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The ABC’s of Our First Week

Valerie Basham

August 25, 2015

The first week of our school year is officially in the books. And, may I pause here and shout for joy? I have to say, I didn’t really think I’d make it! At least, not with my sanity in tact.

Let’s take it alphabetical order, shall we?

(Don’t worry, we won’t do all 26.)

C is for “Change”. This would be ~~too~~ many things. The change to Notgrass for history, Bible and literature seems to be going okay, but it’s been an adjustment. Easy Grammar, which I’ve used in the past, has been a good change. The Institute for Excellence in Writing is taking some getting used to, but I think it will be great once we find a rhythm. We’re also making some math changes for some of the kids…I hope that turns out to be the right thing! And Lauren is really enjoying the switch from private trumpet lessons to taking a band class.

E is for “Emotional”. That would be me, the mom. I can’t confirm it medically, but I think I suffered from “I’m in my twelfth year of homeschooling and I have a Junior, a Kindergartener and everything in between” syndrome. (It probably has a really long, un-pronounceable medical name.) {But what could be longer than what I just typed? Oh well. Don’t bother me with details.} My symptoms were insomnia, crying easily, the feeling of suffocating and loss of appetite. The loss of appetite was a good thing. Everything else I could have lived without.

F is for “Frown”. This was the expression on most of our faces last week. We all had different reasons for it, of course, and sometimes the frown was replaced by a look of confusion. (That mostly happened to me.)

K is for “Kindergarten”. Matthew enjoyed doing his first week of K5! He greeted us each morning for the first three days of school with this:

His enthusiasm was contagious…and boy! Did we need it!

If he hadn’t been so adorable in every single thing that he did, the rest of us would have truly languished.

O is for “Overwhelmed”. Again, this would be me. I consulted my schedule, then my lesson plan, then back to my schedule, then the clock, gasped for air, and collapsed. Okay, I didn’t collapse, but only because no one would have noticed and I was worried about getting stepped on.

S is for “Sick”. That would be Lauren, Mitchell, Matthew, Leslie, and Laci – in that order. We somehow caught a lovely summer cold which left poor Matthew sneezing in between numbers. He counted to five – then sneezed and sneezed and sneezed. We started over, got to five again, same thing happened. It took us three times to get through it, but we made it to ten (and beyond). Poor guy sniffed and sniffed, but worked on in spite of it.

T is for “Try”. They all tried, and even succeeded! They gave it their best, in spite of the changes, their emotional and overwhelmed mother, and their own sickness. Each one excelled in the areas they disliked the most: Leslie forged ahead in grammar and science; Laci did her best at math and penmanship; Lauren worked hard at composition and history; and Mitch did a great job doing his own science experiments!

(Sorry about the blurry photo of Mitch. I’m sure you’re not surprised!)

He did an experiment showing the density of various liquids. I think. *nervous laugh*

He did two other experiments and didn’t even tell me till he was done, so I didn’t get photos! I think that was on purpose…

Z is for “Zzzzzzzz”. That was me from early Friday evening until late Saturday morning.

Until nap time…I mean, NEXT time,

Theological Term of the Week: Agnosticism

Valerie Basham

3 comments

August 24, 2015

Continuing in Part I – Words and Terms Describing the Philosophies of God. To read previous entries in this series, click on the “Series” tab at the top of this page.

Last’ week’s term: Atheism – the denial of any divine existence.

This week’s term:

Agnosticism – The denial that God is knowable. Agnosticism is not a denial of God’s existence, as is atheism, but simply a denial of his knowability.

My Disappointed Dad

Valerie Basham

2 comments

August 19, 2015

A few weeks ago, a Christian friend told me how disappointed my dad would be in me because I believe in God’s sovereign grace. Any regular reader of my blog knows that my dad and I were very close, therefore, these words were particularly cutting. I’ve thought and thought about them. Then I asked myself, what about my life would disappoint Dad any more than the monumental task of raising a stubborn, rebellious, selfish child? Would he be disappointed that I am striving to serve the Lord and study His Word? Would he be disappointed that I try to witness to others of Christ’s saving grace? Perhaps the fact that I stay at home with my children and teach them the Gospel would disappoint him? Would he be saddened that I write about the Bible, my family and the glorious Gospel? These are my reasons for living; my goals for life! I’m nowhere near perfect at any of it, but I’m trying.

So, would Dad be disappointed in me? I do not know. I do know this: if my dad were alive, I would at times disappoint him just like I did so often in my childhood. I am following the Bible, and my husband, so my deceased father’s, or any living person’s, opinion of my life is of little concern. As that famous hymn says, “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.” That is my aim, to keep my heart fixed upon His Word until someday I see Him face to face.

“Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me;…” 2 Timothy 4:17

With love,

First Day of School {2015}

Valerie Basham

3 comments

August 18, 2015

We survived the first day of the new school year! You would think that after doing this for a while (I’m beginning my twelfth year), I wouldn’t be so nervous. But, since I do have several years’ experience, I know that things don’t always go according to plan…in fact, they practically never do. That means I just have to roll with it. Since I’m a “planning” type person, this “rolling” is difficult. *sigh* I’m a work in progress.

Already, I can see that we’re going to need to tweak some things along the way. But I’ve learned that life is really about having a strong “Plan B”. Every year, I see that the Lord has something for me to learn from homeschooling.

We began the day with our yearly ritual: PHOTOS!

Growing up: L-R: Mitchell, Laci, Leslie, Lauren, Matthew

Lauren, 11th

Mitchell, 8th

Leslie, 5th

Laci, 3rd

Matthew, Kindergarten

He did this on his own, and I thought it made a cute photo. 🙂

All ready for day one!

Of course, I wanted to snap a photo of Matt doing his first day of Kindergarten. Shortly after I took this, he was coloring and said, “Do you think you should video this?” Oh boy! We all cracked up! I think I’ve been taking too many videos and photos of him! (blushing) He had the other kids laughing at his facial expressions and comments. For example, he shouted out “WOOOOOHOO!” as we all gathered for prayer time. While I was telling him about the letter “I”, he said, “I love you, Mom!” and gave me a kiss! I can see that I’ll have to work with him before the others start their day because he’s too much of an adorable distraction. One good thing is that he’s done with his work quickly.

We began using Notgrass History (and Bible and Literature) for the older ones today. So far, so good! I liked seeing Mitchell and Leslie sharing the book to complete their respective assignments.

It felt like a long day, but really, we were all done by noon. I still had some grading to do, and the preparation for the next day, but that didn’t take long. I’m a little nervous about how it will go when we have piano lessons, band practice and sports practices to work around. I’m reminding myself to just take one day at a time! I think that’s what my Father has written in my assignment book. 🙂

With love,

Theological Term of the Week: Atheism

Valerie Basham

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August 17, 2015

We’re in Part I -Words and Terms Describing the Philosophies of God

Lasts week’s term: Theism – the belief in divine existence. It’s fitting that this week should be the opposite of last week’s!

This week’s Term:

Atheism – A denial of any divine existence.

And there you have it! Thanks for reading!

None Is Righteous

Valerie Basham

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August 14, 2015

I’ve read Romans several times in my life, but I have to admit that I’ve often read it quickly and without much consideration. It is a rather “wordy” epistle, with many phrases that seem to contradict one another, unless you pause to consider each one within context. I’ve been reading each chapter silently once, then aloud a second time. I am not using any commentaries for extra guidance, I’m just trying to comprehend this book better. I might read a commentary or two at a later date.

As I was reading Romans chapter 3, I was struck with the description of sin in that chapter! I’m sorry to say that I’ve always focused on Romans 3:10 and 23, which are often used in personal evangelism. Those two verses have always been enough to convince me of my sin, but it doesn’t stop there! The Lord gives us a much more graphic image of mankind’s wickedness:

All of mankind are sinful – Rom. 3:9
None are righteous – Rom. 3:10
None understand – Rom. 3:11
None seek after God – Rom. 3:11
All are gone out of the way – Rom. 3:12
All are unprofitable – Rom. 3:12
None do good – Rom. 3:12
Our throats are as open sepulchres – Rom. 3:13
Our tongues are deceitful – Rom. 3:13
Our lips are filled with the poison of asps (snakes) – Rom. 3:13
Our mouths are full of cursing and bitterness – Rom. 3:14
Our feet are swift to shed blood – Rom. 3:15
Our ways are destruction and misery – Rom. 3:16
We have no peace and no fear of God. – Rom. 3:17-18
The purpose of the law was not to save us, but to reveal our sins to us – Rom. 3:19-20

Wow…this was a lot to ponder. If you think that you are “good enough” to get to heaven, I implore you to consider the above passages and read them yourself! The Apostle Paul was describing each and every person on this planet in these verses.

But there is good news! Christ came to seek and to save that which was lost! If you are burdened down with sin and guilt and shame, then cry out to Him, He is your only hope! You cannot trust in self-righteousness, because this passage reveals that no one on Earth is good enough to enter Heaven. You must trust in Christ, and Christ alone.

With love,

Homeschooling Plans 2015 – 2016

Valerie Basham

4 comments

August 11, 2015

Wow! Another year is around the corner…actually, it’s within sight! I can’t believe I’ll have all five children in school this year. Seems like yesterday I was juggling having an infant to care for while I tried to teach another one or two… or three. Those days are over. We are planning (Lord willing) to start our school year on August 17, 2015. It’s been a crazy-busy summer – and we’ve loved it – but it’s made it difficult to get my mind on school things.

One major change for us this year is our choice for history curriculum. I’m trying a new approach using Notgrass History. I have really done my research on this, so I hope it pays off. Their lessons are written to the student, not to a class, so it is more engaging and easier reading. Also, they offer a core textbook, with materials that cater to different ages/levels. I can read the history lesson aloud, then assign different workbooks for the kids to complete based on that lesson. Mitch and Leslie (and maybe Laci, too) will be using the same textbook, but with different questions, tests, and activities. I hope this saves me time and energy. It’s already saved me money! The Notgrass books also include optional literature assignments (the books correspond with the time period that is being studied) and Bible lessons. Again, this has saved me money! I just hope it works out! I’ll let you know.

Here’s how our year is shaping up (for now!):

Lauren – 11th Grade

Math – Saxon Advanced Math using the DIVE CD-Rom

History – Notgrass Exploring American History

Bible – Notgrass

Vocab/Spelling & Lit. – Abeka

Grammar – Easy Grammar, 11th Grade

Composition – Institute of Excellence in Writing

Spanish – Rosetta Stone

Keyboarding – Mavis Beacon

Home Ec. – Basic sewing, cooking and baking

PE – Basketball and Soccer

Music – Band (trumpet)

Mitchell – 8th Grade

Math – Saxon Algebra 1/2 with DIVE CD – Rom

History – Notgrass America the Beautiful with grade appropriate activities

Lit. & Bible – Notgrass

Grammar – Easy Grammar, 8th grade

Vocab/Spelling – Abeka

Compostion – Institute of Excellence in Writing

Science – Apologia

Music – Piano lessons

PE – basketball and soccer

Leslie – 5th Grade

Math – Saxon 6/5 with DIVE CD Rom

History – America the Beautiful with grade appropriate activties

Lit. & Bible – Notgrass

Science, Vocab/Spelling – Abeka

Grammar – Easy Grammar, 5th Grade

Music – Piano lessons

PE – basketball and soccer

Laci – 3rd Grade

Math, science, history, spelling, reading and penmanship- Abeka

Grammar – Easy Grammar, grade 3

Bible – ACE Bible Reading

PE – basketball and soccer

Matthew – K5

Phonics, arithmetic, handwriting and art – Abeka

Bible – memory verses

PE – basketball and soccer

This will be my fifth and final time to teach one of my children to read. As you can imagine, I have mixed emotions about it. I am happy, I am sad. I am excited, I am somber. I am hopeful, I am nervous. But one thing does remain constant through it all: I am thankful for the opportunity to spend my days with my own children, loving them and living life through their eyes.

Smiling through my tears,

Theological Term of the Week: Theism

Valerie Basham

no comments

August 10, 2015

Today, I’m kicking off a new series! You’ll be able to access it soon beneath the “Series” tab at the top of this page. It should air each and every Monday, unless I’m Providentially hindered. I am writing this series for myself, to enhance my own study of theology, but I thought it might help others, too. I remember things better if I write them down – or type them out – so here it is. I will not be adding my own thoughts or trying to debate any issues, just defining words.

Yep. Exciting stuff. 😉

These definitions are from a booklet that my church publishes called TERMINOLOGY: English Words and Terms which Identify Doctrinal Truth and Error. If you’d like to order your own copy, just let me know. They cost $3, shipping included.

Part I – Words and Terms Describing the Philosophies of God:

This week’s term:

Theism – From the Greek (theos); The belief in divine existence.

*Image background courtesy of freeimages.com

Should Women Study Theology?

Valerie Basham

4 comments

August 9, 2015

This is something I’ve been pondering lately. Clearly, the scripture tells us that it is wrong for a woman to preach, to usurp authority over a man.(1 Corinthians 14:34) But, is it wrong for a woman to study the Bible? I decided to consult the Word of God.

Titus 2:2-4 says,

That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,

This is a clear exhortation to women to be “teachers of good things” to young women. We are to teach them to be sober, to love their husbands and their children. I must ask, how can we learn these traits that we are to impart to others? Not every woman was blessed with a godly mother to teach them these things. There must be an originating source. That source, of course, is the Word of God. I cannot teach that which I do not know. Through God’s Word, I can know love, for I meet the Savior! I can learn discretion, modesty, and, basically, everything I’ll ever need! His Word gives me a standard by which to measure all other instruction.

There are other biblical examples of women who know the Bible:

Timothy learned the scriptures from his mother and grandmother – 2 Timothy 1:5
Aquila and Priscilla taught Apollos – Acts 18:26
The book of 2 John is written to a lady, to encourage her to cling to truth.

This is more than enough scriptural proof that it is not only acceptable, but vital for women to be familiar with the blessed Word of God!

Here are three practical reasons for doing so:

To glean as much as possible from the preaching in the local, New Testament church.
To be able to “give an answer to every man that asketh [me] the reason of the hope that is in [me]” (1 Peter 3:15).
To have intelligent conversations with my husband at home.

I have been a “Bible reader” for years. But studying the Bible – asking questions and searching for answers within its pages – is a whole other kettle of fish. I want to long for God’s Word more than I do my “necessary food”. (Job 23:12)

With love,

Mitchell is 13

Valerie Basham

1 comment

August 8, 2015

It’s hard to believe that I have two teenagers now. It seems like yesterday I was chasing my adorable, chubby little toddler around the house. When he was two years old, Lauren began Kindergarten. We sang a little vowel song each day, sometimes more than once. It wasn’t long before my little guy was trying to make the sounds and sing the song, too. Long gone are his baby days. He is now about as tall as his dad! He just completed his second summer as a library volunteer and recently got his first pair of glasses. I praise the Lord for allowing me to be Mitchell’s mom. He is a joy.

Here are a few things I love about my older son:

M usical – Mitchell is musical! He is always singing, whistling or playing the piano. He has been blessed with the ability to play many things by “ear”, so he’s had to work harder at following written music. At age 12, he became our “standby” pianist at church, playing congregational hymns when our main pianist is out of town. I cannot tell you what a blessing this is! I often take him for granted (as I do most church musicians, I’m sorry to say), but whenever we have no pianist, boy! Do I notice! I’m thankful that God has blessed Mitch with this talent, and I’m even more grateful that he wants to use it for the Lord.

I ntelligent – Mitch has been blessed with a good mind. He loves reading and has even started two different books of his own.

T ough – Mitchell was sick a lot as a child, which meant many visits to the ER and the doctor’s office. He has been injured several times, which meant stitches and band-aids. He is a tough guy though, never crying or whining. He’s also tough in other ways. He’s been hurt by people, but gets up and keeps going.

C heerful – This boy of mine is always smiling! I can recall how even as a baby, he would awake each morning with a glorious smile for me. This was a special comfort to me in the days following my dad’s sudden death. I didn’t feel like smiling at all…until I saw Mitch. To this day, it is very rare to see Mitchell unhappy.

H elpful – If you have a job that needs doing, Mitch is your guy. He may not know exactly how to do it, but he’ll give it his best shot! He is willing to mow, rake, mop, vacuum, move furniture, paint and just about anything else you need.

E ngaging – He can talk, and will talk, to anyone! He has never met a stranger. Mitch is thrilled to share the Lord with others. He invites people to church often and, I’ve discovered, they have a hard time telling him no.

L ion-hearted – Mitch has a big, giving heart. He cares about the needs of others and isn’t afraid to do something to help them. The only area he needs to work at is seeing the needs of his siblings! 😉

L ikable – It’s hard not to like someone who smiles a lot, is always willing to help, and who is excited about his life. That’s Mitch. And I sure do like him.

Happy birthday, Mitchell! I love you.