The Sanctuary with Bonnie Pue

Education is not just the time spent behind the desk. It is an experiential journey through the wonders of the world around us. We are tasked not with telling our children WHAT to think, but inviting them to learn HOW to think. Today I share some basics ways to enrich the homeschool experience, with a couple key questions at the end: 1. What is a practical skill or passion you have that you can share with your child? (Ie. writing, baking, woodworking, music, etc) 2. Who are some people in your community (extended family or friends) that your children could begin to learn valuable lessons from?

Education is not about getting through, getting good grades, getting a certificate, and getting into university. It is a far richer thing - one that gives us permission to enjoy and experience life with our children, watching them grow as their purpose unfolds.

We got some fresh air yesterday, and found pussy-willows growing, with sprouts of green everywhere. New life is coming, friends. Spring is the earth’s reminder of the resurrection promise. Years ago, our family got immensely sick. Did you know this? I was pregnant with our youngest at the time, and our family contracted whooping cough. It was BRUTAL. It was a fluke scenario. It is supposed to be nearly eradicated. We had been vaccinated, but finally we were diagnosed.... Full on quarantine for us all. A couple days before my birthday. The quarantine was only until the antibiotics could kick in, but symptoms lasted for months. MONTHS. That season broke me down. I couldn’t sleep at night and was fatigued through the day, as I would cough and choke and struggle for breath. With four little ones around me every day, all under the age of 6. And then a newborn. And can I be honest? God seemed unusually quiet in that season. I was certainly pretty loud with Him about it all. WHAT THE HECK IS GOING ON HERE? WHY IS THERE NO RELIEF, GOD?! Through the darkness and the fog and the confusion, I can recall several strong messages from God. (What else can I call them? I know the thoughts didn’t originate from my rattled mind!) 1. Morning always comes just in time. Friends, the darkness cannot last. It will not. Keep your eyes watching for the appearance of the morning star. Hope will dawn. 2. Remember who your enemy is. We may feel tempted to turn against one another. To make accusation against God, but we must remember who the nemesis truly is. We have a Saviour who gave His life to rescue us from death, disease, and destruction. 3. Self-pity will only weaken you. We can be sad and grieve our loss, but it can be a thin line between sorrow and self-pity. We must learn where that line is, and stay on this side of it. Complaining, internal recitation of the pile-up of our difficulties, and hiding ourselves in vices that we deserve will only weaken us in the long run. I know from experience. Not worth it. Loving you all today. Wishing we could sit together face to face and process. Or maybe not more talking at all, hey? Maybe just being together. See more

There is a portion of the Bible that some have affectionately coined the hall of faith. It’s a bit of a highlight reel of men and women who chose to believe God - not just believe that He existed, but that He was speaking to them and leading them. I was reading it last week and came across this little piece, their weakness was turned to strength. I don’t know about you, but the older, more experienced I’ve gotten, the less sure of my own strength I have become. Is this ...a normal part of growing up? Or is this just what mid-thirties feels like? All I know is that I find comfort in the company of other men and women who just kept showing up with the belief that God was not going to fail them. Though my days, strength, mental capabilities, and attuned skills are limited, I have grown more convinced that God can turn my weaknesses into strength, filling up all that is lacking in time. I hope you are encouraged by this reality as well.