Walking It Out

"Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee" (Psalm 143:8).

Walking saved my life as a homeschooling parent. Each morning before my spouse left for work, I spent one hour rejuvenating with prayer and exercise. As I walked, I listened to inspiring music, and God spoke to my heart with encouragement for the day. Negativity and discouragement from yesterday's problems were pounded out with each footstep, and the fresh air and beauty of God's sunrise were taken in with each stride to uplift my weary spirit. However, whenever I allowed laziness or other distractions to rob this morning routine, my attitude and our homeschooling day suffered greatly. My daily walk with God became my refuge and the most important time of the day.

The Bible has many verses that illustrate the spiritual importance of how we are to walk with God. We are to walk in truth (Psalm 86:11), in newness of life (Romans 6:4), by faith (2 Corinthians 5:7), in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16), in the light (Psalm 89:15), according to His commandments (2 John 1:6), and as children of light (Ephesians 5:8). As we walk with God, He provides the strength and guidance we need to face the enormous task of homeschooling our children.

When was the last time you went for a walk? Let the physical discipline of exercising your body lead you to the spiritual discipline of exercising your soul. Then you will be able to say with the psalmist, "I will walk within my house with a perfect heart" (Psalm 101:2c).

Lord, I need You so much. Thank You for being there each day to walk with me and guide me through all the homeschooling problems. Give me the wisdom and strength I need again this day. In Jesus' name, Amen.

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Comments(26 comments)

SHANNON M 03/09/2009 07:13:35

Hello out there! I am considering homeschooling our 12 year old daughter. She is presently at a Christian school and the clique stuff that comes with it is very discouraging. I would like to make the switch after Spring Break. How do I do this? would welcome any thoughts-thanks!

CHRISTINA L 03/09/2010 06:51:49

It depends on the state you're living in. I totally understan what you're going through. I took my daughter out a month ago because of some of the same reasons. She also went to a Christian school. My daughter is 13 and likes homeschool more than the Christian school.

I live in NC and this is how I did it: I went to the NC Department for Nonpublic Education web site and filled out a simple form, attached my college transcript (we have to have a HS diploma), and sent it to the address given. Within a week, I was approved and took my daughter out of the Christian school.

Homeschool was a very positive experience for me when I was young, and I find its the best alternative for my children. There are groups all over the place that get together for activities so your children won't feel alienated.

In my opinion, public school is an intrusion on my family values. Private school isn't much better. This is a sad day and time to raise children, but I'm fiding that homeschool is one of the answers to some of the problems our young people are faceing toay.

SUSAN H 03/09/2011 03:28:02

Thanks for this reminder. I have allowed laziness to creep in to my life, both physically and spiritually. I used to walk several times a week, somehow I\'ve let it slide and am feeling the results of that. This was just what I needed - a shot in the arm!

To Shannon: I also have my three daughters in a private school, not Christian though. We are very, very disappointed and will be homeschooling starting next year. I have to pay for the remainder of this year so am keeping them there til the end and actually have to tutor them myself on the \"three R\'s\" here at home at the same time. Talk about frustrating. Its \"cliquey\" there too. I really expected better. My daughters are 11, 8, and 5, so I will have plenty to do next year but I don\'t see that I have any choice. God bless you in your decision. We wish you well and will be praying for you!

SUSAN S 03/09/2011 03:48:10

Shannon M...please remember about taking your children out of public or private school... you are not asking or waiting for \"approval\". You are INFORMING them of your decision. Big difference. Look up the homeschooling laws in your state. I live in VA and a good website is www.heav.org. (Homeschooling Educators of VA). There may be a similar site in your state. They have advice, laws, forms to print, etc.

SUSAN S 03/09/2011 03:53:09

There are also a lot of materials and curricula for home schoolers that allow you to teach History and Science to more than one age group at a time, keeping you from being pulled in so many different directions. When we learn something, we ALL learn it. I recommend the book For the Children\'s Sake: Foundations of Education for Home and School by Susan Schaeffer Macaulay to read for any parent who is thinking about or currently homeschooling. A breath of fresh air!

SHELLEY A 03/09/2011 06:07:44

I just withdrew my son from school yesterday and started homeschooling. We live in NY state and the agenda of ungodly things was very disturbing. My son is in sixth grade and came to me to do this. I am scared and excited. I know God is weaving his heart closer to HIM, which is amazing. We had a great day together and even though sixth grade math had me stumped at times, we got the help we needed. Good luck and God bless!!

CHERIE P 03/09/2011 06:09:02

I LOVE these spirituals! Although I am just beginning homeschooling with my son who is Bi-Polar and ADD, I\'ve had days like the one described above just trying to get him to do daily chores. I\'m going to download my Elvis gospel albums onto my iPod and get to walking! God Bless.

MELISSA H 03/09/2011 06:16:10

Thank you so much for this reminder. I too have let myself go spiritually and physically. Spritually to the point that I was trying to acomplish \"everything\" on my own and getting very frustrated and at the point of wanting to quit everything \"I\" had planned for our family (guiding our children to the Lord and adulthood through solid HS education). I\'m ready to hand this back over to the Lord!!!

ELAINE P 03/09/2011 06:45:37

I love these devotionals and look forward to them EVERYDAY! I removed my three kids from public school last year! Just could not take it anymore! Too much time taken away from learning and too much time spent preparing the kids for standard testing, fundraising, or other foolishness! My kids were unhappy and fed up with the attitudes of the staff and some of the children they would encounter. My son was so looking forward to High School but because we were new, was picked on by some kids for being new to the school. All three had problems with their health, and were always getting sick. We began to exceed our alloted days to be absent and started getting harrassed by the school district for truancy. Even though I was sending them back with doctors notes, which became very expensive, as well. We are much happier and relaxed now. Although everyday is not \"perfect\" we are not where we used to be. To quote Joyce Meyers \"I may not be where I am, but thank GOD I am not where I used to be!\"

JEANNIE V 03/09/2011 07:11:51

I had a similar situation that was so bad at my daughter\'s christian school she actually pleaded with me to please homeschool her. It was very diifficult because she had attended there form K5-8th grade. This happened at the end of her eight grade year. With lots and lots of prayer. With me having no prior homeschool experience. With many comments such as, \"You are teaching highschool?\" \"You are brave.\" \"I could not do that.\" I answered God\'s calling and we are doing it. My daughter is now actually learning and her relationship with Christ has grown dramatically. So you might want to continue the curriculum your daughter was being taught and finish it. In the begining, that might make the transition easier for you and her. Hang in there and remember: With God\'s help all things are possible.

VANESSA W 03/09/2011 07:19:30

Hi! I have a similar dilemma but with a twist. My kids are in a Christian school. I homeschooled them for awhile and then they wanted to join their

Friends in school. I\'m actually on the school board for the school and it is

One of the best schools in the area. I have lots of friends there. Which makes the decision harder. In the fall I plan to homeschool again. Not because of cliques perse\'. When I originally homeschooled my kids I was

Worried about how well I could homeschool with only a year of college myself. But then both my kids have blown their teachers away. Especially

In reading. They are both honor students so that blows that worry out of the water. My concern for the school setting is my daughter thinking it\'s just about being social, my son can\'t sit still-he literally spins down the hallway. Averaged out the kids do an hour more day of school their then the public schools. My son gets made fun of for liking pink or my daughter for her short hair. It is getting better and the teachers all friends of mine as are most of the parents. I just believe it\'s time to homeschool again in the fall. There is a lot of discouragement coming my way. From family and friends.I just want my kids to be educated and yes it\'s good to have a social life but that\'s not the only thing.

BRENNA H 03/09/2011 08:17:11

Dear ladies, How refreshing to be able to be joined by such amazing women on such an amazing journey. We are three years into this life of homeschooling. It is good somedays and well, you know. I cannot say enough when I hold onto Jesus, I am so able to thrive. I so often try to be the leader and it never works out. I thank you women and men homeschoolers for the words of encouragement. It can seem lonely sometimes when you just want to hear a voice that can relate. It is then that I pray and then read my devotional from aop. I can read and hear the joys and struggles that this journey holds for us. I just want Shannon to know that your love for your children and wanting to teach them will speak so loudly to their heart. When your children see how important they are to you that you would give up your needs to educate them, man what a statement of love and devotion. God will be there for you, just call out to him. We serve an Awesome God. Peace and prayers,Brenna

LAURA C 03/09/2011 10:12:40

You are right, exercise is wonderful for the brain and body! We started homeschooling last fall after 2 years in a wonderful christian private school. Prior to that, ugly public school ruled our lives. Tuition is high, kid in college, son asked me to homeschool if he could not return to private. So....against all odds (and family members) we are on the homeschool journey. I have learned:

1) I am in control.

2) dual enrollment is great in Iowa (band at school)

3) we get the same lack of respect as public or homeschool families

4) just go check the state\'s website for legal hoops and jump through them

5) I spent 80 hours researching curriculums

6) don\'t be afraind to return curriculum or change it mid stream

ANYATIKA C 03/09/2011 10:25:27

I love this website!

ANYATIKA C 03/09/2011 10:29:46

Hi Shannon,

I hope you are blessed in your journey to home school. We made the decision last year after a few issues my oldest son had with his teacher. I was apprehensive at first because I truly felt I would fail our children, but each day got better and better. I have to say I love it! We pray each day before class and ask for understanding and guide from the Lord.

RHONDA R 03/09/2011 12:38:33

I never take time for myself or have that quiet time with God. I married in 2007 with 4 children of my own. My husband and I now have children together. We have a total of 7: 6 boys and 1 precious girl.Ages are 16,13,12,8,3,2,1. All biologically mine. Husband adopted my 3 oldest would love to adopt the 4th but unable. My husband and I are both taking online classes in mortuary science. We want our own funeral home and cemetery. Currently, he is the only one who works. Grave digger at local cemetery. We struggle pay check to paycheck. Started going to church in 2009 and immediately saved and baptized, and children quickly followed. Took a little longer for our oldest, from the time he could talk he has always referred to himself as a demon. But with the help of our youth pastor and his wife, my son came to know Christ. Hallelujah! However, it seems that since we started church, the devil has attacked us. The children fight constantly, getting in trouble at school, disrespectful at home. In November a classmate of my 13 and 12 year old convinced them to runaway. 13 himself, stole his mothers car, picked up my children and drove to Tennessee. And he did it again a couple days ago, along with my son\'s \"girlfriend\", and came to pick up my son and we alled the police. Now he thinks my other son set him up and says he\'s going to kick his butt when he ( the boy) gets out of juvenile. We had been considering homeschool for awhile but with 4 in school, we struggle financially already, so we were uncertain we could afford it. Also my oldest is extremely smart and we were worried we would hurt his education. He wants to be homeschooled, he says he can\'t hold a conversation at school with someone due to constant cursing. However, he does well at school, good grades, good behavior. The other 3, not good. After the running away, my 13 year old made a bad choice and took a pocket knife to school. He got caught showing it to a friend and was expelled. Which has been a blessing, because he is very smart, but he is lazy and distracted easily. So this has put him behind. But with the homeschool he is excited about school now and never complains. I chose switched online through alpha omega ,because with all the other things going on, I dont have to do any teaching or grading. Also, because I homeschooled my 12 year old when he was going to 2nd grade. He has a speech problem and could not speak right up until kindergarten. Even then it was hard to understand him. School insured me he was doing fine, and I asked often. A child will have trouble with reading and spelling if they can not speak properly. At the end of 1st grade, I was told he was way behind and would have to repeat the grade. I was furious. They would not test him for disabilities and stated that if by the end of the next year, he was still behind, he would enter what they called transitional 1st grade. Yet no one could explain what that was. Despite their opinions and the rest of the world, I took him out and homeschooled him for 1st and 2nd grade in less than a year. And he attended Sylvan for a few months. He went to 2nd grade with his peers when he was supposed to. Hes now in 7th grade usually makes b\'s and c\'s when he does his homework. But he can do the work, though he still has a speech problem. My decision proved to be right, but I was the teacher with 3 other children and it was frustrating, to say the least. The problem currently is distractions around the home for my 13 year old. My 3 year old is dangerously hyper, we cant open windows (he will climb out) have to have a special lock at top of door (he will take off down the street), horrible temper tantrums if he doesn\'t get his way, and cursing when he\'s mad. Too young for medication, which we really didn\'t want anyway. Hoped for a diet that would help, but doctor gave him a medication that is used for blood pressure and can help hyperness and autism. It helps a little, but no where near enough. I\'m usually up til 3 am with him. He does not sleep well. I\'m always tired and stressed. I deal with this all day and then my husband helps when he comes home but he has sleep apnea and though he sleeps all night, he feels as though he never sleeps. This causes him to fall asleep anytime he sits still, he fell asleep cooking dinner a few nights ago. It\'s very frustrating. We also have experiened truancy issues with the school.Nine people in a household not everyone gets the illness at the same time, and someone is always sick. We very much want to homeschool the 12 and 8 year old, problems at public school get worse everyday. I\'m worried it won\'t go well and it\'s alot of money. I would definately have to get a job to afford it and work 3rd shift to make sure I am here during the day to make sure they get things done. I have been told that I should quit school and just worry about the children, however, nor my husband or I had ever considered this career choice before. We both thought morticians were strange individuals. But after the death of my grandmother, we both suddenly felt we were being called to do this. I have never been the prissy type, but I even attended cosmotology shool, so I could learn to do hair and make up on the deceased. After that we enrolled in college together. And I have prayed about it, and just feel he is calling me to do this. I do not have the daily devotional, so I enjoy the emails they send. It seems everyday the message is speaking to me. I am constantly stressed out, so it\'s encouraging when I read them. Though I don\'t get sleep and spare time, I think through today\'s message, God is telling me we need to chat. lol So I guess I am just going to have to find that time somewhere. Can anyone loan me some hours from their day? lol If you all would pray for me and my family it would be much needed and appreciated. I will pray for all of you. And please pray for the 13 year old friend of my boys. I believe he is desperate need. God bless you all.

JULIE A 03/09/2011 15:24:41

Rhonda R, WOW!!!! That is one full plate!! Are you involved in a homeschool group besides church?? Or a strong support group that could encourage you and provide suggestions and/ or a listening ear. It sounds like your situations are much more difficult than they should be. I hope that doesn\'t sound uncaring or harsh - my intentions are quite the opposite. (I must say as a side note - you spell/ write very well. Yours was a long entry and very well written.)

Is there any way that you can sever the bad influences in your children\'s lives and replace them with ones that support your beliefs and way of life. Like with your son\'s friend, that\'s very true that he is in desperate need, but the Bible never refers to children being \'missionaries\' to reach the lost. You can\'t help this young boy at your son\'s expense. That\'s great if you can help him find a church or group that will point him in the direction of the Lord, but not while he\'s influencing your son by spending time with him. I would also say that worrying about the academics is secondary at best. Academics are pushed by society not our Lord. Paul questioned the Pharisees about placing heavy yokes/burdens on the disciples that neither they nor their fathers were able to bear. (paraphrased) Acts 15:10. My challenge to you and all my sister\'s out there would be to \"Seek first the kingdom of God and the rest will be added unto you.\". What does the Lord require of you and your children?? What gift has He given you/them to use so that they can participate in furthering His kingdom? What is their \'calling\'?? For some it will require lots of academics, but for others.......................the sky\'s the limit!!! What are we here for anyway, but to glorify our Father with our whole life. Who knows better than He what He has for us to do?? Ask Him to show you His will for your and your children\'s life if you haven\'t yet.

MELINDA M 03/09/2012 05:15:42

Rhonda R. I had similar feelings and struggles. God lead me to a Free Health Coach who know holds me accountable for taking care of myself. Now I have energy, think clearer and can take care of others. The name of the program is Take Shape for Life. Please mention my name so I can get referral credits. Thanks. This wellness program has changed my life and the lives of my friends and family. Melinda McNeill.

MIA M 03/09/2012 06:35:09

Wow!Rhoda,God is so good! because somebody was obedient and started this devotional. He knew what we needed. My ex-husband and I was talking about me homeschooling my middle child because he wasn\'t doing to well in high school. But I was afraid. he didn\'t want me to homeschool him,but then he really got in trouble at school and police filed charges against him , then he was sent to a juvenile detention for 2 weeks and then he was expelled for the rest of the year . When he got out of Juve ,he was really for me to homeschool him . We sometimes we still have problems but I glad I\'m home schooling, if you are trying to decide whether to homeschool pray and ask the Lord to guide you.

Melinda , thats what I need I\'ve gone back to not doing everything for me just doing for the kids and I\'ve got to stop. Exercise is wonderful! I got to get back to that also, I was walking everyday sometimes twice or even three times a day and spending so much time with God I miss that.

These devotionals I can\'t wait to get up and check my email I just know it\'s going to be something I could use.

MELISSA S 03/09/2012 07:12:48

Julie A

thanks for what you said about academics. I truly believe that training up our children should be more focused on the statutes of God. I have 4 kids 9, 7, 5, and 3. I have been homes cooling from the beginning and it is such an amazing gift to them and me. yet at times we struggle to get through some of the basics and I fell ineffective and inefficient. I do try to make them spend time in the Bible everyday and they have spiritual journals. Thanks for reminding me that teaching them to love God is the best gift I can give them because He knows their future.

DEB W 03/09/2012 08:11:31

What a blessing to read the testimonies of other moms going through similar things with homeschooling. I am one month into homeschooling our 15 year old son. (10th grade) He has grown 9 inches in the last 10 months and his brain is like mashed potatoes as a result. The Christian School he was enrolled in could not be bothered to help him through this and threw him out when his grades slipped. Homeschooling was not in my plan this year but I have always wanted to do it. It has turned out to be the biggest blessing! We trust the hand of God for His great plan in our lives and look forward to what HE has in store for us.

LISA A 03/09/2012 09:15:04

I like the saying,\"My children are heaven bound NOT harvard bound!\" If we get to the academics we get to them but I make sure we do or talk about the Word of YAHWH everyday and learn to WALK in HIS commands and not the worlds. To be honest I have the science and language from A&O and they have not worked for us. We just learn as we go, if we think of something interesting we learn about it. My chidren read, write, and do math. We do unit history, science and geograpy as God puts things together, and we may do that twice a week. Actually we do the mystery of History series, where you can teach all your children at once. And the reason I like it is because I am involved in it and know what they learn and it intertwines bible history too and how it fits in. Be blessed, watching and praying for His soon coming.

TABITHA J 03/09/2012 09:48:16

I told my husband that when our kids are of school age, there is NO way that I will allow them to attend the public k-12 school system. Reasons are: want kids to learn about God, importance of family, hard work, and responsibility; there are bad influences (peer pressure, bullying, ungodly behaviors, etc), and to let them know that school is not the only place for socialization and in many cases, the chances of one seeing the majority of those classmates after high school are slim.

BETTY-MARIE Y 03/14/2012 11:15:49

Rhonda, You spoke to my heart. I know what you are going thru. You are not alone. Your story is my story just 20 years later. Believe me when I say you are not alone. This story is not unusual. 2nd marriage, 6 boys (his mine and ours) The middle 3 got lost to the edu system and peer pressure. it is my great regret that I did not feel capable, though I did consider it, of homeschooling them all to remove them from the negative influences around them. I did homeschool the youngest for a few years and found it rewarding for both of us.

Now my husband and I adopted,2 years ago, 3 of our grandchildren. they are 6,7, and 9. they are the product of one of our \"lost children\". I immediately started homeschooling the older two. the younger is in public school for now because he was a \"coke\" baby, very preemie, and emotionally delayed. He qualified for special services but now he\'s caught up and just been accepted for the Academically Gifted program. Guess we\'ll leave him where he is for now.

The bottom line is that I wasn\'t going to loose any more children to the school system and haven\'t had a moments regret about the decision.

My husband and I were about to be empty nesters when this happened. sometimes we have to sacrifice our own goals and serve the greater good. maybe the education you have gotten is all you\'re supposed to get at this time. after all children grow up fast and there will always be classes to take at a later date. Whatever you feel led to do, remember God walks with you and carries you when you can\'t walk any more. You are loved!

hope johnson 03/10/2014 13:19:48

We started homeschooling in the fall of 2013. However when we started, my husband was home mornings and was able to teach. Now my daughter is being mostly taught more by my mother and I but I work 40 hrs. This makes it difficult. What do some of you do to supplement your household income? Want to stay home and teach but need that extra income

Gail Westbrook 03/09/2015 14:12:30

Much needed today!


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