“For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.” Exodus 20:11
Photo Credit: ©2009 Rhonda Clark. Used by permission.
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The Purpose of the Christian Family
The Father and Jesus were discussing the future. They wished to help everyone to understand a little better. They wanted everyone to understand Their character, Their character of love. They came up with a plan. They would create an example that could perpetuate love forever. They would call this model “the family”. This family would multiply and thus love would multiply. This family would live forever and so would their love. The universe could see that love has no limits, that it can grow indefinitely. Even the angels could look in and get a better glimpse of the happiness that love brings.
This is why God created the human family. Sadly, humans set a different course and introduced hate into our families and then everything changed. Rather than the universe getting to observe God’s character through the families of earth, they had the chance to observe Satan’s character and the results of sin. The good news is, however, that the true Christian family can still demonstrate to the universe what God’s love is like. We can still fill the role that was originally set out for us. In fact, there is not a better witness that can be given for Christianity than the truly Christian home.
“A well-ordered Christian household is a powerful argument in favor of the reality of the Christian religion–an argument that the infidel cannot gainsay. All can see that there is an influence at work in the family that affects the children, and that the God of Abraham is with them. If the homes of professed Christians had a right religious mold, they would exert a mighty influence for good. They would indeed be the ‘light of the world.’” Adventist Home, p. 36
“One well-ordered, well-disciplined family tells more in behalf of Christianity than all the sermons that can be preached.” Ibid., p. 32
“The mission of the home extends beyond its own members. The Christian home is to be an object lesson, illustrating the excellence of the true principles of life.” Ibid., p. 31
“The well-being of society, the success of the church, the prosperity of the nation, depend upon home influences.” Ibid., p. 15
I believe that the purpose of the family is an important concept to keep in mind. We need to remember that our family as a unit is a teacher. The pupils are the world, the universe, even the angels. If we were to take a student evaluation today, what would it look like?
Motivation Monday
In the history of Joseph, Daniel, and his fellows, we see how the golden chain of truth may bind the youth to the throne of God. They could not be tempted to turn aside from their course of integrity. They valued the favor of God above the favor and praise of princes, and God loved them and spread His shield over them. Because of their faithfulintegrity, because of their determination to honor God above every human power, the Lord signally honored them before men. They were honored by the Lord God of hosts, whose power is over all the works of His hand in heaven above and the earth beneath. These youth were not ashamed to display their true colors. Even in the court of the king, in their words, their habits, their practices, they confessed their faith in the Lord God of heaven. They refused to bow to any earthly mandate that detracted from the honor of God. They had strength from heaven to confess their allegiance to God.
You should be prepared to follow the example of these noble youth. Never be ashamed of your colors; put them on, unfurl them to the gaze of men and angels. Do not be controlled by false modesty, by false prudence which suggests to you a course of action contrary to this advice. By your choice words and a consistent course of action, by your propriety, your earnest piety, make a telling confession of your faith, determined that Christ shall occupy the throne in the soul temple; and lay your talents without reserve at His feet to be employed in His service.
Messages to Young People, 27
Rest
“For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.” Exodus 20:11
Photo Credit: American Goldfinch ©2009 Nathan Clark. Used by permission.
Nature Study Ideas for Older Students
Many times when nature study is discussed as a part of homeschooling, it is within the context of introducing nature to younger children. We often think of nature study as helping small children to understand the natural world around them. What about middle and high school aged students? How can we make nature study attractive to them? It just might be that we are not thinking creatively enough. Nature study with older students is not just about getting out in nature, but about combining their interests and abilities with the enjoyment of nature.
Photography- Whether it’s learning the art of closeup botanical shots or action shots of nature, many older students will eagerly get out in nature if a camera is put in their hands.
Fine Art- Your artistic older student may enjoy time learning to draw or paint plants or landscapes. A series of works featuring a particular plant or animal makes a great project that combines both art and science.
Birdwatching- Birdwatching can be as simple or involved as you desire to make it. Add in photography, drawing or painting and creating bird-friendly habitats, and the list of activities is nearly endless.
Beekeeping- Just recently in my area there was a news report of a car being swarmed with bees. The certified beekeeper who came to collect the bees was a 17-year-old young man with his own business. Many beekeeping clubs are actively looking for young people to join and learn to keep the craft from dying out.
Hiking- What better way to enjoy nature up close and personal? Most areas of the country feature hiking/trekking clubs that also teach orienteering skills and can introduce your student to new areas to explore.
Canoeing/Kayaking – The physical exercise of canoeing is just an added benefit to the fun of enjoying nature from the vantage point of the water.
Astronomy- A quality telescope may be all your student needs to become interested in the stars. It also an excellent science study.
Gardening- Be it flower or vegetable gardening, perhaps your student is happy digging in the soil. Why not encourage your student’s green thumb?
Animal -Care/Training- Raising a service animal might be a good idea for a disciplined young person. There are also often opportunities to do volunteer work in a local shelter or rescue facility. There are also many nursing homes that might appreciate a young person bringing a well -trained pet to visit with the residents.
For older students, nature study can often be combined with other activities to create very enjoyable learning and service opportunities. Some of these activities may lead your student to a not just an enjoyable hobby, but also a lifelong career.
Motivation Monday
“The Garden of Eden was a representation of what God desired the whole earth to become, and it was His purpose that, as the human family increased in numbers, they should establish other homes and schools like the one He had given. 
Thus in course of time the whole earth might be occupied with homes and schools where the words and the works of God should be studied, and where the students should thus be fitted more and more fully to reflect, throughout endless ages, the light of the knowledge of His glory.”
Education, 22
Rest
“For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.” Exodus 20:11
Photo Credit: Spring ©2009 Nathan Clark. Used by permission.
The Adventist Home Educator 