Home School Inspiration: A Story of Love

Posted on July 22, 2011 by Admin

Earlier this week my wife’s cousin died.

She was truly an inspirational person, primarily because of the incredible challenges she faced and overcame during her life.  At age two she lost her sense of vision and also lost both parents at a very young age.  As a young blind girl, she was raised by her Aunt and Uncle, who were fortunately outstanding Christian parents, in a very small home with four of her cousins.

As an adult, she married a wonderful Christian man who was also legally blind.  Here’s where the story gets even more amazing.  My wife’s blind cousin home-schooled all three of her children.  However, cancer became too much of a challenge and she finally decided to send them to public school this fall.

On the day she died just this week, my wife spoke to her on the phone.  Here are a few things she told my wife about her life and home schooling:

  • That morning she was given only hours to live by her doctor.
  • Later that same morning she had met with her church prayer group and she told my wife on the phone that she was not afraid of dying; but her only concern was for her children, now age 13, 10 and 7, and her blind husband who would be left to take care of the children.
  • She said that home-schooling had its challenges but that she had no regrets because of all the wonderful time she was able to spend with her children.

Approximately 12 hours after that phone call, my wife’s cousin died in the presence of her family.  Of course, there was much more to her life than just home schooling her children; but I couldn’t help but think that a significant part of the legacy she will leave her children is that Christianity, parenting and home schooling have one important common thread — a parent’s love for her children.

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What Would Jesus Do (Online)?

Posted on July 19, 2011 by Admin

The wonderfully popular question, “What Would Jesus Do?” is a profound motivator to apply the Christian perspective to any and every life situation. But consider the question in a literal sense and think of what Jesus would do if His time on earth were today, instead of 2,000 years ago.

Would Jesus be on Twitter? Would He have his own Facebook page? Would he spread His teachings over the Internet?

Perhaps we can come closer to an answer to these questions by asking a few other questions: During His time on earth, did he go to where the people are, or did he wait for them to come to Him? If millions of people could be reached in one instant, would Jesus do that? What would be the most effective way for Jesus to teach people about God today? In Church, in schools, on the Internet, or all of the above?

At first, mentioning Jesus and Facebook in the same sentence might inspire a dismissive laugh or perhaps a raised eyebrow in disapproval of such a seemingly demeaning connection.

If you think about it for a moment, a large part of Jesus’ incredible talent in reaching people was His way of going where other religious leaders would not go—to the sick, to the poor, to shady towns.

If you think about it for another moment, you will conclude that Jesus would absolutely have a presence online, if His time on earth were today. Of course, He would reach out to people in a physical way as well, but He would absolutely reach out to people all over the world in any and every means available, including the virtual reality of the Internet.

On a final note, Jesus is online. Do a Google search for “Jesus” and you’ll get at least 200 million results! Millions of Christians extend their faith and fellowship to the Internet: Church web sites, emails spreading testimonials every day, Twitter accounts, Facebook pages, and online Christian schools.

If you take a look around the Internet, you will see that millions have already been motivated by (and answered) the question, “What Would Jesus Do?” with regard to the Internet. He would be online; and He is online… because of you.

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Image by Victory Church 2010

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Back to School 2011 Has Begun!

Posted on July 17, 2011 by Admin

I Googled “Back to School Deals 2011” and the search came up with 34 million results!  The big retailers, such as Wal-Mart and Target, are already promoting their back-to-school deals.  Why so early?  If you listen to the media talking heads, the retailers expect a big year in sales so they are getting aggressive sooner than usual.  Regardless of the reasoning, it makes sense to beat the procrastinating masses and start doing your shopping sooner rather than later.

Here are a few deals to check out at a major retail store near you:

Wal-Mart Deals:  It appears back-to-school 2011 is not in full swing at Wal-Mart but they are definitely setting out the bargains.  They also have handy checklists available online.

Target Back to School:  Similar to Wal-Mart (as usual), Target tends to change their deals on a week-to-week basis until back-to-school shopping kicks in to full speed.  You’ll need to go online or drop in the store to see what’s on sale.  Don’t forget about clothes!

CVS Back to School Deals: Pharmacies can be a convenient means of getting school supplies.  CVS has deals on items such as subject notebooks, pocket folders and backpacks.

Office Max Supplies: Offering supplies for the office means that there are plenty of items that are good for the student’s “office,” which happens to be in a school.  Office Max has items for young kids, college kids and teachers.

Apple’s New iPad Deal:  For the older student, especially the online school student, keep an eye out for a possible deal on the new iPad from Apple.

Most students still have four or five weeks until school begins so don’t panic just yet.  However, be sure to remain aware of the deals that are already there.  For a different reference, if back-to-school were Christmas, this week would be Thanksgiving time for most students!

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Online Christian Schools: Aspire to ‘Greater Things’

Posted on July 12, 2011 by Admin

“Even the least among you can do what I have done and greater things” ~ John 14:12.

What did Jesus mean by “greater things?” Certainly, as is the case with most verses found in the Bible, there is room for some interpretation; however, the context surrounding this verse suggests clearly that Jesus implied that his disciples and followers would have a greater number of choices and more time for accomplishments in life than He did. In other words, the meaning of “greater,” does not necessarily mean that we may rise to a higher stature than Jesus but we have more resources and opportunities to improve our lives and the lives of those around us than Jesus did during his lifetime.

Jesus was (and still is) right about His foresight: With so many ways of touching so many people, specifically with regard to advances in mass communications and the onset of the Internet, we Christians have an unprecedented opportunity to aspire to greater things; to educate ourselves and others in a highly accessible, Christian environment.

“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” ~ Matthew 19:14

Online schools are certainly no exception to this modern day wonder of mass communication.

Combining the increasing demand for home schooling solutions and the mass accessibility of the Internet, Christians have never had more opportunity to find help and guidance for their children’s education in a more accessible, affordable way.

Online Christian Schools: A ‘Virtual’ Solution

This blog’s parent site, The Oaks Virtual Academy, is a proud and shining example of the greater things that Jesus foresaw for His followers (and even for those who are not Christian). Now parents can enroll their children into an accredited program with a full curriculum—all in an online school!

What do you think? What examples of “greater things” can you share? What would Jesus think of the power of online Christian schools? Might He include the capability of advancing the education of children in an accessible, affordable and online program as one of the “greater things?” We think so!

We would love to know your thoughts and to answer any of your questions. Please take a look around our site at The Oaks Virtual Academy.

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Image by: Nithin Pathrose Mulloly

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Bin Laden Death: A Teachable Moment

Posted on May 9, 2011 by Admin

But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. ~ Matthew 5:44-45

What conversations have arisen in your home about the death of Osama bin Laden?  I’ve heard of questions from children, whether they were my own children or stories from other parents, such as, “Why did America kill him?”  or “Was he bad when he was a little boy?” or “You told me every living creature has a purpose.  What was Osama bin Laden’s purpose?”

How does one answer these questions?  As always, the Bible is the best source, especially for gaining the strength to forgive others:

Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever.
Amen ~ Matthew 6: 9-13

For if we forgive men their trespasses,
Your heavenly Father will also forgive you;
But if ye forgive not men their trespasses,
Neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
~ Matthew 6: 14-15

But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. ~ Luke 6:35-38

With regard to Osama bin Laden’s “purpose,” perhaps one reason for his existence on Earth was to serve as a teachable moment in history where millions of people learned to forgive and to love.

One other inspirational but non-Biblical quote that is worthy of teaching this week is from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr:

Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.

Let us all forgive, love and teach…

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Summer School Session 2011

Posted on May 6, 2011 by Admin

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Homeschool Events 2011!

Posted on May 6, 2011 by Admin

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Footsteps in the Sand

Posted on April 28, 2011 by Admin

From time to time, as humans, we may ask, “Where is God?”  There may not be one simple answer to this question but whatever form it takes the answer goes something like this:  God is with us anywhere and everywhere we are, especially at times it seems otherwise.

Any person of faith or any person who has lost or even never found faith can benefit from reading the famous poem, Footsteps in the Sand.

One night a man had a dream.
He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the LORD.
Across the sky flashed scenes from his life.
For each scene, he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand:
one belonging to him, and the other to the LORD.

When the last scene of his life flashed before him
he looked back, at the footprints in the sand.
He noticed that many times along the path of his life
there was only one set of footprints.
He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times of his life.

This really bothered him and he questioned the LORD about it:
“LORD, you said that once I decided to follow you,
you’d walk with me all the way.
But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life
there is only one set of footprints.
I don’t understand why when I needed you most you would leave me.”

The LORD replied:
“My son, My precious child, I love you and I would never leave you,
During your times of trial and suffering,
when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.”

Author Unknown

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5 Ways to Tell Children the Story of Easter

Posted on April 28, 2011 by Admin

While Easter is still fresh on the mind, how did you tell the story to your children? Is there anything you might change? What advice might you have for parents of young children for telling the story of Easter?

There is more to Easter than eggs, baskets and bunnies but telling children the true meaning of Easter can be challenging because of the brutal nature of Jesus’ crucifixion. While children are much more capable of understanding and absorbing complex and emotional information than we give them credit, educating them on Easter still needs a strategic delivery, especially for the youngest of children.

Today, we share 5 creative ways to tell children the story of Easter:

  1. Tell the Story of Easter While Baking Cookies: From the egg whites that represent life to the closing of the oven door that represents the tomb, The Easter Cookie Story is a creative cookie recipe and accompanying story that helps young children understand the events of the first Easter.
  2. Learn All About Easter Eggs: Find out the origination and meaning of Easter egg painting, egg hunts and egg rolling.
  3. Make Your Own Easter Basket: Follow a simple template to make Easter baskets out of paper.
  4. Make a Pop-up Easter Card: This is another cut-out template to make something you and your child will always remember.
  5. Tell the Not-Too-Scary Version of Easter: Death is scary for children but Easter must include the crucifixion of Jesus. This story outlines the story beginning with the resurrection and includes the crucifixion, in context of the good news of His resurrection, at the end of the story.

In what ways have you shared the story of Easter with your children?

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250,000 in Jerusalem for Easter

Posted on April 25, 2011 by Admin

This past weekend in Jerusalem, the Israel Ministry of Tourism estimated 250,000 visitors for Christian Holy Week and Jewish Passover. Why did the events occur at the same time and what was it like in the Old City during the week of Easter?

We ran across a Washington Times article, Thousands at Passover and Easter in Jerusalem, which had some interesting things to share:

Because Jesus was a Jew, his Last Supper was a Passover meal, an event at which Jews have retold God’s delivery of them from Egyptian slavery into the Promised Land. So it’s no surprise Holy Week – the commemoration of events leading to the Crucifixion of Jesus and His resurrection on Easter Sunday – coincides with Jewish Passover.

On Good Friday, pilgrims process along the Via Dolorosa (Way of Suffering), which tradition holds is the same path Jesus took as He carried the cross to the site of the crucifixion.

The procession ends at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, where on Saturday, Eastern Orthodox Christians believe a flame appears in the tomb of Jesus and is caught by both a Greek patriarch and an Armenian Orthodox priest.

The Church of the Holy Sepulcher has drawn pilgrims since the 4th century, when Constantine declared Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire. He built the original church on this site, a much larger building than the one that exists today. Many believe it is the site of Jesus’ crucifixion and empty tomb.

We at The Oaks Virtual Academy hope you had a Happy and Holy Easter!

On a separate but related administrative note, our blog service was interrupted last week by technical difficulties beyond our control, which resulted in losing our previous blog posts.  We are happy to be back with a “rebirth” of our own!  In the coming weeks, watch for new features that will add to your reader experience on this blog.

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