Geography Guide Update

[Tiffini]

We have now completed 6 weeks of the new Guide! It truly has been a blessing to us in many ways. My dd has really found her groove in using it and the days are flowing nicely. Here are a few things we have discovered so far: Carrie always jumps full-speed into the work in Week One (no gradual introductions), so the work was a lot at first, just figuring out the new subjects and how they worked. It can be easy to feel overwhelmed, but just give it time and you will find that the amount of work really is just right for a high schooler. And like Julie mentioned in a previous post, it actually gives me the assurance that this really is enough work for high school and we aren't missing anything. If you have a child who feels overwhelmed easily, I would recommend starting a few subjects a week in advance and getting used to them before jumping in full-speed. My dd had been doing math for a few weeks before beginning the guide which helped.

Our parent meeting times have become shorter as we've figured things out, too, so it does not take up too much of the day. However, we do love discussing books like Mimosa together and that has been a blessing. I think the parent meeting time could be pretty short OR as long as you want it to be if you are enjoying the discussions. I do think meeting daily if at all possible is very important to getting the most out of the Guide as possible and staying on top of grading, etc.

One more thing I wanted to share. It is wonderful to hear of others' children who are very excited about their faith and growing and this Guide will truly help them along in maturity without a doubt. However, I also believe there are some out here who might read about these children and think this Guide wouldn't work for them if their child is struggling in their faith - or just feel discouraged that their child isn't growing right now. I want to encourage you. When I was in high school, I went through a time of great doubting. I was raised in a Christian home and taught the truth from Day One and was a strong believer. But, then I started wondering why I believed and how did I know all of this was true - just because my parents told me? I had to go through a difficult season of doubt and questioning to reach my own conclusions. Looking back, this was a great benefit in my life. I think some have a great gift of faith - they hear the truth, they believe it, and they will never question. While others have a more critical nature and need evidence and strong answers and they have to work through this on their own. That was me. My sister, on the other hand, has never struggled with her faith at all. So, there are differences in kids raised the same way in the same home.

High school age is the time when many kids start to doubt their faith and question their parents' beliefs. It can be scary as a parent to see that happen. But it is very normal and actually very good in the long run! Even if your child is in that place, struggling, doubting, questioning, not sure if or what they believe - this Guide is absolutely a gift to use with a child like that! It will help your child to work through these questions independently - finding answers on their own - not spoon-fed from their parents.

The Archaeology study provides hard evidence that what the Bible says happened actually did happen - the videos and book are wonderful!
The Religions study provides information about what others believe, but then compares that to what Christianity believes - it allows the student to compare themselves - which makes the most sense based on the world and experiences around us. It shows the student what makes Christianity different from other religions and why it stands alone.
The Cultures study shows experiential evidence of real lives totally changed by the Gospel.
And, of course, the Bible study is filling their mind with the Word of God daily - even if they aren't sure what they believe - they are reading and studying the TRUTH.
This Guide has been a true blessing to us and just what we needed in this season of our lives. Thank you, Carrie!!!!!

There is much more I could say, but I know in homeschooling circles, you mostly hear of kids with this amazing faith and maturity in their walk with the Lord. And that can be so discouraging if you personally are not seeing that in your child. But, the truth is that those kids who go through a season of doubt and questioning, often come out the other side with an unshakeable faith that will stand against the storms of life. I don't know why, but God just put it on my heart to share this.

[abrightmom]

Tiffini,

This post has been AWESOMELY encouraging to me ... . Thanks for sharing your personal testimony and laying out the potential paths our kiddos may walk down. We have one child who is definitely like you and I anticipate that this child, if by God's grace he is saved, will have a vigorous faith BECAUSE he questions and grapples so deeply. It's good to be reminded that we can and should stay the course and trust the LORD in the process of faithful parenting. The results really do belong to Him and our place is to be faithful day by day.

The Geography guide is breathtaking from my vantage point. What a gift to study these materials as a freshman!

Katrina

[Carrie]

Tiffini,

Thanks so much for sharing this heartfelt insight. I am so glad that both you and your daughter are finding your groove and enjoying the World Geography guide. It is blessing us here too!

I pray our kiddos will continue to grow in their faith through their questions and that the Lord will draw them ever closer to Him through their ponderings. I am privileged to know so many wonderful ladies like you as part of this writing process!

Blessings,
Carrie