Central Christian Academy Newsletter

Parenting - The Most Important Job on Earth

2011-03-22T19:25:00.003-04:00

You have been called by God to raise your children. Ponder this thought. You are raising the next generation - the future leaders of our homes, churches, and our nation. What an incredible and awesome responsibility. Since this is God’s design, He is faithful to provide us all the grace and strength we need to complete the job He has given us. Think about the impact and opportunity you have.

All of you that are taking on the responsibility of teaching your children at home are to be commended. He who controls the education of our youth controls the world to come. Again, you have an awesome responsibility! Do not depend on the public schools to accomplish God’s will and design for you to educate and mold your child’s mind.

Homeschooling has grown to over 2.3 million students and is still growing. God has blessed this movement and we, as parents, must stay diligent with the task at hand. God desires to bless our homes, our churches, and our nation, but only if we stay the course and do His will. Do you have a vision of what God could do with your children? Are you instilling that vision into your children? Do you realize God has a plan for your child? Do you see their potential through God’s eyes? Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” God does have a plan. You have the awesome responsibility of preparing your child for whatever God has in store for them.

Recently a survey was done with 1,000 people who have been successful in life. One comment that many made relating to their success was “someone saw something in me that I did not see in myself”. Someone saw potential in them, believed in them, encouraged them, and was positive with them. What do you see in your children? Are we in a positive way, loving them, encouraging them, teaching them in the ways of God, and preparing them to serve God.? Are we showing them how great and awesome our God is and how He works in the affairs of men?

What is your mission or purpose for your children? Do you want your kids to be everything God has called them to be? We believe homeschooling is the best way to fulfill God’s purposes for your children and your family. We want to encourage you to keep on doing what you are doing. We know there are discouragements, financial difficulties, stubborn children, and obstacles at every turn. Satan desires to see you fail in fulfilling God’s purposes for your child, but if you will trust God and stay determined to fulfill His plans for your children, God will supply your every need.

Twenty-five homeschool kids where interviewed and asked the question, “what do I like best about homeschooling?”. The most often comment was, “ I like being with my family”. This is what God wants!! Enjoy your children everyday. They grow up so fast. Hug them a lot. Tell them you love them every chance you get. Enjoy this time of life and realize they will inherit your world.

Public Education or Christian Education: Which Way?

2010-08-27T16:43:00.009-04:00

The following is a quote by the late Christopher Klicka, Senior Counsel of HSLDA, a Christian homeschool father, who went home to be with the Lord October 12, 2009, age 48, after a 15 year battle with Multiple Sclerosis. He is survived by his wife Tracy and seven children. Mr. Klicka personally helped thousands of homeschool families secure the right to homeschool. I met and talked with him on several occasions. He was a true blessing to many. Pay attention to what he has to say!

“God has delegated the authority and the responsibility to teach and raise children to the parents first. Parents can delegate their authority to teach and raise children to someone else, but they can never delegate their responsibility to teach their children to anyone else. God will hold parents responsible for what education their children receive. To whom much is given, much is required.”

This a true statement based on God’s Word. Psalms 127:3-5 says, “Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them:” Our children are gifts from God and it is our responsibility to educate them and raise them (Deut. 6:6-9) We have choices to make to fulfill this responsibility. I am convinced that most of our problems as a society are a direct result of parents not taking this responsibility seriously.

Many parents have delegated this responsibility to the public education system. Since the early 60’s, when prayer and the Bible were banned from our public schools, we have seen our nation lose its way. We are in a black hole of no morals, no character, no responsibility. It’s everybody for himself. We have become a materialistic society wanting more without having to work for it. We are on the brink of destruction, unless there is a drastic change of course. Only God can right our sinking ship and he needs us, as families, to do our responsibility and teach, train, and educate our children in His ways. The Public Schools cannot accomplish this. It has no moral compass to teach right and wrong. When a public school teacher is asked by a student, “Where did we come from?” What can they tell the student? They cannot mention God. When asked, “Is it OK to have sex with my boyfriend?” Can they teach moral principles from God’s word on purity and God’s beautiful design of sex and how he designed it only within bounds of marriage between one man and one woman? When asked, “Do I have to obey my parents, when I think they are unreasonable in what they are telling me to do?” Can the teacher quote God’s command, “Honor and obey your parents” as proof that they should do what their parents have said. The public schools have no absolute right way or wrong way about anything. It is an ungodly system, since God and His Word has been officially removed.

Children deserve a Christian education based on God’s truth and it is up to parents to fulfill their responsibility. In 1983, my wife Susan and I where expecting our first child. We understood our responsibility from God’s Word. We determined to raise our children for His Glory. We understood that they were a gift from God and still are. We dedicated and offered our children back to Him and promised to raise them His way. That first child was a girl who we named Mandy. She had red hair and was full of life. She has never met a stranger and has a wonderful smile and laugh to prove it. In 1986 we had our second child, also a girl, Melanie. She had blond hair and was full of energy. Always ready to play and run. In 1988 we had Miriam. You guessed right, another girl. A brunette with eyes and a smile to die for. With two older sisters she never had to worry about anything. By this time, Mandy was 5 years old, so we began our journey of homeschooling. We determined the best way for us to fulfill our responsibility was to train and educate her ourselves. We decided not to delegate this authority to anyone else (and that is a very important principle, no double standards to worry about). Our homeschooling journey was and still is a blessing as we watched each child grow and learn. We became better parents along the way as we grew and learned as well. In 1993 we had our fourth child, a boy. He had red hair just like Mandy’s. He is the last one being homeschooled. He will be a senior next year in our academy. He is almost as tall as me, but better looking. He is fine young man, since he has had four mothers to raise him. He works part-time at Chick Fil-a, helps with the music at our church, plays the piano and trumpet, serves in our children’s church, and has plans to go to a Christian College.

About our daughters: Mandy graduated from Pensacola Christian College in 2006 and married Luke Bowman that summer who, also, graduated at that time and eventually earned his Master’s degree in 2009. In January 2009 they had our first grandchild, Elliot Bowman (best looking baby boy ever). Luke and Mandy serve on the staff of a church in the Pensacola area. Melanie graduated from Pensacola Christian college in 2008 and from a Medical Assistant program in 2009. On January 2, 2010 she married Chad Libby who is a graduate assistant, working on a Master’s degree in Graphic Arts at Pensacola Christian College. Melanie works at a pediatrician's office and, of course, they live in the Pensacola area as well. Miriam has completed her third year at Pensacola Christian College seeking a degree in Early Childhood Education. She will be working at “The Wilds Christian Camp” this summer as a counselor. I share this personal information with you, so you can see how God has blessed us in keeping our responsibility to Him.

God has kept His word. His promises are true. Our children have been a blessing. They faithfully serve Him in church. They seek to know and do His will for their lives. We have never had one instance of rebellion. We are confident they will raise their children the same way. They have married fellow Christian believer’s who also love the Lord and want to serve Him. My wife and I are truly blessed. I am confident you can have these same blessings and results, if you will determine to fulfill your responsibilities to God concerning your children.

Some of our parents are being enticed by their children to send them to the public school, so they can have a social life, or they feel like they cannot teach them at home through the high school years, or they are struggling with a rebellious child. Remember your responsibility. The outcome of your child depends on what you do with that responsibility. We are here to help and give encouragement. We know what works. You, the parent, have to determine to stay the course and do whatever it takes to fulfill your responsibility. It may take trusting God for the finances, making changes in your life, facing the reality that we may be the reason our child has become rebellious, or learning to choose our child’s friends and not letting them fall into the pit of the socialization myth. If you have to face the Public Education or Christian Education question, which way will you go? God can give you the grace to fulfill your responsibility. We are here to help!

We appreciate all of our families that God has given us to serve. Our mission is to help each family fulfill this responsibility. We want to encourage you to continue to meet your responsibility in raising your children and thank you for sacrificing to give them a Christian education at home. God will reward you abundantly. Our home towns, our churches, and our nation will be blessed as well in your keeping and fulfilling this responsibility.

Desiring the Best...

2010-03-19T14:01:00.002-04:00

Desiring the best for our children is a goal that we, as parents, have for them. How do we reach this goal for our children? How do we provide the very best for them?

Does providing a great education for my child mean I am doing the best for my child? A good education is very important. Our school strives to provide our families the best in guidance and the best in bible-based curriculums. We desire to help build strong Godly families by helping them teach their children at home with God honoring curriculum. We believe this is helping you as the parent to do one of the best things you can for your child.

Why do we believe using God honoring curriculum is the best? True wisdom comes from God’s Word. A great education must be founded upon absolute truth. Accurate information is essential. Giving our children the truth in all aspects of their learning is important to a great education. Using Christian curriculums based on God’s Word is essential. The secular curriculums of the public schools do not provide accurate, truthful information in all areas of study. Our curriculums are built upon God’s truth and teach principles needed to live by. Character training is essential to a great education. What does Proverbs 2:4-6 have to say about wisdom? “ If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.”

Truth (true knowledge) without understanding God’s Word will never lead to wisdom. Giving our children wisdom to make decisions for life is the reason we believe in using God honoring curriculum. We are giving our children the best. We are preparing them for life.

Our children can receive an education from many sources today. Our choices are many. Choosing the right school and curriculum for our children should not be based on what we can afford or what our child wants, but on what is the best. Will that school or curriculum provide me the means whereby I can instill wisdom into my children and keep their heart for God?

Every time one of our families goes to the public school system for financial reasons or just because their child wants to socialize, we fear for that child. We want the very best for everyone. We know the child will not receive absolute truth and that their opportunity to learn wisdom is greatly diminished. Just the influence and the peer pressure to conform to others, so they can be accepted, is not going in the right direction. God expects you, the parent, to direct your child’s education. Why would we turn this obligation over to a godless institution? We know parents can give their child a great education right at home with the proper materials and guidance.

We pray that parents will seek God’s will for their children and determine to give them a Christian education based on God’s word, and that they will never turn their children over to a godless school system. God’s will for our children is more important than our human reasoning or what our children may desire.

Give your children the best. Developing a heart for God, with Godly character, with knowledge of the truth, with a trust in God’s word to lead them is the best education. Do God’s will and trust God to provide your need in order to continue to give your child the very best.

God Is Faithful

2009-12-15T16:05:00.009-05:00

Ever wonder where God is in all the chaos going on in the world? Times are difficult for many people. There is an air of uncertainty of what the future holds. Our faith and trust must continue to be in God. He is faithful. He has a plan and is always in control.

Let us journey back in time into the world of Jesus. The world was chaotic. The Romans ruled the world with an iron sword. Life was uncertain. You never knew what a new day would bring. Poverty, disease, sickness, hunger, oppression were everywhere. The local Roman appointed rulers were ruthless. Fear of tomorrow and the future was constant. But God had a plan for the appointed time! Into this world was born the Savior of the world, Emmanuel, God with us. This was not by accident. The scriptures had foretold of his coming. Even down to the time and place. “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:14

By law Joseph and Mary had to go to Bethlehem, the city of their heritage, and pay taxes. While they were there, Jesus, the Son of God, was born into the world. Simeon upon seeing the baby Jesus with his parents in the temple declared, “For mine eyes have seen thy salvation” Luke 2:30. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16. He had a plan and was in control.

Fear of the future can overtake us, but if we believe by faith that this same God has a plan and is in control we can overcome our fears. This has been a very difficult year for our ministry. Sometimes the future seems very uncertain and fear tries to overtake us, but He continues to sustain us and meet our needs. We praise Him for his goodness to us. We know many of you are going through similar circumstances. Always remember He loves his children and has promised to never leave us or forsake us. He has a plan. He knows the future. Trust Him! Just as he promised the first coming of His Son, He has promised the second coming of His Son. Until then we must live lives that glorify our God and teach and train our children to do the same.

God is Faithful!

Merry Christmas!

Motives?

2009-10-23T13:00:00.004-04:00

Our motives can tell us a great deal about ourselves and why we do what we do. Ever stop and take time to ponder why you do the things you do? The psalmist asked God in Psalms 26:2, “Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.” Allowing God to examine our heart and our motives for why we do what we do is a good thing. If we are doing what we do for the wrong motives, then it stands to reason we will probably have problems to deal with at some point down the road. If our motives are good and correct, then we will reap the benefits of our actions.

Let us examine some of the reasons why parents teach their children at home. We ask the question on our school application, “Why did you decide to teach your children at home?” We get various reasons:

“We want our child to excel”

“Medical Reasons”

“Struggling in public school”

“Lack of help in public school with learning disability”

“Want to teach Christian morals and principles”

“Gives us a flexible schedule, more hands on”

“Being bullied at school. Had to remove them from that environment”

You can see that there are various reasons for why parents are teaching their children at home. There are many more we did not list. These reasons obviously led these families to home educate and we are here to help them. But, we want to go a little deeper and possibly see what the real motivation may be and see from God’s perspective His reason for us teaching our children. If we have the right motivation, not just a good motivation, we can get more out of our homeschooling experience and our whole family will benefit from the experience.

In I Corinthians 10:31 it says, “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” This includes teaching our children at home. Deuteronomy 6:5-7 says, “Thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.” These principles are still for today. We should glorify God in everything we do. We should have a personal relationship with God and love Him with all our might and teach our children to do the same. If we as parents do not have a heart for God and desire to glorify Him, then our children will not.

Home schooling to give our children a superior education, or to save them from a bad situation, or as a temporary solution to a personal problem should not be our main motivation, even though these may be good motivation. Our main motivation for teaching our children at home should be that God will be glorified. When we obey Him in this matter (by doing all to the glory of God), He is glorified. Glorifying God will instill in our children the desire to do the same. Don’t miss the real motivation behind why we homeschool or you may not reap the real benefits.

My wife and I have homeschooled our four children from the day they were born to their senior years in high school. They all love the Lord and faithfully serve Him. They have not caused us any grief or rebellion. God’s principles work and we want to continue to glorify Him with our lives as we diligently desire to help your family raise your children for God’s glory.

Examine your motivations. Determine to follow God’s principles. Go deeper than just the reasons you may have had to start homeschooling. Have a conviction in your heart to glorify God and to continue on no matter what may come. Your children will reap the benefits of such a decision.

Casting All Your Care Upon Him

2009-05-03T15:47:00.003-04:00

We have a great God! He knows all about us and about all our needs.

“Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith? And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Luke 12:27-31

The word “casting” literally means to throw everything on to God; every need, every concern, every discouragement, Everything! “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” (I Peter 5:7) He cares for us. What a comfort it gives to know that our God loves and cares for us. In the verses prior to this, it tells us that God resists the proud and gives grace unto the humble. Next, God’s Word tells us to humble ourselves under the mighty Hand of God and He will exalt us or meet our need. Then, He will get all the glory.

I would like to encourage all of us to do the following: To pray more! Go to your Heavenly Father and share every need you have, humble yourself before Him, share your heart’s cry. Cast all your care upon Him and trust Him to do great and mighty things on your behalf. He wants to hear from us. We many times have not because we ask not. “Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.” Jeremiah 33:3

To Praise Him More! Our God is worthy of praise. No matter how tough or discouraging circumstances may be in our lives, God is still in control and desires to meet our every need. He has a purpose for everything that happens in our lives. At midnight, Paul & Silas sang praises unto God and he delivered them from the prison they were in. Praise God from the depths of you heart and see what He will do for you. He is absolutely worthy to be glorified and praised.

When we pray to God and praise Him, He is glorified. He wants to show himself mighty on our behalf. Trust Him! If you are having a difficult time with schooling your children at home, do not let discouragement defeat you. Don’t give up! Pray to God for a renewed vision. Pray to God to meet your need, if it is financial. Begin to praise Him for what He is going to do. God will meet your need! Just Cast all your Care upon Him!

Parental Rights

2009-03-03T16:41:00.000-05:00

Families in America are under attack. The right of parents to raise and educate their children as God directs them to do is disappearing before our eyes. Parents raising their children is even more than just a right. It is a command of God and yet our government threatens to destroy the very thing God created, the family. Without strong families our nation will not be strong. God’s way is for a father and mother to raise their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

The government thinks better though and has all the answers for raising children. Just look at our society and government schools and you will see that government is doing a wonderful job of turning out well adjusted people. Excuse the sarcasm, but we know their way is not working, but we do know that God’s way works. It is the reason we have been such a great nation in the past, but this is slowly eroding. Go to Parentalrights.org to get a better understanding of how serious this threat is to our families.

Our hope is in the Lord. He is in control and knows all things, including what is happening today in our world. We must continue to be diligent in applying Godly principles in raising our children. We must pray and seek God’s help in these matters.

God’s Word has much to say about parenting. As mentioned, it is more than a right, it is a command. Failure to do things God’s way always leads to more failure. Ponder these verses and may you be reminded of your duty as a parent to raise your children God’s way.

“O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!”

Deuteronomy 5:29

“And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.”

Deuteronomy 6:5-7

“Observe and hear all these words which I command thee, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee for ever, when thou doest that which is good and right in the sight of the LORD thy God.”

Deuteronomy 12:28

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

Proverbs 22:6

“He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.”

Proverbs 13:24

“And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up

in the nurture and admonition

of the Lord.”

Ephesians 6:4

“Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.”

Colossians 3:21

“Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.”

Psalms 127:3-5