Shelter my little seedlings

I get a daily devotional sent to my email that pertains to homeschooling families. Todays really hit home. It has to do with sheltering and the fact that that, even in the Christian environment, is looked at negatively. I can't tell you how many times I second guess my decision to not let my kids watch a certain show or say certain words. This article really affirmed to me that it is my JOB to do these things. Crazy as some of them might be... Allen and I will be the ones to slowly bring in outside influences into their lives. Our choice to homeschool develops from this "gradual philosophy." We will gradually let them go out into the world and when they are ready they will be worldchangers for Christ. It's like having a mini army in our home! So exciting.

Here's the article...

Learning how to be in the world but not of it is difficult for Christians-young or old. The unbelieving community sees us as trying to live "holier than thou," but sometimes we must allow God to sanctify us by removing ourselves from the temptations that would lead us into sin. God even commands us to run away (flee) from idolatry (1 Corinthians 10:14) "and have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them" (Ephesians 5:11). However, Jesus also gave us the example of reaching the lost by meeting them in their homes and on the streets. Finding the balance between loving the lost and not getting caught in sin takes discernment and wisdom that comes from studying God's Word, prayer, and listening to the Holy Spirit.

So how much do you shelter your children from the evil in the world without quenching the redemptive work of Christ? After all, as Christians, we are to be salt and light. My answer to that question came one day while gardening. The Master Gardener showed me that if I transplanted my seedlings that had been started inside the house into the outside garden too soon, they would die from the exposure to the elements. However, if I moved them at the right time and carefully nurtured the seedlings for a time with extra protection and fertilizer, they would grow into strong, healthy plants that would not only resist bugs, heat, and hail, but also produce an abundance of fruit. Don't let anyone's "sheltering" argument convince you to transplant your precious homeschooling seedlings too early!

Oh how I love this..... I'm excited for the opportunity to grow my seedlings into healthy plants and then let them go into the world.

A glimpse of the future....

Today we are watching two little boys so their mommy can work. That makes 5 kids under 6. Our kids get along great, so it's really no issue. I was sitting at my desk getting some computer work done and kids were playing outside. When they are outside, I leave my bedroom window wide open, so I can hear everything that is going on. Well, I happen to check on them and this picture is what I saw.

Avery was sitting on top of our hot wheel table with one leg propped up and her arm was resting on it. She was staring at the two boys playing with the cars. She looked like a mini-16 year old and I swear her face had just the little mischievous smile on it. Like she was dreaming of her future with one of these boys. 

Then next to this picture, was Mason. He was standing on one of our patio chairs singing at the top of his lungs. On the radio was playing a hideous Alvin and the Chipmunks song and he knew all of the words. He was dancing and singing as if this was his audition to the American Idol. I know that this seems cute for a 6 year old, but I can also picture him at 16 with the same charisma, dancing and singing on a chair. The song choice may be a bit different, but the heart behind the singing will still be there. 

This picture that I saw in my head made me smile. I can only imagine what their personalities will look like in 10 years. I hope that they are hanging out at our house with their friends. I pray that they are making good choices and that they are following God. These next 10 years will fly by and I hope I can savor all these little nuggets of fun that my children offer to me.