tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66683028531014713102024-03-05T17:27:03.383-06:00Keepsake Homeschool Curriculum BlogThis blog is dedicated to encouraging, equipping, and supporting parents in their vision to raise Biblical sons and daughters and return our culture to the proper understanding of Biblical womanhood and manhood.Cindy Vosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17597846429805339040noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6668302853101471310.post-4385938382623590302013-02-11T12:11:00.001-06:002013-02-11T12:13:58.765-06:00A Keepsake GemWow, it has certainly been a while since I last posted something. You know how life gets in the way. Anyway, I recently came across a poem that just made me stop and think. It was written some three hundred years ago by a woman known as Madam Guyon. She was imprisoned several times and in several places for her religious views, one of the worst times for four years in the Bastile in France. Her sufferings from the cold, damp walls of the prison along with the confined and contaminated air and other deprivations and hardships took a toll on her health. She was released but banished to Blois, on the river Loire in France. However, she has left us with a beautiful poem that I hope will help me when I feel the urge to complain. If you homeschool, I think this would make a wonderful edition to your childrens' copywork books.<br />
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<h3 align="center" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">
A LITTLE BIRD I AM.</h3>
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<div class="poem" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small; margin-left: 10%; text-indent: 0%;">
"A little bird I am,<br />
<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Shut from the fields of air;</span><br />
And in my cage I sit and sing<br />
<span style="margin-left: 1em;">To Him who placed me there;</span><br />
Well pleased a prisoner to be,<br />
<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Because, my God, it pleases thee</i>.</span></div>
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<div class="poem" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small; margin-left: 10%; text-indent: 0%;">
"Nought have I else to do;<br />
<span style="margin-left: 1em;">I sing the whole day long;</span><br />
And He, whom most I love to please,<br />
<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Doth listen to my song;</span><br />
He caught and bound my wandering wing,<br />
<span style="margin-left: 1em;">But still he bends to hear me sing.</span></div>
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<div class="poem" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small; margin-left: 10%; text-indent: 0%;">
"Thou hast an ear to hear;<br />
<span style="margin-left: 1em;">A heart to love and bless;</span><br />
And, though my notes were e'er so rude,<br />
<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Thou wouldst not hear the less;</span><br />
Because though knowest as they fall,<br />
<span style="margin-left: 1em;">That Love, sweet Love, inspires them all.</span></div>
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<div class="poem" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small; margin-left: 10%; text-indent: 0%;">
"My cage confines me round,<br />
<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Abroad I cannot fly;</span><br />
But, though my wing is closely bound,<br />
<span style="margin-left: 1em;">My heart's at liberty.</span><br />
My prison walls cannot control<br />
<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The flight, the freedom of the soul.</span></div>
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"Oh! it is good to soar,<br />
<span style="margin-left: 1em;">These bolts and bars above,</span><br />
To Him whose purpose I adore,<br />
<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Whose Providence I love;</span><br />
And in thy mighty will to find<br />
<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The joy, the freedom of the mind."</span></div>
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Cindy Vosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17597846429805339040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6668302853101471310.post-34847210992674337392011-08-26T10:19:00.019-05:002011-08-26T12:09:44.967-05:00Homeschool Curriculum Ideas<div>Wow! It's that time again! Summer is almost over, the new school year is upon us, and it is always refreshing to get some new ideas. What worked for you? What worked for this particular child? There is so much out there it can be overwhelming.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Now that I am nearing the end of my formal homeschooling career (I only have one left and this is his last year. He is the middle right one)</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF8OsAdWYsyTunPUskpCCXtESkGBQ7KAZSgE9P4rQfCQU-7kji-wqBZPtJ64L4rYibYUg-__s3a3ZHzw0115GFAlVWgFfvLfQEzRzkd9vwPnMpj3OWbN8iqNGOJC6d98X7_lSefOplZDV0/s400/grandma8.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645189355599940258" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 230px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">
<br /></span></div><div>I thought it might be helpful to list a few of our favorite curriculums. Maybe they are new to you and would be helpful. I always enjoyed finding out what worked for other families.</div><div>
<br /></div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 100px; height: 124px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-BnrtEmXQcOalpROJeNiPM1zTTDXn2_5fRAaeOnMPardwcHmstw-znreiSKawfODZ1vulBrdsp4aM0zlQ8Mv1O9lNEOPG08MX5_tKNawIkTcit7Jc5hv9s5Gu3_OpIvW64uk0VdZxjTCO/s320/MysteryHistory.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645191299493440754" /></div><div>
<br /></div><div>History was one of our most favorite subjects and we used many different things. One of our favorites for the elementary years was <i>The Mystery of </i></div><div><i>History</i> curriculum. You can find out more information about it <a href="http://beautifulbiblicalwomanhood.com/mysteryofhistory.html">here</a>.</div><div> </div><div><div>
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<br /></div><div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 100px; height: 118px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnKM-T7TIw3XBuU7Ca-nXI-Ip3TUhyphenhyphenx41PNavM7C9ITGr_wrY0BOHQQ8xWgJSrZnOZd-8yFr0F60UiNcYuutI5ynJ8bseCQvnm-KeJAn9FAFQplqbgJ_sQsyi4w30E09RfmeJEiVvYVDCX/s320/AnalyticalGrammar.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645197191016885202" /></div><div>
<br /></div><div>Grammar was a very difficult subject for me....until I realized that kids </div><div>just are not ready for it until jr. high or even high school. Instead of wasting your time in the elementary years, spend that time familiarizing them with the terms (nouns, verbs, etc...) by playing games and fun activities and then when they are <b>ready</b> for it we found that it went much more smoothly. We used the program <i>Analytical Grammar</i> and found it to be most helpful! For more information click <a href="http://www.analyticalgrammar.com/home">here</a>.</div><div>
<br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfLRme4ftIXzCi1Apiorki_289-UQ8fcBy2fJOHe29n6kZPCHHCx2e-kDP4r5-xuwYx5C6l8S-4S0IA2KP9coRdF6olvOhRDakBUfFmnaHaeeqrUEGUEMur7Iww8GxC6dN5zugbYlVx0Dh/s200/AnyNovelPicture.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645200893324162162" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 176px; height: 200px; " /></span><div>
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<br /></div><div>A book that was very helpful in studying any novel in literature was a book called "<i>Any Novel" Novel Study Guide</i>. It was very useful because you could use it with multiple children and multiple books of your choice. For more information click<a href="http://sheilawraygregoire.com/anynovelnovelstudyguidep410.php?hop=keepsake56"> here</a>.</div></div><div>
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<br /></div><div>Take the fear out of making a <b>Transcript</b>! </div><div>If you are looking for a good way to make a transcript go <a href="http://18f0d4fcudd5o3bd0ee7zibqd0.hop.clickbank.net/">here</a>. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>Here are just of few of my favorite websites for homeschool materials:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="http://www.visionforum.com/">Vision Forum</a></div><div> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="http://www.eternalencouragement.com/">Teach Magazine</a></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="http://generationswithvision.com/">Generations With Vision</a></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="http://spiritofelijah.com/">Norm Wakefield - Elijah Ministries</a></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="http://www.timberdoodle.com/">Timberdoodle Co.</a></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="http://www.lovetolearn.net/">Love to Learn</a></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="http://www.beautifulbiblicalwomanhood.com">Keepsake Curriculum</a></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></div>Well, I hope this helps a little. I have many more favorites so perhaps I will share them on another day.Cindy Vosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17597846429805339040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6668302853101471310.post-76960218213866804612010-11-29T14:05:00.005-06:002010-11-29T22:14:16.248-06:00DTRI almost daily have to ask my children what this term means or what that abbreviation stands for. It seems like with cyber space there is a new addition every day. You almost need a glossary to function in today's texting world or the world wide phenomenon known as facebook. In the last few months I have been hearing people saying things such as "Did they have the DTR yet?" and so once again I go to my kids and ask, "What in the world is a DTR?" Of course they look at me as if I belong in the stone age but they also feel obligated to bring me up to speed and so they tell me: DTR means that it is time to Define The Relationship. In my ancient day and age that usually meant someone was dating seriously and you could soon be expecting an engagement announcement. However, in today's fast moving society people are falling in and out of relationships so quickly it is almost necessary to have a secretary just to keep up on top of it all.<div><br /></div><div>I think that things like facebook and texting have turned what should be taken slowly into something you can post on the internet for all to see. The minute a boy asks a girl out on a date or two, it's time to have the DTR. Then you can immediately update your status level (and this is very important in today's online public society) to the ever popular "In a Relationship" status. That brings everything to a new level and now instead of taking the time to get to know each other, either through courtship or monitored dating, we DTR'ed so now we have to function as an item which places undo pressure on the couple in a way that they are usually not ready or mature enough to handle. </div><div><br /></div><div>If the truth be known, we are all in relationships...all the time. But it seems that young people feel a need to let everyone know that they are "In a Relationship" because it somehow makes them feel more important or good about themselves. This is sad and destructive. I have seen so many boys and girls get hurt because they had the DTR before either one of them was ready. Then they break up and look for someone else to fill that position so that their facebook page can say "In a Relationship". </div><div><br /></div><div>If you have to post a status level then I think you should be in a LGDTR.....Letting God Define The Relationship. That means then that in every relationship God is the one steering it; therefore, you can be friends first and see where God is leading. No pressure, no public breathing down your neck, no facebook status to let everyone know if you are still an "Item" or not, no need to rush something that should take time to figure out. </div><div><br /></div><div>I think I will let my kids know that I just coined a new acronym. Perhaps it will catch on. If it does, maybe they will ask me, "Mom, do you know what LGDTR means", and I will be happy to tell them. In fact, I hope I have been telling them what that means all along. </div>Cindy Vosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17597846429805339040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6668302853101471310.post-23475070033411174402010-09-22T14:50:00.006-05:002010-09-22T15:27:17.075-05:00Word of Encouragement<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">As the new school year begins and you start reading the homeschooling magazines, and listening to the homeschooling tapes, and fretting over the day to day struggles, there are a few things to keep in mind.</span><div><div><ol><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'lucida grande';">Do it for the glory of God....Not for superior grades, earlier graduation dates,<span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>or college at age 16.</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'lucida grande';"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'lucida grande';">The vast majority of children are not concert pianists, violists, or soloists. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'lucida grande';">They are ordinary, special to God, and useful for God's Kingdom.</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'lucida grande';">Most homeschooled kids do not own their own businesses by age 13, graduate from college at age 16 or run for political office at age 19. They are ordinary, special to God, and useful for God's Kingdom.</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'lucida grande';">Not all homeschool families have 14 children, perfectly managed households, and unusually obedient children. They are ordinary, special to God, and useful for God's' Kingdom.</span></li></ol></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'lucida grande';">Remember that though there are special and talented and unusually gifted homeschool children and families (and we thank God for them because they flavor our lives and give us models to aspire to), the majority of homeschool families provide the backbone for society and are unassuming, unremarkable, and unexceptional. But we all need to be faithful and diligent....ordinary, special to God, and useful for God's Kingdom.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'lucida grande';"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'lucida grande';">Educate your children to love God, seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and the rest (math, english, history, literature, etc.) will be added unto them. Then they will be special to God, useful for God's Kingdom, and extraordinary.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'lucida grande';">For more tools to raise godly children see </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><a href="http://www.keepsakecurriculum.com/">www.KeepsakeCurriculum.com</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'lucida grande';">.</span></div>Cindy Vosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17597846429805339040noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6668302853101471310.post-10083417323555406962010-07-21T11:07:00.007-05:002010-07-21T11:43:12.248-05:00Covenant Faithfulnes<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXonZ-gWgQLeIXmYYDvvJWron58zC6ZoMssVZuiWeLNKYZRr8GSxt3z-2P7vQrNeNjTkTRUjLUfSpqgAM8OEyLeONn7hV38MCLI58NAvad6qTui8JmYP0sEr5sQdM7uiQ3r8m_GFtffgRu/s1600/DSCN0282.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXonZ-gWgQLeIXmYYDvvJWron58zC6ZoMssVZuiWeLNKYZRr8GSxt3z-2P7vQrNeNjTkTRUjLUfSpqgAM8OEyLeONn7hV38MCLI58NAvad6qTui8JmYP0sEr5sQdM7uiQ3r8m_GFtffgRu/s400/DSCN0282.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496400064018010738" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwzt5zOcgFOtIBNYfRE63yAwDUHcVfsrjOKhDafs7nd325TbPUF6854g5XeJFoh3in0ixYvBmlWQGJd5KsTZEWCCrJGuXx0RAIeVmRfz6C6ESSGy2XPup4asa10B7JSaVOXC0j1GgRyf6t/s1600/20841_131733353522737_100000582204562_261073_8261443_n.jpg"><br /></a>My son got married a few weeks ago and again I was reminded of the covenantal faithfulness of God. They chose for their Bible passage Psalm 128 and it was a beautiful reminder of the blessed state of those who fear the Lord.<div><br /><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Blessed are all who fear the Lord,</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> who walk in his ways.</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>You will eat the fruit of your labor;</div><div> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> blessings and prosperity will be yours.</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Your wife will be like a fruitful vine</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> within your house;</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>your sons will be like olive shoots </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> around your table.</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Thus is the man blessed</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> who fears the Lord.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>May the Lord bless you from Zion </div><div> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> all the days of your life;</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>may you see the prosperity of </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> Jerusalem,</div><div> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>and may you live to see your</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> children's children.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Peace be upon Israel.</div><div><br /></div><div>The day was beautiful and I thank you for your well wishes and prayers. Six months ago for Christmas my daughter wrote a poem for me called A Mother's Prayer for Her Son. It is truly the prayer I would pray for my sons and the future husbands (Lord willing) of my daughters.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>A Mother's Prayer for Her Son</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Lord, I pray my son a house would build</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Where every room is by Your glory filled.</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>May Your word his only foundation be,</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>And make the faith within an easy thing to see.</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>O God, when storms against his home do rail,</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>I pray that You'd his faith prevail.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Lord, I pray my son from evil his heart and home he would defend</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>And never from Your path, O Lord, allow his steps to bend.</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Keep his heart focused relentlessly on You</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>So that at temptation's coming he can battle through.</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>May he never once his responsibilities hide,</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>And always for his family's needs provide.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Lord, I pray my son his family will lead,</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>And train his children to serve You in thought, in word, and deed.</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Give him the wisdom to be the head You desire,</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>And in the study of Your Word may his heart never tire.</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>O precious Lord, hold him close to You,</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>And to Your will may he always be true.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Lord, I thank You my son has been able to see</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>A model of the man You have called him to be</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>By the godly example of the man You've given me</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>His father, by Your grace, has shown him the way,</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>And in that path, O Lord, I pray my son will stay.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>In Jesus' Name,</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Amen</div><div><br /></div><div> </div></div>Cindy Vosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17597846429805339040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6668302853101471310.post-38832286010237182262010-07-14T13:31:00.004-05:002010-07-14T14:46:19.584-05:00Warning: Culture Toxic to BoysI recently heard a statistic that I found very alarming: 70% of young men are not grown up by 30 years of age (up from 30% in 1970) as stated in Newsweek magazine. That is frightening to me as a mother of 3 sons and 2 daughters and a confirmation of the reason why I started <a href="http://www.keepsakecurriculum.com">Keepsake Curriculum</a>.<div><br /></div><div>Every generation has its issues and I am not one to glorify "the past", but what is true for <b>every</b> generation is the call to get back to the Word of God as our guide for life. It is when we fall away from God's Word that we see statistics like the one above.</div><div><br /></div><div>I am deeply disturbed that even in Christianity today we are not training our sons and daughters Biblically. It appears more and more clearly that we are using the culture as our standard. We tell our daughters to first and foremost pursue a career when the Bible says, </div><div>"You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine.....Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the Word of God" (Titus 2:1a, 3-5). Instead of using that as our guide, we encourage our daughters to seek after a career in anything and everything, including jobs that formerly were held by men...police work, lawyers, military, etc. The Bible says that the beauty of a woman is the "beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit" (1 Peter 3:4). Pretty hard to show that as a policewoman, lawyer, or soldier.</div><div><br /></div><div>What this departure from the Word of God has done to boys and manhood has been devastating. A recent study shows that women now receive 58% of the bachelor's degrees given by colleges and universities. The Pew Research Center reports that 28% of wives between the ages of 30 and 44 have more education than their husbands and that women have become a majority in law, medical, and doctoral programs. This has led to an alarming number of "stay-at-home dads" which not only is a deviation from history but is a direct violation of God's plan for the family.</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><br /></span></div><div>In an article by Kevin Swanson from Generations With Vision he writes that he interviewed Dr. Christine Hoff Somers, the author of a new book called <i>The War Against Boys</i>, who stated that "the modern school is dangerous for boys. It is producing boys that are feminized, awkward, rebellious, or otherwise ill-prepared for life. Only 43% of students attending college today are boys, and that number continues to drop. Schools are increasingly designed for girls. Meanwhile boys are disenfranchised and disinterested. Removing a boy's unique purpose and preparation in life, setting him in a girl's world, and then putting him in competition with girls will only produce devastating consequences for our social and economic systems." Not to mention the fact that it dishonors the God who created them "male and female". (<a href="http://www.generationswithvision.com/Articles/7">Full Article</a>)</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><br /></span></div><div>All this has led to a culture of immaturity among young men. Video games, entertainment, and an overemphasis on sports has made Gary Cross, a Penn State University historian wonder "Where have all the men gone?" In his book <i>Men to Boys: The Making of Modern Immaturity </i>Cross concludes, "Modern toys have gradually lost their 'expiration dates', the markers that designate the time that children are expected to abandon them after reaching a new developmental stage....their manufacturers design them to blur, even deny this historically essential transition from boyhood to manhood....To be blunt, adult men obsessed with video games are in a state of arrested development because they can't see the difference between a toy and an adult pleasure" (p 223-224). That is quite different from Paul's admonition to the Corinthians, "When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me" (I Corinthians 13:11).</div><div><br /></div><div>The Bible clearly portrays distinct and God-given differences between girls and boys, men and women. As usual, sinful man perverts those distinctions and leads us to discontentment and the crisises we experience today. The present culture is not only toxic to boys but to girls as well. As parents let's not be intimidated by the culture but let's be diligent to use the Word of God as our guide and thereby make a difference in the world around us.</div><div><br /></div><div>For additional resources and guides see <a href="http://www.keepsakecurriculum.com">Keepsake Curriculum</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Cindy Vosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17597846429805339040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6668302853101471310.post-22409930998074550222010-05-14T17:02:00.008-05:002010-05-14T18:12:12.010-05:00Cell phones, Texting and Manners or Raising Godly Children in a Techie World: Part 3"Don't talk with food in your mouth!", "Don't interrupt when someone else is speaking!", "Son, give your seat to a lady or an elderly person!" We've all heard our mothers instruct us in the art of common and everyday manners. It's part of living in an orderly and polite society. It's called decency.<div><br /></div><div>But what in the world is happening! A loud ring tone interrupts a Sunday worship service, people walk out of a lecture, class, or sermon because "they just have to take this call", and pleasant dinner conversations are halted by a call or a text.</div><div><br /></div><div>Modern technological marvels and instant communication have made our lives so much more convenient. Mothers feel a much deeper sense of security because their children are "just a phone call away". But where have all the manners gone? Private conversations used to be...well...private. I am amazed at how freely we speak to others about important and private things while a whole host of people are listening...in the grocery store, in the restaurant, and in the doctor's office. I am saddened at how many family dinners are spoiled by half the family texting, half the family on their cell phones, and the rest staring into space as they wait for these conversations to end. I am tired of being unintentionally and unavoidably a part of "overhearing" conversations I do not want to be a part of.</div><div><br /></div><div>Mothers and fathers used to take the time to teach their little ones manners both in society and in the home but when it comes to cell phones and texting, I repeat, where have all the manners gone. Parents, please, before you give your children a phone of their own, make sure they know the proper manners necessary for polite conversation at the proper time and in the proper way. (And it wouldn't hurt for us to set the right example as well.)</div><div><br /></div><div>Turn the cell phone off at the dinner table or at the restaurant surrounded by friends. It is a time for the conversation to be focused on those who are present. Emergency calls can happen, but are so much more infrequent then the constant communication I have witnessed when dining with friends. Call it what it is....rude! Not only are you halting the conversation, but you are thoughtlessly interrupting the person you are with and making them wait while you focus your attention on someone else. Instead, teach your children to look others in the eyes, to focus their attention on the one they are conversing with, and to truly participate in what they are saying. </div><div><br /></div><div>Cell phones are an amazing gift from God. In using them let us not forget that people and manners matter. Manners help us to show others that we care about them and they let our children know that there is a polite and thoughtful way to communicate with people. Even if "everybody else" does it, let's be different...let's be thoughtful, considerate, and polite.</div>Cindy Vosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17597846429805339040noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6668302853101471310.post-64786587408413694882010-03-02T19:57:00.004-06:002010-03-02T20:29:26.882-06:00Loving Your Children<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Sometimes we forget just how much of a blessing children are. Homeschooling, laundry, meal preparation....getting caught up in the busyness of the day, we have a tendency to depreciate our children and easily become annoyed or bothered. I was having such a day when I received the Kingdom Notes from <a href="http://www.highlandsministriesonline.org">Highlands Ministries</a>, the ministry of Dr. R. C. Sproul, Jr. I was touched and thankful when I read it and am sharing it below.</span><div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Helvetica;font-size:medium;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;">Children, according to the Word of God, are a blessing from the hand of God (Psalm 127). That includes all children, no matter the circumstances. One of our children, who is a profound blessing also has profoundly special needs. Two of our children have come to us from troubled circumstances. In both instances there are unusual challenges. In both, however, there are unusual blessings. Shannon, my twelve year old whose abilities more closely match those of a one year old, blesses most potently in and through her disposition. Her nickname, Princess Happy is apt. Her happiness in turn is contagious. She smiles at me, and I am at peace. She laughs, and I forget my troubles. </span><p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;">Reilly and Donovan, who are four years and three months old respectively, bless in unusual ways as well. Reilly has an energy that is often a challenge, but is in turn a blessing. He is enthusiastic about whatever he is about. Last night, as we watched elder brother Campbell’s baseball game in near freezing temperatures, Reilly danced to music only he heard. Donovan only dances by accident- while I am dancing and holding him at the same time. He does, however, snuggle with passion. He wiggles on my shoulder, seeking to burrow his way into my neck.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;">In the end, however, the blessings from these children, who clearly and immediately strike strangers as “different” are very much like the blessings we receive from all of our children. Children are a blessing from the hand of God in the end less because of the lessons we learn, certainly not because of the love they bestow on us. They are blessings instead because they are the objects of our love. We are blessed because we get to love them. My daughter Darby, our first born, gave me, as her mom did before her, the Grinch experience. The day she was born my heart grew three sizes. My first born son, Campbell, proved the phenomenon did not diminish with each new child.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;">Delaney, God bless her, still calls me daddy, and still my heart expands. Erin Claire’s guilelessness not only evokes my love for her, but exhibits for me the child-like faith we are called to. And Maili is proof that even as I age, my heart can still grow. These are the olive plants about my table. They are God’s gift to me and my dear wife, our gift to their grandparents, uncles, aunts. They are objects of our love, drawing from us what best reflects the very image of God.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;">The moral then is not so obtuse. You need not break out your lexicons or your systematics texts to know what to do here. Love your children. Love them deeply. Love them faithfully. Love them without restraint or shame or fear. It will serve you well. It will serve them well. It will serve well your grandchildren. Best of all, it will make manifest the glory of the reign of Jesus Christ over all things.</span></p><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">This was and is a good reminder to give our God the thanks He alone deserves. Be encouraged and reminded to thank Him today for the blessings of your children.</span></p></span></div></div>Cindy Vosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17597846429805339040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6668302853101471310.post-25028700341119292632009-12-02T10:11:00.005-06:002009-12-02T15:42:13.918-06:00Cell phones, Texting and Patience or Raising Biblical Children in a Techie WorldAh, the wonder of technology! My mother-in-law had to wait several weeks to hear from her fiancee' overseas during WWII. I had to wait several days to hear from acquaintances in other states, and my children have to wait several...well...seconds to hear from a friend anywhere. Amazing! The ability to text a message quickly and receive an answer immediately is nothing short of astonishing and I thank God for this incredible gift. Nevertheless, in this second part of a series on cell phones and texting (face-booking) I would like to step back, slow down and reflect on the idea of patience. I am in no way suggesting that going back to snail mail is my heart's desire. This capability to reach anyone anywhere quickly is wonderful; however, let's understand that with the good sometimes also comes the bad.<div><br /></div><div>On the material level, upgrades to cell phones, texting, Internet accessibility, and photo capabilities happen, it seems, almost daily. Getting the newest and the best is rampant among consumers today. What used to take years to get "old" now takes weeks. It's hard to keep up! It isn't easy to teach our children the concept of contentment in this fast paced world in which we live. The spiritual command to be content has always been a difficult battle to fight, and today, ironically, the same technology that affords us so much convenience is a huge </div><div>catalyst in making us very discontented. And impatience is a large part of discontentment.</div><div><br /></div><div>We have become a very impatient people. I can see it in myself when I travel to an area that runs a bit slower than I am used to. I get agitated, angry, and irritated so quickly. I want my desires fulfilled immediately. I believe this is due in part to the "instant" society in which we live. All these things that make our lives easier haven't really seemed to make us more content. In fact, there are probably more discontented people now than ever.</div><div><br /></div><div>The ability to quickly communicate with people also has its downside. I can remember as a young adult writing a letter to a friend in the morning and by nighttime coming to the conclusion that it was best not to send it...or at least to change some of the things I wanted to say. When I had time to think about it, most of what I had written, in anger or in gossip, I had decided was best left unsaid. We often send messages without giving the proper amount of thought that is required. It is much easier to quickly call somebody about something that we should probably think through first. </div><div><br /></div><div>Patience is a virtue my mother always said. Indeed it is an important part of our spiritual walk with the Lord. <a href="http://www.beautifulbiblicalwomanhood.com/">Raising beautiful Biblical daughters and Biblically discerning sons</a> does not mean that we may not use the advantages of technology, but as usual it requires diligent training and maturity. Texting and cell phones can and are used for great good (Hey Mom, just wanted to say I love you and have a great day), wonderful conveniences (I'll be home in ten minutes) or sinful exchanges (Did you hear what she said....?) Let us work at being content with what we have even if it isn't the latest and the best, and let us think before we send a message to anyone that isn't God honoring.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Cindy Vosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17597846429805339040noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6668302853101471310.post-67577180061018127042009-11-16T10:23:00.006-06:002009-11-16T11:38:29.189-06:00Cell phones, Texting and Immaturity or Raising Biblically Discerning Children in a Teckie WorldMy kids think I hate technology. (Rather an interesting statement considering I have a web page and my own blog.) However, in all fairness to them, I am rather quick to point out the problems with technology, focusing on the negatives rather than the positives.<div><br /></div><div>We were discussing the possibility of getting unlimited <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">texting</span> on our recent phone upgrade. Up until this time only one of my children really uses <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">texting</span> in a way that would necessitate an "unlimited" status. So, we discussed the cost, the need, and the problems associated with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">texting</span>. As usual, our discussion turned into a rather intense discourse eventually leading to the statement I began with. "Mom, why do you hate technology?"</div><div><br /></div><div>Technology, a gift from God, is a wonderful thing. Amongst the thousands of things I could list, I will say that I love my washing machine, dryer, microwave, oven, and vacuum cleaner. I love the television, radio, I-pod, computer, yes, and even my cell phone. Yet, amidst all the technological advances, we seem to have lost something as well. <a href="http://www.beautifulbiblicalwomanhood.com">Raising Biblical sons and daughters</a> takes a lot of work and discernment; however, it seems that with all of the advancements, happening at a dizzying pace, discernment has fallen by the wayside.</div><div><br /></div><div>Since the <i><b>benefits</b></i> of technology are obvious to all, I need not spend time listing them: they are numerous. However, I would like to point out some of the disadvantages that seem to be disregarded and all but forgotten. In order to limit my discussion, I would like to address my concerns primarily to cell phones and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">texting</span> (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">facebooking</span> could also be included).</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1. <i><b>Cell phones, </b></i><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><i><b>texting</b></i></span><i><b> (</b></i><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><i><b>facebooking</b></i></span><i><b>) and immaturity</b></i>. As parents, the convenience of our children having their own cell phones and the capabilities of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">texting</span> is very advantageous, for us and for them. But should convenience override the fact that many immature and undiscerning <i>children</i> are carrying around phones and having conversations we know nothing about. </div><div><br /></div><div>The family phone used to be in the kitchen and many times my mom would be privy to my conversations, which were comparably few to the phone calling and/or <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">texting</span> kids do today. As an immature child I needed correction and she would instruct me on my unkind language, gossip, and sharing of inappropriate confidences. She knew who I talked to and why. She was able to guide me in a way that taught me to watch my mouth for it is very important to God how we use our tongues. When I reached a level of maturity in which my parents were more confident, I was allowed more <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">privileges</span>. I had a good background in Biblical understanding and had memorized and applied verses such as Ephesians 4:29 "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen" or Proverbs 15:2 "The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly." </div><div><br /></div><div>I have unintentionally (another point to discuss...you can't be anywhere with out hearing somebody talking on their cell phone) overheard many conversations by immature children (and adults) having conversations that make me blush. Many of these conversations are in Christian churches and youth groups. It is commonplace and natural in the way they talk revealing many years of unsupervised and undisciplined training in the area of conversation. It is a by-product of allowing immature children access to a medium that they are not ready to handle. </div><div><br /></div><div>Therefore, my conclusion is this.....Cell phones, texting, and facebooking are great tools if your son or daughter has reached a level of Spiritual maturity to be discerning. It needs to be clearly evident in their walk with the Lord that they can handle this kind of responsibility and be an example to their peers. Unless that is true have them wait for this kind of privilege afforded by technology. </div><div><br /></div><div>I will continue this discussion in a future blog. Until then, let us use technology in a way that is wise and discerning and glorifies God.</div>Cindy Vosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17597846429805339040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6668302853101471310.post-61063684842579974592009-06-08T14:43:00.002-05:002009-06-08T15:21:47.817-05:00Keep A Quiet HeartOne of my favorite devotionals is a book by Elisabeth Elliot entitled <span style="font-style: italic;">Keep A Quiet Heart</span>. Though I never met her personally, I would consider her one of my mentors for she is a woman of great wisdom and godliness. In the introduction to <span style="font-style: italic;">Keep a Quiet Heart</span> she writes, "This book is a compilation of lead articles...Mostly they are about learning to know God. Nothing else, I believe, comes close to being as important in life as that. It's what we are here for. We are created to glorify Him as long as we live on this planet, and to enjoy Him for the rest of eternity. Our task is simply to trust and obey."<br /><br />The wisdom found in her book which she has gleaned from THE BOOK has given me guidance, encouragement, and instruction. To be a busy wife, mother, teacher, etc... only works well if you function with a quiet heart. The mother in the home acts as a barometer. If she is stressed, crabby, agitated, argumentative, complaining, and a whole host of other unwholesome attitudes, the home will reflect that. Conversely, if she has a quiet heart, trusting in God, and resting on his promises the home will likewise reflect that. Thus, in order to <a href="http://www.beautifulbiblicalwomanhood.com">raise godly sons and daughters</a> and be a blessing to our husbands, we need to model a quiet heart.<br /><br />Annie Keary, 1825-1879, once wrote, "I think I find most help in trying to look on all the interruptions and hindrances to work that one has planned out for oneself as discipline, trials sent by God to help one against getting selfish over one's work. Then one can feel that perhaps one's true work - one's work for God - consists in doing some trifling haphazard thing that has been thrown into one's day. It is not a waste of time, as one is tempted to think, it is the most important part of the work of the day - the part one can best offer to God. After such a hindrance, do not rush after the planned work; trust that the time to finish it will be given sometime, and keep a quiet heart about it (Keep A Quiet Heart, page 9).<br /><br />Are we willing to accept all that God assigns for us during the day? Can we be happy and surrender ourselves to His agenda? It isn't easy, but the days go so much better when we let God be God and trust Him for the portion He gives us. When things don't go the way I want them to, or I begin to fear the future, I need to refocus my thoughts on Christ and trust that His way is the best. Then and only then can I learn to keep a quiet heart.Cindy Vosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17597846429805339040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6668302853101471310.post-33044166048032643212009-05-27T14:36:00.006-05:002009-05-27T15:11:37.543-05:00Biblical Daughters and Biblically Defined SonsThe traditional Judeo-Christian worldview is a thing of the past; moreover, the post-modern world in which we currently live is anything but relevant because there is no basis for truth. In fact, the contemporary idea that truth is relative, though not a new concept, is an amazingly destructive lie. Indeed, raising Biblical sons and daughters in today's culture is a rather daunting task! Yet this calling from God isn't an objective but a command. It says in Deuteronomy 6:6-8:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">"These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.<br />Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home<br />and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hand and bind them<br />on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your<br />houses on on your gates" (NIV).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">These words written thousands of years ago are just as relevant now as they were then. They are clear and instructive, and they are profoundly convicting!<br /><br />Today's youth are woefully unprepared to enter into marriage, establish their own homes, or raise a godly generation of children. A lack of Biblical knowledge and discernment has certainly added to this, along with a culture replete with selfishness, an over abundance of entertainment and visual stimulation, and an early participation in sexual activity. Our children are being fed the lie that they can be and do anything that they want to be or do; that the Bible is silent on these matters.<br /><br />Our daughters are led to believe that God has nothing to say on issues such as women enlisting in the military or mothers putting their children in daycare in order to pursue a more "fulfilling" career; moreover, our sons are ridiculed for recognizing the value of their roles as protectors.<br /><br />Equally upsetting is the portrayal of men and women in today's movie culture. Masculine women, kicking and fighting their way into what once were traditionally male roles, and feminized men who let women lead them pervade our television sets and our minds each day.<br /><br />Men and women are regarded as having no differences between them or their roles. However, the Bible very clearly distinguishes between the roles of men and women. Though equal in their image bearing and importance, they are not equal in their functions or responsibilities; instead they complement each other. In addition to these differences and roles the Bible instructs us and our children in areas of modesty, righteousness, and integrity. In short, it calls us to be Biblical men and women.<br /><br />As we get caught up in the busyness of the world around us, we have to be very deliberate in our approach to training our children; it takes more than modeling. It takes time, hard work, prayer, and diligent instruction. It doesn't just happen! Let's help our children have a true knowledge and a firm conviction of what the Bible has to say about being men and women of God. Let's help our daughters embrace Biblical femininity and take pleasure in being godly wives and mothers. Let's create in our sons a desire to lead, protect, and restore godly masculinity to a world that has rejected the God-given differences between men and women. Finally, let's teach our children how to walk with the wise and gain instruction from them.<br /><br />For resources to help you achieve these goals, visit <a href="http://www.beautifulbiblicalwomanhood.com/">BeautifulBiblicalWomanhood.com</a> and <a href="http://beautifulbiblicalwomanhood.com/">BiblicallyDefinedManhood.com</a>.<br /><br /><br /></div></div>Cindy Vosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17597846429805339040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6668302853101471310.post-78303264002112540012009-05-19T11:35:00.005-05:002009-05-19T12:23:16.926-05:00Delighting in the Law of GodTraining sons and daughters to be Biblical young men and women is a daunting task and requires patience, diligence, perseverance, and much prayer. However, we are not left helpless in this task for God has given us much instruction about it in His word. The books of Psalms and Proverbs provide us with much material and the Holy Spirit guides us as we apply these truths in the upbringing of our children.<br /><br />A huge lesson my husband and I learned as we raised our children was that the only way to get our children to delight in the laws of God was for us to truly delight in them ourselves and then to share that delight with them. As obvious as that may seem, it requires careful consideration of how we communicate with our children. For example, our delight in Sunday worship reflects to our children the love we have for the Lord and His people. The complaint, "Why do we have to go to church?" is replied with "Why are we so privileged and so honored to be able to go to church. What a blessing that we don't deserve!" If this is followed by genuine joy and our children see the love we have for worship, we have communicated much.<br /><br />Psalm 119 reflects much on the blessings that are received to those who "walk according to the law of the Lord" and whose "statutes are my delight; they are my counselors"(Psalm 119: 1b,24). It would do our families and are children well to memorize scripture<br /> and delight in it. Psalm 119:9-16 sums it up very well.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> "How can a young man keep his way pure?<br /> By living according to your word.<br /> I seek you with all my heart;<br />do not let me stray from your commands.<br />I have hidden your word in my heart<br />that I might not sin against you.<br />Praise be to you, O Lord;<br />teach me your decrees.<br />With my lips I recount<br />all the laws that come from your mouth.<br />I rejoice in following your statutes<br />as one rejoices in great riches.<br />I meditate on your precepts<br />and consider your ways.<br />I delight in your decrees;<br />I will not neglect your word."<br /></div><br />Delighting in the Law of God is the most important communication we can give our children as we train our daughters to be <a href="http://www.beautifulbiblicalwomanhood.com/">beautiful Biblical women</a> and our sons to be <a href="http://www.beautifulbiblicalwomanhood.com/">Biblically defined men</a>.Cindy Vosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17597846429805339040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6668302853101471310.post-67278959428987155272009-05-12T10:55:00.004-05:002009-05-12T11:23:57.469-05:00Do The Next Thing!Biblical daughters and Biblically defined sons would richly benefit from reading great poetry. The beautiful book of Psalms in the Bible is a good place to start. Additionally, people throughout the ages have inspired us, both emotionally and spiritually, with timeless advice and wisdom through verse and song.<br /><br />Elisabeth Elliot, speaker, author, and wife of the murdered missionary Jim Elliot, had an old English poem that she often shared in her writings and on her radio program <span style="font-style: italic;">Gateway to Joy</span>. The poem which was entitled "Do The Next Thing" had a huge impact on my life. The memory of this poem has often encouraged me to keep on going when I have been discouraged, worried, or afraid.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> Do The Next Thing<br /><br />At an old English parsonage down by the sea,<br />There came in the twilight a message to me,<br />Its quaint Saxon legend deeply engraven<br />That, as it seems to me, teaching from heaven.<br />And all through the hours the quiet words ring,<br />Like a low inspiration, <span style="font-style: italic;">Do The Next Thing</span>.<br /><br />Many a questioning, many a fear,<br />Many a doubt hath its quieting here.<br />Moment by moment, let down from heaven,<br />Time, opportunity, and guidance are given.<br />Fear not tomorrows, child of the King,<br />Trust them with Jesus, <span style="font-style: italic;">Do The Next Thing</span>.<br /><br />Do it immediately, do it with prayer:<br />Do it reliantly, casting all care.<br />Do it with reverence, tracing His hand,<br />Who placed it before thee with earnest command.<br />Stayed on Omnipotence, safe 'neath His wing,<br />Leave all results, <span style="font-style: italic;">Do The Next Thing</span>.<br /><br />Looking to Jesus, ever serener,<br />Working or suffering be thy demeanor;<br />In his dear presence, the rest of His calm,<br />The light of His countenance, be thy psalm,<br />Strong in His faithfulness, praise and sing,<br />Then, as He beckons, <span style="font-style: italic;">Do The Next Thing</span>.<br /><br />Author Unknown<br /></div><br />This poem has often come to my mind when I thought I couldn't go on. However, I would be reminded to first talk to God about it, worship Him with thankfulness, and then go and Do The Next Thing.Cindy Vosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17597846429805339040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6668302853101471310.post-75540168226827130782009-04-28T14:02:00.002-05:002009-04-28T14:59:37.818-05:00Surviving Tough Economic Times<span style="font-family:arial;">Is your Biblical homeschool curriculum teaching your sons and daughters how to survive tough economic times? If you want to prepare them for the future, their studies must include the following truths:</span> <span style="font-family:arial;">first, it must teach the Sovereignty of God. Sons who embrace Biblical manhood and daughters who value Biblical womanhood must understand the Sovereignty of God. He is in control of all things. Prosperity and/or famine are not new nor do they leave Him wondering what to do. He has ordained all things and works them out for their spiritual good.</span> <span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br />Second, a godly curriculum must teach them not to fear the future. Hard times are <span style="font-style: italic;">opportunities</span> for us to bring the gospel to a culture disintegrating and frightened. Instead of fearing the future we need to train our children to fear the living God. We are to worship God in all things and at all times. As Paul said in Philippians 4:12-13, "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. NIV" If we are to survive tough economic times we must show our children how to worship God.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Third, a Biblical curriculum must teach our sons and daughters how to use their gifts to do the work God has called them to do. This must be done in accordance with what the Scripture says about the roles and responsibilities of men and women. As Kevin Swanson of Generations With Vision says in an audio message entitled </span><a href="http://www.generationswithvision.com/resources.aspx?product=FamilyEconomics"><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:arial;" >How Families Can Thrive in Tough Economic Times</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;">, "Start now....start today....you've got to build your own family systems (in preparation for the tough times)....I hope you're raising your daughters to be a Proverbs 31 woman. I hope you're raising your sons to be men of God, deacons in the Church of Jesus Christ. Because our families, our churches, our culture will be crying out for it (charity and love) twenty years from now."</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Finally, a godly curriculum must teach character and integrity. Be deliberate and intentional in your instruction. Make sure you are creating for your children a <a href="http://www.beautifulbiblicalwomanhood.com">Biblical homeschool curriculum</a>. Tough times require strong men and women of God. The Church of Jesus Christ must be ready to show the world that the Sovereign Lord blesses the nations that fear Him. </span>Cindy Vosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17597846429805339040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6668302853101471310.post-24152039885229395242009-04-22T20:52:00.004-05:002009-04-22T21:36:29.405-05:00Deliberate and Intentional Training<span style="font-family: arial;">As a homeschool mother of two daughters and three sons, I have been very busy with the "everyday" aspect of education. We put a lot of effort into teaching math, history, grammar, literature, etc., and although it is vitally important for our children to know these things it is only a part of their life. How they "live out" that life is far more important and the Word of God is our blueprint.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"> I have often been saddened by the fact that the beautiful picture of womanhood and manhood presented in the Scriptures has been so trampled on in the society in which we live. Terms like </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-family: arial;">headship</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> and</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-family: arial;"> submission</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> have been stripped of their godly intent and turned into something ugly and unenlightened. As Dr. Voddie Baucham, Jr. writes in the introduction to his book </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-family: arial;">What He Must Be If He Wants to Marry My Daughter</span><span style="font-family: arial;">, "Our current understanding of manhood (and womanhood) is in many ways ineffective and unjust. It is ineffective in that the current state of the family is confusion and disorder. It is unjust in that it is in direct violation of the Word of God (pages 10-11)" (parenthesis added).</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"> As previously stated, the dissimilarity between the culture's understanding of femininity and masculinity, and the Bible's instruction on these things stand in stark contrast with each other. We at Keepsake Homeschool Curriculum are persuaded that the only way to return to what the Bible describes as true Biblical womanhood and manhood is to turn back to the Word of God as our source and be deliberate in the way we raise our sons and daughters.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"> This means that we as parents have to do more than just model these things. We must intentionally train our children in what the Word of God says about these things. It takes time, hard work, lots of prayer, and much instruction. Thankfully with the technology we have today it is much easier to find the resources available to </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.beautifulbiblicalwomanhood.com/">create a curriculum</a><span style="font-family: arial;"> unique to each family and each individual child.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"> It is my prayer that the resources you might find here will inspire you to intentionally take the time to raise up for this generation and generations to come godly sons and daughters........lights in a dark and confused world.</span>Cindy Vosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17597846429805339040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6668302853101471310.post-37861148610263044152009-04-20T15:10:00.000-05:002009-04-20T16:21:20.188-05:00Welcome to Keepsake Homeschool Curriculum BlogWelcome to <span style="font-weight: bold;">Keepsake Homeschool Curriculum Blog</span><br /><br />We are here to help parents return to the vision of raising beautiful Biblical daughters and Biblically defined sons. Our culture has lost a vision for true <a href="http://www.beautifulbiblicalwomanhood.com">Biblical womanhood and manhood</a>. It is our desire to help equip parents with not only the resources but the desire to intentionally train their children with a Biblical vision. <br /><br />Come back soon for encouragement, resources, and helpful information.<br /><br />Check out our web site at <a href="http://www.beautifulbiblicalwomanhood.com">Keepsake Curriculum</a>.<br />Cindy Vosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17597846429805339040noreply@blogger.com0