It is very easy to grab hold of one way of doing things over another and believe that this is THE way.  I have had to change tack a few times with my family as we grow together over the years.  I had become a little concerned that even in pursuing a “lifestyle of learning” there were certain methods that I was clinging too and information was about that emphasised this need or that.

I took a little break in my study for a while and let the dust settle so to speak.  I let things that had clicked with my heart come into fruition.  I gave my family time to start living their life.  I observed what was going on.  What was life-giving, what was dearth! 

A while on, I decided to read another of Marilyn Howshall’s articles and I was very excited to hear these words jump off the page….

Taken from “Liberate your Family’s Education” – catalogue insert p.10

“Marilyn’s Approach to Writing – modelling a process of building”

1.         Following my pattern indefinitely is no different than following any system that is not God’s way for you.   Even good methods that are founded on biblical principles are lacking if the Holy Spirit is not the one doing the directing.

2.         [Our] goal should be to become governed by principles, applying them uniquely to each family’s needs as God provides [them] the wisdom.

3.         I continue to model our processes that result in healthy products to bring clear definition to the principles I teach.  My hope in modelling through the written word, the Howshall family’s learning process, is that you will have a pattern to copy if you need it and only to the extent that you need it, with the goal that you allow God to develop a wonderful, unique, just-for-you, creative flow in your life that can begin only by following the Holy Spirit.  The fruit I long to see from my ministry is God’s signature on everything you do. 

4.         As you read my message, look for the principles and be grateful for any examples modelled but practice applying the principles uniquely as the Lord provides wisdom.

It makes me glad to see these types of comments and I must admit you don’t find these words in many how-to-homeschool books!  I need to heed her warning….Don’t look on this as a method – look for principles that I want to live our life by.  (Charlotte Mason method has the same issues – she wrote about principles – people have made it a method).