Posted on February 27th, 2013
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Anyone out there homeschool? We do! We love it. I don't want to get into a big debate about the importance or lack-there-of of homeschooling. Suffice it to say that we believe it is a parent's responsibility to see to it that a child is educated and discipled according to the wisdom and mandates of Scripture. We further believe that this is best done — especially today — in the form of homeschooling.
So what about co-ops? If you are a homeschooler, you surely know what I am talking about. If you are someone who would like to consider homeschooling but don't think you can manage it (for whatever reason), co-ops are a fantastic resource that just might make the difference for you.
Co-ops are, essentially, organizations that support homeschooling parents, offer supplementary homeschool classes and keep things fun and interesting. There are a couple in our neck of the woods and there is probably one near you. If you want to further immerse your child(ren) in the community, expose your whole family to new experiences and receive the support you may need, look for a homeschool co-op.
Another resource we take advantage of weekly, which is not exactly a co-op, is a homeschool enrichment program, for lack of a better term. Not far from our home is just such a program that offers homeschoolers from kindergarten through tenth grade a full school day of lessons and activities and new friends every Friday. Many co-ops offer these kinds of classes too, of course, but for anyone who can't find a co-op near by, or who wants to take advantage of both resources (like we do), keep an eye out for a homeschool enrichment program.
Finally, accept my encouragement. In my experience, the vast majority of people who don't think they can homeschool, actually can! You don't need to be a college graduate and you didn't even need to be a good student in school yourself. Interestingly, one reason many of us (myself included) struggled in school was due to motivation. Well, what better motivation than your own child and the Word of God! Another reason people struggle — especially in what are now considered "traditional" schools — has to do with the nature of large classroom education. Even the best teacher in the world can't possibly cater to twenty, thirty or more students representing a half-dozen or more learning styles — not too mention personal needs — in the space of forty-five minutes to an hour! It just can't be done. It's not the teacher's fault, it's the system; and that's a system you do not have to deal with when teaching your own child. I'm speaking from experience: Alison teaches sixth grade Language Arts!
So, when you are thinking about homeschooling, give it a fair shake. Odds are, you can do it. Interestingly, the few legitimate reasons why someone may not be able to do it are directly linked to other ways in which we have fudged or completely abandoned Scriptural teaching in certain areas. Unscriptural economics and all it leads to (e.g. debt, covetousness, etc.) is a perfect example. There is no doubt that for many people, some sacrifices and lifestyle changes will have to be made, and some of those changes may be huge! It's up to you to honestly decide whether they are changes you need to make. If you decide it's time, feel free to drop us a note and if there is anything we can do to encourage you or help straighten the path, we will.
So what about co-ops? If you are a homeschooler, you surely know what I am talking about. If you are someone who would like to consider homeschooling but don't think you can manage it (for whatever reason), co-ops are a fantastic resource that just might make the difference for you.
Co-ops are, essentially, organizations that support homeschooling parents, offer supplementary homeschool classes and keep things fun and interesting. There are a couple in our neck of the woods and there is probably one near you. If you want to further immerse your child(ren) in the community, expose your whole family to new experiences and receive the support you may need, look for a homeschool co-op.
Another resource we take advantage of weekly, which is not exactly a co-op, is a homeschool enrichment program, for lack of a better term. Not far from our home is just such a program that offers homeschoolers from kindergarten through tenth grade a full school day of lessons and activities and new friends every Friday. Many co-ops offer these kinds of classes too, of course, but for anyone who can't find a co-op near by, or who wants to take advantage of both resources (like we do), keep an eye out for a homeschool enrichment program.
Finally, accept my encouragement. In my experience, the vast majority of people who don't think they can homeschool, actually can! You don't need to be a college graduate and you didn't even need to be a good student in school yourself. Interestingly, one reason many of us (myself included) struggled in school was due to motivation. Well, what better motivation than your own child and the Word of God! Another reason people struggle — especially in what are now considered "traditional" schools — has to do with the nature of large classroom education. Even the best teacher in the world can't possibly cater to twenty, thirty or more students representing a half-dozen or more learning styles — not too mention personal needs — in the space of forty-five minutes to an hour! It just can't be done. It's not the teacher's fault, it's the system; and that's a system you do not have to deal with when teaching your own child. I'm speaking from experience: Alison teaches sixth grade Language Arts!
So, when you are thinking about homeschooling, give it a fair shake. Odds are, you can do it. Interestingly, the few legitimate reasons why someone may not be able to do it are directly linked to other ways in which we have fudged or completely abandoned Scriptural teaching in certain areas. Unscriptural economics and all it leads to (e.g. debt, covetousness, etc.) is a perfect example. There is no doubt that for many people, some sacrifices and lifestyle changes will have to be made, and some of those changes may be huge! It's up to you to honestly decide whether they are changes you need to make. If you decide it's time, feel free to drop us a note and if there is anything we can do to encourage you or help straighten the path, we will.
by Dan on November 12th, 2012
The only serious criticism I have received about our book, That’s Where God Is, has to do with the inclusion of what many Christians today would call the sinner’s prayer. When I first heard this criticism, it struck me as odd and I was not sure how to respond, so I didn’t; but over the years I've not stopped thinking about it. Now, for the sake of clarity, I want to offer a brief response.
So, what did I find odd about the criticism? Here is where things get interesting. For some of you — probably most of you — the sinner’s prayer is the logical next step after introducing someone to Jesus. In your mind, you are thinking, “You’re right, Dan. It is odd that someone would criticize you for including the sinner’s prayer. What else would you do at that point?” For others, however, the sinner’s prayer is entirely unbiblical and arguably one of the most dangerous traditions of the modern church. You’re thinking, “It’s not odd at all, Dan. You don't understand the danger inherent in this awful practice!”
Let me see if I can clear things up a bit.
Personally, I do not believe the sinner’s prayer, as it typically plays out today, is a biblical practice. In fact, I believe it can be downright dangerous. “But you included it in your book!” Yes, I did... sort of. I did include a scene where the boy prays, thanks God and asks Him to help him be more like Jesus. In my mind, this is simply a prayer – not a sinner’s prayer. It is the temporal beginning of a relationship with God characterized by prayer and fostered by a loving grandfather and family. It is one step in this boy’s story of redemption.
Unfortunately, I chose to use the phrase, “Come into my heart.” I admit, I wish I had not used those exact words. They have become the calling card of the sinner’s prayer and I should have been more aware of that. Basically, because I don’t subscribe to the notion of a sinner’s prayer, I did not ascribe that meaning to the scene. I hope that those of you who were offended or put off by this will forgive me.
Having said all that, allow me to share two more thoughts. First, for those of you who stand against the sinner’s prayer, let me remind you that, while I completely agree that the practice should be avoided, what we are most trying to avoid are naive confessions and false conversions. This being the case, regardless of what anyone prays or does not pray upon allegedly becoming a Christian, it is incumbent upon the messenger to stress the importance of true repentance and visible fruit in the life of the new believer. In fact, the messenger should help see to it that the convert is, at the very least, immersed in Scripture and surrounded Godly influencers before moving on. Remember: the problem with the sinner’s prayer is not that it’s a prayer, but that we have ascribed a sort of “ticket-punch” power to it (or if we haven’t, new believers may mistakenly think this is the case). There’s no better way to begin a relationship than with communication, and that’s what prayer is. As Christians, our goal should be to reframe the entire conversion experience in a way that fosters true repentance and understanding, and avoids the unbiblical notion of regeneration by hand raising.
Second, I don’t want anyone who subscribes to the practice of the sinner’s prayer, or who has simply taken the notion for granted, to think that I am questioning their faith or salvation. To them, I would only ask that they consider the concept carefully and be sure that, when evangelizing, they look for fruit and understanding and not only raised hands.
Thank you for your time and understanding. If you’d like to continue this conversation, feel free to contact me.
So, what did I find odd about the criticism? Here is where things get interesting. For some of you — probably most of you — the sinner’s prayer is the logical next step after introducing someone to Jesus. In your mind, you are thinking, “You’re right, Dan. It is odd that someone would criticize you for including the sinner’s prayer. What else would you do at that point?” For others, however, the sinner’s prayer is entirely unbiblical and arguably one of the most dangerous traditions of the modern church. You’re thinking, “It’s not odd at all, Dan. You don't understand the danger inherent in this awful practice!”
Let me see if I can clear things up a bit.
Personally, I do not believe the sinner’s prayer, as it typically plays out today, is a biblical practice. In fact, I believe it can be downright dangerous. “But you included it in your book!” Yes, I did... sort of. I did include a scene where the boy prays, thanks God and asks Him to help him be more like Jesus. In my mind, this is simply a prayer – not a sinner’s prayer. It is the temporal beginning of a relationship with God characterized by prayer and fostered by a loving grandfather and family. It is one step in this boy’s story of redemption.
Unfortunately, I chose to use the phrase, “Come into my heart.” I admit, I wish I had not used those exact words. They have become the calling card of the sinner’s prayer and I should have been more aware of that. Basically, because I don’t subscribe to the notion of a sinner’s prayer, I did not ascribe that meaning to the scene. I hope that those of you who were offended or put off by this will forgive me.
Having said all that, allow me to share two more thoughts. First, for those of you who stand against the sinner’s prayer, let me remind you that, while I completely agree that the practice should be avoided, what we are most trying to avoid are naive confessions and false conversions. This being the case, regardless of what anyone prays or does not pray upon allegedly becoming a Christian, it is incumbent upon the messenger to stress the importance of true repentance and visible fruit in the life of the new believer. In fact, the messenger should help see to it that the convert is, at the very least, immersed in Scripture and surrounded Godly influencers before moving on. Remember: the problem with the sinner’s prayer is not that it’s a prayer, but that we have ascribed a sort of “ticket-punch” power to it (or if we haven’t, new believers may mistakenly think this is the case). There’s no better way to begin a relationship than with communication, and that’s what prayer is. As Christians, our goal should be to reframe the entire conversion experience in a way that fosters true repentance and understanding, and avoids the unbiblical notion of regeneration by hand raising.
Second, I don’t want anyone who subscribes to the practice of the sinner’s prayer, or who has simply taken the notion for granted, to think that I am questioning their faith or salvation. To them, I would only ask that they consider the concept carefully and be sure that, when evangelizing, they look for fruit and understanding and not only raised hands.
Thank you for your time and understanding. If you’d like to continue this conversation, feel free to contact me.
Posted on October 30th, 2012
Halloween can be a touchy subject for Christians. Opinions run the gamut. Should Christians celebrate it? Is there a difference between celebrating and participating or are we strategically using semantics to justify ourselves? I'm not going to spend much time on it right now, except to mention a few things.
First, it should not be controversial to say that Christians shouldn't celebrate or take part in the occult. Despite the fact that Halloween has turned into little more than an excuse to horde candy, the occult remains a serious and very real thing. So, the first thing a Christian must do is be sure he is not glorifying or entertaining the occult in any way. Making light of the occult now may place our children in a dangerous position down the road when opportunities present themselves to experiment in this "harmless" lifestyle.
Second, there is no reason why a Christian cannot dress up, eat candy and celebrate something. For instance, the harvest! Yes, pagans have been doing this for millennia in their own fallen ways, but that does not mean Christians cannot worship the true Lord of the Harvest in faithful ways. Many churches have Harvest Festivals where kids get to dress up, fill bags and have a great time in a wholesome environment. Though some Christians would disagree, I do not believe this is an example of celebrating Halloween via a backdoor. It can be, but it doesn't have to be. The Lord set the seasons long before the pagans started their idol worship. When it comes to harvest celebrations, it isn't about reappropriating a pagan holiday, but honoring the true Lord of the Harvest. If the harvest (and remember, "harvest" refers to more in Christianity than just bushels of wheat and corn) isn't your thing, Reformation Day, when Martin Luther nailed the 95 Theses to the Wittenberg door, is recognized on October 31 and marks the beginning of the Reformation. Either way, you're good to go.
Finally, while I believe there are bold lines associated with Halloween that Christians should not cross, we do have freedom in Christ to come to our own conclusions this side of those lines. But before we run too far with that ball, we must understand that freedom in Christ is not a license to sin and it is not something to be taken lightly. Remember that while we have the freedom to eat meat that may have been sacrificed to idols, we also have the responsibility to avoid doing so if it might offend those around us who do not yet understand that freedom.
In the end, each of us must determine what we believe to be faithful in light of Scripture when it comes to things like Halloween. We must also be charitable and loving with each other as we wrestle with these things. This is true whether we believe Harvest Festivals are cool or we believe we should completely avoid anything remotely related to Halloween or late October (or Christmas or Easter, for that matter).
For more reading, you might want to check out Greg Koukl's take at Stand To Reason.
— Dan
First, it should not be controversial to say that Christians shouldn't celebrate or take part in the occult. Despite the fact that Halloween has turned into little more than an excuse to horde candy, the occult remains a serious and very real thing. So, the first thing a Christian must do is be sure he is not glorifying or entertaining the occult in any way. Making light of the occult now may place our children in a dangerous position down the road when opportunities present themselves to experiment in this "harmless" lifestyle.
Second, there is no reason why a Christian cannot dress up, eat candy and celebrate something. For instance, the harvest! Yes, pagans have been doing this for millennia in their own fallen ways, but that does not mean Christians cannot worship the true Lord of the Harvest in faithful ways. Many churches have Harvest Festivals where kids get to dress up, fill bags and have a great time in a wholesome environment. Though some Christians would disagree, I do not believe this is an example of celebrating Halloween via a backdoor. It can be, but it doesn't have to be. The Lord set the seasons long before the pagans started their idol worship. When it comes to harvest celebrations, it isn't about reappropriating a pagan holiday, but honoring the true Lord of the Harvest. If the harvest (and remember, "harvest" refers to more in Christianity than just bushels of wheat and corn) isn't your thing, Reformation Day, when Martin Luther nailed the 95 Theses to the Wittenberg door, is recognized on October 31 and marks the beginning of the Reformation. Either way, you're good to go.
Finally, while I believe there are bold lines associated with Halloween that Christians should not cross, we do have freedom in Christ to come to our own conclusions this side of those lines. But before we run too far with that ball, we must understand that freedom in Christ is not a license to sin and it is not something to be taken lightly. Remember that while we have the freedom to eat meat that may have been sacrificed to idols, we also have the responsibility to avoid doing so if it might offend those around us who do not yet understand that freedom.
In the end, each of us must determine what we believe to be faithful in light of Scripture when it comes to things like Halloween. We must also be charitable and loving with each other as we wrestle with these things. This is true whether we believe Harvest Festivals are cool or we believe we should completely avoid anything remotely related to Halloween or late October (or Christmas or Easter, for that matter).
For more reading, you might want to check out Greg Koukl's take at Stand To Reason.
— Dan
Posted on October 26th, 2012
Right here, only doing many other things. What can I say? I'm sorry. I am excited to see that some of you have kept writing though. We have received some very nice, encouraging letters over the year. There are few things better for an author than hearing that your work has played a significant role in the life of a reader.
Halloween is coming up! This can be a hot topic for many Christians. It's one of those holidays that Christians, when asked what they are doing for Halloween, will mention the Harvest Festival at church, the DownTown Trick-or-Treat party, or the gathering at their house with a few friends. If you ask them if the celebrate Halloween, that's when things get sticky. : )
We will be attending a shindig at our church complete with square dancing and carnival games and costume parades and pie contests. Should be fun. You have any plans? How about strong opinions? : )
So, are we writing any more books? We are trying to! I have at least three other books for the That's series, but in this economy, getting publishers to bite isn't easy. Of course, if the masses contacted a publishing house demanding more books, who knows. We are also working on many other projects, so keep an eye out.
Alison is teaching again! As it turns out, so am I! That's right, Alison is teaching 6th grade language arts and I am doing our homeschooling. I don't want to get all mushy here, but I can tell you that this is a dream come true for me. I absolutely love homeschooling my girls and it turns out I am not bad at it. Maybe I will talk about that more another time -- sometime in May if I keep this schedule up.
Again, forgive us. Especially without any books in the pipeline, it can be tough to keep on track. I am sorry. Thanks again for your patience.
- dan
Halloween is coming up! This can be a hot topic for many Christians. It's one of those holidays that Christians, when asked what they are doing for Halloween, will mention the Harvest Festival at church, the DownTown Trick-or-Treat party, or the gathering at their house with a few friends. If you ask them if the celebrate Halloween, that's when things get sticky. : )
We will be attending a shindig at our church complete with square dancing and carnival games and costume parades and pie contests. Should be fun. You have any plans? How about strong opinions? : )
So, are we writing any more books? We are trying to! I have at least three other books for the That's series, but in this economy, getting publishers to bite isn't easy. Of course, if the masses contacted a publishing house demanding more books, who knows. We are also working on many other projects, so keep an eye out.
Alison is teaching again! As it turns out, so am I! That's right, Alison is teaching 6th grade language arts and I am doing our homeschooling. I don't want to get all mushy here, but I can tell you that this is a dream come true for me. I absolutely love homeschooling my girls and it turns out I am not bad at it. Maybe I will talk about that more another time -- sometime in May if I keep this schedule up.
Again, forgive us. Especially without any books in the pipeline, it can be tough to keep on track. I am sorry. Thanks again for your patience.
- dan
Posted on May 17th, 2012
Are you an aspiring writer in the Denver area? If so, Alison is teaching a writing course that might be just what you are looking for! This June or July sign up for Crash Course Fiction and get that book out of your head and on to the page. Click that link to learn more and tell your friends.
Posted on April 25th, 2012
Dan here. I wanted to take a moment to apologize for not getting back to everyone as quickly as I would like to lately. Things have been crazy around here for a long time now. It's not an excuse, but it is a reason. I would particularly like to thank those of you who have taken the time to write actual, hand-written letters - you know, the ones requiring a stamp! We have received a few over the last month or two and we will respond as soon as we can.
Thanks again for your patience, understanding and support. And thanks for reading!
Thanks again for your patience, understanding and support. And thanks for reading!
Posted on April 6th, 2012
Don't underestimate your child's ability to cope with the truth about why we celebrate Good Friday - though don't feel the need to get into every gory detail, either. Without a true understanding of the sacrifice Christ made on the cross - and WHY he made it - we can't understand the beauty of Easter Sunday or the grace that God extended to humanity through the resurrection. Easter is an excellent opportunity to show your child the "big picture of Scripture": how it all started (and fell apart) in Eden, how the law was given to show us how life works best and to highlight our need for grace, and how the law was fulfilled and the ultimate grace extended through the birth, death, and resurrection of Christ. Don't wait until they're "a little older" before you impart Truth; immerse them in it every day!
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