2 Nephi 18

Did a week really pass already? Wow. This week I started teaching basic arithmetic to the kids, since we already "read" regularly. Now, if I could remind myself to read for my benefit as well as theirs, I'd have something going! Anyhow, onto what I came here to do: learn about God.

3 And I went unto the prophetess; and she conceived and bare a son. Then said the Lord to me: Call his name, Maher-shalal-hash-baz.
(Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 18:3)

Correct me if I'm wrong (please!), but is Isaiah here saying that he is the father of Maher-shalal-hash-baz? Say that ten times fast. Whew! Throughout Isaiah, he does talk of his wife as being his prophetess (I love that, so different from the words of Paul...what was his problem? Someday, I hope to find out that Paul's words were misunderstood, or not translated correctly...most of the time I feel he is a bigot, and too many women & children have suffered at the hands of their husbands because of his words--I still keep hoping they weren't his words. Luckily, modern day prophets have pointed out the words that contradict such teachings, and my husband has figured out the worth of a companion, not a servant. I love that man. Stephen, you are the best! You'd make millions if you taught men how to treat their wives.)

11 For the Lord spake thus to me with a strong hand, and instructed me that I should not walk in the way of this people, saying:
12 Say ye not, A confederacy, to all to whom this people shall say, A confederacy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid.
13 Sanctify the Lord of Hosts himself, and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread.
14 And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling, and for a rock of offense to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
15 And many among them shall stumble and fall, and be broken, and be snared, and be taken.
(Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 18:11 - 15)

I read this thinking of our little family. I'm often tempted to do other than what I am commanded to do with my children. For example, after much prayer, I really feel like I need to home school. When I study, I feel the same, but then it feels like the criticism of friends has a much stronger hold than the words of God, at times. Which is why I must repeatedly return to the scriptures and keep myself on this path. I know it will be hard. There's no doubt in my mind...I'm being given an obvious parenting stumbling block BUT I believe we will learn so much as a family, and grow so much as people, that we will not regret taking the path less traveled. Ahhh, Robert Frost (1915):
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth.

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same.

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

Now, I must add here that the decisions I come to for my family are not necessarily in any way the perfect solution for another, and as times change, what is perfect for our family may change as well. We really all need to turn to God & let him guide our path, putting our opinions & wishes for ease at bay. I frequently think to myself that our home would be cleaner, our lives more simple if we just put the kids in school, or maybe I could rest more & not care so much about the house and just enjoy them...but I keep feeling there has to be a balance I have yet to find, one where I'm not so tired & I feel like I accomplished something. It's an odd feeling to be excited about a clean floor, but I am to that point. BUT, as I read my favorite book of scripture, Proverbs, I determined that there must be more to life than clean...
4 Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox.
(Old Testament | Proverbs 14:4)

Let's rephrase that:
Where no children are, the house is clean: but much increase (in spirituality, love, knowledge) is by the presence of the children. I feel justified in this rephrase, as it follows this verse:

1 EVERY wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.
(Old Testament | Proverbs 14:1)

I've also been wondering how I could answer to someone when they question my family's decision to home school. I often feel put on the spot, because I don't want to offend them by saying that I don't think public school is good enough (since obviously, they do), and I don't want to belittle my decision, either. It's important to me that my children know that I'm as convinced of my actions as I say I am, and how can I show them this if I downplay our decision when others ask (in front of them?). As I read in chapter 18 (of 2 Nephi) today, I came up with my answer.

"I home school because I feel guided by the Lord that it is the right thing for my family to do. No literature, for or against keeping my children at home will change that conviction. When the Lord asks me to do something I know he will provide a way to do so, even if it pushes me to my limits. If he happens lead our family in another direction in the future, then we will go, but with the spirit of obedience--not of arrogance that our way is better, or with shame that our way is odd, but pure, humble obedience."
OK, so I won't give that whole speech each time I'm asked, but you get the gist.