Doubt?...Couldn't be!!

Lately I have been doubting whether homeschooling is right for our family. Is this really what is best for Anna as well as for myself. I mean let's face it. Homeschooling is tough. Its hard. Its a lot of work. Its tiring and exhausting. Well, wouldn't you know God has a funny way of telling me that we are supposed to do it. I recently signed up on website for homeschooling parents. I was checking out their curriculum and in order to fully access some features, we had to sign up. Anyhow, I signed up and also started receiving their daily devotional. Yesterday I got this one:


Poor, Pitiful Me
Tuesday / June 29, 2010


"O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever" (Psalm 118:1).

Standing in the basement doing laundry, I wondered, "How much of your life do you sacrifice before there's nothing more to give?" I was missing a beautiful summer day outside and feeling frustrated that there was so little time for the things I enjoyed. I dreamed of relaxing in the sun with an ice cold glass of lemonade and a good book or riding my horse into the open pastures near our ranch. Homeschooling seemed to be consuming my entire life, and each day I felt a little more drained. If I wasn't teaching my children, I was cleaning their messes. Would there ever be time again for me?

Self-pity is a destructive force in a person's life because it fails to acknowledge God's goodness with a grateful heart. The Hebrew nation's constant grumbling is a prime example (Psalm 106:25). For over 470 years, they cried out to God for a deliverer to rescue them from bondage in Egypt. When deliverance finally came and Moses led them to the Promised Land, they continued to complain, even to the point of longing to go back to Egypt. Although God had proven Himself mighty with miracles and provisions, they failed to be thankful for His loving hand of protection.

What about you? If the demands of homeschooling have you down, stop your personal pity party and think again about what the Lord has done. Your days might be busy, but God has blessed you with incredible opportunities to change the world through your children's lives. Let praise and thankfulness replace your "poor me's" and watch as God blesses your faithfulness in serving Him as a homeschooling parent. "I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth" (Psalm 34:1).

Father, forgive my selfishness when I fail to appreciate all You have given to our family. Lift my heart today and help me to focus on the things in life that are truly important. In Jesus' name, Amen.


Yeah, I know....slap in the face, right? Well, even after this I still had my doubts. I mean I know it is what I want to do, but like I said....IT IS A LOT OF HARD WORK!! Well, anyhow, if that wasn't enough for me, this morning I open my e-mail to this little number:

Unfulfilled Days
Wednesday / June 30, 2010


Do homeschooling parents ever admit that life is anything but one blissful moment after another with their children? If they're honest, they will. As much as we would like to proclaim homeschooling's benefits and see our children's lives through "rose-colored glasses," we must also attest to our children's sinful behavior that causes disruption in the home and unproductive homeschooling days. Children easily demonstrate sinful actions of selfishness, greed, jealousy, and other undesirable characteristics that require daily correction and training in righteousness. Like management in the workplace, wise homeschooling parents must allow for down times in academic productivity to address the more important issue of character building in their child.

Amazingly, there are many similarities between our relationship with our children and God's relationship with us. As His children, we demonstrate actions that disrupt God's family of believers. With selfishness, pride, and rebellion, we fail to be productive in accomplishing God's will. Daily, God must discipline us and provide the instruction in righteousness that will develop Christ-like character. Patiently, He continues to perfect the work He has begun in us, so our lives will bear much fruit for His name's sake (Philippians 1:6).

Are the frustrations of homeschooling tempting you to give up teaching your children? Do you find yourself taking one step forward and two steps backwards? Just as God gently corrects and teaches you in your spiritual walk, allow the Lord to help you show that same patience toward your children. Although your days may seem unfulfilling, you are giving your child the exact education he needs. "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord" (1 Corinthians 15:58).

Lord, how difficult it is to stay on track in our homeschooling! Remind me that we are learning more than just academics and show me how to deal with my children's true needs. In Jesus' name, Amen.


Yeah....let me just say that even though it is a lot of hard work and sometimes, okay, a lot of times, I wonder if we are doing right for Anna by doing this, I would also think that this is a wake up call. I get it Lord, I really do get it!! So, even though it is hard work. Even though we are not the ideal homeschool family. Even though we could really use the money if I went back to work full-time. Even though Anna has a learning disability. Even though it costs a lot. Even though it is time consuming...Even though a lot of other reasons. I get it. Homeschooling is the right fit for out family and God has made that evidently clear to me. So, its back to fall planning I go. No more delays. No more excuses. No more wondering. Its just planning time. That's all. Time to work on the wonderful opportunity given to us.