Oct. 21, 2009 - Do Not Fear, but Trust in God!

Are you homeschooling your children, but living with fear about the outcome?
Are you thinking about homeschooling and the thought gives you "little terrors?" 

I remember years ago meeting a mother who homeschooled her children.... I didn't want to talk with her...I was afraid...what if I had to do that? What if God wanted us to do that? I just stayed clear of her and thought that would work....but God had other plans for us.

Within a few months of that meeting, we were homeschooling too....with much excitement mingled with fear.  I remember driving our little Breezy home from government school on that last day and checking my rear-view mirror for a police car. Were they really going to just let us do this? The school officials didn't seem to have any concerns about what we were going to do. Were they being serious or were they just biding their time until they reported us? Such were my fears. 

After a few weeks, I realized our home was different, it became peaceful, not rushed, not living on the governments daily schedule, calm.  Hmm.  My little daughters were playing together again.  I hadn't even noticed when Breezy started government school that my daughters didn't play together anymore.  There was the big sister with another life and there was the little sister who was "too little."  I hadn't even noticed it...it was so subtle.   

Fears about how to homeschool, what to teach, how to teach, and will they turn out okay quickly began to diminish as the Lord began to teach us to not fear, but trust in Him.   

We are in our last "official" year of home educating and I stand amazed at how God has taken our humanly weak efforts and blessed us beyond measure, building strong foundations for His glory. He has taken our short insights and stretched them long into our children's minds. He has taken our fears and given us confidence in Him. 

For a great insight into this topic of fear of homeschooling, Mrs. Victoria Botkin has written a lovely and encouraging article that you can read here at the Western Conservatory for the Arts and Sciences.
  

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Comments

Oct. 21, 2009 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Anonymous

Thank you so much for sharing your past struggles and encouraging us homeschooling mothers to trust in the one who has called us to such a task. We know in our hearts...but oh how we often forget. Your precious daughters and other home schooled teens/adults we know are such an inspiration to my husband and I.
Thanks again.
Jennie

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Oct. 22, 2009 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Anonymous

Robin - THANK YOU for this encouragement...I need it often.

Going to read that article now...

Love you and miss you,
Sarah Mae

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Oct. 22, 2009 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Anonymous

Thanks for the post! As my youngest is rapidly approaching "school age" I'm experiencing a lot of the same fears.

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Oct. 23, 2009 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Anonymous

A hearty AMEN to this post~I really enjoyed the link to Victoria Botkin's post as well. God is faithful, isn't he!!
Rhonda

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Oct. 23, 2009 - Untitled Comment

Posted by jenn4him

It's really nice to hear that you had your fears too! I did not want to home educate my kids. My husband was the one who prayed for me to change my mind, and He certainly did that and more! I love it! And thank you for being a voice of encouragement!
Jenn

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Oct. 25, 2009 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Anonymous

Thank you for sharing this with us. I would love to hear more of your memories and insights from homeschooling early on. Mine are still elementary school and younger, so anytime I can hear from a mom who's been-there-done-that and survived, I LOVE it!!

WendyLou

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Oct. 26, 2009 - Homeschooling

Posted by Angelia in TX

As I read the 2nd to last paragraph to this post...I gulped down my emotions, b/c your words encourage and comfort me. I look to blogs like yours for encouragement that I do not have in my life. My husband supports our walk and God is who prompted me. And it is a blessing to receive this much needed inspiration. I will trust Him. Thank you, Smiles, Angelia

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Oct. 30, 2009 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Anonymous

Hi! I was sent here by Sarah Mae and I'm glad that I came! I love this post. I have been praying and struggling over whether or not I should homeschool my kids.....still praying but thanks for this article. One of my fears is completely "what if they don't learn anything!!!" Thanks for this!!!!!
In HIM -
Mindy

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Nov. 2, 2009 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Shutterbug

Robin,
I get the jitters every year. But, I lean on the Lord and praise Him for a husband who loves and encourages me. This is my 10th year for my son. I have not been constant in teaching my almost 4 year old as far as "Book-learning" goes. But there have been breakthroughs of different kinds with her. Seeing those who are my friends that home school is a true encouragement to me. Hearing their stories, knowing I'm not alone in some of the struggles, helps me move forward. Seeing other children "graduate" home school is wonderful. (they never stop learning) I keep thinking, wow, that day will come before I know it. With my family I get to start over with my daughter when my son is coming to the end. Thank you for setting a great example out there for so many to see, for encouragement, and for helpful advice. You are a treasured friend!
Love you SO much & miss you tons
Marie :)

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