I wanted to share the conversation I had with God before we started homeschooling. It came to me a few times so maybe it’s the Lord’s way of asking me to share, so here we go…
Dear Jesus,
I wanted to discuss this whole homeschooling thing you have called us to. I have a few concerns and would just like to hear from you, you know some kind of confirmation that we should homeschool, that we’re on the right track, because I’m freaking out just a bit. So here’s where I’m at with this whole thing…
1. I’m scared.
The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. (Deut 31;8)
And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. (Matt 28:20)
2. I’m worried about what other people will think or say.
Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe. (Prov 29:25)
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. (Prov 9:10)
Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. (Colossians 3:2)
3. I doubt my own ability to teach my kids effectively.
…for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. (Philippians 2:13)
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)
4. I don’t think we can afford it.
And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. (2 Corinthians 9:8)
5. How can I take care of my home, family, and daily responsibilities and homeschool?
If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 4:11)
And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. (Colossians 3:17)
6. I’m so overwhelmed, I don’t even know where to start!
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5)
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. (James 1:5)
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God (Philippians 4:6)
6. What about my free time?
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. (Philippians 2:3)
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)
7. What if my kids turn out weird and un-socialized?
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:2)
8. What if I lose friends or family because they disapprove?
But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. (Philippians 3:1-8)
9. What about my attitude and, um shall we say lack of patience?
Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation”. Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me. (Philippians 2:14-18)
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. (Colossians 3:12)
…for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God. (James 1:20)
10. Um, so are you saying I’m going to be tested? Because we all know how that turns out…
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. (James 1:2-3)
And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (Romans 1:3-5)
10. What if I can’t hack it? I mean it’s always easier said then done!
…And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Hebrews 12: 1-3)
11. How am I to teach, I don’t even have a teaching degree?
These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. (Deut 6-9)
12. Okay, I’m out of excuses, any final advice?
But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. (2 Corinthians 12:9)
He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in His arms, holding them close to His heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young. (Isaiah 40:11 NLT)
and thus began our journey…
Oh my gravy. Thank you so much for sharing this. This is just want I needed 🙂
Erica,
I cannot thank you enough for these words of wisdom, put together so perfectly. I found your blog last Saturday, and was so inspired, and excited to dive in head first, and now some of the excitement has worn off, and I have had a couple of crazy at home days, and thoughts, of will my boys (4yrs, 3yrs and one due in March) really, be here with me forever every day??? am I really going to sign on as their primary educator? I am not as patient as I need to be to be a homeschool mom. In the end though YES, I want to, and I know it is the best for our family, and I know that the Lord will strengthen, and increase my capacity, and I will learn and grow along the way. I have been and will be coming back daily to draw from your strength, and knowledge. Again thank you for your dedication, and for sharing all your amazing ideas, and resources. You truly are amazing!!!
a friend recommended your site to me. i have found your site very helpful and informative overall. i will be homeschooling my daughter this year, she will be in 2nd grade. we are also moving, so one reason i wanted to homeschool was i didn’t want to be tied to our school district.
one thing i have found about your site and your heart – for the Lord, is that you’ve been able to put to words what my heart & mind have been saying for awhile now, but didn’t know how to really share it in a good way w/my husband or friends.
also, we are heading out on a trip to see family in TX, so, i’ve printed some of your pages here to re-read again on the plane to put my own thoughts to paper and to share more concretely with my husband. this way, we both understand one another and, i can really have on paper my prayer to God and good answers for my daughter when she questions me intensely about homeschooling. right now, its been mostly b/c we want to move and that i’ve wanted to include God more into our day and what she is learning, i haven’t gotten very specific w/her yet. i’m sure i will get the “why” questions more often and i will need to give her a better, more concise & age appropriate answer.
somehow, i stumbled upon “candid conversations w/God” and you have all the same fears i have. thank you so much for writing about it to share. i can truly see that i am not alone at all, even though we haven’t met personally. i can do home school, house, wife, etc plates – b/c of God’s strength. i just didn’t see it before. also, this posts really goes to show me, that i really need to sit down w/God with a more focused heart about homeschooling, my fears and challenges.
lastly, your site has been filled with some great ideas on how to avoid some common pitfalls of homeschooling. i try to be fairly organized and i can tell that w/o organization, homeschooling would not happen well. so, the organizational tips you provide have saved me some headache time in figuring out how to do certain things or how to set certain things up.
thanks again for allowing God to use you. your webiste/blog is a ministry of its own.
blessings on your homeschooling journey.
I just want to say that this blog was right on time! I just started school this week and let’s just say that the enemy has been trying to creep in. These words were exactly what I needed. God is always on time! Thank you so much for sharing. I am going to print this out and refer back to it daily as I go through this homeschool journey! God bless you sis for your faithfulness!
Thank you so much Erica! 3 years later – people are still being encouraged by your obedience to share your thoughts, prayers and concerns! It is very encouraging to know that no matter what our circumstance, trial or day is like, God is there and he is ready and able to meet each and every one of our needs. I’ve been wrestling with quitting my job and homeschooling for some time now and God just wont leave me alone about it! My husband brings up the what about this and what about that? And ususally I have an answer and make my case well! BUt then I turn around and I’m questioning those exact same things. I guess the bottom line is that we could question ourselves to death. We could bring everything to worry about and fret over. We could go on and on with the “What if’s and How do I’s?” But the answer is and will always be, God. That’s how – with God, that’s why – because God said. He is the answer. Thanks for the reminder!
Erica: i can see by the comments that this post has touched many people….and i am one of them! Oh my goodness!!! i just had a conversation with my husband at lunch today saying most of the things you wrote about!!
We just finalized our decision to home school recently (after praying about it for about a year) and all of a sudden i am filled with doubt, fear and everything you said. The biggest one being not having the approval of people that mean alot to me.
This is really a blessing to re-read these scriptures and think about this! thank you for sharing!!! xoxo
Now this post is AMAZING!!! His word really helped me right now 🙂 I feel anymore doubt from here on out is of the enemy & my own mind.
Is it possible to make a print version of this? Or should I just copy, paste and print?? You should consider making a print version and post 😉
Hi Crystal,
I don’t have a print version, but that is a good idea :o)
THANK YOU for writing this so many years ago. I’ve been homeschooling for 4 years now and some days, I just don’t feel adequate enough. I’ve toyed with the idea of public school simply because I don’t feel like I’ doing a good enough job and will have 2 schooling next year, with a toddler and a newborn as well. I was feeling overwhelmed and unsure. This post reaffirms to me EXACTLY what I already knew. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Wow! I just noticed your message after I made my post, and how cool that we were both in such a similar situation as I now have a newborn and toddler, along with my older two that I homeschool. I hope all is going well for you!!
I know this was written quite some time ago, but I just wanted to say what an encouragement it has been to me! I have been homeschooling for four years and recently had another baby and have been feeling quite overwhelmed with the craziness of homeschooling with a little one, along with the other busyness of church, piano lessons, sports, etc. It was such a great reminder of why we do this, as well as just uplifting my spirit! Thanks so much for lifting up a fellow believer when she really needed it! 🙂