So as our 7th homeschooling year begins I figured it would be wise to put on paper why we homeschool. I have read and heard about making a family vision statement, or homeschooling goals, but for some reason, even though I am a very goal oriented person I have never done these things. (as a side note, I kind of think it would be the husband's job to put together the family vision stuff) Anyway, I think I don't put these things on paper because I don't want to fail. I don't want to get to the end of another school year and realize that I haven't met a single goal! That is, of course, ridiculous, someone once said, "if you don't know where you are going, any train will take you there." I need to have goals and a purpose even if I can't achieve all of them. And when the going gets tough this year I can always look back at this list and remember why we are doing this and remember that the best things in life are usually the hardest!

Why We Homeschool

1. I believe the Lord commands it.

Deu 6:5 You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.

Deu 6:6 And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart.

Deu 6:7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.

Deu 6:8 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes.

Deu 6:9 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

2. Our family relationships are the most important, after our relationship with God, I feel this can best be achieved by maximizing our time together as a family.

3. I want our chidren to be taught from a Christian worldview.

4. I want to tailor each child's education based on their strengths and weaknesses.

5. I want to shelter my children from the things of this world until we have built a firm foundation. Pro 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.

6. I want my children's hearts to be tied to their parents and siblings, not friends, teachers, or coaches.

7. I want to build strong character in my children.

8. I love my children and want the very best for them.

So as we start to prepare for a new school year, I will keep this list close and refer to it often.

Now I am off to start a list of homeschooling goals for each child this year. I am hoping to finish before Christmas!

Have a great Friday!