Starting Off With a Bang

My Little Disciples

We are starting this new year in homeschool with a bang. We are beginning a new space science curriculum about how the universe was created by the one true God and NOT the big bang! But what I am most excited about is we are learning to revere the creator of this universe along with it. 

It all started this summer when I went to a webinar about discipling my kids rather than just home educating them. This idea of discipling them had been on my heart all summer, and the webinar was fantastic. I kept finding myself saying, "yes! yes! yes!" agreeing with the Spirit whispering, "this is the way; walk in it." (Isa 30:21). 

One of the big things I knew I needed to add to our homeschooling was a focus on developing their character. But I needed resources to do this. So, I started an internet search looking for resources for developing Christian character in our kids and stumbled on Kids of Integrity by Focus On the Family. It is a free online resource focused on Christian character traits. The lessons revolve around a craft, applicable Bible stories and scripture passages, and action-oriented ways to apply the truth to real life. The activities and lessons are so hands-on and engaging I often think they must know my two rowdy, maker-at-heart boys!

But my favorite part about this resource is you don't have to be a homeschooling family to use it! Each lesson only takes a half hour or so per lesson with no set days. So it could easily be an evening and/or weekend activity. I know; I am gushing. Kids of Integrity has undoubtedly been my favorite find these past few years. (Link to Kids of integrity provided at the bottom)

But this semester, it gets even better. We are combining the character trait of 'reverence' with a Christian space science unit. I had been looking for more unit studies that we could do together so we could do more things together, and I could feel less pulled between them. 

So I looked up a few options and downloaded the sample pages. When I saw the opening line that read, "In the Bible, we read, 'Oh Lord, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth...When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon, and the stars, which though hast ordained (Psalm 81:1,3)," I purchased it immediately. In this world where we teach the big bang theory like facts, a space science curriculum focused on God, the creator of the universe, made my heart soar. 

Then, a few weeks later, when I was planning the classes by day, I got the idea of doing the Reverence character trait with the space science unit. Thank you, Holy Spirit! It would be a great way to kick off the new year and new semester to learn about the majesty of our God and proper reverence for Him. 

A short week in, I can confidently say, "this is going to be good." We have reread the creation story replicating each day in a poster board craft. We have learned what the solar system and galaxy mean. We have learned that many galaxies exist, and God created them all. We have read about God's awesomeness in Isaiah 40:12-14,22,25-31, but how He is still the God of details who knows everything about us too. 

But my favorite thing was something that one of my joy bugs said about God's nearness...

My Joy Bugs 

While we were learning about the greatness yet the nearness of God, we read about how He even knows the number of hairs on our heads (Luke 12:7). My middle son, always the witty one, asked with a playful look if that included the hairs in Papa's beard. After we chuckled together for a minute, I concluded, "well, his beard is on his head, so yeah, I guess so." 

Oh, how my joy bugs bring so much joy. 

We may not remember how giant the galaxy is in a few years, but I know there is one thing we will never forget, and I hope you never do, either. The God who created the immeasurable universe also knows every detail of your life. He loves you so much, He knows the number of hairs on your head (including the ones in you or your husband's beard!)

Let's Pray: 

Father, creator, and sustainer of the universe thank you for loving us so well that you know the number of hairs on our heads. Please help us stay focused on how great you are and how much you care as we enter this new year. We want to keep our focus and worship on You! In Jesus's name, Amen. 

Resource Links: 

Reverence