Missions Time

Autumn, this is my favorite season of the year. The colors start changing on the trees, the birds start flying south, the days are getting shorter, and the days are getting cooler (ever so slowly though in our neck of the woods). All of these things help to make this my favorite time of the year, but the two main reasons I love fall are 1. Thanksgiving, this is hands down my favorite holiday. It's about giving thanks to God our Father for all He has blessed us with. It's about family (blood or by choice), and it's about eating (of course that's a reason 😀). 2. Missions Conference, this is my favorite activity on the church calendar. It is the heartbeat of the church and it is a command from our Savior.

As most of you that know our family, know we were missionaries in the early 2000's. My husband surrendered in '02 to the mission field. We raised our support in exactly two years and made our way to the Canadian arctic. I had just found out a few weeks prior to our departure that I was pregnant with our 6th child. We lived in the town of Inuvik serving under veteran missionaries, Steve and Lois Donley. After our daughter was born we moved to the village of Aklavik at the end of the summer of '05. It was definitely a change of lifestyle for us. As hard as it may have been at times we always knew that God was with us and would get us through. We really did love it there, we loved the people and we loved the land. It is beautiful. It was mid December when our youngest daughter (now 5 1/2 months) fell gravely ill. She was medi-vacked to Stollery children's hospital in Edmonton, Alberta. She had bacterial meningitis. She did survive, but because of the health issues she developed due to the meningitis we had to move back home to the states.

While this post isn't actually about that time, it does give you a feel for why I am passionate about missionaries. While I was before being a missionary wife, I became even more so after being one. I loved missionaries before, obviously I have a deeper love and appreciation for them now. 💗  This post is about the time after we came back home to California.

I remember when I told my husband that I didn't think I could go back to the arctic. It was one of the hardest things I had ever told him. I had been praying about it, I didn't want it to be an emotional decision. I wanted it to be real and from the Lord. We worked so hard to get there, we loved the people and the place. We had planned on raising our family there, growing old there, and even dying there. God had other plans, I didn't understand all I knew was I needed to be here with my family getting the support only they could give. I poured all of myself into Grace when she was in the hospital, through all the surgeries, all the diagnosis', all the decisions I had to make without my husband because he was hundreds of miles away in a arctic village with our 5 other children, I gave all of myself and more. It didn't really start effecting me until after she got out of the hospital. When we came home for what was supposed to be a short "healing" furlough, it hit me full force. Being in my parents home surrounded by the people who loved me and knew me the most, it just hit me. I was finally able to deal with the emotional roller coaster that goes with that kind of traumatic event.

When I finally told him, he was angry of course. I didn't blame him then and I still don't. It was a very difficult thing to hear from your partner, your cheerleader, the one who has been encouraging you through all of this. Deputation and missionary life is very difficult on the missionary. It's all on him, he does all the work, all the phone calls, preaching, teaching, answering questions, etc. He's the one that pulls his wife and children from all they know and takes them to a foreign land. Yes, God calls and enables, but he has to obey and follow. His decisions effect everyone he loves the most. So for me to tell him I can't go back, not right now is devastating. After a few weeks of him praying and seeking council, he made the decision that we would not be going back. We knew that because of our daughters health needs we could no longer live in the arctic part of Canada, we would have to be near medical facilities that would help in the care for her. He had been called to the people of the arctic, not the cities. It was at that time the hardest decision he had made, to leave Aklavik and move back to California.

After about six months of being home we had been having some issues in our marriage. He admitted that he had been blaming me for us leaving the field, I knew that of course, he just finally saw it for what it was and admitted it. We dealt with that and some other things that will come up in a marriage after years of being married. Married life is not easy, it's a lot of work, but it is so worth it! So, now we were at a place of trying to figure out what do we do next? We never planned to come back to the states, so we were at a loss. Our church at the time hosted an annual church planting conference. After sitting through that and talking to other pastors my husband felt led to plant a church in a neighboring city. Sister churches came out and helped canvas for three weeks before our first service. The first year was good, God seemed to be blessing, things were happening. My husband had to go back to work, because, well, we had to eat. 😉  By the middle of the second year my husband started talking about stepping down from pastoring. He really felt the Lord was leading him to do this. Of course, me being his cheerleader, I figured he was just getting down on himself (he's a glass half empty person, while I'm the glass half full person). I would get somewhat angry at him when he would mention it, so of course he stopped after a while. That's when things started unraveling. He started slipping into a depression, home-life was getting harder. I was becoming a single mom, he didn't want to have much to do with anyone. On top of that Grace was 4 yrs old and very difficult to handle. She lost her hearing due to the meningitis, so communication was difficult to say the least, she has emotional issues, and she is behind cognitively. Life was horrible. I couldn't really tell anyone all of this, all I could do is go to my Savior. He is the only one that I could pour my heart out too. Well, while pouring my heart out to Jesus, He started showing me my pride in all of this. If I was to be very honest with myself (which is usually very difficult) it was in part my pride that would discourage my husband from stepping down. That's hard to admit, but it's true. God was really working on me, it's not easy when God shows you your sin and chastises you in the process. It does feel good however to get things right with Him. He is such a loving, caring Heavenly Father.

Now, my husband hadn't brought up stepping down in quite some time, a few days after I had gotten right with the Lord he brought it up (imagine that). I told him I was behind him in whatever decision he made. He was so relieved, it was obvious. It wasn't too soon after he stepped down that we started attending Central Valley Baptist Church. It was like a breath of fresh air. God has been so good to us. He sent us to a place were we could heal, and grow. We have watched our children grow and flourish. Our oldest son is an assistant pastor in Canada. He is married and just had their first child. Our second son teaches high school in the Marshall Islands at a mission school. We still have four at home, 16 yrs., 14 yrs., 13 yrs., and 12 yrs. Life is busy and good. My husband and I are in the best place we have ever been in our marriage. We work with the missions ministry in our church, he teaches an adult Sunday School class, and I teach the preschool Jr. Church. The older three teenagers serve in various ministries (bus ministry, nursery, help teaching children's classes, etc..) and Grace is  healthy, learning and loving life. She still has challenges, but she is working through them. 

We are still very passionate about missions, we pray God would make our children missionaries if its in His will. We love all things missions, home and foreign. We have been forever changed by our time on the foreign field, it is a part of us. We still have a burden for those in the arctic villages. They need the Gospel just like your neighbors do.  This is why I love this time of the year. My autumn decorations are out, apple, pumpkin, and caramel cooking has been going on, and Thanksgiving day menu and festivities are almost all planned.But before Thanksgiving come missions conference. I have to admit when the flag tub gets brought up from the church basement I get a rush of excitement. I pray over each flag as I iron them, I love trying to remember by heart which flag belongs to which missionary (we have over 60), and I love watching my children hang them up. Missions conference is a Taylor family affair!

Part of my healing and growing was being content with where God has us. I really miss serving the Lord full time with my husband. I know it sounds crazy, but I missed helping him with people, helping with getting things ready for services or activities, and just working side by side with him. I struggled greatly with this for years. I even had jealousy issues with the missionary that took our place. When I realized that, I realized that the pride monster was creeping back into my heart. Time to deal with that, easier said than done though. God is good and patient as he dealt with me. Just this year God really worked on my heart about the mission field I live right in the middle of. California is a very anti-Bible place to live. It is very multicultural, and very much in need of the Savior.  Our pastor was preaching a few weeks ago on the need around us, it really spoke to me. I complain about this state all the time, while it is a very beautiful place to live, it is equally as wicked. it is very expensive as well. While I was sitting there listening to my pastor preach, I could feel God speaking to me.  The arctic was beautiful and wicked at the same time, as well as incredibly expensive (much more than here)! My heart became very burdened for my state as well as fell in love with it on a totally different level than had ever been. I am so humbled by my Lord. He loves me so much to be so patient with me such a selfish sinner.

I know this has been a long post, but this part of my story has been on my heart to share. Honestly, I wasn't expecting to share this much it just kind of happened. 😊 People always assume that the hardest time in my life is when our daughter was sick and in the hospital, understandably so. Honestly, it wasn't. I truly knew God was in control and she wasn't sick because of anything we had done, it is life, and life isn't always fair. The hardest time for me was the time after her sickness. But God in His sovereignty knew all things that were going to happen, and that will happen.  So, while I live this life, I'm determined to live it for my Savior, to love my husband and follow him where God leads, love my children and grandchildren.  And I will always get excited for Missions Conference!

A lot has happened since the last time I blogged. This though, is one of the biggest things that has happened:

Our oldest and his beautiful wife had their first child Aug. 16. He is perfect! Being grandparents has definitely been life changing, for the best of course.

            Grandad & Tiny T

With the joy that came from the birth of our first grandson, came the sadness of the loss of one of the sweetest ladies I've ever met. She passed away suddenly and unexpectedly while I was in Canada meeting my new little grandson. We were able to make it back home in time for her funeral. She was the perfect example of a Titus 2 woman. She had an uncanny way of making every person she met feel like they were her best friend. I definitely was one of those people. I loved her dearly, and will miss her greatly. But I find great comfort in the fact that I will see her again.

           Mrs.  Johannsen and Me

     Titus 2:3-5
³ The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;
⁴ That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,
⁵ To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

It's been awhile, so here's a sort of update on the year so far:

Still in my forties

 

 

 Still Me

 

 

 Still Homeschooling

 

 

 Still leaning on Him

 

 

 Still "The Taylors"

and Still missing our "Big" boys

Christmas Boxes

Here's a great idea for Christmas! Not only will you be a blessing to all those children and their families, you are also being a blessing to this wonderful missionary family. You and your family can not only have a part in making a child's Christmas happier, you will have a part in giving them the Gospel. That's the best part of all!

Just click the link below.

http://www.lockwoodfamilytomexico.com/2013/10/christmas-box-giving-2013.html

 

 

 

 

We went camping last week up in the Sierras. It was the greatest way to end our summer, especially since our #2 son was home for about 2 weeks from WCBC. 

Now onto school and fall and all the wonderfulness that goes with that! :-) 

Reading, Writing & Arithmetic...Time for a new homeschool year.

I had planned on semi-homeschooling through the summer as usual, but this summer we ended up doing other things and at times (a lot of times) pretty much nothing. Somewhere in July I realized (actually just admitted to myself) that we are just going to take a traditional summer off. Apparently, I needed it.  Ahhh...the beauty of homeschooling, the freedom to do what you need when you need to do it. We will be starting back up the day after Labor Day. 

This year the Lord truly blessed us by allowing me to purchase all the curriculum I needed and even some of what I wanted. I feel so loved by my Savior, it's been a long time since I've been able to do that all at one time. Usually I'm getting what I need a little at a time. I am really excited about this year though, it is the first year I will be using Queen Homeschool as my core curriculum. The children really enjoy it as do I. 

So, here is our 2013-14 curriculum list:

Jacob: 

Math ~ Teaching Textbooks 6, supplement w/ Life of Fred math

Language Arts ~ Language Arts for the Secondary Child, Spelling copywork C, Pictures in Cursive, Reading/narrating/dictation

Science ~ A Nature Walk with Aunt Bessie (Discovering Nature Series)

History ~ A Living History of Our World Volume 4 "The Story of the Ancients" w/journal, Timeline, American History Graphic Novel supplement 

Bible Study ~ An Excellent Spirit

Luke:

Math ~ Math Lessons for a Living Education 4

Language Arts ~ Language Arts for the Elementary Child Volume 1, Spelling copywork A, Pictures in Cursive, Reading/Narrating

Science ~ Our Animal Friends (Discovering Nature Series)

History ~ A Living History of Our World Volume 4 "The Story of the Ancients" w/journal, Timeline, American History Graphic Novel supplement

Bible Study ~ Increasing in Wisdom

Laura:

Math ~ Math Lessons for a Living Education 3

Language Arts ~ Language Arts for the Elementary Child Volume 1, Spelling copywork A, Pictures in Cursive, Reading/Narrating

Science ~ Our Animal Friends (Discovering Nature Series)

History ~ A Living History of Our World Volume 4 "The Story of the Ancients" w/journal, Timeline, American History Graphic Novel supplement

Bible Study ~ A Virtuous Girl

Grace:

Math ~ Math Lessons for a Living Education 1

Phonics/Reading ~ Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons, easy readers, sight word practice, Pictures with Printing

History ~ Listening along with sister/brothers, coloring pictures 

Science ~ Living books about bugs, plants, etc...

Bible ~ Various Bible Stories/dvd's, reading The Graphic Bible

We meet before school work begins to pray, go over Bible verses they are memorizing, and do Hymn Study. We all meet to do history together, I read aloud the lesson and they work on their journals, projects and timeline. 

Obviously this is just the basics, we don't do everything everyday, and their are things done throughout the year that aren't in the daily plan. I plan on going through the "Little Ladies" and "Little Leaders" series and the "God's Plan for Growing Up" series this year. I also plan on doing a study on Baptist History. I don't really have a scheduled time for these, they will just happen when they happen. There is a lot of reading scheduled throughout the year, classics, biographies, read aloud's, etc... Dvd's, nature walks, field trips and just everyday life will round out our school days. And as the children are getting older more service for our Savior is added also.

 More important than the three R's is learning to have a heart for the things of God. To put Him first, before self, before family, before friends. To accomplish this in my children's lives Mel and I must be living this in our own lives. It is a daily struggle, but one that is so totally worth it. Not only for our children but for us as well! I plan on spending the next couple of weeks praying for our school year, not only that much knowledge will be gained, but that true wisdom will be. That our family will grow closer to the Lord and to each other. 

I have been asked (a lot it would seem) recently why I do not and have never been part of a charter school. People seemed surprised that I am very much against them. Below is an arcticle written in 2002 from the the HSLDA magazine "Homeschool Report." I feel this best sums up my thoughts and feelings. I know this is somewhat lengthy but it is truly worth the read, especially if you are in or considering a charter school. ~ Christine

In California and across the nation, we are alarmed by the growing number of Christian home schoolers who are enrolling in charter school programs. Below is a summary of most of the reasons why we are concerned. This is based upon my full-time research and advocacy work in behalf of private home educators in California for the last 15 years.
The battle over home schooling in America for the last 20 years has been shifting from eradication of home education to growing attempts to control home educators and recapture them for public school programs (such as charter schools) where they are under the authority and supervision of public school officials. Nothing less than the future of home schooling and the freedom of parents to train their own children in God's ways are at stake.


Can education in a charter school be Christian?
A true Christian education means that all goals, rules and policies, staffing, student and adult relationships, structures of authority, methodologies, sources of funding and resources, activities, materials, and content of all subject areas must be consistent with a biblical worldview. In every aspect, the entire education system must openly glorify and please God through our Lord Jesus Christ. A thoroughly Christian education is expressed in an open, non-apologetic way--in writing, verbally, and in all actions--on the part of every participant.

Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in Heaven. (Matt. 5:16)

Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Cor. 10:31)

There are inescapable problems in this regard inherent in all charter school programs and all other public school programs.

Most states have either a state constitution or a statutory provision which prohibits any sectarian instruction in any public school program. In addition, federal law is very clear in prohibiting religious instruction in public schools that receive federal funding. Title 20, United States Code, & sect; 8066(1)(E) states,

The term "charter school" means a public school that. . . is nonsectarian in its programs, admission policies, employment practices, and all other operations, and is not affiliated with a sectarian school or religious institution.

About the author Roy Hanson is the director of Family Protection Ministries, which he established in 1986 to monitor the California state legislature for bills affecting home schooling families and their freedoms. God has used FPM (working closely with Home School Legal Defense Association and Christian Home Educators of California) to win dozens of legislative battles against a full-time, predominately non-home school friendly state legislature. Roy and his wife, Debra, home schooled their children from first grade through high school.

Some charter school administrators have claimed that since parents are not employees of the charter school, parents can provide and use their own Christian curriculum. These administrators usually suggest that the parent not report any religious books being used, and not have their children make any references to religious doctrine, or Scripture, or Christ in any assignments being turned in.

What does this teach children? It teaches them to lie. (Luke 17:1-2) It teaches them a utilitarian mindset--that the ends justify the means. It teaches them to keep quiet about their belief in God and His Word and their hope of salvation in Jesus Christ when it suits their financial interests and convenience. On the other hand, using materials based on a worldview that isn't biblical teaches children to compartmentalize their life and to be dualistic in their worldview--to believe that God's Word does not speak to every area of life.

Excerpts from a letter by a California home schooling mother illustrate this issue:

We were promised funding and the freedom to establish our own goals and methods, as long as they were not doctrinal. We could teach doctrine "on our own time" or use non-funded godly materials, only documenting the outcome not the method.

I was choosing to pull out of the private sector and place over our schooling efforts an authority that required me to separate God within our home. I would have been teaching our children a double standard: God is O.K. for home but not for our school. Since our school is in our home that standard would not have stood for God at all!

Strings attached—Increasing regulations

Many charter schools began with few regulations or with a lack of clarity or agreement on what the regulations are. Regulations are inherent and inevitable for several reasons, including stewardship accountability for expenditure of public tax funds and for the prevention and detection of fraud. Experience has shown that the direction is always from less regulation to more.

Some of the increases in regulation include:

• prohibiting Christian content;
  
• detailed written reporting of lesson content and work completed;
  
• placing the parent under the control of a certified teacher;
  
• specifying what subjects are covered and how;
  
• requiring standardized testing; and
  
• required regular contact with certified teachers to evaluate not only educational goals but more subjective things like physical, mental, and emotional health and signs of child abuse or neglect, possibly involving a home visit.
  

New legislation and changes in regulations continue to be proposed and enacted in charter school states.


Testing indirectly controls curriculum

In most states, charter school students are required to take the same tests that are required in all public schools. A few states may allow parents to opt their child out of the test, but, at some point, a charter school must prove to the chartering agency that its students are meeting academic expectations.

Politically correct thinking influences the content of standardized tests. This leads to a bias against objective truth and against a Christian worldview.

Teachers and program directors protect their jobs by "teaching to the test," that is--teaching the skills and content to be tested so their school or program will continue to receive federal and state funding. The tests heavily influence academic content--tests indirectly determine the curriculum!


Sends message: Parents unqualified

Every parent who turns to the government's charter school to help them provide their children's education sends the erroneous and dangerous message to legislators and educrats that children cannot be successfully raised without the help of a government certified expert, and without the help of the state to pay for the resources they need. The louder this message gets, the harder it will be to keep the government from inserting itself in every aspect of families' lives.

Most public policy makers, public educators, and other professional groups see the parents as just one member of a team to prepare all children to be good citizens--"It takes a village" to raise a child. Charter schools fit in well with this government-as-parent / government-as-partner statist agenda for America.

Family Protection Ministries Family Protection Ministries depends upon the gifts of its supporters. It is essential to the continued freedom of home schoolers in the Golden State that we all support FPM. They spot and work very effectively with legislation at a level that no one else in California does. Contributions may be sent to: Family Protection Ministries P.O. Box 730 Lincoln, CA 95648-0730 Those who give $40 or more per calendar year will receive FPM's Legal-Legislative Update newsletter.

Not within civil government's God-given jurisdiction

God has established three basic social governmental institutions, each with its own mutually exclusive jurisdictions of responsibility and authority. They are family government, church government, and civil government.

God has assigned the responsibility and authority to raise and train up children exclusively to the family (Deut. 6:7, Eph. 5:22-6:4, I Tim. 5:8, et al.). On the other hand, God's ordained purpose of civil government is to restrain evil (Romans 13:4; I Peter 2:14, et al.). God also ordained that the family should get support for its needs in three ways: primarily through labor of the family, and secondarily through voluntary charity and inheritance. God did not ordain any separate institution for education or socialization of children. Nor did He ordain that families should receive financial support for these from civil government.

From God's perspective, what we call Christian "education" must be derived from the concept of discipleship, which incorporates training, instruction, and correction in accordance with God's Word. The care and discipleship (education) of minor children belong exclusively to the parents. God has not given us the permission to relinquish any part of our authority and responsibility to provide this for our children.

When we choose not to look to the government, but rather to take full personal responsibility for our children's education, we acknowledge the authority of God and His Word in our lives. We teach our children to honor God, His Word, and his ordained jurisdictions of authority and responsibility. We also teach them to be content with what God provides our family through our faith and diligent, obedient labors.

Let your character be free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, "I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5)

Higher taxes and bigger government

There is big money involved in charter school programs designed for home schoolers. Major political battles are being fought over geographical turf rights for charter schools as they are lucrative moneymakers.

Two-thirds of the voters in the United States think that lower taxes would have the most immediate positive impact on them and their families.1 Paradoxically, large numbers of people who claim to want smaller government, lower taxes and more freedom continue to clamor for their "fair share" in a plethora of government-subsidized programs. Each individual who chooses to participate in a government-funded program, like a charter school, creates a threefold demand on the government:

• a need for more money to pay for the goods or services they want;
  
• a need for more bureaucrats to administer the programs to provide those goods and services; and
  
• a need for financial accountability and laws to regulate the use of that money.
  

But I'm only getting my tax money back. Wrong!

Many parents argue that their taxes support public education and that they are justified in having that money pay for their own children's education. In reality, parents who choose charter schools increase the tax burden on their neighbors.

Most parents only pay enough taxes designated for education funding to cover about one-half of the public education costs for just one of their children.2


Threat to private home schooling

In my opinion, at this time, charter schools are the greatest threat to our home school freedoms and the heart and soul of the Christian home school movement.

First, compromise of freedoms and complacent dependency are inherent in receiving government funding. Charter school families have become just one more special interest group fighting for their piece of the government pie.

Private home schoolers are not a special interest group, in the sense that we do not go to the government asking for a handout. We are rarely asking for legislation. We are most often fighting to prevent the passage of laws that would infringe on the God-given inalienable rights of families. The perception of home schoolers in general by the public and state legislatures and Congress is being damaged by charter school "home schoolers" looking to preserve and expand their handouts.

Second, the vigorous recruitment of home schoolers into the growing number of charter schools in our state is having a disastrous effect on the private Christian home school movement and the organizations that support it. Several private home school groups have either gone under or have been taken over by charter school parents and leaders. Others have lost significant numbers and are having a tough time just surviving.

In June of 1997, Alaska enacted one of the best home school laws in the nation for private home schooling. However, at the same time, Alaska also enacted a charter school law. In just three short years, their statewide Christian support organization lost over two-thirds of its membership and attendance at their conferences dropped drastically. Their organization is a shell of what it once was. The influence of the private home schoolers in their Capitol has also been negatively affected since this group is now seen as a shrinking minority compared to the now larger charter school home school community.

Third, as the number of private home schoolers becomes smaller than those enrolled in public school programs, we will see a new attack upon the precious freedoms so many pioneering private home schoolers and organizations worked so hard to establish and defend. There is a growing attempt to marginalize private home schoolers as a radical and unreasonable element of a larger "reasonable" group that understands the need for government help and supervision by certified experts.


Conclusion

Every Christian parent being lured to a charter school by "free" services and money must seriously consider and understand the long-term consequences of his or her decision.

If we ask the government to provide what God has not ordained government to provide, we tell our children and the world around us that we do not believe our God is sufficient to meet all of our needs.

� 2001 Roy Hanson, Jr. Permission to reprint is granted if article is reproduced in a complete and unedited manner and the proper attribution given.

---

Endnotes

1 Fox News survey, "The Federal Budget: People's Chief Concerns, But voters say cutting taxes will help them more individually," Public Agenda Online, accessed 6 December 2001; available from http://www.publicagenda.org/issues/pcc_detail.cfm?issue_type=federal_budget&list=8.

2 Mary Schofield, "I Want My Money Back," The Parent Educator, Christian Home Educators of California, April/May 2000, 14-17.

I'm sitting here in my hotel in Lancaster, Ca listening to the livestreaming of the commencement ceremonies at WCBC. I love to hear Pastor Chappel preach (he's throwing it down right now!). We came down to see son #2 and to drive his car back while he is away this summer. He will be flying to NJ to do the Jewish Ministries, he is a group leader this summer. He as well as the other boys need your prayers, it is a difficult ministry. Also, #2 will be a senior next year, WOOHOO! He also won a $500 scholarship towards his bill for next year, what a blessing!

Last night as we were sitting in the Baccalaureate service, listening to a great message, surrounded by over a thousand young people who have chosen for one reason or another to be a part of this school, I realized how blessed we are. Now I know we have been blessed to have such a spirit filled school to send our boys too, but this time I REALLY realized how blessed we are!

We have been blessed to have a christian college that has worked along side us in instilling a love for our Savior, an unwavering faith in God and a passion to get the Gospel out to the world. Our boys have been challenged in their faith in many different ways. Through finances, dealing with people who say they are like them (but in reality are not), having secular jobs (learning how to deal with the unsaved/ungodly in a caring, compassionate, still standing up for their faith kind of way) and dealing with their own flesh. They have learned how to take their parents faith and have made it their faith. That is the greatest thing to watch your children do. Watching them grow in THEIR faith, watching them become adults who love their Savior with all that they are, this is what it's all about. This is our soul purpose as parents and to be able to send them to a college where it can and is encouraged to continue blesses us greatly.

We are getting ready to pick up Brett and take him shopping to get him some of the things he needs and to just spoil him some. No matter how old they get, they will always be my boys! and my girls! :)

Well, it's been quite awhile since I've blogged. We've just been plugging along...family, school, church, life. The children are doing well  with their school work, Grace is doing good with her studies. Phonics and reading are starting to click with her, YAY! Her language skills are getting better and better. The other three are really learning and growing in so many ways, I am so proud of my children. I am truly one blessed mom!



The beginning of April my family had a family reunion of sorts to remember my nanny (grandmother). It was the first time in over a decade we had all gotten together. We have a rather large family that are spread all over the country, so to get together is virtually impossible. It was a truly blessed time.

"Cousins"

Nanny & Grandad

a.k.a. Sophie & Frank

Love and miss you both more than words can say.

I thought I'd share one of my favorite Christmas comics:

Hope you're enjoying this time of the year rather than stressing out!!!

Happy Homeschool

So, last week we officially started our school year. I always start nice and easy then move into the more full schedule the second and third week of the new school year.  I usually post what I'm doing for the new year before I start but this year I thought I'd shake things up some...and do it after we started school. Really, it hasn't nothing to do with the fact I wasn't sure what I was doing this year, really.

So here it is, this years curriculum plan:

Jacob: Teaching Textbooks 5, Jr. Analytical Grammar, Spelling Wisdom Book 1 (Middle of book)

Luke: Teaching Textbooks 4, Language Lessons for the Very Young 2, Spelling Wisdom Book 1

Laura: Teaching Textbooks 3, Language Lessons for the Very Young 2, Spelling Wisdom Book 1

Grace: Math U See Primer, Teach Your Child To Read In 100 Easy Lessons, Read Aloud time w/mommy, math and reading apps on tablet

Boys: Christian Manhood with Dad

Girls: Little Lady series with mom

All together: *Bible Memory, *2012 Election Unit Study, *Mystery of History VL. 1, *copywork, *hymn study, *artist study *Science Unit Studies (September- Autumn Treasures, October- Horses & Weather, November/December- Birds, January/February/March- All About Bugs, April/May/June- Mammals)Eco-Systems (make terrariums)

Extra Unit Studies:September~ 9/11 mini study, November~  Veteran's Day Book (older 3) & Veterans Day mini book (Grace), Final 25 Days of Thanksgiving(older 3) & Thanksgiving Week (Grace), December~ Christmas (Amanda Bennet Unit Study), January~ Famous Black Inventors, February~ Presidentential Lapbook, March~ Easter (Amanda Bennet Unit Study), May~ Memorial Day unit study

Literature & Creative Writing: The older three will be reading various genres of books and keeping a journal on each book.  *Still working on different ideas for creative writing.*

The most Important thing I do is pray for each day, it sooo shows when I do not pray! After 17 years of homeschooling there is one thing I have learned: PRAY! Simple, I know. But oh, so true! It is the one thing that gives me patience, peace, patience, strength and patience (notice a theme?)

I take very seriously my job as mom, I nurture them, guide them, educate them and most importantly show them Jesus. I am the Jesus they see day in and day out. If He's real for me, He will be real for them. That's why it is so important to start my day with my Heavenly Father and to end it with Him too. I wish I was perfect in this area, but I so am not!!! :(  It is something I strive for though, to be close to Him on a daily basis.

I also know it is important to weave Christ throughout my school day, especially with my curriculum choices. No humanist slants here! No having to tell my children to just "ignore that paragraph" or just "skip that question." No government money buying my curriculum, just trusting God to provide.

I remember when I first started homeschooling, how nervous I was. As I look over my year plan, I have to laugh, I used to think women who homeschooled "eclectic" were crazy. Guess I'm crazy now. LOL!

Instead of describing this summer I thought I'd share pictures instead.

Now, onto fall and school.

Ok, so summer is my LEAST favorite time of the year. BUT, there is one day that makes having summer worth it, Independence Day! I love this holiday, I love the fact that we take time to remember the birth of our country, remember all that our forefathers gave up for our freedoms and remember God's providence in it all. And yes, the family and friends time together too. It is strictly an American holiday, I love that!

Flag raising ceremony at our church (Central Valley Baptist Church)

Love our country Sunday at Central Valley Baptist Church

Some of our heroes raising "Old Glory"

My daughters Sunday School class waving their flags and their little book of the Constitution & Declaration of Independence









I know, it's been quite some time since I've blogged. It's just been a busy and emotional few months. The main thing that has happened is our oldest son graduated from West Coast Baptist College. He was home for about three weeks then moved to Surrey, BC, Canada where he'll be on staff at Grace Baptist Church for the next two years. Bittersweet for sure. :-)  He truly has a heart for God.

Our second son is in New Jersey serving with the Jewish Restoration Ministries this summer. He could use your prayers, actually all the young people serving in this ministry could use your prayers. Brett will be a junior at WCBC when school starts up in September. We are so proud of him and his heart for the things of God. Mel and I are so blessed to have the children we have.

The younger four are enjoying their semi-summer. We have a very relaxed summer schedule: math, reading and the occasional activity/project. We don't do school everyday, more like 3 days a week unless something comes up (going to the lake, beach, mountains, camping, VBS, etc...)

The Taylor Six at WCBC





Jacob and Luke were baptized last month, Jacob was saved about a year ago and Luke was saved about a year and a half ago. Watching your children trust Christ as their Savior, grow and begin to have a servants heart is such a humbling thing. God is so good to us, so much more than we deserve!



  I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.  3 John 1:4

Say hello to my new best friend! :-)

 We have been together for about 5 weeks now, and I grow to love her more and more. hehe  My husband and I are determined to get healthy and stay that way! We still have young children in the house and We want to be able to give them what we were able to give the older children. Mainly healthy parents who still have enough energy to keep up with them (without collapsing before noon at least). The only bummer about this whole thing is how my husband can eat right for a week and exercise for the same amount of time I do and lose 5 lbs. and at least an inch! That is so wrong on so many levels! :-p Oh well, such is life. lol

I know one thing, I want to end my forties feeling and looking better than I did when I started my 40's.

Titus 2:6-8 Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you. ♥ This has been my prayer for my boys since #1 was about 3 yrs. old. (when we started growing in the Lord) Praising the Lord for my older two sons! They are true blessing to this mom and dad! ♥ As are my younger two sons, they are growing in the Lord day by day. ♥

We've just been plugging along with school, church and life. The one thing that has been awesome is how much my children are growing in their love for Jesus. The more you have the Word saturated in your home the more it wears off on the children (and adults for that matter).

Deuteronomy 6:5-9  And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.  And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.



The #1 thing I want (and pray) for my children is that they will grow to love the Lord more than themselves. So, that means that I have to be that way also...ya, we all know how that can go...;p  I just keep reading my Bible, praying and trying to live God's will for my life as a wife and mother. I'm definitely not perfect, but by God's grace and strength I will be the example they need in their lives.

Daily Life

We've been back in the swing of things for awhile now, daily routines, school, daily routines and oh ya, daily routines. Notice a theme going on? :-D  During the holidays things tend to get out of wack concerning our daily routines. I am so glad when we can resume our normal lives again. It is taking us a little longer to get back into the swing of things though. It didn't help that I decided to switch the boys room with the school room. Still recovering from that! :-P

 Well, time to get dinner finished up (we eat early on Wed. because of church). I must admit, Wednesday night service is my favorite!!!

Happy New Year!

The beginning of last year was not a great one. As a matter of fact last New Years really depressed me. God is so good and so amazing, by the time we got to July God was really starting to move us in a positive direction. He blessed us with a new church that was the major healing factor for my husband and myself.

I am looking forward to this year, to see what God has in store for us. My oldest son graduates from Bible college this May. He will be serving in a church in Surrey, British Columbia after he graduates. My youngest will be seven, that alone is a miracle in itself!

I was so blessed to have all six of my children together this Christmas, my husband and I were truly blessed. For the first time in many, many, many years I finally felt like myself this holiday season. God is so amazing and kind and loving, He never ceases to amaze me!

SURPRISE!!!

Look who surprised me this Thanksgiving! They walked in a few hours before we ate (I had just pulled the turkey out). :-)  My oldest son is a senior at WCBC, he has never been home on a Thanksgiving, my second son is a sophmore, he has never been home on Thanksgiving either. I am so blessed!

That's #2 (Brett) with my niece. Love my boys, and my awesome husband for keeping this secret for a month!