Author: Mollie T. Cox

Memories, Parenting

Childhood Prepares

October 3rd, 2021
Mollie T. Cox

Today I know that memories are the key not to the past, but to the future. I know that the experiences of our lives, when we let God use them, become the mysterious and perfect preparation for the work he will give us to do.

Corrie ten Boom

Daily we prepare our children for their future. In my Father’s House narrates how Corrie ten Boom’s childhood prepared her for the Holocaust.  (See Here for more.)

When the family faced financial difficulties and Corrie’s mother was ill, her father taught Corrie The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms. Deuteronomy 33: 27 (ESV). Imprisoned at Ravensbruck thirty years later, Corrie recalled the conversation and it comforted her.

The Dutch family liked reading the same Bible verse in different languages. Corrie’s sister learned John 3:16 in German and Corrie learned it in English.  They recited the German translation many times at the German concentration camp.

After a schoolteacher slapped Corrie, she was comforted by her earthly father.  That memory drove Corrie to her Heavenly father after a Nazi slapped her.

Daily childhood events with enormous adult rewards.

Which childhood experiences have prepared you for adult struggles?

Homeschooling, Parenting

Start One Step Down (Or Two)

September 26th, 2021
Mollie T. Cox

The tide by the pier was lower than it had been on our previous visit. We didn’t need our memory.  Abundant remnants of exposed oysters—in the most interesting formations—confirmed it. They were latched onto a discarded whelk shell, wedged between rocks, partially buried in sand, covered in algae

How did oysters choose their mooring? Become anchored? Who were their predators?  

Where did I turn for answers? Picture books.

While homeschooling, an experienced teacher told me to introduce new information by having my sons read a book at least one level below their abilities. Not only would they have a quick overview, but the most important facts would be emphasized. Understanding and retention would be increased.

My friend’s advice was confirmed by my neighbor who taught middle school biology. Magic School Bus episodes succinctly covered information on her classes’ standardized testing.

I ordered several picture books from my library before I turned to the internet. My internet hits were oyster recipes, restaurant recommendations, mineral and vitamin content, and scientific classifications.

My friend’s advice was confirmed again. Begin with picture books for a good overview.

Where do you start?

Parenting

Make A Worry Jar

September 19th, 2021
Mollie T. Cox

Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

I Peter 5:7 (ESV)

I worried as a child. Especially during third and sixth grades, I worried far more than my parents and teachers could have realized.

Children and their fears haven’t changed much in fifty years. Friends have shared how much their grandchildren worry.

One of the things I learned along the way came from a friend’s granddaughter. Her younger brother worried so much that she made him a Worry Jar. He writes down what is bothering him and puts the paper in his jar.

The act of putting worries on paper can diminish their power. Even better, worries can be addressed and prayed about if they are made known.

Would a Worry Jar benefit your family?

Homeschooling

Grade Like A Professional

September 12th, 2021
Mollie T. Cox

I “liked” a boy when we were in the 8th grade. We became better friends in high school, and he wrote the sweetest words in my yearbook our senior year.

How did we meet? Kevin sat behind me in pre-algebra and graded my homework. Mrs. Parker began most classes by saying, “Pass your homework to the person behind you.”

Even though homeschoolers do not have thirty papers to grade each class period as Mrs. Parker did, we can learn from traditional teachers. (See Think Like a Professional Here)

Allowing siblings to grade each other’s papers can save time.  It is also a chance for the grader to practice humility and grace and learn themselves as they see their sibling’s work. Kevin was so nice that I never minded him seeing my mistakes.  I also thought he was a bit more lenient than Mrs. Parker.

How are you thinking like a professional?

Friendship

A Cup Of Tea

September 5th, 2021
Mollie T. Cox

Who will bring her a cup of tea?

That question was repeated multiple times as my aunt fretted about her daughter not having children or grandchildren to help her as she aged.

I have pondered my aunt’s concern since our conversation. Stores will deliver groceries. Restaurants will deliver meals. Ambulances will transport people to the hospital. Taxis or Uber will make errands possible.

But who will bring a cup of tea? Usually, intimate family and friends. Our expressions of love and concern may be the simplest acts.

Thank you to all who have brought me cups of tea over the years.

Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward.

Psalm 127:3