The three finalists for our Pajama School Promo Video Contest have been chosen! The producer of the film that wins the most votes will be the recipient of a family pass to the San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival or Filmmakers Academy! So, check out these three promo clips and then cast a vote for your favorite! (And of course, don’t forget to order the book, too. :-))
Video 1:
Video 2:
Video 3:
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This new documentary, Homeschool Dropouts, produced by the Botkin siblings looks quite intriguing.
I am particularly interested in watching it because this statement from their website expresses almost the opposite of what my interaction with homeschool graduates has been:
The Botkin siblings have been talking to their peers around the United States, many of whom are planning futures that do not include home education. Is this the first sign of homeschooling failure? This documentary examines the history of the movement and the character that will be required to sustain it into the second generation and beyond.
Almost all of my friends, and other homeschoolers with whom I have spoken, look forward to homeschooling their own children some day. That said, I wholeheartedly agree that we need to be reminded of the vision for the next generation and how homeschooling fits into that bigger picture. In fact, I’ve recently been reading Alexis De Tocqueville’s Democracy in America, and one of the observations he makes is the tendency of those in democratic nations to be constantly charting their own course rather than looking to ages past for wisdom. It occurred to me that with such emphasis placed on individualism and each person figuring out all the answers for himself, we often miss out on the great advances that can be made by “Standing on Shoulders.”
Here is a relevant excerpt from de Tocqueville:
“…I discover that in most of the operations of the mind, each American appeals to the individual exercise of his own understanding alone…In the midst of the continual movement which agitates a democratic community, the tie which unites one generation to another is relaxed or broken; every man readily loses the trace of the ideas of his forefathers or takes no care about them. Nor can men living in this state of society derive their belief from the opinions of the class to which they belong, for, so to speak, there are no longer any classes, or those which still exist are composed of such mobile elements, that their body can never exercise a real control over its members. As the the influence which the intelligence of one man has on that of another, it must necessarily be very limited in a country where the citizens, placed on the footing of a general similitude, are all closely seen by each other; and where, as no signs of incontestable greatness or superiority are perceived in any one of them, they are constantly brought back to their own reason as the msot obvious and proximate source of truth. It is not only confidence in this or that man which is then destroyed, but the taste for trusting the ipse dixit of any man whatsoever. Everyone shuts himself up in his own breast, and affects from that point to judge the world.”
Some food for thought anyway… and all that to say, I’m looking forward to hopefully watching this Homeschool Dropouts documentary soon. If anyone else watches it, I’d love to hear what you think!
In his latest column [Opportunity Knocks Twice] in WORLD Magazine, Marvin Olasky concludes his optimistic discourse on the future of journalism with the following statement:
So now is a great time for Christians to support young Christian journalists. Build programs that educate them in biblical understanding and train them to write, do video, and produce terrific websites. Give the kids enough money to eat peanut butter and fumigate the roaches. Right now we have the opportunity to change the path of journalism for the next 150 years.
I love this outlook! Media has such an undeniable influence in our society, and with modern globalization and universal access to various mediums of communication, almost anyone has a platform to be a journalist in some capacity. I echo Marvin Olasky’s sentiment and would add that the four areas he highlights are key components that every homeschooling parent should incorporate into the education of their children:
1. Biblical Training/Worldview
2. Excellent Writing Skills
3. Ability to Produce Videos (and I would include in this an understanding of how to contrive an appropriate plot, visualize and script it, capture the desired shots, and make it accessible via the Internet)
4. Website Navigation and Construction
Not only are these areas which can be harnessed by people of all ages to make a difference in the world, they also represent marketable skills that will be useful in any vocational field and are essential knowledge for entrepreneurs who aim to build their own businesses.
Although I’ve never considered it this succinctly, I affirm that these four areas (with the one distinction being that for #3 I would include video production instead as a sub-category in a larger study of verbal communication skills) are the ones that have afforded me the most opportunities and equipped me to serve and influence the people around me. In fact, come to think of it, these four areas are ones that I discuss more fully in my book, Pajama School – stories from the life of a homeschool graduate. But I’m quite certain neither Mom and Dad nor I thought in such concrete terms in our early years of homeschooling! How glad I am, though, that homeschooling provided me with the flexibility to make these four areas of study an integral part of my education.
EXTRA NOTE: If you’re interested in receiving a free PDF of Marvin Olasky’s book, “Central Ideas in the Development of American Journalism” send them an e-mail requesting it.
All across the homeschool world today, we are remembering and offering tributes to Chris Klicka – a pioneer in the homeschool movement who truly poured his life into homeschool families all across the country. In fact, earlier this year, he was one of the keynote speakers at our homeschool convention here in Wichita. Little did we know that it would be one of his last. I had a chance to listen to recordings of his workshops several weeks ago [since I don’t get to attend the workshops live due to other responsibilities]. His candor, coupled with an unwavering passion for the Lord and His Word, touched many hearts, including my own. However, the inspiration that I have experienced most keenly in recent days has come from another source – Chris’ wife, Tracy.
I have never had the privilege of meeting Tracy, but a while back I found out that the Klicka’s had a website set up to update people on Chris’ condition. I began receiving notifications so that I could pray specifically for their family, especially as things took a turn for the worse. However, as I read Tracy’s posts, I found myself deeply touched and inspired to draw closer to the Lord and to my family. Her love for her family, and especially for her husband, emanates from her writing. And her sweet trust and glorying in the Lord in all things is an incredible testimony to behold.
I don’t know how long they will leave the website and updates accessible, but if you could use some inspiration and hope, or are facing dark and difficult times, I encourage you to click over to Chris Klicka’s website and read the journal entries of a godly woman who stands right beside her husband as one of the great homeschool heroes/heroines of our day!
If, as the Bible says, “the invisible things of [God] from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made,” (Romans 1:20) then why do so many people – even Christians – reject the biblical account of creation? How is it that seemingly intelligent people adopt absurd theories of the origin of life and remain blinded to the obvious understanding that the very existence of that which is attests to the existence of its creator? There are many who debate this issue much more effectively than me, but let me present one perspective that has been impressed on my mind lately. Imagine the following scenario with me.
A young couple is expecting their first child. They have purchased a home and are delighted that the room that will become the baby’s room has a colorful mural painted on one wall. They marvel that it is perfectly suited to the color scheme they have selected for the room. Soon the baby is born, and as he grows they spend much time in the room – rocking him to sleep, playing with toys, listening to music, etc. Of course, the mural is observed and is ever-present in the day’s activities, but it is never discussed. Until the child hits the stage of curiosity, that is. Then, of course, he must know “why” about everything!
The parents do their best to provide understandable answers for their boy, but when he asks where the mural came from, they merely respond that it has been there since they moved in. Someone in the distant past painted it, but they don’t go into detail about the artist or the work. The boy accepts the answer without further question. His mental capacities do not yet permit him to analyze information or form hypotheses; he is merely gathering information. Nevertheless, this information forms the framework for his view and understanding of life.
Time passes all too quickly and the first day of school arrives. The parents enthusiastically tell their son about all the great things he will do and learn, and hug him goodbye with a reminder to be good and listen to his teachers. And listen he does. He sees and hears new things all the time; his teachers seem to know the answers to everything! As he learns to read, he is fascinated to find that many books contain pictures of rooms with murals similar to the one on his wall. But the authors of these books explain the phenomenon much more fully: over a period of time, the natural dyes in the wood and brick of the houses seep through the walls to form the images that now adorn them. Aha! His parents had thought that someone painted the murals, but this explanation is much more complex and intriguing. Plus, his science lessons explore the properties of wood and brick and how long it would take them to seep through sheetrock to form images; his spelling lists contain words pertaining to houses and murals; his language assignments sometimes require him to do research on other murals and write about them. In short, the gap of knowledge that formerly existed concerning the mural in his room has been neatly filled and he is given no cause to doubt the veracity of the claims he is now led to believe.
The boy has been led to believe an aberration of what is true and naturally understood, not because it is a more plausible explanation, but because nearly everything in his experience and education has been designed to lead him to that belief. Why should he not believe something that to us seems so silly and obviously not in touch with reality? Indeed, the absence of any intentional instruction to the contrary by his parents has left the understanding gap wide open to be filled by all manner of absurdities.
The earliest years of a child’s life are rife with opportunities for building on the clear and natural understanding of creation and the world God created – an understanding that is in harmony with reality. In his excellent article, It’s Never Too Early, Ken Ham discusses specific ways that they did this with their children. He also highlights the shocking statistic that “before college, over 80% [of young people in the church] were ‘already gone’ from the church in their hearts and minds.” I have yet to read his new book, Already Gone, but I think it is safe to point out that few parents realize that godless philosophies permeate our government education system. This is something that I address in more detail in my book, Pajama School – stories from the life of a homeschool graduate, based on things I observed when I was teaching in our local schools. If there is one thing that our public schools do well, it is provide an environment where students “learn” day-in and day-out to live their lives completely divorced from God.
Psalm 10:4 declares “The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts.” The converse of this, then, is that “The righteous, through the humility of his countenance, will seek after God: God is in all his thoughts.” Parents have the incredible responsibility and privilege of providing an environment for their children where they can grow in righteousness and humility and a constant awareness of God. This is first modeled and then instilled throughout the daily course of the life of a family. Perhaps some evaluation is in order. Are your thoughts full of God? Are your children’s thoughts full of God? Do you see Him in every facet of life? Do they see His handiwork in the creation that surrounds them? Do they recognize His work in history and in the daily events that transpire?
Yes, it takes conscientious effort to sift through the philosophies and theories of our day and throw out that which is false and inconsistent with reality. But the only way we can do this is if we are working from a framework of truth – a framework that can be effectively built conversation by conversation as parents instill truth in the hearts and minds of their children. And if parents consistently do this with their children beginning at a young age, they will find the task much simpler because they are merely affirming what God has created us to clearly see and understand.
The following post is from a young friend of mine who is an aspiring author. I have had the privilege of reading some of her writing, and am amazed at the quality and depth of thought that she conveys. I asked if she would consider writing a guest post for the Pajama School Blog, and this is what the Lord laid on her heart. I’m sure you will be blessed, as I was, by this captivating post from Sarah:
Close your eyes for a moment and imagine a room. Not just any room; a long, spacious room with colorful patterns dancing across the tiled floor. A room with intricately carved pillars supporting the flat roof. A room with open floor-to-ceiling windows and doors, letting in a soft Mediterranean breeze, carrying with it a tang of the sea. Now imagine a golden throne; on it sits a figure arrayed in purple, scarlet, and golden robes. He is oblivious to the beautiful gardens outside, blossoming with color; oblivious to all the splendor he lives among; oblivious to all but the matters of war and bloodshed.
A hot debate is going on.
Ahab, king of Israel, is an ambitious man. Strengthened and emboldened by his recent alliance with Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, he wishes to attack Ramoth Gilead with Jehoshaphat’s help. Officially, the city belongs to Israel; but the king of Aram still holds it. To take it back is the king’s goal. But now Ahab-the same Ahab who sought Elijah’s life for so long-is being forced to inquire of the prophets of the Lord.
Jehoshaphat was stubborn, Ahab inwardly fumed. Determined to have his way, Jehoshaphat refused to march to battle without the Lord’s blessing. “My horses and my people are as your horses and people,” he had said. Ahab was satisfied. But then Jehoshaphat came up with his fatal plan; “Inquire for the word of the Lord today.”
Jehoshaphat was a coward, Ahab thought. He was trying to escape a war by hiding behind his God! Oh well, the king smugly told himself. Even though he still grumbled, he sent for the prophets of the Lord-his prophets of the Lord. Jehoshaphat wouldn’t get out of this one; Ahab knew these four hundred men. They would tell him what he wanted to hear. He would have his war-Ramoth Gilead would be his!
Just as Ahab predicted to himself, all four hundred “prophets” agreed with him. “Go!” they said. “The Lord will give Ramoth Gilead into your hand.”
Jehoshaphat shook his head, to Ahab’s dismay. Looking sadly over the assembled four hundred, the king of Judah cried, “Is there not still a prophet of the Lord here, that we may inquire of Him?” Imagine Ahab’s dismay as Jehoshaphat sees through his ruse. He is forced to call for Micaiah, a true prophet and follower of the living God. Micaiah does as Ahab knows he will, as he always does-prophesy that the hand of the Lord will be against him.
There’s much drama left in the story-how Ahab was angry with Micaiah for his words of truth; how he went out to battle in spite of Micaiah’s warning, disguised as a common soldier while Jehoshaphat carried on the charade of being king of Israel; how Jehoshaphat was miraculously saved from death when he cried out to the Lord; how a Syrian bowman, drawing at random, slew Ahab, king of Israel, just as Micaiah prophesied.
Yet through all the intrigue and scheming, through the romantic setting of ancient Israel, the one part of the story that sticks in my mind is Jehoshaphat’s cry.
“Is there not still a prophet of the Lord here, that we may inquire of Him?”
Is there not one man left in all Israel that has the faith to take a stand before a cruel earthly king who has the power to take his life? Is there not one man who has a voice he is willing to use for the Lord, regardless of the consequences? Is there not one man with the courage left to boldly proclaim the words of the Lord?
Is there not one man, any man, left in all Israel, who still believes that the Lord is truly God?
Israel, c. 850 B.C., was in turmoil. Faith in the Lord was not always looked upon kindly. Under Ahab and Jezebel, persecution of the followers of the living God was ruthless and complete. Only seven thousand Israelites remained who had not embraced the worship of Baal-only seven thousand of God’s chosen people stayed true to Him. Unlike earlier years, to know the Lord was the exception, not the norm.
When you come to think of it, the Israel of 1 Kings 22 is not so much different than the America of today. We, as Christians, are not hounded, chased, exiled, driven from our homes, and killed for our beliefs; but we are pressured, and in some cases restricted, from freely voicing what we believe. We may not face certain imprisonment like Micaiah did, yet Jehoshaphat’s appeal still rings true.
Is there still one of us who will stand up against the perverted culture we live in, to use our voice, our courage, and our faith to tell others of the hope of Christ’s message? We may be ridiculed, mocked, or despised for the stand we make; but the possibility of worse did not stop Micaiah, and it should not stop us. We have no reason to fear.
Think about it. The God who created the entire universe loved us so much that He sent His only Son to die for us. He listens whenever, wherever, and however we pray to Him, even if we’re just coming to Him once more to voice selfish requests or complain about the way others treat us. This same God has promised in His Word to protect us from harm if we will but follow Him.
If our God is for us, then who can be against us?
What excuse do we have to not proclaim Christ’s grace to others, even if it means stepping on toes or hurting feelings? Sometimes the truth hurts or offends, like it did to Ahab. That doesn’t make truth lose its relevance. The truth about America today is that our country is not what it was when the Founding Fathers prayed for guidance as they chose to break from the most powerful empire in the world. We have spiraled quickly downward, losing conviction, principles, morals, ethics, standards, and values – ideals that we have fought so long and given so much to hold. Ultimately we are losing our freedom, just as the Israelites eventually lost theirs for turning from the Lord. But our story doesn’t have to end in slavery, as theirs did.
Have you ever wondered what would have happened if those seven thousand Israelites still faithful would have been as bold as Elijah and Micaiah? Maybe they could have turned their entire nation back to God. What would happen if we took a stand like Micaiah, proclaiming the truth to our fellow Americans? Maybe we could transform our entire nation, bringing us back to what so many died for.
Take a stand? Sounds easy. It isn’t. It takes nerve, reliance on God, a willing spirit, and a lot of prayer. But if we choose, by faith, to be the one left whom people can inquire the truth of, the Lord will give us the courage we need, and the words to speak. All we have to do is answer Jehoshaphat’s cry.
Sarah lives at home with her parents and four siblings. She has been homeschooled her whole life, and loves spending time with her family.
Images from: aeragon.com, baptisttwentyone.com, creationism.org
Elisabeth, a writer for the Young Ladies Christian Fellowship, has written a wonderful review of Pajama School and is hosting a giveaway on their blog!
Young Ladies Christian Fellowship is dedicated to promoting a standard of Christian femininity and providing encouragement and fellowship for women of all ages. Their topics include: courtship, devotionals, marriage, femininity, motherhood, prayer, singleness, waiting, and more. Be sure to check out their website for lots of great articles!
Question Four:
What are the age ranges of your children?
Isn’t that the greatest title ever? When I was at the CHEC homeschool conference in Denver, that was one of the workshops that caught my eye. Not to mention that it was being presented by Andrew Pudewa, one of my favorite conference speakers. So, Noelle graciously agreed to man the booth while I attended the workshop on Saturday afternoon. The large room was overflowing with conference-goers, most of whom were probably looking for some practical help for their own in-house fort-builders! I’m sure they were not disappointed.
Here’s the outline from the workshop:
I. Profound Neuro-physiological Differences Between Boys and Girls
II. Implications for the Classroom
III. The Science (and Art) of Motivation
IV. The Two Secret Weapons
I didn’t get a copy of the recording at the convention, but I just checked on-line at the recording company website and you can download the mp3 of this workshop for only $4.00. No shipping; plus then you can listen to it right away! Anyone who teaches children, whether homeschooling or otherwise, will find insightful nuggets that provide greater understanding and prompt thoughtful consideration in planning lessons. I know this will be a great help to me in my teaching!
There were definitely a couple of common themes running through the responses to question three:
What is your biggest fear or concern about homeschooling?
More than any of the others, this question prompted some heart-to-heart discussions. I was able to share some of the things that our family learned in the process of homeschooling, and from my perspective now as a homeschool graduate looking back on my years as a homeschool student. I trust that the Lord orchestrated these conversations and used them to encourage and bless each of us.
