I have been wanting to write this for a while, as I have been concerned about errors creeping in, even among reformed, and especially among home educators.
Myth number 1: Unbelievers do not have consciences.
Romans 2:14 ' For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves:Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)'
There are many in this day who say that there is no such thing as right, and wrong, but with the same breath they decry murder as a horrible sin. This shows the error of their thinking!
The verse in Romans clearly states that we have an inborn sense of right and wrong. We are made in God's image and have His moral principles on our conscience.
However, having said this, it is possible through sin to become hard hearted, and this can lead to a seared conscience, i.e a reprobate who will call evil good, and good evil. They will even glory in their sin. I believe this is what happened to Judas Iscariot. He started with the sin of covetuosness, and stealing; this lead to the betrayal of Jesus, and it was quoted that it would have been better if he hadn't been born. Sad to think of such a thing. I certainly wouldn't have wanted to have been in Judas' shoes.
1 Tim 4:2 'Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;...'
'When sin grows stronger, the conscience grows weaker.' Buchanan.
Of course there are those with weaker or stronger consciences, and those who give excuse for legalism. If something is in the Bible, and it is condemned, then we can be sure it is wrong to do it. However, there are plenty of blurry lines, and that is where it becomes a problem to impose that on others. There is certainly nothing wrong with us giving our arguments for something. We will find as home educators we will often give our reasons, and for my family and I this remains our conscience issue. In some parts of the world home education is banned on the grounds of conscience!!
It is important as believers to never condone, or dumb down sin, we need to call it out for what it is, and offer the Gospel to people. When Paul was stoned in Acts 14, it was because he failed to compromise with the peoples' sin. There was a wonderful healing performed, and the people thought the Apostles must have been gods, and they wanted to sacrifice. He urged them to repent, and gave all the glory to God.
Myth number 2: There is no such thing as greater sin and lesser sin:all sin is the same.
Yes, it is true that sin, and all sin separates us from God. Even in our 'best acts' we can commit sin. However, there are varying degrees of sin, and we will be punished accordingly if we do not have Jesus as our advocate. Only through Jesus' blood sacrifice on the cross, and repentance and trust in Him can we truly be free.
Our whole law system in this country gives degrees of punishment. If you murder you will get a longer punishment, than if you just stole a coat.
John 19:11 ' Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.' Jesus also said that it would be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah than the Jews. Something to think about.
That verse is found in Matthew 10:15.
At the foremost we must always be commanding people to repent. Obviously we have to use our discernment, but it would be wrong to offer people the 'God is love', and an easy believism gospel without mention the Judgment of God. When we are saved, we are first convicted of sin. There are some evangelists who think they can get anyone converted just given enough time, and the right arguments, however it is God who convinces our hearts through his Holy Spirit. We cannot convince anyone, we can only pray that God opens hearts and puts in us the right words, etc.
A blog about our family, and our adventures Christian homeschooling 10, and counting, and lots of random thoughts!
Monday, 24 October 2016
Wednesday, 5 October 2016
Smarthphones? Why Mine won't be Having Them
Never before has there been so much temptation, especially for young people. Now, we know home education does protect children from massively condensed peer pressure, but I can see a big problem, and that is smart phones. Smart phones open the doors to unwarranted peer pressure, bullying, and worse still....online porn. Surely that should concern us, especially as Christian parents? Be ye not conformed to the world springs to mind. (On a normal computer hub protections can be applied, but as far as I know smart phones do not operate any such thing).
I definitely feel I am the odd one out, in that I seem to be the only one on the planet who doesn't allow smart phones. The amazing thing is, they don't even want them! They laugh at people on cycle rides, and walks scrolling through their phones. People in town just sitting like zombies, friends meeting at cafes speaking to others in cyber space while ignoring friends and family around them. Are we going backward or something?
Yes, I know people will call me dumb. Well, glad to be dumb. Glad to have a life, and glad my children have a life, and real friends, and real experiences not just virtual ones. I am not saying the internet isn't important, but rather we shouldn't allow ourselves, or our children to be sucked into the whirlpool, which is almost impossible to climb out of. Also, when on earth do we reflect on God? How can we, if we are constantly entertained, and constantly distracted? I like to go for a walk to think, just to sit and hear the sounds of the birds. To be completely free from distractions. (children excepted, ha ha!)
One of the great perks of home education has been that children are free to be themselves without pressure. I fear with children ever younger on Facebook, and other sites this will be a thing of the past. Let's face it children are impressionable, and the younger the more impressionable. Let's keep them kids for as long as they ARE kids!
I definitely feel I am the odd one out, in that I seem to be the only one on the planet who doesn't allow smart phones. The amazing thing is, they don't even want them! They laugh at people on cycle rides, and walks scrolling through their phones. People in town just sitting like zombies, friends meeting at cafes speaking to others in cyber space while ignoring friends and family around them. Are we going backward or something?
Yes, I know people will call me dumb. Well, glad to be dumb. Glad to have a life, and glad my children have a life, and real friends, and real experiences not just virtual ones. I am not saying the internet isn't important, but rather we shouldn't allow ourselves, or our children to be sucked into the whirlpool, which is almost impossible to climb out of. Also, when on earth do we reflect on God? How can we, if we are constantly entertained, and constantly distracted? I like to go for a walk to think, just to sit and hear the sounds of the birds. To be completely free from distractions. (children excepted, ha ha!)
One of the great perks of home education has been that children are free to be themselves without pressure. I fear with children ever younger on Facebook, and other sites this will be a thing of the past. Let's face it children are impressionable, and the younger the more impressionable. Let's keep them kids for as long as they ARE kids!
Saturday, 17 September 2016
A New Season
A new season brings change. This Autumn I have been home educating for 18 years. (Since the eldest was 4). The eldest is now in a permanent job, second eldest looking for a permanent job, and the third eldest started a BTEC in Electronical ,and Electrical engineering.
Why did he choose the BTEC?
Well,after getting through to the final interview stages of a top apprenticeship, and not being accepted it caused him to look at other options. Apprenticeships are like gold dust, and thousands apply with only a handful of places. Doing a BTEC means he gets the hands on and academic studies.-All in the career he wants to pursue. Leading to the equivalent of 3 A levels, which includes Maths. After that is either an advanced apprenticeship, or HND.
Why not university you ask?
Well, the cost would be at least £9,000 a year, which doesn't include living, and that is for four years. Too many employers complain that engineering graduates lack the hands on knowledge to be able to do the jobs required. So, this is a cheaper option, and a perfect balance. I know BTEC doesn't have a wonderful reputation in general, but I believe that is due to the subjects covered being broad; for example you can do a BTEC in hair dressing. It would be easy to argue that would not be the equivalent of A levels.
So, what do you need for a BTEC in Engineering?
At least 4 GCSE's grades C and above. These have to include two sciences, and English and Maths. The maths is really important, as you will be studying Maths to A level standard, and expected to work with complex statistics and equations.
It never stops really! I am finding this is probably the hardest part of my home educating years! Adult children are challenging in a different sort of way, and the added pressure of exams, whilst trying to still teach the youngest four.
Meanwhile, the next three are studying for their IGCSE'S in the sciences, maths, and English. At one point I was seeing exam papers in my sleep!!
So, if you are trying the apprenticeships route first, then do make sure you have hobbies that match the apprenticeships. My son was into turbo CAD software, and made a portfolio of projects. He also has his own oscilloscope, which he used on projects. Don't make the mistake of listing too many other hobbies, they will think you won't have time to work!
Why did he choose the BTEC?
Well,after getting through to the final interview stages of a top apprenticeship, and not being accepted it caused him to look at other options. Apprenticeships are like gold dust, and thousands apply with only a handful of places. Doing a BTEC means he gets the hands on and academic studies.-All in the career he wants to pursue. Leading to the equivalent of 3 A levels, which includes Maths. After that is either an advanced apprenticeship, or HND.
Why not university you ask?
Well, the cost would be at least £9,000 a year, which doesn't include living, and that is for four years. Too many employers complain that engineering graduates lack the hands on knowledge to be able to do the jobs required. So, this is a cheaper option, and a perfect balance. I know BTEC doesn't have a wonderful reputation in general, but I believe that is due to the subjects covered being broad; for example you can do a BTEC in hair dressing. It would be easy to argue that would not be the equivalent of A levels.
So, what do you need for a BTEC in Engineering?
At least 4 GCSE's grades C and above. These have to include two sciences, and English and Maths. The maths is really important, as you will be studying Maths to A level standard, and expected to work with complex statistics and equations.
It never stops really! I am finding this is probably the hardest part of my home educating years! Adult children are challenging in a different sort of way, and the added pressure of exams, whilst trying to still teach the youngest four.
Meanwhile, the next three are studying for their IGCSE'S in the sciences, maths, and English. At one point I was seeing exam papers in my sleep!!
So, if you are trying the apprenticeships route first, then do make sure you have hobbies that match the apprenticeships. My son was into turbo CAD software, and made a portfolio of projects. He also has his own oscilloscope, which he used on projects. Don't make the mistake of listing too many other hobbies, they will think you won't have time to work!
Friday, 19 August 2016
Delicious, and Decadent Coconut Cake
Recipe for Coconut Cake- serves 12
Ingredients needed:
275g self raising flour.
1 TSP baking powder.
100g dessicated coconut.
180g sugar.
275g margarine.
5 large free range eggs.
1 TSP vanilla extract.
4 TBS milk.
For filling:
Good quality jam (without fructose I use Mackay's)
Extra thick double cream 300 ml.
For top:
A bar of white cooking chocolate.
Method:
Cream the margarine and the sugar, then add in the vanilla.
Next, sieve the flour,and add the baking powder, and half the coconut,and add an egg, and a little flour each time mixing well until all the eggs and flour are used up. Lastly add the milk, and stir again.
Pour into two square cake moulds. Bake roughly at 150c for around 30 minutes, swapping shelves half way. It will be cooked when a fork comes away clean.
Leave to cool, and when cool spread the base with the jam, then sprinkle half of the coconut which is left. Add the thick cream, then put top on.
Melt the white chocolate, and spread on the top, and add the remaining coconut.
Ingredients needed:
275g self raising flour.
1 TSP baking powder.
100g dessicated coconut.
180g sugar.
275g margarine.
5 large free range eggs.
1 TSP vanilla extract.
4 TBS milk.
For filling:
Good quality jam (without fructose I use Mackay's)
Extra thick double cream 300 ml.
For top:
A bar of white cooking chocolate.
Method:
Cream the margarine and the sugar, then add in the vanilla.
Next, sieve the flour,and add the baking powder, and half the coconut,and add an egg, and a little flour each time mixing well until all the eggs and flour are used up. Lastly add the milk, and stir again.
Pour into two square cake moulds. Bake roughly at 150c for around 30 minutes, swapping shelves half way. It will be cooked when a fork comes away clean.
Leave to cool, and when cool spread the base with the jam, then sprinkle half of the coconut which is left. Add the thick cream, then put top on.
Melt the white chocolate, and spread on the top, and add the remaining coconut.
Wednesday, 10 August 2016
"He Giveth More Grace"
by Annie Johnson Flint – (1866-1932)
He giveth more grace as the burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength as the labors increase,
To added afflictions He addeth His mercy,
To multiplied trials His multiplied peace.
Refrain:
His Love has no limit; His grace has no measure.
His pow'r has no boundary known unto men.
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus,
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again!
When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources,
Our Father's full giving is only begun.
Amazing hymn. Amazing God we have.
by Annie Johnson Flint – (1866-1932)
He giveth more grace as the burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength as the labors increase,
To added afflictions He addeth His mercy,
To multiplied trials His multiplied peace.
Refrain:
His Love has no limit; His grace has no measure.
His pow'r has no boundary known unto men.
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus,
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again!
When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources,
Our Father's full giving is only begun.
Amazing hymn. Amazing God we have.
Wednesday, 29 June 2016
My Thoughts Post Brexit
Obviously, if you have been following my blog then you will know I supported Brexit, and if you want to know why, then check out my previous post.
Last week I awoke on the day of the referendum with nervous anticipation. I was feeling hopeful. I didn't stay up to hear the results, as I was too tired.
On Friday morning I didn't need my alarm clock, as someone was ringing the church bells with gusto. I knew that meant the United Kingdom had voted to leave the European Union.
Of course, we never expected it would be plain-sailing, but I don't think anyone really expected the hate, tantrums, and finger pointing that followed. It was blamed on the older generation. Apparently they had spoiled it all. People seem to forget that the older generation are the only ones who really remember life outside the European Union, and remember what we fought for in the two wars. I have been living my whole life under the auspices of the European Union. What started as something relatively reasonable has encroached into all areas of our lives. We may as well be ruled from Europe, because everything in European law trumps UK law. It would only have been a matter of time before we joined the Euro.
Jeremy Corbyn was democratically elected by the members of his party, yet he has been blamed for failing. For what? Maybe for failing to indoctrinate the leave supporters in his party? Apparently, he didn't set out the economic arguments for staying well enough. Or, maybe that was because there isn't enough credible facts to support staying. So, they resorted to scaremongering. Worrying people that they would have less money, and all chaos would break loose. Surprisingly, or maybe not surprisingly (After all the oldies know better than us) they didn't buy the argument. To be honest, I just didn't care. I realise that our nation has been drifting godlessly into an abyss, and the European Union has sped things up. If we want our Nation to be great again, then we have to repent and turn back to God.
Psalm 146:3 "Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help."
We need to look to the Lord even more now, and pray for our nation.
Don't trust Governments, and those in power. Above all we need not fear, because God has everything in hand. He can change the hearts of any in government.He will always accomplish his Sovereign Will, no matter how much people scoff. Especially in the last days people will scoff, and shall think that the Second Coming will never occur.
Checkout Revelation 13: "And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.
2 And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.
3 And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.
4 And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?
5 And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.
6 And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.
7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.
8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world."
One of the heads was wounded. Makes you think, doesn't it, is this us?
Last week I awoke on the day of the referendum with nervous anticipation. I was feeling hopeful. I didn't stay up to hear the results, as I was too tired.
On Friday morning I didn't need my alarm clock, as someone was ringing the church bells with gusto. I knew that meant the United Kingdom had voted to leave the European Union.
Of course, we never expected it would be plain-sailing, but I don't think anyone really expected the hate, tantrums, and finger pointing that followed. It was blamed on the older generation. Apparently they had spoiled it all. People seem to forget that the older generation are the only ones who really remember life outside the European Union, and remember what we fought for in the two wars. I have been living my whole life under the auspices of the European Union. What started as something relatively reasonable has encroached into all areas of our lives. We may as well be ruled from Europe, because everything in European law trumps UK law. It would only have been a matter of time before we joined the Euro.
Jeremy Corbyn was democratically elected by the members of his party, yet he has been blamed for failing. For what? Maybe for failing to indoctrinate the leave supporters in his party? Apparently, he didn't set out the economic arguments for staying well enough. Or, maybe that was because there isn't enough credible facts to support staying. So, they resorted to scaremongering. Worrying people that they would have less money, and all chaos would break loose. Surprisingly, or maybe not surprisingly (After all the oldies know better than us) they didn't buy the argument. To be honest, I just didn't care. I realise that our nation has been drifting godlessly into an abyss, and the European Union has sped things up. If we want our Nation to be great again, then we have to repent and turn back to God.
Psalm 146:3 "Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help."
We need to look to the Lord even more now, and pray for our nation.
Don't trust Governments, and those in power. Above all we need not fear, because God has everything in hand. He can change the hearts of any in government.He will always accomplish his Sovereign Will, no matter how much people scoff. Especially in the last days people will scoff, and shall think that the Second Coming will never occur.
Checkout Revelation 13: "And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.
2 And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.
3 And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.
4 And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?
5 And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.
6 And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.
7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.
8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world."
One of the heads was wounded. Makes you think, doesn't it, is this us?
Thursday, 16 June 2016
Why I am Voting Leave
Next week we have one of the best opportunities in decades to make a difference. I will be voting leave next week, and here's why:
1) Obviously being a Christian I have to approach this from a Christian, and biblical point of view. Now, the European Union are blatant about mocking the bible. Consider Revelation; 17:3
It is outside the European parliament.
They are very anti home education in many of the countries, and have even imprisoned parents. Parents have charge of children under God, not the State!
2) Countries like Turkey joining; this will leave us powerless to protect our own especially given their poor treatment of women.(Not to mention bordering with Isis!)
3) Paedophiles have filled places like Cornwall, due to the freedom of movement. Some even fear to let children out of their sight it is that prevalent. If we had control, then they would be sent back.
4) Jobs. Ever looked for jobs recently? My children have been, and tbh the situation is not as pretty as the government would care to admit. We need controlled immigration from all over the world,so we can take who we need.
5) We need autonomy over our economy and businesses. It is not right that companies are tempted out of UK by Euro grants. M&S, Dyson, Hoover...just to give three. Did the Euro save Tata? No!! In fact, it impeded Tata Steel. The council couldn't lower their rates to help them when times were tough.
6)Our freedom to make our own laws. Speaks for itself, really.
There are all those scaremongers who try to scare us. How could we possibly be any worse off than we are at this present time??? How can getting so little back for our money be more important that giving up our valuable autonomy? These are just a few reasons, but I am not writing a book!
Join me, and vote leave next Thursday.
1) Obviously being a Christian I have to approach this from a Christian, and biblical point of view. Now, the European Union are blatant about mocking the bible. Consider Revelation; 17:3
It is outside the European parliament.
They are very anti home education in many of the countries, and have even imprisoned parents. Parents have charge of children under God, not the State!
2) Countries like Turkey joining; this will leave us powerless to protect our own especially given their poor treatment of women.(Not to mention bordering with Isis!)
3) Paedophiles have filled places like Cornwall, due to the freedom of movement. Some even fear to let children out of their sight it is that prevalent. If we had control, then they would be sent back.
4) Jobs. Ever looked for jobs recently? My children have been, and tbh the situation is not as pretty as the government would care to admit. We need controlled immigration from all over the world,so we can take who we need.
5) We need autonomy over our economy and businesses. It is not right that companies are tempted out of UK by Euro grants. M&S, Dyson, Hoover...just to give three. Did the Euro save Tata? No!! In fact, it impeded Tata Steel. The council couldn't lower their rates to help them when times were tough.
6)Our freedom to make our own laws. Speaks for itself, really.
There are all those scaremongers who try to scare us. How could we possibly be any worse off than we are at this present time??? How can getting so little back for our money be more important that giving up our valuable autonomy? These are just a few reasons, but I am not writing a book!
Join me, and vote leave next Thursday.
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