Gena, it seems life changes way too fast and it's hard to stop as you said in your article and take a day. But I read your words twice tonight … I reflected on what you said … not as a reader of your magazine but as kind words from a trusted friend. I have been avoiding my email and [computer] work and even answering my phone lately 'cause I fell like crawling in a hole and hiding just to get some REST AND RELAXATION!! Man, I felt good when I read your article and decided to do what you guys are doing … taking a time out
-- Michelle Welch, Lacey, Wa

Michelle, God bless you! Hey, it's hard creating new patterns. Old habits are hard to break, so don't get down on yourself if you fail. Try, however, to take time out. Get on the floor and play with your babies. Your kids will remember you the way you really were. That's what I tell myself when I start getting too busy and all wrapped up in work. How do I want to be remembered by these precious ones? -- Gena

Dear Jen:
[May I] ask you if you would allow me to print out one copy of your article entitled "You Can't Seriously Be Thinking of Homeschooling!"? I noticed that you have a copyright on it, but I think it would be a wonderful too of encouragement to refer back to when I'm facing the "Fiery Darts" of doubters. I'd like to keep it in my homeschool notebook. Thank you for your time and for your terrific article. I am looking forward to reading more from you in the future!
-- Beth from Bowling Green, KY

Dear Beth,
Thank you so much -- you've made my day with your kind words! And, of course, you have my permission to print out the article. Actually .. as many as you need is fine with us, here at TOS. The copyright is more or less to protect the Publishers' rights, and to keep publications from printing something without consent. I've spoken with the Publishers, and they've give me a verbal "YOU BET." I am truly honored that you found it beneficial. -- Jen Ig

I just want to say, THANK YOU - THANK YOU - THANK YOU for your excellent article in the summer edition of The Old Schoolhouse. You put so eloquently my exact feelings. I get so tired of having my salvation questioned or ridiculed because I choose not to do some of the trendy "Christian" things so many others advocate -- things that may be good, but have no solid basis in scripture. This was my first issue of The Old Schoolhouse and I'm so glad I have a subscription! Keep up the good work!
-- Michelle Shaver, Springfield, Illinois

Dear Michelle,
Wow, and thank you -- I sure appreciate your feedback. We are hoping to see a lot of the back-biting and exclusionary treatment in the homeschool community (and church, even more so) come to an end. It is good to know that there are others who share the same vision. -- Jen Ig

Hello, I just came across this page and the article you wrote about Homeschooling. I just wanted to say thank you for putting this article out. I am starting to Homeschool my 5-year old this year, and I have never done this before. When my family found out I didn't get one ounce of support. It was mainly lectures about how it will dement her and how I was just "clinging" to my daughter. Although nobody agrees with me and my husband's decision, I think it is best for her and me and our little one who will be born in less than 2 months. Your article helped me quite a bit, so once again …. THANK YOU!!!
-- Sincerely, Kristina Nelson, Shelby, OH

Kristina, that article was written by Jen Ig, our "most loved writer." You are doing what the Lord would have your family do. Your extended family will most likely give you a hard time until they see the end result. Unfortunately, relatives can be very critical, but "the proof is in the pudding" as they say, so stay focused, move forward in your faithful endeavors, and watch closely as one by one, they grow fond of the idea, possibly even making the decision to homeschool their own children because of your example -- that happens all the time! -- Gena

Hello!
I will be a first-year homeschooling mom this fall. I am in the process of reorganizing my home for this newest adventure! I will be homeschooling all three of our children, ages 6, 8, and 10 years. This was brought on, at first, by the fact that my son was not reading well while being educated in a private school. When we tried to transfer him to another private school closer to home, his application was rejected because of the school's concern that he has a learning disability, and they do not have the resources to help him. He is a very bright and energetic child, so we certainly didn't want to put him in public school where we were afraid he would be "dumbed down" (as I had seen this happen to [someone's] child.). God and my husband talked me into homeschooling! I now see these events as a good thing and a gift. I look forward to being free of the bondage of the concrete and unforgiving schedule of the school system and the hours of unrelenting and unsuccessful dinner hour homework. I hope to have fun while I spend real time with my children and help them grow spiritually in the Lord.
--God Bless, April Billups, Cedar Park, TX

Dear April,
What a lovely letter! Sounds like you are on fire to begin the task set before you. You won't be sorry - your children will 'rise up and call you blessed!' The topic of special needs, in the 'homeschool world' as of late, is a pressing one. For this reason, we are opening up a new, permanent column as of next issue, addressing this item of discussion. We plan to tackle it at the deepest level, ensuring that we place the experts before you (it's a guest column so you'll hear from someone new each issue). Also, remember that just because the public school system labeled your child as 'special needs' it may be untrue. Oftentimes, schools are too quick to make such claims; don't be too hasty to swallow them. YOU are the parent and with help from qualified people in your church and/or great organizations which help homeschoolers (i.e.: NATHAAN), you can assess your child's needs. Please know that there are many others with the same concerns for their children; support is available, and you are not alone! God bless you in your endeavors, April. Your attitude is commendable -- Paul and Gena

Mrs. Igarashi,
I just wanted to tell you that I really enjoyed your article in the Summer 2002 edition of The Old Schoolhouse. I was raised Christian, but my family didn't attend church. I'm at a point now where I want to take my children to church so they can learn more about the Bible than I did as a child. We joined a friend at her church for a few months, my son (6 yrs.) loved it; my daughter (13 yrs) hated it, and I ended up feeling very uncomfortable. I had joined a ladies Sunday school class [and] everyone was very nice at first - then things changed. They were still very nice, but started saying things like "don't let your kids watch this TV show or read that book." I'm sure they meant well, but to me it seemed they were saying if I let my kids watch certain programs or read certain books (we weren't talking about extremely violent or pornographic material) that I wasn't as good a Christian as they were. Maybe they didn't mean it that way; maybe my not having been raised going to church makes me more sensitive to such things, but long story short, we stopped going to the church and haven't been able to find another. I think so many good Christians frighten people away from churches by giving people the impression that to be an active member in the church, they can't watch or read anything except religious shows or books. I hope people read your article and understand what their actions and words are doing to others. Thanks again.
--Becky Hicks, Texas, a new homeschooling mom

Dear Becky,
Thank you so much for your letter you sent regarding the article in the Summer issue of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine. I agree so much that it is often Christians who scare people away from church. And that really is a shame. I guess it is human nature to push our standards on others!

I think it is admirable, and very wise, that you are wanting to bring your family to church. I would really encourage you to pursue that. Despite our human tendencies to make a mess of things, God uses us weak, dim-witted people to do a lot of good, too! It amazes me that we are ever capable of that, but as Christians, we rely on Him and constantly strive to get 'ourselves' out of the way. I imagine that you would have a lot to offer a church group. You are very intelligent, and I know that God could use you to make a difference in the lives around you. Please remember this - Everything else is secondary. Love God and Love Others - that is the foundation that Christ would have us build upon. Seek God - not traditions, not 'works,' not trying to DO what is right. He wasn't you, Becky. He does not want to give you a list to become 'perfect,' he wants you, his daughter, to love Him and know how much He loves you. Other people's 'standards and philosophies' cannot make you 'righteous.' Only Christ, the Messiah can do that. Your letter encouraged me so much. God Bless you as you seek after only Him, and I will be praying that you will find a church family (it will not be perfect; we are all miserably flawed) that you can be a part of! Please keep me updated!
--Jen Ig