January 8, 2010 by KellyH.

Chapter 10 (V1) has us studying the stars. In Bible lesson 4 we talked about how stars differ, and it was suggested that we study constellations. I pulled out my Handbook of Nature Study, by Anna Botsford Comstock. Part IV covers “Earth and Sky.” I highly recommend this book for anyone with children. It’s good reading, even for adults!

After studying the charts of constellations in the Handbook of Nature Study, I assigned the following for Creative Writing: “Create a constellation. Plot it, name it & sketch it.”

Of course, my daughter created an animal constellation–a bunny. Her older brother offered to work with her, and created a stick constellation that is actually attached to the bunny constellation (gotta give them credit for teamwork, at least). These two constellations were completely made-up, and not based on any existing stars.

My younger son decided that he was going to “find” something within the existing stars. After studying the charts a little longer, he created an acorn located between Pegasus and Cygnus.

I’ve always loved star-gazing, and it’s something my children have grown up doing as well. Once the weather gets a little warmer, we’ll be turning our eyes heavenward at night once again, looking for some of the new constellations we learned about this week, as well as finding new ones… like an acorn… or a bunny, holding a stick.

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September 4, 2009 by KellyH.

We’re working through Volume 1 once again. We picked up where we left off last, in Chapter 3, and we’ve just completed our second week of school this year. It’s been the perfect place to begin the year: studying about communication and prayer. We’re doing Bible lessons on M-W-F, and since this past Wednesday was my birthday, we took the day off and doubled-up our Bible today.

One particular sentence in Lesson 5 really jumped at me: Just as the Dead Sea has only one inlet and no outlets, and is as its name suggests, so our lives will be if we only take the Word in, and fail to send it out again.  Of course, one of our Bible readings was Matthew 28:19-20, where Jesus tells his disciples to go and spread His teaching. I’ve read this verse many times, and emphasize it to my children. But, unfortunately, I don’t practice it.

What do I practice? Watering. I’ve always believed I was a waterer, like Apollos (see 1 Corinthians 3:5-7). I don’t work outside of the home (except when I take the children somewhere, like the grocery store). The majority (probably 90%) of the people I interact with are saved already. I don’t need to evangelize and plant seeds because they’ve already sprouted. My job is to water them, encourage them, help them grow closer to God. It’s something I enjoy doing, and I believe I’m good at it. I’m not good at planting seeds. But, I know it is something that Jesus expects me to do.

I’ve been praying about writing for a particular website– it’s predominantly secular with a large New Age population, but there are a few Christians there.  It claims to be the 2nd largest women’s site online. But, I’m hesitant because it’s not predominantly Christian. I know we’re supposed to be  a Light in this dark world. I know I can’t plant seeds if I don’t till new ground.

This morning, during my quiet time, I read Matthew 26:1-16. The heart of the woman who poured perfume on Jesus’ head was focused on Him. She loved Him so much, she didn’t care that she could have made money from selling the perfume. Judas, on the other hand, only thought of the money he could make. Do we love Jesus as much as this woman did? Search my heart, O Lord. Why do I not seek out others to share You with?

Does anyone else see the connection here?!

We need to take in God’s Word, and then send it out to others. Not because we’ll get a pat on the back or payment or anything, but because we love Jesus! I am not gifted in evangelizing, but I can still share the love of God with others–even unbelievers. God will protect and provide for us if we follow His commandments. If we use our gifts to do His will, He will be right there to guide us and bless us.

Have you asked God to show you His Truths today? Take in His Word… and then GO!

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February 26, 2007 by KellyH.

We’ve gotten behind in our work… off-track… behind schedule… whatever you wish to call it. So, today we’re playing “catch-up” and it isn’t going well. I’m frustrated, wanting the children to hurry up and get done. They’re fidgetty because it’s Monday and they’re not quite into the swing of school (that comes tomorrow). My anger is building and I know that’s not right.

I need to sit down and do the one thing I haven’t done today. Whenever I miss this activity, the whole day gets off-kilter. You guessed it: I missed my quiet time with God!

It’s so simple, yet so very important. Time with my Lord and Savior quiets my spirit, and allows Him to work through me, to accomplish His goals. I know better… I’m always encouraging other moms–even challenging them–to make this a priority in their lives. I’m going to go do this right now, before anymore of the day slips by!

Have you had your time with God today? It doesn’t take a huge commitment. Just read a few passages and discuss them with God. Not sure what to read? What passages are you teaching during your Bible studies with Weaver? Keep Him involved in your day, and He’ll keep your day orderly. Never fails!

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February 22, 2007 by KellyH.

In chapter 8 of Volume 5, we’re studying the concepts of stewardship. I’m having a hard time giving practical applications/examples for each of the concepts. I’m also struggling with defining some of them, as they seem to be the same concept. Take #3 and #12 for example.

#3) Knowledge of the Investment

#12) Knowledge of the Rules

I’m not sure I understand the “rules” to begin with, but it seems both of these come down to knowledge of what you’re getting yourself into when you become a steward.

And what about #5 (Willing to Take a Calculated Risk) and #13 (Preparation for the Unexpected). When we calculate our risks, we are preparing for the unexpected… at least, I am!

And #14 (Faithfulness in Continuane over Time) and #15 (Faithfulness to the Goal Given) seem pretty close as well.

It seems to me that this whole lesson could have been tightened-up a bit. I would have never thought to use some of those Bible verses as examples for stewardship myself. But, then again, I’m not quite as knowledgeable of the Bible as the author of Weaver.

I’d love to hear others’ thoughts on this chapter. How did you handle it? What teaching tips can you give me? Leave a comment and let us know!

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February 22, 2007 by KellyH.

We’re working our way through Chapter 8 of Volume 5. We’ve finished the main parables of Jesus and now we’re working on the stewardship section. There are 23 concepts about stewardship that are being taught over a 15-day period. Today we studied the third concept, Knowledge of the Investment. The Bible examples used by the author were the parable of the new patch on an old garment and the new wine in old wineskins.

To be honest, I’ve never thought of those parables as teaching about stewardship. To me they are teaching that we need to put away our old, earthly thoughts and focus on Christ now that we’re believers. I thought they were teaching us that we shouldn’t try to mix Christianity with Pagan rituals.

In trying to teach the lesson, I had to look at these parables with a fresh eye. I have not changed my mind about the point Jesus was trying to make, but I’ve gained a new appreciation for His choice of words. He chose activities that His audience could relate to–do I do that when trying to get my point across?

Because I’m teaching a wide range of ages (6-16) I often wonder if I’m losing the interest of some of my children while I try to explain something to others. It’s challenging, but I know I need to reach each of them where they’re at, and then challenge them in their thinking so they will grow to the next level of understanding.

It will be interesting to see how the rest of this unit works out, not only for my children, but for my own Bible understanding as well.

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