October 2008 Newsletter

"Seek the LORD, and his strength: seek his face evermore." Psalm 105:4

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"The God We Praise and other devotionals by the author are superb tools for helping your children to get to know more about God and cultivate a thankful heart. Just think what a habit you'll be encouraging with twenty-one straight days of thanks!" - Excerpted from the recently published review by Jean Hall. Read the entire review on Eclectic Homeschool Online.

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If you or someone you know would really like to use these materials but cannot afford them, please contact us. We have a limited number of copies to give away either free or at a reduced rate. We really want to see these materials get into the hands of families who would use them.

We hope you'll take a look at these materials, and pray they will be a blessing to you and your family.

- The Loop Family

Thought: Keeping Perspective--and Hope!

Deception. Confusion. Sickness. Pain. The daily reminders that we live in a fallen world abound. Life can get downright depressing if we fail to keep our perspective. We need to remember the truth.

When we look at ourselves and our surroundings, we will end up upset and discouraged. But if we'll choose to but look up, we'll realize we have eternal hope. God never changes. His love never runs dry. And He has what we need!

This month, when you fill the grip of depression or "blahness" rising in your heart, stop and remember the truth. Remember God hears the faintest cry--ask Him to help you refocus. Choose to "do the next thing" God has given you, walking forward in the knowledge your Heavenly Father has everything under control.

And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee. Psalm 9:10 (KJV)

Story: Going Home

- Author Unknown

Years ago, I was enthralled as I listened to a pastor who for several years had faithfully served the church. His executive responsibilities had taken him all over this country. As he concluded his message, he told of one of the most frightening yet thought-provoking experiences of his life.

He had been on a long flight. The first warning of the approaching problems came when the sign on the airplane flashed on: "Fasten your seat belts." Then, after a while, a calm voice said, "We shall not be serving the beverages at this time as we are expecting a little turbulence. Please be sure your seat belt is fastened."

As he looked around the aircraft, it became obvious that many of the passengers were becoming apprehensive. Later, the voice of the announcer said, "We are so sorry that we are unable to serve the meal at this time. The turbulence is still ahead of us." And then the storm broke. The ominous cracks of thunder could be heard even above the roar of the engines. Lightening lit up the darkening skies, and within moments that great plane was like a cork tossed around on a celestial ocean. One moment the airplane was lifted on terrific currents of air; the next, it dropped as if it were about to crash.

The pastor confessed that he shared the discomfort and fear of those around him. He said, "As I looked around the plane, I could see that nearly all the passengers were upset and alarmed. Some were praying. The future seemed ominous and many were wondering if they would make it through the storm.

And then, I suddenly saw a girl to whom the storm meant nothing. She had tucked her feet beneath her as she sat on her seat and was reading a book. Everything within her small world was calm and orderly. Sometimes she closed her eyes, then she would read again; then she would straighten her legs, but worry and fear were not in her world. When the plane was being buffeted by the terrible storm, when it lurched this way and that, as it rose and fell with frightening severity, when all the adults were scared half to death, that marvelous child was completely composed and unafraid."

The minister could hardly believe his eyes.

It was not surprising therefore, that when the plane finally reached its destination and all the passengers were hurrying to disembark, he lingered to speak to the girl whom he had watched for such a long time.

Having commented about the storm and behavior of the plane, he asked why she had not been afraid. The sweet child replied, "Sir, my Dad is the pilot, and he is taking me home."

Note: This story was found in TEACH magazine, and reprinted with permission. TEACH requested we include the note below with the reprint.

BEING A HOMEMAKER IS A LOT OF WORK! Let us help. TEACH is a lovely quarterly magazine full of inspiration and practical ideas. See it and get a FREE copy of 7 Secrets to Saving Time and Money in the Kitchen: www.TEACHmagazine.com

Homeschool Tip: Character Training

- By Cris Loop

One of the number one reasons people homeschool is because they are concerned their children become people of character. I applaud this. It is wonderful to hear people talking about "character training," but I often wonder if anyone is as confused about what character training is as I was?

I thought reading the Bible to my children, telling them what was in the Bible, and stressing right and wrong behavior was "character training." I did this for several years, with some appearance of success, but in my heart I felt defeated. It was like climbing a mountain uphill ALL the time. I would tell my children the principles of the Bible, but they didn't seem to really stick.

The Lord gradually showed me I was fighting a losing battle. All my efforts were useless. I was not "character training" my children; I was merely teaching them to modify their behavior. One verse that confirmed the battle I was feeling is "Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? then may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil" (Jeremiah 13:23). I could try to erase the "spots" on my children, but unless they were washed in the blood of Christ, it was all in vain.

Knowing this was a huge relief to me. I realized that instead of trying to fix my children's character, Jesus had given them His perfect character. I just needed to train them to run to Him. I still needed to discipline my children and tell them the principles of the Bible. But now, instead of focusing on their behavior (and failures), I could point my children to the only hope for mankind--Jesus Christ. I could help them understand they NEVER had any excuses because His strength and character was offered to them.

I also discovered to my surprise that I was the one who needed the most character training of all. You see, as a parent, I was to reflect God's character in the way I disciplined and raised my children--to discipline out of love for their good. I had to admit that in many ways I wasn't reflecting God's character at all. And, just like my children couldn't change their character through good behavior, I knew I couldn't really change myself either.

As I began focusing my own heart on God's character and reflecting on His goodness, love, and kindness towards me, I realized God could do what I could not. He could help me stay calm--even when the kids messed up royally--if I'd but respond to His love. And He could also give me the courage to apologize to my children and be real before them, thereby showing them how to run to God for forgiveness and cling to Christ's righteousness instead of my own.

Bottom line, in character training our children we need to remember the gospel. There's no good in us--or our children. But Christ is--and always will be--our hope of glory. We're not called to transform our children or ourselves, that is God's job; we're only called to focus our eyes on Christ--to be in His Word and learning from Him, that we might respond to His love and the prodding of His Spirit. We'll reflect His character when we realize the depths of our own hopelessness--and the fact that He has given us His Spirit and strength, so we are without excuse. And as we respond to God ourselves, we'll see clearer how to discipline our children in a way that doesn't put a burden on them to somehow attain the perfect character, but rather points them to Christ, who gives us His perfect character.

This month, I'd encourage you to focus on God's character and the gospel message. Meditate on His Word, looking in it not for more rules to follow or lecture your children about, but for glimpses into God's character and incredible salvation. And ask Him to show you how to point your children to Him and His salvation as you discipline them.

Hymn/Poem: Do the Next Thing

- Anonymous

Note: I was recently reminded of this poem in the Virginia Homeschool Update (and a few other sources--this kept popping up), and found it a refreshing reminder. I have since printed it out and posted it next to my desk to read and remember, especially on those days when things seem foggy. I hope it blesses you too.

From an old English parsonage down by the sea
There came in the twilight a message to me;
Its quaint Saxon legend, deeply engraven,
Hath, it seems to me, teaching from Heaven.
And on through the doors the quiet words ring
Like a low inspiration: "DOE THE NEXTE THYNGE."

Many a questioning, many a fear,
Many a doubt, hath its quieting here.
Moment by moment, let down from Heaven,
Time, opportunity, and guidance are given.
Fear not tomorrows, child of the King,
Thrust them with Jesus, doe the nexte thynge.

Do it immediately, do it with prayer;
Do it reliantly, casting all care;
Do it with reverence, tracing His hand
Who placed it before thee with earnest command.
Stayed on Omnipotence, safe 'neath His wing,

Leave all results, doe the nexte thynge.
Looking for Jesus, ever serener,
Working or suffering, be thy demeanor;
In His dear presence, the rest of His calm,
The light of His countenance be thy psalm,
Strong in His faithfulness, praise and sing.
Then, as He beckons thee, doe the nexte thynge.

Unless otherwise indicated, articles are written by Katherine Loop, © 2008. Where marked Cris Loop, articles written by Christina Loop, © 2008. Feel free to pass these e-mails or articles by Katherine or Cris Loop within these e-mails along to others (please include a link to our web site when you do). Please contact us for information about reprinting articles written by people other than Katherine or Cris Loop so we can put you in contact with the appropriate person to ask for permission.

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Unless otherwise indicated and where marked KJV, scripture is taken from the King James Version.

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