We spend a lot of time talking about life as a large Christian homeschooling family here on Raising Arrows. We talk practical life application sorts of things. It is my hope and prayer that we are never too busy or too focused on applying things to OUR lives that we forget that which is front and center:
Christ
Talking about self-control and discipline and chore charts is helpful, but there comes a point when even the most self-controlled, disciplined, organized person on this planet will find they can’t keep pace. It’s the very reason why New Year’s Resolutions, new schedules, and new chore charts fail.
Too much self.
We have to think about WHY we organize, WHY we train our children, WHY we seek self-control in our own lives.
It’s not about us.
This quote from SALT magazine spoke to my heart this past week. As you read it, consider YOUR motivation…
Christ was nailed to the cross for that third piece of pie we ate. He was nailed to the cross for our lack of self control. Why would He do that for us? Why wouldn’t we return Christ’s love! How can we help but ponder how we can be of service to His kingdom? Once saved, how can His righteous commands not be pleasant to us (see Psalm 119)?
James McDermott
SALT magazine
Winter 2010-2011 issue
I try to live my life, run my homeschool, and interact with others with Christ at the forefront…running that Race, straining for that Prize.
But this is a process. Always a process.
I am forever evaluating and re-evaluating my focus, my methods, my life. Because I am human.
Currently, I am reading the book Assumptions that Affect Our Lives
Assumptions talks a lot about a Greek versus a Hebrew education. I am digging deep!
And soon I hope to be able to offer you some of the treasures I am finding, some of the lessons I am learning, and some of the changes we are making.
Again, always a process…a journey…with the destination being Christ.
Front and center.
Gae says
Dear Amy,
Too true. I love the focus…not on us but on Christ and how we serve him
Blessings
Gae
Mistee says
I’m looking forward to hearing what you learn from the “Assumptions” book. I think a book I’ve read discussed Greek vs Hebrew education as well. It was “Teaching the Trivium: Christian Homeschooling in a Classical Style” by Harvey Bluedorn. Very good!
Stacie says
I LOVED that quote! Thank you for sharing it.
We so need to be balanced in our lives. If we are consumed by a schedule, than we are not be consumed by God. It is important to be organized and efficient. But what happens when someone comes to your door and needs to chat? Do you get resentful, angry, impatient, or ready for them to leave? We need to keep our attitudes constantly in check.
Great post!
Jamerrill Stewart says
Yes, Ms. Amy, yes! I agree, and we are all on a journey and progressively growing deeper in all the good things the Lord has for us. As I’ve been saying more and more lately, “Nothing but the cross.” God bless!
Valerie says
Awesome. Thanks for sharing and bringing us back to Christ as a good “friend” should 🙂
We as sisters in Christ should always point one another back to Him. I had great sisters do that for me this week. It was precious. So thank you to you too!
corine says
This has been on my mind lately as well (thinking less of myself, more of Him…). If fact, my very last post I made today was much about the same thing. How great it was to come here and get that reinforcement. Thank you! 😀
Corine
corinesmiles.blogspot.com
Kimberly @ Raising Olives says
We are on the path with you Amy, evaluating and re-evaluating and reforming our lives to be more in conformity with Christ and His Word. We’ve been working toward following the Hebraic model of relational education, but we have a long way to go and self constantly gets in the way. Thanks for sharing your journey