Encouragement for homeschool parents
Hear from our executive director Kirk as he shares reflections on faith, character, and discipling children at home
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God’s Love of the Small Things
Do not despise this small beginning, for the eyes of the Lord rejoice to see the work begin,—Zechariah 4:10 While we think of God in big terms—as we should—we often forget He is also the God of the little things in life. Not only did He create the universe, He also gave life to single cell organisms. Not only did…
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Homeschool Heartbeat for 2025
Of Issachar, men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, –1 Chronicles 12:32 Many Americans are wondering what the election of Donald Trump will mean to the economy, freedom, and health of the United States. Only time will tell. As I think about 2025 for the homeschool community, there is one word that rings…
Why Use a Catechism to Teach Your Children?
Up until about 1900, nearly every Protestant Christian church denomination used a catechism to teach child to learn and understand Bible doctrine. In more modern times, denominational Sunday school curriculum publishers promoted their own quarterlies, which replaced the practice of catechism, but I believe it is a valuable practice that we should consider bringing back into our churches and homes.…
Prepared for Battle
saying, “A hand upon the throne of the Lord! The Lord will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.” –Exodus 17:16 Throughout history, there has always been attack and counterattack between the kingdom of light and the kingdom of darkness. When the prophesied exodus from Egypt was nearing its four-hundred-year fulfillment (Gen. 15:13), Pharoah initiated a hell-inspired program to…
Homeschooling Legislation Around the Nation
Four ICHE Board couples and Executive Director, Kirk Smith, attended the National Alliance and HSLDA Conference in Nashville last week. The annual State of the Nation was given with several reasons for homeschoolers to be increasingly watchful. It was reported that there are some concerning bills and conversations occurring at state and national levels. Ironically, calls for more legislation are…
Worldview Test
“People need to be brought back to thinking correctly, by building their thinking on the only true foundation—the Creator of all things. I call this ‘Thinking Christian.’ There is a correct Christian way of thinking about geology, biology, astronomy, physics, chemistry, art, music, psychology, history, language, politics, etc., etc. And this correct way must start with the revealed Word of…
Be Intentional This Fall
Cooler temperatures, inviting fires, harvest time, the colorful hillside. There are so many things to love about fall. One reason I love Illinois is the beauty and opportunities all four seasons bring, however, fall is my absolute favorite. Sadly, it lasts about three months with only three weeks in October being the pinnacle of the season. This is all the…
No Excuses… Only Hope
But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”—Matthew 19:26 It is such a temptation for any of us to focus on what we don’t have rather than concentrating on all we do have. The Moabite, Ruth, married the son of Naomi. Through a sad series of events, she lost…
Big Shoes to Fill
… Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you — Joshua 1:5 (ESV) Talk about pressure. Moses had died, and Joshua was his God-appointed successor. He was called to do the one thing his mentor had been unable to do … take the people into Canaan Land. From…
Your Greatest Homeschooling Activity
Several years ago while driving in the Western suburbs, I saw a lady stopped at a traffic light, laughing while taking a picture at the street signage of a Walgreens. When I looked at it, I too started to laugh. It read, “We have all your back-to-school needs.” Just below that, meant to be a separate announcement, it read, “Six…