As a homeschooler I am involved in different homeschool groups. I
also read a lot to help me better myself as a parent and teacher.
I live in the Boise, Idaho area and I receive a monthly newsletter
called Treasure Valley Homeschool News(TVHN). It is put together
by Dave Forrey and his wife.
In this newsletter there are various functions that may be of interest
for homeschoolers to attend. There are also some wonderful
articles.
When my wife and I decided to have children we decided after our second
child one of us must stay home with them. Children are gifts from
God. I was the chosen one to stay home. We don't make a lot
of money and at times it is quite hard. However, below is an
article that encouraged me. Even though this is written from a
females perspective I believe that it can be applied to men as well.
Kelly Neuenschwander is parent whose husband has left her. She is
still dedicated to homeschooling her children. I have
printed her article because I believe she has an inspiring story.
She has faith and trust in God, and relies on the help of others.
I hope this story by Kelly will help you realize that what you are
doing is very important. I hope Kelly's circumstance will help us
be more dedicated to our children's schooling. I hope that her
story will help us realize that we need to think of others and maybe
help others. I also hope that her story will help many to reach
out to God for help.
The Fatherless
by Kelly Neuenschwander
"A Father of the fatherless, and a Judge of the widows, is God in His Holy Habitation." Psalm 68:5
God cares very deeply for the fatherless and for those he calls
"widows". What you may not realize, is that the word for widows
used throughout the Old Testament can mean either "bereaved"or
"discarded". Did you see that? Both those whose husbands
have died and hose who have been cast aside by a husband qualify for
special protection from Bod. He even promises to be a Husband to
the widow. In fact, the 54th chapter of Isaiah promises that God
will remove the shame of a woman who has been rejected by her
husband(v.4) and that God will ensure the peace of her children (v.13).
Oh, what a comfort God's word has been to me as I have sought to parent my children alone!
My husband abandoned our family nearly four years ago. I was
determined to remain steadfast in my commitment to our marriage in
spite of his confusing behavior. There was no way I was going to
become a divorce woman! Unfortunately, my husband wasn't
cooperating.
My primary concern was for my children. I was committed to home
schooling, but how could I proceed with that when there were bills that
needed to be paid? I was convinced that God had given me these
children as gifts and that He expected them to be my top
priority. As I searched God's word, I redouble my commitment to
be a "worker at home" and to keep educating my children myself.
There was on more thing, if God was really to be a "husband to the
widow," then it was time for me to trust Him to provide.
God has faithfully provided for us through the most amazing people and
situations. I do word from home to earn money. However,
most of our support is through God's people who are lead by His Spirit
in accordance with His promise to provide. It's a terrifying,
humbling, exciting way to live!
T.V.H.N would like to know if there are other homeschooling, single
parent families in the Treasure Valley. Our vision is to initiate
a support group and identify needs that can be met by the home
schooling community. If you, or someone you know is in this
position, please contact me at..."
(Side note from Bart Buskey. At this time if you would like to
contact Kelly because you have been divorced and would like some
support, whether you are a man or women, please send all inquiries to
me and I will make sure she gets your e-mail. Please leave me
your name and e-mail address.)
Kelly continues, "God cares deeply for the fatherless and the widow. So must we."
Isn't this just a fantastic story. What dedication Kelly has
towards her children. I believe that she has great trust and
faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. She is an example for many of us
to live by.
If you do not know who Jesus Christ is and you want comfort from
someone at all times I would love to introduce you to God and His son
Jesus Christ (Genesis 1, John 3:16, I John 1:9, John 14).
Maybe you need encouragement as you homeschool or you need
someone to pray with you through your spiritual and personal
troubles. Maybe you need someone to help you get started in home
schooling. If either of these apply you can reach me through
Fatherville.
Again, I would like to remind you that if you would like to contact
Kelly via e-mail please send your e-mail to me through Fatherville.
Remember, give your kids a hug and tell them that you love them. Give your wife a hug and tell her you love her.
Permission was granted by Kelly Neuenschwander to reproduce her article. Bart Buskey, Meridian, Idaho email at:
