Missionaries to Africa

 It's interesting that a recent trip Micah and Roman took to Senegal, Africa, happened to coincide with a history reading on missionaries to Africa that Elsa and I enjoyed back at home.

We learned that prior to the 1800s, only courageous Europeans, led by skillful African trailblazers, explored the interior of the continent. The task was so difficult and dangerous, it became known as the "White Man's Grave."

Reading the line, "None but the very brave were suited for the exploration of this great land," while our two guys were there, made Elsa and I grateful for the thousands of missionaries over the last two hundred years that have helped contribute to what has made traveling to Africa much safer today.

These missionaries started almost all of Africa's schools and hospitals, taught new ways of farming and preventing disease, and led many to Christ.

We also read a short biography on David Livingstone, whose goal was to "explore the land while he preached the gospel in order to open up the interior of Africa for other missionaries." He certainly paved the way, winning the respect and admiration of people back in England, Scotland, and eventually America as he pushed deeper into this "Dark Continent." 

Not everyone gets their name mentioned in a history book. Yet thousands played a necessary role in this large operation. All were cogs in the wheel, so to speak.

 I can envision flipping through multiple pages of missionary names, enough to fill several volumes, I'm sure. Imagining, as we flip, two centuries worth of progress recorded within those volumes, and finding that we are now in the year 2025- where the entries end and blank pages begin.

So here is where we enter a father/son duo, from a speck on the map, spending a week on Niomoune island, a speck on the other side of the map. Seems like a drop in the ocean in the grand scheme of things, and probably more impactful for Micah and Roman than for the natives there. But, a new entry on the blank pages has been made.

With their permission, I am sharing a few photos...

(Micah brought a bag of candy to share...)

They returned healthy, although a touch disoriented from travel, and both said it was a great experience they'd love to do again.

Thank you to those who prayed for them on their adventure.

"Jesus said to them, 'Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.' "

Mark 16:15

~ Courtney

A Faithful Undergoing - Catechesis

 "Do not rush into a state of life where you have never thought of the inconveniences. If you have a call to marry, knowledge of the difficulties and duties will be necessary to your preparation and will be a faithful undergoing." - Richard Baxter, The Godly Home

A faithful undergoing makes me think of homeschooling.

I was fortunate early on to hear an older, experienced homeschool mom give the advice, "Protect your mornings."

I didn't realize it at the time, but that would become the backbone to how I structured our days, and the mantra I would repeat to myself when scheduling appointments. Mornings at home were meaningful to us, and when we accomplished the bulk of our work.

When my children were little, I would gather them around me each morning for something we began to call "Front Room Time" - the front room of our house being the preferred place to meet, since we began each session reciting The Pledge, and could clearly see the American Flag through our front window.

From there, we would recite our memory work and go through flash cards together.

As my children grew older, our Front Room Time progressed into more lengthy recitations and Bible reading, that it became more difficult to squeeze it into the schedule - meeting for The Pledge and recitations only a couple days per week. Ultimately, a few years ago, when my children became fairly independent with their studies, Front Room Time was abandoned altogether.

Then last summer, I was reading an interesting article on the great reformer Martin Luther. In it, he warned pastors and parents "never to presume that they have finished learning the catechism. Even if they know and understand it completely (which is impossible in this life), there are many benefits and fruits still to be obtained for those who daily read and practice it in thought and speech. Ongoing catechesis," Luther says, "gives us spiritual nourishment and weaponry against the devil. But mainly it gives us God Himself. In catechesis the Holy Spirt is present in the reading, repetition, and meditation, bestowing ever new light and devotion."

And just like that, the ignition to resurrect Front Room Time as Catechesis caught fire in my brain.

We began meeting each day around the dining room table with the agenda of - 

Recitations

Hymn sing

Cursive, illuminated letter

Devotions with our math curriculum 

Prayer

Examples of recitations include The Lord's Prayer, Psalm 23, Psalm 139, and excerpts from the Declaration of Independence, to name a few. We added Proverbs 25 and a paragraph from Thomas Jefferson's inaugural address as new memory work in our repertoire.

We own two identical copies of Baptist hymnals from our years on Abeka, so we've been singing through them page by page since the start of the school year. Roman can sight read well enough that each day we open to the next hymn in line, he plays for us, and we all sing along.

Daily practice in cursive reading and copy work, along with an illuminated letter, is included as well. Our cursive book is from a classical curriculum, so I like to play classical music quietly in the background as they work. Some of their illuminated letters have truly been pieces of art!

I have appreciated the devotions that have come with our math curriculum this year. It's impressive how they weave God's character into math concepts. So many times I have found myself saying, "I never would have thought of it that way!"

As we end our Catechesis hour in prayer, I realize how rich a time of worship this is for our family.

"That God is the founder and instituter of families is known by the light of nature itself; therefore the law of nature requires that families are to the upmost of their capacities devoted to God. Bowing to and confessing Christ voluntarily to God's glory is true worship. All must do this according to their capacities; therefore families must do this according to theirs."  - Richard Baxter, The Godly Home

To use Mr. Baxter's beautiful words, I am learning that to persevere in homeschooling through the upper grades requires a "faithful undergoing," growing in wisdom and knowledge "to our upmost capacities."

Daily catechesis has helped us in that aim.

"Where two or more are gathered together in My name, I am in the midst of them." Matthew 18:20

~ Courtney 

Morning Enlightenment

 One factor that contributed to my accidental blogging hiatus was a verse I read during my morning reading time about living a quiet life and minding your own business. (1 Thess 4:11)

I'm never happier than when I'm puttering around the house, tending to chores and kids, with my phone out of sight and out of mind.

My life can get noisy enough with a husband, homeschooled kids, a large dog and a cat, that I don't need news from my phone clamoring for my attention.

I'm reminded of Jesus' words in Mark 6:31...

"Come with me to a quiet place and get some rest."

So my early morning quiet time, established years ago when my children were babies, has saved me and restored me daily.

I always sit here, by this window facing east, to watch the sun rise over the trees as I read.

I enjoy watching the sky lighten and turn a variety of stunning colors.

In the winter, I turn on my little heating pad and reading lamp, cover my legs with a blanket, and soak in the stillness and quiet.

(Summer mornings feel so different, don't they? The sun bright and sparkling; the birds boisterously singing...)

Because God's Word is "living and active," I always feel as though I start each day with fresh enlightenment.

"He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught." Isaiah 50:4

Recently, I was reading about Jesus' miraculous feeding of thousands, and because we're on a math curriculum this school year that is training our minds to see math in God's character, I lingered over the numbers in Mark 8:19-20 looking for clues...

5 loaves for 5 thousand,

12 baskets leftover...

7 loaves for 4 thousand,

7 baskets leftover.

Hmmm...

I pondered for quite some time as to whether there could be a pattern, equation, or meaning.

This became the hot topic of conversation with my children as the day unfolded.

 

We decided to camp out on the numbers 12 and 7. Where else do we see these numbers in the Bible? In nature? In everyday living?

We discussed the obvious ones first: 

- Seven days of creation were divided into 12 hours.

- God established twelve tribes of Israel

- Jesus selected twelve disciples

- Twelve inches in a foot

But a little further research and deeper discussion uncovered many more:

- The Ark of the Covenant contained twelve sacred items

- After twelve generations, Solomon built the temple, which took seven years to complete

- The human body has twelve ribs on each side, connecting to the sternum in seven places

- The ocean has seven layers of ecosystems 

- Our calendar consists of twelve months in a year, seven days in a week

- Music has twelve notes, and harmony uses seven of them

- The diameter of the earth is 12,700km

Fascinating, isn't it?

I will forever be grateful for this homeschooling journey, and the beautiful truths we've learned together. But I am most thankful to my Lord for His faithfulness to meet me each morning.

"His mercies never fail, they are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:23

~ Courtney

Just Checking In

 We are currently under a severe weather advisory for extreme cold.

I am thankful today for working water and heat.

Despite the frigid temps and an hour pause to watch the inauguration, our homeschooling efforts have continued as usual.

(Homeschooling has always been a messy endeavor for us, but winter sunlight is more than welcome on this chilly day.)

This is where we gather each day for "Catechesis," the fancy term I've given to our family's morning recitations, hymn sing, cursive work, devotions, and prayer.

Now that my children are older and quite self-governed with their studies, I've noticed it's essential for keeping us in tune with each other.

It's my favorite time of the day.

I realize it's been several months since I've posted on this blog, and I can't tell you how many people have asked me where I've been!

Actually, I can tell you. It's been zero. 

😜

But still - I'd like to jump right back into it.

I've missed the creative outlet this has provided for me.

I recently watched an interview with Jerry Seinfeld and something he said struck me. He remarked that, "To be creative, you've got to feel like you're getting away with something."

I have always felt that way about writing for this blog, but never would have thought to put it that way.

The puppy we welcomed into our family last summer is now full grown and is doing great.

The kids named him "Cash."

Even in below zero temps, we still get him out for his beloved afternoon walkie.

He loves it!

Regal avoids him as much as possible. Cash is too chaotic for Regal's taste.

These two animals in my home cause more drama and commotion than my four kids!

There's a lot I'd like to write about, and should write about (to keep a proper record) but today is just for checking in... for testing the waters, to see if this is still a worthwhile pursuit. Or if blogs are over, as one of my teenagers just informed me.

I believe his actual words were, "What even is a blog? They don't exist."

😂

As funny as that was, I have to admit I still read and enjoy several blogs myself. I've followed them for years, and feel like they're my friends. They've taught me a lot and I've watched their kids grow up.

Blogging is for those who care more for the analog, slow way of getting to know someone, and less about keeping up with the fast-paced influencer.

To me, the fact that they're old fashioned makes them all the more charming.

💐

That's all for now. Time to get back to my home duties.

Stay warm!!

~ Courtney 

Elsa Leigh

 On July 3, 2014, I delivered my fourth and final baby...

💖 Elsa Leigh 💖

That means today is my baby's ✨10th✨ birthday!

I officially have all double-digit big kids now. 

I decided to look back through my archives and find photos of every July 3rd over the past ten years.

This is Elsa on each of her ten birthdays...

2015

 2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

And today ~ July 3, 2024

What a blessed life she's been given.

Elsa has been a delight to raise and has taught me so much about how to be happy and how to love.

Happy birthday to my sweet baby girl!

💐

~ Courtney 

Send Help, Immediately

 

Excuse me...

*Ahem

Is this thing on?....

I am hacking into Mother's blog to plea for help.

I am fit to be tied!

As the Regal Master of the House, I demand attention to this issue immediately.

You see, the family who works for me has been using strange words lately. Words like Puppy, and New brother. 

But I pay no attention to words that aren't Best Boy in the World and Treats, so I didn't see this betrayal coming!

Yesterday, I came inside after my daily sunbath in the garden, and this hideous creature was in my house!

Disgusting.

Can you believe it?

I was appalled!

I demanded that he be removed from my presence, and had every right to assume the family, who are my butlers, would jump to my reasonable request.

You see, I have been training them for five years.

My main butler, Nola, carries me around whenever I want.

She calls me names like Baby, which I don't particularly care for, but as long as she continues her faithful service to me, I will keep her on staff.

The rest of the family are my spare butlers. I have trained them well, too. They stroke my fur and scratch my ears at every first "meow."

I even managed to train Mother. She will not vacuum in a room I am napping in, as the noise disturbs me greatly.

So you can understand my shock when they not only refused my request, but told me to be polite to this puppy.

How insulting!

It's clear I am the superior being, and yet when he got too close to me and I felt it was well within my Regal rights to hiss, I got in trouble!

Can you believe that?

A clean, handsome, divine Master such as myself does not deserve this treatment.

I made sure the family knew I did not approve, so I kicked over my food dish, then spread the bathroom trash all over the floor. But then the horrifying thought occurred to me.... What if I'm not loved anymore?

What if I'm being replaced?

My life flashed before my eyes....

*cue sad music

*Sigh... My life was perfect, I got the family's attention all to myself whenever I wanted.

I had to do something, and quick!

 So I came out of hiding, graced the family with my majestic presence, then proceeded to perform one of my famous, mighty stretches.

I gave it my all. I showed my white, fluffy tummy and everything!

But instead of a swooning, "Oooooh... big stretch!" They ignored me!!!

So, you understand why I'm furious, right?

Mother says we'll be best friends, but seriously, just look at this revolting beast....

S. O. S.

His Highness, 

Regal the Housecat

School Photos

 

We made an impromptu visit to Kohler today, in celebration of completing another homeschool year.

We enjoy treating ourselves to ice cream in their beautiful Greenhouse Cafe, but the garden was in full bloom, so we were drawn to the courtyard.

 These kids make my heart swell with pride.

My firstborn, Roman, age fifteen, just completed his freshman year of high school. 

Nola Josette, age thirteen, just finished 7th grade.

Soren, twelve, finished 6th grade...

And my baby, Elsa, who's nine, just completed 4th grade.

I suppose this means I have officially been homeschooling for a decade now, but I feel like I've just begun. Every year seems to be better than the last.

As much as I miss the younger homeschool years of blowing bubbles, playing with blocks, and reading Corduroy eight times in a row, I am learning to embrace this new season of older kids and teens.

It can be just as exhausting and rewarding as the younger years. 

The Lord is teaching me to reject the dark cynicism of our culture, and move toward my teenagers with confident faith in our Redeemer.

They are unfinished products, their minds and character are still developing, so I endeavor to pour love and grace on them, with God's help, each day.

It's a joy watching my children grow into who God designed them to be.

They are God's children after all, and are here to bring Him glory, not me.

I'm just grateful to get to be a part of what God is doing in their lives.

💐

~ Courtney