Homeschooling in the Swamp

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0 height="100%"><tr> <td valign="top" width=200 BGCOLOR="#C0C0C0" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE=" Crooked Pines Ministries"><U><IMG SRC="040bf930.gif" border=0 width="191" height="147" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <A HREF="id55.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="A Glance at Reading Readiness"><U>A Glance at Reading Readiness</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id65.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="A Look at Peppermint and Slippery Elm Ba"><U>A Look at Peppermint and Slippery Elm Bark</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id105.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="A Pleasing Palette"><U>A Pleasing Palette</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id62.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="A Treasure So Fine!"><U>A Treasure So Fine!</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id56.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Amazing Grace or Flaming Rebellion"><U>Amazing Grace or Flaming Rebellion</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id43.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Aunt Bettys BBQ Sauce"><U>Aunt Betty's BBQ Sauce</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id146.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Back to School"><U>Back to School</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id41.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Beginnings of Habit"><U>The Beginnings of Habit</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id68.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Being Poured Out"><U>Being Poured Out</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id44.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Broccoli Chicken Casserole"><U>Broccoli - Chicken Casserole</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id57.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Building Habits on the Dry Bones of Educ"><U>Building Habits on the Dry Bones of Education</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id144.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Choosing Curriculum for the new year"><U>Choosing Curriculum for the new year</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id69.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Comforter: the Fabric of Our Lives"><U>The Comforter: the Fabric of Our Lives</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id71.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Dwelling in Safety"><U>Dwelling in Safety</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id127.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Fall: The Season of Change"><U>Fall: The Season of Change</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id77.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Fighting Burnout with Scriptural Promise"><U>Fighting Burnout with Scriptural Promises</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id63.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="For the Love of Ginger"><U>For the Love of Ginger</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id45.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="From Claddagh, Ireland to Florence, AL "><U>From Claddagh, Ireland to Florence, AL - A Covenant Journey Part 1</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id46.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="From Claddagh, Ireland to Florence, AL "><U>From Claddagh, Ireland to Florence, AL - A Pure Vessel Part 2</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id75.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Get Ye unto Your Tents... and REST!"><U>Get Ye unto Your Tents... and REST!</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id58.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Habit of Dawdling, The Cure"><U>The Habit of Dawdling, The Cure</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id78.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Happy is the Mom Who Puts Her Trust in t"><U>Happy is the Mom Who Puts Her Trust in the Lord</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id72.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Have You Been Working Out?"><U>Have You Been Working Out?</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id79.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="His Love"><U>His Love</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id118.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Home Educators and their Books"><U>Home Educators and their Books</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id83.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Homeschooling... A New Adventure"><U>Homeschooling... A New Adventure</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id81.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Homeschooling in the Shoals"><U>Homeschooling in the Shoals</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id80.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Homeschooling in the Springtime"><U>Homeschooling in the Springtime</U></A></div> <div> <B>Homeschooling in the Swamp</B></div> <div> <A HREF="id133.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="How the Created Thing "><U>How the Created Thing </U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id64.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="How to Prepare a Tincture"><U>How to Prepare a Tincture</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id59.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="In the Final Analysis"><U>In the Final Analysis</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id73.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Joy of the Lord and His Plan"><U>The Joy of the Lord and His Plan</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id97.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Just Enough Stress"><U>Just Enough Stress</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id110.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Loneliness in the Homeschool"><U>Loneliness in the Homeschool</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id131.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Message"><U>The Message</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id40.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Nature Studies Indoors"><U>Nature Studies Indoors</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id76.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Nursing ParkerDaniil"><U>Nursing Parker-Daniil</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id126.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Our Teacher"><U>Our Teacher</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id114.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Relationships in the Homeschool"><U>Relationships in the Homeschool</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id66.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="S is for Skullcap and Sleep"><U>"S" is for Skullcap and Sleep</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id60.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Satans Great Deception"><U>Satan's Great Deception</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id39.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Science through a Nature Club"><U>Science through a Nature Club</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id132.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Sharing from My Excess"><U>Sharing from My Excess</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id74.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Sir, We desire to see Jesus!"><U>"Sir, We desire to see Jesus!"</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id42.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Storms of Change"><U>The Storms of Change</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id70.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Strength to Face the Day"><U>Strength to Face the Day</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id47.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Two Moms, One Jesus"><U>Two Moms, One Jesus</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id38.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Waiting excerpted from Parables from Nat"><U>"Waiting" excerpted from "Parables from Nature by Mrs. Gatty</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id61.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Water and the Blood"><U>The Water and the Blood</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id106.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Why Are You Homeschooling"><U>Why Are You Homeschooling</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id84.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Winter... Dormant? Not Hardly!"><U>Winter... Dormant? Not Hardly!</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id67.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Your Liver loves Burdock!"><U>Your Liver loves Burdock!</U></A></div> <bR> </td> <td valign="top" BGCOLOR="#336633" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <IMG SRC="3a8c25e0.jpg" border=0 width="450" height="94" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B> <A NAME="_crooked_pines_publishing___________home"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>  Crooked Pines Ministries</B></FONT>     |     <A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE=" Crooked Pines Ministries"><U>home</U></A></div> <div> back to  <A HREF="id32.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Articles by Mary E. Woodis"><U><B>Articles by Mary E. Woodis</B></U></A></div> <div> Homeschooling in the Swamp</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.hisimage.org" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.hisimage.org"><U><IMG SRC="05193950.jpg" border=0 width="147" height="149" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A></div> <bR> <div> Homeschooling: </div> <div> A Swamp of Dread or Discovery </div> <div> By: Mary E. Woodis </div> <div> August 3, 2002 </div> <bR> <div>  </div> <div>      This year for our big summer vacation we traveled down the Natchez Trace Parkway. Our aim was to explore the history and sights of this historic road through the wilderness. Along the way we discovered many interesting and wonderful things. One of these I would like to share with you, it is the Cypress Swamp.  </div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div>  </div> <bR> <div>      As I entered the swamp I was immediately struck by the heat and oppressive humidity. The air was thick and cloying and smelled of stagnation and decay. There were also many insects. Some were beautiful jewel-toned dragon and damselflies, but some were </div> <div> of the biting kind. Had I never looked past these surface obstacles I would’ve missed a great blessing. The dragon and damselflies were just a tiny promise of the great blessings within.  </div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div>  </div> <bR> <div>      The swamp is so much more than what most people perceive it to be! There is an air of mystery and beauty to the swamp that begs to be explored. The flora and fauna alone could take you days or even years to properly observe. We discovered Tupelo and Cypress trees, Buttonbushes and interesting funguses. There were beautiful birds and lazy turtles. Every now and then a Dragon or Damselfly would fly near and a ray of sun would shimmer on their richly colored bodies. </div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div>  </div> <bR> <div>      There were many correlations between the swamp and the homeschool that have dawned on me. This year our group will welcome first time homeschoolers and homeschoolers that are new to our area. The task ahead must appear daunting to say the least! They must adapt to a new life style, a new community and a new set of rules. This is the way of the swamp. There are many hidden pitfalls and the mist rising from the water obscures your view. There are many creatures hidden there that are indigenous </div> <div> only to the swamp and if you don’t follow the correct safety procedures you could end up someone’s dinner. </div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div>  </div> <bR> <div>      A new book has been released this summer that will help take away some of this fear of the unknown and cast a light on the path to safety and clarity. It is “Homeschooling in the Heart of Dixie” by Shelaine Michael. If you are new to homeschooling in Alabama or deal with new families on a regular basis this book will become your favorite resource for quick answers. But not only new families, this book will also be helpful for families that are moving into a new season in their homeschool. Are you facing high school for the first time with your children and have question about what kind of records you should keep or what kind of training opportunities might be available? This book might help ease this transition. Do you have a question about scheduling or need ideas for easy field trips? Are you looking for ways to spice up your homeschool and make it more fun or interesting? Look between the pages of this wonderful resource for answers! </div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div>  </div> <bR> <div>      This summer has been a time of transition for The Woodis Bunch. We are moving into high school with Jessica, middle school with Emily and elementary school with Parker-Daniil. I admit to being anxious on more than one occasion as I strove to coordinate all this into a schedule that would work for our family. This year has been much prayed over and I think I have found a way to make it all work. I know that I must be flexible with this schedule, so nothing is written in ink. It will take close and constant communication with my Dear Lord to keep this year running smoothly until we hit our stride. I want to be able to savor the moments with these children God has given me and not feel pressed to finish a book or move on to the next page.  </div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div>  </div> <bR> <div>      The Cypress Swamp filled me with the same feelings. I was a bit anxious as we entered the swamp. The dimly lit interior filled me with a dread, but at the same time my innate curiosity pulled me farther down the trail. I moved slowly and was often found standing </div> <div> and gazing at a fixed spot. I didn’t want to miss anything. Much like mediating on Scripture, I was often rewarded for my diligence. Because there was a measure of fear and trepidation associated with this trail we covered it with prayer. God only knew what might climb out of that murky water! The fascination we felt as we discovered birds, plants, animals and insects along the way more than paid for the discomfort of the atmosphere.  </div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div>  </div> <bR> <div>      One of the most amazing things about this swamp was the Cypress tree. There is a rugged beauty to these trees that is unmatched in any other species. It appears as a huge giant sitting in the murky water with his knees bent. You see, the base of the tree is bulging and has hips jutting out from the trunk. All around this base are knees protruding from the water. Scientist can only guess the purpose for these knees, but God the Creator knows exactly what their purpose is.  </div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div>  </div> <div>      What is the giant in your homeschool? Is it math? Spelling? Science? What ever it is remember that God will never place more on you than you can handle. Look at your child’s learning style and see if you current curriculum is written in a way that he/she can </div> <div> understand. Seek out peers that have already battled this giant and learn from their experiences. But most importantly pray that God would illuminate the trail that He has provided for you. </div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div>  </div> <bR> <div> Jesus said: </div> <div> John 812 </div> <div> “…I am the light of the world: he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” </div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div>  </div> <bR> <div> The foliage of the Cypress tree is in sharp contrast with its parent. The foliage is green and lacy and beautiful to behold. When standing alone it allows sunlight to filter through casting a dappled light on the forest floor. But when overlapping, it quickly blocks the light and casts the areas below into a gloomy darkness. Such was the state we found this swamp in.  </div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div>  </div> <bR> <div>      As we traveled the trail I was reminded of Psalm 23. It indeed felt as if we were walking through the valley of the shadow of death, there was so much rot around us. But as we gazed through the light we saw the life present also. There must always be a light to cast the shadow! </div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div>  </div> <bR> <div>      One form of life that caught our eye was a snowy white Egret standing on a log in the water. It was intently gazing at the water, patiently waiting for its dinner to swim by. I admired the persistence of this bird and praised my Dear Lord for gifting this bird with the </div> <div> eyesight to see into the murky depths for a fish or frog.  </div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div>  </div> <bR> <div>      Wouldn’t it be nice if we could have the eyesight of this Egret when we are gazing into the murky waters of the future? It would make planning so much easier, wouldn’t it? Well we can! God tells us that He knows the plans He has for us. (Jeremiah 29:11-13) He also tells us if any of us lack wisdom we need only ask. (James 1:5) This promise is given right after God describes for us the mental attitude we should have in James 1:2-4. Have you examined your heart and attitude concerning this new school year? Have you asked for wisdom in your planning and scheduling, my friend? Have you prayed over your curriculum and your schedule?  </div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div>  </div> <bR> <div>      God has placed a spiritual leader in your life and He gave him a vast responsibility. Are you in agreement with your spiritual leader? Have you identified who your spiritual leader is? Have you supported this leader in prayer today? Even if his decision pierces your very heart of hearts you need to follow his leadership. God is never wrong and He always has a plan. He gives us assurance that His plans are to prosper us and not to harm us.  </div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div>  </div> <bR> <div> Jeremiah 29:11-13 </div> <div> “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to </div> <div> prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.”  </div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div>  </div> <bR> <div> Can you trust Him today? Will you? </div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div>  </div> <bR> <div>      That day I walked out of the swamp and back into the blistering sun I was very thoughtful and curious. I knew that God had a lesson for me in all that He had shown me and I didn’t want to let go of the horns of this altar until He had revealed it to me. I believe that as I </div> <div> study this subject further there will be continuing revelation. It seems a pattern for my life. Do you have a perplexing question that you need answered? Are you unsettled as of yet on the path for your child this year? Let me encourage you to commit this matter to our Dear Lord! Not only will He answer your cry and give you clarity, but He will also fill you with excitement for all there is to be learned and explored as you follow Him on the pathway for this school year. I believe that this school year can be the best ever if we will only trust Him.  </div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div>  </div> <bR> <div>      God has given me great plans for this school year. He has filled my swamp with exciting things to be learned and explored. I am sitting on go and waiting for His signal. Yes, there is still a bit of anxiety when I glance around at the dangers and pitfalls that surround the trail. But like Christian in Pilgrim’s Progress, I know that if I keep my eyes on the light over the wicket gate I will not fall into the slough of despond. How about you? Where are your eyes focused? Does all that needs doing overwhelm you or are you eagerly looking forward to starting your journey into the school year of 2002-2003? What’s holding you back? Commit it to Him! Let go of your dread and journey into this wonderful swamp of discovery. </div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div>  </div> <bR> <div> Best wishes for a marvelous school year, </div> <div> Mary E. Woodis </div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="#_crooked_pines_publishing___________home" TITLE="Homeschooling in the Swamp"><U><B>Back to the top</B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <B>This article is copyrighted by Mary E. Woodis. If you would like to print this article in whole or part in your publication please contact Jessie and Mary Woodis at </B><A HREF="mailto:jessiew@hiwaay.net" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:jessiew@hiwaay.net"><U><B>jessiew@hiwaay.net</B></U></A><B> for permission and more details.</B></div> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>