A few years ago, this was a very basic rule in our house.
Everyone did Bible first — Every Day! No Exceptions, Bible always came first. On days when we had COOP; or dentist appts., or whatever — Bible might have been the only subject we got done at home that day. When my kids tried to alter this I’d say, “No, Bible is the most important thing you study; and I want to make sure that no matter what else happens today you have studied your Bible lesson.”
I don’t say it (most days), but I am always thinking this: “No matter what else you accomplish in life; a Love for God is the most important thing I am trying to teach you, model for you, and impress upon you as an ideal state for living. I am not very good at it, but I am trying. If you can’t spell, you can’t write, you work a factory job for minimum wage every day for the next 60 years; but you love God every day and serve Him faithfully every day in that factory, I will be one happy Mama. Faithfulness to God is the highest aspiration.”
Obviously, I do want my children to aspire to their best; but God must come first.
(Originally published in May of 2010.)
I am sitting here wondering why we have gotten away from this practice and how we can bring it back around to this bottom line as we head into our new school year. When we put Bible first, our days went so much more smoothly and our schoolwork was done so much more professionally. As my children grew older, I have allowed them to stray from my Bible First mentality and set their own schedules. I think we are reaping the fruit of that decision today. No matter what else happens, Bible must be first in our home.
Cristi says
May 23, 2010 at 11:51 AMI love this idea, but can you give me some specific? I work better in details. 🙂 What programs and materials have you found that works well with your children? My big kids have done Awana through the school year, but that’s over (and we may not get to continue next year). They read Bible materials most nights with my dh, but I’m looking for good materials either for them to work through on their own or as a group with me in the mornings.
amyb says
June 7, 2010 at 5:36 PMOkay, Cristi I tried to give some more details in a recent post.
chris says
June 16, 2013 at 7:17 PMOur bible study isn’t first but we all do our own personal devotions BEFORE breakfast. This includes my 6 year old who is reading princess bible devotions. This is an every morning thing and works well for us.
amyb says
June 18, 2013 at 10:23 AMChris — This is a good practice to differentiate between Bible study for homeschool, and personal morning devotions. Thank you for sharing!
Jessica says
January 13, 2014 at 10:09 AMI just found this on Pinterest and I agree with you wholeheartedly. I just need some help and guidance in what to do with my 2 littles everyday. What curriculum did you use or devotion books… Thanks!
Amy Blevins says
January 13, 2014 at 3:01 PMWhat ages are your little ones?
Rose says
August 3, 2015 at 3:24 AMAs a young woman that was home schooled my entire life in a Christian home and now am completeing a bachelor degree in high school education I’ve got a few things to say. Firstly, a love of God and discipline in devotion is a necessity but so is an adequate education according to the law. I have a sister who’s children read the bible every single day but all go to a regular school. Was the option of homeschooling mainly for increased Christian influence? If so, how do you ensure they have adequate education?
Amy Blevins says
August 3, 2015 at 11:29 AMRose, you make a very valid point. Of course children in private or public school can still start their day off with the Bible. I was raised in the public school and my Dad had us read the Bible to each other every morning for years. As far as ensuring my children get an adequate education – that question indicates to me that you have not done your research. Don’t believe everything the college professors tell you. Research the success of homeschooling for yourself. If you read just a tiny bit on the subject from a party not starting out from a public school bias, you will discover that homeschooling children are going on to do amazing things, attend amazing universities, and live full and rewarding lives in every possible profession. My question to you is – how in the world are you going to ensure that (someday) your own children get an AMAZING education if they are stuck in the public school system?
Tawny says
October 10, 2015 at 2:25 PMI agree with you Amy. I want my children to have a love of God first and foremost, something that is becoming so rare in a day and society like we live in. Especially when God isn’t allowed into public schools the effects of that is self evident.
I would like to commend you on your respectful & knowledgeable response to the post that was a bit berating and naive.
Amy Blevins says
October 11, 2015 at 12:07 AMThanks. I appreciate your support.
Jackie Cramner says
December 11, 2016 at 10:14 PMI have started Homeschooling My two girls i have also started putting the Bible study first in our day. But i was woundering if you have a web site that i can go to and print out bible lessons on what we are talkingabout also other work sheets from thebible if you could help me i would aprciate it