Michele - I am the mother of two sons, Ben, age 36 and Danny, age 34. I began home schooling in 1981. Ben had attended a private, Christian school through grade 2 and his report cards said he was an average student. Danny attended the same school for Kindergarten and was going to be held back to repeat Kindergarten. When I was told that Danny would be held back I was stunned. He always seemed so bright to me. I took him for testing at a private organization and they told me not to let them hold him back - they said he was bright and that he would be bored. I also took him to a developmental specialist who said I should hold him back - she said he was a late developer and was not physically ready for formal learning. Oh my! What should I do? After much prayer and research I decided to home school. I taught both sons through grade 8. (It was during this time that I started Shekinah.) There were not many choices or information about curriculum at that time so I shared my limited learning experiences with newer homeschoolers and the need for a curriculum supply store became apparent. See the Company History for more about the store. Now, back to the kids. . .
Ben was graduated from Costa Mesa High School in 1991. He was co-valedictorian with 2 other students who were to speak on 3 different kinds of responsibility. Ben was chosen to speak on moral responsibility. He gave a graduation speech which pointed to God as the basis for true morality and testified to his fellow students the importance of loving and serving God. Of the 3 speakers, Ben was the one who had to stop during his speech because of the applause. Needless to say, I was very proud of him. I am thankful and humbled by God's work in the hearts of my children. Ben was graduated from Vangaurd University with his degree in Chemistry (summa cum laude). In 2008 Ben received his doctorate in chemical physics from UC Irvine. He married a beautiful, godly and sweet girl in 2001. I witnessed his first kiss at the altar. In August of 2004, God blessed them with triplets - 2 girls and a boy. Praise the Lord! They are expecting another daughter in March of 2010! You can see them at www.benandjana.com.
Danny was graduated from Calvary Chapel High School in 1994 with a 3.96 grade point average. He wrestled in school, won CIF and the Master's tournament, and was a member of the state championship wresting team, The Church Boyz. Their awesome coach was an ex-olympic wrestler, John Azevido. Danny earned his private pilot's license and instrument rating at the age of 17 - before he got his driver's license. He received a partial academic scholarship to Le Tourneau University. His desire was to become either a commercial airline pilot or a missionary pilot. He is a very fun loving kid who enjoys sky diving, target shooting, wake boarding, snowboarding, racquetball, and many other sports. Danny is a 'people person'. He possesses a special sensitivity to the needs of others, spiritually, emotionally and physically. He enjoys mission trips and sharing the Love of Jesus with others in his everyday life. Every other weekend in college he went to Dallas with a group of friends and played Christian music (Danny is a drummer) while sharing the love of God with the people. It has been such a joy to see the Lord working in his heart - filling Danny to OVERFLOWING with His love and grace. I cannot express in words my thankfulness. Danny loves God's Word and has taught the Bible at church and in home Bible studies. It is so awesome to have a son who God uses to draw folks, including me, closer to Himself. In May of 2007 Danny married a darling, sweet, godly, beautiful and kind young woman. They live in the Portland, Oregon area. Danny is an airline pilot and she is a flight attendant (No, they didn't meet at work - They met snowboarding and discovered they both fellowship at the same church!) After 18 months of trying, they are pregnant! It's too early to tell if the baby is a girl or a boy but they are thrilled and so am I! The baby is due sometime in September, 2010.
I am so thankful that our God is able to keep our children sanctified in the midst of this dark world.
I have three parenting tips for you. They are 1. Pray fervently for your children. 2. Pray continually for your children. 3. Pray thankfully for your children. "He who promised is faithful."
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