My name is Melanie Lippert. I am an ordinary, conservative Christian mother who chooses, with God’s help, to lead an extraordinary life at home among my children, teaching and training them. My husband, Andrew, and I met at Tennessee Temple University. We were married in 1983 and we have been blessed with eight children ( 7 boys and 1 girl), four of which were hospital births and four were midwife assisted births. In either case, I enjoy God’s gifts to me! My oldest son, David (26), drives a tractor trailer rig in the North. My next son, Chad (24), works for two restaurants and has his private pilot’s license and is working toward his instrument rating. My third son, Dustin (21), attends Pensacola Christian College – (Graphic Design). All of them are waiting on God’s best for a lifetime mate. My daughter, Harmony (19), also attends PCC, majoring in nursing. My other sons are Veith (17), Seth (13), Benjamin (10), and Brion (7).
We have homeschooled since 1990 in a traditional way, but have since added some classical studies and practical experiences for the high school years. Our favorite curriculum includes BJU HomeSat, A Beka, C.L.A.S.S., Plaid Phonics, and Saxon. We add a little music, art, Latin, and logic, plus speech/debate to spice up the year. Our Bible curriculum is made up from the first three providers, and Path Through Proverbs studies for school devotions.
I have often felt God urging me to reach out to encourage other mothers like myself who desire God’s best. I do not have all the answers, but I am glad to share what God has taught me. I, too, am blessed when others help me with ideas and advice as I continue on this journey. It is a tall order in 2011 to fulfill our duty at home with joy. I welcome your fellowship in seeking peace and holiness while teaching our children likewise. We can reap good fruit for our labor, if we choose daily to be diligent in our ministry at home!
Like many of you, we live frugally just for this joyful privilege of homeschooling. We live in a small city in a very small house on a small budget in Texas. Since I am very petite, this seems very fitting. Over the years, I managed to learn how to clean, cook, sew, bake and budget. I am still learning new things about frugal Christian living every year. I am not very good at growing things (though I try every year) so I mostly shop generic and cook simple homemade meals. Besides the Bible, an interesting book I have recently read is “Gifted Hands”, the Ben Carson story, and “Jumping Ship” by Michael and Debi Pearl.
Some of you may believe a homesteading lifestyle to be better, and I respect such differences as living in obedience to your husband’s plan for your family. We can still agree on the heart issues and real values that are essential for godly living. Surface differences of birthing, location, bread-baking, etc. ought not divide us when the heart of motherhood is training children. It is our ministry. When moral or spiritual issues crop up in your friendships, it is charitable to speak the truth in love to restore the heart and heal the spirit even when you still may differ.
Regarding values, I am solidly pro-life, believing that abortion is always wrong. I believe every word of the Bible is true and is the only standard for faith and practice. I believe in the virgin birth of Jesus. His death and shed blood paid for my sins, and He was resurrected the third day. I believe the KJV is worthy and honorable as the preserved text for English speaking people. Even if your family uses a different version, it is still essential that you read God’s Word and search it daily to grow in grace, faith, and love.
