Of course, you gain a lot, too. Besides the memories and the irreplaceable time with your child…besides all that, you also gain membership into a close-knit sisterhood of women working together to see to the education and well-being of their children. You see, being a homeschooling mom isn’t a solo journey. There are heroic partners all along the way.

As we are graduating our third child from homeschool, I want to salute the many homeschooling moms who have created a culture of excellence and camaraderie for our family:

THE CO-OP PRESIDENT AND BOARD who do everything from making sure the church is cleaned after class to recruiting teachers to managing membership (and so much more!).
THE CO-OP TEACHER who shares her special area of knowledge to the benefit of all.
THE TEAM ORGANIZER who knows every gym, every stadium, and the phone number for every athletic director in the state. Because of her hard work, the team has a schedule full of games.
THE CHRISTMAS PARTY PLANNER with her tub of decorations and games that she brings out year after year.
THE YEARBOOK DESIGNER who collects precious memories from the families and organizes them so the kids will have a souvenir for years to come.
THE BAND ASSISTANT who knows where you can get used instruments for cheap…and her kids teach private lessons, too!
THE CHEER SPONSOR who is always sore from practice because she believes in leading by example.
THE HOME SCHOOL VETERAN who had so many people asking for copies of her lessons, that she organized them and published them so families can learn from her even after she’s retired.
THE FIELD TRIP MAVEN who knows exactly how many participants are needed for that coveted group rate.
THE ROBOTICS CAPTAIN that comes home after work and donates his time and a lot of equipment (don’t tell his wife) so the kids can compete on a national level.
THE NETWORKER who listens when you mention a concern, and then comes up with a specialist, a program, an opportunity that fits your need.
THE PIONEER that hears of people doing something somewhere, and asks, “Why don’t we have one of those groups in our area?”
THE HOME SCHOOL RESCUE TEAM who step in when illness strikes to make sure meals and transportation are handled while Mom is down, and then come to help Grandma get through the lessons.

Being a homeschooling family means being a part of a network, having a bond akin to comrades at arms. Together we faced fears of inadequacy, challenges when resources were scarce, and the frustrations that come when we can’t blame someone else for our child’s failure. Together we pooled our talents and our strengths to fill the gaps and smooth the road in our children’s education. Together we celebrated their successes.

So, I’m celebrating you. Homeschooling has many benefits for the child, but one of the greatest rewards for me has been the quality of women I’ve been privileged to learn with, laugh with, and love.

Thank you!

The post The Sisterhood of Homeschooling Moms appeared first on Author Regina Jennings.

Every life is precious. Every human is created in the image of God, unique and cannot be replaced, but everyone will die. I’m going to die, and every hour brings me closer to that day.

You’re going to die, too. How does that make you feel to read that? Have you thought about it? Have you considered what comes after death? The encouraging slogans of our current crisis tell us that We’re All in This Together – and I’m grateful for the sense of community that’s resulted, but the truth is that your friends can only go so far with you in suffering. None of them can go through death with you. Only one passed through death, defeated it, and came back victorious. That’s Jesus Christ.

Executed in front of a crowd, then buried in a tomb guarded by the military, and yet he came out of that tomb to walk around, eat with friends, and speak to hundreds of witnesses. He said that if we’d follow him, we wouldn’t be alone when that time comes. And it is coming. We don’t deny the danger out there. We don’t take unnecessary risks. But we face the certainty of death with the power of Christ and his resurrection.

We pray that God will spare our lives, our jobs, our nation, but through it all we have peace, courage, hope… even joy.

Memento Mori. You will die, but today you have life. What will you do with it?

The post Thoughts on COVID-19 appeared first on Author Regina Jennings.

From the river, the view was perfect, and the first few days of our stay it was quiet and peaceful. Things changed on the weekend when a carnival came to town and set-up in the public grounds behind us. The carnival music did drown out the birdsong, but it was still a lovely view.

Another product of the weekend was more tourists. The shops got busier and so did the river. While we sat on the park bench talking and looking at the church, tour boats would go by, filled with phones & cameras poised to capture the perfect shot.

And they kept aiming at us. At first, we waved and laughed, thinking that they were being funny, but then we realized that they were unaware of the spectacular scene on the other bank. Half the people in a tour boat were floating down the River Avon, and instead of looking to their right at the gorgeous, historic church, they were snapping pictures of two middle-aged Americans on their left.

What in the world? Coy gestured to get them to turn around, but few did. We didn’t understand. What was so interesting about us?

Of course, it wasn’t us, it was behind us. The carnival. The flashing lights and the loud music were very effective in drawing the attention away from the eight-centuries-old church sitting in quiet dignity. Could they really find a temporary diversion that would be dismantled and packed away by Monday more interesting than a church that had weathered the better part of a millennium? Tragic.

But more than likely, the choice was made without thought. The urgency of barker’s call kept them distracted just long enough that the opening in the trees was passed, and they missed a glimpse of sublime beauty. Maybe the carnival was the picture they wanted, but I can’t help but pity those who looked back too late at the steeple rising above the trees and wondered at what they missed.

The post On the Banks of the River Avon appeared first on Author Regina Jennings.

The rest of the box was pretty typical – a few Left Behind stories, and a Dobson parenting book – but then there was this small, white paperback with a generic title, like Seasons of Love or something, and a picture of a couple watching a sunset together.

Was this a secular romance? I couldn’t tell by the publisher’s name. In fact, it looked self-published. Was it someone I knew? I skimmed through the Table of Contents and saw chapter titles like On the Beach, At the Chalet, After the Football Game, On the Ranch. The first chapter started with characters named Nick and Megan and yes, they were on the beach. There was no plot, or backstory. Just two characters on a beach and we’ll just hope they were on a deserted beach, and that they were lawfully wed.

What was this book? A collection of steamy short-stories? The next chapter had two characters caught in a snowstorm in the Alps, and they weren’t playing Scrabble to pass the time at the chalet. I thumbed through the rest of the book. Nothing but a collection of love scenes set in exotic locations. But wait? Wasn’t the main character named Nick in the first chapter? And was that Megan again? Were all of these fantasies about characters named Nick and Megan?

What in the world? I’d never heard of a book like this. I flipped through the title pages and copyright pages trying to find out who published this ramshackle hot mess of raunchy scenes. That’s when I saw it.

To Nick and Megan (Last Name), on their wedding day… 

Love, Mom.

Nick and Megan? That Nick and Megan? The ones who go to church with me? The ones who sing in the choir? His mom bought this for them? His mom? Yes, turns out there are websites where you can customize books like this. Nick’s mom did this for their wedding, and poor Megan accidentally donated to the church library.

Whether or not the idea of making a book filled with saucy scenes of me and my husband had ever occurred to me, I hope it’d never occurred to my mother-in-law! Had Megan meant to throw it away? Could we sell it for more than $1 on the sale rack? (Just joking!) I felt compelled to let her know. She wasn’t a close friend, but surely she’d see the humor in it and be glad I caught the mistake before someone else read the book.

On Sunday after church, I met her in the library and handed her the book. “I think you might want this back,” I said.

She glanced at it. “No, I don’t have room for it on my bookshelves. The kids’ books are taking up too much space.” She pushed it back at me.

“But it’s a customized book.” I shoved it back at her. “It says it’s a wedding present. You really should take a look at it.”

“It was from Nick’s mom and I never read it. She’s all into romances, but I don’t have time for books like that. Here, you like that kind of book. You can keep it.” And just like that, she handed it to me, and walked out.

Well, folks, you can’t say I didn’t try. And if that book became the most popular book in our church library, and was checked out dozens of times, you can’t blame me. I gave her a chance.

Of course, that’s not what happened. For real, I chased her down and insisted that she take it, but I’m not sure she ever understood what was in that book from her mother-in-law. On the other hand, not soon after this event she moved out of town, so maybe she did figure it out.

If I have one word of advice, it’s this – Please, for the safety of your library volunteers, please look over those books before you donate them to your church. And before another day passes, you might want to read that book your mother-in-law gave you for your wedding.

(Names have been changed.)

The post Don’t Ever Donate This to Your Church Library… appeared first on Author Regina Jennings.

Jesus was in Bethany eating dinner when a woman named Mary (not his mother) took a pound of expensive perfume and anointed his feet. That’s right, she poured out a fragrant oil worth approximately a year’s worth of wages and let it dribble onto the ground and be gone forever.

You might question her, too, as one disciple did. “Why wasn’t that sold and given to the poor?”  And who could argue with him? Giving to the poor is good. Doesn’t that cause trump every other?

Not exactly.

Even more important than giving to the poor is showing God the honor due Him. Scandalous, huh? Let people go hungry before you skimp on your tribute to God? But Jesus saw the heart of the woman who gave. Her motive wasn’t to impress, it was to give her Savior something of value. To make an extravagant gift to her Lord.

And He saw someone else’s heart. The disciple who protested the gift…the “generous” man who claimed to care about the needy…was none other than Judas Iscariot. Judas managed the finances for Jesus and the disciples and he stole from their funds. Of course he resented money being given freely. He’d rather it pass through his coffers so he could take his share, and he only pretended to care for the poor in order to bring more money under his control.

Now, I don’t know the heart of this church, I don’t even know what church it is. They might have a wonderful outreach to the inner city, they might give millions to missions overseas. Either way, this building was built from money given voluntarily. It wasn’t my money. It wasn’t stolen from anyone. It went where the givers wanted it to.

So what do I think when I see this graphic? I pray that this facility is being used to God’s glory. I think of the stadiums, concert halls, and museums I’ve visited and wonder if the person who made the graphic above ever thought they should be dismantled and turned into soup kitchens. I reaffirm the right of people in a free country to donate wherever they want. And then I write my own check to help alleviate suffering in the world.

The post Hypocrisy? appeared first on Author Regina Jennings.

It’s that time of year again. As Christmas lights go up and nativity scenes are brought out of the sheds, court cases are filed. Atheists and agnostics lawyer-up in their attempt to keep recognition of the nativity out of the public square. In fact, some groups have gone as far as to create parody nativities that mock the Christmas story. They expend time, effort and money to dismantle Christmas celebrations and ridicule those who enjoy them.

What’s going on here? Are they really threatened by a scene of some animals and a young family? Why is ridding the holidays of this dangerous tableau their goal? What word best describes their actions?

Taken as a whole – fear. Listen to them. Forget legal or illegal, forget our Constitution and our Founding Fathers. Stop debating for a moment and look at what they are willing to do to get away from the baby in the manger. This isn’t an academic argument, it’s a passionate reaction against a message they find extremely threatening. But why does the celebration of an ancient holiday elicit such a strong response?

Because they recognize something that we’ve forgotten. Christianity is threatening. We should be grateful to the protesters for reminding us that Baby Jesus stands for something more than presents, a tree and eggnog. He was… He is… offensive.

Christ told the world that we have each been evaluated and have each been found lacking. Our best acts, our best intentions are not enough to please a Holy, All-Powerful God. Is it any wonder that this message is rejected by a society obsessed with justifying their actions – a society in which “sin” is the only offensive word left in the lexicon?

And while Jesus offered the only way to be reconciled to God, it wasn’t without cost. To follow Christ we must give up our freedom and rights. We are wholly dependent on His work and His mercy. How does that assertion match with the latest self-help book?

While defending Christianity’s place in American culture, Christians shouldn’t forget Christ’s true message. We sing about the baby in the manger and wonder when the world protests, but we shouldn’t be surprised. When that baby grew up He reminded people that they were sinners – even the religious leaders. He taught that He alone could offer forgiveness and it so outraged them that they sought His life.

His message directly opposes human instinct and worldly desires…and two millennia later His message hasn’t changed.

The post Danger in the Manger appeared first on Author Regina Jennings.

True, this group was meeting primarily to discuss evangelism and mission projects. In another venue, the conversation could’ve pivoted on a different point. And I agree that we desperately want seekers to brave a visit to our church, especially at Christmas. Every effort should be made to welcome new visitors to any event.

But is the value of every church activity judged by the attendance of non-believers? Is this our principal concern when planning our celebration of Christ’s birth? If a cantata leads church members to grow in gratitude for the incarnation would the work be worth it? If visitors from a sister-church are inspired, is that beneficial? Leading people to worship, sharing joy, teaching eternal truths through creative means…can that only edify if someone who doesn’t know Christ is sitting in the pew?

True, our most beautiful art, our best literature and our most stirring music should present truth in such a winsome manner that it draws all people to Christ, but the creation and presentation is for God’s glory whether there are any to evangelize or not.

We should do missions. We should collect alms, pass out the loaves and fishes, carry the gospel abroad—definitely. But there are also times that great preparation is needed to make a fitting celebration for our King. There are times when we need to break that alabaster jar and pour an extravagant gift of our best workmanship for our Master. Offering the commonplace doesn’t satisfy when we remember the perfection of our true audience.

And once revived by a glimpse of His Majesty, the beauty of His Holiness, and the fellowship of His church then we are qualified to talk of the richness of communion with God. Then we leave equipped to tell a parched world where to find the Living Water.

The post Who is Our Audience? appeared first on Author Regina Jennings.

God’s great gift in this case hasn’t been a large income, but something even more valuable…contentment. Without contentment no sum is large enough, no amount of money will satisfy.

I thought I had this contentment idea down…until school started last week.

Doing the instruction and homework for four children at different levels takes most of the regular school day. Throw in the classes, appointments and practices that crowd our schedule and it’s nearly impossible. When will I clean the house? When will I write? These questions have churned in my head until they’ve sloshed out on anyone who comes near. I need to have more time to spend on several fronts, but have no way of purchasing any. The number of hours budgeted for a day is absolutely firm, and I’m not happy with what God has allotted me.

And then I realize that my complaints say less about my lack of time and more about my lack of faith.

Sure I’ve trusted God with our money and He’s proven faithful, but this is TIME we’re talking about. He can’t stretch it like He can a dollar, can He?

What message am I sending to the unfortunate people within earshot? What testimony am I sharing? That God has shorted me? That He failed to give me what I need?

So far, two weeks in, we’ve made every appointment and met every obligation, yet I’d complained before I’d given God a chance to provide. I told the world that I feared God wouldn’t be sufficient.

So what should I say instead? Yes, I’m busy, but my Father loves and cares for me. He’s given me everything I need thus far and I trust He’ll continue to do so. Yes, I’m busy but I expect that this will show me how dependent I am on God’s provision and grace.

It’ll still be a struggle not to despair when I look at the calendar. I’m going to slip up and whine about my “hardships” but now I can’t claim ignorance. God knows what lies before me. He knows my obligations. He’s told me to be content with the things that I have…and that includes my schedule and the 24 hours He gives me each day.

It is good to give thanks to the Lord,
And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High;
 To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning,
And Your faithfulness every night,

-Psalm 92:1-2

 

The post The Schedule Deficit – Running in the Red appeared first on Author Regina Jennings.

In many cases, the answer is yes.

If children who demonstrate a propensity toward athleticism were taken from their parents while still malleable and placed in training camps we might produce more star performers. If distractions like relationships, education and social contact were withheld they might feel a greater desire to succeed in the only avenue presented to them. If their diet, their psychology, even sometimes their hormones were altered they could be more competitive.

And yet, the products of these systems don’t win every time.

For all the engineering, all the interference and manipulation it still comes down to a person performing at the moment the buzzer sounds. And many times they don’t.

Despite the program’s attempts to control every variable and remove any alternative outcome, they can fail. Despite their omnipresent and omnipotent control over their subjects, they still aren’t guaranteed the results that come from a free individual’s voluntary pursuit of a goal.

These systems seem to set themselves up as god over their subjects, and it begs the comparison between how they control those in their power and the freedoms God allows His children. How does God train us? How does He control our lives? Does He remove every distraction? No. Believe me, I’ve begged Him to, but they’re still here. Does He provide swift and consistent punishment every time we stray, forcing us on the narrow path. No again. But why not? Why doesn’t God rule us with a heavier hand? Why doesn’t He force the results He’d like to see? After all, it’s for our own good.

Trusting Us When We are Untrustworthy

I have to believe that there are many failures of freedom. Repeatedly we are given choices and repeatedly we choose wrongly. Just like our athletes, there are days we nap when we should be vigilant. We lose focus on our goal. We don’t obey the coach’s orders. We fail and fail again. But our failures are our responsibility. We see how we have fallen short and because of our love for the prize – whether it be the blessings of a godly life or a gold medal – we determine to try again, and try harder this time.

No oppressive force can produce the results that individual devotion can. We are propelled, not by an ever-present threat, but by the fact that God has trusted us with daily choices, countless opportunities to do better and walk with Him. The knowledge that we alone are accountable for our actions – not an oppressive government, not a controlling God – makes those moments of obedience meaningful.

Without freedom we can offer no willing sacrifices. Without choice the dignity of our struggle is lost and our service isn’t the product of love. Take away freedom and there would be less failure, but take away freedom and our victories would be stripped of their significance.

The post The Beautiful Failures of Freedom appeared first on Author Regina Jennings.

 Bailey Craig vowed never to set foot in Yancey, Alaska, again. She has a past, and a reputation – and Yancey’s a town that doesn’t forget.

If you haven’t read Dani Pettrey’s book Submerged you should. It’s a page-turning, heart-racing read. And as thrilling and fast-paced as it is, it takes the time to fully explore the main characters’ inner conflicts and faith journey.

When you read Submerged you are instantly sympathetic to Bailey. She made many mistakes as a partying teenager, but after she moved away from Yancey she turned her life around…or rather God turned her around…and as a respectable professor, Dr. Bailey Craig wants nothing to do with her past. Unfortunately a close family member’s death makes a trip to Yancey necessary and Bailey must face a reputation that she’d rather forget.

Reading this book reminded me of the Apostle Paul’s experience. Paul was notorious for persecuting the Christian church. He worked to obtain letters authorizing him to arrest any Christ-followers he could find, but on the road to Damascus he had a divine encounter that immediately changed him. No longer was he hunting Christians, he was one. He had changed, but people weren’t accepting of his transformation. He had ridiculed them. He had persecuted them. He’d done violence against at least one of their leaders. It was a hard resume to live down.

Bailey is in the same boat. Although she didn’t kill anyone, there are many who want to remind her of her failures. Many looked down on her in her youth and don’t want to acknowledge the changes she’s made. Dani does an excellent job setting up Bailey’s dilemma and taking us through her struggle as she deals with the pain of belated judgment.

The best books are those that cause you to reflect on your own experience. Good fiction reveals to us flaws and conflict in our own world, and although Submerged is first and foremost a suspense, it produced some conviction in my heart, as well.

How many times have I protested when people tried to change? It’s so easy to tease someone who’s made a new resolution. People are easy targets when they start a diet, try to stop smoking, or decide to live on a budget. If we’re so quick to make observations on small steps like this, it’s no wonder that many people don’t have the courage to completely reject the chains that once bound them. What’s the use of being free when everyone wants to treat you as a prisoner?

So bravo, Dani, on a fantastically entertaining book, but even more I appreciate the message at the heart of Submerged. While we are busy forgetting those things which are behind us we might also consider forgetting the things behind others as well.

The post Decrease Your Memory appeared first on Author Regina Jennings.