Back by Popular Demand

MONA P 02/06/2009 11:39:02

Thanks for these thoughts. I want homeschool moms to know that I do appreciate them. I am a certified teacher who is on sabbatical this year. This time the Lord has allowed me to have has opened my eyes to just how bad things have gotten in the public school system. I have been considering homeschooling my own daughter due to peer pressure and borderline abuse from high school teachers who are frustrated with the way teens disrespect them, so everyone suffers. It has broken my heart to see what our children are exposed to on a daily, hourly, moment-by-moment basis! Praise God for those who can stand strong for Christ in this environment. But, so many lack the foundation to do this, which is learned in our homes (Deuteronomy 11:19-21) To quote Adrian Rogers, the famous Baptist minister, "We complain because it is not allowed to display the ten commandments. How many of us have them displayed in our homes and are teaching them to our children?" Our children are our God-given responsibility; not the school's. Keep on keepin' on. The Lord will bless you immeasuably more than you could ask or think (Eph. 3:20).

SANDY F 02/04/2010 09:13:34

Thanks for the article and thank you too, Mona. My heart is broken right now as well with all that our children endure in a public setting. We are dealing with critical teaching issues and blatant bullying with one our middle school child. We, like you, are praying about homeschooling as well. God bless you as you seek what is best for your child.

JENNIFER D 02/04/2010 12:34:54

I brought home my five children ages K- 6th grade this year. It was the best thing I could have ever done. I was always supportive of homeschooling but never imagined doing it myself. Now I wonder why I was so hesitant. My heart sings when my children tell me how much they love homeschooling and I know they are getting a better education that supports our Christian values. I encourage you to pray and go where God leads. His plans for you and your family are for good.

EMILY H 02/06/2010 11:00:41

I\'m not sure that moms who have begun homeschooling in the past four or five years realize the isolation of the pre-Internet era of homeschooling. I started in the mid-1980s. By the time my youngest child was ready for formal homeschooling in 1993, the only thing that kept me going was my unshakable knowing that God was in this. I had heard the \'over-protective,\' and \'crazy\' was said behind my back. My ability and sanity were questioned by anonymous cowards who wanted to hide behind the skirts of Child Protective Services.

When I got internet service in 2000, the first thing I did was seek out a homeschooling forum. I made a comment once that \"There were no trophies.\" My comment was treated as if it were sacrilege. How dare I observe the truth! How dare I not embrace the sacrifice!

I quickly learned that the way many other homeschoolers had dealt with the absence of affirmation was to indulge in the pride of martyrdom. It is very sad. I knew there weren\'t any trophies going in. I hadn\'t expected any. But I ought to have been allowed to grieve, to express a lament that it is sad that the world discounts the treasure of home education.

HOLLIE H 02/06/2010 12:41:01

Mama H

This seems to have been written specifically for me. Since we started homeschooling four years ago, those who I thought were my closest friends have apparently forgotten me and my parents and siblings think I\'m a complete nut. Honestly, some days I\'d have to agree with them- the homeschooling lifestyle is definitely not for wimps.Thankfully, there is only One whose opinion truly matters in my life and it is Him who I wish to serve. Rejection still stings though, so thank you for reminding me that there are other moms who understand. Could be that we actually have many like-minded friends who we just haven\'t met yet.

STACY D 02/06/2010 20:02:17

I\'m bringing home my older daughters -- 11 and 8 -- after this school year to homeschool. My youngest girl, 4 this July, won\'t ever go into public achool. I\'m very nervous, I have to admit, but one of my favorite sayings is \"God doesn\'t call the equipped, He equips the called.\" They also say brave people aren\'t necessarily not scared. Oh, amen to that.

JOSE T 02/06/2011 04:48:17

I am a 52 yr old dad with a 5 yr old daughter. I have been unemployed for over 3yrs now and \"downsizeing\" is an understatement. I have been given the opportunity to be a stay @ home parent. I believe homeschooling is the direction I should follow. I want to first applaud you ladies in ur decision, and thank you for the words of encouragement. On an added note I just dont believe in the public school system unless u are in a well to do upper class area, and even then I think the system is stacked against the best interest of the child. If for no other reason than the huge cuts that are being taken on the schools and the teachers.

TERRI LEE S 02/06/2011 06:55:57

I would encourage you all to look for a homeschool co-op in your area if you haven\'t already. Our family started homeschooling in OK after I discovered that the children weren\'t getting proper supervision/value lessons in our own denomination\'s private school. Co-ops provide opportunities to meet with other parents, have your kids socialize with other kids, group field trips, classes such as p.e. and/or whatever the group decides. I miss my peeps from MYHELP. We are living in Ecuador now (but that\'s another story). God bless!

JOANNE H 02/06/2011 09:59:05

This message came at just the right time for me. Thanks.

LAURA S 02/06/2011 10:01:21

Wow this really spoke to me. I actually had a (what I thought was) dear friend who is Christian decide not to be my friend anymore because of my decision to homeschool. Since I came to Christ I have watched most of my \"friendships\" fall to the wayside. So the prayer really hit home for me today! Blessings,

Lauralai

BRENNA H 02/06/2011 11:03:20

Dearest Homeschooling sisters, We are a different breed with a different calling. God has such a plan for our children, we cannot even imagine. I am a homeschooling mom who does not actually love teaching. I am now living in the freedom to say so. I thought for these past three years that I was the only one who maybe thinks that. Although I stand firm in the knowledge God has called me, I do not love it. I love my children home with me, but it is a tough job being mom, teacher, housekeeper and homemaker. I have a great husband, who supports me as much as he can. He gets to leave the house 9 hours a day. I am at home keeping the peace while educating. I am so blessed to be able to and I thank God everyday. I just wanted other homeschooling mothers that if you do not love it, that is okay. It took me a few years to realize that loving the activity and knowing the extreme value of it are two different things. I also found a computer school program for the girls that is a game changer. Remember ladies, we serve an AWSOME GOD who holds us up when we feel as if we are in a free fall. Peace and Prayers, Brenna

CHRISTY P 02/07/2011 00:20:15

This was such an encouragement to me!! Thank you so much and thank you to all of you precious people who commentedwere just as uplifting and encouraging! May God bless each of us as we teach our children!

ANGIE W 02/07/2011 09:36:15

Homeschooling is beginning to sound better and better every day. God has put so much on my heart, I\'ve just got to let some of it out. Yes, I have decided to homeschool starting this next fall, just letting the kiddos finish out this year. Even though it breaks my heart to send them as my 10 yo daughter tears up because shes had enough. This same daughter had a rough kindergarten and first grade due to her teachers. The K teacher needed to retire and the 1st had only taught 1 year,not long enough. Going into the 3rd nine weeks she told us she was extremely behind in reading. Wasn\'t on the reading level they wanted her on! She was level 5, supposed to be on 18. We started tutoring ASAP, then through the whole summer. Make a long story short, she ended up being tested for all learning disabilities. Not a one! She went to Sylvan Learning Center for 6 months starting in Feb. of her 2nd grade year and her whole summer! I commend them for what they did, 1 on 1 is all she needed. She is now in 4th and is excelling in everything! She doesn\'t have a disability, she is just a perfectionist and does everything a little slower because she doesn\'t want to get it wrong. Who said we have to be a speed reader all of a sudden, as long as their retaining it! On another note my 3rd grader has went through pretty much the same thing, she\'s just faster and gets board. The other day her teacher had them take home some math homework. Setting at her desk she finished it in just a few minutes before they got out, looking at the paper, it blew my mind how she did it! But her teacher made her go back and ERASE THE WHOLE PAPER because it was for homework!! So she just brought it home and filled it back out, AGAIN. I checked it and everything was right. Beats all I\'ve ever seen! Don\'t be too slow, but on the other hand don\'t go too fast either. This is just a taste of what I\'ve delt with. So on that note I really don\'t care what people are going to think because I\'ve had enough. And what God has put on my heart to do has far greater rewards, they can\'t take their test scores with them in the end, and I don\'t want my kids to be exposed to what their already being exposed to in just elementary school. I can\'t imagine higher grades. I know I\'ve already said so much, but I just had to get this off my chest. Hopefully their will be someone who will understand exactly what I\'m going through right now, just counting down the weeks until summer!! (and no more public school)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

JOLENA W 02/07/2011 17:47:56

To Angie; I understand completely what you are going through I have two daughters 16 and 9. My 16 yr. old went to public school thorugh 7th grade. All during her last school year we had teachers harrassing, and verbally abusing her. It breaks my heart to know that any child would have to go through this. We\'ve been homeschooling now for 3 years, and I have had thoughts of putting them back into school. After reading your post however I\'m reminded of what all my daughter went thorugh and will NOT put them back in. Thank you Lord for the reminder!!!!!!

TAMMIE P 02/11/2011 08:36:13

I am glad I retired to take on this challenge. I worked for all my life, raised my two older girls who now are out on their own, and we have raised our grandson for quite a few years now. My highschooler does go to regular school though. We found out in our grandsons k and first grade year that he has adhd and needed one on one help that the school district could not give. their one on one help classes had an aide a teacher, and 35 kids. ok, in my eyes that is not one on one....more like 15+ on one. I retired from 19 years at albertsons to homeschool our grandson. this is the fifth year we have homeschooled. I use the city schools work stuff, but in Science and history I use Lifepac. It has teachers books and childrens books that you need all in one box. Everything for a whole year. The best thing I could of ever gotten. Because we did not evolve which they teach when the children get to the sixth grade. God made us all and made us different from the other. It has been good for me too, I have learned some about the Roman Empire back in the day of Christ. I am able to understand Pauls journeys a little better knowing the background of the country there. I urge you to use the Lifepac series at least in those two subjects. you and your children will learn a lot of great stuff. Well, Good Luck to you all.

Tammie

TAMMIE P 02/11/2011 08:55:52

to Angie W

If it was me, I would check into taking them out now, and start homeschooling now. You should have a place that the city schools puts on a homeschooling site. They check out books to you for the year for free. Sign them up now so you will have a spot for next year if there is no room now. you can choose what you want to use of their materials and purchase your own stuff like I do in Science and History, as I do not think we evolved. God made us.

I use LifePac, it gives the teachers answers, and the childrens work, which is unusual with some programs, you will have to purchase the two seperate. I think I paid something like 50-60$ apiece. I did purchace a video to go along with the science, only because we do not do every experiement, and can watch it being done, so we can at least get the gest of what they are talking about. No one needs to be kept in the atmosphere that you and the kidos are in. So if you were thinking the same thing as me, there must be some thing to it. Start looking into all of your options now. And trust God, if you rely on him, he will show you the right thing to do. You and your husband need to agree also. you definately will have an adjustment, do not get overwhelmed. I have a grid to follow, but we only do one subject a day, and that is good for the whole week in that subject. I used to stress out on doing like the schools do, 4 or 5 subjects in one day, but this way I do it, My grandson and I are able to connect better together, and discuss what we are learning. Did you catch the WE part. good luck

AMY C 02/06/2012 05:10:53

To Angie W

I just pulled my 3rd grader out of public school to Homeschool him with only 4 months left of school. I thought \"what am i waiting for?\". So I just called the school board and they told me what I needed to do, and it was actually very easy! Some of the curriculum I chose had placement tests that I could download for free, and after taking them, I decided to have my son skip the rest of third grade and start 4th grade now. He doesn\'t have to be evaluated until next January, so we have all year to go through it if needed.

CHERYL L 02/06/2012 05:39:29

I also pulled out my 8th grade daughter in Jan. for many of the same reasons. God had put it on my heart to homeschool my children many years ago but I allowed the devil to convince me it wasn\'t the right thing to do. After a few middle school years of bullying, and peer pressure, my oldest daughter prayed about it along with me and made the choice to be homeschooled. My 6th grade is going to finish out the year and she will begin this fall. This is not the right choice for everyone, but it is for us!! I LOVE it! I get questions also with people thinking I am nuts...but I KNOW this is a calling from God and I will be obedient to him. Thank you so much for the devotions, I always start my morning out with them!

CARRIE S 02/06/2012 06:20:23

This is our first year homeschooling. I had made the decision last April, along with my then 1st grader, that we would homeschool. He wanted to start right then and there, but I was not ready I told him...so he finished out 1st grade and we\'ve never looked back. I was SO afraid to tell anyone our decision, but I finally did. To my surprise it was met with much support, even my brother...that was a shocker :o) Everyone I told was very supportive, most said \"Good for you!\" (school teachers included) or \"I wish I could do that, but.........(insert many excuses)\" I have had the \"What about friends?\" question come up, but just out of curiousity, I tell them my son has MORE friends now, than he did while \"in\" school. I thank God everyday for all the support and encouragement I get. However, even with all that, lonliness does set in. We have recently joined a homeschooling group (that I found through a woman at my newly joined church) and this helps tremendously. God has made it exceedingly clear that this is what we are supposed to do. *Sorry, a bit long winded ;o)

MONA R 02/06/2012 06:25:59

To Angie..I was thinking the same thing as the others.. What are you waiting for? Dont let that precious gift from God tear up one more time. I was a public school teacher for 20 years and resigned to teach my son at home. We are in 11th grade now. I tried many of the other curriculums but SOS has been what fits my son best.. You can do this .. It is not easy but you will be so much happier to see your children happy and stable at home. Dont count down the days.. Start \"Summer\" this week..we home school year round..:-) Good luck.. I will be praying for you.

SANDY S 02/06/2012 06:28:30

This daily devotion along with all the comments from other homeschooling parents gives me such comfort in knowing I am not alone. Thanks to all of you for taking the time to comment.

TRICIA M 02/06/2012 06:45:39

I am so happy to hear of all the parents who are making the decision to homeschool. No, homeschool is not the popular choice, but it is the best thing I have ever done for my children, and myself. I too made the decision to pull my children from public school because I did not like the issues they were having to deal with and we were only in the elementary grades. It is so sad to see the deterioration of the public school system, but as parents we have to rise up and take the challenge. God will provide everything we need to successfully teach our children if we will let Him. God bless you all in your endeavor of homeschooling.

ERINN L 02/06/2012 07:18:27

Amen!!

TRISH M 02/06/2012 08:02:42

Trish M in AL

I so enjoy reading these devotionals most every day! I too am on the journey toward Home Schooling! I started on this journey a little over 2 years ago and didn\'t realize homeschooling was the CALL until this past year! I have prayed very specific prayers and God has answered each time...I even prayed for a SIGN, and low and behold... a SIGN appeared on a truck advertising Home School Classes as we left church that Sunday!! God has a sense of humor!! Some of these devotionals have been an answer too!

My oldest daughter is in 2nd grade and WANTS to be homeschooled and I have a 4 yo son and a 2 yo daughter. I know God wants me to do this with no doubt, but I waiting patiently (*trying*) for my husband to get on board too. We haven\'t had any \"bad\" experiences yet with our public school other than some inappropriate conversations with peers, which is \"enough\" in my eyes...but again waiting on hubby to come to at least being willing to try it for next year..... I think he\'s getting there; just praying that God will open his heart and mind to the change and be willing to step out on faith!

Yet again, God is faithful in reminding me NOT to give up with this particular devotion! Thanks AO!

KATHY S 02/06/2012 08:52:12

WOW!! This is quite exciting today.

So many things we all have in commom, both pre homeschooling, and presently homeschooling.

People called me \"Overprotective\" long before I ever even thought of homeschooling!

God gives us our precious children, it\'s our job to protect and love and guide them.

So, I ignored them then when he was like 3 years old, and I ignore them now when my son is almost 13 years old.

O.K., I don\'t always ignore, I explain, then sometimes I have to be in an argumentative state.

Years back when my one friend homeschooled her 7 children, and expressed my need to do the same, I just politely told her, that it was great for her family, because she had a husband and 7 chiildren, in other words, the children had her husbnand, and 7 other \"friends\" already built in for interaction, myself being alone, with an only child, I thought it would be sad for my son, or lonely.

Little did I know how wrong I was!! He\'s thrilled to be alone homeschooled !

He\'s thrilled no one is \"swearing\" at him in the classrooms, and \"punching\" him or the other daily \"abuse\" in the halls.

But, at the time, I can remember saying to my friend \"I don\'t know how you manage homeschooling, and taking care of your home, and cooking ect., actually, instead of a critical attitude, I thought my friend was just \"exceptionally gifted\".

Alot of the people responding to this devotional must live in Illinois like me , with all the \"Horrific\" Public schools we have.( A little humor there),

I know there are \"Horrific\" Public schools everywhere.And actually, it\'s not funny, it is very sad for our children who have to live in this world and edure in this era.

But, since we are stuck in this world for now, we are so very blessed that we all have Jesus to count on, he eases our anxieties, he helps us through.

This devotionial is now the first thing I do in the morning, even before breakfast. It is a comfort, it is a place where I can go and know that I am not alone, and all the things I am experiencing, so has someone else, either now, or way beforehand.

I consider this a little \"supoport\" group. Thank you for being here always !

CHRISTOPHER M 02/06/2012 09:46:39

I worked law enforcement for five years, have three degrees, more law certificates than I could count using my fingers and was homeschooled. Some family and friends as well as other people I know still now that I\'m 10 years out of highschool down the concept of homeschool. I\'ve always felt out of the norm but am proud of who I am and what I have achieved. I gave up my career when my first daughter was born and when I realized I had my priorities in the wrong order. My wife and I decided that it was in the best interest of our family that I be the stay-at-home dad. I grew up with a father that was the type of person I put in handcuffs. I didn\'t want my kids growing up without a father because I chose my career over them. I have been looked down upon for not fitting in with the norm for years, from the homeschooling to the being a stay-at-home dad instead of providing for my family financially. But I believe I\'m providing for them by teaching and loving them and being a part of their life not just watching and standing by. My wife and I have now decided to homeschool our daughters both of whom are not to the age of academic studies yet but I want to prepare for their education ahead of time and not go into it without a plan. So again we face critics amongst our family and friends for a decision in which we don't fit in with society. My wife however is wavering based on fear of loss that our kids might miss out on the experiences she had from public school. I have tried to inform her that there are support groups as well as other activities in which the kids can be involved in to interact with other kids and families facing the same life challenges. If anyone could provide my wife with recommendations and advise it would be helpful. Thank you for your comments each day when reading the devotionals as they help me see that I'm not alone in supporting homeschooling and following God's word.

God Bless

KIM W 02/06/2012 09:57:38

Thank you ladies for Daily Focus and your encouraging comments to each other. My son\'s father is my biggest opponent in the home schooling debate. We are divorced and when we were married, he was fine with it. But now he claims he wants his son to \"have what he had.\" Although it is a only a power play, it breaks my heart to have to defend my choice constantly and to feel like he can\'t support what is obviously working for our son. He is in 6th grade now, he has never been to a public school, and he is doing great. He loves the Lord and has time to pursue leadership duties at church. I am so blessed with all that I have learned about my son and God on this journey. I just wish his dad could be a part of it all.

JENNIFER O 02/06/2012 10:04:09

I realize as I read this that it is God\'s plan for me to teach my own children. I have always wondered why I felt different fro the other Moms I know...I never cared to wear very trendy clothes, drive a brand new \"fabulous\" car, or build up my home with \"stuff\'. My children are EVERYTHING to me. I never fit in with most other Moms. After the birth of my 3rd daughter I finally found Christ, and I realize WHY I am the way He made me. I was FREED from worrying about what others thought of me. My daughters see a Mom who LOVES (does not bash!) her husband. (Sad how popular man- bashing has become in our culture!) and does not give 2 hoots what the \'world\' thinks! I care what my Father thinks of me. Bless all of you who are finding your way to the FREEDOM Christ gives.

SONYA S 02/06/2012 14:54:39

Angie W. If the Lord has called you, don\'t wait! Now is a good a time as any, you will be blessed as will your daughter. Step out in faith, the Lord will make a way. I wouldn\'t let anyone continue to harm my child. What will she gain from further suffering? The call to homeschool by the Lord is one of obedience to train your child Diligently in the Lord, you are already equipped by Him. If you are unsure of yourself, contact HSLDA and a local homeschool resource to help you with the mid year transition. HSLDA I\'d a legal support which I\'d highly recommended by many and costs little to belong to the group. God guide you in your seeking to train up your God-given blessing!

TERESA B 02/07/2012 08:28:09

I\'m so thankful for this! I am returning to homeschooling next fall. I started my first daughter off in homeschool and went up to first grade with her. During this time we had another daughter and shortly after that my husband lost his job, then both of my hips collapsed-we had no insurance, then we lost both of our homes-(one was a rental) then we had to relocate to the other end of the country, then I had to have surgeries to have joint replacements on both hips!!! LOL. Any way it has now been almost 2 years and I\'m ready to get back to where I was before all of this crazy stuff! Our daughter who will 9 is in a pretty good public school, but we notice that she has really moved further away from the Lord-this is the most important issue, there are others, she is an all a student, she probably needs to be learning at different levels. And then we have our little 4 year old who is ready for kindergarten, but she would not be able to get in to public school til she\'s almost 6. I have lots of what if\'s, that is why I love reading all of your notes you all are being used as encouragers. Thank you-Praise God!

DANIELLE M 02/08/2012 12:07:37

I am praying about homeschooling. I feel God has called me and all your comments are just reassuring me that he is able to perform in me what he has called me to do. We may be nuts according to the Worlds standards. We are fighting for the kingdom of God and Satan desires our children and families. Are we willing to fight? His Grace is sufficient. Pray for me that I will do God\'s will for my children and stand against those who think I am a nut! This is between me and the Lord. Thanks ahead of time for your prayers.

1 Peter 2:20 For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.

1 Peter 2:21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

1 Peter 2:22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:

1 Peter 2:23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:

1 Peter 2:24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

1 Peter 2:25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.