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I'm the frequent switcher. I bought 3 cores last year. We were talking about if you could use cell phones in the middle of the ocean. I brought up Morse code and it made wonder again about having a full education with HSing, if they'll be exposed to enough, etc. Wondering if I'm doing the right thing by going with Bigger, hoping HOD is full enough. Will my children learn the things like what Morse code is? Later that very day, I pick up my Bigger TM to see which order the genre's are read in. As I'm flipping through, I couldn't believe it. I see a section on Morse code. It's like God was saying "Relax, it's all covered". I'm really excited about that.

(I just remembered now as I was replying on my Singapore thread. I just need to relax. HOD is a very good thing. Stop trying to do my own thing, cause it'll turn out better when I do it as is)

I can so relate to what you are saying. I am by nature a compulsive throw a bunch of stuff at it so we do not miss anything. It was very hard for me at first to let go and trust that HOD was enough EXCEPT for the very thing you are saying that God really was faithful in letting me know this was His will for my family. What I found was of course He does not lead us in the wrong direction ever no matter what our "logic" tells us. And now I am able to not worry about the core of our education being covered. I now focus on my extras being things He is showing me I need to focus on with my particular kids. This year I am feeling sharing the gospel will be our extra focus. It is something I certainly would have missed if I was worried about catching it all and what a shame that would be. I will just say to you hang on for the ride. God is going to bless you in ways you never though possible in hsing through HOD. You are going to find not only that it is enough but that it is in fact more.

Praying your year is blessed. Cover your eyes of other things and trust God has you where He does for the good of your children and you as well as for His glory!

That is so funny! Yes, HOD is a good thing. For me, it's been a very good thing. But, using HOD won't mean that you can't still "do your own thing". It doesn't mean that all of your creative juices will stop flowing!! You will find plenty of space to make it your own and tailor it to your particular family.

Blessings!
Donna T.

I just had to further put your fears to rest, as in the book after RTR Samuel Morse will be studied yet again! Very exciting things to look ahead to, and yes, a full education is given via HOD!

In Christ,
Julie

I am sort of like you, in that I am always second guessing my choices. I also have spent two years trying, in the beginning of the guides, to add stuff in...only to find myself realizing that HOD is plenty and full without my "additions." *Sigh*...some of us never learn! LOL

Mumkins,

I know what you mean! I was a compulsive researcher and often wondered if what I was doing was covering it all. As we began writing our own guides and having time to truly just ponder each guide one year at a time, we have been so blessed by the way the Lord has brought together all the fragmented pieces we had in our minds in a way that would come together for our children in uniting His word at the center of all things. Yet, we also wanted to strive for academic excellence without overwhelming teacher or student.

Each year as we send off the next guide in the sequence, we can see more clearly what the next steps in the progression need to be in all areas. By doing only one guide at a time, we can truly build a progression that makes sense and moves a child bit-by-bit toward the young man or woman that God desires him/her to be. We can also plan for the child to slowly, incrementally take over more of his/her education, without sacrificing the wonderful times we have sharing and discussing those things that might otherwise be skipped. As we go through scope and sequence checklists with general guideslines per grade level for each subject, I'm always amazed at how well all of the areas are covered, even though we don't teach to the list. A living books education provides wonderful coverage simply as a by-product! What a blessing.

Plus, each guide gives you the added benefit of having a free 5th day (in the guides from Preparing on up) to use to suit your family's individual goals. So, you get to personalize as you go.

Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts! They blessed me today!

Blessings,
Carrie