I think I mentioned that we have a theme for our year of homeschooling this year. The school the girls used to attend always had a spiritual emphasis theme every year and it just seemed like a good idea for this one.
The funny thing is that the theme one year was "whatever"--but it was the whatever found in Philippians 4:8-9 that tells us to think about whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy.
That was a thinking whatever. This year, our whatever is a doing whatever.
So on the first day of school, we talked about what these verses mean. What words are repeated? What words don't we understand and need to look up? Here's what Audrey and Emma came up with as the most important things to remember:
Do whatever with a thankful attitude.
Do whatever with all your heart--the best you can do.
Do whatever for Jesus.
What does that look like for us and for school? I asked.
Write neatly! Take my time. Pretend that Jesus is the teacher to whom I'm turning in my assignment.
Pay attention to what I'm doing. If I'm doing math, do math with all my heart. If I'm reading, pay attention to that and don't worry about whatever is coming next.
Even if I'm doing my least favorite subject, be thankful that I can learn.
There's lots more, of course. And it's something we talk about every day we do school. We start the school day with one of the girls reading these verses and then praying that God would help us do this. All of us. Me included. Because I need to remember to be thankful, to teach with all my heart, to do a job well rather than cutting corners because it's faster or easier.
The girls are getting it. And so am I. Whatever I do matters. Because whatever I do--teaching, running, laundry, cleaning house, talking with a friend, spending time with Toben, cooking dinner, studying Greek--can be something done for God.
And that pretty much changes everything.
Wonderful reminder. I sure need to adjust my heart, mind and attitude toward the many "whatevers" of my life.
Posted by: Beth | September 17, 2010 at 09:12 AM
I never comment but I have you on my blog list so I can follow you. I really like this! We homeschool and I might use this...if you don't mind, that is.:)
Posted by: Mindy Rauschenberger | September 17, 2010 at 10:35 AM
an uplifing way to use the word 'whatever' - teenagers in the UK use the word in a disgruntled or apathatical way 'whatever' - but you have given your girls the true meaning of the word.
Posted by: Judith | September 18, 2010 at 06:08 AM
Wow! I have so been struggling with that here and trying to figure out how to address it in my son's character. Now I have the verse! May thanks,
Kim Feth
Apex, NC
Posted by: Kim Feth | September 18, 2010 at 01:59 PM
Love it! Will be using it for my middle schoolers!
Posted by: Megan Wighaman | September 18, 2010 at 03:22 PM
I am totally stealing your idea! These verses were just what I needed to hear!
Posted by: Tara | September 18, 2010 at 06:08 PM
I just found your blog.. I was googling making pumpkins.. great instructions.. and I love your idea that you are using for your homeschooling.. it is nice to see your love of Christ being taught along with the Reading, writing and arithmetic!!
Posted by: Laura Krasinski | September 19, 2010 at 11:02 AM
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http://motheringinashoe.blogspot.com/2010/09/versatile-blogger-award.html
Posted by: Tracee | September 20, 2010 at 04:09 AM
Cool to see you using this verse too. I was just talking with my youngest about this and applying it to him playing his sports, and doing it all for the Lord, not for his own personal recognition. He liked it and "GOT IT" so much so that we are having the verse made out of vinyl lettering and put it up in his room. God must be putting this verse on many peoples hearts right now. Very Cool! Hope your new year for homeschooling is off to a great start! Miss you!
Posted by: Amy | September 20, 2010 at 11:41 PM