BJU Press Blog

Shaping Worldview

You homeschool because your child’s faith is important to you. We want to support you in training up your child. These blog posts show how to give your child a biblical worldview of each subject.
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Being Grateful for the Hard Times

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Faithful Bible time can help us be grateful during the hard times
2020 has been quite a year. January 1, 2021, may be the most anticipated New Year’s Day since Y2K. Many of us are just so ready for this long year to end. We want to put the stress and the struggle behind us and start over on January 1. As relatable as this feeling may be, though, it doesn’t support the gratitude we should be giving to God for the opportunities and growth we have had this year. But how can you even begin to feel grateful for a year that seems like nothing but hard times?

Make the Choice to Be Grateful During the Hard Times

Gratitude is a choice. It’s the choice to accept what you have been given as an opportunity from God. Though all year you may have been struggling with financial insecurity, grief, suffering, stress, and fear, God has meant this time for your growth so you might learn to trust in Him no matter the circumstance. “Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:13). You can go through this valley with confidence, knowing that your Comforter will be with you. “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31).

Let Christ Carry the Weight of the World

Technology and social media usage are constantly increasing in our world. As they do, we are going to be more aware of the struggles and trials of people we’ve never met. Most of these people we never will meet. Through social media and news reports, you may inadvertently take up the burden of grief of a young family, half a world away, who has just lost their father or mother. And it is right and good that we should empathize with their pain and lift them up in prayer. After all, we should “Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep” (Romans 12:15).

But only Christ could carry the weight of the grief and sin of the whole world alone. You weren’t meant for that. When the sins of the world and the grief and sorrow of pain and loss would overcome you, step away from social media. Step away from the news. And most importantly, pray and give it all over to God.

Count Your Blessings

When you are at your lowest, that’s when you need to remember the blessings God has given you the most. A new child born, a homeschool win, answered prayers, a friend or loved one who’s showered you with love and support—these are the daily reminders God has given us of His grace and love. If you have been working on a thankfulness project this year, now is an excellent time to use it. You can look back on the blessings from this year to remember that “every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning” (James 1:17).

For all we hope that 2021 will be a year of reprieve, we can’t know what will come next. The faith in God you are developing now will be necessary to weather the storms you may face next year. So in the last few weeks of 2020, cling to God’s promises, and thank Him for the opportunities to grow this year.

Teaching Tragedies: Lessons from 9/11

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9-11 memorial and teaching tragedies
Next year, September 11, 2021, will mark the 20-year anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon and the 2,977 people who lost their lives on that day and on the days following. As time passes, the pain and fear of those days have dulled, and many young adults have no knowledge of the attacks outside of their history textbooks and the stories their parents have shared. Today we face new fears and tragedies that the whole world shares in. How can we possibly approach teaching tragedies and equipping our children to handle them? How can we even truly express the tragedy and horror of what happened on September 11, 2001?

Your heritage studies materials will be helpful in covering and introducing the events, and even helping your children to develop biblical perspectives on tragic events. If you would like to go deeper in discussions about tragedies, here are some themes that you can use to guide your children’s thinking and your discussion.

Love Others.

In the midst of a national or worldwide tragedy, people will be hurting. People will be afraid. And many will be angry. It’s even harder to accept what is happening when we don’t know all the facts that led to the tragedy or who is responsible. For most people, it’s often easier to just react to the things that are happening, but we don’t always know what other events our reactions may lead to. As Christians, we are called to love our neighbors. In order to love appropriately, we need to be patient and honest with others and with ourselves. Patient in dealing with those who are afraid and need assurance, and honest about what’s happening so those who are hurting or angry can respond and grieve appropriately.

God Is in Control.

During a tragedy, the thing that drives fear most is the uncertainty. What will happen next? After 9/11, our fears were centered on war. What kind of retaliation would occur? How many more lives would be lost? How would we rebuild and recover? Job must have felt much of the same fear and uncertainty after losing everything. But no matter the circumstances we face today, tomorrow, or 20 years from now, those who have put their faith in Christ can always take comfort in knowing that God is in control. Nothing that will happen or can happen is against His plan (Isaiah 14:24).

God Brings Good out of the Evil That People Do.

Because God is always in control, we can rest assured that any tragedy will glorify Him, even if we can’t see how in our lifetime. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). The events of 9/11 helped many lost and broken souls to realize their desperate need for salvation. One pilot’s testimony also brings us a beautiful picture of the sacrifice and redemption in Christ’s death on the cross. In addition to the souls brought to Him, the loss and tragedy of those days also brought the people of the United States closer to each other for a time, and countless other nations showed Americans support and compassion in a time of overwhelming grief and fear.

These Are Times to Pray.

We should, of course, be teaching our children that they should “pray without ceasing,” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) but times of tragedy are special times to lift up others in prayer. Not just the families of those who have lost their lives or are suffering, but for many others as well. For leaders to make good and wise decisions. For first responders who risk their lives for the safety of others. And for military personnel, who may be called in for additional support, to give an appropriate response.

Resources for Teaching about 9/11

Always, Yet Never Alone: Homeschooling During COVID-19

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when you're dealing with homeschool loneliness
I am always, yet never alone. That’s my life as a homeschool mom in this strange and troubling COVID-19 world. When my governor closed all essential businesses back in the middle of March, my world came to a screeching halt. No more in-person music lessons. No more dropping off my kids at my local gym’s childcare program so I could get my 30 minutes of exercise. We don’t have anymore church fellowships or ministry obligations or homeschool group get-togethers. My husband continued to go to work everyday just as he had before the pandemic, but I suddenly found myself basically confined to my home all day, every day. I was confronted with a deep homeschool loneliness.

But I am not confined alone. I am locked down with my four young daughters. And no longer can I call a babysitter to get out of the house for a few hours. No longer can I meet another mom at a local park for play and fellowship. It’s just me and them 24/7.

So here I am–caught somewhere between extreme loneliness and the need for rational, adult conversation and a strong desire to sit for a few hours in complete silence. Maybe you can relate. Maybe you too are wondering how to cope in such a situation. Here are a few tips.

Spend time in the Scriptures.

Your relationship with the Lord is crucial to your ability to cope. Isaiah 26:3 reminds us that “He will keep him in perfect peace as his mind is stayed on thee because he trusts in thee.”  There have been times during this pandemic that I have felt on the edge of a panic attack. It is so easy for me to feel completely overwhelmed by the constant trouble around me, especially when I can’t easily talk to someone about it and I’m struggling with homeschool loneliness.

When I do feel fearful or overwhelmed, Scripture is my best comfort. God’s Word reminds me that I am never truly alone. The Lord is with me! Here are a few Scripture passages that have been especially precious during this time of lockdown. I have each of them posted on the window above my kitchen sink so I can refer to them all day long.

  • Psalm 91
  • Psalm 112: 1, 7
  • Matthew 28:20
  • Psalm 36: 5-8
  • Psalm 100:5

Pray.

You may not be able to unload your burdens to a friend over a cup of coffee, but you can do something far better–you can unload your burdens to the Lord in prayer. Talk to Him about the pressures around you and the turmoil within your own soul. He is the only one who has the power to help you in your time of need.

Take a break from the media.

Sometimes spending time on social media or listening to the news can leave me feeling lonelier than ever. I have found that I can only emotionally handle so much media a day. I can’t listen to the news all day long, or even spend a lot of time on social media sites. Instead, I listen to the news headlines every morning and check my social media accounts 2 or 3 times a day. But that’s it.

Find ways to connect with other adults.

We were created as social creatures—that’s why the isolation that comes from being under a lockdown is so difficult. Yes, I am working on developing deeper relationships with my kids. But I crave adult conversation. That’s the root of homeschool loneliness.

Thankfully, we live in an age that allows us to use technology to connect with people who are physically far away. Use the tools that you have to reach out. Text back and forth with a mom friend during a busy day. Set aside an evening to video chat with some moms in your church or community. Share prayer requests with friends or extended family members over email. Interactions like these have helped remind me that I am not in this alone.

Another great resource available to you is your local HomeWorks Consultant. Even if you have never met your consultant in person, don’t feel shy about calling her. She would love to answer any homeschool questions you might have or to chat with you about the homeschool challenges you are facing.

These are unusual days that we live in. Challenging days. Lonely days. But the following prayer from Valley of Vision reminds us of our hope.

We are weary, give us rest,
ignorant, make us wise unto salvation,
helpless, let they strength be made perfect in our weakness,
poor and needy, bless us with Christ’s unsearchable riches,
perplexed and tempted, let us travel on unchecked, undismayed,
knowing that thou hast said,
‘I will never leave thee nor forsake thee’
Blessed by thy name![1]

We can take heart in the midst of homeschool loneliness because we are never truly alone—we have the Lord, and He is enough.

[1] Bennett, Arthur, ed. “Fourth Day Evening: God All-Sufficient.” In The Valley of Vision: a Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions, 214–14. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 1975.

 

 

Why We Study Literature

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literature in humanity and why we study literature
When I was in elementary, I spent hours hiding away in libraries, reading as much as I could before my parents made me leave. Looking back on my life, I can see how certain books shaped who I am today.  Most people have at least one book that has profoundly influenced them. If reading has this much power, then learning to study literature is one of the most important parts of a child’s development. Reading is so much more than just understanding what words mean. It has the ability to shape children’s minds and experiences in positive ways.

We Study Literature for Joy

By reading beautifully crafted literature, children can learn to experience the wonder of God’s creation. Stories that use humor, clever metaphors, or lovely subjects are delightful to read. God created a beautiful and delightful world, and He desires that we find pleasure in it. Also, children can find joy in seeing how an author reflects the image of God through the creation of stories.

For Broader Experiences

Through literature, readers can travel across space and time. They can visit unique and distant places they might never visit otherwise. These experiences can ignite children’s imaginations. And as children gain knowledge of diverse people and places, they will learn to see beyond their own limited experience.

For Empathy

An important part of loving others is learning to understand and empathize with them. Literature allows us to enter the minds of people who think differently than we do. Stories allow readers to feel the emotions, difficulties, successes, and struggles of people who are not like them. You can help your children practice discernment through this process. By recognizing false teachings, children will be able to articulate their own beliefs more clearly.

For Bible Study

Literature study is especially useful for Christians, because the Bible is literature. It contains narrative, poetry, and drama as well as an abundance of literary elements, including metaphor, hyperbole, and irony. Learning to read literature well—such as understanding context or interpreting metaphors— equips children to better study and understand the Bible.

Reading literature can be one of the most important tools in shaping your child’s mind. Children have not fully formed their opinions and values, and they have not yet cemented their loves and hates. Good literature can influence your child’s heart to love good, to hate evil, and to embrace God’s truth.

Preparing Your Heart for the New School Year

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preparing your heart for a new school year
It’s that time of year again—time to prepare for the new school year! Your next few weeks will be full of ordering textbooks, tests, worksheets. Shopping for the necessary school supplies. Mapping out the year’s schedule and determining start and end dates. Perhaps you’ve been talking to your children about the upcoming school year to mentally prepare them. Maybe they’ve started arranging their desks or other school spaces. As we make all these preparations, let’s take some time to focus on the most important way we can prepare—spiritually.

Beginning a new academic year is both exciting and challenging, and we need God’s help! So before we become engrossed in all the organizational details, let’s set aside time with our family to prepare our hearts as well as our minds. If our main goal in homeschooling is to glorify God, there’s no better way to prepare than by committing our school year to Him.

Setting Goals for a New School Year

First, take the opportunity to think through some spiritual goals for the new school year. What are some steps of growth you want to take as a family? Perhaps it’s in your prayer life, your gospel witness, or your interaction with each other. Write down your goals and keep them in a visible place. Spend time in prayer, asking the Lord to help you achieve your spiritual goals. Choose at least one verse you can claim, either on your own or with your spouse, for the coming school year. Here are just a few suggestions: “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.” (Col. 3:23); “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Cor. 10:31); “Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.” (Prov. 16:3); and “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might…” (Eccl. 9:10).

Sharing Goals

Second, take the opportunity to share your goals and Bible verses with your children. Encourage them to write down one or two ways they want to grow in their walk with the Lord that can help them be a better student. For example, “I want God to help me have a better attitude toward English and not complain.” Or, “I want to do my school work wholeheartedly for the Lord, not just to get good grades.” Help them choose a verse they can write along with their goals. Then pray together as a family; this will help solidify your commitment to the Lord.

Taking time to prepare your heart will make a tremendous difference as you begin the new homeschool year. When we align our will with God’s, He is able to do “exceeding abundantly all that we ask or think,” (Eph. 3:20) not only in our homeschooling but also in our spiritual growth.

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Jennifer is a pastor’s wife and mom of two young girls and loves homeschooling them. During her own twelve years of being homeschooled, Jennifer developed a passion for reading and writing. She earned a bachelor’s degree in creative writing and relishes writing during her free time.