By Heather Walton

I have had restless legs syndrome since I was a child. As a result, I’ve been on Gabapentin for about 20 years. I recently learned that Gabapentin has some nasty side effects, including many that I personally have experienced. Apparently, you’re only supposed to stay on it for a short time. Therefore, I decided that I wanted to wean off. I do not recommend doing this without a doctor’s supervision, by the way.

I did not expect this process to be pleasant, and I didn’t know whether or not to expect it to be successful. I had learned about some natural remedies that intrigued me, so I decided to try it and see if it would work. I have been very pleasantly surprised. I have been using a homeopathic remedy called Magnesia Phosphoricum, manufactured by Butterfly Express. Every time my legs started to bother me, I put a few drops under my tongue. After a few days, I no longer needed it because I haven’t had any issues with my restless legs. So far, I’ve gone three nights in a row on half the gabapentin dosage I usually take (600 mg) without restless legs and without taking the magnesia phosphoricum. Soon I’ll try going down to 300 mg. I’m optimistic about the potential results.

Butterfly Express has many products, all reasonably priced, including essential oils, homeopathic remedies, salves, and more. I’ve signed up as an affiliate, and I’m trying out several of their products on myself and my family. I will update as I learn more. If you want to try any of their products, please visit https://butterflyexpress.shop/?beid=HWalton.

By Heather Walton

“A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.” (Luke 6:40 ESV)

Education is not a neutral activity, disconnected from the rest of life. Instead, it is a system of discipleship. The goal of education is to bring about change and to mold the student in some way to be more like his teacher. We cannot simply instill knowledge into our students;  we leave with them an impression of who we are, of our very essence. I believe that’s why James said that teachers are to be held to a higher standard (James 3:1); they bear a high responsibility for their students’ outcomes. They are disciple-makers.

Who do you most want to influence your children? What qualities should that person have? Can you hand-pick every person who has a part in the discipleship of your children? Perhaps not, but you likely have much more control than you think. Why? Because parents are responsible to be the primary discipleship-agents in our children’s lives. We can be our children’s primary teachers. And, for the most part, we can dictate what other influences are allowed in our children’s lives.

How is this possible? Through home educating our children. Home education equals home discipleship. There is no distinction. The term homeschooling can be somewhat misleading, because it carries an academic connotation. However, it is much more than that. Home discipleship is primarily about training our children up in God’s ways. Academics are important, but so are life skills and talent training, among other things. Above all, we should desire to instill in our children a love for God and for other people (Deut. 6:1-7; Matt. 22:36-40; Mark 12: 30-31).

We may delegate a portion of that responsibility to the church and to others, even to Christian schools, but we need to be careful to make sure that everyone we allow to influence our children is worthy of that privilege. Even the best intentioned teachers can steer our children wrong, and though we shouldn’t expect perfection, we should expect those who want to influence our children to have a holy and humble reverence for God’s Word. Those who don’t can inflict great damage.

The Lord had harsh words for hypocrites and for those who would harm the innocent (Matthew 18:6; Luke 17:2). We must be vigilant in the care of those entrusted to us. Our children will be disciples; the only question is by whom?

By Heather Walton

The new year can be a fantastic time to make needed educational changes. While some parents may be ready to pull the plug on public school, those who already homeschool may be ready for some new opportunities in the homeschool community.

If you have a middle or high school student, check out what A+ Education Solutions is offering, beginning Jan. 14. New Day Academy, a cottage-school program based on the principles of 19th century British educator Charlotte Mason, will operate Tuesdays and Thursdays. This program features real books, narration, Socratic discussions, and short lessons. Students will do the bulk of the reading and writing at home, and will meet to discuss the material, complete hands-on learning, and receive their assignments. Tuesday offerings include science, worldview/apologetics, literature, logic, and social time. Thursday features science, worldview/apologetics, writing, geography, and social time. Students may participate one or both days, as material on both days will compliment, rather than depend on, each other. Each day will cost $25/weekly.

Students will be taught in a small group by a certified teacher. Classes take place in Louisville near the zoo. This is a drop-off program, so parents are not expected to stay.

Those who register for this initial program have two advantages: They will get the first opportunity to enroll in the fall, and they will not have to pay a registration fee. They will be required to pay a deposit that will go toward their tuition. Tuition is due monthly on the last school day of the preceding month. A deposit of two weeks’ tuition is due to enroll. There are currently 5 spots open for each day for students in grades 6-12. Response will dictate whether additional classes are added.

The course schedule is as follows:

Tuesdays: $25/week

9:30-10:15 Science 

10:20-10:50 Worldview/Apologetics 

10:55-11:25 Literature

11:30-12 Logic 

12-12:40 Lunch/Break

Thursdays: $25/week

9:30-10:15 Science 

10:20-10:50 Worldview/Apologetics 

10:55-11:25 Writing 

11:30-12 Geography 

12-12:40 Lunch/Break

For more information, contact Heather Walton, heatherpwalton@gmail.com, or 502-438-4680.