Happy at Home                                           

When I saw the cover of the last issue I thought, "This is perfect for me; I felt that way once." So as a home schooler I would like to encourage others and the people considering home schooling. I home schooled from kindergarten through sixth grade and then went to a private Christian school for three years. This year I was put back into home schooling. It was VERY hard for me to leave the school and the friends I had there. I had it in my mind to persuade my parents to let me go back. But God helped me to realize that home schooling was the way, and my attitude changed. I realized that with home schooling you have more opportunities. Please know that your parents only want the best for you, and they are not trying to ruin your life by home schooling you.

Nicole McLaughlin—Citrus Hts., CA

Not Alone

I cannot thank you enough for the encouragement I got out of the article "I Hate Home Schooling!" It helped me make a decision that I have been struggling with for a very long time. And that is to finish the rest of my high school years home schooling. I have been home schooled all my life (except for last summer when I went to summer school at our local public high school). I am proud to say that I have been home schooled this far; I will be even prouder to say I home schooled through high school. It has been far from easy, but I believe that it has been worth it. Praise God that we have the freedom to home school that we might not always have!

Your article made me realize that I am not the only one who struggles. Thank you for printing it.

Aimee Bower—Bermuda Dunes, CA

Been There Done That

I enjoyed Kara Griffith's article, "I won't be able to get into college!" As one who can say "Been there, done that," I can wholeheartedly agree with the suggestions Kara makes. The question of whether I could get into college with my educational background was really my only concern during my years at home. It turned out to be unfounded. Most of the colleges I worked with had heard of home schoolers and were more than willing to admit me, provided I had taken the ACT (or SAT) and the GED. Amazingly, I was awarded a full-tuition academic scholarship by a secular university—something I never dreamed they would give to a home schooler! It looks like home schooling may be losing its negative image among so-called professional educators.

Dakota Derr—Burlington jet, MO

Grandma's Got an Attitude

My 93-year-old grandma is living with us and yesterday I found her reading New Attitude, so your age range is limitless! I put an ad for pen pals in last spring, and I have received over 50 pen-pal letters! I want to thank you for the opportunity to build great Christian relationships with other home schoolers.

Bonnie Strickland—Salt Lake City, UT

Downward Trend

Please cancel our subscription. The magazine has become a disappointment instead of an encourager. I agree with Thomasine Morris (Spring '96) and would encourage you to step back and look at the downward trend.

Mrs. Scott Cuiley—Richmond, KY

Seek God's Approval

Don't feel you need to "state your approval" or lack thereof on things like "kissing when people get engaged." Sure, they should've waited, and sure, you could've left it out, but it wasn't presented in an "open for comment" sort of way. It was stated matter-of-factly. Yes, I agree with a lot of people that folks should wait 'til marriage before making any physical contact (It's good for a man not to touch a woman...), but whether Josh Harris says kiss all you want (I know you won't.) or don't even talk to each other, people need to go by the Word, not someone's approval. They need to know what the Word says.

Marcques Henderson—Sac, CA

Applies to Me Too

I love your magazine! I just got my first issue a few days ago, and even though I go to a private high school, I enjoy your magazine from cover to cover. It applies to me as well as home schoolers. Keep up the good work!

Stephanie Hartman— Fredericksburg, VA

Less Courtship

I completely agree with courtship, but would like it if you had less material per issue on the subject.

Karen Ruth Myers—Whitewater, KS

Spring Issue Favorites

I have been deeply touched by the quality and honesty of the magazine. I have learned from each issue. To print letters from unhappy parents takes courage. From what I've learned about you, Josh, I don't see an "unholy matrimony." Jiffy & Lou brightens my day! I am a very conservative Christian, yet I can definitely appreciate some humor. "A Real Man" was insightful and practical. In the "Standing Your Ground" column, the answer about fear was timely. "Interaction" about movies was fantastic. The biggest surprise for me was the story, "Katherine Entertains." I don't normally read fiction, but after I had read the first couple paragraphs, I noticed that there was a high-quality writing style. Then I was caught up in the moving account of the story. The lesson at the end, when Katherine prays and repents of her sin of being disloyal to her family, gripped me.

Jane Ann Sirignano—Bantam, CT

Christ Not Conservatism

After reading Joe Stevens' letter (Spring '96) I practically jumped for joy. It's so nice to know someone else believes the way I do. It seems there are too many people who have become too concerned with their country to think about how many singular lives are not being won to Christ. Working for the "restoration" of America and being loyal to her no matter what the cost has seemingly begun to take precedence over personal evangelism and bringing lost ones into the Kingdom.

There is a place for caring for our country and working to see right order established in it, but bringing some of its people to Christ will bring about more righteous, law-abiding citizens than will getting a pro-life candidate into office.

Our culture is so fallen that no conservative political victory could ever change it; but if we could purpose to meet the culture with godly actions and pure truth every time we step away from our home, church, or group of Christian friends, we might make a major impact in the "evil" around us. Christ considers us ambassadors in a foreign domain, for our true citizenship is in heaven; so let us behave as His ambassadors, with Christian love and meekness. This, instead of power, may have a greater effect on our "rivals" than we think.

Heidi Schoonover—fort Worth, TX

Just Like Lou

Your magazine is awesome. Keep it up. "Jiffy & Lou" is great and so true! A lot of my friends act just like Lou.

Naomi Higby—Whitefish, MT

Quite Discouraging

Thank you so much for making this great magazine. I especially enjoy "Interaction" and "Spiritual Disciplines." However, I have found the cartoon "Jiffy & Lou" on the back page to be quite discouraging. It makes home schooling seem something to be ashamed of, and courtship as well. I would highly recommend that you eliminate this cartoon, and replace it with your old "Fun Spread" and "Dr. Science," which were more enjoyable. I am writing this not only because I found the cartoon offensive, but because I know others have also.

Sarah Hall—Garden City, KS

Extra Time

Thanks for "Interaction" and "Standing Your Ground." One person wrote in saying that even if a movie isn't "bad," most of the time it's just a waste of time. That really ministered to me, and now I find I have a lot of extra time to use. (And I could always use extra time.)

You're helping me out abundantly! Keep up the good work!

Laura Joyce—via internet