Encouragement for homeschool parents
Hear from our executive director Kirk as he shares reflections on faith, character, and discipling children at home
The Father of Lies
It seems like we as humans and even as Christians often have trouble finding balance regarding life issues. For example, we either want to come down hard on the side of works and minimize the importance of faith or vice versa, even though James says we are to have a both/and perspective. The same is true with the demonic.
-300x147.jpg)
Extra-Curricular Character Traits
It is easy to know what academic subjects we should cover. Math, Language Arts, Social Science, Science, Health, etc. are staples in most box curricula. Curriculum dealers already have taken the time to lay these subjects out, so all we have to do is follow the syllabus. No fuss. No stress. Unfortunately, the same is not true for character traits…
The Man in the Middle
As I reflect upon our nation and the growing polarization between various factions, be they political, theological, or, ideological, it stirs up a deep desire within me to see homeschoolers understand and be proficient in navigating the various tensions of life. Tensions arise in personal relationships, organizations, businesses, etc. They are part of the fabric of any culture. While the…
ParentalVocationalAcademicEducationalSocialFailurephobia
Move over claustrophobia (fear of small spaces). You too, entomophobia (fear of insects). There is a new phobia to catalogue. Its official name is ParentalVocationalAcademicEducationalSocialFailurephobia and is summarized as a fear of homeschooling. Its symptoms include second guessing yourself as a parent, spouse, teacher, and decent human being as well as avoiding extended family celebrations and other events where people…
Hey Jude
“Hey Jude,” by the Beatles, has sold around 8 million copies and in 2013 was ranked as the 10th “biggest” song by Billboard magazine. Lest you think I am a Beatles fan, I am not nor have ever been. The only lyrics of this song that I know are “Hey Jude” and the four minute coda of “Na-Na-Na-Na-Na-Na.” There is…
-300x147.jpg)
Rainy Day Gift Projects
Homeschooling parents know that rainy days can either dissolve into cabin fever—or become a canvas for creativity. When outdoor time disappears and screens start calling, it helps to have simple, hands-on projects that keep kids engaged while producing something meaningful. The best part? These projects double as heartfelt gifts for grandparents, neighbors, or siblings. Instead of just “passing time,” these…
Know Thyself
While the Greeks usually take credit for the aphorism “know thyself” the Bible has always put an emphasis on the importance of self-knowledge and self-awareness: The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? –Jeremiah 17:9 (KJV) Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there…
Transitions
Several years ago, I put together a talk called, “I’d Take Diapers Any Time.” It was my response to releasing our grown children into the world. There were numerous late-night talks as we helped them process through the real world of adulting. While the diaper stage is physically exhaustive—especially if you have three or four children in diapers at the…
Mere Homeschooling
Every pastor I know has a unique calling under the banner of Christ. Some are especially evangelistic, having a deep heart for reaching the unsaved. Others are especially burdened to see their people have a deep sense of theology and spend much of their pulpit time in an intellectual pursuit of God. Others have a real heart to serve their…