Monthly Archives: June 2006

step 5: how to think governmentally

When you see this title you probably immediately think of civil government, maybe even specifically federal government. When you think governmentally it means something else altogether. To think governmentally is to always be conscious of “who or what is directing, regulating, controlling or restraining” (see Webster’s 1828 dictionary for complete definition). This changes the way you live in the world. And we will explore how your philosophy of government is your philosophy of education. There … read on, my friend…

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Step 4: what Biblical Principle Approach is not

This is an interesting topic, no? Here are some things that Mr. Rose highlights are not found in the BPA. (The scriptures I have added to demonstrate these as principles in God’s Word.) BPA is not: the teacher dominating the subject or student. But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. John 16:13 If the Holy Spirit is gentle to guide, we are to be also. encouraging adults … read on, my friend…

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step 3: 7 distinctions of Biblical Principle Approach

I am so glad that Mr. Rose articulated these because they are all reasons I love this method. He is so wise! I have paraphrased them here. To read them, see A Guide to American Christian Education, p. 5. Christianity and HisStory are intertwined. It is restorative of Christian scholarship (Joel 2:25). It harmonizes student and subject with Biblical truths (Eccl. 4:12). It demonstrates unity with diversity among subjects and students. It reveals Biblical origins … read on, my friend…

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step 2: defining BPA, 7 principles and 4-R’ing

Step 2 of the 12 steps in Mr. Rose’s book involve reading a short overview of the seven principles of America’s Christian history and government and what it means to 4-R. I will go into the seven principles in much more detail as the  study goes on, so I will only list them in this post. Biblical Principle Approach refers to: rediscovery and reinstatement of principles on which the character of our country was built. … read on, my friend…

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Step one: Key to BPA is the heart

This post is on the first of 12 steps Mr. Rose recommends to renew your mind and formulate your philosophy of education. This book has done more to help me in my home educating journey than all other books combined (sans Bible) so I am really excited to do this study. If you want to join us, visit GACEstudy.  See “A Guide to American Christian Education” (GACE) p. 118 for all the steps and reading list. Step one is … read on, my friend…

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the 4th R

I had a light bulb moment that I can’t believe I’m admitting here. I have created a prayer journal. This is a spare notebook with dividers and notebook papers to put all thoughts of my family and friends and other things to pray over. I am so excited. And as a prayer leader and avid notebooker (the 4th R), why am I not doing this already? ummmmm…… Sometimes the simplest things can elude you. I have … read on, my friend…

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our little garden

In art time I had my girls paint a picture. It could be about anything they wanted, so long as it fit the artistic criteria we were studying. What she did made my day.   The picture is a garden, with her family as the flowers. Jesus is watering us with His Word and God is shining down on us with rays of hope. When I asked her to write details about it so we can remember … read on, my friend…

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BPA updates

As I have done so many times, I get wild ideas and don’t really think them through. So, in case you have been looking for the principles study here, it’s not happening. That’s because I have been working with Lisa H. on an idea we have had for a couple of months now. We are beginning a study similar to the SDS in James Rose’s book, A Guide to American Christian Education. We are really … read on, my friend…

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meeting Ms. Havergal

I have made so many “friends” along my homeschool journey–Charles Willson Peale, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Christopher Columbus, Louisa May Alcott, Benjamin West. Then yesterday a new friend came into my life– Frances Ridley Havergal. We met quite by chance, bumping into one another at a local thrift store. And I am sure I will ever be the same. The little book I picked up for two dollars was a well-worn copy of Havergal’s Kept for the Master’s Use. (I have … read on, my friend…

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