Our Homeschooling Story (Continued)
hymnal. We have studied Latin. We have studied in-depth several
composers. The study of one composer in particular led to a more
in-depth study of history. When we studied the works of
Beethoven, which included listening to many of his works, we
became interested in Napoleon, and then Wellington, and then
Alfred Lord Tennyson. Beethoven composed music that reflected a
time of war, and Tennyson wrote a poem honoring Wellington. When
we studied the use of metaphor, we used a friend's song. Our former music/youth pastor, Mark Thomas, also writes music
professionally. I used a song he wrote called "He Holds the Pen"
to teach the use of metaphor. I couldn't get permission to put
the whole song here. The song is a beautiful testimony of faith in God's guidance, with the best examples of metaphor that I have
ever seen. -- Mark and Audrey are in the photo at the left.
The Lord has been unpeeling layers of selfishness, impatience, fearfulness, and so forth, all through these years. I used to think He would finally be through while I was still on this earth, but it seems like the more layers He unpeels, the more that there are to be unpeeled. I desire to be unselfish, patient, and secure in the Lord. I can only do this when I choose to yield to Him. The worst time I have encountered in home schooling had nothing to do with the children's academic struggles. The worst time was when I compared my work to that of other home school families, and became depressed when I could not live up to the particular models I had chosen. I put pressure on myself, and others put pressure on me to live up to certain expectations, most of which were outward manifestations of others' ideas of spirituality. I am glad now for that time, as the Lord used it to draw me closer to Himself. I began studying my Bible more in-depth than ever, and couldn't wait for my devotional/prayer time. The Lord taught me that I am complete in Him. If I crave anything else, even good things, I have forfeited my completeness in Him. Another thing I learned during that time was how to identify with others in their suffering. Although some of my pain was due to immaturity and selfishness, I truly sought the Lord, and I believe He used this time to make me more of what He wanted me to be. I had a treasured dream during this time, and even though it didn't come true, the Lord daily filled me with whatever I needed - peace, joy, love, forgiveness - when I sought Him to meet my need.
We are involved in a Homeschool Arts Enrichment Program. I
am taking dance lessons there with Audrey this year. Our teacher
is Dana Bailey, and the photo shows Audrey (right), Dana (center),
and me. Our recital this past spring was entitled
"Inspired by the Word." Dana believes strongly that dance was
meant to give praise to God. We share her vision. We were privileged to be able to attend a dance worhip workshop in November, 1998, led by Michael and Mary Cadle. Michael is director of Hosanna Sacred Arts in Franklin, Tennessee. Our day with Michael and Mary was filled with joy, praise, and worship.
I want to include a thought from my sister,Susan Baltz, here: "The internal character of our hearts is daily being transferred to our children, regardless of our outward veneer."
I would like to thank my new Web friend Doreen Laughlin of Portland, Oregon for her help in "web paging." I extend much gratitude to my "official" Web advisor, an astrochemist at NASA in Greenbelt, Maryland, Dr. R. L. Hudson. I couldn't have done it without you, Reggie. Finally, I thank my husband, Cliff, for scanning some of the photos, and mostly for his marvelous patience with me. He is the calm and steady center of our home who has not balked as I have changed from a timid homebody to someone who constantly seeks new challenges, confronts long-standing fears, and contemplates new adventures. Turning 40? Don't be afraid! God makes all things beautiful in His time, and some of us are just slow.
You can e-mail me at bethduke@yahoo.com.
Audrey's Web Page
© 1998 Beth Dunbar Duke
