THE VALUE OF FAMILY DISCIPLESHIP IN YOUR HOMESCHOOL

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Do you struggle to make time for family discipleship? Discipling our children is one of the most important parts of homeschooling!

A few months ago, my boys and I were watching a sociology video, and deviant behavior was discussed. The show’s host cheerfully explained that any behavior that deviates from the norm is, by definition, deviance. She listed a number of behaviors that could be considered technically socially deviant.

I watched my teens’ faces as they realized that a Christian, vegan, homeschool family fit all the benchmarks for social deviance. At that moment I felt–again–the old familiar rush of panic as I wondered if I’m completely off my rocker for traveling the path less taken.

THE VALUE OF FAMILY DISCIPLESHIP IN YOUR HOMESCHOOL

I like to call the choices we’ve made for our family:

Intentional.

Purposeful.

Considered.

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Carefully weighed.

I’d be lying, though, if I said that I always feel 100% confident about every choice we’ve made.

When high school rolled around I woke up a little panicky every night for the first few months, wondering if we’re doing the right thing. Can I really manage this homeschooling high school thing?

Homeschool Encouragement for Me

That’s when I remember that my husband and I feel strongly that to have the time to faithfully disciple our boys for Christ, homeschool is the best option for us. I’m reminded that this undertaking was prayerfully considered. I remember that the Lord doesn’t call the equipped, he equips the called.

Say Goodbye to Whining, Complaining, and Bad Attitudes... in You and Your KidsPassionate Parenting: Enjoying the Journey of Parenting TeensSolving A Crisis in Christian Parenting: Why so many prodigals?[(Child Training Tips : What I Wish I Knew When My Children Were Young)] [By (author) Reb Bradley] published on (August, 2014)

 

Looking back, I remember the many hours I’ve had with our younger two that I believe were productive for the Kingdom. We’ve read through the Bible together, discussing it, working on crafts, and notebooking about what we’ve learned. In every subject, we’ve discussed biblical worldview and how God’s word applies to what we’re learning. We’ve had the opportunity to use amazing Christian resources for each subject.

Our kids aren’t products–they’re souls. There’s no guarantee that they’re going to grow up loving the Lord just because I do. But as Christian parents, we’re called to disciple our children for Christ. Homeschooling allows me the time and space to do just that. I’ve had the opportunity to spend time with my kids over a number of years, pointing to Jesus in everything we do. What a blessing.

Homeschool Encouragement for You

Friend, when you worry overtaking the path less traveled, or you grow weary of traveling that path, pray. Ask the Lord for perspective, for strength, and for endurance. He is so faithful to provide the strength we need when what we’re doing is in his will. When we rely on his strength and not our own, we can remember that this homeschool thing really isn’t about us at all, instead..

• We get to have the time to point the precious children we’ve been entrusted with to Jesus.
• Learn and grow in faithful family discipleship.
• Practice good stewardship as parents.

You and I, we’re playing the long game. We’re looking ahead to the years to come, and sowing truth into our children. Because let me tell you, our kids are important, valuable, and worthwhile. Just for today, take a deep breath, pray for patience, and work heartily unto the Lord in all that you do. It’s so worth it.

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Danika Cooley is a homeschooling mother of four, a grandmother, a curriculum developer, and a Christian author. Her site, Thinking Kids, exists to equip homeschool moms to teach the Bible and Christian history to their kids.

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Don’t miss the rest of the posts in the series!