Created by God!

Spiritual Discovery

How good of God to continue to reveal to us just what we’re ready for and can use. Recently, as I was reading different parts of the Holy Bible, the Spirit taught me that God in His Word answers all dilemmas that we may face. You may say that you knew that! Well, so did I but I failed to act like I did.

Let me use the teaching of spelling, for example. Had it specifically occurred to you that the teaching of spelling can honor God? I mean really honor Him, not just superficially. As, for example:

• Language was created by God.
• Language was created for God.
• God has/had a purpose in language.
• Words are an instrument used by God.
• God enlightens us in the use of words.
• God’s plan for words includes encouraging and admonishing one another. (Col. 3:16)
• Words play a major part in our praise and prayers.

Therefore, when I look at my spelling I want to think of how God gave me the gift of words and I want to learn to use them properly.

Each academic area is best learned when we realize that it is God who is the Creator, Sustainer, and Revealer of all areas of learning.

Reading

Practice is a necessary part of good reading. When your child is just learning the letters it is best if they are practiced several times a day. Later when they are putting a vowel with a consonant to make the beginning of a word, practice that step several times a day.

When the child begins to read words, sounding out each word – oral practice is necessary. However, when they can begin to read, some reading should be done silently. Then gradually the shift is made from being an oral reader to being a silent reader.

Discipline

I enjoy going through Proverbs looking for answers to life’s dilemmas. A recent study revealed to me who it is that you can teach.

Proverbs 18:15 “The heart of the prudent acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.” (What does “prudent” mean?)

21:11B “When the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.” (Who can receive your teaching?)

19:8 “-He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; he who keeps understanding will find good.”

22:12 “The eyes of the Lord preserve knowledge, but He overthrows the words of the faithless.”

23:12 “Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge.”

24:16A “For a righteous man may fall seven times, and rise again.”

25:12 “Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold is a wise rebuker to an obedient ear.” (Does your student have an obedient ear? Are you the wise rebuker?)

Measuring Progress

Your observation is an excellence method for charting progress.

For example:

• Do you have to tell the child less often when and how to do chores?
• Are you reminding less when school starts and how to be prepared?
• Are assignments more often on time?
• Is the handwriting more legible than a few months ago?
• Does your hesitant reader more often offer to read his verse of Scripture?

When you are concerned that there has been little or no progress, make a note to call me or discuss it at our next meeting.

Discouragement

Though we will continue to struggle with discouragement, I have discovered that constant refreshment in God’s Word helps me keep the focus on what really matters.

Think of it this way: “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 11 Tim. 3:16-17.

The Scriptures are dependable and will meet with me on my point of need.

[note: originally published in the September 2009 Family Heritage Developer]