The Pillars of the Earth

For the pillars of the earth are the LORD's, and on them he has set the world.  1 Samuel 2:8

I chose 1 Samuel 2:8 as this year's theme because it reminds me that the world, the universe, time, space and all things are under the Lord's dominion and belong to him.  As we study ancient civilizations, many questions may arise: Why were there so many pagan cultures?  Why did the Israelites continually go astray when God's presence seemed so clear?  How could ancient civilizations put so much faith in mythical gods and superstitious practices?  Younger children might ask: What happened to the dinosaurs?  How did Adam and Eve's family grow when there were no other people on earth?  Why did God allow so many battles and wars?

These and other queries are natural responses to historical accounts, and while they're not easily answered, they prompt us to search Scripture and other sources.  God has revealed to us exactly what we need to know; this is not to say He has given us all He knows.  As Edmund A. Steimle (1907-1988) writes, "There is a mystery about the nature and ways of God that you and I can never expect to fathom entirely-otherwise God would not be God.  We do but touch the fringe of his garment."

The pillars of the world are the Lord's.  We belong to him and He balances the world on the foundation He has established.  The mysteries embedded in centuries past are part of God's design and are above our understanding.  It is wise for us to humbly approach the story of God's universe, remembering that, "It is His act alone that gives the laws any events to apply to.  The laws are an empty frame; it is He who fills that frame-not now and then on specially 'providential' occasions, but at every moment.  And He, from His vantage point above Time, can, if He pleases, take all prayers into account in ordaining that vast complex event which is the history of the universe."  (C. S. Lewis, God in the Dock).

And so, we proceed into the future, dwelling in the peace and safety of our Mighty Creator.  I leave you with words to ponder from the hymn "Of the Father's Love Begotten".

Of the Father's love begotten ere the worlds began to be,

He is Alpha and Omega, He the source, the ending He,

Of the things that are, that have been, and that future years shall see
Evermore and evermore.

Art Suggestions

Summer days provide a perfect context for sketching and experimenting with artistic styles and media.  Removed from the structure of daily school life, children often enjoy their freedom to explore wonders of creation and investigate their properties through art.  If you haven't done so, consider gathering some pencils, pens, paints or anything else of interest and take a jaunt outdoors for some impromptu art.

I favor realistic art, particularly highly-detailed botanical paintings, for many reasons.  In studying a simple flower or plant, we develop our perception and ability to recognize how lines and shape work together to create form.  By trying to copy an everyday object, we slow ourselves down and come to appreciate the finite details which make up God's grand universe.  

The American Society of Botanical Artists has a fabulous collection of pieces which demonstrate various techniques in botanical art.  If you have a few moments, take a look at their artists' gallery.  http://amsocbotartists.org/ASBA-MembersGallery.html

Thank You

Thank you to everyone who attended Monday's information meeting.  I very much enjoyed speaking with you all, and I'm excited for next year!  In fact, I'm almost ready for summer to be over so we can begin the journey of history, writing and art.  (I added an art page to provide more information for those who are interested.)  Please feel free to contact me if you have questions or concerns, and certainly take your time to decide about next year.  It's important to feel confident about the decisions we make regarding our children's learning.

In the beginning...

"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." Genesis 1:1

"In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." John 1:1-5

And thus begins the history of mankind and God's continuing intervention in humanity.

God, Give Us Men!

God, give us men! A time like this demands strong minds, great hearts, true faith and ready hands; Men whom the lust of office does not kill; Men whom the spoils of office cannot buy; Men who possess opinions and a will; Men who have honor; men who will not lie... From "God, Give Us Men" by Josiah Gilbert Holland

What makes a great man? Strength, honor, glory? Power, wealth, fame? Humility, faithfulness, truth?

We can discover great heroes of ages past by plunging into history's vault through literature, art, and music. We have the privilege of observing their actions from the safety of the present day, and likewise the freedom to investigate with depth and vigor. Ours is an age of ready information, a blessing which brings challenges along with benefits. In our search for historical accuracy, we are forced to sort through the overwhelming amount of photos, opinions, contradictory dates, unreliable facts and veritable fluff that saturates our media sources. Though we can't always be sure our understanding is precise, we can certainly strive for clarity.