Some Things To Think On

A Child’s Relationship with Almighty God.

I have continued to read on in Charlotte Mason’s Home Education Volume I.  (Thank you so much, Ableside Online, for making these resources available.)

My second son, Joseph, who though dyslexic and not immediately appearing to be the brightest academic star on our tree (just give him time),  has always had sayings and thoughts that made me think he had wisdom beyond his years.  He has always said that little children understand the difference between right and wrong and that you don’t have to give children a lot of reasons for saying no. You just tell them kindly, it’s wrong, and they’ll understand.

Daniel reading his little bible, 21 years ago.

Charlotte Mason wrote:

The most fatal way of despising the child falls under the third educational law of the Gospels; it is to overlook and make light of his natural relationship with Almighty God.  ‘Suffer the little children to come unto Me,’ says the Savior, as if that were the natural thing for the children to do, the thing they do when they are not hindered by thier elders. And perhaps it is not too beautiful a thing to believe in this redeemed world, that, as the babe turns to his mother though he has no power to say her name, as the flowers turn to the sun, so the hearts of the children turn to their Savior and God with unconscious delight and trust.

My morning garden time with my watering can and my camera in my apron pocket have become a nurturing habit. Karen Andreola might consider it a part of Mother Culture.

Charlotte Mason’s words have given me some nice things to think on today.  (And Philippians 4:8 is my own personal memory verse for this week.)

Though I had not nearly enough wisdom when my children were little, I am very grateful to have had wonderful, steady examples in my life, and bible studies to keep me from getting lost in my own way of thinking.

The morning sunlight points out a lovely web for me to photograph for you.

The garden is full of spiders this time of year. While I don’t enjoy walking through a web, I marvel at the creatures and enjoy studying their habits in my tiny little garden.

Spiny orb weaver.

I don’t know the genus and species, but I know this is a spiny orb weaver. It worked away diligently, allowing me to take a picture or two.

Spiny orb weaver up close.

The garden is full and many flowers are totally spent, bloomed out and turning to seed. If I am going to plant any vegetables for the fall, it’s time to get busy planning and doing.

Today, of course, is a work day, but I’ll look forward to breaks in the garden with Lady Earl Grey tea.  This evening I am planning to order some more of the books we will be using with our Ambleside Online this coming school year.  I have much to be happy about today. 

Finally, a resource you might enjoy.  It’s a website that lists books needed for AO and you can categorize them into year, categories, free reading, required reading, etc.   Access To The Classics.   I’ve put the link in my sidebar under “Ambleside Online Helps.”

Happy Monday!
Lynn