What a joy it is to sit with a friend, and share a cup of tea, coffee, a snack or two, and relax, and chat. Oh its such a blessed retreat. I am picking up this blogging idea (again) with the hopes that we can sit together for just a few minutes. This time I think my name is a bit more my style. :) And yes, I have a bag of Cheetos right next to me. :)

This past week my heart has been so heavy for mommas who are in that "I'm so scared" state in regards to their education. Maybe you're so scared to send them out the door. Maybe you're so scared to keep them at home to school. Maybe you're not in either of those categories, but your heart is weary either way in this sinful world. Many of you know that we homeschool. When we made that decision it was not based out of any fear. The idea of my children being safer physically did not cross my mind. Now certainly, I see that as a benefit, but I am also very confident that where the Lord leads you, and your family He will lead you along and provide safety in His will. We need not fret.

 2 Timothy 1:7" For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind". 

Pray about it. Seek out His will, and do not let fear be in the equation. Solely, just His desires for your family. 

Benefits to homeschooling: 

1. Freedom to pick out, and plan according to how my children learn, what their interests are, and what we want them to learn. We are very Bible based in our curriculum choices, and guard what our children read, and learn. 

2. Flexibility for our family. Our family dynamic is a bit eclectic. I absolutely love that we can all be together, and learning. We can take days off when daddy is home, and spend more quality time together. I don't have to wake up babies to take/pick up someone from school. "Sleeping babies are precious gifts!" is a motto in our house. "Let them sleep! For when they wake they will make messes, I mean, move mountains." :) We tend to take long breaks around holidays, and school a bit through the summer so that the routine stays more intact.  The beauty of homeschooling is that it is "our own journey". 

3. Sheltering and steering. It is our strongest desire that our children would rise up, and serve the Lord with their life in our home, and as they our shot out as arrows building their own homes. I'd not shoot a arrow without drawing it in close, and aiming oh so gently, and carefully. It takes a lot of preparation, planning, and practice to shoot arrows with accuracy. I believe this is true with our children. We prepare them, we hold them close, and make sure they are lined up so carefully before we "let go". In my home, I have the ability to prepare even more closely. (I will expound on this in another post). 

 Homeschooling gives us the opportunity to truly live out  Deuteronomy 6:6-7. 

"And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up."

Those are my top 3. 

I have about 30 more: I love being their teacher, I know what they are capable of, Its a lot of fun, It gives us more free time...... and for the sake of time today I'll stop there.

Maybe you're scared to homeschool? 

Me too! What a humbling, and challenging opportunity it is to teach your children! But  Mommas do not forget, or fail to acknowledge that we teach our children constantly!!! By the time they are school age think about all the things you've taught them!!! Walking, talking, manners, eating, picking up, getting dressed, potty training, and so so so much more!!! I guarantee you that you can teach them academics too. And there are so many resources available to help as much or as little as you'd like also. 

Now in conclusion to this post here's my heart. God's will for our family is to homeschool.  We pray about it often, we reassess it often ,and we feel confident in that conviction, and decision. His conviction for you may not be to do the same, and friend just as God made us unique, his plan for us is unique too. Pray about His plan for your family, and seek His wisdom, and follow that conviction given to you. Please do not allow fear to steer you away from what God has for you in this area. And be not weary in following His plan for your family. 

Galatians 6:9 "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."

We can shine light in this world of darkness. In our homes, and abroad. That is our command sweet folks. That is what we need most in these scary days. Showing forth the light of Christ, and being a beacon of hope. Taking God's Word with us, and sharing it along the way.