First of all, what is success anyhow?  I believe that Psalm 1 describes the successful man, as a tree planted by streams of living water, whose leaf does not wither, and everything he does shall prosper.  The prescription for success in Psalm 1 is not only knowing it, but meditating on it both day and night until it is the fabric of your very being.  So it all starts and ends with knowing God and His Word.

What is God's will for my child?  Ruth Beechick has said, " ... Remember, God has a plan for each life."  Yes, He does.  How do we help our child find his very life rooted in God's plans?  He must know God - have a real encounter with Him, and a relationship.  He must know His Word.  God's will is something we walk in - something that becomes evident to us as we walk with Him day by day.  Some people just know what they are supposed to do at a very young age.  Some of us have to wait on Him, and pray for understanding of what the next step is.  Either way, we are learning to trust Him day by day, year by year.  It is difficult to be in the position of waiting on Him when approaching graduation, and not quite knowing what you are supposed to do next.  Especially if not everyone around you has been homeschool supportive.  And it seems everyone homeschooling has at least one or two of those in their lives.

"So what's next?" 

"I have no idea."  or  "I'm waiting on God, and praying about it." 

Sometimes those responses get us skeptical looks. 

I say that this planet has all types of people doing all types of work.  Good thing, or it could get very boring.  God is a God of variety, as anyone can see just looking around at His incredible creation.  Want to see a variety of homeschool graduates?  The Old Schoolhouse Magazine has begun a database for homeschool graduates and alumni.  All kinds of people doing all kinds of things.  No one should feel pressured to fit any mold other than the one God has made for their life. 

Yes, you CAN homeschool through high school.  Yes, your homeschool graduate can be a success in life.  There is a path cut out just for him.  Knowing God and His Word is the first step.  If your homeschooler is far from God right now, and you are concerned about where his heart is at, then there's no place better for him than home where you can guide and direct.  If that is the case, pray, pray and pray some more.  Pray and speak truth.  I speak from experience coming from both ends of the spectrum.  I was the "prayed for" teen, and have prayed for my teens.  God hears those prayers; I can attest to that. 

So go take a peek at the graduate and alumni database on-line.  See what different paths these homeschoolers are taking.  Some are waiting on God - doing while waiting - not just sitting around.  Some are well on their way to what they've known they would do for a while.  

If you know of any homeschool graduates who would like to be part of the on-line database, send them over to fill out a form.  From this database, six  will be chosen  to be featured in each issue of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine.

Go ahead - homeschool through high school right on through to graduation.  Homeschooling works!

Deb Turner (Homeschooling From the Heart)
TOS Featured Graduates and Alumni