PrincipledMom™

Okay, I got to the end of tape 1 early last week (still the intro to Rudiments), which is no small task, considering what a challenge it is to carve out time for it amid the music practice and school and housework and family time and church responsibilities. But I'm not complaining because it's been great. I'm gleaning so much from Ms. Smith. She is so full of the Principle Approach that it just comes out of her pores. I want to be like that one day. Here are some highlights. Again, not even the tip of the iceberg, but you can get an idea of what I'm learning (hopefully!).

We as individuals are responsible for the character of our republic because much is required of the individual. Self-government, independent reasoning and reasoning from God's word produce responsible and productive citizens.

My philosophy of government directs how I teach and what I teach, not the other way around. How I view government (who or what controls me) dictates how I will view education. What I am to teach is a proper concern but I must begin by determining my philosophy of government, for there lies the key to education.

Who or what controls me-->philosophy of government-->philosophy of education-->what I will teach.

Joshua 4:1-3 tells the Children of Israel to have an answer when their children ask about the memorials, "What mean ye?" They were to be quick to tell them about God's faithfulness and watch care over them. There is an appalling lack of appreciation of our Christian heritage in America today. We are to restore to our children their heritage as American Christians (no matter what our race may be. We are all Americans and can claim that heritage for ourselves.). Like the Jews and other ancient cultures, our heritage is rich in traditions, holidays and stories. I was thrilled to think about this idea. It is okay for me to teach my children about their heritage as American Christians. And more than that, it is my duty to do so, to restore those ideals that first brought the pilgrims to these shores.

One thing I really liked was when she spoke of her family. She said that when hard times came, they did not look to civil government for help, but they turned to the Lord. Their children were trained to seek Him to meet their needs and the mantra at their house became, "What prayers did God answer today?" WOW! That's inspiring to me. Training them up to fear the Lord and to trust Him--is there any greater legacy?

read comments (0)