And as soon as I did, even before the arrival of my last working day, I felt tremendous relief and great anticipation for what the Lord would be doing for our family - now that we were listening.

Now, before anyone gets their nose out of joint...let me assure you I understand the need for having a certain amount of income for running a household. Maybe now more than when I was working full time. Our family went from a yearly income of 65K to less than 20K - I was the 'bread-winner' of the family. My husband had been the full-time parent at home. So when we decided to jump out in faith - we really jumped! Not just financially speaking either - I had no idea how to run a household and I had no idea if my husband knew how to find and keep a full time job. Yes, I was scared and frustrated alot. Yes, I felt like I was learning to be a woman for the first time. Yes, I had to learn how to give the leadership to my husband rather than 'direct' him everytime he turned around.

But now, after 4 years, it was soooooo worth it! My whole family is happier - in ways we could never have imagined.

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10

Satan would have us believe it is too hard to follow the path of righteousness, that there are too many obstacles to do things God's way. The strength and resolve of our faith makes the difference. God wouldn't lay the plan out for us to follow if it couldn't be done.

I encourage other women to learn how to be a helpmeet to their husbands, to learn to raise their own children and to accept the abundant life that the Lord has waiting for you!

And So It Begins!

Well, it's official. If I have a blog, then anyone can do it!
Welcome to my thoughts and rantings as they may happen. I look forward to meeting those of like-mind through different posts, as well as having good, clean debates with those who would disagree with anything I may say.
I hope to discuss topics such as homeschooling, being a helpmeet (et al), raising maidens of virtue, and any other topic where we can examine God's will through His Word. I have alot of appreciation for other women's blogs that have encouraged me and challenged me...and once I figure out how to do it, I will make a list of links to these sites!