Magnanimity

Through it all God has been faithful to our family in providing small retreats in our busy-ness and much joy even in the trials we have faced.

Charlotte Mason

One of the first books I read with regards to a Charlotte Mason lifestyle was Karen Andreola’s Charlotte Mason Companion. It was here that I came across the word magnanimity. I could understand from her writings the general meaning of the word but as the years rolled by I have begun to understand and live the principle.

Here is the definition taken from Webster’s 1828 Dictionary.
MAGNANIMITY, “Greatness of mind; that elevation or dignity of soul, which encounters danger and trouble with tranquility and firmness, which raises the possessor above revenge, and makes him delight in acts of benevolence, which makes him disdain injustice and meanness, and prompts him to sacrifice personal ease, interest and safety for the accomplishment of useful and noble objects.”

In our homes we are able to take the time to cultivate this very character in ourselves and our children. Just by the nature of a homeschooling lifestyle we can teach our children to have tranquil spirits, to love in spite of injury, to help and serve and to be benevolent with younger siblings. What a wonderful training ground our homes can be as we rest in the life that God has called us to as homeschooling families.

Some may wonder how magnanimity can be taught. Once mom has caught the vision of not responding in anger to situations, she can teach her children how to rise above situations and respond in love. Once mom has learnt to delight in acts of benevolence (kindness, compassion and generosity) she can teach this to her children. This is done by living example and by word.

Family and Sibling Relationships

Kindness, compassion, generosity and thoughtfulness are all characters we hope to see in our children as they mature. This starts right at home. Home is the best training ground for children to learn how to practically implement 1 Corinthians 13. One of the times I look forward to most are chore times. Chores in our home range from personal chores to room chores to house chores and additional chores to larger ones like cleaning cars, grooming pets and cooking meals.

It is in these times that I can see my children’s hearts and come alongside them and train them in the way they should go. When our children’s thought lives are full of noble, upright and great ideas they will happily get along and do the more menial things in the home. Add to this a companion to help with the chore, and the mix is perfect.

My favorite time of the day is when we all come together in the evening to prepare our dinner. This is where we catch up with one another, talk and laugh and listen to music as we work. What time of day do you take to work alongside your children?

Organizational Tips

The organizational tip this month takes the form of a book review. Each year I try and read one organizational book. In January I picked up a copy of Elizabeth George’s Life Management for Busy Woman with a voucher I received for my birthday. I have been so thrilled with this purchase. Elizabeth George is a well known Christian author as her books speak directly to the heart of Christian women. This book is no different. She calls woman to a higher standard of life management using Titus 2 : 3 – 5 as her basis. She covers the following areas: Managing your spiritual life, managing your physical life, your home life, your finances, your social and ministry life and your mental life. This book is worth every cent spent. For South African moms, it is available from Kalahari.net

Romantic Ideas

How does magnanimity translate in your marriage? A synonym for magnanimity is generous...and by visiting The Generous Wife website you can sign up for her daily tip to help you be generous in many ways to your husband.

Quote

“Homeschool is the best place to raise children to magnanimous. We can hold up to Jesus Christ as the perfect example of magnanimity for our children. We can endeavor to be like Him.” Karen Andreola, Charlotte Mason Companion

Living books

In the theme of magnanimity here are some books we have recently read that have stirred our hearts:
For younger children:
Night of the Moonjellies – Little Mark helps his gran at her hotdog stand for the summer. He works alongside the older members of the family, doing his share of the work with a happy heart and face.
Miss Rumphius – When she is young, Alice Rumphius is instructed to do something to make the world more beautiful. Still to this day in Maine there is a reminder to us to do the same.
For older children:
Gladys Aylward and George Meuller – both by Janet and Geoff Benge in their series Christian Heroes Then and Now
For parents and teens:
Faith Like Potatoes: The Story of a Farmer Who Risked Everything for God is the true story of Angus Buchan, a mighty man of God from South Africa. This story inspires one to absolute obedience to our Father God as He is faithful to us as we bring our lives to submit to His perfect will.

Other updates to Homeschool Curriculum for Life

After building this webpage flat out since March 2006, I have found that it has reached the tweaking stage. I know it is now time to pick up some of the things that I have put aside while getting the site up and running. I was so thrilled to receive my site earnings this week which now get prayed over and dispersed to where God leads.

I started this website as a further extension of my helping ministry for homeschooling moms as well as a way to contribute to the family earnings. Perhaps you are interested in building a website related to your interests, hobbies or ministry and as a way to earn dollars while you sleep...take this video tour or try this quick tour instead.