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#9-7: Filled With Good Things

#1 · August 12, 2006, 9:18 am

Quote from Forum Archives on August 12, 2006, 9:18 am
Posted by: hopechestnews <hopechestnews@...>
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The Hope Chest Home School News

with Virginia Knowles

August 12, 2006

#9-7: Filled With Good Things

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Welcome to the Hope Chest!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Hope Chest Home School News is a free e-mail magazine sent to over 1250 families around the world. The publisher is Virginia Knowles, wife to Thad and mother of 10 children (7 daughters and 3 sons, ages 1 to 19). Virginia is the author of The Real Life Home School Mom, Common Sense Excellence: Faith-Filled Home Education for Preschool to 5^th Grade, and designer of and The Learner's Journal lesson planner and resource log. Check out her web site at www.thehopechest.net, read archives at https://welovegod.org/groups/hopechest or e-mail her at [email protected]. You will find more contact information at the bottom of this e-magazine.

~*~*~

Dear Hope Chest friends,

I'm so glad you've joined me for another issue of the Hope Chest! I'm finally getting back to academic topics! Can you imagine? This month, I'd like to share with you more about my "approach" to home schooling, tell you what we're doing this year, and list a whole bunch of my favorite resources. Please feel free to forward this to others!

In this issue you will find:

Filled With Good Things

What We're Doing for School This Year

A Final Note from Virginia: Beauty in the Soul

Hope Chest Contact Information

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Filled With Good Things

by Virginia Knowles

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

For the beauty of the earth, for the glory of the skies,

for the love which from our birth over and around us lies;

Lord of all, to thee we raise this our hymn of grateful praise.

For the beauty of each hour, of the day and of the night,

hill and vale, and tree and flower, sun and moon, and stars of light;

Lord of all, to thee we raise this our hymn of grateful praise.

For the joy of ear and eye, for the heart and mind's delight,

for the mystic harmony, linking sense to sound and sight;

Lord of all, to thee we raise this our hymn of grateful praise.

(Folliot S. Pierpoint)

I don't know about you, but the main reason our family is home schooling is that we want to fill our children's hearts and minds with good things! First and foremost, we desire to impart an intimate knowledge of our Gracious God and his ways. We're not always consistent with that, but it's what keeps drawing us back into focus.   Our creative God, who made us in his image as creative beings, often reveals himself through the "common graces" of literature, art, music, and nature study. Charlotte Mason, the esteemed turn-of-the-century British educator who wrote much about home schooling, always urged parents to make the most of these, rather than merely dull dry paperwork. She envisioned children growing up wholesomely in the spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical realms of life. That's what we want: true beauty – a keen aesthetic sense that so fills the soul that there is no room for the garbage our culture dishes up so liberally. The beauty I am talking about is not just "pretty stuff" for the eyes and ears. It is not devoid of pain and suffering. It is what transforms the soul toward the inner beauty of kindness and compassion – and that will mean exposure to the pathos of human existence. (I'll write more on this at the end of this newsletter.)

French archbishop Francis Fenelon wrote in 1687, "Children filled with thoughts of their romantic heroes, become astonished when they look around in real life, and cannot discover a single person throughout the world bearing resemblance with their ideal hero. They would wish to live like those princes and princesses who are always charming, always adored, always above every care. What a disgust for them to descend from a hero and heroine, to the low detail and drudgery of taking care of a family. Children should be influenced by books that vividly portray life in all its trials and victories. Divine providence should echo throughout its pages. Characters who suffer wrongfully in a righteous manner, and display humble dispositions, will lay a secure foundation for the time when childhood may be stolen away; perhaps through the death of a loved one, sickness, or calamity. Children need informed instruction, and models of heroes and heroines of righteousness to fill their reserves for such a time. In literature as well as in history, God who doeth all things well, must be seen through the filter of His divine love and tender care of His children and as an avenger of all who harden their neck." (As quoted in "Education of a Child: The Wisdom of Fenelon," edited by Mark Hamby.)

Literature, art, music, nature study – these are so vital to "ignite the delight" in a child's education! But they must be worthy! Philippians 4:8 tells us, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."

It's not enough to guard against what is obviously immoral and profane, but also what is just plain untrue and misleading, even if it seems winsome inspirational. Many of us have heard rumblings about the Emerging Church (EC) movement, which places a high value on the arts, culture, and creative expression.   It's true that churches should support the humanities! Unfortunately, the general theology of the leaders of the EC is anything but Biblically orthodox, though it claims to be Christian.   (I've been reading the third-in-a-trilogy novel The Last Word and the Word After That by Brian McLaren, a key leader in the EC movement, and I will tell you that it is both alluring and dead wrong! No, I didn't buy the book, nor do I recommend it. I probably won't even finish reading it. Mark Pinsky, the religion writer at the Orlando Sentinel gave me his review copy. Mark's newest book, A Jew Among the Evangelicals: A Guide for the Perplexed, has just been released, and as I mentioned before, my family is profiled in it, along with two others. It's available at Amazon.)

In some ways, it would be easier to not study or stretch the brain at all. I could just function at the bare minimum level of housework, childcare, and isolated academic skills, but I envision more for myself and more for my family. I want us to be deep thinkers. "Readers make leaders!" If I want my children to be thoughtful and vigorous readers, I must set the example. This summer I've had the opportunity to read voraciously, and I know I am going to be in serious withdrawal next week when school starts and I can't spend as much time in my favorite chair by the new bookcase the children and I put up a few weeks ago.

My friend Beverly Rejonis lent me a book that I've been trying in vain to get through the library system. Marriage to a Difficult Man: The Uncommon Union of Jonathan and Sarah Edwards by Elisabeth D. Dodds is the stirring story of a devoted couple who had maximum impact on 18^th century society.   Jonathan and Sarah Edwards totally fascinate me, and I read all I can find about them. He was colonial America's foremost theologian, considered by many to be one of the best thinkers of any historical age.   Sarah was his beautiful, well-educated (at home), and capable wife. They had 11 children; their generations of descendents are among our countries most notable citizens. Both had a keen sense of beauty and aesthetics. They loved literature, art, music, and nature studies, and successfully imparted this to their children through home education. They also loved chocolate, which makes them very intelligent in my estimation! World Magazine did an article about him, which I think you will find interesting: "Jonathan Edwards, Pleasure Seeker" http://www.worldmag.com/articles/12058

Of Jonathan and Sarah's courtship, their biographer writes: "Sarah shared Edwards' sensitivity to the beauty of their surroundings. In those days, New Haven, which was contained between two high rock formations and faced the endless variety of the sea, was a fortunate setting for two confirmed walkers. When winter turned life inward, there beauty surrounded them too. New Englanders had learned early how to wrap coziness around them against the outdoor chill. In the handsome Pierrepont house, fireplaces in each room not only held off cold but provided glowing centers of light that glinted in brightly polished brass andirons and cherrywood tables. Snug inside when November sleet fell, Jonathan and Sarah discovered that they could talk comfortably about books together. Sarah introduced Edwards to her own copy of a book by Peter Maastricht which was to influence Edwards' thought about the nature of the Covenant. Edwards' enthusiasm about the Yale Library made Sarah's father purr, for that was a project close to the heart of James Pierrepont."

What is the learning atmosphere in our homes? Are they places where great books are read to one another in the evening (or at any other time), where lullabies and hymns are sung, where fine art books are contentedly browsed through on the couch, or where an older sister thinks to put on classical music so a tiny brother and sister can grow up with a bit of culture? We can have it if we choose it. Even if we don't own all the resources we would like, we can always go to the library or take a field trip.

On Thursday, I took four of my younger children to see the Eric Carle illustration exhibit, which ends tomorrow (August 13) at the Orlando Museum of Art. They, like generations of children before them, enjoyed his bright tissue paper collages of animals featured in books like The Very Hungry Caterpillar. (Your children can find out more about how he creates his art at his VERY informative web site http://www.eric-carle.com/)   In the middle of the gallery, among comfy reading chairs, were piles of his picture books for the children to enjoy – a fitting juxtaposition of art, literature and nature study. An information panel informed patrons that Carle was inspired in his vibrant artistry by a kindergarten teacher whose encouragement carried him through the rest of his dull years of education. How much will our words of affirmation mean to our children, for whom we will be primary teacher for so many years?

I want my children to not only appreciate the work of others, but to be creative themselves. Whatever we are doing seems to be working so far! Some are more musical, some more literary, some more into the visual arts, but each one has found a niche or two. Whether it is a pennywhistle performance, a colored pencil drawing, a pattern block design, a piano minuet, a zany impromptu skit, or a tasty ethnic meal – my life is enriched by the abundant fruits of their creativity!

Marriages can be nourished by beauty, too. Thad and I took a quick getaway to St. Augustine – just the two of us!   That's where we honeymooned so long ago, so it's a special spot for us. Yes! We spent much of our time strolling through museums, art galleries, and quaint shops, soaking up… BEAUTY! Oh, how our souls are restored through this!   Thank God for art! And thank God for a husband who appreciates it enough to take his time enjoying it with me! We especially enjoyed "Brilliance in Color", which is one of the Cutter family galleries. http://www.lovesemporium.com/contact.php

As much as Thad and I enjoyed our time away, most of our married days are lived right here at home. And this house is right where I, as the homemaker, need to cultivate domestic beauty. Like it or not, this starts with basic order – the mundane tasks of scrubbing, vacuuming, organizing, laundering, even replenishing toilet paper – because a messy home is not a beautiful home! Then there are the little touches – like aroma! I brought two fragrant sachets home to put in my dresser drawers, but after everyone in the family commented on the luscious scent, I decided to put one in the kitchen for all to savor. Just a wee thing, but it makes a difference!

My heroine, Sarah Edwards, excelled in keeping her home and showing hospitality to an endless stream of houseguests.   Elisabeth Dodds says of her: "Actually the Edwardses lived frugally, but it was instinctive with Sarah to do the ordinary tasks with flair. She was the kind of woman who took the trouble to tie her hair with a ribbon for breakfast when many wives came down tousled; who spent an extra minute to stamp a design on a block of home-churned butter; who knew how to give a flourish to simple dishes with parsley, spearmint, or sage, all grown in a square of herbs by the kitchen door; who, when she had a bowl of peas to shell, would take it out into the sunshine in the garden. She put in day lilies, hollyhocks, pansies, pinks -- the flowers women loved to plant on the frontier, for it gave them a sense of putting down roots."

I confess that I am not half the woman Sarah was in the home realm, but that is my aspiration, by the grace of God. My we all fill our homes – and our hearts – with his beauty.

~~~

More links on the arts, et al:

The intersection of the arts and theology is fascinating to me, but I admit my brain is getting tired from all the stretching right now. You can always read what Al Mohler says about it in his blogs:

Al Mohler's blog series on "A Christian Vision of Beauty" from November 2005

http://www.crosswalk.com/news/weblogs/mohler/?adate=11/16/2005#1363585

http://www.crosswalk.com/news/weblogs/mohler/?adate=11/17/2005#1363878

http://www.crosswalk.com/news/weblogs/mohler/?adate=11/18/2005#1364123

Here is his blog commentary on the Emergent Church movement

http://www.crosswalk.com/news/weblogs/mohler/?cal=go&adate=2%2F16%2F2005

Chapel Hill Bible Church – on-line art gallery! I love to see this at a church! Way to go!

http://www.biblechurch.org/art/

Links to on-line art exhibits

http://www.canteach.ca/links/linkgengall.html

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

What We're Doing For School This Year

by Virginia Knowles

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

What are we doing for school this year? I'm glad you asked. We need extra structure this year, so we're taking a leap of faith and joining a home school co-op which offers a whole day of Math, Science, History, and English every Monday for the whole family. They will also get assignments to complete on the other four school days.   The only two of my kids who won't be there are the ones in college! Julia (17) is dual enrolling again at Valencia Community College -- actually full-time now during her senior year of high school. Mary (19) is a junior at UCF, majoring in Journalism.

One thing about a co-op is that you use whatever curriculum they choose (though you can opt out of individual classes and go to study hall instead). At the middle school and high school levels, our co-op bypassed Saxon and selected McDougall Littel, which is also used by our local public schools. I like the looks of these; they are very application oriented and have an attractive layout. We are so "over" Saxon anyway – the only way Joanna tolerated Saxon this year was by using the D.I.V.E. CD-ROM software (which is very good, by the way). I'm also thrilled that my middle school daughters will get to keep using Apologia (www.apologia.com) in their science classes – Lydia's group is doing Jeannie Fulbright's zoology book on birds and insects, and Joanna's is doing Jay Wile's physical science text.   Lydia loved the Apologia Botany book last year, and I appreciate the fact that they have free notebook pages that you can print off of their web site.

Micah's social studies class (first and second graders) is using History for Little Pilgrims, a providential view of world history which is published by Christian Liberty Press.   I imagine this will be very good since we loved CLP's American Pioneers and Patriots book which was part of the Adventures in My Father's World curriculum that we used last year (www.mfwbooks.com). His science class is studying various habitats around the world. Andrew's social studies class (3^rd to 5^th grade) is using Night Owl's Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome unit study curriculum, which lets the kids make fascinating keepsake folders. Check it out here: http://www.nightowlcreations.net/ For science, they are using Considering God's Creation.

For my co-op "duty" (actually quite a delight to me!), I'm teaching language arts at the kindergarten and middle school levels, as well as hanging out with my little ones in the nursery in my "off" periods. I'm looking forward to planning in-depth lessons for a class that I could never justify spending the time on for just one or two of my own kids. In the middle school class, for example, we will cover grammar, the writing process (several formats), American literature, and a unit on Great American Communicators.   During this last part, I want my students to catch a vision for how, no matter what time period someone lives in, or what their interests are, or what talents God has given them, they can communicate their own special message in their own special way.   I'm sure I'll tell you more about this throughout the year.

Since I'm doing heavy lesson planning for writing, literature and communications, I decided to go the "easy route" for grammar and buy a DVD curriculum. Cindy Prechtel had favorably reviewed Cozy Grammar by Marie Rackham, a retired Canadian English teacher with a zest for life.   She teaches grammar with a flair, using objects and settings on her beautiful beachfront homestead while classical music plays in the background. There are 27 video tutorial lessons on the basic level (ages 9 and up), as well as worksheet for each lesson.   I do need to warn some of you that some lessons may raise the eyebrows of conservative Christians. I've only previewed about 14 lessons, so I can't speak for the whole thing, but I can say you will want to watch them with your child. In lesson #13, she brings out some New Age / Eastern religion objects, such as a Buddha statue and a crystal. In the printed teacher guide she assures parents that these are not religious icons for her, but gifts from her students in a multi-cultural school.   She doesn't say that to the students, however, so if you choose to let your children watch this lesson, you may wish to have a discussion beforehand about different worldviews.   I also thought it a little less than appropriate to feature a lesson, at least at this age level, which shows her hosting a dinner party where wine is served. That said, I've really enjoyed the curriculum, and still plan to use it. You can find out more at www.splashesfromtheriver.com.   An intermediate grammar level, a punctuation course, an essay course, and even a free spelling course are also available at this web site.

Character Building Copywork by Cindy Prechtel contains 180 quotes, categorized by topic (such as honesty, diligence, and patience), to use for copywork.   I can't think of any more worthy material – except for Scripture itself – for a child to work on. Copywork, one of Charlotte Mason's favorite methods of learning, is excellent practice in handwriting and grammar. For your convenience, the quotes are printed in both manuscript and cursive.   The book costs $16.95 for the print version (unbound, hole-punched pages ready to pop into a notebook), or $15.00 for the e-book version. Check it out right here: http://www.homeschoolingfromtheheart.com/hwriting.html Cindy also carries the Scripture-based A Reason for Handwriting series, which our co-op kindergartners are using this year.

The Miller family story books by Mildred Martin have been a hands-down favorite in our home since we first started home schooling. They are written from a Mennonite/Amish perspective, thoroughly wholesome, but still enticing to modern readers. We already had Wisdom and the Millers (based on Proverbs), Story Time and the Millers (for a slightly younger audience)¸Prudence and the Millers (health, safety, and manners), and Missionary Stories and the Millers (read at least 10 times by one of our children, begged for at story time, and so worn-out the cover has fallen off).   We finally ordered School Days and the Millers to round out our collection. We got it from Timberdoodle (www.timberdoodle.com) one of our very favorite suppliers for the past 15 years. Timberdoodle, a small company run by a neat Christian family, is so selective in what they offer that you know you are getting something great whenever your order. Timberdoodle also has stellar customer service, offering me a substantial discount on "the last book in stock of this title" that had slight cover damage, which I didn't even notice when it arrived. They have oodles of great Christian literature. We stocked up this year just so I could have something to read aloud to my kids in the evenings.   Timberdoodle also offers a free book with every order; the current selection is Created for Work by Bob Schultze, which is inspiration for boys (ages 12 and up) on the work ethic. We also bought Boyhood and Beyond by the same author – it is suitable for about ages 10 and up, and I have started to read it to my boys, even though they are slightly younger.

Timberdoodle also specializes in fun hands-on stuff and software. We just got two software packages from them: Typing Instructor (which we had loved so many years ago) and Music Ace (since our boys – ages 9 and 7 -- love playing music but need to learn how to read it). We have not been disappointed! Fun stuff! Typing Instructor, which only cost $10, has a bazillion options – you can type passages from great literature, learn about France as you look at the French countryside and listen to French music, and all sorts of other options for all age levels. As Timberdoodle will warn you up front, there are a few game options you might not prefer, but these are easy enough to skip. Rachel (15) recommends Mavis Beacon for typing as well.

Another great resource for music (though not as fun as Music Ace) is the Alfred's Essentials of Music Theory books and CDs. My middle school and high school daughters like these. We get them from Christian Book Distributors (CBD) at www.ChristianBook.com.   We've found great bargains at CBD – everything from $1 classical music CDs, to inexpensive family videos. One of our latest musical finds is Steve Green's Hide 'Em In Your Heart DVD and CD set for under $12.

While we're on the subject of the arts, here's a unique curriculum: the Draw to Learn series by Ray and Charlene Notgrass of the Notgrass Company. We have the Proverbs volume, but they also offer The Letters of Paul, The Book of Acts, Psalms, and The Life of Jesus.   Each volume, costing $14.95, contains 150 lessons. For each lesson, a short Bible passage is listed at the top of the page, a large drawing area is presented in the middle, and various suggestions for a drawing (related to the Scripture concept) are at the bottom. For example, Lesson 116 is based on Proverbs 22:1-5, "A good name is more desirable than great wealth." The drawing instructions for this lesson are: "Read Proverbs 22:1-5. Illustrate verse 1. Make a beautiful poster of your name. Write your name in large, pretty letters. Think about things that you think are beautiful. Draw pictures of those things around your name. Guard your good name. Live so that people think of good when they hear your name." What a way to draw! Check it out here: http://www.notgrass.com/homeschool-art-curriculum-bible.php   If your children don't know how to draw in the first place, they will enjoy a related Notgrass curriculum, Learn to Draw. Here's a link to a sample page: http://www.notgrass.com/learntodraw_sample.php

Also from The Notgrass Company, Mary Evelyn Notgrass, a home school graduate, wrote a very sweet novel for young girls. Katy is the fictionalized story (based on the author's life) of a nine year old girl whose parents are trying to decide over the summer whether they will start home schooling. The story is so wholesome, full of descriptions of delightful pastimes and sticky (but innocent) childhood situations. Mary Evelyn's brother John, a single man in his mid 20s, has written a book of his own, Make It Your Ambition, to encourage teenagers and young adults to live an effective life in the Lord. He strongly advocates home schooling, courtship, and welcoming the children God gives us. He also gives practical tips on how to make a difference in society with civic involvement.

If you would like more information on teaching preschool and elementary subject by subject, be sure to check out my book Common Sense Excellence: Faith-Filled Home Education for Preschool to 5^th Grade. (www.thehopechest.net/cse.html)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A Final Note from Virginia: Beauty in the Soul

by Virginia Knowles

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Recently searching for a quiet bedroom to make a phone call, I noticed something rather unusual on my 17 year old daughter Julia's wall. Surrounding a Bolivian sugar sack which she bought on a mission trip last year, she had taped up a whole bunch of newspaper photos of people around the world who are suffering from war, famine, injustice, and natural disasters. My eyes welled with tears when I realized why she had done this, because the next thing my eyes saw was the book, heavily marked and highlighted throughout, on her nightstand: Ministries of Mercy: The Call of the Jericho Road by Timothy J. Keller. There are a lot of things I wish I had taught my children all throughout their home school years, but I'm glad to see that they are at least developing hearts for compassion, service, and world missions. In my eyes, that is beauty.

I guess you know by now that I love biographies. My friend Debbie Klinect lent me Faithful Women and Their Extraordinary God by Noël Piper.   I have copied long passages from it in my journal; it is manna to my soul to read how, during the course of their ministries, God changed the lives of Sarah Edwards (colonial America), Lilias Trotter (Algeria), Esther Ahn Kim (Korea), Gladys Aylward (China), and Helen Roseveare (the Congo). These women, most of whom went through horrendous circumstances as they sacrificially served the Lord, possessed inner beauty which inspires my imagination. They became pure refined gold, vessels fit for noble use by their Matchless King. Isn't this what we want for ourselves and our children?

~*~*~

"Beautiful"

from McGuffey's Second Reader

Beautiful faces are they that wear

The light of a pleasant spirit there;

Beautiful hands are they that do

Deeds that are noble, good and true;

Beautiful feet are they that go

Swiftly to lighten another's woe.

~*~*~

"Let the Beauty of Jesus Be Seen In Me"

Albert Orsburn

Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me.
All His wonderful passion and purity;
O Thou Spirit Divine, all my nature refine
Till the beauty of Jesus be seen in me.

~*~*~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hope Chest Contact Information

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

E-mail: [email protected]

(This is a private e-mail account "for my eyes only.")

Web site: www.TheHopeChest.net

Resource orders: www.TheHopeChest.net/Resources.html

(The Real Life Home School Mom, Common Sense Excellence: Faith-Filled Home Education for Preschool to 5^th Grade, and The Learner's Journal lesson planner and resource log.

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(To change your address, simply unsubscribe the old one, and subscribe the new one.)
-- To subscribe, send ANY message to: [email protected] To unsubscribe, send ANY message to: [email protected] Visit my web site at www://thehopechest.net   

Posted by: hopechestnews <hopechestnews@...>

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Hope Chest Home School News

with Virginia Knowles

August 12, 2006

#9-7: Filled With Good Things

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Welcome to the Hope Chest!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Hope Chest Home School News is a free e-mail magazine sent to over 1250 families around the world. The publisher is Virginia Knowles, wife to Thad and mother of 10 children (7 daughters and 3 sons, ages 1 to 19). Virginia is the author of The Real Life Home School Mom, Common Sense Excellence: Faith-Filled Home Education for Preschool to 5^th Grade, and designer of and The Learner's Journal lesson planner and resource log. Check out her web site at http://www.thehopechest.net, read archives at https://welovegod.org/groups/hopechest or e-mail her at [email protected]. You will find more contact information at the bottom of this e-magazine.

~*~*~

Dear Hope Chest friends,

I'm so glad you've joined me for another issue of the Hope Chest! I'm finally getting back to academic topics! Can you imagine? This month, I'd like to share with you more about my "approach" to home schooling, tell you what we're doing this year, and list a whole bunch of my favorite resources. Please feel free to forward this to others!

In this issue you will find:

Filled With Good Things
What We're Doing for School This Year
A Final Note from Virginia: Beauty in the Soul
Hope Chest Contact Information

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Filled With Good Things

by Virginia Knowles

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

For the beauty of the earth, for the glory of the skies,

for the love which from our birth over and around us lies;

Lord of all, to thee we raise this our hymn of grateful praise.

For the beauty of each hour, of the day and of the night,

hill and vale, and tree and flower, sun and moon, and stars of light;

Lord of all, to thee we raise this our hymn of grateful praise.

For the joy of ear and eye, for the heart and mind's delight,

for the mystic harmony, linking sense to sound and sight;

Lord of all, to thee we raise this our hymn of grateful praise.

(Folliot S. Pierpoint)

I don't know about you, but the main reason our family is home schooling is that we want to fill our children's hearts and minds with good things! First and foremost, we desire to impart an intimate knowledge of our Gracious God and his ways. We're not always consistent with that, but it's what keeps drawing us back into focus. Our creative God, who made us in his image as creative beings, often reveals himself through the "common graces" of literature, art, music, and nature study. Charlotte Mason, the esteemed turn-of-the-century British educator who wrote much about home schooling, always urged parents to make the most of these, rather than merely dull dry paperwork. She envisioned children growing up wholesomely in the spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical realms of life. That's what we want: true beauty – a keen aesthetic sense that so fills the soul that there is no room for the garbage our culture dishes up so liberally. The beauty I am talking about is not just "pretty stuff" for the eyes and ears. It is not devoid of pain and suffering. It is what transforms the soul toward the inner beauty of kindness and compassion – and that will mean exposure to the pathos of human existence. (I'll write more on this at the end of this newsletter.)

French archbishop Francis Fenelon wrote in 1687, "Children filled with thoughts of their romantic heroes, become astonished when they look around in real life, and cannot discover a single person throughout the world bearing resemblance with their ideal hero. They would wish to live like those princes and princesses who are always charming, always adored, always above every care. What a disgust for them to descend from a hero and heroine, to the low detail and drudgery of taking care of a family. Children should be influenced by books that vividly portray life in all its trials and victories. Divine providence should echo throughout its pages. Characters who suffer wrongfully in a righteous manner, and display humble dispositions, will lay a secure foundation for the time when childhood may be stolen away; perhaps through the death of a loved one, sickness, or calamity. Children need informed instruction, and models of heroes and heroines of righteousness to fill their reserves for such a time. In literature as well as in history, God who doeth all things well, must be seen through the filter of His divine love and tender care of His children and as an avenger of all who harden their neck." (As quoted in "Education of a Child: The Wisdom of Fenelon," edited by Mark Hamby.)

Literature, art, music, nature study – these are so vital to "ignite the delight" in a child's education! But they must be worthy! Philippians 4:8 tells us, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."

It's not enough to guard against what is obviously immoral and profane, but also what is just plain untrue and misleading, even if it seems winsome inspirational. Many of us have heard rumblings about the Emerging Church (EC) movement, which places a high value on the arts, culture, and creative expression. It's true that churches should support the humanities! Unfortunately, the general theology of the leaders of the EC is anything but Biblically orthodox, though it claims to be Christian. (I've been reading the third-in-a-trilogy novel The Last Word and the Word After That by Brian McLaren, a key leader in the EC movement, and I will tell you that it is both alluring and dead wrong! No, I didn't buy the book, nor do I recommend it. I probably won't even finish reading it. Mark Pinsky, the religion writer at the Orlando Sentinel gave me his review copy. Mark's newest book, A Jew Among the Evangelicals: A Guide for the Perplexed, has just been released, and as I mentioned before, my family is profiled in it, along with two others. It's available at Amazon.)

In some ways, it would be easier to not study or stretch the brain at all. I could just function at the bare minimum level of housework, childcare, and isolated academic skills, but I envision more for myself and more for my family. I want us to be deep thinkers. "Readers make leaders!" If I want my children to be thoughtful and vigorous readers, I must set the example. This summer I've had the opportunity to read voraciously, and I know I am going to be in serious withdrawal next week when school starts and I can't spend as much time in my favorite chair by the new bookcase the children and I put up a few weeks ago.

My friend Beverly Rejonis lent me a book that I've been trying in vain to get through the library system. Marriage to a Difficult Man: The Uncommon Union of Jonathan and Sarah Edwards by Elisabeth D. Dodds is the stirring story of a devoted couple who had maximum impact on 18^th century society. Jonathan and Sarah Edwards totally fascinate me, and I read all I can find about them. He was colonial America's foremost theologian, considered by many to be one of the best thinkers of any historical age. Sarah was his beautiful, well-educated (at home), and capable wife. They had 11 children; their generations of descendents are among our countries most notable citizens. Both had a keen sense of beauty and aesthetics. They loved literature, art, music, and nature studies, and successfully imparted this to their children through home education. They also loved chocolate, which makes them very intelligent in my estimation! World Magazine did an article about him, which I think you will find interesting: "Jonathan Edwards, Pleasure Seeker" http://www.worldmag.com/articles/12058

Of Jonathan and Sarah's courtship, their biographer writes: "Sarah shared Edwards' sensitivity to the beauty of their surroundings. In those days, New Haven, which was contained between two high rock formations and faced the endless variety of the sea, was a fortunate setting for two confirmed walkers. When winter turned life inward, there beauty surrounded them too. New Englanders had learned early how to wrap coziness around them against the outdoor chill. In the handsome Pierrepont house, fireplaces in each room not only held off cold but provided glowing centers of light that glinted in brightly polished brass andirons and cherrywood tables. Snug inside when November sleet fell, Jonathan and Sarah discovered that they could talk comfortably about books together. Sarah introduced Edwards to her own copy of a book by Peter Maastricht which was to influence Edwards' thought about the nature of the Covenant. Edwards' enthusiasm about the Yale Library made Sarah's father purr, for that was a project close to the heart of James Pierrepont."

What is the learning atmosphere in our homes? Are they places where great books are read to one another in the evening (or at any other time), where lullabies and hymns are sung, where fine art books are contentedly browsed through on the couch, or where an older sister thinks to put on classical music so a tiny brother and sister can grow up with a bit of culture? We can have it if we choose it. Even if we don't own all the resources we would like, we can always go to the library or take a field trip.

On Thursday, I took four of my younger children to see the Eric Carle illustration exhibit, which ends tomorrow (August 13) at the Orlando Museum of Art. They, like generations of children before them, enjoyed his bright tissue paper collages of animals featured in books like The Very Hungry Caterpillar. (Your children can find out more about how he creates his art at his VERY informative web site http://www.eric-carle.com/) In the middle of the gallery, among comfy reading chairs, were piles of his picture books for the children to enjoy – a fitting juxtaposition of art, literature and nature study. An information panel informed patrons that Carle was inspired in his vibrant artistry by a kindergarten teacher whose encouragement carried him through the rest of his dull years of education. How much will our words of affirmation mean to our children, for whom we will be primary teacher for so many years?

I want my children to not only appreciate the work of others, but to be creative themselves. Whatever we are doing seems to be working so far! Some are more musical, some more literary, some more into the visual arts, but each one has found a niche or two. Whether it is a pennywhistle performance, a colored pencil drawing, a pattern block design, a piano minuet, a zany impromptu skit, or a tasty ethnic meal – my life is enriched by the abundant fruits of their creativity!

Marriages can be nourished by beauty, too. Thad and I took a quick getaway to St. Augustine – just the two of us! That's where we honeymooned so long ago, so it's a special spot for us. Yes! We spent much of our time strolling through museums, art galleries, and quaint shops, soaking up… BEAUTY! Oh, how our souls are restored through this! Thank God for art! And thank God for a husband who appreciates it enough to take his time enjoying it with me! We especially enjoyed "Brilliance in Color", which is one of the Cutter family galleries. http://www.lovesemporium.com/contact.php

As much as Thad and I enjoyed our time away, most of our married days are lived right here at home. And this house is right where I, as the homemaker, need to cultivate domestic beauty. Like it or not, this starts with basic order – the mundane tasks of scrubbing, vacuuming, organizing, laundering, even replenishing toilet paper – because a messy home is not a beautiful home! Then there are the little touches – like aroma! I brought two fragrant sachets home to put in my dresser drawers, but after everyone in the family commented on the luscious scent, I decided to put one in the kitchen for all to savor. Just a wee thing, but it makes a difference!

My heroine, Sarah Edwards, excelled in keeping her home and showing hospitality to an endless stream of houseguests. Elisabeth Dodds says of her: "Actually the Edwardses lived frugally, but it was instinctive with Sarah to do the ordinary tasks with flair. She was the kind of woman who took the trouble to tie her hair with a ribbon for breakfast when many wives came down tousled; who spent an extra minute to stamp a design on a block of home-churned butter; who knew how to give a flourish to simple dishes with parsley, spearmint, or sage, all grown in a square of herbs by the kitchen door; who, when she had a bowl of peas to shell, would take it out into the sunshine in the garden. She put in day lilies, hollyhocks, pansies, pinks -- the flowers women loved to plant on the frontier, for it gave them a sense of putting down roots."

I confess that I am not half the woman Sarah was in the home realm, but that is my aspiration, by the grace of God. My we all fill our homes – and our hearts – with his beauty.

~~~

More links on the arts, et al:

The intersection of the arts and theology is fascinating to me, but I admit my brain is getting tired from all the stretching right now. You can always read what Al Mohler says about it in his blogs:

Al Mohler's blog series on "A Christian Vision of Beauty" from November 2005

http://www.crosswalk.com/news/weblogs/mohler/?adate=11/16/2005#1363585

http://www.crosswalk.com/news/weblogs/mohler/?adate=11/17/2005#1363878

http://www.crosswalk.com/news/weblogs/mohler/?adate=11/18/2005#1364123

Here is his blog commentary on the Emergent Church movement

http://www.crosswalk.com/news/weblogs/mohler/?cal=go&adate=2%2F16%2F2005

Chapel Hill Bible Church – on-line art gallery! I love to see this at a church! Way to go!

http://www.biblechurch.org/art/

Links to on-line art exhibits

http://www.canteach.ca/links/linkgengall.html

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What We're Doing For School This Year

by Virginia Knowles

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What are we doing for school this year? I'm glad you asked. We need extra structure this year, so we're taking a leap of faith and joining a home school co-op which offers a whole day of Math, Science, History, and English every Monday for the whole family. They will also get assignments to complete on the other four school days. The only two of my kids who won't be there are the ones in college! Julia (17) is dual enrolling again at Valencia Community College -- actually full-time now during her senior year of high school. Mary (19) is a junior at UCF, majoring in Journalism.

One thing about a co-op is that you use whatever curriculum they choose (though you can opt out of individual classes and go to study hall instead). At the middle school and high school levels, our co-op bypassed Saxon and selected McDougall Littel, which is also used by our local public schools. I like the looks of these; they are very application oriented and have an attractive layout. We are so "over" Saxon anyway – the only way Joanna tolerated Saxon this year was by using the D.I.V.E. CD-ROM software (which is very good, by the way). I'm also thrilled that my middle school daughters will get to keep using Apologia (http://www.apologia.com) in their science classes – Lydia's group is doing Jeannie Fulbright's zoology book on birds and insects, and Joanna's is doing Jay Wile's physical science text. Lydia loved the Apologia Botany book last year, and I appreciate the fact that they have free notebook pages that you can print off of their web site.

Micah's social studies class (first and second graders) is using History for Little Pilgrims, a providential view of world history which is published by Christian Liberty Press. I imagine this will be very good since we loved CLP's American Pioneers and Patriots book which was part of the Adventures in My Father's World curriculum that we used last year (http://www.mfwbooks.com). His science class is studying various habitats around the world. Andrew's social studies class (3^rd to 5^th grade) is using Night Owl's Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome unit study curriculum, which lets the kids make fascinating keepsake folders. Check it out here: http://www.nightowlcreations.net/ For science, they are using Considering God's Creation.

For my co-op "duty" (actually quite a delight to me!), I'm teaching language arts at the kindergarten and middle school levels, as well as hanging out with my little ones in the nursery in my "off" periods. I'm looking forward to planning in-depth lessons for a class that I could never justify spending the time on for just one or two of my own kids. In the middle school class, for example, we will cover grammar, the writing process (several formats), American literature, and a unit on Great American Communicators. During this last part, I want my students to catch a vision for how, no matter what time period someone lives in, or what their interests are, or what talents God has given them, they can communicate their own special message in their own special way. I'm sure I'll tell you more about this throughout the year.

Since I'm doing heavy lesson planning for writing, literature and communications, I decided to go the "easy route" for grammar and buy a DVD curriculum. Cindy Prechtel had favorably reviewed Cozy Grammar by Marie Rackham, a retired Canadian English teacher with a zest for life. She teaches grammar with a flair, using objects and settings on her beautiful beachfront homestead while classical music plays in the background. There are 27 video tutorial lessons on the basic level (ages 9 and up), as well as worksheet for each lesson. I do need to warn some of you that some lessons may raise the eyebrows of conservative Christians. I've only previewed about 14 lessons, so I can't speak for the whole thing, but I can say you will want to watch them with your child. In lesson #13, she brings out some New Age / Eastern religion objects, such as a Buddha statue and a crystal. In the printed teacher guide she assures parents that these are not religious icons for her, but gifts from her students in a multi-cultural school. She doesn't say that to the students, however, so if you choose to let your children watch this lesson, you may wish to have a discussion beforehand about different worldviews. I also thought it a little less than appropriate to feature a lesson, at least at this age level, which shows her hosting a dinner party where wine is served. That said, I've really enjoyed the curriculum, and still plan to use it. You can find out more at http://www.splashesfromtheriver.com. An intermediate grammar level, a punctuation course, an essay course, and even a free spelling course are also available at this web site.

Character Building Copywork by Cindy Prechtel contains 180 quotes, categorized by topic (such as honesty, diligence, and patience), to use for copywork. I can't think of any more worthy material – except for Scripture itself – for a child to work on. Copywork, one of Charlotte Mason's favorite methods of learning, is excellent practice in handwriting and grammar. For your convenience, the quotes are printed in both manuscript and cursive. The book costs $16.95 for the print version (unbound, hole-punched pages ready to pop into a notebook), or $15.00 for the e-book version. Check it out right here: http://www.homeschoolingfromtheheart.com/hwriting.html Cindy also carries the Scripture-based A Reason for Handwriting series, which our co-op kindergartners are using this year.

The Miller family story books by Mildred Martin have been a hands-down favorite in our home since we first started home schooling. They are written from a Mennonite/Amish perspective, thoroughly wholesome, but still enticing to modern readers. We already had Wisdom and the Millers (based on Proverbs), Story Time and the Millers (for a slightly younger audience)¸Prudence and the Millers (health, safety, and manners), and Missionary Stories and the Millers (read at least 10 times by one of our children, begged for at story time, and so worn-out the cover has fallen off). We finally ordered School Days and the Millers to round out our collection. We got it from Timberdoodle (http://www.timberdoodle.com) one of our very favorite suppliers for the past 15 years. Timberdoodle, a small company run by a neat Christian family, is so selective in what they offer that you know you are getting something great whenever your order. Timberdoodle also has stellar customer service, offering me a substantial discount on "the last book in stock of this title" that had slight cover damage, which I didn't even notice when it arrived. They have oodles of great Christian literature. We stocked up this year just so I could have something to read aloud to my kids in the evenings. Timberdoodle also offers a free book with every order; the current selection is Created for Work by Bob Schultze, which is inspiration for boys (ages 12 and up) on the work ethic. We also bought Boyhood and Beyond by the same author – it is suitable for about ages 10 and up, and I have started to read it to my boys, even though they are slightly younger.

Timberdoodle also specializes in fun hands-on stuff and software. We just got two software packages from them: Typing Instructor (which we had loved so many years ago) and Music Ace (since our boys – ages 9 and 7 -- love playing music but need to learn how to read it). We have not been disappointed! Fun stuff! Typing Instructor, which only cost $10, has a bazillion options – you can type passages from great literature, learn about France as you look at the French countryside and listen to French music, and all sorts of other options for all age levels. As Timberdoodle will warn you up front, there are a few game options you might not prefer, but these are easy enough to skip. Rachel (15) recommends Mavis Beacon for typing as well.

Another great resource for music (though not as fun as Music Ace) is the Alfred's Essentials of Music Theory books and CDs. My middle school and high school daughters like these. We get them from Christian Book Distributors (CBD) at http://www.ChristianBook.com. We've found great bargains at CBD – everything from $1 classical music CDs, to inexpensive family videos. One of our latest musical finds is Steve Green's Hide 'Em In Your Heart DVD and CD set for under $12.

While we're on the subject of the arts, here's a unique curriculum: the Draw to Learn series by Ray and Charlene Notgrass of the Notgrass Company. We have the Proverbs volume, but they also offer The Letters of Paul, The Book of Acts, Psalms, and The Life of Jesus. Each volume, costing $14.95, contains 150 lessons. For each lesson, a short Bible passage is listed at the top of the page, a large drawing area is presented in the middle, and various suggestions for a drawing (related to the Scripture concept) are at the bottom. For example, Lesson 116 is based on Proverbs 22:1-5, "A good name is more desirable than great wealth." The drawing instructions for this lesson are: "Read Proverbs 22:1-5. Illustrate verse 1. Make a beautiful poster of your name. Write your name in large, pretty letters. Think about things that you think are beautiful. Draw pictures of those things around your name. Guard your good name. Live so that people think of good when they hear your name." What a way to draw! Check it out here: http://www.notgrass.com/homeschool-art-curriculum-bible.php If your children don't know how to draw in the first place, they will enjoy a related Notgrass curriculum, Learn to Draw. Here's a link to a sample page: http://www.notgrass.com/learntodraw_sample.php

Also from The Notgrass Company, Mary Evelyn Notgrass, a home school graduate, wrote a very sweet novel for young girls. Katy is the fictionalized story (based on the author's life) of a nine year old girl whose parents are trying to decide over the summer whether they will start home schooling. The story is so wholesome, full of descriptions of delightful pastimes and sticky (but innocent) childhood situations. Mary Evelyn's brother John, a single man in his mid 20s, has written a book of his own, Make It Your Ambition, to encourage teenagers and young adults to live an effective life in the Lord. He strongly advocates home schooling, courtship, and welcoming the children God gives us. He also gives practical tips on how to make a difference in society with civic involvement.

If you would like more information on teaching preschool and elementary subject by subject, be sure to check out my book Common Sense Excellence: Faith-Filled Home Education for Preschool to 5^th Grade. (http://www.thehopechest.net/cse.html)

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A Final Note from Virginia: Beauty in the Soul

by Virginia Knowles

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Recently searching for a quiet bedroom to make a phone call, I noticed something rather unusual on my 17 year old daughter Julia's wall. Surrounding a Bolivian sugar sack which she bought on a mission trip last year, she had taped up a whole bunch of newspaper photos of people around the world who are suffering from war, famine, injustice, and natural disasters. My eyes welled with tears when I realized why she had done this, because the next thing my eyes saw was the book, heavily marked and highlighted throughout, on her nightstand: Ministries of Mercy: The Call of the Jericho Road by Timothy J. Keller. There are a lot of things I wish I had taught my children all throughout their home school years, but I'm glad to see that they are at least developing hearts for compassion, service, and world missions. In my eyes, that is beauty.

I guess you know by now that I love biographies. My friend Debbie Klinect lent me Faithful Women and Their Extraordinary God by Noël Piper. I have copied long passages from it in my journal; it is manna to my soul to read how, during the course of their ministries, God changed the lives of Sarah Edwards (colonial America), Lilias Trotter (Algeria), Esther Ahn Kim (Korea), Gladys Aylward (China), and Helen Roseveare (the Congo). These women, most of whom went through horrendous circumstances as they sacrificially served the Lord, possessed inner beauty which inspires my imagination. They became pure refined gold, vessels fit for noble use by their Matchless King. Isn't this what we want for ourselves and our children?

~*~*~

"Beautiful"

from McGuffey's Second Reader

Beautiful faces are they that wear

The light of a pleasant spirit there;

Beautiful hands are they that do

Deeds that are noble, good and true;

Beautiful feet are they that go

Swiftly to lighten another's woe.

~*~*~

"Let the Beauty of Jesus Be Seen In Me"

Albert Orsburn

Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me.
All His wonderful passion and purity;
O Thou Spirit Divine, all my nature refine
Till the beauty of Jesus be seen in me.

~*~*~

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